Martes, Mayo 31, 2016

Appliances With Personality

Smeg dishwasher - seen at KBIS2016

My son lives in the midtown area of Houston, a very cool area of the city that is super close to downtown and has an unusual mix of properties.

There are dumps and dives, and then there is urban renewal, with lots of young entrepreneurs making their mark in the big city.

There are tons of original, locally owned restaurants, bars, cafes, breweries, bakeries, etc. that are unique and fun to discover. Living in The Woodlands (land of the suburbs and chain restaurants), an hour north of Houston, we rarely get down there to explore, and really aren't up on all these trendy, special places. We do, however, have our inside source. :-)

Our son and his fiance always try to find us some interesting place to meet them for brunch. They know I'm always keen on trying out restaurants with unique interiors (I actually used to work in hospitality design years ago), and I love to eat somewhere new.

This past weekend was my baby boy's birthday, and we met them at Weights + Measures, a restaurant, bakeshop, and bar. We had a tasty brunch with my usual eggs benedict (I order that just about everywhere) and coffees, and I admired their vintage/mod decor.

Weights + Measures, exterior

Weights + Measures

I couldn't help pulling out the iPhone camera when I saw this Big Chill refrigerator in the corner by the bar. Sooooo cool and so appropriate for the style of this establishment.

Big Chill refrigerator at Weights + Measures

This kind of appliance has tons of personality, doesn't it?

(By the way, I've always said the word “tons”, although constantly correct myself when writing. However, now that I've watched way too many “Fixer Upper” episodes, and listened to Chip Gaines say the word “tons” constantly, I'm back on that. It's Texan, it's natural, and that's all there is to it. ;-)

Today, I'm here to share appliances-with-personality. so let's get after it.

The first manufacturer that comes to mind is Smeg. I visited their booth at KBIS2016 with the Design Hounds / BlogtourModenus (same group), and they have got to have some of the cutest little appliances around. Don't you just want to pinch them? Along with Big Chill, these two hit that retro market beautifully with the look and colors of vintage decor.

Colorful Retro Smeg Refrigerators - seen at KBIS2016

Smeg dishwasher - seen at KBIS2016

Another appliance with personality is the famous AGA range. This cast iron range is typically thought of as hailing from Britain, but it was actually designed in Sweden in 1922. Here's one featured in House to Home.

If you haven't seen a pic of this pink range from La Cornue, presented at KBIS2016, then you aren't following many designers out there. I think this was likely the most Instagrammed object from the national kitchen and bath show - that I could tell. This year they blended some Suzanne Kasler colors with their iconic brand and came up with the most photographed moment in all of the show.

La Cornue Range - Suzanne Kasler pink color seen at KBIS2016

La Cornue, Suzanne Kasler Colors, debuted at KBIS2016

Last year they went orange and black and it was equally as impressive.

La Cornue KBIS2015

La Cornue KBIS2015 - detail

La Cornue KBIS2015 - black

I've always liked the Bertazzoni ranges - they're contemporary, Italian, and colorful. One of my clients, years ago, introduced me to them as a slightly less expensive professional range with a sleek look. The colors they have now just steal the show. Here's a bright orange one installed at Pirch, Atlanta, seen when I attended the Design Bloggers Conference, and a very pale green one seen at KBIS2016. I just love the knobs and the logo.

Bertazzoni Range - Perch Atlanta Showroom

Bertazzoni seen at KBIS2016

Bertazzoni logo

Of course, with Father's Day coming up, you might want to consider one of these: :-)

Keg refrigerator

I'm sharing tons ;-) of beautiful kitchens below, showcasing some of these amazing appliances, full of personality.

Photographer: Patricia Bean, Qual Craft Construction, Image via: houzz

Designer: Williams Ridout, Photographer: Adam Butler, Image via: houzz

Designer: Sustainable Kitchens, Image via: houzz

Designer: Julian Design, Image via: houzz

Architect: Cindy Black of Hello Kitchen, Photographer: Whit Preston, Image via: houzz

Big Chill Jadite Green

La Cornue range

Designer: Brown and Brown, Image via: houzz

Designer: Jamie Blake, Photographer: 82mm.com, Image via: houzz

Thinking of a kitchen remodel?

You might want to contact me HERE if you're in The Woodlands, or HERE if you're far, far away. :-)

Lunes, Mayo 30, 2016

What's the Difference Between Laminate and Linoleum Flooring?

Dear Bob and Betsy,

Can you tell me, what is the difference between laminate and linoleum flooring? I always thought they were the same!

– Sam L.

Dear Sam,

As a homeowner, you have a lot of choices in flooring – so many in fact that it's easy to get overwhelmed by it all. Both laminate and linoleum are popular types of flooring by homeowners wanting to make an affordable, yet good looking update to the home. Knowing the differences between laminate and linoleum can help you make the best decision for your project.

The Difference Between Laminate and Linoleum Flooring

The biggest difference is the material used in each type of flooring. Laminate uses a composite base that is topped with printed paper layer with images of hardwood flooring or tile. Linoleum is made from natural products, including linseed oil and sawdust. It looks very similar to vinyl flooring.

Although both flooring types are made differently, the big differences are in how they are each used. Here are the main features that set them apart.

Looks. Both types of flooring have various patterns, many of which look like hardwood flooring. Laminate, however, is better at more closely resembling hardwood floors. For this reason, laminate flooring is the more popular choice when it comes to something that looks attractive. This type of flooring will increase the value of your home better than laminate.

Installation. The biggest difference between laminate and linoleum in terms of the installation is the material the floors sit on top of. Linoleum floors are usually “stuck” using an adhesive to the subfloor. Laminate floats on top of the subfloor over a layer of underlayment. Underlayment is an effective way at minimizing risk of moisture seeping through and damaging the floor. It also allows for a quieter, smoother walking surface.

Room. The room where you plan to install your new floor plays a big role in the type of flooring you choose. Linoleum is often selected for bathrooms or kitchens where water spills are a bigger problem because it is almost virtually waterproof. Laminate flooring looks more attractive, so it is commonly used in living areas, such as dining rooms, living rooms, family common areas, and bedrooms.

As you make your decision between linoleum and laminate the biggest things to take into consideration are your home's resale value and the room where you will use the flooring. Laminate tends to be the more popular choice over linoleum, but both are suitable for your home.

Learn More:

Installing Underlayment With Laminate Flooring on Stairs

Where to Start: Beginning a Laminate Flooring Installation

Can I install underlayment under laminate with attached padding?

*This post was updated from 2014 to give you a better reading experience!

The post What's the Difference Between Laminate and Linoleum Flooring? appeared first on Passion for Home - Bestlaminate Blog.

Sabado, Mayo 28, 2016

DIY Copper Chandelier

Lighting is something that Jan and I have always struggled to get right. Not necessarily because we don't know which areas need light and where to place a lamp (we actually wrote about our tips to get the lighting right in your home) but because we can rarely find lamps that we like. PICTURE I'll never...

The post DIY Copper Chandelier appeared first on Little House On The Corner.

Decorative Pillow Giveaway

Midweek hellos! Today I'm busily working with subcontractors on the flip house in Las Vegas, the flooring has arrived and the windows and doors are getting measured for replacement, it's very exciting to see the big projects getting attention so that next I can focus on individual spaces.

My friend Michelle of Company Twenty Six (formerly Festive Home Décor) on Etsy lives here in Las Vegas, I've visited her shop and worked with her on multiple occasions, her shop always carries fabrics in chic designs. Today Company Twenty Six is offering you an opportunity to win some decorative pillow covers from the shop!

pillow giveaway

Four lucky winners will receive a $75 shop credit to Company Twenty Six, enough to snag 2 or 3 decorative pillow covers (inserts not included). Who couldn't use some fresh fabrics for the summer season? Perfect for your sofa or bedroom!

Enter 2 ways via the Rafflecopter widget below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Biyernes, Mayo 27, 2016

How to Clean Laminate Floors?

Knowing how to clean laminate floors is the first step to keeping them beautiful for years to come! Laminate floors are designed to be easy to clean and easy to maintain. We've prepared a few tips for you that might come in handy!

Invest in a Microfiber Cloth

Buy yourself a good quality mop with a removable microfiber cloth. Keep a couple extra microfiber cloths handy this way when one gets a little too used you can toss it and you're onto the next.

DIY Cleaning Solution

A water and vinegar solution is the best solution to clean your laminate. The all natural mixture is safe for your home and family, affordable, and has disinfecting properties. Cleaning with this solution will bring the shine of your floor back, and remove smudges and dirt.

Mix 1 cup of white distilled vinegar with 1 gallon of water.

Spray onto problem areas or mop entire surface

Professional Cleaning Solution

If you want to use a store bought cleaning solution, be sure to read the product information to make sure it is safe for laminate. Bestlaminate recommends Alloc Free & Clean Laminate Cleaner. It is safe for your flooring and gets the job done!

Acetone

Believe it or not Acetone can help with just about anything! Okay, maybe not ANYTHING… but it can remove some common stains like permanent marker or crayons from your flooring easily!

Lastly… here are a few do's and don'ts to remember when taking care of your laminate flooring:

The DONT'S

Use polishes or waxes

Sand or vanish the flooring

Use a steam cleaner – The moisture could ruin your flooring

Use cleaners not made for laminate flooring

Clean with abrasives, steel wool, or scouring pads

Vacuum without proper wood floor attachments

The DO'S

Wipe up spills & excess moisture immediately

Put felt pads on the bottom of furniture to avoid scratches

Sweep or dry mop regularly to avoid dirt from accumulating and creating micro scratches

We hope you keep these helpful hints in mind on how to clean laminate floors next time you're tidying up your home! Do you have any more questions? Leave us a comment and we will be glad to help you!

Learn More:

Quick Tips for a Clean House

Cleaning Your Home with Vinegar

Is laminate flooring stain resistant?

*This post was updated from 2010 to give you a better reading experience and better tips on cleaning your laminate flooring!

The post How to Clean Laminate Floors? appeared first on Passion for Home - Bestlaminate Blog.

Progress At Last

I can't believe that the last update we shared of our small guest bedroom was back in September. It's not because we wouldn't have liked to share something new, it's because absolutely nothing has happened. Prioritising is an inevitable part of planning and scheduling our home improvement and sometimes we just can't work fast enough...

The post Progress At Last appeared first on Little House On The Corner.

5 Resources To Help You Choose Your Home's Paint Colors

READ MORE: DIY FAQ: What Paint Color Should I Pair With My Warm, Beige Walls?

Just like my reader Q & A from earlier this week, many people have questions with how to cool down their warm toned house.

I've pulled together a collection of links for you from DESIGNED to sort of provide a background of info on the subject. Honestly, although many, many designers and blogs discuss mixing gray and beige, as well as talk about how to pick paint colors, I've yet to read any that provide distinct solutions for situations similar to what that reader above shared with me. If you have some you can provide, please do so in the comments!

Here's a round-up of some of my paint color tips you might find useful:

MUST-KNOW!

What's The Best Paint For Your Trim: High Gloss, Semi-Gloss, Or Satin Enamel?

“Even though I hate applying a single rule system to anything in design, I do have a general tendency to use the considerations I'm about to outline for you when choosing paint finishes.
"

➤ Enjoy on DESIGNED...

MUST-KNOW!

How To Go Gray When Your Entire House Is Beige (pt. 2 of 2)

“Suppose you want to go gray, but you like light and airy. You're not into the drama that a high contrast can bring.
"

➤ Enjoy on DESIGNED...

MUST-KNOW!

How & When To Pick Your Interior Design Project's Paint Colors

“There are million paint colors out there - yes, literally a million variations of all the colors of the rainbow. You can get a shade of any color in any type of paint you desire. So...
"

➤ Enjoy on DESIGNED...