Category Archives: Crafts ~ DIY ~ Projects

The Trendiest Swimming Pool Design Ideas For 2017

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Let’s face it, there are few things in life that can beat a refreshing morning swim, cooling off on a scorching summer’s day or a wild weekend pool party with friends and family. However, swimming pools have come a long way from simple holes in the ground. So much so, that nowadays swimming pool fads change every year. Still, some of them stick and can last for decades. If you’re considering starting 2017 with a splash, then allow one of these trendy swimming pool designs to inspire your choice.

image-2Natural Pools

Chlorine and other chemicals associated with pools have a damaging effect on the environment. Luckily, 2016 has seen natural pools enter the market, which is set to become this year’s biggest trend. Instead of chemicals, natural pools use an ecosystem of aquatic plants to help clean the water, making them as eco-friendly and green as it gets. Best of all, they can take any shape and size, and with less maintenance costs they are cheaper than any traditional pool available.

Infinity Edge Pools

If you are looking to splash around with style and make a statement, you should consider a swimming pool with an infinity edge. Usually found in luxury resorts, vanishing edge or negative edge pools, as they are also known, are now available for private use, as well. Still, an infinity edge remains an expensive setup, and is really ineffective unless you have a view worth exploiting. However, if you meet the criteria, you simply can’t beat this swimming pool design with any other alternative.

image-4Spools

Spools might have entered the arena last year, but now they are becoming cheaper to install and maintain. Essentially, spools combine all the benefits of a swimming pool with the relaxing features of a spa hot tub. Their biggest draw is their compact size, which is ideal for smaller gardens and yards. Spools might not be a swimmers dream, but they are ideal for a mom and dad looking to play with their kids, or a romantic ending to a date.

Plunge Pools

Typically used as a refreshing end to a sauna, the latest plunge pool designs are now deeper and better than ever before. These deep swimming pools can generally take any shape or size, making them ideal for backyards. The only issue might be how deep you are willing to make your plunge pool, as that is mostly determined by the underground soil and pipes. Still, if you’re fond of diving, you can increase the basic depth of your plunge pool by extending its edge above ground level.

Beach Entry Pools

In case you want to have a beach side experience every day of the week, without traveling to distant tropical destinations, consider a beach entry swimming pool. The zero depth entry is especially great for families with small children, yet to learn how to swim. The shallow entry point allows for a smooth transition into the deeper area of the pool, and can even be lined with sand or pebbles, ideal for relaxing after a swim.

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Baja Shelves

Another innovation in pool design which is going to hit boiling point in swimming pool design this year are the Baja shelves. Also known as tanning ledges, Baja shelves allows you to soak up the sun without getting fully submerged in the water, with the help of the built-in sunbeds. It also separates the pool into two halves – a deep end, and a shallow area, making it both trendy and stylish, but also family-friendly.

These are just some of the hottest pool design trends for 2017, but the list goes on and on. Keep in mind, there have never been so many options to choose from than right now. Make you choice, and enjoy a year-long pool party right from the comfort of your own backyard.

 

 

How to Give Your Home Natural-Born Style? 

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Bringing the nature indoors has been a centuries’ long desire for so many people. They strived to inject calmness and serenity into their living spaces, and achieve that homey, welcoming feel. Moreover, the growing environmental awareness and dire environmental problems have nurtured a fertile ground for a natural approach to take hold. A modern natural-born style summons sheer beauty, it echoes the comforting vibe of the natural world, but also adapts to fit the interior landscape.

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Image source: hometone.com

The real deal

Mother Nature is not easy to emulate and duplicate. It is best to not even try; and embrace natural materials that are the bedrock of an organic style. Wood, stone, and metal infuse the living environment with texture and more depth, which is to say that one has to let them take central stage. This is a distinctive type of glamour, which is bling- and glitter-intolerant. It encourages you to expose rather than conceal the flawed, pristine beauty of materials like wood.

While digital information flies across great distances, interiors are undergoing a Stone Age revolution. Namely, materials like marble are gaining traction as they bring texture, tone, and subtle patterns. Some homeowners have rugged, natural rock walls, but even if you are devoid of such resource, you can make the magic happen. After all, granite can be utilized for countertops and backsplashes in the kitchen.

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Image source: hometipsworld.com

Plant the organic seeds

I have also seen extraordinary examples of roof beams and railroad ties being used in décor. A reclaimed pair of oak beams can provide material for shelving, while dark mahogany brings a unique flavor to the living room. Those who possess a burning stove or open fire are blessed with a fiery focal point, and a good excuse to store firewood in a decorative fashion.

Wood has a place all around us, but nowhere is it so obvious than in a farmhouse kitchen style, which is deeply rooted in organic charm. The traditional farm life is brimming with modesty, but it also features amazing solutions like rustic wood floors. In any event, choose materials and solutions that resonate with your sense of style and allow you to personalize the space.

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Image source: pinterest.com

Driftwood, for example, can be dried out and whitewashed in order to create unusual centerpieces. Likewise, one may employ window coverings like plantation shutters that act not only as light controllers, but also sound buffers and privacy wardens.Get into the art of recycling and upcycling, which suits the organic theme perfectly: Countertops can be made from scaffolding planks and wine crates used to assemble DIY wall storage.

Furthermore, do not neglect flowers and plants: They are an inexpensive and stylish way to refresh your interior design and enjoy the bits of rejuvenating nature inside. Note that you can amplify the effect by matching the color of the blooms with décor and design elements. And if you do not want to put your green fingers to use, opt for botanical-print fabrics and wallpapers.

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Image source: pinterest.com

Visual symphony

Always be inventive and think outside the box. A wooden backdrop is just what you need, but once you have set the stage, it is time to introduce some contrast. Sleek, metallic items are a safe bet, as they compliment the soothing natural savor. Bear that in mind when picking furniture, fittings, and décor items, and think in terms of copper, natural brass, and gold finishes. Pull together a shimmering spectacle with plenty of natural light and reflective surfaces.

Finally, take advantage of artisanal textiles and form a symphony of colors and patterns. Handcrafted fabrics spark visual interest, and throws, pillows, and rugs emanate a natural feel and soften the space. That way, you do not have to worry about materials like steel disrupting the natural sensation. Even an exposed brick wall loses some of its edginess in the presence of a soft sheep wool throw placed over an antique armchair.

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Image source: decoist.com

Born to be wild

Done right, a natural look can be sophisticated and enthralling. It makes you feel at peace and content in your living environment. Wood is still the king of the natural realm, but it needs loyal minions in the form of fabrics, metals, stone, and plant life. So, reveal craftsmanship and natural charm at their finest. Enjoy the natural embrace of your environment and immerse in the allure of organic solutions. Invite the nature into every room of your home and do not miss a chance to take the warmth and coziness to the next level.

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.