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  • Top 5 Free DIY Design Tools for 2022

    Top 5 Free DIY Design Tools for 2022

    Eye-catching graphics have become a necessity for all businesses and professionals, as well as for individuals who want to create them themselves.

    Photo by Tamanna Rumee on Unsplash

    Graphics, whether on social media or in a blog post, can actually persuade and influence potential buyers and also help individuals visualize and refine their DIY projects.

    Nevertheless, there may be difficulties in creating high-quality graphics if your team or you have little or no graphic design experience, or you or your business has a tight budget or none at all.

    Nevertheless, the web has now made powerful tools available to you for free and that allow you to create innovative projects for free.

    Continue reading if that’s something you’re interested in. This blog post will provide you with the top five free DIY design tools for 2022.

    Let’s go right to it.

    What is a DIY design tool?

    A Do-it-Yourself (DIY) graphic design tool is an online tool or program that allows you to create high-quality and professional graphics, even if you have no design experience. 

    Often, these tools offer predesigned elements, images, and intuitive options that facilitate and accelerate the creative process. 

    What are the benefits of using a DIY design tool?

    1. Cost savings

    Graphic designers can be quite expensive, depending on their level of expertise and the scope of the project.

    Especially if you have a small budget, it would be prudent to avoid hiring one.

    Instead, employing yourself in your design work will free up funds for other purposes of your project’s development.

    1. Faster content development

    Working with another person or professional on your design project can sometimes require you to wait for a long period of time depending on their availability and turnaround time. 

    If you do it yourself, you can start and end it whenever you please, and you will be the only one responsible for the time it takes to complete it. 

    Therefore, depending on your commitment, you can complete the work more quickly than if it were delegated to another person.

    1. Ability to develop new designing skills

    As you work on a variety of graphic design and designing projects, you’ll have more opportunities to learn more about the subject, develop new skills, and gain expertise. 

    You might learn more about user experience, for example. Here is a user experience design guide that explains it in more detail. 

    It will enable you to produce constantly more refined projects and optimize development time.

    Best 5 free DIY design tools

    This section will provide you with the top five free DIY design tools currently available on the web.

    Let’s explore them in more detail.

    1. Foyr Neo

    From Foyr’s website

    Foyr Neo is a free floor plan creator that lets you create outstanding floor plan designs with ease.

    With its pre-made designs, you can design in a fast and easy manner, including any type of furniture and any style of decoration. 

    You will no longer have to start from scratch, but you will instead be able to use its design presets.

    Its photorealistic rendering allows you to visualize your interior design project in a realistic way as you work on it.

    Additionally, since it uses AI, it will automatically take care of smart docking, auto lighting, and more.

    1. Pitch

    From Pitch’s website

    With Pitch, you’ll have all the tools you need to create an impressive desk, from advanced design options to data integration.

    Design options and an intuitive interface make creation and editing simple and quick, even for those without design experience.

    It integrates with Unsplash, Giphy, Icons8, and Brandfetch. You will be able to choose from millions of free-copyright images based on your project needs.

    Furthermore, you can also add videos thanks to the chance to embed videos from YouTube, Vimeo, and Loom, or upload your own from your computer.

    To make your presentation even more professional, some of its options also allow you to add data from Google Analytics, Google Sheets, and more.

    It comes with many pre-designed templates, including interior design proposals, to make the creation process effortless. See some of the best Pitch’s marketing templates to gain a better understanding of its features and potential.

    1. Pixlr

    From Pixlr’s website

    Pixlr is a free DIY design tool that lets you edit photos and create outstanding and high-quality designs directly in your browser.

    It presents its users with a user-friendly photo editing interface and AI-powered editing tools for quick and easy photo editing.

    It gives you the option of starting from scratch or using one of the templates, which include YouTube thumbnails, Instagram stories, resumes, brochures, and newsletters.

    It supports and allows you to open any image format, such as PSD (Photoshop), PXD, JPEG, PNG (transparent), WebP, and SVG.

    Its core features include a picture collage maker, background removal, filters, and effects.

    1. Canva

    From Canva’s website

    Canva is one of the best free DIY design tools available on the web that you can use to create almost everything, from presentations to more detailed projects such as interior designs. 

    It offers a library of ready-to-use templates and thousands of pre-designed elements that will enable you to create professional and refined designs with a few clicks. 

    You can easily download your design in the format and dimensions that suit your needs once you have completed your design. 

    You can also buy high-quality elements and features such as transparent backgrounds for as little as a dollar or by subscribing to its cheap membership plan. 

    1. PicMonkey

    From PickMonkey’s website

    PickMonkey is an online editor and graphic design maker that lets you create photos, logos, social media graphics, Facebook covers, and much more.

    There are 1000+ beautiful pre-designed templates to speed up your design process, 9000+ graphics and textures to enhance your design, 100+ impressive fonts, and stock photos and videos that are authentic and high quality.

    The templates cover the most disparate topics, such as interior design and holidays, such as Christmas.

    With its photo editor, you can apply super artsy effects, use tools like the background remover, color changer, and smart resize.

    Wrapping up

    Creating a graphic project correctly requires expertise and time.

    However, the right tools can facilitate the process and result in other benefits, such as money savings.

    We hope this article was interesting to you and you found the free DIY design tool that fits your needs and preferences among those listed above.

    Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. If you want to read more about this topic, see this beginner’s guide to DIY projects.

  • 7 Things to Consider When Choosing a Dining Table for Your Home

    7 Things to Consider When Choosing a Dining Table for Your Home

    You probably know by now that dining tables are a need when it comes to choosing essential furniture pieces for your home.

    Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash

    Aside from the fact that this is a tool to hold your meals as you dine together with your family and friends, your dining table will also function as the focal point of your dining area. This is where it serves as an elegant place for displaying table ornaments. Therefore, choosing the right table does not only mean selecting the ones that can cater to a lot of people but also the one that effectively delivers its function as a centerpiece.

    Now you’re aware that there are also other aspects that you need to consider in picking the right dining table. But of course, it will always be practicality that should be prioritized among all of those aspects. At the end of the day, we need a table that can carry out its primary purpose which is to make our daily dining experience comfortable and welcoming. Although if we want to consider the aesthetics of our dining area, you must go for tables that contain the qualities of both practicality and attractiveness. Do you have no idea where to begin in this table-searching adventure? Let us assist you through this guide and remind you of what characteristics you should be looking for in a table as you read through.

    The Shape is a Crucial Feature

    One of the most important features of a dining table is the shape since this also determines the amount of space it will occupy in your dining area. You don’t want a table that is too large since it leaves little to no space at all. The same goes for smaller tables but does not accommodate all of the members that will be dining together. Below are the various table shapes to check when picking a table.

    Rectangle-shaped or Square-shaped Tables 

    Photo by Jorge De Jorge on Unsplash

    Back when we’re asked to draw a table as a kid, we usually draw it with four corners. We are used to the common shape of tables as rectangles or squares. This is because most dining areas also have corners and cornered tables are suitable for these types of spaces. 

    If you have a family with a lot of members living together or are just fond of dining with them together most of the time, rectangular tables are highly recommended as a must-have in your house. But in scenarios where you have plans to host a gathering with several guests, they will have a difficult time accessing all the dishes you have prepared on the table because of the corners. 

    Round or Oval Tables

    Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash

    If you’re looking for a dining table that best accommodates a lot of people, this is your sign to get a round table. This is also appropriate for those dining spaces that aren’t filled with many corners and for those who would want to maintain a minimalist style. Oval-shaped tables allow more breathing space in the dining room and are suitable for intimate gatherings or bonding time with a few friends. So, if you have a small area and you need your furniture to only occupy a little space, go for circular tables.

    Choosing the Appropriate Length for Dining Tables

    Before anything else, you need to specify first the number of people you usually want to accommodate as well as the size of your dining area to avoid any errors in selecting your dining table. What you need to ensure is that every person dining at the table has sufficient elbow room throughout their dining experience. These are the common size to seat ratios: 

    a 48 inches table accommodates 4 people; a 60 inches table accommodates 6 people and; 72 inches table accommodates 8 people.

    There are also upgraded tables such as the expandable ones which are really beneficial most especially when you are unsure about the number of people who’ll come for dinners. This is best if you are the type to invite people in joining your meals or for large gatherings. Just simply adjusting the table already is a convenient feature that you will benefit from for a long time.

    Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash

    Selecting the Appropriate Table Height

    There are three common types of dining tables according to height. The ones found mostly in homes are the traditional sized tables wherein it usually ranges from 28-30 inches for larger legroom below. Another type of dining table is the counter-height which has a height nearing 36 inches. Lastly, the pub-style ones are usually the tallest table types which are 40 inches or higher.

     

    What to Note When Picking the Dining Table Material

    There’s a huge variety of materials used for making tables and it’s not easy choosing one. Each material has features that you may or may not like. But as we said earlier, we are here to guide you in every step so we’ve gathered possible choices that you can choose from.

    1. Wood

    Since time immemorial, wood has been the oldest material utilized in making furniture. Due to its durability and versatility, cultures and civilizations have relied on this material for the creation of most items essential to man.

    There is an abundant supply of wood as compared to other materials used for making tables since trees are natural resources and not man-made. Moreover, the many varieties of wood also produce different effects and accents on the table itself. Patterns and lines are different for each type of wood which adds to the aesthetics of the said furniture piece. You can opt to coat it with a finish to protect its surface and for added flair.

    Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash
    1. Glass

    Another impressive material for tables is glass. The elegant and classic vibes it exudes are best for modern dining or interiors with contemporary style. It allows natural lighting to enter the house due to its transparency. Unlike hard-to-maintain table materials, glass is actually very easy to maintain since it would only need a towel and soap for cleaning. The disadvantage is that it is fragile, so one simple accident of falling a plate onto the surface will have it quickly breaking into pieces.

     

    1. Marble

    Another elegant material for the table is a marble. The unique pattern and texture it has on its surface are enough to produce a feeling of luxury or grandiose. The downside to this material is that it gets easily stained and would require cleaning products to remove them. Other than that, it complements industrial, modern, or contemporary house styles. 

    1. Metal

    If you’re talking about sturdiness and longevity, then metal leads the competition. The qualities that metal tables have are far more different from the other types of tables. It is versatile since metal can be cut and bent to form various objects and is long-lasting since it cannot be scratched and broken easily. Its corrosion-resistant property lies on the coating such as paint and other finishes. You can also explore custom metal tables to match the preferred table appearance you have in mind.

    Conclusion

    We do hope this guide we’ve curated has helped you in many ways and it is highly advised that you also do your own research on selecting the right table for your home. Remember that the functionality and style must go together in a table so you get to maximize the furniture for years to come.

  • Top 3 Tips to Prepare Your Cargo for International shipping

    Top 3 Tips to Prepare Your Cargo for International shipping

    Do you know that many American companies lose growth opportunities for their business during the international shipping of their goods than any other aspect of the transportation process?

    Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash

    Do you know why? This is because they neglect to prepare their cargo while shipping it internationally. What are the preparations you need to take while shipping your container through international seas? Most business vendors and customers aren’t much aware of the process of international shipping. 

    Shipping is one of the most important factors in the trading world. It doesn’t matter if you’re using ocean freight or air freight services to ship your products internationally; you need to be careful while preparing your containers. One small mistake can prove fatal for your business. Here are the top 3 tips you need to remember to prepare your cargo for international shipping. 

    Photo by Tobias Tullius on Unsplash

    Make Sure the Goods are Capable of Handling the International Shipping Process

    Analyzing the safety and protection of your goods throughout the entire journey is one of the most important steps you need to consider. This is most important for the larger shipping containers. 

    Apart from ensuring the protection of your shipping containers, you also need to determine if they are capable of handling the pressure of international shipment. This means that your goods should be stackable. If you’re using Consol cargo or LCL services, your goods will be transported with other types of materials. Therefore, you need to take the necessary precautions to protect it from any type of damage. 

    Additionally, make sure the goods can be handled without any problem throughout the entire international freight process. As the containers will be moved using a forklift, you need to make sure the goods are ready for safe handling. 

    Photo by Pat Whelen on Unsplash

    Focus on the Packaging

    If you’re shipping goods internationally, investing in double-walled or reinforced parcel boxes will help you increase the standard of your packaging system. The additional protection that comes from this type of packaging is undoubtedly worth every penny. Not to mention, it’s the best way to minimize any type of damage during the transportation of the goods. 

    Corrugated plastics are capable of protecting your good from any damage. As the shipping containers come in various sizes and weight capacities, they will help businesses protect the goods. This way business owner can decrease the chances of return. 

    You can also label the fragile goods so that they can be handled with extra care. If you’re transporting larger goods, consider palletizing your goods. As per Callipm, palletizing will help you stack larger quantities of similar items.  This way you can improve the structural integrity of the heavier and larger goods and make them well-prepared for international shipping. 

    Photo by Aleksey Shkitenkov on Unsplash

    Don’t Forget the Internal Packaging

    Now that you’ve taken care of the boxes, the next step is to focus on the internal packaging. Many customers report damaged goods due to improper internal packaging. Using air cushions or packing peanuts is one of the best ways to fill the space inside the parcel box. Minimizing the space will undoubtedly help you reduce the damages to the goods. 

    Despite the sturdiness of the box, if you’re placing fragile goods without filling the space, the fragile goods will be damaged. If the international shipping will take a couple of weeks to complete, you need to pay close attention to the internal packaging of your goods. 

    Apart from that, make sure the edges of the box are taped with the H-taping method. This way you can secure the goods. 

    Conclusion

    These are the top 3 tips you need to know to prepare your cargo for international shipping. Do you have any questions? Comment below to let us know.

  • Four types of asphalt repairing techniques

    Four types of asphalt repairing techniques

    Asphalt paved surfaces are prone to damages due to wear and tear that requires periodic repairing to maintain their longevity.

    Photo by Bernard Hermant on Unsplash

    The damages are more in heavy traffic areas, and more rain as rainwater is the greatest enemy of asphalt paving. Rainwater seeping inside the asphalt surface causes more damage.  According to the experts of Asphalt Paving Southern MD, regular maintenance of the asphalt paving can take care of the minor damages and prevent it from getting worse, thereby ensuring its long life and saving the cost of relaying the surface. 

    The type and extent of damages to the asphalt paving determine the kind of repairing technique that should work well. Early detection of cracks, the disintegration of asphalt or raveling, dips, etc., by periodically checking the asphalt stretch should help to take timely action.

    Photo by David Libeert on Unsplash

    In this article, we will discuss some standard methods of asphalt repairing.

    Patching

    Surface patching of the asphalt surface, also known as asphalt patching, is a simple repairing technique that temporarily fixes minor problems. If you need to quickly patch up a crack or hole to prevent the asphalt surface from further damage, then patching is a temporary and affordable solution. The surface regains its original looks and can withstand loads without any problems. Only when the damage is about an inch or two deep will that patching work well but lasts for about two years. Later, it is pointless to redo the patching, and instead, it is better to look for some long-term solution.

    Asphalt removal and replacement

    For a long-term solution to repair damages to the asphalt paving, the experts recommend the asphalt removal and replacement technique of repairing. Asphalt surfaces that undergo reflective cracking are suitable for repairing by the asphalt removal and replacement technique. Reflective cracking happens due to repeated stress on a particular place of the asphalt paving, primarily due to the movement of heavy vehicles.  The method of repairing involves removing the asphalt layers to ensure complete extraction of the damaged portion. The removed asphalt layers are reusable during repairing, which saves cost. 

    Photo by Michael Petrila on Unsplash

    Asphalt milling and resurfacing

    When the damage to the asphalt pavement is extensive and widespread, it requires milling and resurfacing as done for parking lots or similar areas. After removing the asphalt entirely, the contractor will convert it into fine gravel-like pieces by grinding and using it to create a new aggregate that is much stronger.  The unusable asphalt recovered from the area is sent to a processing plant for recycling and makes it suitable for use as some other construction materials. The method helps to lower carbon footprints. The recovered asphalt that produces the new aggregate is useful for repaving or resurfacing the total area.

    Photo by Massimo Virgilio on Unsplash

    Asphalt crack filling

    Do not neglect small and fine cracks visible on the asphalt surface as it indicates some deeper problems. The crack on the surface might result from more extensive damages deep inside the asphalt surface that results from continuous asphalt distress due to heavy traffic and constant vehicular traffic.  

    When the damage is extensive, it requires the complete replacement of the entire pavement system. The process of repairing, known as full-depth repair, is as good as laying new asphalt paving.

  • A Complete Guide to the Disposal of Old Exercise Equipment

    A Complete Guide to the Disposal of Old Exercise Equipment

    Most exercise equipment is heavy and difficult to transport from one place to another without assistance. Treadmills are particularly difficult to carry down the stairs since they are so heavy.

    Photo by Jelmer Assink on Unsplash

    Having said that, there comes a time when one has to get rid of old workout equipment. It can be because the equipment has become faulty, or you no longer need it. People also want to get rid of old exercise equipment if they are upgrading to newer, advanced machinery. Hiring junk removal Vacaville CA services is one option, but there are other options as well.

    There are a few things to consider when it comes to getting rid of unwanted exercise equipment. You’ll have a variety of possibilities depending on your location. So, take that into consideration as you go through the following list.

    Tips for Disposing of Old Workout Equipment:

    First, you must determine whether you can move it or get it to a location where it may be easily picked up. And that’s where you must begin. Your weekly junk removal service will not come into your home or on your property to collect or transfer goods for you.

    Photo by Rodrigo Sarsfield on Unsplash

    So, if you can’t move stuff down the stairs, out from the basement, or out to the street, consider the following options:

    Contact a Junk Removal Service:

    It may be time to dump the equipment if it is beyond repair. Consider hiring a junk removal service, which will come to your home and remove it for a fee. The corporation may then sell the item for scrap metal or just recycle it at a facility that specializes in this piece of equipment. This is by far the most straightforward and stress-free method of getting rid of heavy exercise equipment.

    A reputable junk removal business will use certified experts who know how to carry your treadmill, weight bench, or other heavy workout equipment without causing damage to your walls or floors. Most importantly, you didn’t have to worry about treatment costs as a result of attempting to get the treadmill or other piece of equipment downstairs or through doorways.

    Photo by Humphrey Muleba on Unsplash

    Ask a Family Member or Friend:

    You should always check if a friend or family member requires the workout equipment. We’ve seen family disputes erupt over family members attempting to get a treadmill down some steep steps.

    Post it on the Internet:

    Sell the equipment if it still functions and is rusting away in the basement or garage. Because new workout equipment is costly, many people opt for pre-owned items to get started. Some fitness firms will purchase and maybe pick up used gym equipment.

    You may certainly sell or give away your unwanted workout equipment on the internet or through social media. But there is something that you need to be aware of. Outsiders at your home, unauthorized to move your belongings. You are, unfortunately, responsible for any damage that occurs during the relocation procedure.

    Photo by Jelmer Assink on Unsplash

    Donate It:

    If ​you have any outdated fitness equipment, consider donating it. Try contacting your community-based center, senior center, and even high school to see whether the used gym equipment is of worth to them. Donation pick-up groups may accept exercise equipment if it is in good functioning order.

    Functional exercise equipment will be accepted by several local charities. You will, however, almost certainly have to take it to the donation center. They’ll also connect it in when you arrive to ensure it’s in working order. You’ll have to dispose of it on your own if it isn’t. Before you drive it there, make sure to contact them to check if the donation center takes operating workout equipment.

    In addition, rather than simply discarding your unwanted equipment in the garbage, most professional junk removal firms will try to donate it. So, if you want to give your exercise equipment but don’t want to deal with the heavy lifting and transporting, this is a viable choice.

    Photo by Mark Bertulfo on Unsplash

    How do you get rid of exercise equipment that is broken or doesn’t work?

    In a nutshell, these are the two main options you can pursue to get rid of broken, faulty or malfunctioned exercise equipment.

    • Your weekly trash service may or may not accept exercise equipment on heavy trash days. So, contact a local junk removal company, such as 3 Kings Hauling to see whether this is a suitable option for you.
    • You can lift, load, and drive it to a landfill on your own.

    There you have it! We hope that this all-inclusive guide will help you to get rid of exercise equipment that’s lying idle in your home serving no purpose while just accumulating a lot of space that can be used for other purposes. 

  • ESPN Plus Guide: A must-have for some, but not all, die-hard fans

    ESPN Plus Guide: A must-have for some, but not all, die-hard fans

    The ultimate guide for fans of hockey, soccer, and ultimate fighting.

    Do you love sports? The trials and tribulations of a sports fan don’t end with just your favorite team not making it to the finals or losing to their all-time rival, they also extend to the absolute pain you feel when you cannot live stream your favorite event. 

    Photo by Tech Daily on Unsplash

    Did I mention the fact that we also face the ever-growing struggle of our favorite sports not being broadcasted on the streaming services and channels available to us in our geographical location?

    Photo by Izuddin Helmi Adnan on Unsplash

    If you can relate, we have some good news for you. 

    There is one underrated streaming service that can help you catch all your favorite sporting events all in one place.

    We’re talking about ESPN and ESPN+. These streaming platforms can help you watch exciting programs including exclusive UFC events (UFC events, in general, are hard to find on streaming services due to the sport’s gory nature), hundreds of MLB and NHL games, and college sports (yes, college football too).

    This is God sent in an age where cable TV has been completely phased out, and where ESPN and ESPN+ allow you to watch all of your favorite sports on one platform nonstop with no pesky ads. Additionally, it also has a library of sports that you would be hard-pressed to find on any other platform.

    Although an amazing source to keep up with sports, it is only available in the US. To stream ESPN+ Canada or anywhere outside of the USA, you will need a VPN that offers US servers. ExpressVPN is a great option to get started.

    ESPN versus ESPN+

    ESPN and ESPN+ essentially function the same way with only a relatively significant difference, ESPN+ offers you the unmatched power to watch live broadcasts. 

    ESPN is a television channel that offers you the unique opportunity to watch shows and matches after they have been broadcasted, as well as offers all of ESPN’s amazing commentary shows with their professional commentators and sports analysts. 

    Photo by Audi Nissen on Unsplash

    Both platforms have the same massive library that has the most major sports you can think of under the sun.

    ESPN broadcasts MLB, NBA, and NHL games, including the popular NFL Monday Night Football, alongside NCAA college basketball and football. 

    Furthermore, it displays most-watched shows like ‘SportsCenter’ and ‘Pardon The Interruption’, which are currently not available on ESPN+. The best way to access ESPN is to subscribe to a cable service that streams it.

    On the other hand, programs on ESPN+ include hundreds of MLB and NHL games, exclusive UFC matches, top-rank boxing, and PFL fights and events, and top domestic and international soccer (including out-of-market Major League Soccer). 

    Its NHL coverage is definitely unrivaled. Moreover, an ESPN Plus subscription will automatically remove the paywall on the ESPN website, which will give users access to all the available online articles and reporting. However, it does not display live NFL or NBA games despite its impressive vast original programming library.  

    ESPN does not simply show you what ESPN + shows you, which is why both platforms are independent of each other and why ESPN+ has its own library consisting of games, replays of original content, and more. 

    ESPN + updates you on what is coming next regarding the games and events, which ensures and enables you to not miss any kind of streaming. 

    Both ESPN and ESPN Plus content is readily available on the ESPN app, which is available on various streaming platforms, iOS, Android, and the ESPN website. Also you need a VPN to stream ESPN+ in GEO-Restricted regions.

    How is the app like to use?

    The ESPN app displays content for both the ESPN channel and for ESPN plus. Once you subscribe to both, you will need to sign in twice, as you will first sign in to your ESPN cable and then to the ESPN Plus account. 

    ESPN Plus will allow you to customize a list of your favorite teams which would enable the app to display scores, games, updates, and programming on the homepage. The app worked very similarly when I plugged into Roku (click to see our article on the Roku device here), Google TV, Apple TV, and iOS. 

    The app displays all the major leagues, which jumps to the current live games, replays, and shows like LaLiga Live. Content is also accessible sport by sport – if you click soccer, you can access all of the content related to soccer on ESPN and ESPN+ in one place. There is also a tab for Films Spotlight, which displays the 30 for 30 movies, exclusive to ESPN plus subscribers.

    Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

    Conclusion

    I really wish the app had a watch list, or a continue watching section, which would make its usability similar to platform giants like Netflix.

    However, the experience of watching live sports was so pleasant, with the option of picking the home or away streaming feed. Current scores can also be hidden from you, if that is an option you prefer, to avoid any spoilers. 

    My favorite way to use the app is using iOS as it does the best job in my opinion of mixing news, articles, streaming, and videos in one space.

    For all fans interested, you can get an ESPN+ subscription for $6.99 per month or enjoy 15% off with an ESPN+ Annual Plan at $69.99 per year. I would suggest that you purchase the bundle, which has ESPN+ with Disney+ and Hulu for $13.99 per month. It also allows you to cancel anytime you like. 

  • Seven Ways to Introduce Mosaics to Your Bathroom

    Seven Ways to Introduce Mosaics to Your Bathroom

    The bathroom is one of the most important spaces in our homes, a place for relaxation and self-care. However, it is often difficult to design a small space with an eye for functionality and the decorative effect we want to have in one space. Introducing mosaics to your bathroom unlocks unlimited possibilities for creativity and is a great way to give your bathroom a complete makeover. 

    Use Vertical Patterns for Wallpaper Effect

    Our bathrooms tend to be the most humid of all our rooms. Therefore certain decorative options, such as wallpapers, are off-limits. However, mosaic wall art offers an elegant and luxurious solution for those who are looking for something more decorative than the usual bathroom tiles. Vertical or diagonal patterns such as Mozaico’s ‘Nothern Waves’ will immediately add uniqueness to your bathroom and also create a high-ceiling look thanks to ascending lines in the pattern.

    Create Your Very Own Home Spa

    Nothing quite sets a relaxed mood in the bathroom as mosaic art. From nautical imagery to abstract art, mosaics are the best way to bring some art to your home bathroom, creating your very own haven for relaxation and self-care rituals. Choose soothing colors in neutral shades that resemble the cooling stones of the earth (think ochre or greys) or deep blues that resemble the depth of the ocean to set up a calm, relaxing mood.

    Introduce Color Accents

    The few past years have been all about minimalist design, from fashion to interiors. However, the designers predict a surge in brighter, more vibrant and daring designs coming to the scene in 2022. We already see that happening in the fashion industry, and home decoration is expected to follow this trend. Having contrast or brightly colored mosaic art in your bathroom is a great way to elevate the overall design of the space and also make it feel more personal, more “you.” With mosaics offering so many different design options, from traditional imagery inspired by antiquity to the latest abstract art, there is surely something that will showcase your personality and help you create the space you will enjoy every day.

    Add a Mosaics Rug Under Your Bathtub

    If you are one of the lucky owners of a spacy bathroom, you can achieve a great decorative effect by combining a freestanding bathtub with a mosaic rug. By installing a mosaic art piece underneath your tub, you will turn it into an island of serenity and relaxation while providing additional safety: composed of small mosaic stones, mosaic rugs provide a sturdier grip for wet feet than traditional bath rugs.

    Choose Ornamental Borders

    Connect different elements of your bathroom wall decoration by wrapping your bathroom in a mosaic border. Even if your overall look is quite calm and minimalist, mosaic borders are a great way to add designer touches to your space without drawing all the attention to the mosaic itself. Moreso, mosaic borders’ continuous design keeps the eye traveling from one design element to the next, while letting you cover larger areas with less expensive tile styles.

    Create Illusion of Space with Scenic Mosaics

    Adding an illusion of extra space is a great solution for smaller bathrooms, and mosaic wall art is the ideal medium to do that. With mosaic wall art, you can visually open up the space by adding a window mosaic or scenic mosaic to your wall. For a more dramatic effect, choose mosaic art with a strong depth of the field and prominent vertical lines — this way it will not only make your space feel bigger, but will also visually add height to your ceilings. 

    Focus On The Details

    Hanging artwork on your wall is one of the most well-known yet effective ways to add an additional layer to your room decor. But what about bathrooms? With constant changes in temperature and humidity levels during the day, there are only a few artistic mediums that can be preserved there without being damaged. Mosaics are made from natural stones such as marble, quartz, and mosaic glass, and can survive for centuries, even in the most unfavorable conditions. Choose a smaller mosaic inspired by your favorite artwork and install it in your bathroom the same way as you would hang a painting — and enjoy the creative feel in your space.

  • Lighting Trends That Will Help You Create a Beautiful Home

    Lighting Trends That Will Help You Create a Beautiful Home

    Don’t let lighting take a backseat when decorating your home.

    Photo by Stephan Bechert on Unsplash

    And while you may overlook it as you hunt for furniture and other house accessories, it’s important to note that lighting can also change how a room looks.

    Light fixtures can determine whether you get enough light to a room or the kind of mood or look you want the space to project.

    But what kind of lights should you consider when contemplating your home décor?

    This post lists trends in lighting that will dominate the coming year, and that should be top of your list as you shop for light fixtures.

    Photo by Andrea Davis on Unsplash

    Check them out.

    1. Wall Sconces

    Overhead lights might be your first recourse when choosing a lighting fixture for your home. However, it’s also crucial to realize that wall sconces can be functional, especially when lighting small spaces.

    They do not take up too much footprint and require no floor space or table to hold them.

    Best of all?

    Incorporating them in spaces already furnished with other lights can change the look and feel of it.

    For example, apart from the overhead light in your bathroom, you can leverage side-by-side sconces on each side of your vanity mirror to spread light more evenly.

    This bathroom vanity mirror light idea can ensure you get more direct light without having to rely on the overhead light that may cast shadows. It will also give your bathroom a new look or change it dramatically.

    Photo by David Veksler on Unsplash

    2. Industrial Lighting

    With industrial lighting, interior designers seek to celebrate the sturdy and simple appearance represented by industrial spaces and factories. These light fixtures often feature strong unfinished but long-lasting materials that seamlessly match the modern, country, or contemporary style.

    And in the coming year, industrial lighting will continue to become a preferred choice for most designers, especially in luxury homes and establishments.

    Why?

    Industrial lighting fixtures can create a dramatic ambiance or brighten entrances. They can also match with almost any interior decoration you choose.

    Want to know what other trends to look out for when decorating your home?

    This infographic by Claxy details most of the trends to look up to and how they can help rejuvenate your home. Check it out! 

    Top Lighting Trends to Brighten Homes in the Coming Year
    Image Courtesy: Claxy.com

    Author Bio: Shagufa Sheikh

    Shagufa Sheikh is a Content Strategist at Attrock with over 7 years of experience in content marketing. She is passionate about helping businesses grow their online presence. She has a keen eye for design and loves to keep up with the latest trends in interior design, architecture, and home improvement.