Image via Pinterest Always that one afterthought: what color for the grout? Sometimes it can be the most challenging, yet it seems such a simple answer. Sometimes you just know, other times there are so many directions you can go. Image via Pinterest Such was the case for a current project I'm working on. We are installing a unique sort of terracotta, Saltillo tile from Dal Tile called Rekindle. It's being installed as kitchen flooring. As for the grout color, the thought was possibly an off white, gray or even a more tone on tone color. After researching some pictures, we opted for Biscuit - the contrast will work nicely with the lighter finishes that are going to be installed. The concept board featuring lighter finishes, warm wood cabinets, & a terracotta style porcelain flooring. Mapei Grout Colors has a good chart for grout colors - we opted for Biscuit. If you're looking for help upgrading your home design, I offer affordable online design services for anyone, anywhere: https://www.jillseidnerinteriordesign.com/online-design.html
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Before you stick that “For Sale” sign in your front yard and hoping for the best, Here are a must-dos that might just help you seal the deal faster than you can say “open house”. 1. Dig Up Those Deeds Yes, I mean it literally. Hopefully, you haven’t buried your house deeds under a mountain of forgotten garage sale items in the attic. Before listing your house, grab a copy of your property deeds. It’s not just about proving you own the place—though that’s pretty crucial—it also ensures there are no surprises about property lines when your buyers come calling with a tape measure and grand ideas about extensions. 2. Channel Your Inner Marie Kondo Decluttering isn’t just trendy—it’s selling smart. You want potential buyers to walk in and imagine their life there, not sidestep around your collection of vintage rock band tees. So, yes, thank those old magazines for their service and send them on their way. The cleaner and more organized your space, the bigger it looks, and the faster hearts fall in love. 3. Fix the Little Things You know that door handle that falls off in your hand? Or that faucet that drips with the persistence of a teething toddler? Time to fix them. You might’ve lived with these quirky flaws, but they can be red flags to new buyers that scream “neglect!” A little DIY or a handyman visit can make a big difference. 4. Paint It Like Picasso Well, maybe not quite like Picasso—unless abstract walls are your thing. A fresh coat of paint in a neutral color can work wonders. It’s like giving your home a mini-facelift that can erase years of scuff marks and questionable decor decisions (sorry, neon green bathroom). 5. Sniff Test Ever walked into a place that smells like old socks marinated in eau de cat? Yeah, don’t be that house. Odors are the invisible deal-breakers. Brew some coffee, bake some cookies, and maybe light a scented candle or two. Just don’t overdo it—visitors might wonder what you’re trying to cover up. 6. Curb Appeal Isn’t Just for Curbs First impressions count. Mow the lawn, trim the hedges, and maybe plant a few flowers to boost your home's smile factor. Ensure the exterior looks as tidy and inviting as the interior. If your mailbox looks like it’s survived a zombie apocalypse, it might be time for a new one. 7. Pet-Proof the Viewing Love your furry friend? Not everyone might share the sentiment. When it’s showtime, perhaps let Fido or Mr. Whiskers have a day out. Not only does this help with odors, but it also saves your visitors from pet allergies or unexpected jump-scares from behind the curtains. 8. Good Photos: Because First Impressions Are Online Now Hire a professional photographer or, if you're confident in your skills, take the time to snap some well-lit, flattering photos of your home. These are what will entice those online house hunters to come over for a real walk-through. Remember, no one’s clicking on the house with the dark, sad kitchen picture. 9. Be Ready for the Spanish Inquisition Potential buyers can ask questions ranging from “Why are you selling?” to “What’s the deal with the creepy basement?” Be prepared with honest, yet reassuring answers. If you’ve loved your home, let that show. Your enthusiasm can be contagious and just what you need to sway their decision. 10. Get a Pre-Sale Home Inspection Yes, it sounds like doing their homework for them, but knowing what might come up and handling it beforehand can lead to smoother negotiations. It also shows you’re serious about selling a good, solid home, not just ditching a lemon. 11. Think Like a Buyer Take a walk through your house and try to see it from a buyer’s perspective. What would stop you from making an offer? Address those issues before the house goes on the market. 12. Stage It Like a Broadway Show If you can, consider staging your home. This doesn’t mean renting an entire house worth of furniture but highlighting the best use of your space. Show them how the den could be their new home office or how cozy movie nights could be in your living room. Selling your home is part art, part science, and a whole lot of patience. By ticking these boxes, you’re not just preparing to sell; you’re setting up for a successful launch, and ensuring that your home sale is as smooth as you can hope for it to be. Creating a chic dorm room involves balancing style, comfort, and functionality. Here’s how you can achieve that: 1. Choose a Color Palette: • Neutral Base: Start with neutral colors like whites, grays, or soft beige for bedding and larger furniture pieces. • Accent Colors: Add pops of color through throw pillows, blankets, and wall art. Pastels or muted tones can add a sophisticated touch. 2. Bedding and Textiles: • Cozy Bedding: Opt for high-quality, comfortable bedding with a textured duvet or comforter. Layer with soft blankets and pillows in different textures. • Rugs: A plush rug can make your room feel more inviting. Choose one that complements your color scheme. 3. Lighting: • Warm Lighting: Use warm-toned LED string lights, a stylish desk lamp, or a floor lamp to create a cozy ambiance. • Fairy Lights: Hang them around your bed or window to add a magical touch. 4. Wall Decor: • Art Prints and Posters: Choose chic art prints, framed posters, or wall tapestries that reflect your style. Gallery walls can add a trendy look. • Mirrors: A stylish mirror can make the space feel larger and add a decorative element. 5. Functional Furniture: • Stylish Storage: Use chic storage bins, baskets, or ottomans that double as storage and seating. Look for sleek desk organizers. • Compact Desk: Choose a minimalist desk with clean lines. Add a comfortable and stylish chair. 6. Personal Touches: • Plants: Add some greenery with small potted plants or succulents to bring life to your space. • Personal Items: Display personal photos, books, or keepsakes on shelves or your desk to make the space your own. 7. Curtains and Window Treatments: • Sheer Curtains: Light, airy curtains can make the room feel bright and spacious. • Blackout Curtains: If you need darkness to sleep, choose chic blackout curtains that complement your room’s style. 8. Desk Organization: • Stylish Supplies: Opt for aesthetically pleasing desk supplies and organizers. • Cable Management: Keep cables organized and hidden with chic cable organizers or a charging station. 9. Multifunctional Pieces: • Folding Furniture: Consider foldable or collapsible furniture to save space when needed. • Modular Storage: Stackable storage pieces can adapt to your space and needs. 10. Scent and Ambiance: • Candles or Diffusers: Choose a few candles or a diffuser with a subtle scent to make the space feel cozy and inviting. With these tips, you can create a chic, comfortable, and functional dorm room that feels like a stylish retreat. If you are looking for help designing a dorm room, I offer a flat rate dorm room design for just $500. Details here.
While the weather might not demand it just yet, we’re getting towards the end of the hotter season of the year and it won’t be all that long before things start getting chilly. Those savvy shoppers know that now is when all the winter releases from last year are going to be on sale, so there isn’t a more financially sensible time to start filling up your winter wardrobe than right now. However, what should you be putting in there? Here are a few examples. Link - CC0 License
Wool Coat A wool coat is an essential staple for winter, providing both warmth and a touch of elegance. The dense fibers of wool are excellent at trapping heat, ensuring you stay cozy even in the coldest temperatures. Additionally, wool coats come in various styles and lengths, making it easy to find one that suits your personal taste. Whether you opt for a classic peacoat or a long, tailored overcoat, the versatility and durability of wool make it a worthwhile investment for your winter wardrobe. This is the coat that you want on your side when it’s time to brave some truly awful weather and to keep you nice and warm regardless of how bitter it’s getting outside. Chunky Sweater Nothing epitomizes winter comfort quite like a chunky sweater. These sweaters, often made from wool or a wool blend, offer an additional layer of warmth and can be easily paired with jeans, skirts, or layered over dresses. Their thick, textured knits provide insulation while allowing for breathability. Chunky sweaters are available in an array of colors and patterns, making it simple to find pieces that reflect your style while keeping you warm. They’re the perfect thing for manifesting a more casual and natural look, even while you’re taking care to make sure that you’re not getting blasted by the bad weather. Thermal Gloves Thermal gloves are a must-have accessory to protect your hands from the biting cold. Made from materials designed to retain heat, such as Thinsulate or wool blends, these gloves ensure your fingers stay warm and functional. Many options, like womens thermal gloves from HeatHolders, also feature touchscreen-compatible fingertips, allowing you to use your devices without removing them. The right pair of thermal gloves will combine warmth, dexterity, and style, ensuring your hands are both protected and fashionable. Heat tends to leave through the extremities, especially if you leave them open, so be sure to make an extra effort to keep them snug and warm, such as with these gloves. Weatherproof Boots Weatherproof boots are indispensable for navigating winter's snow and slush. These boots are designed with waterproof materials like Gore-Tex and often feature insulated linings to keep your feet dry and warm. Look for boots with sturdy, non-slip soles to provide traction on icy surfaces. Weatherproof boots come in various styles, from sleek ankle boots to rugged hiking boots, ensuring you can find a pair that meets your needs while complementing your winter attire. Just make sure that you have different boots for different situations, whether it’s slipping you’re worried about, or you just want to keep your toes toasty when it’s especially brisk outside. Plenty of Scarves Scarves are a versatile and stylish way to add warmth to your winter wardrobe. Available in numerous fabrics such as wool, cashmere, and synthetic blends, scarves provide an additional layer of insulation for your neck and chest. They can be draped, wrapped, or knotted in various ways to create different looks while keeping the cold at bay. Having a collection of scarves in different colors and patterns allows you to easily coordinate with your outfits and stay fashionable throughout the season. Keep up your collection of scarves so that you always have the perfect choice for whatever look your outfit might be manifesting. Puffer Coat For those days when you need a lighter and more flexible option than a wool coat, a puffer coat is the perfect choice. Puffer coats are filled with down or synthetic insulation, offering exceptional warmth without the bulk. They are designed to be lightweight and easy to move in, making them ideal for active days or when you need to layer up without feeling weighed down. Available in a range of lengths and styles, puffer coats provide a modern, sporty look while ensuring you stay warm and comfortable. The weather might be frightful, but you can still make sure that your style is delightful with a little forethought and planning. Think about looking for some of the winter staples that you know you’re going to need. Selecting iron shower doors for your bathroom involves considering several factors to ensure they match your style and functional needs. Here are some key points to keep in mind: 1. Design and Style: • Consider the overall aesthetic of your bathroom. Iron shower doors can come in various styles, from modern and minimalist to ornate and traditional. • Decide on the finish and color. Common finishes include matte black, brushed nickel, and bronze. 2. Glass Type: • Choose the type of glass you prefer. Options include clear, frosted, textured, or tinted glass. • Ensure the glass is tempered for safety, as this makes it stronger and safer in case of breakage. 3. Door Type: • Determine the type of door that suits your space: sliding, hinged, or bi-fold. • Sliding doors are ideal for smaller spaces, while hinged doors need more room to open fully. 4. Size and Fit: • Measure your shower space accurately to ensure the door fits perfectly. • Consider custom-made doors if your shower space has non-standard dimensions. 5. Hardware and Accessories: • Check the quality of the hardware, such as handles, hinges, and tracks. • Ensure the hardware complements the rest of your bathroom fixtures. 6. Maintenance and Cleaning: • Iron doors with intricate designs may require more maintenance to keep clean. • Opt for doors with protective coatings on the glass to reduce water spots and make cleaning easier. 7. Budget: • Set a budget beforehand and find options within your price range. • Remember that custom designs and higher-quality materials may cost more but can add significant value and longevity. 8. Installation: • Decide if you will install the door yourself or hire a professional. Professional installation ensures proper fitting and function. By considering these factors, you can select iron shower doors that enhance the look and functionality of your bathroom. If you're looking for help with a bathroom design, I offer a flat rate bathroom design for just $750. Details here
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