Category Archives: Crafts ~ DIY ~ Projects

A Great Place For Your Business To Buy Your Silk Plants

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silk2I came across a great website for those of you who have a business and need help decorating the front of your shop, shop window, accessories on your retail floor and so much more. The website is www.commercialsilk.com and they have just about anything you can imagine to allow your creative juices to just go wild.

This website also works great for hotels, motels, lobbies, offices and many other spaces. If you are looking for something to make your clients or guests feel more comfortable and take them away from a ‘sterile’ environment then this site can help you. They even can do the installations and help with the designs if you are just not sure what to do or where to start.

silk1I purchased several of these wreaths (shown above) and am going to design them for gifts for family and friends but buying in bulk allows you to buy – create – and resell as well. These wreaths are so nice and fluffy – not like the standard Christmas tree wreaths – they are more of an ever green product which will allow the final design to work just about anywhere with any design. I might not give them to family after all, I think they would work well designed for different times of the year. I think I might be selfish and keep them myself.

They have selections that are a bit unusual that I didn’t even know you could buy. Of course everyone knows about the average silk plant s you can buy but did you know you can actually buy a boxwood that can go in the outdoors and look like it has been growing there for years? They have a selection of cactus, trees, backdrops that could be used for a presentation at a trade fair or behind a display of garden items you are selling.

silk3I have had the opportunity now to buy a couple different items from this great company and I will tell you I am very happy with the quality and the fact that they were shipped to make sure the product looks as good as when it was made. The items are not made of cheap materials which means they didn’t come bend or molded in shapes that are not appealing to the eye. Cheap materials can easily change shapes when in boxes for a long time or change with the heat or cold. You will not have to worry about this problem with product from this company.

The set of six wreaths I ordered this last time came in a sturdy box reinforced with cardboard with an insert. The box was tight enough to support the product but not enough to squish the wreaths. This is a concern when buying silk plants because I have received Items I have bought from other companies and the items came with notes that said the items need to be allowed time to fluff up. What? If the product is made from good material and the shipment is given priority then this is never going to be a problem.

silk4So if you are in need of some sprucing up with some decorations for your facility do not hesitate to check this website out. If you have any questions call and ask – they are extremely helpful and will make your purchase smooth even with the nice website they have setup which allows for a quick easy purchase – that is once you decide on what to buy. I searched and searched and found all kinds of cool things I wanted. Too bad money doesn’t grow on silk trees, huh?

Check out this cool video for ore information:

You can check out their website by visiting: www.commercialsilk.com

Check out their FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/commercialsilkplantsandtrees/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/commercialsilk

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/artificialitems/artificial-trees-plants-installation/

7 Budget-Friendly Curb Appeal Makeovers

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Our parents always told us that beauty comes from the inside, but when we talk about houses, it’s what’s on the outside that counts, too. No matter how cozy and stylish your interior design is, you need to invest a bit into the exterior as well. Such investment will pay off since it can bring many benefits for you and your house, while its curb appeal can add to its value. However, you must know which projects will pay off.

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Landscaping

A lush and green front yard will completely change the atmosphere of the whole house. While dry and neglected yards exude emptiness and a bit eerie atmosphere, great landscaping can give a fresh look and healthy feel to the entire property. You can plant a lot of plants and perennials that will provide color and depth to the whole yard. Also, you can decorate the yard more with a few stone paths and even a smaller fountain.

Windows

If your windows are quite old, chances are that they waste energy and heat. Plus, they probably don’t look very nice from the outside, either. That is why you should consider replacing the old ones with new, energy-efficient windows, which will save you plenty of energy and money. Additionally, you can always repaint the new front windows to match the exterior design and keep the atmosphere of the whole façade.

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Façade

The façade is the face of your home and it should shine. For a start, you will need better insulation in order to preserve energy in your home. This can easily be done by updating or replacing your cladding systems and resolving all the insulation problems. Additionally, you can improve the curb appeal by repainting the façade. If the paint has started peeling off, or you just simply don’t like it anymore you should find a new, neutral color that will save the day. It’s best to stick to such neutral colors, because you can later add contrast with details and still keep everything classy.

Entry Doors

Entry door replacement will certainly pay off in the long run. It is a chance for you to provide more security for your home, while at the same time you are working on the curb appeal. If you like wood, custom made doors are vastly available, but if you want more security, you can always opt for a steel front door. Moreover, if you choose an unusual color, or simply repaint the existing doors into a bolder shade, you will provide contrast and an amazing wow factor for your exterior design.

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Garage Doors

Replace the garage doors to match your home’s age, style and enhanced look. New, shiny and functional garage doors will provide the needed security and they will contribute to the curb appeal. While you are at it, you can upgrade the material of the doors and opt for wood, steel, aluminum or fiberglass, depending on your set budget and style of the entire design. Also, make sure you opt for the sturdiest material that will protect your car and other belongings, while it should be easy to maintain as well.

Deck Addition

Decks are always popular addition to a home and they can bring plenty of benefits. They expand the existing living space because they can serve as an entertainment, dine or relaxation area. Also, they are always appealing to potential buyers and can greatly increase the value of your property. Additionally, if you choose to add a wooden deck, it will perfectly blend into any design and it will contribute to the overall curb appeal and your neighbors will envy you.

Owning a home is a lifetime commitment and there is always something to improve. However, you shouldn’t despair over it. Rather choose projects that will pay off in the future and that can add value and curb appeal to the house.

Summer Party Décor Inspiration

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We all know what summer is actually about: countless of hours spent in the pleasant ambience of our backyards with a few of our favourite friends and family members. Yes, the moment that sun decides to honour us with its sizzling presence, we’ll be prepared to throw some of the most spectacular summer parties. Okay, so you’ve spruced up your yard, compiled the guest list, decided on the foods and drinks you’re going to serve…all you have left now is to decide on the theme of the party. How you’re going to decorate the whole setting is one of the most important things, as you’ll want to create a superb atmosphere for your guests. If you’re lacking inspiration, perhaps some of these ideas might help you create an exquisite summer party setting.

hotel_bel_air_oprah_winfreys_50th_birthday_party_january_2004That ‘70s Show

Summer simply screams bright colours, bold patterns and heavy prints. Why not consolidate this into one perfect retro party theme from the ‘70s? Colourful paper flowers, peace signs and smiley faces should permeate the whole setting, while you can always put up some old music records to contribute to the whole ‘70s glam. As for the lighting goes, a shiny disco ball is an essential part of the ‘70s décors, but a few lava lamps and glowing sticks will also do the trick. You can always set up a dress code where afro hairstyles, flares and fringes are going to be an obligatory part of the costume. Blast some disco music on the player and you can rest easily knowing that your summer party is a major success.

Summer Beach Vibe

If you have a difficult time deciding whether it’s better to throw a party at your own house or drop everything and head to the beach, perhaps it’s a good idea to try and combine those two things into one. Bringing the beach in your backyard can make a refreshing theme for a summer party and the best thing is that it doesn’t require too much effort. A few beach chairs besides the pool, a couple of sun umbrellas for the shade and some nice cold cocktails will easily do the trick. Embellish the backyard with some shell-inspired décor, put a few starfish around the tables, set the dress code to swimwear and you’re all set.

downloadKeep It Classy

If you aren’t really a fan of themed settings and simply wish to enjoy a nice summer day with your friends in a comfortable atmosphere, you can always decide for a simple and elegant lunch or dinner date. Decide on a monochromatic colour scheme, place a few candles in mason jars on the table and serve some good wine to your guests. If you wish to contribute to the whole classy setting, you can always opt for a dinner under a pergola or gazebo, light up the pathway with a few candles and serve dinner in your best china.

Movie Night

Instead of throwing an extravagant party with tons of people, you can always opt for a small, intimate get-together with a couple of your friends. A movie night outdoors on a pleasant summer night seems like a grand idea and all you need is to find a projector and a big canvas to place in the yard, create a comfy seating arrangement and of course – decide on a movie you all want to watch. Make sure to provide your friends with some cosy blankets, some tasty snacks and finger foods, and opt for a cool room rental, so you’d have cold drinks all night on the touch of your fingertips.

Everybody loves a good get-together, especially in summer when the days are scorching hot and nights are pleasant and breezy. If you have the available space and will, surprise your friends with a good summer party every now and then, and your summer will be filled with joy and laughter.

 

 

 

Increase Your Home’s Safety

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Owning a home brings along a ton of worries into one’s life, but perhaps the largest of them all revolves around security problems. It is important that you note that regardless of how many safety precautions you’ve taken and no matter how adamant you were about protecting your property, burglaries still might occur. This, however, shouldn’t discourage you; on the contrary, if even the safest of properties are susceptible to break-ins, think about how much you have to do in order to keep things as secure as possible.

image-5The ‘Empty House’ Appearance is a Bad Idea

Let’s start off with an obvious mistake many homeowners make. Making a house appear empty might save you some money on your electricity bill and does seem like an environmentally conscious thing to do, but this also attracts the burglars. The thing is, when robbers are targeting a house, they tend to observe it for some time – they will probably get to know your work schedule and all of your habits. Another way to make sure that the burglars are unsure of whether or not there’s someone at home is getting quality window shades. Keep in mind that you should occasionally use these shades when you’re at home, too.

Remote Controlled House Alarm

Remote control lock to a home.

Signs

Of course, having a certified sign from a security agency on your premises is usually enough for the burglars to give up from targeting your house. However, the robbers don’t need to know that you don’t own an alarm, either. Who’s to say that there really isn’t an advanced security technology installed on your premises? Additionally, owning a guard dog is an excellent idea, but even if you aren’t really into pets, you can rest assured that the burglars like them even less; food for thought.

Locks and Safes

Homes without proper anti-burglary systems and measures are thrice more likely to be broken into and this is a fact! We get it, no one is really keen on bothering with complicated locks, but it’s these complicated locks that are an average burglar’s worst nightmare. This is especially true if you own a huge house without any security personnel roaming your premises. Even locksmith experts are sometimes having a hard time getting into a properly secured house, let alone amateurs that take up a large part of the thief/robber/burglar community. Additionally, apply this advice to securing your personal things within quality safes.

image-4Alarms

Installing a burglar alarm is the first step towards achieving safety – triggered alarms are usually more than enough to scare the intruders away. A burglar alarm is a smart investment into making sure that you don’t experience monetary and sentimental loss. Proper alarm monitoring can go a long way in making sure that your stuff is safe.

Lights and Cameras

What do the burglars hate the most? Large amounts of light! In fact, even if a burglar is confident that there is no one around for miles in any direction, a lot of light will make any robber reluctant about their carefully devised master plan. There is more to LED lights than simply being environmentally friendlier and cheaper (in the long run, though) than the regular bulbs. These tend to shine really bright – in fact, it’s as close to the natural light as lighting fixtures go. Installing security lights is an extremely smart way to go!

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Alarms, quality locks, safes, security lights all serve towards the goal of keeping your home burglar-proof. Hiring a security team is always recommendable, especially if you own a manor, but the mentioned basics (and they truly are basics) will probably do the trick. Keep your loved ones and your valuables safe!

 

The Best Paint Colours For Your Living Room

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Keeping in mind the fact that a living room is the place where a family spends most of the time with each other or with friends, it’s essential that the space is nicely decorated. The colours of the walls have a great influence on people’s mood, so choosing the perfect paint for the walls can be challenging. If you take into consideration the fact that a living room can look smaller or bigger depending whether it’s painted in a lighter or darker shade, the challenge becomes even greater.

logs-1807830_960_720Raging Red

It’s been said that red is the most intense colour that raises the energy level of a room. This hue is the one that increases the adrenaline, blood pressure and stirs up excitement. It’s highly recommended shade for living rooms, since that is the place of frequent interaction among people. A room with red walls brings people together and promotes communication, so be sure to consider any shade of red when choosing the paint for your living room. A bold colour such as red, requires a bit calmer shade of accent elements. Therefore, match white shelving and white moulding with the energetic red. What’s more, if your entryway is connected with the living room with only an archway, paint the walls of an entryway in deep yellow, to achieve the terrific contrast and unique living room feel.

couch-1835923_960_720Bold Blue

Periwinkle blue is a fantastic colour for living rooms, since it encourages relaxation. Cerulean and turquoise shades are as good as periwinkle, so feel free to experiment by matching all of these shades together to create a one-of-a-kind design. To make the room look bright, yet sophisticated, incorporate white tones into the living room decoration. Periwinkle walls in combination with white windows and furniture would look very classy. Add blue cushions, lamps, and a rug to create the room you’ll always feel comfortable at. If you want to add a real pop of colour to your living room, feel free to match cerulean walls with red furniture. If the room has plenty of natural light, the combination of these two colours would liven up the space perfectly. With a couple of white accents, like vases, lamps or rugs, the room will look fabulous.

living-room-1597078_960_720Go for Grey

Grey is one of the best shades to choose if you want to achieve the monochromatic scheme in the living room. Going from deep grey to the lightest shade will create a truly unique feel in the room, and look polished as well. A combination of light grey walls, deep grey furniture, and patterned accents is all you need for the room everyone will feel comfortable at. If you’re not an expert in painting walls, there are a number of highly qualified professional painters in Sydney who can help you achieve the ultimate goal. To brighten up the space a bit, feel free to add green accents, like flowers, figurines or vases.

Crème de la Crème

One of the favourite colours of most interior designers is cream and all its shades. Starting from ivory, beige, and all the way to eggshell and seashell, cream hues will make every home look elegant and polished. What’s more, it can be perfectly combined with any colour, which is another reason we all love this shade. If your living room is small, cream shade will visually enlarge the space a bit. Combine seashell walls with ivory furniture to get a clean classy look. If you have a large living room, with big windows that allow the daylight to fill the room, painting the walls dark brown, and adding white mouldings would look amazing. In combination with ivory curtains and furniture, alongside an ivory carpet, the room would look incredibly luxurious and modern.

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The living room is the space where a family spends most of their time, which is why it deserves a proper decoration. Therefore, it’s essential that you think through well before you opt for the colour to paint the room. Think if you’d like to have a room in which you could feel relaxed and comfortable, or you’d rather opt for the hues that’ll promote communication and pump up your adrenaline. Finally, keep in mind that certain colours will make the room look smaller while others can visually enlarge the space. Colours have a great influence on people, so choose your shades wisely.