Interior Design, Design News and Architecture Trends

Author: ION

  • What Makes A Mirror Shabby Chic?

    What Makes A Mirror Shabby Chic?

    Over the past couple of years, the shabby chic style has become an incredibly popular interior design trend. But what exactly does “shabby chic” mean?  Most of the time, distressed paint and a rustic finish elegantly blend to create a lovely and distinctive design for the home. Shabby chic is viewed by designers as a versatile style that complements any living space from the dining room to the bedroom.


    Casa Chic Boutique’s wide range of high quality and affordable shabby chic mirrors will create a statement look at home, at work or even in the garden. The subtle blend of natural pastel colours will effortlessly fit into any décor either traditional or modern. It makes the shabby chic wall mirror ideal for practically all occasions. Casa Chic Boutique is your go-to home for a bespoke collection of shabby chic home furnishings.

    A Short History of Shabby Chic Style


    Are you aware that the term ‘shabby chic’ dates back to the 1980s? Well, if you didn’t, you do now!

    An alternative look that incorporated chipped paint plus an antique feminine style arose as a protest against the glitz and glamour of the fashion of the 1980s.



    There are multiple elements that help in characterising the shabby chic mirror. Originally, shabby chic was all about worn furniture and antiques. As time went on, the style was simply to make something look distressed to give furniture an antique look. Shabby Chic was used to give a unique finish and create a piece of furniture with a rich sense of history.

    Here are the things that make a perfect shabby chic mirror:

    Shabby Chic Mirrors are Luxurious and Trendy

    If you are looking to create a delicate focal point in your house, then shabby chic mirrors are the ideal choice for you as they are suited to any environment. If you are looking for something that’s a little understated, it would be wise to go for white or cream distressed framed mirrors as they effortlessly blend to any living space. The subtly painted shabby chic frames guarantee a relaxing, romantic feel to any home.

    On the other hand, if you are after something that’s bolder, there is a considerable variety of shabby chic ornate framed mirrors that adds a decorative edge to all walls.

    With a trendy large metal wall mirror, it’s much easier to create excellent distressed finishes. From the traditional overmantle mirrors to the fashionable round shaped mirrors, you are sure to get a shabby chic mirror that flawlessly fits your house design.

    Shabby Chic style effortlessly combines with the Scandinavian or Industrial Interior

    Indeed, the shabby chic mirrors work best when combined with shabby chic interiors. However, they can also effortlessly integrate into Scandinavian and industrial-style interiors. As a matter of fact, the incorporation of the shabby chic mirrors isn’t limited to the interior style.

    Besides blending well, shabby chic style can fit magnificently into an antique-styled, modern interior or industrial, Scandinavian one. As a common practice in the world of interior design, the most important thing here is to go for an accessory that has a size and colour which matches its surroundings. Shabby chic mirrors are no exception from this rule.

    Shabby Chic Mirrors Accentuates Accessories or Furniture

    You’ll get highly effective results if you choose a shabby chic mirror that accentuates the antique features of your interior.

    Try surrounding your shabby chic mirror with other treasured family heirlooms or favourite pieces of furniture – you’ll see how the shabby chic design will highlight them.

    Surround the shabby chic mirror with flower pots, vases, picture frames, as well as other accessories to create a truly stunning focal point in your home.

    We hope you now understand more what makes a mirror shabby chic and where this unique style can be used. Casa Chic Boutique stock striking shabby chic ornate wall mirrors that will make people stop and ask you where you got them.


  • 7 Basic Plumbing Repairs Everyone Needs to Know

    7 Basic Plumbing Repairs Everyone Needs to Know

    The sight of a flooded kitchen or bathroom floor is a good reason for despair. Without knowledge of plumbing intricacies, you have to look for expensive pay-by-the-hour professional support.

    But did you know, there are a few plumbing repairs that don’t require a professional? Here are 7 basic plumbing repairs to lift some of the financial and emotional burden off your shoulders.

    1. Clogged Drains

    Pesky drain clogs are amongst the most recurrent domestic plumbing issues. Installing a sink strainer cannot stall the inevitable for too long. But if you pay attention to the drainage slowing down, you can nip the bud in time.

    You can also try the drain plunger if you want to avoid use of chemicals. Or simply use a solution of baking soda and vinegar. If none of these works, try unscrewing the pop-up drain and removing the blockage. Drain cleaning chemicals should be used as a last resort.

    • Leaking Faucets

    Leaky taps and showers waste a lot of water. The common cause of leaking is a faulty washer. When you see a visible leak, turn off the water supply first. Arrange a spare washer and wrench from the hardware store.

    You can remove the tap or shower with the help of the wrench and replace the washer. Once you reassemble the fixtures, there will be no more leaks! Don’t forget to open the main water supply again.

    • Fixing Shower and Tap flow

    If the tap or shower is hardly flowing, it is a sure sign of collected debris, lime-scale and dirt in the holes of the fixture’s outlet. You must control the urge to directly pick on the holes with a safety pin or a toothpick.

    We are not suggesting that you need to replace the tap yet. You can use a wrench to pull out the covering and dip it in a solution of vinegar. A better idea still, just take the solution in a bowl or a plastic bag and submerge the tap or shower head in it.

    Now you can brush off the surface and pick the difficult spots with a wire or needle-pin. We guarantee a free-flow!

    • Water heater leaks

    Leaks are most likely caused due to faulty valves, loose fixtures or dirt build-up. Simply tighten the loose valve with a wrench. Be careful not to over-tighten it though. Just enough so that the valve is secure.

    You may realize that the valve wasn’t loose in the first place, or that leaking doesn’t stop after tightening it. This situation calls for expert intervention of Atlanta plumbers.

    • Pot that won’t flush

    There is nothing grosser than facing a clogged pot, full of unflushed human excreta. It is unhygienic and unpleasant.

    You can take on the herculean task of unclogging the toilet with a plunger. Cover your nose with a mask or scarf and be careful to avoid direct contact with the waste. You can also try to work the way down the drain using a plumbing snake.

    In case the situation has turned beyond control, and the toilet has already overflowed, call a professional to the rescue.

    • Flush tank that won’t refill

    There are no telltale signs of a leaking flush, no puddle, no dripping. But if the flush tank is not refilling, you will soon figure out the culprit.

    You need to open the flush tank and access the mechanics within. Check that the tube is firmly holding the valve shut and that the float isn’t too low.

    • Repairing cracks in the pot

    The toilet pot may leak if the sealant at the bottom has worn-out. Ignoring the issue for long can leave the bathroom floor stained forever. A quick fix is to apply water-proof plumbing putty at the base.

    Conclusion

    While these solutions are immensely practical, regular maintenance is a better place to start from. If drains and fixtures are cleaned regularly you can avoid frequent plumbing emergencies.

  • Managing Your House Or Estate Cleanout

    Managing Your House Or Estate Cleanout

    What Is A House Cleanout?

    You may have found yourself in need of a house cleanout, as many people do at one time or another, and wondering to yourself “what IS a house cleanout?”. It sounds simple, and although it is a simple concept, it can be quite an involved process. A house cleanout includes removal of furniture, clothing and other miscellaneous items left behind in a home that has become vacant.

    What Does A House Cleanout Entail?

    A house cleanout is a job best completed safely by junk removal professionals, as it tends to involve the removal of large items and a whole lot of junk.  Junk removal services offer real estate and commercial cleanouts as well as other services like scrap metal and construction debris removal. Junk removal services will give you an estimate before they begin the house cleanout so there are no surprises later.

    Who Needs A House Cleanout?

    A house cleanout is necessary for a variety of situations; however, it is a service most often used by real estate professionals like real estate agents and landlords. Additionally, the bank will perform a cleanout on foreclosed homes by enlisting the help of junk removal professionals. People often use junk removal services for items they cannot keep from a deceased loved one like large pieces, furniture, and kitchen appliances.

    In What Event is A House Cleanout Necessary?

    The most common are estate cleanouts, foreclosure cleanouts, and eviction cleanouts. Although they function the same, by clearing a property of unwanted items, different people and institutions are responsible for ensuring a full cleanout is completed for each type of property. 

    Junk removal company NJ N. Vitale Disposal Inc. does hundreds of estate cleanouts annually.  They suggest that many are due to foreclosure and eviction cleanouts.  In addition, many are done when a loved one passes on.

    Who Is Responsible for An Estate Cleanout?

    Estate cleanouts are typically required for properties where the tenant has died. This type of cleanout is the responsibility of the tenant’s family. Estate cleanouts are also needed for those who must liquidate their assets. Some reasons may include divorce or moving to a new location.

    Who Is Responsible for A Foreclosure Cleanout?

    This task is facilitated by the bank or financial institution that owns the property. Prior tenants of a foreclosed home tend to leave large items, household junk, and even hazardous waste.

    Who Is Responsible for An Eviction Cleanout?

    If a tenant has been evicted it is the responsibility of the property manager to cleanout the property. The property manager wants this done quickly so they can rent, lease or sell the house or apartment to a new tenant as soon as possible.

    Where Does the Junk Go?

    When hiring a junk removal service, the items are sorted into three categories including garbage, recyclables and items suited for donation. Contrary to popular belief, not all unwanted items are collected and automatically shipped to a landfill.

    What Are My Options for A House Cleanout?

    House cleanouts are very straight forward, but it is important to note that even junk removal businesses follow their own systematic methods to clear a home. Although you can clean out a home and remove large items using your own truck or a rental vehicle, you will still be responsible for paying landfill fees. The NJ Solid Waste Disposal Fees differ based on region, size of unwanted junk, and/or the weight of these items.

    One of the options you have is to hire a junk removal company.  NJ Cleaning World, Inc. offers junk removal services for your house cleanout and other cleanout services.

    Things to Consider Before A House Cleanout

    If you plan to cleanout a home yourself, you can rent a large dumpster from a junk removal business. You can also hire a friend or family member to remove items for you, however the best way to ensure items are discarded properly is to hire a junk removal service. When you contact junk removal services you can be certain that all recyclable items, including furniture and appliances will be donated, resold, recycled, or thrown away appropriately.

    How Much Will It Cost to Hire A Junk Removal Company?

    The cost for a house cleanout service is dependent on the condition and the size of a property. For instance, if the prior tenant was a hoarder, you can expect it to cost more for a house cleanout than for a property that was well kept by its tenant.

    Declutter and Decompress

    A house cleanout can be difficult for those who have lost loved ones and an extremely involved process for property managers and real estate agents to facilitate on their own. Enlisting the help of a junk removal business can ease your wandering mind asking, “what is a house cleanout?” by providing the help needed in a highly stressful time.

  • 5 Things to Consider Before Buying Sash Windows

    5 Things to Consider Before Buying Sash Windows

    Windows used to be installed solely for ventilation purposes. However, these days, people look for more than functionality when buying a sash window. Esthetics, the level of maintenance required, and the ability to take advantage of natural lighting are equally important.

    Because of the extended list of requirements, it is relatively complicated to make the purchase decision. Fortunately, we have prepared a list of the most important factors that should determine your choice. Let’s take a look at the things you might want to consider before buying a sash window.

    Sash Windows’ Styles

    When buying sash windows, you should establish the architectural style you wish to design your house after. There are three basic designs:

    • Georgian-inspired windows – the first era of sash windows and the simplest design out there; usually six panes with two sashes, one remaining stationary, and the other moving.
    • Victorian-inspired windows – famous for innovative designs and fewer panes included, typically four; this style traditionally features a single glazing bar, but more can be added.
    • Edwardian-inspired windows – this particular era features an upper sash with multiple panes number options and a lower sash with a single pane; this design will let the most natural light inside your house.

    As long as the sash window matches the design of your house, it will look perfect. Classic options like https://sunluxsashwindows.co.uk/c/sash-balance-elegance/ offer a timeless design that looks good no matter the style of your house.

    The Required Maintenance

    Sash windows require a relatively low level of maintenance. Usually, it all comes down to regular cleanings that are easy from both indoors and outdoors, oiling the frame from time to time and maintaining the right insulation. When you want to purchase a sash window, make sure that the parts that are most susceptible to damage over time are replaceable and available on the market.

    Taking Advantage of Natural Light

    One of the significant advantages of some sash windows is their double glaze which adds to a user-friendly experience. The natural light that comes in easily via a sash window will work along with your heating system to warm up the rooms in your house. Windows that are made of regular ordinary glass instead of double glaze don’t conduct heat so well. Doble-check that the windows you are buying features the double glazed panes.

    The Air Flow

    Air circulation is a highly important thing to consider when deciding on a window. For perfect results, make sure that your sash window has adjustable top and bottom sashes. The cool air will then enter your room via the bottom sash, and warm air will escape through the top sash, ensuring the right airflow, which should be especially handy during summer.

    Possible Disadvantages

    Finally, let’s talk about things that you should avoid when shopping for a sash window. Having only one sash could cause some problems due to insufficient ventilation in larger rooms. Another thing you should look out for is energy- efficiency, other than quadruple weatherproofing windows, not many sash models are efficient enough when compared to other kinds of windows.

    Final Thoughts

    There are many factors that you should take into consideration before buying a sash window. Look for the right style and quality. Keep in mind that you need to create proper air ventilation and avoid high-maintenance products at all costs. Find a window that checks all of the boxes mentioned above, go for a trusted supplier, and you won’t have to worry about your sash windows for decades.

  • Living Room Furniture Tips on Design

    Living Room Furniture Tips on Design

    The living room is probably the most essential in your home. This is because it is the room that hosts all your family members and friends as they get down to chats discussing various issues of life. It should be a haven for escape that should always come with excellent comfort, style, and personality. For this reason, it is crucial to consider your living room furniture, you may replacing furniture using online retailers like Furniture Vogue.

    People will sit on them as they embark on their chats, and you need to choose the best living room furniture for your home. This article will shed a lot of light, and all you need is to pay close attention to the following points. In the end, you will get useful pointers and furniture tips on the décor of your living room.

    Sofa

    The first piece of room furniture is the sofa. You need to know the kind that will suit you and suit your family. The following type is recommended for those who are looking for simplicity and efficiency regarding furniture.

    Get sofas that come with plain scroll arms as well as those that have a dull back. The best thing about this kind of furniture is that it is versatile enough to suit multiple themes and is also timeless. This is how you choose your furniture for the living room regarding sofas.

    Coffee tables

    As centerpieces for your room, coffee tables can bring elegance to your room. For this reason, this living room furniture should be chosen with utmost care. Look for one with simple lines of wood. Avoid glass tables because they will need wiping constantly. With the wood coffee table, you can be sure that wear and tear will not be your worry.

    Consider one that has in-built-drawers, and this will facilitate storage. In fact, the quality of Amish furniture will give you the style and durability your home needs.

    Chairs

    When considering accent chairs as part of your room furniture, you need to go for those with durable or firm construction. Comfort is everything, and this is what you want your family to enjoy as well as the decor. Make sure to get covers for accent chairs that match your curtains, but they do not have to match your sofa. Look for fabric that gets clean quickly. With the above, you will have some idea of how to go about it. To facilitate all this, though, you need to look for good furniture stores. This is because a store will determine the kind of furniture you get.

    Browse internet for better ideas

    Do your research and get friends and family to guide you. Look for tips online on choosing furniture stores. The information can be too much, and you might need to look for different reviews. Whenever you are looking at reviews, make sure to employ user-reviews first. Get first-hand information on different items and how they work. Remember, knowledge is key, and this is the way to go.

    There are so many stores that tend to store the room furniture that might not please you in many ways. Regarding prices, why not look for second-hand furniture or cheap furniture.

    The design must be inspired by your taste. Look for good ways to customize different furniture as you wish. Look for advice from specialized furniture designers. You can also read widely to make sure you get all the tricks and tips that will work.

  • 3 Home Redecoration Tips to Do Before Winter

    3 Home Redecoration Tips to Do Before Winter

    When the winter comes, the last thing you will want to be doing is redecorating. The winter months are for snuggling on the couch, enjoying your beautiful house and spending time with loved ones. It is such a great idea to get all the redecoration done in the slightly warmer months because it is easier to have windows open to let paint dry, or move things in and out of the house without the cold rushing in etc. Here are a few redecoration tips you should try doing before the cold months arrive.

    Royalty free photo

    Garden Improvements

    To start with the slightly obvious, redecorating your garden in the summer months is such a brilliant idea. The lack of rain and cold weather means the ground will be easier to work with, and if you have plants, you will be able to see them flourish.

    If you were to work on your garden in the winter months, having to juggle time between the rain, wind and perhaps even snow could make your garden project run a lot slower. If your garden feels as though it needs some work doing and you would like to spark life and excitement into it, look into some ideas, tips and more @ ALDMN.

    Painting

    As briefly mentioned before, painting your walls is easier to do when it isn’t cold outside – not necessarily for how the paint will dry, or even the application of it, but more so for when you have the windows open. Having the windows open when it is freezing outside will make your house feel chilly and you may waste money on heating. Painting in the summer also means that the paint will dry quicker because of the warm temperature. Make sure the temperature isn’t too high though because that can affect the quality of the paint itself.

    Renovation

    If you are planning on knocking down a wall or two, it is a good idea to do this in the warmer months as well. Again, when you are doing this kind of work to a house, the doors are normally left open or people are coming in back and forth so the house will feel very open, which could make your house feel colder.

    If you are planning on installing a new kitchen or new bathroom for example, it may be easier to cope in the summer months for similar reasons. Also, your heating may need adjusting or you may be without it for a while when carrying out these sorts of changes, so it is better do to this when you aren’t in need of the heating for the time being.

    Redecorating your home is so beneficial for the future, not just for you and your family, but it may even improve the value of the house if you decide to sell it on. Make your home into your own personal paradise so that you can relax and enjoy your home for the winter months ahead.

  • How to Prepare Your Home for the Winter Months

    How to Prepare Your Home for the Winter Months

    As the cold weather is now approaching, it is a good time to start thinking about preparing your home for potential snowstorms. It is better to start organizing your home before the winter does hit, so that you can be fully prepared for any kind of situation that may arise. Also, if something in your house does need working on, it’s better to do it in the warmer months rather than let your house get cold in the winter months. Here are a few helpful tips on how to make your home your cozy winter haven for the end of the year.

    Royalty free photo

    Insulation

    Make sure your home is fully and properly insulated. If your home has the right insulation, then it will help your heating fill the house rather than leak out of the top of the house.

    Making sure you have the correct insulation will save you so much money each month too, as you won’t have to constantly turn up the thermostat.

    Avoid Frozen Pipes

    To stop your pipes from freezing over, there are a few ways to keep them running as usual. You can either insulate them by wrapping them in sponge pipe covers, or leave the heating on to keep them warm. If you don’t want to leave your heating on constantly, then perhaps set up a timer so it will only come on for the times you have set it for.

    Check Your Windows

    It is so important to check that your windows are safe and performing as well as they can be. If your windows are quite cheap and light, they will let heat out of your house and also may be prone to breaking quite easily.

    Check your windows before winter hits to see whether they are substantial. If they aren’t, then choosing the right windows could benefit your home massively in the colder months.

    Check Your Boiler

    Before letting your boiler get to the point where it breaks and needs fixing or replacing, make sure that you get it serviced often to stop that from happening. It will save you a lot of money in the long run. It is also important to look at getting it checked in the summer months too because if there is a problem with it, you would much rather temporarily go without heating in the summer than in the winter.

    Sort Out the Yard

    Before a storm blows your yard furniture away or the rain ruins your garden decorations, safely store them away so that you can enjoy them when there is a spot of sunshine. Also, make sure your trash cans are safely stored somewhere where they won’t get blown over. Check your fences and gates too to see if they are sturdy enough to take on strong winds.

    Save yourself the hassle of sorting these problems out in the freezing cold. Follow these simple steps to make sure your home is as safe and warm as it can be in the chilly winter months.

  • Biggest Signs That Let You Know It’s Time to Move to a New Home

    Biggest Signs That Let You Know It’s Time to Move to a New Home

    When you first bought your house, it was nice and shiny… You loved the bay windows, the high ceilings, and the massive backyard. But as time grew, so did your needs and wants in a home. Then it hit you…

    “I need to move…”

    Whether you want to move or not, moving is a big ordeal. For one, it can be a very emotional time in your life. Secondly, moving is expensive! Not only do you have to pay deposits and pay for movers but there are all kinds of hidden costs of moving that you don’t even realize until you’re in the actual process of moving… It’s as though every time you look up, you’re having to pay for something!

    Nonetheless, everyone doesn’t find their “forever house” on their first try; sometimes it takes moving into your fourth house and renovating it to create your forever home, and that’s okay. But either way you look at it, there will be signs that let you know when it’s time to move. And the sooner you can acknowledge it, the sooner you’ll be settling down and finding your forever home.

    But first, you have to recognize these signs…

    Undeniable Signs It’s Time to Move Into a New Home

    Space is Getting “Cramped”

    Maybe when you first moved into your home, it was just you and your partner. But over the years it turned into you, your partner, and two kids! With a growing family, space is a much-needed feature.

    You always have the option of adding rooms onto your home but that sometimes can cost as much money as putting a downpayment on a brand new home. If you know that your current home isn’t your “forever home,” there’s no need in wasting money on renovations… just move into a bigger home.

    Job Opportunity in a New Area

    There are many reasons people move to new homes but one of the biggest reasons is because they received a new job opportunity. This, in turn, will cause you to think about what to consider when moving to a new area.

    Sometimes this job opportunity is due to a promotion with your current job and sometimes it’s from accepting an offer with a completely new company. But ultimately, when opportunity calls, you have to go to where it takes you… even if it means moving to a new home in a new area.

    Can’t Afford Your Home Anymore

    When you first move into a home, it, of course, is brand new with all the “bells and whistles,” but you know it’s not going to stay that way forever, especially if it wasn’t a brand new home you initially bought.

    When you buy a home, you’re making an investment, and as the house gets older, it’s going to require maintenance and repairs… that’s a given. But when the upkeep of your home gets to be overwhelming, it can be a major sign that it’s time to move into a new home.

    For example, if your home doesn’t seem to cool down in the summer months, this causes you to run your AC continuously. This is usually because there are cracks and air leaks in your home letting your cool air out… This can also cause your electric bill to go through the roof!

    So in an effort to lower your electric bill, you might look into getting electricity from renewable resources. But even with that effort, it’s still not a solution for the water stains on your ceiling, your basement flooding every time it rains, or the major pest problems you have during the summer.

    When your home repairs get so expensive that you can’t afford to live in it, it’s definitely time to move into a newer home.

    Terrible Neighbors/ Bad Neighborhood

    How many times have you looked at homes online and then went to actually visit the home and seen that it was in a rough area? It happens all the time. These home sellers, and even apartment complexes, will only post pictures of the interiors and leave out the street views. They’ll also only leave descriptions of the attractions in the area and proximities to shopping and dining locations… This is very misleading.

    Unfortunately, potential home buyers fall for that trap and end up moving into questionable neighborhoods or find themselves living next to the neighbors from you know where. Once you’ve lived in your home for a while and reached your breaking point, whether it’s from your awful neighbors or the sketchy neighborhood, it’s time to put your foot down and move, for the safety of yourself, your family, and your belongings.