The Swelle Life's DESIGNSKOOL

8 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Summer

With the summer months about to roll in, preparing your home for warmer weather should be at the top of your list of home To Dos. If you aren’t sure where to start, here is a guide on the most important chores to carry out, helping to save you money, time and any disruption to the relaxing summer you're planning!

Clean Screens and Windows

Over the winter months, your screens and windows may have taken a beating, making spring the perfect time to clean and remove storm windows. To bring life back to your windowpanes, use a specialty window cleaning product to help make them sparkle. When you are cleaning, make sure to examine how much your windows have fared throughout the winter months. Any signs of water damage and dry rot need to be tackled immediately.

Service Your Air Conditioner

When the summer months arrive, temperatures will rise which can make your home feel hot and stuffy if you haven’t got a fully functioning air conditioner in place. To begin with, you should change the system’s filter to ensure your air conditioner works throughout the warm weather, helping to keep you cool. FilterBuy sells their own air filters to fit specific brands, for example, Rheem air filters are suitable for Rheem central AV units. Their parts are known for their dependability and quality. FilterBuy also sell whole house air filters that can remove harsh chemicals, reduce scale, and protect you from illness.

Inspect Outdoor Plumbing

Now is the best time to check whether your irrigation system has escaped unscathed from the winter months. To start, you should remove insulators from your outdoor faucets and switch on the water. If you notice a slow trickle of water, this could indicate that you have an issue with your pipes. It’s advised to contact a plumber if you have noticed the water is not flowing as normal.

Inspect Your Roof

Inspecting your roof for damage could unveil minor problems that have accumulated over the winter. If you don’t keep a close eye on it, small problems can turn into expensive problems. While some homeowners are comfortable heading onto the roof, you may prefer to hire a professional, especially if you have a fear of heights. It’s important that you inspect your chimney, flashings, and shingles to ensure everything is in good condition. Once you have inspected your roof, make sure that you examine the rest of your property’s exterior. If needed, you may want to pressure wash your home.

Get the Summer Tools Ready

Keeping your yard looking neat and tidy during the summer months is important, which makes a lawn mower and edger important seasonal tools to have on hand. So that you can be confident with your equipment, it’s important to clean gas mowers before using them. While power tools may be the most used items for your lawn, hand tools should not be overlooked. If you did not clean them in winter, make sure that any remaining dirt from shovels, pruners, and rakes are cleaned off.

Inspect Your Attic

Before temperatures soar, it’s best to inspect your attic. There are numerous problems that could have occurred over the winter months that may need fixing. Before you head into the attic, it’s advised to wear a dust mask to keep yourself protected from insulation. Check for any wet spots or air vent obstructions in the insulation as this could be a sign of a leak. If your insulation has been compacted, you may want to consider adding extra insulation.

Clean Downspouts and Gutters

When assessing the exterior of your property, make sure that you check your downspouts and gutters. Harsh temperatures in the winter can be tough on them and result in severe damage, such as water seeping into your basement. Cleaning gutters yourself can be hard work, so it may be wise to hire a professional. If you prefer to go down the DIY route, make sure that you have the correct equipment to keep you safe, such as a sturdy ladder and safety glasses.

Tidy up Your Backyard

If you have completed all the tasks listed above, it’s likely that you are ready to sit back and relax in your yard. To get your yard fully summer ready, make sure that you inspect all outdoor toys, playground equipment, and play areas for wear and tear. Before setting up your patio and lawn furniture, be sure to hose them down or wash them to get rid of rust. Cleaning out your backyard now will ensure you have an outdoor space ready for the summer.  

Once you have ticked all of these maintenance chores off the list, you can now relax and enjoy the glorious summer weather!

How to Jazz Up Your New Terraced Home

Have you recently made the investment of purchasing your very own terraced home? Are you now looking at your new place wondering how you’ll make it feel unique, away from the standard cookie-cutter feel these types of houses can take on? By using the right interior decor tricks to add style and personality, you can create an atmosphere that reflects you and your desired lifestyle. 

Getting your interior decor scheme rolling can be a challenge - where do you start? With that in mind, we’ve gone ahead and put together some basic tips and tricks that are ideal for new terraced homeowners.

What is Your Personal Style?

Before you start to make any design changes or choices, you'll want to give thought to your overall plan. First, define your personal style. Are you drawn to minimal, understated spaces? Maybe you like sleek and modern décor? Then again, perhaps you swoon for all things big, cosy and traditional? Or maybe you have more eclectic sensibilities. Look at online décor sites for inspiration and bookmark them. Give it a bit of time and go back - do you still feel the same about those spaces that initially sparked your interest? Your answer will help to guide your design choices.

Begin With the Paint

The most impactful décor choice you can make is to refresh the interior with a fresh coat of paint or some design-led wallpaper. Each room could probably do with updating and personalising. Now, it can be overwhelming choosing new colours for every room, but experts have a really easy tip. Choose a colour palette and then stick to various tonal shades within that colour palette, and remember that even the same colour will read as different in each room, depending on the interior and external light that it reflects. This approach really simplifies your project, plus it will ensure that there is flow and cohesion from one space to the next, making your house feel more spacious and harmonious. 

Choose Furniture That Fits the Space

One mistake that homeowners often make is to bring furniture from their previous home and force it to work in the new space. While keeping items that are very personal or valuable is of course fine, your new room layouts and sizes may be very different from your old home. So rather than forcing the old furniture to work in your new space, go through the items one-by-one with a critical eye, and ask yourself what truly fits in your new rooms. There’s a good chance there will be some furniture shopping to be done.

Give Thought to Your Interior Lighting Plan

Interior lighting is another element that can have a huge impact on your space. Cleverly placed light fixtures not only act as a functional item in the room, they also make great decorations. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of lighting, and look out for unique fixtures that can act as a focal point in the room. Also, be aware of the kind of mood that is created by the lighting and make sure you buy a design that gives you the feel and lighting quality you want - some pendant lights can be very focused and harsh, for example. Also, choose bulbs according to whether you are looking for a warm, cool or neutral atmosphere. 

What About Home Insurance?

When it comes to insuring your new home, you might be inclined to go with the first home insurance provider that springs to mind so that you can move ahead with the interior. However, if you use a price comparison site like Quotezone you’ll be able to compare home insurance quotes and sign up for a policy in just a few minutes, ensuring you get a great deal but without having to spend a lot of time shopping around.

Try these tips and you’ll be able to jazz up your newly purchased terraced home in no time. Have fun!

Studio Lorier's Isolator Coffee Cup Keeps Hands Cool

If you're a minimalist like me and prefer your coffee cup design sans handle, but aren't crazy about burning your hands on a fresh brew, Studio Lorier has the perfect solution. The Rotterdam-based designer has found a clever way to isolate the heat in the coffee- or tea-filled cup through clever 'fins' that also create a nicely textured surface, ticking both the practical and aesthetic boxes. And these fins also provide a superior grip to the conventional smoothness of mugs - good news for those of us who are accident prone!

The design is inspired by the shape of an engine's heat sink. Due to the shape of the narrow fins, less heat will transfer out, thus isolating the heat and saving your hands. The stackable, porcelain mugs are made in the Netherlands and available in four pleasing colours. You can pre-order until April 7 by backing Studio Lorier's Kickstarter campaign. The goal has already been reached so they will be going into production - I've ordered two medium cups and can't wait to receive them! They also come in a large size if you like your coffee tall. Optional add-ons include a matching mini saucer for bite-sized treats or silicone lid to drink on the go. 

Photos courtesy Studio Lorier

8 Ways to Maintain Your Designer Jeans and Maximise Your Investment

Ever since Brooke Shields proclaimed her devotion to her Calvins, jeans have evolved from a practical piece of clothing to a versatile fashion staple beloved around the world. Today, there are so many different types of jeans that everyone, no matter their style, can find a pair that flatter their shape, express their personality and enhance their outfit.

Such an adaptable piece of clothing deserves to be well maintained, particularly when you’re investing a lot of money and time finding the perfect pair of designer jeans. Read on to find out how you can keep your favourite pair looking and feeling great. 

Choose The Perfect Pair Of Jeans

Before you even start looking after your jeans, you need to make sure that you have a pair that works so well you'll want to wear them for years. If you're looking for quality, a great place to start is Edwin Europe. This enduring brand has a wide range of slim fit men’s designer jeans that will go with everything, so check out edwin-europe.com to see their full range.

Treat Jeans Differently To Other Trousers

When you buy new clothes, the first you might do is throw them in a hot wash before you even wear them. Once you’ve started wearing them, you usually wash most clothes after two or three wears. Jeans, however, are completely different. You should avoid washing jeans wherever possible, as this will wear out the denim and wash the colour away. A wet wipe or damp cloth will get rid of most small stains, and if you really need to wash them, put them in alone on a low temperature.

Turn Jeans Inside Out When They Go In The Washing Machine

As mentioned, you should limit the number of times that you machine wash your jeans, but if you really need to freshen them up then turn them inside out first. This will help you to preserve the colour and keep the outside of the fabric looking vibrant and fresh. It will also help your detergent to target the area of the jeans that will smell the worst: the inside, where the fabric sits against your skin.

Hand Wash Stains Away

If you get a large stain on your jeans, or the stain is too tough to be removed with a damp cloth, then consider hand washing them. Dampen the area with the stain, then cover it in detergent and leave the jeans to hang for at least an hour. Once the detergent has had a chance to work, rinse it off with lukewarm water and then immerse the jeans in water for a short period of time. This will get rid of the stain without significantly damaging your jeans.

Dry Jeans Thoroughly Before Wearing Them Again

After you’ve washed your jeans, it’s important that you make sure they’re completely dry before you wear them again. This will ensure that the excess moisture isn’t trapped in the fabric. Never tumble dry jeans, as this will damage the denim. Instead, hang them to dry, preferably outside if possible, but if not then in a room close to a heat source and an open window. Never use pegs to hang your jeans; instead, drape them over a washing line or clothes horse. The weight of the fabric will keep them from falling.

Take Care When Ironing Your Jeans

Just like most fabric, denim can wrinkle, which is why many owners choose to iron their jeans to get them back to looking their best, either after a wash or a long period of wear. Like washing them, ironing jeans is different to ironing other items of clothing; you have to be careful to avoid damaging the fabric.

Air Out Your Jeans Where Possible

As you can’t wash your jeans often, and the fabric is dense, smells such as body odour and general musk can linger on jeans. To get rid of them without washing, you should air them out if you are able to. This means putting them outside around once or twice a week or hanging them out of an open window. This will circulate clean air through the fabric and freshen your jeans.

Never Freeze Your Jeans

Over the years, many fashion aficionados have touted putting your jeans in the freezer as a great alternative to washing them. However, putting jeans in the freezer doesn’t achieve much, as the bacteria can still survive and you’re not ventilating air around your jeans, meaning you won’t get rid of any clinging smells. As such, there’s no reason to put your jeans, particularly your expensive, designer jeans, in the freezer. You’ll only end up with cold trousers, and no one wants that!

ALLERGY UK Appeals to Food Shoppers to Consider the Needs of People Living With Allergy During Coronavirus Pandemic

Allergy UK, the leading patient charity for millions of people living with allergic conditions, is appealing to shoppers to think about those that need ‘Free From’ foods to feed their families. The charity is receiving reports that shoppers are leaving ‘Free From’ fixtures empty as they buy up alternatives such as oat milk and gluten free bread when standard products are temporarily sold out, leaving people who need these products empty handed.

A mother of a young child with an allergy to cow’s milk has told the charity that she could not buy the oat milk her child needed because the shelves had been cleared. Despite reassurances from government and supermarkets, people are ‘bulk buying’ on a huge scale and this is impacting on people like this mother who need ‘Free From’ products to feed their children. They do not have the luxury of an alternative – a food allergy means complete avoidance of the allergen and they rely on certain ‘Free From’ products to keep their children safe from reactions that can be serious and even fatal.

Carla Jones, CEO of Allergy UK says “Of course we understand how anxious people are in the current circumstances. We are all living through unprecedented times with a high degree of uncertainty, but we are asking people to please consider the needs of a large group of people who do not have the luxury of choice. They need these food products and we are simply asking shoppers to be aware of these needs when they reach for a ‘Free From’ product when mainstream products are temporarily sold out. It is our responsibility to our community to highlight what we see as an unforeseen consequence of the bulk buying that has become such a feature of these times and to create an awareness that might prompt people to think again”.

The charity will also be contacting the leading supermarket chains to ask them to consider and protect the needs of the food allergic community in any plans to review and reduce product lines at this time.

“We will be asking supermarkets to take the needs of people living with food allergy into account in order to avoid the potential of our community being further disadvantaged in their ability to buy the food products they need” says Carla Jones.

Allergy UK is working with allergy specialists on its Health Advisory Board and the charity’s Clinical experts to provide specific information and advice about Coronavirus for people living with allergy. The charity will be providing advice and information through its communication channels, including the charity’s Helpline on 01322 619898, which has extended its hours to help manage the increase in calls.

3 Ways You Can Transform Your Spare Bedroom

Are you lucky enough to have a spare bedroom? But...it's a box room and falls a bit short of providing for a nice, comfy bed and wardrobe? There's cosy, and then there's crammed. The good news is that your extra bit of square footage can be turned into a fabulous, dedicated room with some smart planning and a little creativity. Making this often forgotten or misused space functional will also make your home feel bigger and your days brighter. 

I have a box room that unintentionally became a storage closet over the years, and not an organised one! It's such a waste of space, and for most of us, that stuff we're hanging onto probably hasn't been thought of in years and can go - freeing up the room to become something really fun and exciting!

Sound familiar? Read on for three ways to transform your spare bedroom with some tips on how to make it really great. 

Home Office

Whether you work from home or just like the idea of having a neat place to sit and organise your finances, etc., your little room is more than enough to build a smart and productive home office. To start, you'll want a desk or worktop that accommodates your laptop, stationery and important papers. Look for minimalist designs that keep your space feeling light and airy. The next important addition is a desk chair that is compact yet comfortable. If you're going to be sitting for long stretches, you can justify spending a little more for a supportive design. To make your workspace pop, try adding a splash of energising colour. For some great finishing touches and lighting recommendations, check out the Happy Beds' blog for their tips on creating a vibrant and efficient home office. 

Meditation Room

You can meditate anywhere, but isn't the idea of having a quiet place of your own, where only calm is allowed, pretty tempting? Imagine turning that clutter-filled, mess of a room into the opposite of what it is now. They say a clear space makes for a clear mind, and while some people thrive creatively in a chaotic environment, it's better for your general wellbeing to have a tidy home. So, by turning that room into a zen space, you win twice! How you approach creating it is really up to what you makes you feel peaceful and happy. Fill it with warm, soft furnishings in colours you love and add some ambient light in the form of candles or lamps you can dim for evening wind-down sessions. And don't forget to complete the atmosphere of serenity with sound and scent - a device to play tranquil instrumentals or your favourite meditations, and an aroma diffuser with lavender essential oils will round out your blissful home retreat. 

Movie and Games Den

You likely have a TV in your living room and possibly another in your bedroom. But maybe you're a fan of gorgeous interiors and that big screen on the wall is messing with your carefully planned design scheme. Or an even worse disruptor of perfect aesthetics - the unsightly games console and its bulky black plastic accessories that are always out in need of charging. Have you thought about using your extra space as a dedicated TV room and reclaiming the rest of the house? You could create a cosy screening room for streaming films and gaming by simply moving your electronics in, and adding a comfy loveseat or indulgent recliner. In a small room you don't really need to invest in expensive speakers, but a sound bar will provide high quality audio for a better experience. And make sure to have a little table for drinks and snacks! 

Have any of these ideas sparked inspiration? The great thing about having such a small room is that it takes so little to make it nice, you just need to pick the right pieces!

 

Fritz Hansen's New Vases Give Flowers Their Space

Flowers are a quick and easy way to instantly lift a room. They make your space feel more vibrant and alive with their natural beauty, and this can be achieved with a simple stem or an elaborate arrangement. Now you can combine both! If you feel like getting a bit more creative, Fritz Hansen's new vessels, designed by Jaime Hayon, offer endless ways to present your favourite flowers or explore new ones. 

The Ikebana collection is inspired by the ancient Japanese art of flower arranging. Made of a clear hand-blown glass base with a brass insert, the vase is designed to honour and enjoy the whole flower and not just the crown. If you're already a fan of clear vases because you appreciate the linear beauty of the stems, the Ikebana will take it a dramatic step further by allowing you to deconstruct a bouquet so each flower can stand on its own.

The high and low vase in contrasting materials of smoked hand-blown glass on a cedar base, brings both natural richness and light to your space. Displayed as a single vase or in a cluster, the presentation options are endless.  

Both designs will look fantastic with fresh flowers, high quality artificial, or dried flowers. The wonderful thing about flowers is that you can experiment infinitely!

Fendi's Rise from Independent Fur Merchant to Global Symbol Of Style

Back in 1925, a wife and husband team by the name of Fendi opened a small shop in Rome, dedicated to selling quality leather and fur goods made with traditional craftsmanship. The business flourished and future generations would take the family name to iconic heights. Today, Fendi is a fashion powerhouse that is synonymous with luxury and style. Its off-the-rail clothing and accessories are popular with style-lovers everywhere, whilst their couture garments are beloved by some of the world’s most fashionable celebrities and regularly seen on the red carpet.

So, how did a modest Italian luxury goods shop turn into a global fashion house? Read on to find out more.

Fendi Was A Family Business For Many Years

Adele and Edoardo Fendi ran the business and created beautiful fur and leather products for discerning clients. Later, they passed the business down to their five daughters, Carla, Paola, Anna, Franca and Alda. Together, the sisters revolutionised the brand and grew it into a global entity with multiple product lines.

Karl Lagerfeld Took Fendi To The Next Level

Following their father’s death, the sisters brought Karl Lagerfeld to Fendi in 1965. Then an aspiring designer, Lagerfeld would transform the brand using his innovative vision,  leading to the expansion of its product lines to reach new customers, whilst maintaining its exclusive feel. Anna’s daughter Silvia Venturini Fendi joined the business in 1994, moving the brand further forward. 

LVMH Buys Shares

In 2000, LVMH, the Louis Vuitton company, bought shares in Fendi. Prada also bought shares, which LVMH bought a year later to increase its own shareholding. With a firm grip on Fendi, LVMH remains a key creative force behind the fashion house to this very day, and it has maintained a strong influence on Fendi’s success over recent years. 

Street Style Reaches The Masses

To reach more fashion lovers, Fendi began to focus on attracting a wider audience by capitalising on the massive sneaker trend. With avid collectors turning the once simply functional footwear into luxury must-haves, Fendi created a range of styles to suit a variety of footwear fans. Starting with a few signature styles of sneakers, Fendi has grown its collection to encompass everything from low -and high-tops through to running shoes and even sock sneakers. You can browse a wide range of the latest Fendi sneakers at SSENSE. 

Fendi Keeps Its Links To Luxury By Restoring The Trevi Fountain

Keen to further raise its profile as one of Italy’s premier fashion houses, Fendi offered an act of 'social patronage' when it donated 2 million euros to restore one of the country's most renowned landmarks, the world famous Trevi Fountain. The beloved fountain had begun to crumble after a period of cold weather and was in need of major repair. With Lagerfeld fronting the charitable campaign, Fendi pledged to help fund the restoration and was in turn allowed to display its branding on the building site during repairs.

The Brand Took On A Challenge In The Form Of Its New Headquarters

In 2015, Fendi took residence in the towering 7 floor Palazzo della Civiltà, which it turned into its global headquarters. The building was originally created on the orders of dictator Benito Mussolini and designed to be a symbol of fascism. Fendi rejuvenated it and turned the structure into an internationally renowned centre for fashion. Over the years, the brand has built and acquired many flagship stores around the world, but this acquisition was the one that really changed the game, demonstrating that the brand was buoyant and forward-thinking. 

The Future of Fendi

After the passing of Karl Lagerfeld, Fendi began to address the increasing consumer demand for sustainable fashion that considers the impact on the environment and animals. Combining its ready-to-wear style with innovative design, the brand’s latest collections look set to help it remain a relevant and adaptable powerhouse in the global fashion market.

Small Seasonal Changes That Can Make A Big Difference to Your Home

We all want to keep our homes as clean and fresh as possible. But with busy lives, clutter can build up quickly, and over time,  walls can look dull. We may not even realise it, but when our living spaces stay untidy and start to get dingy, it can affect our mood and general happiness. 

The good news is that there are small changes we can make each season that can make a big difference to how your home looks and feels. 

Fresh Coat of Paint

One of the most effective ways to freshen up your home is to repaint your walls. This may be a great time to consider changing your interior colour scheme to maximise the impact of your efforts, such as going from light to deeper shades in winter, or brightening up a dark room in the spring. If doing your walls is too much of an undertaking at this time, you could paint a piece of furniture like a shelving unit, table, or kitchen cabinets, and still reap the freshening benefits. 

Redecorate

Redecorate

To liven things up, you may want to consider redecorating a room. You could try out one of the seasonal trends and add some new decor pieces, or go a bit further and change your furniture. Your style may be in need of an update, or you could choose different fabrics for your soft furnishings. New wall art can also deliver a fresh perspective. 

Put Items Into Storage

If you are planning on redecorating or if you are looking to free up space in your home, then you may need to put items into storage. Sometimes we're happy to give our old things away or sell them, but other times we have furniture that may have sentimental value, could come in handy later to furnish a den or basement, or we may want to save some pieces to give to family members setting up house for the first time. If you are looking for storage options then have a look online and see what you can find.

Do a Big Clear Out Every Season

No matter how large or small your home, you will find that things can get misplaced very easily and items can start to pile up and make your space look cluttered. Planning a total clear-out once a season - or more! - of those things that keep appearing but aren't really of use or value any longer will make your home feel new and spacious again, and you will notice how much better you feel in your house. Even clearing your coffee table of that clutter that has taken up residence can make a difference. 

Donate Items You Don’t Need

As you clean up and redecorate your home, you can consider donating the items that you no longer need to charity. Furniture can help struggling families make a home, and clothing is always needed. Many charities have shops where they can sell household and other items, so it's worth looking into what good your unwanted items can do in the community. 

Committing to seasonal changes are really helpful in keeping things fresh throughout the year. Not only will you be avoiding a serious pile up of clutter, but your home will always feel vibrant and productive. 

5 Travel Souvenir Ideas Your Friends and Family Will Love

This is a guest post written by Tim at SMK Website

If you're getting ready to take a trip, you will probably want to pick up some souvenirs on your travels. These small gifts for friends or family can be a minefield, however. After all, there are some souvenirs which make a big splash and others that just flop. Think about some of the travel gifts you've gotten and what you liked or had no use for.

When it comes to souvenir ideas, there isn't one particular choice that's always a win. The surefire way to lose though, is to settle for the typical kitsch. This is an easy fall-back and usually something you pick up at the airport as a last-minute gift. Knick-knacks, t-shirts, and other cheap items may seem like easy options, but they're not a great overall choice to take home. Consider leaving the miniature monuments behind in favour of some fresh ideas.

The best souvenirs are ones that are thoughtfully picked and tailored to the person's interests or taste. This is often easier said than done. If you're not sure of what makes an excellent gift, read on for five ideas that are sure to work regardless of where you travel.

1. When in doubt, pick edibles

Gifts you can eat are almost always a hit, especially if you have some foodies in your life. Seek out the local specialties and delicacies. Not only will you be bringing back something that's part of the local culture, but an edible product can also be enjoyed and used up, meaning it won't add to anyone's clutter. Look around for local sweets, drinks, or other food items that are small and make great gifts. 

Keep in mind that if you're traveling internationally, you won't be able to bring fresh foods or meats through customs. Review the travel guidelines to avoid having your souvenirs confiscated at the airport!

2. Buy unique fashion and decor

The typical souvenir t-shirt probably isn't your best choice, but that doesn't mean that clothing is an absolute no. If you want to purchase truly special clothing or decor, avoid the large chain stores and instead check out the smaller boutiques and markets. The styles and items sold by local shops and designer-makers are more likely to be appreciated by friends and family back home. Independent designers produce work that is both beautiful and unique. Keep in mind that while these gifts are likely to be a hit, they're probably going to cost more as well. Consider purchasing a few high-end items for the special people in your life.

3. Make it Weird

This tip doesn't work for everyone, but if you have close friends with unconventional tastes, then it may be time to branch into the weird and funny. If you haven't found anything that seems good for these friends, then look out for the more eccentric items. Chances are they won't keep this type of souvenir forever, but it'll make for a fun experience of gifting it. For example, bobbleheads of the royal family after a trip to London isn't a classy gift, but it's a funny one. If you buy something like this, make sure only to gift it to someone who shares that type of humor.

4. Consider collectors

If you know someone who likes to collect, then you will have an easy time finding a gift they will love. For example, shot glasses, spoons, and decorative plates aren't the most exciting to give, but they're easy to find items that will be enjoyed by the people who collect them, and they make a good gift for grandma. Others may like to collect sporting apparel from a local sports team, or art that is unique to the region, so you can consider these as well. 

5. Ask for recommendations

If you're staying in an unfamiliar place, go to the local experts. Ask the staff at the hotel where they recommend going to find the best souvenirs, as well as taxi drivers and anyone else who works or lives there. You can get some great ideas from any of the locals that know the area well.

Final Word

These souvenir ideas are not based on specific items but will guide you in finding great gifts for yourself or others whenever you travel. If you're tired of ending up with cheap, kitschy items, then these ideas will help you find better options. Consider upgrading your souvenir hunting style for the next time you travel. You may be surprised to find things that you treasure.

Writer Bio: Since the age of 16, Tim, a writer at SMK Website, has been traveling the world. As well as exploring new and wonderful things, Tim is also an avid reader. 

Tips for Travelling Solo

When you take the plunge and decide to travel alone, it can be incredibly exciting. It can also be quite scary as you won’t have anyone to rely on, so you’ll need to make sure that you're prepared. To help you out, we have put together a list of tips to consider when you venture out into the world solo.  

How To Travel

If you're especially adventurous and want to explore and experience as much as you possibly can in the country you're visiting, a road trip is a fantastic way to do it. A compact car is a great choice of vehicle as its smaller size can be especially beneficial in places that have narrow roads, and your fuel will be far cheaper, meaning your travel budget will go further. 

You’re In Control

When travelling alone, you have the choice to go wherever you want and do what you want to do, so make the most of this freedom you have. Take time to decide on the destination for you – choose a place that you have always wanted to go and is personal to you. This is your trip, so plan an adventure that will fulfil your travel dreams and leave you feeling that you have really achieved something. 

Put Yourself Out There

You may be travelling as a single, but that doesn’t mean that you need to spend all of your time alone. You'll cross paths with other solo travellers  who wouldn’t mind making a friend along the way. Joining up with others means you can go on outings together and make friends with people from around the world - some of whom you may even plan to meet again in the future. Try to put yourself out there to add a social dimension to your travel. 

Stay In Touch

One of the greatest concerns for people who are travelling alone is the issue of being in unfamiliar surroundings, far away. No one wants their loved one to be out in the world with no one looking out for them, so communication is key. Set up a schedule with your family and friends that you can stick to, so that everyone knows where you are and what your next plans will be. If you commit to staying in touch regularly during your trip, you'll put everyone's mind at ease and be able to enjoy yourself more. 

Plan Your Trip

Although the idea of just winging it may sound exciting, especially when you don't have anyone to answer to, your best chance for success - and safety - is to have a solid plan and organise your travel accordingly. You will still have lots of chances to explore to your heart's content, but having an itinerary that you share with everyone back home will make you a smarter traveller!

Big Apple Adventures: 10 Reasons You Should Visit New York City

Known as the city that never sleeps, New York City welcomes nearly 70 million tourists every year. Home to a wide array of Broadway theatres, award-winning restaurants, impressive architecture, night life, fashion boutiques and around-the-clock fun, it’s easy to see why people from all over the world flock to The Big Apple. If you have never been to the city, here are 10 reasons why New York City should be next on your destination list.

Fantastic Art Galleries and Museums

For art lovers, no trip to New York City is complete without a visit to one of its iconic art museums. Whether you check out The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, the Museum of Modern Art, or one of the many independent local galleries, you will see world-class exhibitions of some of the best contemporary art in the world, as well as history's greatest masterworks. Before you head out, make sure that you check the opening times to avoid disappointment.

Incredible Broadway Shows

If you’re a lover of musicals, New York City is where you want to be. Home to the famous Broadway, there are dozens of theatres in the district hosting some of the best productions in the world. Whether you’re a fan of Mamma Mia, The Lion King, Wicked, Hairspray or Hamilton, you are sure to find something that suits you in the varied lineup of new shows and classics. Immersing yourself in the extravaganza of spectacular costumes and musical talent that only a Broadway show can bring will make your NYC adventure one you’ll never forget.

Impressive Skyscrapers

From the moment you arrive in New York City, you'll be amazed by the awesome skyline the city is famous for. Have a wander through Manhattan at night to see the skyscrapers in all of their illuminated glory. Be sure to look for the city's most iconic monuments, such as the One World Trade Center, the Chrysler Building and the must-see Empire State Building, where you can view the skyline from above, including the five surrounding states from its observation deck. However, for those who have a fear of heights, it may be best to stay on the ground as you'll be 381 metres in the sky!

Tasty Food

No matter the length of your stay, there are tons of eateries to try across New York city. If you're a foodie, you will be happy to know that there are roughly 60 international cuisines to choose from, spanning 23,000 restaurants. While you're sampling new foods, don't forget to grab a slice - NYC's pizzerias are known for serving up the best pies in the world. For those who like to feel at home when abroad, there are plenty of familiar chains where you can find your comfort food; there's something for everyone in The Big Apple. 

Shopping Galore

Many tourists flock to New York City just for the shopping, and with good reason! With so many world famous department stores and boutiques to browse in exciting shopping meccas like 5^th Avenue, Century 21, Chelsea Market, and Brooklyn’s Flea Market, you are sure to find something special and take a piece of NYC home with you. 

Diverse Cultures

New York City is the most ethnically diverse and religiously varied city in the United States, making it a wonderful melting pot of cultures. As you walk through the city's maze of unique boroughs you can enjoy a seemingly endless array of worldly delights in the form of food, music and entertainment. 

Vibrant Music Scene

No matter the genre of music you’re into, New York City is home to all kinds of bars, clubs, theatres, and arenas that play host to some of the best talent in the world. Whether you want to check out some undiscovered talent in a tiny bar, enjoy Harlem's famous jazz scene, or head to Madison Square Garden to see an international superstar, there are music gigs to check out in the city every day of the year.

Times Square

Even if you’re only in New York City for a couple of nights, no trip to The Big Apple is complete without paying a visit to Times Square. As one of the most recognisable areas of NYC, the plaza is full of neon lights, great shops, and costumed characters who will help make your stay one to remember.

Go Green in Central Park

While it’s exhilarating to immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of New York City life, you may want to have a couple of hours away from all the craziness. If this is the case, Central Park is the perfect remedy. Its massive 40 acres of green space offers everything from rides on rental bikes to Shakespeare in the Park to quiet picnics on the open grass. Or just walk around until you can't go on, you won't get bored!

Plenty of Accommodation

Whether you’re on a tight budget, or you have the cash to splash, there are plenty of accommodation options to suit you in NYC. To ensure you get good value for money, it’s best to book your accommodation well in advance. The city has great transport links, meaning no matter where you’re staying, you are never too far away from all the razzle-dazzle.

Getting to New York City

Just as you would with your accommodation, it’s best to book your flights well in advance too, so you may be able to save some money. You could check out regional airlines, like Porter, who offer flights to New York from places like Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa.Via Porter Airlines you can search for flights to New York at the cheapest price. As well as offering value for money when you book, you also benefit from shorter queues at both the check-in desk and the flight gates.

If you’re dead set on heading to New York City for your next adventure, with so many attractions and activities to check out, knowing where to start can be challenging. However, researching the things you like beforehand can help make sure you get the most out of your trip.

Whether you’re wanting to take in a Broadway show, explore Central Park, or shop ‘til you drop, New York City is bound to be a place where you’ll make unforgettable memories.

Wellbeing Starts In The Home - 5 Steps To A Happier You

Photo credit: Heidi Lau

What’s the first thing you feel when you step into your home? Relaxation? Exhaustion? In today’s hectic lives, our homes should be oases of calm and rejuvenation. In fact, our home environment may actually be contributing to our stress levels. Look around you. Do you see a sanctuary? Or is it yet another thing to add to the to-do list?

It’s always been known that our physical surroundings have the power to emotionally affect us. Philosophies such as Feng Shui have been around for thousands of years. Interest in this area has exploded in the past couple of decades, however, with recent studies finding overwhelming evidence that our home surroundings have a major impact on our sense of wellbeing.

Here are some tips from our experts to get you on the way to creating your perfect living space - and a happier, more contented you.

1. Consider colour

There is a whole psychology of colour to be explored, most of it backed up with solid scientific evidence. While many of us like to play it safe with magnolia walls and muted furnishings, consider embracing a true colour scheme, even if it’s only splashes here and there. 

Blue invites serenity and is particularly soothing on bedroom walls and furnishings. Greens and tans are relaxing and evoke nature. A bold red wall in a living room can be energising, while accents of bright yellow in a kitchen feel cheerful and welcoming. Shades of purple can aid creative thinking, whereas vibrant orange is perfect in a large family room or playroom. Experiment with different fabric samples to discover the colours that work best for you.

2. Bring the outside in

We each have an innate, vibrant connection with the outdoors. There is nothing like a peaceful woodland walk for helping us feel calm, centred and revitalised. Incorporate some natural elements into your home decor for a rejuvenating effect on your wellbeing.

Bring plenty of living greenery into your home. Not only do plants look beautiful, they help detoxify your indoor air and can even boost concentration and memory.

Natural light flooding into our homes is a wonderful tonic. So make the most of your windows by ditching the heavy curtains and replacing with lighter shutters or vertical drapes. Ditto for natural vs. man-made fibres. Accessorize your home with woven baskets and rugs. Floors made from wood feel warm and inviting underfoot. You can even use elements from nature in your decor accents, such as bowls of seashells, or carved wooden ornaments. The only limit is your imagination!

3. Declutter, declutter, declutter

Yes, we all know how beneficial it is to tidy up and to get organised, but easier said than done! However, humans are naturally averse to cramped, crowded spaces. To truly relax and be able to think clearly, we need an environment that is clutter-free as possible. Remember - everything has its home. It’s just a matter of finding it!

Spend a weekend getting tough with yourself. Get a huge bag and ditch everything you no longer need or use. Pick up 5 objects that are lying around and find a forever home for them. Do this one room at a time. Here’s a step-by-step decluttering guide to get you started.

4. Experiment with interior arrangement

How you arrange your space can have a profound effect on how harmonious your environment feels. Your aim should be to create a real sense of “flow” through every room, with one particular “focal point” in each room. A focal point can be anything - a fireplace, an imposing table or dramatic work of art. It should draw the eyes of a visitor as soon as they step into a room.  Focal points create a natural centrepiece and sense of balance that helps open up even the most cramped of spaces.

A particular Feng Shui method might be helpful - close your eyes and imagine a surge of water pouring through the front door into your home. Ideally, you want the water flowing gently around each room, without stopping or stagnating. This can be achieved by arranging your furniture in curved configurations, rather than rigidly lining it all up.

5. Be creative with decor

Photo credit: Kathryn MacDonald

Above all, your home should reflect you - your preferences, what makes you happy, what makes you relaxed, what inspires you.

If you love water and the sea, try a marine-inspired decor. If your tastes are modern and urban, invest in some stunning metal wall art. Keep your eyes peeled at antique shows or flea markets for unique and interesting pieces that may have a story to tell. Think of your home as a living, breathing sanctuary that you have crafted yourself, and you’ll feel a wave of contentment from the second you walk in the door.

How To Make Your New House A Home

Moving home for the first time and filling it with furniture is a daunting prospect for even the most laid-back among us. Even if you have an eye for interior design, it’s natural to be anxious when it comes to your own living space.

To succeed, you’ll need to start planning well ahead of time, and be flexible in your approach to what you may or may not need. If you now have an L-shaped shaped living room, for example, you may need to be prepared to buy new pieces, rather than shoe-horning in your old sofas, etc. If you take some measurements and give it some thought before you move, you can avoid nasty surprises further along the line.

Here are the steps you need to consider when furnishing your new home.

1. Consider the purpose of your living room

If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then the living room is the soul. How do you use your living room? Is it for socializing, relaxing, work, family entertainment? All of these things and more? You can create a multi-purpose living space quite easily and stylishly through careful planning, selection and arrangement of your living room furniture.

A long, high backed sofa and table will create a natural border with a work desk and office chair, without blocking off the space. Corner sofas are also excellent natural space dividers. Large potted plants placed at either end of furnishings create attractive divisions in themselves.

If you have young children but no playroom, keep toys and other paraphernalia in plush pieces, such as storage ottomans that double up as comfy footrests. Or create a living room that doubles as a sleeping space with a stylish sleeper sofa.

2. Make the most of a small or awkward shaped living room

This is where modular furniture really comes into its own. Modular sets are brilliantly versatile. You can configure pieces depending on your space and needs, without compromising on style. Easily turn a corner sofa into an armchair, or unplug one module and place it somewhere else, creating a footrest. Modular furniture comes in a huge variety of styles and colours, so you can select a set that perfectly chimes with your own tastes.

Having a “focal point” is essential for bringing a smaller space to life and reducing the impression of clutter. It should draw the eyes of a visitor as soon as they step into a room. A focal point can be anything, from a fireplace or colourful feature wall to a large ornate light fitting overhead. Focal points create a natural centrepiece and sense of balance that helps open up even the most cramped of spaces.

“Floating” shelves and other space-saving furnishings such as foldable dining tables and chairs work wonders to reduce clutter. They’re not hard to set up either.

Strategic use of footstools or ottomans can dramatically improve the functionality of a small space. Use in place of a traditional coffee table with a tray to hold drinks, flowers or snacks when visitors arrive, or as extra seating. Some also provide extra storage.

Remember, planning ahead is especially important for small or awkward shaped spaces, to minimise the stress when you move in. Try and spend some time in the space when it is devoid of furniture before the moving date to really get a sense of how your furniture needs to work. Free room planners can also be enormously helpful!

3. Create a warm and inviting atmosphere

Use of light, colour and texture, as well as conversation-friendly furniture layout is all crucial for creating an atmosphere that really shouts warmth and welcome. A large coffee table acts as a natural “anchor” for the room, where people can relax and gather round together.

Colour can have a profound effect on mood. Blue tends to be relaxing and works very well in bedrooms. Red is warm and energising and can be great as an accent colour in living rooms, while yellow is bright and welcoming and works well in kitchens. If you do use strong colour, use in moderation so as not to become overwhelming, especially if your rooms are on the smaller side. And don’t skimp on greenery - plants are wonderful for bringing life and mood-boosting atmosphere to any space.

Finally, there’s character to consider - those personal touches and flourishes that make a space particularly “you”. Unusual ornaments, pictures, occasional tables, rugs, cushions and other accessories all play a vital part in making your house a home. The key here as ever is moderation - keep it stylish but characterful by adding splashes of your personality - an antique piece here, a colourful area rug there. It all goes a long way to making your new house the home of your dreams.

Effectively Blending Modern and Vintage Interior Styles

When designing and decorating your home, there are numerous considerations you need to address before you even begin. There are various styles you can choose from, and, as it seems, even more ways in which you can combine two or more to create a truly unique space that will breathe luxury and pizzazz.

However, there’s one style, or rather a combination of two styles, that leaves a lot of room for creativity and customization – the modern vintage style. Similar in some key points to the modern rustic, but definitely much more stylish, this design will be all the rage in the upcoming season. So, if you want to find out how to implement this beauty in your interior design, please read on.

Choose Colors Carefully

While a modern vintage style looks amazing, it is rather tricky to put together. Before you even start thinking about the furniture pieces and other decor elements, you should first pay attention to the colors you choose to implement. What you should do is try to identify the similarities regarding color in both vintage and modern, but even if you don’t manage to tackle that task, fear not, for there is a solution.

For example, decide on the main color of the room – beige, and then try to tie all the design elements together by using another, complementary color – brown. To elaborate what we’re trying to say, you can paint your furniture pieces from different eras the same shade, and thus make them play well together. And, to make a perfectly wrapped whole of our example design, you can further enhance it by implementing multi-colour round rugs and pillows with ornaments in both of these shades. Finally, you can reupholster your furniture to match the color scheme of the room or contrast it completely. The choice is entirely up to you.

Pay Attention to Materials

Materials are another element that plays a huge role in the interior design. Wooden elements and rich fabrics are some of the staples of vintage design, while modern design is best reflected in metallic and glass surfaces. So, to achieve the best balance between the two, you first need to determine which of the two styles will be the main one.

No matter which design you choose to be your main one, you should follow the 80/20 rule. So, if modern design is your 80%, the other 20% should consist of vintage statement pieces and vice versa. For example, you can design a modern room, but add pieces such as a wooden barn door and some old leather trunks to break up the monotony of a single design, and add a visual element of surprise. Finally, add some colorful throw pillows with vintage patterns to spice things up even further.

Accessorize as Much as You Want

Accessories are what makes the modern vintage style so popular and interesting since here, you simply can’t over-accessorize. And the best part is that accessories are the cheapest way you can implement a certain design into any space. So, fill your predominantly vintage space with geometric shapes, metallic pieces and abstract sculptures.

On the other hand, you can fill your modern space with vintage cameras, old leather trunks, ceramic figurines and old mismatched teacups. For the maximum effect, you should have a theme in mind that you wish to achieve with the accessories, and you can do that by grouping the accessories with the similar “purpose” together. For instance, you can create a statement wall by framing vintage pictures in elaborate photo frames and hanging them at random heights. Oil lamps and lanterns are also welcome, and, nowadays, you can even find contemporary lighting fixtures that are made to mimic those of the olden days.

Once you see all the ways you can mix the two styles to create the modern vintage design and understand just how much freedom you actually have when implementing it in your interior, its popularity will basically become self-explanatory. This design is not only beautiful, but it is also very eco-friendly because it supports finding new life and purpose for old bits and pieces. So, what are you waiting for? Go, decorate!

About the author:
Tracey Clayton is a working mom of three girls. She’s passionate about fashion, home décor and healthy living. Her motto is: “Live the life you love, love the life you live.”

5 Tips for Designing a Home Office

If you are lucky enough to work from home, it’s essential that you have a designated workspace that allows you to be productive with little distraction. You'll be spending most of your days here, so you'll want to keep some practical considerations in mind when creating a workspace so that it is as comfortable as it is functional.

Here are five tips to help you design the right home office for you.

1. Choose a suitable location

First, you need to determine the most suitable location for your office, based on your working style and the types of tasks you need to complete on a daily basis. Ensure that you have enough space to set up what you need to do your job efficiently, and that there are adequate power supplies, for example. It should have, or the potential to have, the features that will make you feel positive and energised. This is a place that you will feel good about going to every day, and this inspired attitude will reflect in your work.

2. Invest in the best furniture for your budget

Choosing the right desk will be determined by the amount of space you have and, of course, your budget. The desktop should be big enough to use your computer comfortably, and store any paperwork, etc. that needs to be in close proximity throughout the working day.

A corner desk is an efficient space-saving method where you can place your laptop one side, with files and other essentials on the other. If you have to be up and down a lot, then a standing desk may be a better option to keep the flow going. Some desks also come with holes designed to keep wiring out of the way for safety and to reduce unsightly clutter.

The type of office chair you choose will also have an impact on your productiveness; therefore, don’t simply select the most stylish design to match your interior. As you’ll likely be spending the majority of the day sitting, you need to be sure that the chair gives you proper support to protect your neck and back. Otherwise you could be sidetracked by discomfort and headaches.

Be aware that a lot of furniture comes flat packed when purchased from the store, so if you’ve had no real experience in building items from scratch, you may require some professional assistance. If you’re in any doubt about your DIY skills, be sure to browse Baltimore furniture assembly companies on Porch.com, who can take care of this matter for you.

3. Get rid of unnecessary clutter

A major distraction in any home office is the amount of clutter on show. You want to walk into the room every morning and see a neat, efficient space waiting for you. Tidy everything at the end of the day so all of your materials and equipment are accessible, thus avoiding stress and wasted time by having to find them when you need them. If you need to organize, explore the different options of home office storage available, whether it be shelving, cupboards or filing cabinets to keep everything where it should be.

4. Lighting

The type of lighting you choose for your home office needs to be thought out carefully. Natural light is the best option, as it has been proven to boost productivity, positivity, and happiness in the workplace, so it will work just as well when running a business from home. With this in mind, design your home office around a window to get as much daylight as possible, but also consider the exposure; you may want to install a gauzy blind to diffuse any strong mid-day sun that can make you feel hot and tired, or strain your eyes.

When it comes to working in the evening, you need lighting that allows you to focus and stay on task. A desk lamp would be a good option for giving off a reliable stream of light for reading. However, this can feel harsh after a couple of hours. Mix up your lighting by investing in wall lights, lights with lampshades and floor lamps to create a softer ambiance.

5. Decor

Making your workspace pleasant and lively is important to keep spirits up and productivity high. Just a couple of well chosen pieces will make a big impact, such as a graphic wall print or a plant, which will also help clean the air. If you need to buy supplies, look for colourful options or any design that makes you feel good to have it around. Energizing colours such as bright green, red and yellow will keep you feeling upbeat and focused. 

5 Ways to Create Your Dream Backyard

The backyard is a multipurpose space that can enhance our daily life if used to its potential. Many of us do not make the most of this outside area, using it as a basic green space for kids to play, to sit out, and for storing outdoor items. However, those of us with a backyard are fortunate to have it and should see it as an extension of our house, and a significant part of our living space. This area offers such value, that some interior designers specialize in designing decks as additions to the home, and landscaping the entire area so it all works harmoniously.

Let's look at some of the way you can transform your backyard into a beautiful and functional space.

Landscaping

The backyard is an outdoor canvas you can use to explore your creativity through landscaping. Possible landscaping options for a typical backyard range from installation of tuft to hanging gardens. Since the beauty of nature is unmatched, we tend to use it as our inspiration. Plant flowers and other beautiful greenery to make your backyard look lush and vibrant. You can also install features such as fountains and artificial ponds to create a serene environment. Landscaping can completely revamp your backyard and turn it into the beautiful, relaxing space you want.

Swimming pool installation

A backyard swimming pool is an attractive and coveted addition to any home. Although the installation is a huge undertaking and requires a complete overhaul of your yard space, it can bring so much joy to the family in the warmer months. These days, swimming pools are available in all kinds of shapes, sizes and styles, with the design always evolving. Once the pool is installed, other fixtures can be added to accentuate the beauty of the design. Glass pool fencing is an elegant, practical option to bring the beauty of your pool to life and at the same time keeps the kids and pets safe from harm. Unlike wooden fences, they do not hide the view of the pool. With a backyard swimming pool, your next vacation is only a few steps away. 

Decking

Outdoor decks are a great exterior feature to start with as they create a focal point for your outdoor space, and you can customise them to complement the style of your home. Not only do they look impressive when done well, they also they create a designated, functional space in your backyard. You can create an area for outdoor entertainment or dining by using simple deck designs in quality materials. Redwood, pressure treated lumber, composite and aluminium are the most popular materials for building decks. Depending on the specifics of your space, you may be able to create multiple levels or even an outdoor kitchen. 

Outdoor furniture

To design a relaxing area that will endure the weather, it’s essential to invest in good outdoor furniture. It creates a functional space to sit with a book, meditate, dine al fresco, or socialise with friends. Select materials that are durable but also look great - there are lots of good designs that will enhance the style factor of your backyard and reflect the same tastes that you have featured inside your home. A high quality furniture set is enough to make your backyard look and feel like an extension of your living space. You can combine outdoor loungers with matching outdoor dining sets for easy summer barbecues.

Backyard lighting

A security light is not the only lighting installation that will benefit your outdoor area. Simple lighting design can turn your basic backyard into an enchanting space for evening activities. String lights are one way to make your backyard beautiful and useable once the sun has set. Up-lighting walls and trees makes the backyard come alive after dark and gives a dramatic effect, creating an ambience unique to your space. 

As you can see, your dream backyard is not as farfetched as you once thought! With thoughtful planning and effective installations, your outdoor dreams will come to life.

5 Tips You Need to Know Before Purchasing Your First Designer Bag

Your first designer handbag purchase should be a time of excitement and joy, not a time of trepidation and indecision. There are so many brands and styles that it could make even the most dedicated shopper's head spin. With so many options to choose from, where should you begin? We have some helpful tips to cut down the confusion and make purchasing your first designer bag a stunning success.

Purpose of the Bag

The most important part of buying your first bag is deciding on its purpose. Do you need a bag that you can carry every day, or do you want a bag that you only bring out for special occasions? An every day bag will be one with a classic look, has enough space for all your belongings, and can blend seamlessly with the majority of your wardrobe; while a special occasion handbag might have a more formal look with eye-catching details. Deciding what you will be using the handbag for will help you assess the functionality of your choices. This will help you to determine factors such as the size of the bag you need, or how many compartments you want it to have.

You may consider purchasing a purse because it is the latest, must-have, “it” bag of the moment. While the thought is tempting, ensure that this is what you really want to do before you invest. Trendy bags typically feature unconventional color schemes and prints that don't tend to offer longevity. Even the most coveted bags often become dated within a few years. If it is a print or color that you absolutely love, go for it as long as it is a decision you can live with for years to come. On the other hand, if you are choosing the bag just because everyone else has one, you may want to reconsider. An expensive designer bag is a big investment to make for something you may no longer want after the next trendy bag is released. You want to love it for a long time. 

2. Size and Contours of the Bag

The size of the handbag you choose will be determined by the purpose of the bag, as stated before, but it will also be determined by the amount of belongings you plan to carry. The contours and shape of the bag will determine its silhouette, and that will reflect your personal style. The silhouette can also come into play when deciding to purchase your first designer handbag by helping you to choose which designer's line to purchase from. The big designers and fashion houses are known for their signature shapes, so figuring out the brand that carries the silhouette that fits your style will make your purchasing decision a lot easier.

If you are the type of person who likes to carry everything but the kitchen sink around with you at all times, you should consider larger bags like the highly underrated Louis Vuitton Damier Canvas Trevi PM Bag. In my opinion, this is the best Louis Vuitton bag to wear on casual days because of its extremely roomy interior and thicker Damier Ebene Canvas. The thicker canvas helps the bag to retain its shape better than some other bags, so it will withstand every day use more. If you are more of a minimalist, the Louis Vuitton bag for you might be one like the versatile Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Accessories Pochette Bag that functions as a clutch, wristlet, or shoulder bag. It is up to you to decide which size and brand is the right fit for your needs.

3. Price of the Bag

While you may think that the price will be the most important part of your purchase, it really isn't. If you love to shop, you know that finding just the right item can blow your budget right out the window. That is why the price comes last in determining which one you will ultimately choose. Countless people will tell you that a designer bag is not just an accessory, it is an investment. If you ever get bored you can easily resell it for a large portion of your purchase price or more in the case of some of the harder to find classic designs, as long as you have taken good care of it. Although the purse is an investment piece, it is still wise to set a budget that you can live with. You should also remember that purchasing a brand new purse isn't your only option. Gently used purses can be found online for a fraction of the cost of new one.

4. Where to Buy Your Bag

You can choose to buy your bag from a physical store or fashion house, or you can buy it online. Both options come with perks and disadvantages. Buying your new designer bag from a reputable retail store will insure that you are getting a genuine product. It also allows you to physically inspect the handbag before you make your purchase. On the down side, your selection will be limited to what the store has in stock.

Choosing to buy your first designer bag online can open up a much larger selection for you, but it can also open you up to scams. Designer bags you see being sold by private sellers online are not always genuine. Make sure that you check the seller's reviews if you choose to go this route. In some cases the prices may be kinder to your wallet, but remember to beware. A safer option is to purchase it from a name brand store or directly from a fashion house's online site. If you do choose to buy from a larger retailer, make sure to inspect your bag as soon as you receive it for damage. In some cases, retailers that also have a physical store may send you a bag that was used as a floor display if their stock is low.

5. How to Determine if Your New Designer Bag is Real or Fake

We have established that designer handbags are expensive. This hefty price tag ensures that it will not be sold unless it is flawless. That means that bags are made using high-quality materials like genuine leather, and they will feature small stitches that are very precise and even. The logo on the purse will be evenly placed and spelled correctly. Any hardware that embellishes the bag will be well-made and sturdy with no visible imperfections. The zippers should accent the color of the bag or match the main color. Most importantly, many designer handbags have a serial number or control number on the tag inside. In some cases it may even come with a certificate of authenticity. You can search for the serial number online or match the serial number on the tag to the numbers on the certificate.

Hopefully these tips will help you find the perfect bag that will fit your budget and lifestyle. Before you head off to start shopping, be sure to remember that if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Three Benefits of Installing a Lift in Your Home

A home lift is a feature that we tend to think of as a purely luxurious amenity, found exclusively in mansions and palatial estates. A status symbol that might be on your lottery win wish list, should you one day hit the jackpot. However, lifts happen to offer an array of practical benefits that make sense in more modest residences, making them increasingly popular. Beyond the ease of mobility they provide to those who have difficulty climbing stairs  - they're also quicker and more attractive than stair lifts - they come with other advantages that are well worth considering.

Let's look at three more ways a home lift can enhance your daily living and your decor.

1. Stylish Technology  

A lift is a pretty cool thing to have in your home, and you can choose whether it sits quietly within your existing decor, or stands out as a high-tech showpiece of sorts. There are all kinds of models, styles and finishes available - you can see the many possibilities at Axess 2 Lifts by Design, as well as have bespoke lifts created to suit your unique needs and tastes. Its presence will give your space a contemporary look and feel, so you can enjoy the effect on your decor while getting around your home with comfort. 

2. Safety

Statistically, we're most likely to suffer injury, or worse, from accidents in the home as compared to outside of it, and falls on stairs account for a great number of these incidents. Children and the elderly are most at risk of getting hurt slipping on steps, although every age group is vulnerable when going up or down stairs, as we can all likely attest. Installing a lift as an alternative to stairs can greatly reduce the chances of injury in the home, and it can be set to restrict use to specific people (by way of a code, for example), making them child-safe. An addition, a lift also makes moving items from floor to floor a breeze, saving on time and energy as well as being far safer, especially when carrying heavy or awkward objects. 

3. Increased Property Value

Installing a lift is a wise investment in the value your home, and this luxurious yet practical upgrade will set it apart from other properties in the area when you are ready to sell. Older folks tend to look for single level homes such as bungalows and cottages as their mobility decreases; however, a multi-level house may be an option for them if it comes equipped with a lift. As well, middle aged people who are looking to stay in the home indefinitely may find a lift attractive as a feature that can help provide for a more comfortable future. 

We've covered some solid reasons to consider a home lift, and the good news is that they are becoming increasingly affordable, making their convenience and style more accessible than ever!

4 Practical Concerns You Shouldn't Overlook in Your Business

To run a business successfully, a solid strategy and efficient daily operations to execute it are essential. Take a look at all of the different areas that your business involves, and assess whether each one is being managed optimally. Any weaknesses can affect whether your company sinks or swims, regardless of how well other departments are running. 

Here are some important areas to consider, as they can make or break your business, singularly or in combination.

1. Maintenance of the office or retail space

If your business runs from a commercial space, you need to maintain it in the same way you would a home residence, although the impact of not doing it properly is far less forgivable with a business than a house.  Keeping up the aesthetics, such as a painted storefront, so that it always looks attractive and inviting is imperative as it reflects upon your product or service. As well, consider the environment for customers and business associates, particularly the comfort aspects such as temperature and seating. In some cases, plumbing issues can be a factor, and you need to have professionals on hand, such as those from Windsor Plumbing, to get your space up and running with as little downtime as possible. They can also use the latest technology to detect leaks which will help you avoid a potential disaster. 

2. Employee happiness and wellbeing

The happiness and wellbeing of your employees will impact the functioning and morale of your company. To build a good relationship with your staff, demonstrate how you value them. Ask for their opinion, listen to their feedback and ideas, pay them a competitive wage, and promote them after a job well done. Happy employees reflect in the service and customers will notice. 

3. Strategic focus

A successful company will always consider strategic foresight and planning in anything that they do. Thus, whenever you embark on a new project, consider the implications of pursuing it. Will it benefit your business in the long-term? Is it worthy of investment? 

4. Financial wellbeing

At the end of the day, nothing is more important than the financial wellbeing of your company; it can't continue if it's not solvent. Your products and services must be profitable, but this takes time, so it's imperative that you know how to fund the business until you reach this point. Getting a loan from the bank is one method, but so is finding investors who believe in you.

If you don’t already have an accounting department, it would be worthwhile to hire at least one qualified accountant to oversee  income and expenses so you always know where your company stands financially, and then you can make effective decisions before you get too deep in the red. 

As the owner of a business, you will encounter other areas that require your attention. If you notice that something isn’t working, it’s important that you address those problems and fix them as soon as possible to keep your business profitable and growing. 

5 Benefits of Resin Flooring in Your Home

Have you ever noticed those glossy, seamless floors in high end buildings, and wondered how you can get that style at home? That's poured resin you've been admiring, and although it is mainly used in commercial settings, it's a wonderful flooring option for discerning homeowners, offering both aesthetic and practical benefits. 

Here are five reasons resin flooring is worth considering in your home. 

1. Contemporary Style

The quietly elegant finish of resin provides an ideal base for contemporary interiors, its clean look working especially well with open plan schemes and minimalist design. Lighter colours will maximise the effect of the interior light, making the space feel very airy and bright. Darker shades of resin can be used to ground the room and create a more dramatic atmosphere. You can see examples of the different ways resin can be applied at Eco Flor Resin Flooring and imagine how it could look in your home. 

2. Seamless, Visual Flow

You don't need a huge house to take advantage of the fluid look of resin floors. If you have a modest home with spaces that link up, such as a hallway that leads into open rooms, and open or semi-open plan layouts, and you like the look and feel of unified spaces rather than having rooms closed off to each other, then resin is for you. With plank flooring, you have to lay it in the same direction throughout if you want a consistent look - whether it's an ideal orientation for each individual room or not - or lay it in the most aesthetically pleasing way for each individual room which will make the space as a whole look disjointed. Some styles of large tile can look near-seamless, but if you want a truly clean look with no lines to be seen, you can't beat pouring a liquid floor!

3. Unique Decorative Options

Resin offers more than white, shiny floors. If you're a fan of terrazzo with its decorative chips of glass, mirror, marble, or quartz, you have endless combinations to choose from for your resin floor. You can go subtle with the look, using tiny chips spaced closely in tonal colours so that it barely registers with the eye, or more bold with larger fragments in a variety of materials and colours, and everything in between. You can also create designs using different colours in creative ways for a graphic look, or use a contrasting colour for a feature floor.

4. Self-Levelling

Anyone in the UK who lives in an older house knows that it's practically impossible to get level floors; none of the structural lines are straight! This can create all kinds of problems, from difficulty fitting floors to keeping planks in place after installation. Pouring your floor with a liquid means that it's impossible not to get a level floor, which will make it feel far more solid than what you had previously, and avoid any issues in the future. It can also make a big difference when fitting a kitchen or bathroom as any furniture will sit evenly on your resin floor. 

5. Low Maintenance, Long-lasting and Durable

Resin is very easy to care for, requiring just regular dust mopping to keep its laminated surface clean. This finish also makes resin stain resistant and therefore a more hygienic option. In terms of durability, resin is extremely tough and hard-wearing as well as flexible, making it ideal for high traffic areas. These floors can also provide sound insulation. 

An extra benefit is that you will probably be the only house in your neighbourhood that can boast a resin floor, giving your home a unique selling point when it comes time to move!

What Is a Home Inspection and Should I Hire Someone?

For anyone looking to buy a new home, a home inspection is very important. If you do not know what a home inspection involves, you should hire some help for your first one. Here are a few more details you need to know before you look at buying a property.

What is a Home Inspection?

The home inspection is an assessment of a property that is carried out before a purchase is made. For those who are knowledgeable in the property market, a home inspection may come naturally to them. For those who are not, a home inspection is generally carried out by someone who is qualified to do so. They should work for a company that is not attached to the one selling the house to ensure there is no bias. The inspector's job is to identify any faults that may need fixing, and this will help buyers make an informed decision when they are considering putting forward an offer. 

Why is a Home Inspection So Important?

To ensure that you are buying a property that is not going to end up costing a lot in expensive repairs, a home inspection is essential. If you don't know what to look for, you could be sold a house that has some major problems, such as structural issues that could be dangerous, as well as costly to fix. In this regard especially, a home inspection is well worth the cost of hiring a professional. A home inspection will reveal anything that is wrong with the house and detail what would need to be repaired if you purchased the house. This can save many unwitting first-time buyers from spending a lot more than they expected, as well as avoid disappointment and frustration.

What Should I Look for in a Home Inspector?

A home inspector should be qualified in their role and be able to provide proof of this. In the US, each state has different requirements to be legally qualified as a home inspector; you can check these requirements on the internet before hiring one. Experience is key in this industry and CLASS Home Inspection will provide you with an experienced home inspector with many years of experience. You should also ensure that your home inspector is insured; as a client, this is an extra safety net for you if your home inspector misses key details. Also, check reviews on social media or vetting websites before hiring.

Hiring a home inspector may mean it takes more time to finalize the purchase of your property, but in the end, it could save you a lot of money and heartache. Finding a trustworthy and experienced home inspector will help guide you in the process of buying your property, and this will give you the peace of mind to move forward and enjoy your new home!

New Illustrated Book: Living in the Desert

Black Desert House, Oller & Pejic Architecture, 2013, Yucca Valley, CA, USA. Image credit © Marc Angeles

The desert isn't a typical destination that comes to mind when contemplating places to live, and that probably comes down to not having seen just how beautiful and rewarding it can be. One of the newest illustrated volumes from Phaidon, Living in the Desert, shows us 50 ways this challenging landscape has provided inspiration for contemporary residential architecture at its most clever. 

Living in the Desert explores an array of structures in diverse places, including the U.S., Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia, giving insight into the ways both established and emerging architects have connected their buildings with their respective, unique, environments. To provide a comprehensive survey of the different approaches to architecture in the desert, the volume is divided into three themes: houses built to embrace the desert; houses built within the desert; and houses built to resist the desert, all examples demonstrating how there really is no such thing as a standard 'desert home'. 

Standout projects include the truly innovative and unexpected, such as 'Mirage', a home clad completely in mirrors to appear as an otherworldly presence in its rocky surroundings, and sleek, stylised pods perched on low stilts within Mexico's wine country, consciously designed to limit the destruction of the panorama. 

What I enjoyed most about Living in the Desert, is the way the book illustrates how the desert - the great unknown to most of us - is only as barren as the imagination. 

Living in the Desert, published by Phaidon, is available in hardback at £29.95. 256 pages with 260 illustrations.

Four Eyes House, Edward Ogosta Architecture, 2012 Coachella Valley, CA, USA. Image credit © Edward Ogosta

Villa D, Studio Ko 136, 2013, Al Ouidane, Morocco. Image credit © Dan Glasser

Villa Aleålm, Valerio Olgiati, 2013, Alentejo, Portugal. Image credit © Archive Olgiati

House to Watch the Sunset, Not Vital, 2005, Aladab, Niger. Image credit: © Not Vital

Top Style Benefits of Living the Slow Life

There's something amiss with the way most of us live our lives these days. We consume too fast, discard too quickly, and have lost the sense of value we once had. So many us have massive wardrobes and still feel like we have nothing to wear, and those clothes don’t seem to last as long as they used to. Most of what we find in our retail shops is made cheaply to be affordable, but if that item you bought breaks after a few uses, was it really a wise purchase? Not to mention the environmental and human impact that comes from cheap manufacturing. 

As well as our habits of over-consuming, everyone seems to be stressed. One of the reasons is that we are connected through our devices non-stop. From scrolling on our phones constantly and absorbing bad news and social media posts that aren't helpful to us, to answering work emails after we leave the office, there is no shortage of ways that stress can enter into our lives through just one small device. And these stressors don't necessarily have to be dramatic to affect us; constant negative messages and your feelings about them can build into a chronic condition that will significantly detract from your mental and physical health, your looks, and your quality of life.

By slowing down our lives and approaching our stresses, obligations, and spending habits thoughtfully and responsibly, we can achieve so much more. We can reassess our personal fashion and decor style by investing in more luxury, quality items we can feel good about; by reducing stress we will look and feel better and having the energy and focus to accomplish our goals, and by balancing our lives we will generally be happier. There are so many benefits to slow living, especially when the costs of the alternative are considered. 

The Cost of Our Way of Life

Canadians, on average, produce 720kg of waste per person every single year. This is 7% higher than their American counterparts, which may come as a surprise. Canada has massive environmental protections in place, a third of the country is powered by renewable energy sources, and nature is their figurative bread and butter. But cutting back needs to happen on an individual level. This doesn't need to be a disruption to your daily life but rather requires being thoughtful about the way we do things. Instead of buying disposable things, invest in high quality items that will last for years. Learn how to mend your clothes again. Try to buy products that come with less packaging, recycle more, reuse what you have – all of this will help you do your part and feel better in your every day life. Over time this can help you save money, as you won’t need to keep buying new items to replace your old ones. This will also teach us to be content with what we have. 

Benefits of Slow Living

The benefits of slow living are numerous and can help boost our wellness, reduce stress, and make time for the people and things we love. It can also help you gain:

1. Better Personal Style

Fast fashion is cheap, and it is focused around the trends that are hot at the moment. This tends to result in purchases that are made not rationally, but rather as a result of having been influenced by the marketing of these trends. By slowing down your purchases you can instead afford more luxury pieces – perhaps not designer brand name, but there are many middle-end boutiques that produce beautiful, unique, and well-made garments. By saving up for these items instead of buying on impulse, you can elevate your personal style and buy the wardrobe pieces that make you feel your best. The bonus? They will last you with few repairs needed.

2. More Time Spent on Things You Love

When you cut back on stressful activities and purchases that add nothing to your life, you open yourself up to pursue and enjoy the things that really matter to you and will enrich you rather than take from you. 

3. Less Stress

The main benefit of slow living is less stress. You learn to reject stressful activities and habits, and add regular relaxation to your life. This will help improve your wellbeing, your health, and of course your natural beauty.

Top Tips on How to Enjoy the Slow Life

To enjoy the slow life, try the following:

Practice Your Pampering

Doing nice things for yourself is a great way to feel good, reduce stress, and take care of your natural beauty. Try new and delicious recipes, invest in quality scented candles, bath salts, and even a great bathtub caddy so that you can enjoy a glass of wine and a good book while you soak in a luxurious bath that is going to help rid you of all the stress of the day.

The secret is to invest in the activities you love. Learn more about bathtub caddies and choose a design that will endure in terms of quality and style, and complement your bathroom's decor. Try different body washes or soaps to find the ones that are good for your skin and smell great. Experiment until you find the right hair products. Having a routine that allows you to relax and not think about anything else will quickly become a heavenly must-have. 

Stop Chasing Short-Term Highs

Short term highs such as spontaneous purchases or binge shopping do us more harm than good. It gives us a brief rush, but, if at the end of the day you don’t care for what you bought then it was a waste of money. Make yourself wait at least three days when buying something in retail stores and resist buying sale items simply because they seem like a bargain. If you go back, you know you truly want it.

Slow Down Your Mind

Try to pick up hobbies that require you to focus and take your mind off your regular routine. The internet and our phones are full of so much information that we have learned to process it all at very quick speeds. Rather than actually learn something, however, we sort this information between useful and not useful. It’s a very fast-paced way of thinking that doesn’t help anyone. Instead, take up an activity like reading, and it's best if you read actual books and stay off devices. Fiction, non-fiction, poetry, short stories – it doesn’t matter. It will help you slow down, relax, and even can help you enjoy several health benefits.

Invest in Your Future

Finally, invest in your future. It is hard to enjoy the slow life when you are worried about finances every other week. Save up for an emergency fund, further education, or your retirement fund, and put that money towards good use. By simply slowing down your life and being more mindful with your purchases you will be amazed at how much you can have left over at the end of the month.

Should You Sell Your House or Remodel?

If you have lived in your house for many years, you may be wondering whether it's time to move or invest in changing the property you have. It could be that your family is growing, or maybe the children have left home. This is a dilemma that most of us face at some point, and making a sensible decision between the two can be difficult. To help you decide, here are some points to consider to help you determine whether its best to sell or remodel your home.

How Do You Feel About Your Current House?

Your emotions play a big part in your decision to leave your home or stay where you are. Think about your situation honestly and list all of the things you like about where you are living, including those of your house. For example, do you have a good relationship with your neighbours? Do you have strong ties to the neighbourhood? These are important factors that may impact your future happiness if you move 

Also, determine whether expansion is a possibility, if needing more space is your main motivation for wanting to move. If you have limited space around your home, or you have been refused planning permission, then this can have a decisive impact.

What is Your Budget?

Your budget is going to be a significant factor in your decision. Look at the prices of homes that match your needs in neighbourhoods you are willing to live in. You may find that the upgrade in space costs double where you are now, yet the increase in space is only an extra room or two. Is this enough to justify the jump in mortgage? For far less, you could customize your current home to give you what you need. 

If you do have budget in mind, get a quote from a few contractors for the work you want to do so you have a realistic idea of what this will cost. And remember to add on 10-25% to cover unexpected expenses. 

What Do You Need?

Many homeowners base the decision to move on the fact that they need more space. However, in many cases, this decision is based more on the number of rooms in the house rather than the space in the house itself. Think about the rooms you already have and decide if adding one or more rooms will make a difference. If it will, and you think you can get permission to build additional rooms, then this could be a very good reason to stay where you are. However, if planning permission is an issue, moving to a bigger property may be your only choice.

Do Some Research

Another way to help you make a decision is to do some research. This involves checking out the housing market to see what properties are available and whether they would be ones suitable for you and your family. Another thing you can do is to visualize how remodeling would look in your home. Perhaps you could get someone to draw up some plans of the home as you wanted to look and see if that appeals to you. You can also learn more about what styles of interior decor and colour schemes would look good in your home. You may also want to do some research into what's happening around you. For example, if there is planning to build new houses or apartment buildings near where you live, then this may deter you from staying if the construction is likely to be disruptive. 

Is Only a Move Acceptable?

Sometimes the only answer is to move, no matter what considerations you have. Perhaps you have issues with the neighbours, and there are no other avenues you can pursue to make things better. Or perhaps you are like the 53% of Americans who are struggling to make their housing payments. If that's the case, then sometimes the only alternative is to downsize to a smaller property that you can afford. If you find yourself in this situation, you need to do something as quickly as possible to remedy it. This means putting your house on the market and finding a cheaper alternative before you become buried in debt or risk foreclosure.

Do You Have Time to Renovate?

Depending on what type of renovation you want, this could involve a lot of work over a prolonged period of time. You need to think about whether you have the time and patience to allow this renovation to take place, or whether you need to move into a bigger house straight away. For example, if you suddenly need to take a family member such as your parents into your home to look after them, then this could require immediate action. An alternative to this could be that you rent a bigger house while your home is being renovated, if your budget allows.

Will You be Over-Improving?

Weighing against any renovation is the risk that you over improve your current home. This means that compared to other homes in your neighbourhood, your home will be substantially better. The problem with this arises if you come to sell your house, as there is a risk you won't get as much for it as you invested in the renovation, especially if you're in a neighbourhood that has starter homes and smaller homes. However, you may notice that your neighbours are starting to do their own expansions, and your modest street may be transformed into a more desirable neighbourhood with overall higher selling prices in a few short years. And, if your plan is to stay in this house for many years, then this could be an acceptable risk.

There are many pros and cons that are unique to your situation, and ultimately you need to consider them carefully before you make a decision to renovate or move. Take your time as things will become clearer if you don't rush the process!

Studio Lorier Launches Porcelain Platters Inspired by World Architecture

Rotterdam-based Studio Lorier has added another design innovation to their portfolio of transformable furniture and handcrafted ceramics: the City Plate. The porcelain platters are shaped in the texture of a well-known city and feature its main architectural landmarks. These trays can be used for presenting food, storing personal items or as interior decor. To offer a diverse collection of the most popular cities around the world, Studio Lorier has launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds to complete the series. 

Each plate and landmark is handcrafted in their Rotterdam studio. The miniature buildings are slib-cast into self-made molds. The landmarks are joined as a solid connection and finished with a non-toxic, food-safe glaze that is dishwasher proof. 

Rewards for contributing to the crowdfunding campaign include a set of mini landmarks, an embossed city plate including its architecture, and a fully customized plate, made to order, for a more substantial pledge. Supporters can choose from a list of the most popular cities that will expand when additional funds are be raised. During the campaign, backers have the possibility to get the city plates for the lowest price ever until December 4th 2018.

Photo credit: Studio Lorier

Things to Consider When Starting a Business from Home

Every year more people are deciding to start their own business from home. For some, it means they can avoid a long commute to work, for others it could be a lifelong dream to start their own business and the easiest place to do that is from home. Whatever the reason might be, there are a number of things you need to consider before starting your business. Here are a few hints and tips for you to think about before you start work on your new career.

A Company Name

Before you do anything else, you need to think about what your new company will be called. For example, do you want your name to represent what your business does? Or are you looking for something a little more of a play on words? If you think that your company may become limited at some point in the future, it's also a good idea to check that name hasn't already been taken by another company. One thing is certain, you want your business name to be memorable but not so obscure that your customers don't understand what it means or what it represents.

Your Company Structure

Once you found your company name, you can start thinking about the structure of your business. Are you going to be a sole trader, limited company, or business partnership? The answer to this question will determine what rules and regulations you need to adhere to, and also what taxes you need to pay and how many people will have a share of your profits. It's also important that you think about any possible staff you may need to employ. If you do need to employ full-time staff, then you need to think about your recruitment process and also providing them with basics such as sick pay and leave. Additional people in your company may also determine what do you need to do about space in your home.

Equipment and Adaptations

Depending on what your business will be, you may need to make some adaptions to your home to accommodate equipment or facilities. For example, if you're looking to bake cakes or cook from home you may need to think about adapting your kitchen to make it bigger and able to deal with industrial catering. You may need to add a bigger cooker, or perhaps an industrial kitchen fan? You can find out more about those and other equipment online. You also need to think about the size of your home, and whether you can accommodate the type of business you going to be doing. For example, if you're going to run an office from home, do you need to adapt one of the bedrooms or perhaps add an extension to your house to accommodate it?

Services

One of the reasons that so many people are starting businesses from home now is that technology has allowed faster telephone lines and Internet into places other than just business. However, it still means you need to make sure you have the right services coming into your property before you embark on your new career. You need to speak to your telephone company to see if they can offer you a business rate for your telephone line, and if they can offer you the type of service that you need to run your business. You also need to ensure that you can have fast enough Internet speed to do things such as video calling or sending large amounts of data to the cloud. It's also a good idea to speak to your cell phone operators to see if they have a business deal you can use, and if the signal in your area is good enough to make and receive calls.

Business Banking

You might not think initially that you need a business bank account as you probably won't be making a lot of income. However, for tax purposes, it makes things far easier if you do have a separate account for any money relating to your business. You can start off with a separate personal account your business if you wish, but if you're planning to expand your company at any point or looking to borrow money in the future, it is worth starting out with a business account. It is also a good idea to have such bank accounts so that you can deal on a trade basis with suppliers.

An Accountant

Even if you're just starting out, it can be important to get everything in place before you can commence work. One thing that you need to get in place as early as possible is an accountant. Although many business owners do their own accounting, it can be confusing and stressful if you don't know what you're doing. It can be money well spent if you get someone in you can help you through the basics and advise you about the regulations. They can also help prevent any nasty surprises at the end of the tax year if you've done something wrong.

Marketing Strategy

Just as with running an online business, running a business from home can be a challenge when it comes to attracting custom. Initially, people don't know where you are or who you are, so you need to put your name and your brand out there for people to see. That means you need to prepare a marketing strategy that will get your business to those that need it. One way to achieve this is to use social media and other online platforms to find and encourage your customers to click through to you.

Starting a business can be both exciting and scary, but the benefits for doing so can be well worth all of the hard work and commitment you need to give. However, it's also important to know that because your business is running from home, that you make sure you get the work-life balance exactly right. That way you can have the best of both worlds.

Photography Exhibition Intersects Architecture and Landscape in Norway

Trollstigen Visitor Center by Reiulf Ramstad Architects Photo credit: © Ken Schluchtmann

The exhibition Architecture and Landscape in Norway, in the Felleshus of the Nordic Embassies in Berlin, shows a selection of photographs taken by Ken Schluchtmann at the intersection between contemporary architecture and landscape along the National Scenic Routes in Norway. The National Scenic Routes, initiated in 1994, consist of 18 selected roads that run along the coasts and fjords, and over the mountains and plains in Norway. By 2024 there will be almost 250 rest areas and viewpoints created by some 60 architectural firms, landscaping firms, designers and artists. 

Ken Schluchtmann on the road in Norway. Photo credit: © Ken Schluchtmann

It all started in 1997 with a trip to Norway. The impressions Ken Schluchtmann experienced at the time were so intense that he then quit his law studies in Hanover and trained as a photo designer in Berlin.

For the current project, he has been travelling the country over the past eight years, driving over 25,000 kilometres, living in his VW bus for weeks and producing over 10,000 photos. Schluchtmann is the only professional photographer who has photographed these landscapes consistently. He uses a coherent imagery, which creates a strong identity and shows some of the most beautiful parts of rural Norway. The pure power of the landscape is strengthened by the integration of architecture and art works.

Sohlbergplassen in Rondane by Carl-Viggo Hølmebakk Photo credit: © Ken Schluchtmann

In order to achieve a more intense experience for the viewer, the presentation of the photos in various sizes and print types, film, projection, animation and even large stones, which the photographer had brought back from Norway over the years, have been merged into an overall concept.

The exhibition space at the 1st floor is defined by black partition walls which follow the outlines of the travelled routes. These walls trace the photographer's itinerary and provide changing spatial experience and surprising views for the visitors within the space itself. 

Exhibition view. Latex prints on Aludibond - Trollstigen Visitor Center by Reiulf Ramstad Architects. Norwegian stones. Photo credit: © Ken Schluchtmann

The multimedia aspect of Schluchtmann’s exhibition shows up in different moments: the auditorium with the projection of the Making Of video, which can otherwise be also seen on the first floor as an introduction to the exhibition itself. The video is underlaid with contemporary electronic music that goes hand in hand with the architectural design and intensifies the sublimity of the dramatic landscapes. It is also the music that accompanied Schluchtmann during his trips to Norway. Next to the café on the 1st floor, a video mapping of Norway visualizes the travel route and complements it with matching landscape motifs of the various regions.

Viewpoint Snøhetta by Snøhetta Photo credit: © Ken Schluchtmann

Architecture and Landscape in Norway runs until January 17, 2019.

 

Source: V2com

How to Bring More Natural Light into a Dark House

Sometimes when you move into a new house, you realize that you hadn't noticed how little natural light comes into your main rooms. This is usually due to the windows in these rooms being positioned away from direct sunlight, or exterior obstructions such as walls or tight neighbouring buildings. However, with clever decor placement and changing a detail here and there, you can adapt these spaces to bring more natural light and make better use of artificial light.

1. Work Out What You Need

Before you start making any drastic changes to your home, you need to know what needs to be changed first. That means going through each room and assessing the amount of light you're getting both naturally and artificially. Low lighting may not be a problem in some rooms, especially if it isn't used often. Enhancing the light can be desired for practical reasons or simply an improvement in the ambience. 

2. The Mirror Effect

One way to bring more light into your home is to reflect existing light. This means adding surfaces that are shiny or having many mirrors in the room to reflect the light toward the centre of the room. Objects like chandeliers, brass lighting, gold doorknobs, glass tables, or silver photo frames can all elevate the lighting in the room.

If you're going to be using mirrors, place them opposite windows so the light coming through can be reflected back. The larger the surface the more impact it will create, but do keep proportion in mind so that the size of the mirror remains balanced with the room. An added bonus is that mirrors also make the room look bigger.

3. Windows

When it comes to windows, ideally you'll have as much light coming through them as possible. To achieve this, it's important not to have any thick, heavy curtains hanging. They will absorb any natural light and make the room look darker. Instead, opt for light, transparent curtains which will give you some privacy while still allowing light to come through. Another way to achieve more natural light is to change the windows themselves. If your windows are small, then you could invest in having larger windows fitted, and you can learn more about these ideas online.

4. Use Glass in Clever Ways

One of the darkest areas of the house is the hallway. This is generally because there aren't any windows and the front door is usually one solid piece or has small windows that may not face optimal exposure. If you want to get more natural light coming through this area of the house, you can use glass. For example, you might want to consider installing a glass door, or large glass panes down the sides of the door if space allows. There are many doors now available that use specially toughened glass to prevent the risk of damage or breaking. As this is the front door, you may also want to consider having frosted glass installed to help with privacy. 

5. Add Color

You may think that you can't use darker shades if you want to make the room brighter. However, you can still use splashes of deeper colour here and there to keep the room from looking too bright and possibly washed out. Neutral tones like mushroom, grays, or soft white work best for base colours. Even light colours will still absorb some natural light, but they will reflect a certain amount as well. You can also add small amounts of different colours for contrast, on the skirting or to have a  different colour ceiling.

6. Flooring

As well as the walls and windows, you also want to look at the floor. There are many ways you can brighten the floors; for example, you can install a floor in a lighter colour or one with a shiny surface, paint wood floors a different colour if they are natural, and you can add bright rugs. If you have carpet in the room, try seeing what’s underneath it. If you have a natural wooden floor underneath, then you might do well to take up the carpet and paint the floor a brighter colour such as white, cream or pale grey. This will not only make the room look bigger, but it will also brighten the room considerably.

Artificial Lighting

As well as adding natural light, you can also use artificial lighting to enhance what you already have. Think about where you want to place your artificial lighting. A good way to spread lights out throughout the room is to use lamps, but avoid big colourful shades which can block light. You can also think about adding lights underneath the shelves, behind mirrors, and in fireplaces, if they are no longer used. For rooms with high ceilings, having some kind of lighting up there often makes the room look bigger and brighter.

By using these ideas, you can turn even the smallest, darkest room into one that is light and feels much more spacious!

ANARCHITECT unveils its Dubai Design Week 2018 installation

Award winning architecture practice ANARCHITECT has unveiled its Dubai Design Week installation, The Circadian Light Synthesis. The work raises awareness and highlights to the public the different positions, colour temperatures and intensity of sunlight that dictate our human circadian rhythm and natural body-clock, including our relationship with the Moon. ANARCHITECT has developed the installation together with Delta Light, Matteo Brioni, Abanos and Prime Metal Industries. 

“The relationship between body and light conditions is important for human well-being and a key aspect of design and architecture.” says Jonathan Ashmore, founder of ANARCHITECT. “Circadian Light Synthesis will harness the intense sunlight as well as moonlight conditions at its location, while providing a recognizable welcoming, recharging, explorative and contemplative area for the Dubai Design Week visitors.” The installation is parted into two interconnected elements. The southern ‘Exposed’ Pavilion remains open-sided and houses a seated area for visitors, which doubles up as a shading structure. Its wall and roof apertures are specifically oriented in line with sun path which will harness its intense light particularly at midday (12 pm), afternoon (3 pm) and sunset (6 pm) to cast specific shadows. The northern ‘Enclosed’ Pavilion is predominantly closed and lit with Deltalight’s ‘artificial sun'.

In the daytime, the rotating light fixture will cast the artificial sunlight in the Enclosed pavilion in accordance with the natural circadian rhythm aligned with human wellbeing. At night, the light fixture will rotate to project the moonlight into the Enclosed pavilion from the rear of the same light source. The other side of the rotating light fixture will project the light onto the Exposed pavilion during the night, providing it with the light source and creating the shadows and light play after the sunset.

“At Delta Light we deeply care about Human Centric Lighting and its importance for our wellbeing. Light stimulates us and influences our moods and activity levels. Our physiological response to light depends on its characteristics such as colour spectrum, intensity and timing. The circadian rhythm is a 24-hour internal clock that is running in the background of our brain and cycles between sleepiness and alertness at regular intervals. A huge array of biological processes within the human body, and indeed in all forms of life on Earth, cycle according to a 24-hour clock. Circadian rhythm allows our body to assign functions based on the time of day, and whether you are asleep or awake,” comments Danilo Mandelli. Upon their arrival, visitors will be able to photograph the uniquely framed Burj Khalifa view between the two pavilions. This photogenic installation also provides a different opportunity for capturing light play created by shadows cast during both day and night.

The structures of the installation are clad in clay – specifically Matteo Brioni’s TerraPlus Cammeo - a mixture of raw earth, mineral binders and resinous polymers, which allow to obtain greater resistance to abrasion and water without losing its permeability. This non-fading material allows for the sun to beautifully highlight its unique natural texture.

Matteo says “The earth is part of everyone's past. However, mine in particular. Growing up in Gonzaga in Italy, among the history, the fields and clay quarries can have a strong impact on your choices. I discovered, like many designers, earth, was not only a "sustainable" and "healthy" material, but also sensual and "naturally" beautiful, pleasant to the touch and sinuously adaptable to any surface. 

ANARCHITECT's  installation The Circadian Light Synthesis is located at the key pedestrian entrance to the Dubai Design District (d3) between Buildings 4 and 6. 

Photo credit: Mark Goodwin

6 Ways To Spend More Time Together As A Family

If you were to sit and list all the things you need to do the next day, week or month, would family time feature at all? In many cases, it probably would not. We are all so busy trying to make a living, running errands, trying to do all the things that seem to be expected of us, that the simple pleasure of being with our families is overlooked. To change this, we need to make a point of dedicating some time to be together as a family and enjoy one another’s company. Here are some ideas to make that easier.

1. Family Night

As busy as everyone is, each doing their own thing, an effort should be made to set aside one special night each week that everyone commits to – your family night. No other plans are made, and everyone gathers together in one place. It might be at home for a meal and to play board games, or watch a movie together, or it could be an outing where you each take turns picking the activity. It can be as simple as getting out for a nature walk. Make it something fun, and everyone will look forward to family night each week. 

2. Family Vacation

Sometimes one night a week is just not going to be enough, and a family vacation is in order. If your budget is limited, don’t worry! You can have a family getaway at a local hotel that has fun facilities, for example. A change of scenery will work wonders, even if it's camping out in your own backyard. Book some time away from work and choose dates when the kids aren’t in school. Use the time you have together to explore and re-connect. Make some beautiful memories and de-stress so that when you go back to work, you are calmer and happier, too.

3. Exercise Together

Everyone should exercise regularly; this, combined with a healthy, well-balanced diet, is what will keep us fit. If we all need to exercise, and that exercise is taking you away from your family, why not include everyone in it? That way you still get to work on your fitness, but you can spend time with your family at the same time. By taking up a sport that you can all participate in, you will have something in common as well, so there will always be something to talk about over dinner, or in the car on the way to school, for example. As long as everyone is enjoying the activity, you can choose any sport you want from running to tennis to swimming or even some form of martial arts. There are dozens to choose from.

4. Eat Together

Eating together at mealtimes is a great way to spend quality time with your family. Sitting down at the dinner table to enjoy food and talk about your day, getting to know more about what's happening in your partner’s and children’s lives, is so important for family bonding and nurturing healthy relationships. It also provides structure and a solid family foundation which is good for everyone's mental health. If you have no proper place to sit and eat together that doesn’t involve watching TV, then you may want to consider purchasing a dining table so that you can really enjoy your family time without distraction, and eat in a more positive, healthy way; English Georgian America has some beautiful styles to choose from online.

To make your family dining experience even better, why not prepare the meal together too? Getting children involved in the kitchen at an early age is good for them as they can learn skills that will help them later in life, plus it will show them exactly what goes into their food. As an additional benefit, it will give you another hour or so to be with them that is both fun and productive. 

5. Be Creative

To take your family togetherness to a more challenging, and therefore, more rewarding, level, why not take on a creative project? This can be great fun, such as designing and building a garden feature, for example. Creativity is also a great stress buster. These types of activities exercise and engage your brain in beneficial ways, and you're not likely to be thinking of your problems. Creative tasks help to clear your mind, and when you ‘emerge’ from your creative session, you will feel more able to deal with life. 

If your family prefers to appreciate creativity rather than take it on themselves, why not visit a gallery or museum? Doing so can be an excellent way to find some common ground and have a fun day out, plus it will give you something to talk about afterward.

6. Help Others

There are always people who need help, and if you can assist them as a family, this is a way to make your time together especially meaningful. Maybe you have an elderly neighbor who needs help getting their groceries and doing chores around the house, or perhaps there is a new mom nearby who would appreciate a homecooked meal or a chance to have a rest while someone else watches the baby. There are dozens of different ways that you can make a difference in your own neighborhood, so take a look around and see what you can do. Just a small act can make a massive difference to someone else’s life.

London Illustration Fair Celebrates its 5th Birthday With Biggest Programme Ever

The Couple, by Billy Clark. The artist is producing an exclusive range of images and merchandise for the Fair.

If you're a fan of illustration, graphic art or design, the London Illustration Fair (LIF) is a must-see, offering the opportunity to come face to face with your favourite artists and discover new artwork from emerging illustrators. Running from 29th November to 2nd December, LIF will be celebrating its fifth birthday with five floors of artwork, prints, workshops, talks and much more from some of the world’s most renowned artists and designers. Returning for a jam-packed four-day festival at the much loved Bargehouse at Oxo Tower Wharf on the Southbank, the fair is geared to both illustration enthusiasts and alternative Christmas shoppers. The LIF 2018 will feature first time exhibitors alongside big names, with over 60 artists exhibiting and selling their work. This year's programme is bigger and better than ever, with workshops, masterclasses, entertaining discussions and in-depth industry talks.

To celebrate their 5th birthday, LIF has invited five featured artists and companies to help create their most engaging programme of activity to date:

• Morag Myerscough, Illustration superstar, will be adorning the fair's entrance space with one of her big, bold and bright installations. 
• Bread Collective will be producing a large mural for the fair in their distinctive typographic style before leading a group of school children to produce their own large-scale artwork.
• Billy Clark will be creating the LIF marketing imagery as well as producing a range of images and merchandise exclusively for the fair.
• Great Ormond Street Hospital will be celebrating 30 years of fundraising with 30 leading illustrators’ work, including Anthony Burrill, Hattie Stewart and Supermundane.
• People of Print will be running tote bag screen-printing sessions, celebrating designs of emerging illustrators from the fair.

For tickets to LIF and to book workshops and talks, visit www.thelondonillustrationfair.co.uk. I'll be there with my daughter, looking for inspiration which I'm sure we are guaranteed to find! 

A work by Billy Clark

Discovery Pavilion by Morag Myerscough & Luke Morgan. Photo credit: Gareth Gardner 

An installation by Morag Myerscough

Temple of Agape by Morag Myerscough & Luke Morgan. Photo credit: Gareth Gardner

How to Remove Carpet Stains Quickly and Easily

The beauty of any carpet comes down to its pristine appearance. But keeping your carpet in mint condition requires a bit of know-how and the right tools. There are so many types of carpet stains that will make your carpet look dull and old if you don't get on top of them right away. A question that most homeowners ask at some point is how they can remove a stain that is standing in the way of having a spotless home, and we've got some solutions. 

Common Types of Stains:

There are hundreds of different kinds of potential stains. These are the most common:

• Pet stains
• Coffee stains
• Ink stains
• Blood stains and other protein-based stains
• Water soluble stains (beverages, soda, water paints)
• Paint
• Wax
• Fat and oil stains

The Most Effective Cleaning Ingredients 

Did you know that you can find effective simple ingredients for a complete carpet wash in your own home? If your carpet is very expensive or delicate, you may want to use a professional cleaning service instead of trying to clean it yourself. Visit Simplymaid cleaning service in Australia, AU to discuss your carpet cleaning needs. Here is a list of those helpful ingredients:

• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Natural soap
• Lemon juice
• Bleach
• Hydrogen Peroxide

How to clean different kinds of stains

1. Paint

Paint stains are usually hard to remove. You need to act fast while the paint is still wet. 

How to clean: Using a brush, alcohol, water, and a towel, scrub the colored area repeatedly until the paint comes out. Rinse the carpet thoroughly with warm water for best results. 

2. Coffee Stains

Coffee stains are a stubborn.  To deal with them, you need a pair of hand towels, a litre of warm water, vinegar, and a stain remover solution. 

How to clean: Gently scrub the stained area until it the stain lifts. Next, rinse the spot with cold water until it becomes clean. Leave the carpet to dry.

3. Wax 

Wax is particularly tricky to get out. However, there is a simple solution.

How to clean: Place an ice cube on top of the wax for approximately 20 minutes and allow it to freeze. Once the wax is frozen, gently pull it out starting from the sides and move inwards. Wash the spot with cold water. Allow the carpet to dry.

4. Protein-Based Stains (Blood)

Blood stains aren't as difficult to remove as you may think. Cold water (this keeps the fibres open and helps the stain lift, as opposed to hot water which makes fibres tighter and traps the stain), natural soap/detergent, and bleach are common ingredients you can use to wash away the blood.

How to clean: Soak the stained area in cold water before adding a scoop of powder detergent - this should remove some or even most of the stain depending how it has set. Let the solution soak for approximately 15-20 minutes. Scrub gently with a piece of cotton cloth until the blood stain comes out. Rinse the spot with a lot of water. Let the carpet dry completely.

5. Ink Stains

Ink stains are a bit challenging to work with. Scrubbing the stain will only spread the ink wider. If you want to get rid of this kind of stain, use alcohol concentrated solutions like vinegar and lots of water.

How to clean: Apply alcohol/vinegar/lemon juice on the stain. DO NOT ALLOW IT TO DRY. Gently wipe the area to avoid the ink from spreading. Wash the area with lots of cold water. Use a dryer to effectively dry the carpet.

6. Fat and Oil Stains

Cleaning an oil stain can be easier compared to some other stains. Water and natural soap are the only ingredients needed for a clean wash.

How to do it: First, soak the stain in hot water as oil tends to melt when exposed to high temperatures. Apply soap and scrub gently until the oil comes out. Rinse with warm water and allow to dry.

Stain Removal Methods

It's also good to know the four different techniques used in professional carpet cleaning, should you need to take this route.

1. Steam carpet cleaning
2. Foam encapsulation
3. Shampooing
4. Bonneting/surface cleaning/

If you try these simple methods to remove carpet stains and you notice only a minimal difference, it may be time to consult a professional carpet cleaner to bring back the beauty of your carpet.

How to Find Your Perfect Home

Our home is such an important part of our life. It’s our place of comfort, and our refuge at the end of the day. It's where we spend time with our family, watch the kids grow, and experience so much of our life. Therefore, we want our homes to provide the best of everything, and typically, it takes a few moves over the years to achieve our ideal home. 

If you're thinking of moving house, here are a few tips to make your search for your perfect home a little easier. 

Start searching ahead of time

Starting your search before you're itching to move will help you gain perspective on the housing market, focus on what you really want in your next home, and ultimately make an informed decision when you make an offer. Throughout the process, you will see how many times you change your mind about what you thought you wanted, so allowing yourself the time to consider your options with clarity, rather than make an emotional or compulsive decision, will save you from possibly making a costly mistake. 

Look at the neighbourhood

The neighbourhood is just as important as the look and feel of the home itself, in fact, it influences it. Find out how safe it is and try to talk to any of your potential neighbours to get a sense of the street. And spend time there at different times of the day to observe what's going on. Some side streets may seem quiet because they are not main roads, but in fact may be used by drivers as throughways to other streets, resulting in traffic and possibly speeding. This is especially important to know if you have young children. 

Think of the kids

If you have a family with kids, convincing them to move could be a challenge, especially if they have to change schools and have friends in the neighbourhood. For their happiness and harmony in the family, you will want your move to cause as little disruption as possible for your children. Consider neighbourhoods where there are lots of young families and parks, and look into the quality of the schools and your potential homes' proximity to them. 

Stick to your budget

Although it’s important to find your perfect home, you also need to find one that is within your budget. Taking on a larger mortgage than what you know you can realistically manage monthly will only lead to problems and turn your dream home into a nightmare. If you feel that you have to settle for something less, keep an open mind and look for homes that are adequate for now and have potential for upgrades and expansion, so that you can gradually turn the house into your dream home. 

Stay near your work

You spend so much of your life at work, and your travel to and from makes that time commitment that much more substantial, so minimizing your commute should be a priority. Avoid creating a dilemma for yourself and only look for houses within a feasible radius of your work; you don't want to tempt yourself with a lovely home that will add three hours to your work day, for example. But, if you can get twice the house for the same price outside of your radius, it's up to you and your family as to whether or not this trade-off is worth it in the end. 

Consult real estate agents

No matter how good your are at house hunting, you should consider hiring a real estate agent who will make the process more efficient and ultimately, more successful. They know the market and how to get you the most value for your budget. Have you ever thought about moving to a coastal area for a life near the beach, such as Myrtle Beach? What about a place that is known for its friendly people? The agents, such as those from JP Real Estate Experts, will take you through your options in this desirable area and introduce you to the best homes for sale. 

Picture yourself there

This is a place you will be living in for many years, so you need to be able to see yourself there. If you are currently in your 20s or 30s, can you picture what life will be like in your 40s or 50s, living in the same place? Does the thought of this put a smile on your face or make you feel uneasy? These are the type of questions that you should ask yourself and consider thoroughly before you commit.

Consider the future value

Consult your real estate agent about the future value of homes in any neighbourhood you're considering. If it's a growing area, this is a good sign that you're investing well, although a lot can change a couple of decades or more down the road. While resale value shouldn't be a top priority as it's what makes you happy now that counts, it’s still a consideration to keep in mind, especially if you plan to stay until your retirement years. 

Does it make you feel happy

Feeling content and fulfilled isn't something that can be determined by details on paper; it's a very subjective combination of factors that determines whether you are happy or not. This is why it’s important for you to attend the open houses and spend time in these homes to get a feel for them. Remember, a happy life is why you are looking to move in the first place, so go with what your gut is telling you. It has to feel right to be right. 

At the end of the day, it's very important that you don't get over-excited and rush a decision, even if you think the house is flawless; our emotions can greatly alter our perceptions of situations and you may overlook some deal-breakers in favour of a luxurious feature or two. And if the process goes the other way and drags out, be patient and know that your ideal house will eventually come onto the market. Go about your house search the proper way and it will pay off with the perfect home for you and your family. 

Contemporary Forest Home is Built for an Idyllic Retirement

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Who wouldn't love the idea of retiring in a natural light-filled home in the forest, with as much space as you could possibly need for living and indulging your passions? Trevor McIvor Architect Inc. has created exactly this in a rural area near Whitby, Ontario, for a client who is a vintage car collector.  

Petaluma House is a split-level, open plan contemporary dwelling with clean lines and an elegant composition. A double-height glazed atrium filled with bamboo trees at the entrance brings natural daylight into the lower level entertainment and recreation rooms. An elegant, open-riser concrete and steel stair accentuates this space, nestled between the tall vegetation and an indoor waterfall.

Keeping age in mind, a pneumatic see-through elevator shaft was integrated into the design, connecting all levels and adding an industrial touch.

The interior features finished concrete floors throughout with radiant-in-floor heating and cooling. The house has ample daylight and provides a comfortable atmosphere with natural ventilation.

The main living space encompasses an open kitchen, with a dining room, and a screened porch which has the ability to merge with the interior or the outside of the dwelling. The slightly lowered living room is fully glazed and is connected with an ipe wood balcony.

Elements of whitewashed Douglas Fir cedars and soffits, mahogany, concrete and glass appear throughout the house, providing a natural, yet timeless palette.

The master ensuite, a spa-like nook is located within the master bedroom; a modern approach with a very open, natural feeling.

An integrated and fully glazed attached car garage, which looks out onto the surrounding ravine, was built for the resident to store his cars. 

Source: v2com

Photo credit: Adrian Ozimek 

A Guide to Setting Up the Perfect Shop

If you're looking to set up a shop, cafe, or salon, creating the right mix for success will take some work. There is a lot to consider, from choosing the appropriate location, deciding the start up budget, designing the interior and exterior, branding, hiring the right staff, and much more. It's a huge commitment of time, energy and money, but when you put the effort into the right channels, the reward is seeing your dreams come to fruition. 

Here's a quick guide to setting up your perfect shop and creating the ideal work environment.

Setting up in the right area

Choosing the location of your store is one of the most difficult decisions to make, as it can make or break your business. You'll be looking for the highest traffic area that you can afford, and you want to be sure that customers can get there easily and that there are no parking issues in the area. Research your competition on the street you've chosen. A similar shop a few doors down isn't necessarily a bad thing if it brings customers looking for what you're selling to the area, and there are key differences between your offering and the competitor's. A major factor to look out for is how businesses prosper in this location - do they come and go in the blink of an eye? Are there a lot of empty shops? However, sometimes problem areas eventually experience a regeneration, and this could be an opportunity for you to get on board a growing business district on a limited budget if your timing is right. 

Determine your monthly budget

As much as you may want to establish your business in the best of locations, you will need to be realistic about your budget. While it's normal to give your business a year or two before you make back your investment and start to show a profit, many businesses fail quickly because their expenses get out of hand before they've even begun trading, and then stay consistently higher than what the shop is taking in; there's a point where you have to cut your losses. Weigh your investment with the potential income. If your funds are especially limited, a good rule of thumb is to start in a more modest, but visible, location, and then as your business grows you can consider moving to a larger building or to a more high profile area. 

Your furniture and décor

The aesthetics of your shop will play a major role in how it is perceived by potential customers. First, the exterior is what will draw people in. An attractive colour of paint can work wonders, as well as a clever or pleasant business name and signage, and ideally, your shop window will display your offerings in a creative and eye-catching way. For the interior, determine what type of theme and mood fits your branding. You may want to consult a professional to help you with this; it will be money well spent if you choose the right person who understands your vision. When you have a plan, ask yourself if your shop design is one that would make you want to walk into and explore. 

The right employees

Your staff is everything at the end of the day as they represent you and your business to the public. A great employee will bring in sales and make customers want to return, and work as a team, so hire with experience and a specific type of personality in mind. Then train them to carry through your values in every aspect of the business, and reward them for doing it well. 

Loving what you do

If you love what you do you will be more productive and it will be easier to go to work every day and weather the tough times. People can tell the difference between someone who enjoys what they are doing and someone who is unhappy, and both attitudes will trickle down to the staff and affect the mood in the shop. If you lose motivation, you may want to rethink your business. There's no failing; it comes down to what makes you happy. 

Consider a mixed-use building

The type of building that you choose will also play a role in the overall tone of the environment. It will be tricky to find one that is budget friendly and in a high traffic area, but it can be done. You could, for instance, choose a mixed-use development which is something that blends together commercial, entertainment and even residential use. For instance, your storefront could be on the ground level, while above you there are apartments. Given the advancements in architecture, these types of developments have become more common, especially in busy cities. You can learn more about finding this type of urban development online, as well as how architectural sunshades and canopies work together to create a flattering and industrial look.

Stay current and true

The type of products that you are selling should be true to your brand and represent what you want to achieve with your store. It's crucial that you stay on top of trends so that your business stays competitive, while maintaining your unique selling points. You want to offer what the public is looking for, but what will make a real difference is being able to offer something your customers didn't know they wanted when they came in. You want to be the innovator amongst your competitors, so forward thinking is imperative at all times. Finally, don’t be afraid to switch things up sometimes to keep things fresh, as long as you retain your brand identity along the way.

If you're not ready to commit just yet, you could consider pop-up shop events to test the waters and build visibility of your brand. This could even be your business model in the right circumstances!

Dos and Don’ts in Buying Heavy Equipment for Your Garden

Maintaining the beauty of your garden is essential in highlighting the architectural design of your property. If you have a massive garden at your home, manual labour may not be enough to keep it up. You need heavy equipment to lighten the load.

Buying your equipment can be a wiser choice than renting if you will be using it regularly, for a long time. If you continue to rent equipment or hire services, after a year or two, you would have already spent the same amount of money had you bought your own. The savings could add up significantly after several years. 

Before buying heavy equipment, take note of some dos and don’ts to help guide your decision.

Do decide if you will buy new or used equipment

You may want to buy brand new equipment if you are not restricted to a budget. However, if you want to get what you need for as little money as possible, you may want to check out the auctions where you can save a significant amount off the retail price. Look for reputable auctioneers and gather as much information about the equipment being auctioned as you can before you raise your paddle. Equipment in auctions is offered on an “as is where is” basis, so you'll need to know the condition of the item before buying along with any faults it may have, and you'll have to pick it up from its location yourself.

If you are buying new equipment, all of the information is readily available from the dealers. The advantages are that you get the full warranty and on-going technical support and you can a choice of the latest models with advanced features. The only disadvantage is the price. Yes, new heavy equipment is costly, but it should serve you well into the future. 

Do research for a good brand

There are so many trusted brands of heavy machinery. To know which brand is the best for a certain heavy equipment:

• Do a background check on the brand’s service history.
• Look for blogs or reviews on how well that brand has worked for other users.
• Check the brand’s reputation with regards to reliability and durability. There are brands that are very expensive because they are so well known, but there are also others that are not as popular but offer the same quality of products for a fraction of the cost.

Do take it for a test drive

When you buy heavy equipment, you want to make sure it’s working as it should, so test it first. Ideally, you'll bring someone along who can confirm with authority that the machine is solid, or identify any faults, especially when it comes to buying used. While testing:

• Check every function the machine offers.
• Listen to the sounds it makes.
• Let it run for a few minutes and do actual work.

Don’t settle for anything that that doesn't run properly, no matter the price. 

Do check if parts are available

One important thing you have to check in advance is whether replacement parts are readily available. Here’s what you can do:

• Ask the seller which parts are usually the first ones to need replacing due to wear and tear, such as the rubber tracks for skid steers, and where you can buy them.
• If you are buying used equipment, ask the seller which parts have already been replaced so that you know when you will need to replace them again.
• Avoid brands or models that have been phased out because, most likely, their parts will no longer be available, either. These machines can be very tempting because they tend to come highly discounted, but there's a reason for that, and a great deal could wind up costing you far more in the end. 

Now, here are the buying mistakes you'll want to avoid.

Don’t buy without getting an official receipt

Receipts are your only solid proof of the purchase, and you need the receipt if you have to send the equipment back either for repair or replacement.

We can’t assume that the machine won’t break even if it’s brand new. That is why there should be a warranty on its parts and service. You will always be asked for the receipt if you will be taking your equipment for maintenance or repair. Once your receipt is lost, you will also lose your warranty and the free service. You will then need to send your equipment to a repair shop at your own expense.

Don’t buy without a title

When you buy heavy equipment, ask for its title which should be transferred to your name. If a seller isn't able to present a title, you may back out of the deal. Any heavy equipment without a title may be stolen or still has a lien. A reputable seller or dealer should inform you if the equipment is already fully paid or not. 

In case a title is not applicable, check the machine numbers or any identification from the machine, and consult with your local law enforcement to check if it’s stolen. Better be safe than face legal troubles in the future.

Always keep these tips in mind when shopping for heavy equipment so that you will have an enduring, trusty machine to help you take good care of your garden.

Optinid's Tiny House Features a Bedroom That Opens Up to the Sky

We've become a bit obsessed with the tiny house movement that seems to be showing no sign of slowing down, thanks to innovative approaches to design that make this unconventional style of living more and more appealing. One of the latest temptations to make us want to consider extreme downsizing comes from the French builder Optinid. "La tête dans les étoiles" (head in the stars) is a tiny house that features a sliding roof, opening up a bedroom or living space to the sky and unlimited fresh air. 

The solar-powered home can sleep one or two and includes a daybed, folding desk, and a folding dining table that seats up to three. The cooker is propane-fuelled, And yes, it includes a shower and a separate toilet. The house also collects rainwater that it pumps and filters for drinking. 

If you've got €54,000 and some land to live on, this teensy home can be yours! 

Source: Optinid.fr

How to Use Style Effectively When Selling Your Home

The standard advice for anyone selling their home is to make it as neutral and inoffensive as possible, so that it will appeal to the greatest number of buyers. Dispensing of the personality and style you’ve imparted to the house then excludes the chance to use design touches that you believe enhance the property. While it’s true that a fairly blank canvas is what appeals to most buyers, that doesn’t mean you can’t use design principles and dashes of your own style to make your home stand out from the crowd.

Why neutral is preferable

Studies show that when people view houses, they find it very hard to strip away the homeowner's style and visualize what lays beneath. When people are observed viewing houses, it’s fascinating how often they will reject a place because it has a wallpaper pattern they dislike, or carpet in a color that seems wrong. Of course these are all aspects of the décor that are easily remedied, and yet people often can't get past these temporary eyesores and see the home's potential. That’s why neutral color schemes are the default recommendation for showing a house, because they are the least likely to detract from the structure itself.

Using colour and style to your advantage

The downside of showing your house as a neutral blank canvas is that it can come across as dull and lacking warmth and personality. When people are actively viewing houses, it takes something memorable to catch their attention and stay at the forefront of their mind. Therefore, a house with a touch of style can genuinely stand out from the crowd and make a positive impression on potential buyers.

The safest way to inject a bit of vibrancy into your home is with accent colours. Keeping the walls neutral shades, and adding complementary cushions, rugs, or drapes in solid shades, will add a spark to what could be a bland space. For instance, light grey walls could be brought to life with pale blue accents around the room. Avoid bold and contrasting colours in favour of tone on tone which reads as understated elegance. In this case, a little goes a long way, and people tend to respond strongly to colour, so use it cautiously to avoid a negative reaction. The key is subtlety. 

Furniture and accessories

The same principle of neutrality is generally recommended when it comes to furniture and accessories in your home. The trick to getting the furniture right is to choose pieces that maximize the impression of space, and avoid anything that looks out of proportion or makes the room seem smaller. You should dress each room to highlight the space and light available, and remove anything that takes up space without adding to the ambiance. You might want to consider using a theme for your layout, for example the mid-century modern look is a classic, open design that sets rooms off well to potential buyers. Try as much as possible to dress a room in the manner to which it would be described in the sales particulars. For instance, if you use your third bedroom to store all your junk, clear it out and put a bed in it so people can see how it will look as a bedroom rather than an oversized closet.

Depersonalizing your house

When you’ve put a lot of effort into personalizing your space and decorating it in a way that appeals to you, it can be dispiriting to feel you have to wipe that character out of your home. The way to look at it is that this place won’t be your home for much longer, and hopefully, you will soon be moving on to bigger and better things. Be sure to take photos before you make it over if you've become attached to your home. 

If you put in the effort to make your current home more attractive to others, you should end up with a quicker sale and more money in your pocket, which you can then use to transform your new home into something even better. With that in mind, get decluttering and move out or get rid of all the accumulated possessions and bits and pieces that have built up over the years. Once you’ve cleared all your personal items out of the way, you’ll be surprised how different your home seems, and you’ll then be ready to clean, touch up, redecorate, repair, and re-dress the house ready for viewings.

Retaining warmth and style

Once you’ve removed all the clutter, completed any touching up or decorating that needs doing, and rearranged the rooms to show them off to best effect, take a step back and look at what you’ve achieved so far. Does the house seem inviting? Are there enough touches of style and color to make it memorable to prospective buyers? Ideally, you want to be somewhere between being a representation of you and your life, and the kind of identikit interiors new build houses often have. Keep the objects that make a statement or have artistic value, but take away the detritus of your daily life. If you have tasteful or thought-provoking artworks or framed photographs, these could add the style notes that will catch a prospective buyer’s eye.

There are all sorts of emotions at work when you make the decision to put your home up for sale. The reasons you’re selling could be positive, for instance, moving to a new area when you get a great job opportunity, getting married, or being able to afford the house of your dreams. There could also be less positive reasons for moving, such as a relationship breakdown, or downsizing due to ageing. Either way, it may be a bit of an emotional rollercoaster when you prepare to sell, but if you can present your home in a way that makes it easier for you to leave, while at the same time attracting the right person to move in, you’ll find the process more productive and a lot less stressful.

Catherine Deneuve's Wardrobe Designed by Yves St. Laurent to be Auctioned

Christie’s France has announced the sale of Catherine Deneuve’s wardrobe, to be held on 24 January 2019. The dresses, suits and accessories are a moving testimony of the friendship between Catherine Deneuve and Yves Saint Laurent, a relationship which lasted for several decades. Nearly 300 lots will be presented in total to the numerous connoisseurs and international collectors in Paris during Haute Couture Fashion Week. Christie’s will offer nearly 150 lots during a live auction, in addition to an online sale accessible to digital bidders from 23 to 30 January 2019.

Catherine Deneuve says: “In 1965, I was invited to be presented to Queen Elizabeth II and my husband David Bailey, a fashion photographer, suggested that I ask Yves Saint Laurent for an evening dress. I arrived at Rue Spontini with a photo from the Russian Collection from the previous year which he agreed to create for me.

A long white crepe dress with a panel of red embroidery was the start of a long professional collaboration and friendship. His consummate gravitas during the fittings together with his shy charm outside the atelier made all the years we shared so enchanting - our silent complicity, our crazy laughter and our melancholy brought us together.  I was only 20 years old and I had the privilege of being given access to this world of luxury, to train my eye and my taste by his side. He dressed me several times in films and I think that Belle de Jour in particular owes a great deal to him. Now, I am leaving my house in Normandy where I kept this wardrobe - not without a certain sadness - these are the creations of such a talented man who only designed clothes to beautify women”.

François de Ricqlès, President of Christie’s France adds: “We are honoured to have been entrusted with the sale of Catherine Deneuve’s wardrobe. This auction is particularly dear to our hearts, having organized the legendary Yves Saint Laurent & Pierre Bergé sale at the Grand Palais ten years ago. It is a pleasure to offer these pieces which bear witness to a love story and a friendship between a most talented French actress and the most illustrious designer of all times”.

Live Auction: Thursday 24 January 2019 at 6pm
Online sale: From 23 to 30 January 2019 on www.christies.com
Viewings: From Saturday 19 to Thursday 24 January from 10am to 6pm. Open on Sunday from 2pm to 6pm.
Christie’s: 9 avenue Matignon, 75008 Paris

How to Boost Your Home's Appeal From Top to Bottom

Whether you want to increase your home's attractiveness to make it more valuable, look more expensive, or to be able to say that you live in a well-kept house, there are steps you can take to achieve all of these goals. Let's look at some ways to give your home's appeal a boost from top to bottom.

Your Roof

It's easy to forget your roof since you don't often notice it, but others do, and by starting at the very top of your house you can assure a thorough upgrade to your home. 

If you've been lamenting that your roof doesn't quite fit the style of your home, or you're interested in creating a completely different look, you could consider changing the pitch of your roof to achieve a brand new style. It's a very involved project, but doable in the right hands. There are many types of eye-catching roofs you can choose from, including: gambrel, a barn-like style of roof that features a peak and two slopes on each side; gable, a traditional kind of roofing that is the perfect fortress against rain and snow; and bonnet, a unique type of roof with a steep angle and an even steeper slope. 

If you aren’t willing to have an entirely new roof built, cleaning your current one can greatly improve the way it looks. This involves removing all algae, mold, mildew, lichen and moss that may have built up on it to ensure that it looks as good as it did when it was first built. If you don’t think that you are up to this task, then be sure to read more about a professional roof cleaning service that is qualified to do it for you. 

Your Attic

Under your roof is your attic, and the best way to boost the appeal of this space is to convert it into a liveable area. By committing to this project, you’ll transform a damp storage space that is full of dust and cobwebs into a unique room your family can use. 

When converting an attic into a bedroom, you need a well considered plan. This plan should outline all of the details the room requires, such as the number and placement of electrical outlets and light switches, and the size of furniture the space will accommodate. With your plan worked out, you can then get your conversion underway. And remember not to buy major furniture until the project is complete in case significant adjustments need to be made along the way. 

An important aspect to keep in mind when converting your attic is the insulation. To keep your heating bills from going through the roof, you should have spray foam installed on the underside of the roof, and have blown-in cellulose attached to the areas of the walls that are hard to reach or are particularly prone to losing heat. Once all of the tough work is completed, you can have fun creating your decor scheme. 

Your Upstairs

As you move down in your home, the next place you will find yourself in is your upstairs area (unless you live in a bungalow). Here is probably where your bedrooms and bathroom are located as well as the landing space that connects them, and by focusing on improving the aesthetics of these spaces, you will create a more attractive interior. 

With regards to your bathroom, making sure it's always neat and clean is important as you never know who is going to pop in and ask to use the room. Hang clean towels and make sure the toilet and sink are sparkling at all times. When it comes to your landing area and hallway, you can maximize the space by keeping it clear and filled with light. To go one step further, you could make a feature of the walls that lead up to your landing area, by creating a photo gallery or adding a graphic wallpaper. A style of stairs that is very much in at the moment is hardwood topped with a carpet runner, and you can use this to bring bold colour or contemporary patterns, such as stripes, into your decor, and draw the eye up to your second floor. 

Your Downstairs

On the ground floor is where your kitchen and living room typically sit, and boosting the appeal of both of these rooms will have significant impact on first impressions of your home as well as resale value. 

When undertaking a renovation on your kitchen, the more you can invest, the better. If your budget allows, have the whole room remodeled in the best quality you can afford. Install new cabinets, appliances, flooring and lighting, and if it fits your layout, you may want to add an island or breakfast nook.

In regards to your living space, a good rule of thumb is to create a communal feel. The best way to achieve this is to have seating facing each other to facilitate conversation in a comfortable setting. And warm details, even if you have a cool colour scheme, will make the space feel pleasant and welcoming. Think lush textures and lots of natural light. 

Once you have your home in shape top to bottom, you can feel confident that your home is everything you want it to be. 

How to Prevent Electrical Hazards in Your Home

Electrical hazards are very dangerous. If your home electrics aren’t treated with care, they can cause serious injury or even become fatal for you and your loved ones. To keep everyone in your family safe, it is crucial that preventive measures are in place and that they are checked and maintained regularly.

Here’s what you can do to prevent electrical hazards in your home.

Ensure electricity and water are kept separate

If you want to avoid electrical hazards, then you have to absolutely ensure that water and electricity are kept well away from each other in your home at all times. As you know, they do not mix, and having them in close proximity will likely see them do just that.

If the situation should arise where any electrical devices have come into contact with water or even just moisture, you should head to your home’s panel board and shut off the power that is fed to the corresponding circuit. If you want to be extra cautious, then you should turn your power off altogether until an expert has told you that it is safe to turn it back on. Another scenario to avoid is leaving your electric lawnmower outside and risking it getting wet in the rain, so make it a rule to always put it back in the shed as soon as you're finished with the lawn. The same goes for all of your outdoor electrical tools - store them in a dry area at all times when they are not being used.

If an excessive amount of water finds its way into your home, be it through natural flooding or a burst pipe, then you have to do more than just turn your electrics off. You have to get in touch with a water restoration company, and you have to do so right away. These experts will come into your home and stopgap the water that is causing the electrical damage, and they would even safeguard your home going forward to ensure nobody is electrocuted.

Have GFCIs installed

You should have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) installed in your home if you are serious about preventing electrical hazards in your home. What these receptacles do is detect current leakage or ground faults whenever they arise, shutting off the power automatically if they ever detect a problem. By doing so, they stop your fuses from being blown, and that means you don’t have the hassle and expense of replacing them in the future.

Install outlet covers

If you have children or animals, then you should certainly be investing in outlet covers. This kind of casing prevents small children from sticking things, including tiny fingers, into your electrical outlets, which stops them from faulting and becoming a hazard. More importantly, they restrict your babies and pets and stop them sticking parts of their own body in the outlets, an action that can result in injury and fatalities.

Replace broken wall plates

Wall plates and tiles aren’t just there to look pretty. They also help to protect you and your family from the wiring found behind them, which makes replacing broken ones imperative. If you don’t, then you are at risk of coming into direct contact with the wires that run electricity all around your home, and one wrong move could see both you and your home in big trouble. 

Make sure light bulb wattage ratings are matched to your lamps

You can’t just pick a light bulb and hope for the best. What you need to do in order to avoid electrical hazards is become very particular with your bulb sourcing, paying close attention to their wattage ratings and how they align with your lamps’ own wattage specifications. By choosing too strong a bulb, you will likely overload your chosen lamp’s wiring, and this could result in the triggering of an electrical fire.

You can find the maximum wattage level that your chosen lamp can handle printed around its socket — make sure to write what you find down before you head to your local hardware store so that you know what kind of bulb you should be looking for while there.

If you want to stop electrical hazards turning into live problems for you and your loved ones in the future, then putting the preventive advice found above into practice will put your mind at ease!

Chisel & Mouse Capture Life and Big Ideas in Miniature Models

It's our enduring fascination with buildings and cityscapes and the desire to have small scale models of them in our home that inspired London-based studio Chisel & Mouse. Chisel & Mouse describe themselves as the combination of an artisan’s approach (the chisel) with modern innovation and transformative technologies (the mouse). By capturing life and its big ideas in miniature, the brand celebrates the beauty of our industrialised world.

To make a scale model of a building or cityscape requires dexterity, artistry, a keen eye for detail and patience. At Chisel & Mouse, brothers Robert and Gavin Paisley have been casting and handcrafting exact physical representations of architectural landmarks and cityscapes since 2011. Every piece is a finely balanced sculpture and a remarkably faithful impression of an iconic building or world city. Robert and Gavin strive to communicate and depict works that are aesthetically pleasing, thorough and honest in their presentation.

The brand’s meticulous edit of famous buildings includes the modernist Bauhaus Dessau by Walter Gropius, the brutalist Trellick Tower by Erno Goldfinger, and the art nouveau Helsinki Central Station by Gottlieb Eliel Saarinen. A number of limited-edition models and miniature minis complete the handmade (signed and dated) collection.

New additions include the acclaimed modern mid-century classic Farnsworth House, two stunning Nicholas Hawksmoor London Churches and three classic architectural models by François Fouquet from the Sir John Soane’s Museum collection.

Chisel & Mouse's models offer a fascinating opportunity to explore and capture the urban landscape in three-dimensional form. With the brand’s cityscapes, the duo are crafting an artistic representation of the physical geography of a city, capturing in faithful detail its architecture, thoroughfares, parks and waterways. 

To produce its cityscapes, Chisel & Mouse use satellite data to create a digital model. With this model, a 3D printed version of the built environment is made; combined with traditional moulding and plaster casting, the digital–—andmade cityscape is crafted. Accurate to the nearest metre, cityscapes are scaled at 1:5000 and capture an area of 1.5  m x  .5  m. In its Classic Series, Chisel & Mouse have made nine precise cityscape models, including the City of London, Manhattan’s southern tip and the area around Venice’s Canal Grande. Each model measures 0  m x  0  m and is enclosed in a removable perspex frame.

There are two additional variations of the cityscape series made by Chisel & Mouse: the Blue River Series is similar to the Classic Series, but with the addition of a brilliant blue hue to highlight each city’s waterways; the Large Cityscape Series includes larger models of London (at a scale of 1:2500) and New York (at a scale of 1:5000)—each model is made in resin, measures  0  m x  0  m and is displayed in a wooden frame.

A bespoke service from Chisel & Mouse is the perfect solution for people who desire architectural models of a celebrated building, a private residence or a much-loved city.  

Read This Checklist Before Taking On a Home Improvement Project

Ready to renovate? Before you take on your next project make sure that you have the right tools on hand. These 10 tools can help you get more done around the house, whether you’re sprucing things up or undergoing a complete renovation.

Measuring Tape

Every handy person should have a measuring tape in their toolbox. And it’s a tool that every renter and every homeowner should be familiar with. Tape measures are commonly found in varying lengths, including 12 feet, 25 feet and 100 feet. This tool can measure objects as well as the distance between objects found in and around your home.

Dust Mask

Some home improvements can be hazardous. That is why it is important to protect yourself. If you’re working in an environment where flying debris, paint fumes or drywall dust is present, always wear a protective dust mask. Wearing proper safety gear when undergoing improvements around the home can protect you from unnecessary damage to your body and your health.

Hammer

Not just for hammering nails, your traditional hammer can be used as a wood-splitter, wrecking tool or blade straightener. While you’ll likely use your hammer to put nails in the wall to hang artwork or photos, it might just be of use for another task, too.

Hex Keys

Hex keys, also called an Allen wrench, are more like screwdrivers than wrenches. Like screwdrivers, hex keys fit inside of the fastener head rather than around it like a wrench. This tool will come in handy when you are putting together furniture, and it can even be used to tune up a bike.

Step Ladder

A sturdy, portable step ladder can help you access hard-to-reach areas around the home. Whether you are painting your living space and need to paint the details around the crown molding or if you need to reach an item that is stored on a high shelf, this can be a valuable tool to keep around.

Level

This tool can be used to find horizontal level and vertical alignment. The multipurpose tool can be used to hang items on the wall and it can also be used for larger projects such as leveling bookshelves and appliances.

Safety Glasses

Like dust masks, safety glasses are an essential safety tool that all homeowners should wear when working on potentially hazardous home improvements. Safety glasses labeled as high-impact goggles will protect your eyes best, as these types protect more of your face, including the sensitive areas around your eyes.

Socket Wrench Set

From automotive work to small appliance repair, the socket wrench is a valuable tool that can get the job done. The variety of different sizes that you will find in a complete socket wrench set will give you the tools to tackle nearly any home repair task.

Electrician’s Pliers

There may be over a dozen different types of pliers, but the electrician’s pliers can be used for a range of tasks. These tasks vary from general construction and plumbing to more delicate repairs that require you to work around sensitive wires.

Sledge Hammer

For more complex home improvements or demolitions, such as taking down drywall, a sledgehammer may be required. This tool can be used to break up concrete slabs and can also be used to drive stakes into the ground.

With these tools at your fingertips, you can take on any home improvement with confidence.

Natalia Vodianova Joins UNFPA in Event to Tackle Taboos Around Women's Health

“Let’s Talk!” 2018 is a global event led by supermodel and philanthropist Natalia Vodianova and UNFPA, the UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency, convening thought leaders, change makers and policy shapers to create sustainable solutions to tackle the taboos surrounding women’s health around the world. The event will feature Davos style panel discussions followed by an awards ceremony spotlighting the work of male/female change makers across the world in this sector.

Amongst those participating at the Let’s Talk event include a number of leading campaigners and advocates for women’s health, who will form part of a panel looking to focus on mental health within the young female demographic and attitudes towards women’s health, sexual education and body positivity. It will delve into the mindset of millennials and their perspectives of themselves and how they can be change makers.

As part of her endless commitment to tackling the worldwide taboos of women’s and mental health, panel host activist and model Adwoa Aboah will be joined by Anmar Khalid of Y-PEER, Jeta Berisha of Artpolis, Professor of Psychological Medicine Reproductive Psychiatry at University of Manchester Professor Kathryn Abel and Auden Edwardes, who will share her experiences with mental health.

Worldwide, 10-20% of children and adolescents experience mental disorders, with half of all mental illnesses beginning before the age of 14. Currently, there is a damaging stigma attached to mental health, particularly within young females which often sees problems go untreated and millennials are forced to suffer in silence.

All the panellists will be engaged in how this stigma impacts the lives of women and young people especially through stereotyping. They will address how the pressures of sex and other factors are portrayed and the ultimate pressure it puts on people, in particular women. Throughout the discussion, the panellists will be drawing on their own experiences and how it has impacted them throughout their lives as well as what can be done to help put an end to such taboos.

Panellists

• Anmar Khalid, International Coordinator in Charge of Y-PEER
• Jeta Be risha, Project Coordinator Artpolis
• Professor Kathryn Abel, Professor of Psychological Medicine Reproductive Psychiatry, Director Founder of the Centre for Women’s Mental Health at the University of Manchester
• Auden Edwardes - An expert by experience, she will be sharing her own experiences of mental health and its impact on her health.

Topics

How the stigma around women’s health affects young people.

• The impact of stereotypes.
• The importance of having discussions about sex openly, how young people can learn about their own bodies.
• Millennials and their perspectives on themselves and how they can be change-makers.
• Addressing mental health issues amongst young females, and the current pressures they face.

“Let’s Talk!” 2018 is powered by Natalia Vodianova’s charitable giving platform ELBI, and will be held in partnership with UNFPA, the UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency. The event will take place with the support of partners including Turkish Airlines, Maxx Royal Resorts Association of Turkish Travel Agencies.

Looking for a Doer Upper? Here’s What You Need to Know

For many of us, the urge to create a home we can love is strong. Some people are content with just a roof over their head, but it's probably most of us that strive to build a home that reflects who we are. There are many ways to do this. Paint, paper, fabrics and furniture are all quick and easy ways to transform a space. But if you are ready to travel a bit further on your creative journey, consider buying a doer upper.

What is a Doer Upper?

A doer upper is a property that requires extensive work. We are talking more than cosmetic improvements here. A lick of paint won’t be enough to bring this place kicking and screaming into the 21st century. Doer uppers are usually older properties that have been neglected for many years; decades even. Often owned by elderly folk, doer uppers need extensive modernization. They might have a kitsch kitchen or a vintage bathroom but expect to do a lot of work to bring the place up to code.

But therein lies the charm of it all. Instead of buying a home that reflects someone else’s tastes, you have a blank canvas to work with. There might be four walls and a roof, but the rest is malleable.

Finding the Right Property

As anyone with a mortgage broker license knows, buying a home is complicated. If you need a mortgage, speak to a licensed broker. Not all lenders will consider properties with significant issues. This is where an experienced broker comes in. Their advice is golden, so listen carefully.

Next, speak to local realtors and see if there are any prospects on their books. Ask if they know of any properties that might be available in the near future or even a year on. Often, properties within the estate of a deceased individual can be caught up in red tape for many months before being sold, but realtors often have a head’s up because they will have been asked to provide a valuation.

Consider Your Budget

Think carefully about how much you can afford to spend on a property. You may well get a doer upper cheap, but don’t underestimate how much work it will need. Always have at least one thorough inspection done. Plenty of people make the mistake of skipping an inspection and it costs them dearly. Renovation projects have a habit of snowballing. Hidden issues arise and before you know you're tens of thousands over your budget, if not more. 

Find out how much money you can borrow and don’t exceed your borrowing capacity. Always have a 10% - 25% contingency fund in place. You will almost certainly need it.

Save Money on the Renovation

Where possible, look at ways to save money as your project progresses. This doesn’t mean cutting corners. Rather, try and do some of the work yourself. Most skills can be learned. Not electrics, perhaps, but certainly plumbing, joinery, and other trades. Doing most of the work yourself will be far more satisfying.

If you buy the right house and go in with realistic expectations, a solid set of skills, and the right professionals to help you where needed - your investment will pay off in the form of a very happy house. 

New Charity Shop Initiative Aims to Support More Job Seekers into the Workplace

Leading charity shops across the UK have joined forces with careers app Debut and TV fashion expert Amber Butchart to launch the ‘Dress to Impress for £10’ initiative. This initiative will help improve job prospects for millions of individuals by providing access to interview outfits for only £10 and educate job seekers on correct interview attire.

More than 650 charity shops spanning the UK will each feature a dedicated section of their retail space to the Dress to Impress initiative, and store volunteers will share advice and tips that have been provided by the BBC’s fashion expert, Amber Butchart.

The initiative will give everyone access to interview attire on a budget whilst demystifying what candidates should wear to an interview today, after research undertaken by Debut revealed that 72 percent of career hopefuls aged 16-23 didn’t know where to start.

The BBC’s Fashion Expert, Amber Butchart, who has informed the fashion advice for the campaign, says: “I'm really excited to be working with Debut and the country’s charity shops on the ‘Dress to Impress for £10’ initiative. It’s supportive, promotes sustainability and gives everyone the same chance to look and feel great during an interview.

“The UK’s charity shops are brimming with hidden gems that are waiting to go from being pre-loved to re-loved and this campaign makes it easier to find them. Thousands of store volunteers have been armed with my interview attire advice and a list of interview staples that they will be showcasing in the dedicated sections of the store, which are signposted to be found easily.”  

Fashion historian and author Amber provided insight on how to dress for an interview and the wardrobe staples that can be found in participating charity stores:

Amber’s advice:

• Research the dress policy of the company you are applying for
• Don’t be afraid to wear colour, but avoid clashing prints unless you’re interviewing for the arts or creative industries
• Smart separates can be better than an ill-fitting or poorly-made suit
• Avoid jeans and T-shirts unless you’re sure the company has a relaxed attitude to dress

• Avoid open-toed shoes, but white, low-rise sneakers (think Stan Smiths) can add a contemporary element to your professional look
• The details matter: make sure your socks match and your clothes aren’t creased
• Avoid garments with too much text, such as slogans or enormous logos
• A blazer or jacket in a dark colour is a good re-wearable piece for smartening up an outfit

Interview Staples:

• Smart trousers
• Knee length skirts
• Shirts/blouses - not formal dress shirts but smart, can include colour
• Brogues/loafers
• Smart flats and heels
• Blazers and jackets
• Knitwear - smart sweaters and cardigans

The campaign has launched in 650+ charity shops that are each displaying a window sticker and will run for as long as there is demand in-store. Find out more about the Dress to Impress for £10 campaign at www.debut.careers.

How to Prepare Your Home for the Winter

Summer has finally left us. The leaves are turning and falling from the trees and the temperatures continue to plummet. Autumn is barely a pit stop for us on our way to winter, so time is running out to get your home in a winter-ready condition.

For many of us, while the winter months sure are cold, they aren't much of a threat. But for some places in the United States, for example, winters can be deadly. Not only can the cold be enough to kill from exposure, dramatic fluctuations in the temperature, along with other local climate and weather conditions, can cause structural damage to homes.

Fortunately, most homeowners who prepare their properties for the ensuing winter conditions tend to face far fewer problems. Preparing your home for winter is much simpler than you may think, and you'll definitely be glad that you did so in the end.

Install Weather-stripping

We've all been there, stuck indoors, shielding ourselves from the icy winds outside, and somewhere there is an air leak. At some point along the perimeter of your home is a gap that is allowing warm air to leak into the cold outdoors. Weather stripping can help and is available in a variety of different forms, each using different materials for slightly different effects. Using foam or felt weatherstripping in your home is a great way of reducing the drafts flowing under internal doors. It makes it easy to insulate individual rooms and can be a cost-effective way of insulating your entire home (mostly) by sealing off an exterior room.

Check Your Attic for Air Leaks

Leaks in the attic are one of the most common causes of drafts and unwanted airflow throughout your home. Even the smallest of gaps in your insulation can completely undermine the entire structure. For some rooms, a leak is no big deal. But in your bedroom or the living room, rooms where you spend a lot of time, an air draft can be very annoying!

Not only are these leaks a constant source of mild discomfort, they actually cost money. Any heat you are losing to the outdoor world is heat that needs to be replaced. The more heat escapes from inside your home, the harder your internal heating system has to work to maintain that desired temperature.

If you want to keep your heating bills as low as possible over winter, you need to insulate your home as effectively as possible. The attic is usually the room with the most potential points through which air can leak. You can use caulk to fill the smaller air gaps and pressurized expanding foam for those larger gaps that aren't so easily filled.

Add Insulation to Your Attic

Insulation can take a variety of different forms. But whatever specific material or technique you are looking at, the purpose of insulation is to trap air inside, minimizing loss. There are two important things to know about insulation. The first is that the purpose of insulation is to trap heat within, not to generate heat itself. For example, your home has radiators and central heating systems to warm it up, but it is the insulation that keeps the heat in.

The other important fact to know about insulation is that there is no such thing as a perfect insulator. If you completely seal up your home, then raise the temperature inside, it doesn’t matter how good your insulation is, the temperature in your home will drop back down. This is because some heat will always be lost.

Let’s consider your attic. When the central heating in your home is active, the heat spreads until the average air temperature throughout your home is at the desired level. Imagine that there is a hole in your attic roof. There is now a large gap through which hot air can escape. Because hot air likes to move to where it’s cold, air “rushes” through this large gap, lowering the temperature inside your home.

In most homes, the attic is the room with the most air gaps and other points of weakness through which air escapes. There are numerous reasons for the attic being particularly prone to gaps and leaks in the insulation, so it is this room more than any other that you need to comb through to discover any issues and furnish with the necessary insulation.

Insulating attics, basements, and crawl spaces is considered moderately difficult, warranting the services of a professional business for many people who lack the experience needed to perform the task well. They can also help you to decide on the most important alterations to make to your attic.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats are a really simple but effective way of reducing your annual energy bills. According to EnergyStar, a programmable thermostat could save a household as much as $180 a year in fuel costs. A programmable thermostat can be set to automatically adjust itself to maintain the ideal temperature, as set by the user. It can even do this while you are away on vacation.

You can utilize different thermostats throughout your home to maintain different temperatures in different areas. If you are storing musical instruments, for example, you may want to maintain the area they are stored in at a different temperature.

Seal Furnace Ducts

By some estimates, heating ducts are losing roughly a third, perhaps even more, of the amount of heat they transport. These losses are caused by leaks, with heat moving much less efficiently through the air than through materials which physically touch one another. Inefficiencies in heat ducts can have a significant impact on overall energy costs. The larger the physical size of the home, the more money is being sacrificed to inefficient heating, but that’s not to say this shouldn’t concern owners of smaller homes.

Some appliances, such as water heaters and furnaces, can cause the build-up of some very dangerous gases. Of particular concern is carbon monoxide, which can build up owing to a process called backdraft. Sealing the attic of your property reduces the risk of backdraft occurring, which makes it much less likely that you need to worry about gas leaks and similar issues. If you undertake any sealant work around these fixtures, you will need to have a heating contractor conduct a combustion safety test to ensure that you can work around the gases safely.

It isn’t possible to reach all of the heating ducts in your attic by yourself. Some of them will be hidden away behind walls, floors, and ceilings. However, by ensuring that all the sealing you can access is as tightly sealed as it can be, you can dramatically improve insulation performance.

Gutter Maintenance

Ensuring that your gutters are as clean as possible come winter will save you a huge amount of potential trouble later. The winter months will put your gutters through their paces on their own, but coming hot on the heels of autumn, which can also cause problems for gutters, they can end up causing some serious damage. You should, therefore, make gutter cleaning a central part of your winter preparations.

To begin with, trim back any branches on your property so that they aren’t directly overhanging gutters. This will prevent any loose debris from dropping into the gutters and clogging them. Trimming back these overhanging branches will make a tremendous difference to the amount of wear and tear that your guttering suffers from.

Once you have removed the overhanging branches, you can then move on to clearing the gutters themselves. Make sure that you clear out as much of the debris trapped in your gutters as possible. Remember, any debris that you cannot shift will form a barrier that will prevent your gutters from draining in the event of a storm.

If your gutters are in a particularly bad state, or their structural integrity appears to be compromised, you may want to hire the services of a professional who can help advise you on the best way to proceed, and the most affordable way of doing so.

Keep Your Furnace Serviced

Ensure that your furnace is always in working condition and deal with any issues that might arise long before they become a bigger problem. Keeping your service regularly serviced and inspected can quickly become costly. However, the cost is low compared to that of having to deal with a broken furnace. 

Newer and more advanced furnaces require a professional inspection every couple of years. However, older units need to be checked more frequently, once a year ideally. You should check your furnace’s manual to find out what the manufacturer recommends with regards to having the furnace serviced. All of the above also applies to home boilers. 

Preparing your home for winter is essential unless you want to spend more money on heating than on Christmas. The good news is that once most of these steps are completed, the benefits should last through many winters. You'll be able to maintain a constant cozy temperature through the cold weather and stay happy and comfortable.

More Beautiful Objects From Republic of Fritz Hansen

In the spring we took at look at Fritz Hansen's launch of their new collection of objects, but there is so much more to see. A personal favourite of mine, iconic Danish furniture brand, Fritz Hansen, presents with these decor accessories something functional, something decorative, something from the archives and something special. They all make extraordinary gifts for the design lover in your life, but it may be a challenge to resist picking up a second piece for yourself!

The GEO series of wooden sculptures by Jaime Hayon adds an artistic dimension to the living room, the windowsill and the Fritz Hansen Objects collection.  Jaime Hayon is known for bringing playfulness to everything he creates, whether it be art, furniture design or decorative objects. The GEO sculptures #1 and #2 are the first wooden sculptures ever produced by the Spanish designer, each telling their own story.

Cecilie Manz’s series of Japanese handmade earthenware for Fritz Hansen Objects introduces a special glaze, new colours and a new Round vase. The unique glaze and colours truly underline the craftsmanship that defines Fritz Hansen quality as well as the fascination of and respect for the Japanese ceramics tradition. Like the existing Cecilie Manz earthenware, the new vases are handmade at small potteries in Seto, Japan. They express simple Scandinavian design at its best whilst coming across warm and welcoming.

Very few people know that Arne Jacobsen also designed patterns for textiles, and this new Tassel pattern is a perfect example. Irregularities meet beauty in ochre yellow - fit for autumn and for styling the modern living room at home. This graphic cushion is the successor to the Objects collection's existing cushions in the patterns Vertigo and Trapez.

The Louise candleholders are small but significant – much like Grethe Meyer’s many other designs. The Danish architect and designer named the candleholders after Louisiana, the museum of modern art located north of Copenhagen, Denmark. Originally the candleholders were made in aluminium, but for this relaunch they come in mirror-polished solid stainless steel with a silver-plated surface. The candleholders can be stacked or styled individually – and they fit both regular candles and tea-light candles. 

How to Make Your Radiators a Style Feature in Your Home

Bisque's take on the chrome bathroom radiator is fresh, whimsical, and completely unexpected

There are two occasions when we notice the radiators in our homes - when we're looking at houses to purchase or rent, and when they appear back on our radar as the cold weather sets in. Although working rads are a godsend, keeping us warm through the damp chill of winter (and a little before and after as is the norm with the weather in the UK!), decor-wise, they are something of a disruption. Radiators take up precious wall space, restricting our choices for the placement of furniture and accessories, and depending on the state of what you inherited when you bought your home, they can be unattractive and not particularly complementary to your personal decor tastes. The usual approach is to make them look as invisible as possible, by opting for a neutral colour that doesn't draw attention, so they blend with the walls. 

But what if your radiators could be a thing of beauty, to be admired rather than hidden, and actually raise the style factor of your home? You can now choose from all kinds of feature radiators that range from sculptural design to bold colours, in styles that fit any decor. They also come in an endless array of finishes - you can even get chalk board that doubles as a message or art board! Beyond that, radiators offer a blank canvas of sorts, attracting designers who want to put their own fresh spin on the traditional heater, resulting in some interesting collaborations with manufacturers looking to stand out in the market.

Here is some inspiration to spark ideas of how you might transform your own space:

Photo credit: Bisque

If you're a fan of colour, you can really have fun punctuating your space with bold and bright hues. Some manufacturers offer custom options such as ombre effects in your choice of shades, as well as stripey patterns and iridescent finishes. 

Photo credit: Reina 

Radiators also come in the form of grand sculptural pieces, elevating a home with their distinguished style, or keeping up with a high end space to carry through the aesthetic that has already been established.  

Photo credit: Eskimo

We associate radiators with cast iron and metal, so to use them to bring nature into our space is probably the most surprising effect these new designs offer. Finishes come in the look of wood, stone and bamboo, in all kinds of styles, textures and colours. These rads can serve as a feature, or work harmoniously with your decor scheme, such as a walnut ' panel' on the kitchen wall that matches your walnut cabinets. 

Now that you're aware of some of the design possibilities the not-so-humble contemporary radiators offer, you may find yourself as excited about picking out a new rad as you would be choosing the perfect sofa or table, or maybe even moreso! Good design is like art; it will make a distinct impact on the look and feel of your home, and reflect your unique personality.