Gift Ideas (Host, Him, Her, Kids)

I’m easing back into regular blogging today after three weeks of traveling. I’ll be sure share pictures and favorite stops from the countries we visited in the weeks to come. I do at least half of my holiday gift shopping online today, I much prefer Cyber Monday to the crowded stores of Black Friday. How lucky are we to live in this age where we can shop from the comforts of home or work (I won’t tell) instead of driving all over town!

 

via adore mag

I’ve made my list and checked it twice, and I’ll be placing several orders with a click. Today I’m sharing a few gifts for the host, also for him, her, and kids (how cute are these neck pillows for my nephews?)

For the Host

holiday blend candle (cinnamon, orange, pine, vanilla, yum!) see also the hearth version / toast the host wine bottle gift wrap / monogram mug / self watering planter / drinks well with others wine glasses / gilded bottle opener

For Her

lightweight leopard print scarf with fringe / marble stud earrings / urban decay gwen stefani eyeshadow palette / kate spade colorblock stripe gloves / pick a letter gold monogram tray / doe a deer gray cozy blanket

For Him

Leatherman super tool / crosley turntable / rocker beanie / black & white backgammon / Timex chrono compass watch / lap desk

For Kids

 

Mr. or Mrs. food plates / play teepee / walkie talkies / guess who game (my kids love this) / karaoke with disco lights / table tennis

*affiliate links used

DIY Concrete Letter Magnets

All of this week we’ll be sharing some DIY gift ideas. Christmas can be such an expensive time of the year, so making some easy and fun gifts can not only be a great way to save some money, it’s a great way of giving personal gifts, too. The first project that we’re sharing this... 

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Decorating for the Holidays: Christmas

Out with the fall foliage and in with the green garlands! Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone it’s officially time to decorate for Christmas.

This is the most wonderful time of the year. What better way to get in the spirit than surrounding yourself with holiday décor?

Here are some fun ideas for how to decorate your home in time for Christmas:

Deck the Halls

Cranberry Candle Mantlepieces from Better Homes and Gardens

It’s time to get out all of your Christmas decorations. The following are just a few simple ways you can infuse your home with Christmas cheer:

• Cranberries or candy canes can be used to add a touch of Christmas color anywhere in your home. Add them to garland, stick them in existing plants, or fill jars or vases with them.
• Brightly colored ornaments (or colors that match your Christmas theme) can be used in other ways than just on the tree. Create a wreath with them or hang them from light fixtures. They can also be used to fill jars or vases with as well.
• Find creative ways to display the holiday cards you receive. Use clothes pins to stick them on a ribbon hanging on the wall or door, place them on the mantel, or back a frame with chicken wire and attach them clothes pins.

Light the Tree 

Rustic Christmas Tree from Shanty2Chic.com

There are so many neat ways to decorate a Christmas tree. A lot of families have a certain way they decorate the tree every year. There’s something to be said for maintaining tradition, however sometimes it’s fun to spice things up.

Here are few ways you could decorate your tree this year:

• Vintage – Create homemade popcorn and cranberry garlands; use colorful glass balls and strands of large bulb lights.
• Rainbow – Use white bulb lights and hang ornaments arranged by color to create a rainbow effect.
• Rustic – Create a DIY garland out of burlap and top the tree with a large burlap bow. Use strands of white lights, pine cones as ornaments and add a pop of color by using various red ornaments.

Bring on the Garland

Sweet Treat Garland from CountryLiving.com

Hanging garland is classy addition to any home’s Christmas décor. It can be used to dress a mantel, frame a doorway or large framed mirror, line a banister, or decorate the center of a dining table. It’s very versatile and comes in many different types of greenery. It can be used in the plain form or dressed up by adding decorations, such as colored balls, fruits, or poinsettias.

These holiday décor ideas should help you get you in the spirit of Christmas! Want more style tips? Sign up for our newsletter to get weekly ideas for how to spruce up your home year round.

The post Decorating for the Holidays: Christmas appeared first on Passion for Home - Bestlaminate Blog.

Getting Into The Christmas Spirit*

With less than a month till Christmas, we’re slowly starting to get some of the preparations in order. We’ve ordered the turkey, stocked up on mulled wine and have just finished decorating our new Christmas tree! I know it’s a bit early to already have a Christmas tree up, but we got slightly over excited... 

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Preparing for Guests: How to Baby Proof Your Home

Did a family member just have a baby? Are they bringing the new baby to your house for Thanksgiving this year? Then you need to baby proof your home!

Babies are delightful bundles of joy. Unfortunately, they’re also prone to more accidents than your older guests. The corners of your home that are normally safe are riddled with dangers for babies. Before the new family member arrives, here are a few tips to help you rearrange so that everyone has a happy, relaxing holiday, injury free.

Take Note of the Stairs

Open stairs are a danger for a crawling baby. One step too far and the baby could stumble down the stairs getting bumped and bruised.

To protect the little ones in your house, install a baby gate at the top of the stairs or at the bottom, which ever you are trying to keep the little one from ascending and descending. Make sure the gate is secured and has a solid lock that can’t be easily opened by a small child.

Traditional Hall by Los Angeles Interior Designers & Decorators Dana Lauren Designs

Check Your Kitchen and Bathroom Cupboards

Babies love to pull pots, pans, and spoons out of drawers and use these as musical instruments. As fun as that is for the little ones, dangers hit when they pull out sharp objects, such as knives or skewers. When babies get ahold of drawers up high, they could pull them out too far, dumping the drawer on their head.

Keep your kitchen drawers and cabinets locked and secure with special baby-proof latches.

Contemporary Kitchen by Falls Church Kitchen & Bath Designers Cameo Kitchens, Inc.

Clean Up and Throw Out

While your new guests are at your house, keep a close eye on your cleaning supplies.

Rags, cloths, and chemicals are extremely dangerous for human beings if ingested. They are even more dangerous for small children with growing bodies and weaker immune systems. Whenever you’re done cleaning up, toss your old rags and store your cleaning solutions in a place that’s out of reach.

Traditional Spaces by Menomonee Falls General Contractors Carmel Builders

Keep the Pet Food Hidden

Pets should not eat around babies. No matter how friendly your dog might be, if the baby sticks his or her hand into the pet food bowl during suppertime, they could get nibbled on unintentionally.

Feed your pets outside. This way, the baby is not at risk of eating some of the spilled pet food or getting bit accidentally.

Eclectic Kitchen by Bellevue Kitchen & Bath Designers Richard Landon Design

Beware of Wide Open Spaces

Floors are fun for children to crawl and play, but little ones must always be supervised. If your home has wide open spaces, add a barrier between rooms so that your littlest visitor does not accidentally roam and get into trouble.

Contemporary Family Room by San Francisco Architects & Building Designers Mark English Architects, AIA

Babies are adorable, but without baby proofing your home, you could be putting your visitor at risk. Take these precautions and you’ll have a safer, happier house for the holidays.

Learn More:

• Last Minute Tips for Protecting Laminate Floors During Thanksgiving Dinner
• Quick Tips for a Clean House
• How to Clean Laminate Flooring

*This post was updated from 2014 to give you a better reading experience and better tips on how to keep your floor looking good this holiday season!

The post Preparing for Guests: How to Baby Proof Your Home appeared first on Passion for Home - Bestlaminate Blog.

10 Must-Have Rustic Chic Tabletop Gift Ideas!

Photographer: Tori Aston

Do you know someone who loves to lay a beautiful table as much as I do?

Do they have a similar style as my favorite: one of a high contrast / neutral, textural vibe with a tiny bit of gleam and shine? Do they like objects that are handmade or unique and not available at every department store or big box retailer?

Then this shopping board below is for you. ;-)

I’ve got some great gift ideas for someone with my design sensibility, someone who enjoys entertaining and creating a beautiful dining experience as much as I do. (Well, at least I used to, before I got so busy working!)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Hope you’re enjoying time with family and friends.

As for those who are shopping…well...see below!

A

Set of Servers

B

Vintage Charger

C

Tagua Cellar

D

Mental Candlestick

E

Wine Glass

F

Dinnerware

G

Viceroy Runner

H

Carafe

I

Floral Napkins

J

Cutlery Set

does your home need a lift? * if so, subscribe to DESIGN REFRESH, my monthly newsletter featuring design tips & tools that will have your home looking fresh and new in no time! Thank you!

Loft Planning Progress – Letting Light In!*

As you all know, we’re trying to get as many loft planning details finalised before the actually building work actually starts. We already have our drawings and general plans for the loft and we’re now slowly working our way around all different parts of the project and trying to make decisions on all different materials,... 

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The post Loft Planning Progress – Letting Light In!* appeared first on Little House On The Corner.

Fresh Wreath & Garland Giveaway

Hello everyone! No doubt you’re all in full preparation mode for Thanksgiving, shopping in anticipation of the big feast. Once the meal is done, there’s one thing every home needs, the scent of fresh greenery! It’s so amazing to have a fragrant wreath or garland shipped right to your door, when you open your box your home instantly smells like Christmas! …

I’ve partnered with Lynch Creek Farm for many years, they’re a wonderful source for having seasonal wreaths and garland shipped to your home or to that of a friend or family member. Need to send a thoughtful gift? A beautiful wreath will do! There are over three dozen styles of fresh wreaths to choose from, they weigh over 7 pounds, and Lynch Creek Farm makes it easy with free shipping.

 

Swag holiday garland outdoors, on the stairs, or on your mantel for a festive touch. Lynch Creek Farm offers cedar, fir, and mixed garlands, choose your favorite. Tabletop trees make great gifts too, and you can add a card or candy to embellish your gift.

 

Last year I designed two wreaths and a mini tree for Lynch Creek Farm (read about the process here) and again the designs are for sale!  The City Skyline wreath includes silver and gold ornament clusters, glitter pinecones, gold and silver berries, and looped black and white striped ribbon.

The Glacier Bay wreath includes clusters of aqua, teal, and white ornaments, blue berries and looped teal ribbon swaged to the side for a chic presentation. The Tartan Tree showcases clusters of red ornaments, silver and red berries, and is topped with a big tartan bow, a classic for any holiday vignette or centerpiece.

 

Lynch Creek Farm uses sustainable practices and local farmers and they do not cut down trees! The wreaths and centerpieces are handcrafted with clippings from noble fir, juniper, and cedar. Lynch Creek Farm is serious about preserving the forests and habitats of the Pacific Northwest. All prices include FREE SHIPPING.

Today Lynch Creek Farm is offering three lucky winners an online shop credit of $100, enter via the Rafflecopter widget below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wishing you all safe travels and a very Happy Thanksgiving!

…

3 Fall Decorating Tips For Your Home

When we think of fall, we think of colors such as orange, red, brown and yellow. These colors are warm, inviting and give your home a warm and cozy feeling. So now that fall is here, we have three simple tips on how to bring that Fall atmosphere right into your home.

1. Decorative Pillows

One of the easiest ways to transform any room in your home into a fall paradise is to update your decorative pillows. You can purchase pillow covers, design your own pillow covers, or even shop around to find the perfect pillows for your home.

Contemporary Living Room by Dallas Interior Designers & Decorators Jodell Clarke Designs

 2. The Scents of Fall

Another simple way to bring a refreshing feeling of fall is to freshen the air with the scents reminiscent of fall! Cinnamon Spice, Chestnut, Banana Bread, Cranberry, Cloves, and Ginger are just a small array of some of the aromas you can fill your home with when it comes to the scents of Fall. Oh, and of course, nothing beats the scent of a freshly baked apple or pumpkin pie!

Dining Room by New York Photographers Rikki Snyder

3. Fall Inspired Table Decor

How about a set of Fall themed place mats and napkins with rings? This is a simple way to freshen up your dining room. With an array of colors and patterns in the market place today, you will find a set that fits you and your home. Fall can give your home a cozy feeling that you and your family will appreciate.

Thanksgiving Tablescape on Houzz.com

Pillow covers, scents, and updated dining room table decor can bring the coziness of fall right into your home. Your home will be warm and inviting throughout the remaining days of fall, and you will be ready to greet the Holiday Season with a fresh new look!

Learn More:

• Decorating for the Holidays: Thanksgiving Decor
• 5 DIY Fall Centerpiece Ideas
• DIY Rope and Reclaimed Wood Sign

*This post was updated from 2011 to give you a better reading experience and better tips on how to decorate for this fall!

The post 3 Fall Decorating Tips For Your Home appeared first on Passion for Home - Bestlaminate Blog.

5 DIY Fall Centerpiece Ideas

The day of feasting is just a few days away! When it arrives, you want to have your tables looking great. This traditional meal calls for extra-special décor. The most important piece on the table is the centerpiece.

When it comes to centerpieces for your Thanksgiving table, don’t waste money at a local home store – make your own!

You can easily and quickly make delightfully festive looking centerpieces with minimal effort and a whole lot of personality. Better yet, you won’t break your entire Thanksgiving budget on décor alone.

Here are 5 DIY Fall Centerpiece Ideas.

1. Earthy and Rustic Tray

Keep your table down to earth and simple, but warm with this centerpiece idea. Fill a wooden tray with lots of different height pillar candles. In the bottom of the tray, spread fall leaves (real or fake depending on how colorful you want your centerpiece to be) in layers at the bottom of the tray. You can make a really rustic tray rather quickly with wood pallet scraps, or purchase a tray from a craft store and paint it for a more finished look.

Thanksgiving Tablescape by Becky Harris on Houzz

2. Decorate with Gourds

Have you seen those funny looking gourds at the grocery store? They’re a multitude of colors and sometimes a a little bumpy? Pick a few up and one up for cheap and use it as a flowerpot. To create your flowerpot, cut out the stem. Dig out the insides with a spoon and knife. Then, fill the middle with large red, orange and yellow flowers. You have an instant fall-like bouquet!

Gourd Flower Pot from www.bystephanielynn.com

3. Paint a Pumpkin

If you love to paint, get a few small pumpkins and your favorite colors. You can paint them simply, like in the picture below or go to town designing with fall-like themes, such as leaves or the word “thanks.” You can also use patterns, such as chevron or polka dot to add an eclectic, fun look.

Contemporary Dining Room by Phoenix Interior Designers & Decorators FOCAL POINT STYLING

4. Add Pinecones.

For a super simple decorating idea, pick up a bag of pine cones at a local craft store. Then, fill a large wooden bowl with the pine cones and put a candle in the center. A word of warning: Use a fake LED candle or surround your place your candle in a glass to avoid your Thanksgiving table going up in flames.

Pine Cone DIY Fall Centerpiece from Country Living

5. Coffee Beans and Pumpkin Candles

There’s something about the smell of coffee. Although some people don’t enjoy the taste, almost everyone loves the smell.

On your dessert table, add a long, white tray filled with coffee beans. In the middle, put pumpkin votives or pillar candles of varying sizes. As these burn, your room will smell like pumpkin and coffee – the perfect smell and look to compliment your pumpkin pie dessert!

Fall DIY: Simple candle and coffee bean centerpiece from Calm Cradle Photo & Design

With these fun, festive Thanksgiving centerpieces on your tables, you’ll have home décor that’ll get all of your guests talking. The thing they won’t know was how quick and cheap everything was to put together!

What’s your favorite Thanksgiving decorating tip? Please share them with us in the comments below!

Learn More:

• Decorating for the Holidays: Thanksgiving Decor
• DIY Rope and Reclaimed Wood Sign
• Re-purposed Laminate Flooring Coat Hanger by DIY Inspired

*This post was updated from 2014 to give you a better reading experience and better tips on how to make a statement with your Thanksgiving centerpieces!

The post 5 DIY Fall Centerpiece Ideas appeared first on Passion for Home - Bestlaminate Blog.

[Flooring Care] How to Maintain Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Did you invest in luxury vinyl flooring for your home? Whether you have luxury vinyl tile or planks, it’s important you know how to care for your floors. The good news is this material is easy to maintain. Keep reading for 6 tips to ensure your vinyl flooring lasts!

How to Care for Luxury Vinyl Flooring

1. Protect your floors. Invest in a high quality doormat or area rug to prevent dirt from coming into your home. Area rugs throughout your luxury vinyl tile or planks can help prevent stains, dents and dings, too.

2. Sweep your floor daily. This will prevent the dirt and dust from accumulating and scratching your flooring.

3. Move furniture carefully. Don't just shove that couch or bookcase across your luxury vinyl flooring. If you can, actually pick it up to move it from one spot to the next. Or, if it's too heavy, use a sheet of plywood or paneling to protect the floors. You may also want to invest in coaster underneath your furniture to prevent additional dents and dings.

4. Clean spills quickly. Dropping food or drink on your luxury vinyl tile or planks is inevitable; wipe it up as soon as possible with plain water and a sponge mop.

5. Occasionally take the time for more intensive cleaning. As with all types of floors, sometimes your luxury vinyl flooring will require a bit more effort to care for. Here are a few ways to clean it more thoroughly. Regardless of how you care for your luxury vinyl tile and planks, make sure you rinse them with clean water following any sort of more intense cleaning to prevent additional materials from building up on the floors and causing damage over time.

• Vacuum or dry mop the floor before a wet cleaning
• Mix one cup of apple cider vinegar with a gallon of hot water; use a damp mop to clean; rinse the mop with hot water frequently
  • If you want to disinfect, use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar
  • Want your luxury vinyl tile or planks to shine? Add a few drops of baby oil to the water and vinegar solution
• Food stains can often be removed with a paste of baking soda and water
• Alternative methods to remove stains are rubbing alcohol and nail polish remover (as long as it doesn't contain acetone)
• Use jojoba oil in a soft cloth to remove scuffs

6. Be aware of cleaners that can hurt your floors. Make sure you avoid:

• The beater bar attachment on your vacuum
• Highly abrasive scrubbers – opt for the softest brush possible
• Steel wool
• Detergents and abrasive cleaners
• "Mop and shine" products
• Paste wax or solvent-based polishes
• Any sort of ammonia or ammonia-based solutions

Want to know more about luxury vinyl tile or planks? Come visit our showroom! Our experts are happy to answer your questions about this type of flooring or any other varieties you may be considering for your home. Make sure you contact us for a free in-home estimate, too!

Image courtesy of Shaw Floors

11 Spectacular Shampoo Niches To Inspire The Design Of Your Own!

Photographer: Tori Aston

One feature I like to incorporate in every shower I design for a remodel is a special shampoo niche.

I love that they are useful and can be an actual feature that brings interest and design to a space with flat surfaces.

I’m so over that skinny little horizontal “banding” — I never was much of a fan, unless it was done in stripes, wide or repeated bands, or bands ran vertically. It always seemed sort of skimpy and purposeless to me: to do one little horizontal band of deco tile at eye level. It also often creates problems where that tile ends on the wall; you have to border it someway, or it just looks chopped off and unfinished.

I’ve always preferred insets, entire walls of specialty tile, or special features created with niches and benches. Even a small niche is a nice break from the surface, and it has purpose.

 

I’m sharing a few I’ve designed for you today, to help get your creativity going for your next bathroom remodel.

Enjoy! :-)

GALLERY

Spectacular Shampoo Niches!

SEE THE FULL REMODEL: Before & After: A Master Bathroom Remodel Surprises Everyone With Unexpected Results! | Photographer: Tori Aston

SEE THE FULL REMODEL: Before & After: This Upstairs Bathroom Gets A Fresh Update | Photographer: Miro Dvorscak

SEE THE FULL REMODEL: Before & After: This Vintage-Inspired Master Bathroom Is An Instant-Classic! | Photographer: Miro Dvorscak

SEE THE FULL REMODEL: A Matured Bath is Modernized | Photographer: Miro Dvorscak

Photographer: Tori Aston

SEE THE FULL REMODEL: A Dark Bathroom Gets A Makeover | Photographer: Miro Dvorscak

SEE THE FULL REMODEL: Before & After: A Confined Bathroom Is Uplifted With Bountiful Space! | Photographer: Tori Aston

SEE THE FULL REMODEL: Before & After: A Master Bathroom Finally Becomes The Masterpiece It’s Meant To Be! | Photographer: Tori Aston

SEE THE FULL REMODEL: Before & After: A Traditional, Builder-Grade Bathroom Is Made Modern By Carla Aston | Photographer: Miro Dvorscak

SEE THE FULL REMODEL: Before & After: A Master Bathroom Remodel Surprises Everyone With Unexpected Results | Photographer: Tori Aston

SEE THE FULL REMODEL: Before & After: A Bachelor's Dated Bathroom Gets A Contemporary Refresh | Photographer: Miro Dvorscak

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does your home need a lift? * if so, subscribe to DESIGN REFRESH, my monthly newsletter featuring design tips & tools that will have your home looking fresh and new in no time!

Thank you!