[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] This week we took on a small two day job. We spent the day laying vinyl flooring over vinyl flooring. Which can be tricky to get right but with the right information and procedures, any do-it-yourself-er and home owner can take on a job like this with confidence. As always I will list all tools and materials you will need to lay vinyl flooring over vinyl flooring. Materials: Your new vinyl flooring Vinyl flooring adhesive (we used a releasable pressure sensitive adhesive from Chap-co) Skim coat Finish nails caulking(try and match the color of your flooring) Blue painters tape If not reusing old baseboard and thresholds your will need to purchase new Tools: Razor blade (hook blade and standard blade) Hammer & flat bar Masonry Trowel Vacuum Finish nail gun(hammer and nail set will also work) Miter Saw(not necessary if reusing old moulding) Paint brush & roller(if using releasable pressure sensitive adhesive, with some adhesives you will need a 1/8 notched tile trowel to spread your glue, always make sure to read and follow the manufacturers instructions on container) Caulking gun 2x4 wrapped in carpet or a towel Being a homeowner you will most likely own these tools. If not, you can pick them up at your local hardware store and not have to worry as you will be able to use any of these listed tools time and time again. Firstly and most obviously you will need to clear out the area. If its your kitchen it is always best to remove your refrigerator and stove to run the flooring under them. Using your hammer and flat bar, it's time to remove any base board moulding or quarter round trim from around the edges of your floor. If you are going to simply reuse your old moulding make sure not to break any of your pieces as your removing them. Seeing as your going with a brand new floor I would suggest replacing all the moulding. It depends how beat up the old moulding is and your budget. Inspect your floor. Look for bubbles and loose areas. Using your razor blade, w/ a standard blade, cut out and remove these bad areas. Vacuum the floor of all dirt and debris to keep it out of your skim coat. Now it's time to skim coat the floor. We used a Henry 547 Universal Patch & Skim Coat. This skim coat simply gets mixed with water. Follow the instructions on the package of whatever skim coat you choose to use. If you are filling in areas where it will be thicker you will want to fill those areas with a thicker mix. Using your masonry trowel, spread the skim coat across the entire floor. This will fill in the areas you needed to remove as well as any texture in the existing vinyl. Even if you don't need to cut any areas out, your new vinyl will suck up tight to the old flooring so much that you will see the texture of the old floor come through to your new floor. This is a necessary step and is what makes laying vinyl flooring over vinyl flooring possible. Wrap it up, you're done for about 14-18 hours depending on how long your skim coat product needs to set and dry. Now that your skim coat has dried. Inspect the surface. Using your trowel scrape off any drips or any lines you left. The key to the skim coat is to get it perfectly flat as possible. Vacuum the entire floor very thoroughly. Any debris you leave on your floor will be seen through the new vinyl. Now it is time to cut out your new vinyl flooring. There are a couple ways you might want to tackle this. You can simply take measurements and draw a diagram for yourself to follow. Another way is to get a roll of construction paper, lay it out and cut yourself a pattern. Either way you choose to do this you need to make sure to leave a good 2 inches all the way around. The hook blade works great for cutting out your new floor. If you are using a felt backed vinyl you will need to make relief cuts in the inside corners of your new flooring. You will also need to tape these corners with blue painters tape to reinforce them. Felt backed vinyl is brittle. It will crack and tear on you especially in those corners. If you are using a sheet vinyl product you will not have to worry about this. Carry your new flooring into the area and carefully spread it and lay it down where it goes. Using your standard blade push the excess you left into the corners and cut off the excess around the entire floor. If you are using a floor that has straight lines running through it you will want to make sure you have those lines lined up how you want them before you cut your floor. You may need to shift it over and if you have already cut it you might not be big enough to fit up to the wall. Once you have your floor all cut out and ready to go, it's time for glue. with the releasable pressure sensitive adhesive you will be able to simply paint it on the floor. Other glues may require a notched trowel. Read and follow the directions on the glue you are using. The releasable adhesive is recommended, by the manufacturer, for sheet vinyl product. Fold back one side of your flooring about halfway back. Spread your glue. If you want a permanent bond with the releasable adhesive you won't want to let it dry completely. Once the glue is ready, carefully lay your vinyl back where it was on the floor. Using a length of 2x4 covered in carpet(or wrapped in a towel) press and slide out the flooring towards the outside edges. This is going to force out bubbles and wrinkles, ensuring a tight bond. Repeat this for the other side of your floor. Now you can replace your old moulding and thresholds. If you choose to replace your moulding, make sure your measurements are correct and angles are correct. If you try using the old pieces as templates they will all run slightly larger and won't fit in their places. If you weren't able to get your floor perfect and there are some areas that aren't completely covered, either by the base board or new flooring (i.e. around doorways and their trim), you can use caulking to fill in these areas. Some glues require waiting a while to dry, before moving any furniture or appliances on top of it. A good rule of thumb would be to wait a couple hours before moving things back, but just see what the product your using recommends and follow that. It is a fairly simple process for any homeowner or do-it-yourself-er. The key is your skim coat. This is what makes laying vinyl flooring over vinyl flooring possible. The texture of your old floor WILL show through on your new vinyl if you do not skim coat it. I mentioned felt back/paper back vinyl and whats called sheet vinyl. Vinyl itself is a very inexpensive material for a great looking brand new floor. The price range between your cheaper(felt backed, cracks and tears VERY easily) and your higher quality(sheet vinyl, won't crack, tear or crease) vinyls isn't a big difference. Sheet vinyl is so much easier to work with and lay. The difference in price will be well worth the frustration of installing it. Not to mention if you buy the cheaper vinyl and it tears, your going to need to either purchase a vinyl seam bonding product or go out and buy another piece of vinyl. We highly recommend using a sheet vinyl product with a releasable pressure sensitive adhesive for best results.   Source [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

A bathroom whether it is an independent unit or attached to a bedroom will always have tiles running around all wall surfaces. I some cases the tiles are fixed up to 4 feet height and then the wall are painted with a waterproof painting to prevent the seepage of water into the brick walls.If you bathroom is small, you can use this to your advantage. Normally the small or big size of any space is perceived because of the border walls of any room. Using unique flooring and wall decor ideas you can easily remove the perception of borders and the room looks bigger.You can do this by creating a flooring pattern in the bathroom using tiles and then continue this pattern on the walls as wall decor theme. You can do this up to 4 feet height as well. This will break out the dimensions of the bathroom and it will appear bigger.Thus bathroom wall decor plays a major role in how the bathroom look when finished this because unlike every other room in your home, a bathroom has a limited number of furniture and decorating accessories available.However if you follow a design theme while creating the plans and other drawings, it becomes very cost effective. First of all in most cases such as apartment bathrooms the height of the bathroom is smaller than the rest of the room. This is done because the dimensions of the bathroom are smaller too.In such cases all can be treated with murals of ceramic times. While choosing the tiles it is necessary to understand who is going to use the bathroom. A bathroom wall decor theme will differ from a teenager's bathroom that a kid's bathroom.Everything from color schemes to which pattern you choose on the tile such as baby animals, flowers, etc will have a great impact on bathroom interiors. For example a mural on the wall showing baby animals taking a bath is a great choice for the kid's bathroom wall decor. However for a master bathroom or teenagers bathroom use of mirrors on the walls will bring more attraction and the teenager will love it. So bathroom wall decor is all about fulfilling specific needs for the specific age group.Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya. Source

It is a challenge for societies to adopt new ideas even when the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Let's dig in, firstly, let's define the word innovation. Innovation in our context will mean a new practice, trend, idea or product. For an innovation to diffuse and be widely adopted overtime it should be tolerant and compatible with the beliefs and values of the community or individual adopted it. For the avoidance of confusion, I want to define diffusion as a type of social change, that will have a desired positive adoption rate if it is properly communicated overtime. Societies that have consistently used and adopted unsafe mirror-shine slippery tiles will be challenged and somehow resist the change of the status-quo with the introduction of safe non-slip porcelain tiles. Some new ideas will require a good length of time before they are diffused and adopted.Challenging the status-quo will entail distribution of safe non-slip porcelain tiles that solve the society's pain or implement a solution in the market where it will be adopted.Ceramic tiles has been used over the years to meet flooring needs so, introduction and diffusion of the use of porcelain tiles will be tantamount to a camel going through the eye of the needle. Change of the status-quo to gain accelerated adoption rate must go beyond what the industry knows and strive to help the community embrace everything that inspires positive social change. Asking the What if... ? questions can lead to the provocation of thought that can lead to adoption of the new idea.WHAT IF... ?In any market where ceramic tile are not durable and lack the minimum allowable breaking strength, asking the question, what if tiles were durable with the strength of natural stone can radically improve of rate of adoption of porcelain tiles and lead to its adoption and diffusion. A beckon of hope for this innovation called safe non-slip porcelain tiles will arise when the question, what if... ? the tile market where to do away with bland tiles that lack newness and tiles manufactured and distributed with the latest high definition graphics technology (tiles that mimic natural stone) with antibacterial surfaces advanced.What if... ? the tile market have an economic advantage in the maintenance of flooring surfaces, where the cost of polishing and repolishing of the surfaces of natural stone surface is drastically reduced with the introduction of non-slip porcelain tiles that require cleaning with mop and clean water only to keep its surfaces looking brilliant for many, many years.Finally asking the question what if... ? safety of our kids and adult is guaranteed with non-slip porcelain tiles instead of shiny, slippery surfaces that encourage slip-fall accidents.When the questions are asked, advanced and communicated, the seed of consideration will be planted, this leads to trial of the innovation and finally adoption. These what if... ? questions are a research process that leads to spreading of this new idea and exposes the needs that the innovation will fill.FEATURES OF PORCELAIN TILESIntroducing quality porcelain tiles into a market that has adopted ceramic tiles, will require emphasis on the features and benefits of the quality non-slip porcelain tiles and this should be well advanced and communicated. Communicating how it implements solutions of the what if... ? questions mentioned earlier makes it easier for individuals or markets to perceive it as relevant to meeting their needs or solving their pain.Let's begin by stating the features of porcelain tiles as a durable, tough and makes any floor surface stand out. Porcelain tiles are easy to clean, maintain, live with and will look brilliant for many years. Next, let's advance the benefits of porcelain tiles to include:· Stain resistant· Fireproof· Child/adult safe and friendly· Fade resistant· Slip resistant· Scratch resistantHelping the market understand the word porcelain will help them make sense of it and make a case for its rapid adoption.According to the American national standard institute (ANSI) porcelain tile is fine-grained, usually formed by the dust press method with a water absorption rate of less than or equal to 0.5percent. They are either glazed or unglazed. Diffusion of this new idea or innovation called porcelain tiles is not as simple as just defining its features and benefits neither is it an instantaneous act.STAGES OF ADOPTION OF PORCELAINThis adoption process proceeds in stages. The awareness stage is the foundation on which other stages rest upon. Communication channels are the next stage; diffusion of this new idea called porcelain tiles will not be effective without the communication channels been harnessed. These channels include TV, Radio, Newspaper, social media and ultimately word of mouth or peer to peer. Individual and markets cannot hold an opinion towards any new idea until they know about it. At this awareness stage, it is still a challenge to making progress with adoption as individual or markets do not expose themselves to new ideas, products or belief that do not serve their needs, existing attitude and interest.If porcelain tiles must be adopted, it must be seen to meet some needs or solve a pain that ceramic tile does not offer the individual or market.This is only the beginning of the process. Source

Earthwerks vinyl plank flooring is quickly making itself a name in the floorcovering market. Earthwerks has grabbed the attention of the vinyl flooring industry with it's combination of aggressive pricing and high quality, luxury vinyl plank offerings. With the recent market share increases shown by the luxury vinyl tile and plank floor covering segment, Earthwerks appears to be a market forerunner in the vinyl flooring business. Earthwerks provides a wide array of vinyl planks from traditional select grade wood strips to wide plank rustic designs. Most consumers know that luxury vinyl tile and planks have dramatic advantages over real hardwood floors. Luxury vinyl floors, like those manufactured from Earthwerks, provide a tough, stain proof, water and mold resistant, but beautiful flooring choice. With 13 different vinyl plank flooring series, Earthwerks is a consumer favorite for saving money without sacrificing quality. Here is a breakdown of the multiple styles and vinyl wood looking planks you can select from with Earthwerks.Pacific Plank - The most economical luxury vinyl plank manufactured by Earthwerks. 9 different colors are given. Plank sizes are 6" wide. This is a great entry level vinyl plank and can even compete price wise with lower quality peel and stick planks.Soledo Plank - 9 various colors to choose from. This is a medium character board design. A simulated bamboo vinyl plank is even offered. These planks are 4.25" wide and have a smooth finish.Aberdeen Plank - These 4" wide vinyl flooring planks have 6 different colors. The Aberdeen has a quality for a semi rustic character with simulated knots to create a cabin grade or reclaimed wood appeal. This product has a ribbed, embossed finish.Natural Plank - This is the most narrow plank manufactured by Earthwerks at 3" wide. 6 colors are offered. The finish is smooth and the planks have a tight pattern that looks like a select grade oak wood floor. This product is a good one to consider if you need a more formal look. The narrow strip also does better in smaller areas than a wide plank.Remington Plank - This semi rustic look has some character but without a worn look. Remington planks by Earthwerks are available in 4 colors. The Cherry color #ARP644 is a very nice alternative to cherry stained hardwood flooring. These luxury vinyl planks are 6" wide.Sonoma Plank - Sonoma is another semi rustic vinyl plank with a wider width at 6". The unique feature of the Sonoma plank is the hand scraped embossing that recreates the look and feel of hand scraped real hardwood flooring. 6 colors are manufactured by Earthwerks in this series.Montana Plank - This vinyl plank offers 8 styles. It is also 7.24" wide and one of the wider board designs by Earthwerks. Simulated nail marks give this style an added appeal for those who like the look of reclaimed hardwood flooring. A unique color for the vinyl plank industry is available in the Montana series, light gray.Wood Antique - Earthwerks Wood Antique series has a large offering of 10 colors. These 4" wide planks have the appearance of narrow wood strip hardwood flooring. The light maple color is a nice change of color compared to other colors on the market. This vinyl plank also has a 10 year commercial warranty.Dakota Plank - This plank also has a 10 year commercial rated warranty. 6 very rustic colors are available. The gray, weather washed plank is highly distinct. These luxury vinyl planks are 6" wide.Bradford Plank - This 3 color series manufactured by Earthwerks with a formal design in it's wood grain characteristics and a smooth finish realistically mimics a select grade, high end hardwood floor. The width on the Bradford vinyl planks is 6 inches.Innsbruck Plank - With ribbed embossing, this semi rustic vinyl wood plank has character that could be used in many different settings. The 3 colors in Innsbruck are very neutral and can be good choices if you are looking for a 6" wide plank to blend with most any setting.Wood Classic - These luxury vinyl planks are some of the most popular consumer choices for the Earthwerks line. Wood Classic is the only vinyl plank manufactured by Earthwerks that has registered embossing. Registered embossing means that not only can you see a character trait in the floor like a knot, but you can also feel the knot. It is a very impressive finish and likely the most realistic 7.24" wide plank on the market. If you like very rustic wood looking floor, one of the 6 colors in Wood Classic would be an excellent starting point. This plank also carries a 10 year commercial warranty.Vintage Plank - A very distinct looking vinyl floor. Only 2 colors are manufactured in the Vintage series but each color is very attractive in the right setting. Vintage is extremely rustic. The gray appears to have been white washed and is another unique color often not seen in the luxury vinyl market. This is the widest plank made by Earthwerks at 7.32". Source

By replacing your marble flooring, you can easily understand how challenging it could be if you are only thinking of this as a walk in the park. As a matter of fact, the conventional surfacing options such as lime stone, marble, etc. are absolutely difficult to maintain. So, instead of using all those stuff boost another idea and concept of terrazzo.This was actually thought of to generate something, which can easily be modifiable as changing the wall paints. And that specific idea was Epoxy Floors coating paint. But if you think that why it is the best for commercial use, then get the idea from the following segment.1. Strength is an optionThis kind of terrazzo is just up to 7 times stronger as well as more durable rather than concrete. It also upsurges the longevity of your parquet and greatly decreases the costly repairs. Installing it on your house, you will be able to protect it from the outer harm.2. This is absolutely waterproofEpoxy Floors is absolutely nonporous. Thus this is impervious to the water and some other fluids. It also makes your house and the terrazzo resistant to the ultimate growth of molds, mildews, as well as fungus. You do not have to worry about the rain; it will be protected from the rain easily.3. Chemical and Acid ResistantThis specific base is absolutely resistant to the chemicals and acid. As a matter of fact, they will not damage, discolor, or even stain it by any chance. Installing it in your house, you can easily protect it from some outer pollution as well as outer stuff.4. Texture is also thereVery heavily or smooth textured floors can easily both be created using this kind of flooring only depending upon the ultimate requirements of each and every facility. The heavy texture creates the non-slip flooring. Containing some beautiful texture, you can easily install it in your house.5. Seamless and perfectThis kind of terrazzo easily can be installed as the seamless floor. The seamless flooring is actually recommended as well as approved by the USDA, FDA and other governing bodies. This kind of material is absolutely seamless and perfect for the house's terrazzo.6. Low maintenanceThe specific flooring is absolutely easy to clean. It can be cleaned as well as disinfected swiftly reducing the ultimate cost of the daily maintenance. When an individual is opting for some kind of low maintenance stuff for their parquet, then it can be the finest thing for the home.7. It is quite decorativeThis has been considered as the best for commercial use. Not just for home, you can easily use the specific stuff for your company or organization. Being so decorative it has gained a huge popularity. The parquet can be designed along with 1000's of color patterns, colors, and styles using some pigments as well as sparkles, vinyl chips, etc.8. This is also repairableAlthough the base has an extremely long life, when repairs are required they can be easily done easily without the requiring a complete renovation. When you install the floor materials in your house, you always should keep in mind that whether it is repairable or not.9. This is also customizableThis kind of floor panel is entirely customizable. The strength, texture, color, depth, as well as chemical resistance, can all be identified to the specific requirements of your facility.10. High-performance guaranteeInstalling this kind of floor panel in your house, you will be able to make your house look absolutely amazing and interesting. And out of everything, it provides a tremendous high-performance guarantee so that you do not have to go to any shop for the repair in a certain time. Source

Vinyl flooring has many benefits as a surface in the home. Not only is it affordable, but it's also available in many different colors and patterns. It is also easy to maintain. Whether you have leftover pieces of an installation project, or you purchase them especially for other uses, consider various options for repurposing this material.Line Under-the-Sink CabinetsUnder-the-sink areas in the bathroom and kitchen are often damp and dirty places. You can help protect cabinetry, flooring, and subflooring in these locations by cutting a piece of vinyl flooring to fit the bottom of the cabinet. Once cut, place the piece in the cabinet, and it will serve as an effective barrier against moisture and dirt. If you have active plumbing problems in these areas, consider resolving the leaks before moving forward with this project, because water damage will continue.Protect Wood from ClampsWorking with wood often involves clamping pieces together to join them with nails, screws, or glue. When joining wood with clamps, you must take care not to damage the wood surface with the clamping hardware. To avoid unsightly damage, cut small scraps of vinyl flooring and insert them between the hardware and the wood to protect the wood from dents. Once finished, remove the clamps and the squares.Innovative CoastersWet objects on wood surfaces can result in water damage. Whether you place glasses on a coffee table, or you have planters sitting on shelves or end tables, it's easy to allow moisture from these items to damage your wood furnishings. Cut circles that are about 1 inch larger than the diameter of your planters or glassware, and then glue the two circles together with right sides facing out to create one attractive and practical coaster.Wood ShimsWood shims are helpful around the house when you need to stabilize a piece of furniture such as a large bookshelf or a table. Make little shims out of tiny pieces of vinyl and slide them between the furniture and the floor to lend stability.Utilitarian BacksplashA backsplash covers the area between countertops and cupboards. In a kitchen, the backsplash might be an expensive material such as tile or stone. In other rooms of the house, such as a workshop or a laundry room, you might opt for a less expensive material to serve as a backsplash. Consider covering this area with a remnant. You can choose a piece with colors that coordinate with room decor. The material will serve as a protective barrier for the wall that you can clean easily with a damp cloth.Mats for Various PurposesA number of areas around your house might benefit from small vinyl flooring mats, cut to size. For example, make a mat to keep the area you use for pet food clean. Cut another mat to use under a litter box to simplify cleanup. You could even use cut-to-size mats as art mats for children to keep work surfaces clean from paint and glue.Get new and imaginative uses to serve a number of purposes around your home. Source

Ceramic tiles are created using clay and they can be a marvelous addition of design to your home. Designs are either applied on the body of the tiles or they are either laid. The tiles are then glazed, even though unglazed tiles are also available. The patterns with ceramic tiles are created during the installation process. Tiles are available in a number of sizes ranging from four inch to as much as 20 inches. Most of the large sized tiles are square in shape, while smaller tiles can be either square or rectangular. You can even go for a single tile that is laid out in a diamond pattern or in a right angle, which is known as a one-tile pattern. A checkerboard pattern is a complete variation from a one-tile pattern. To create a checkered pattern you can use two different and contrasting colors like a classic white and black combination, in which the patterns can be used alternatively to form a right angled pattern. Even though you can use tiles of any size to create this pattern, but it is better to stick to square shapes. The brickwork pattern is laid out in a pattern that resembles an ordinary brick wall. The original pattern is known by the name of running bond in bricklaying. You can use ceramic tiles of size 12 inch by 8 inch and continue to lay them from the center. The first row is lined up from one side to another. The second row is then laid in such a way that the first tile's center lines up with the grout line that is lies between the first and the second tile. This pattern is repeated throughout the layout. In the brick-weave two tiles are used to create the two-tile pattern. In this pattern a rectangular tile of size 6 inch by 12 inch is laid parallel to a square tile of size 12 inches. This creates a pattern of size 18 inches on the sides. Then you lay another 6 by 12 square inch tile on the side of the first pattern leaving a gap of 6 inches at the end. This second ceramic floor tile butts against the end of the first rectangular tile and the square tile in order to create a gap. A third rectangular tile is laid at right angles to the gap, with the 6 inch side being placed into the gap. This pattern is repeated continuously to achieve the brick-weave pattern. Source

Bathroom tile ideas for bathroom floor tile can help you know what options to consider for your bathroom. Bathroom tile comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, patterns and textures and they are the basis for any bathroom design. Bathroom tile ideas can help you have the very best bathroom possible.Ceramic bathroom floor tile is often used because of its durability, resistance to dampness, its safety to walk on when wet and its ease of cleaning. If you select ceramic tiles for your bathroom, consider using a tile that has a slip-resistant surface for bathroom safety, which is one of the best bathroom tile ideas. If you buy and install unglazed tiles, they will need to be washed frequently because they absorb stains quite easily. Bathroom floor tile shapes can be squares, rectangles, hexagons and octagons while accent pieces can be narrow and small diamond-shaped.Here are bathroom tile ideas for bathroom floor tile:1 - If you use solid color ceramic bathroom floor tile in your bathroom, you can add tile borders of a different color to the tile floor, or you can create a border by alternating different colors. This kind of visual treatment can create a more interesting bathroom floor.2 - When using the same color ceramic tile for the floors and walls, choose a different tile size for the walls or lay the wall tiles diagonally to create a more interesting visual effect.3 - Another of the bathroom tile ideas is to choose a grout color that contrasts with the ceramic tile color. For example, if you are using white tiles, you could use blue, red or yellow grout for contrast. Be sure and apply sealers to grout lines in areas of heavy wear since sealers will protect and preserve grout colors.4 - If your favorite color for a bathroom is pink, for example, add a few pink decorative tiles for the walls or use shapes, textures and borders to give it some visual interest. Select some rows of the walls where you can also use some of the pink tiles placed diagonally.5 - To give your bathroom a contemporary style and look, consider using bright and bold colors with shapes or graphics against plain backgrounds. Contemporary style accessories and fixtures will further provide a modern-looking bathroom.6 - If you are trying to have a romantic or Victorian look in your bathroom, use floral tiles in soft colors like pink, light green or light blue plus handpainted ceramic sinks and perhaps a wooden floor.7 - For a Mediterranean bathroom look, mix terra-cotta tiles with Mexican or other hand-painted tiles for the floors. For the countertop perhaps mix the hand-painted tiles with another plain color tile.Bathroom tile ideas and tile color are important since color can greatly affect your mood -- making you feel calm or energizing you. Warm colors like peach and yellow are fun, they make the bathroom feel cozier and they go well with a more country looking bathroom decor. If you use neutral colors like beiges or whites, they will make the room look larger, they will reflect light and they are always in style. Colors like blue, green and violet are viewed as serene or cool colors. Brighter colors like black or red add drama to the decor, absorb light and will make the room appear smaller. In rooms with plenty of windows and natural lighting, consider using darker tiles to offset the ambient lighting. You can also work in colors you want through the use of accent tiles and accessories.Have fun as you select the styles, colors, patterns and sizes of bathroom floor tile and related details for your bathroom. You'll want your bathroom to be a fun, cozy room to spend time in and the bathroom floor tile used can help create that kind of atmosphere. Use bathroom tile ideas to help you have that special bathroom that you can enjoy every day.Copyright 2006 InfoSearch Publishing Source

Making a mind for installing a floor in your house? Do not get confused; simple and durable flooring you can opt for is there. Vinyl flooring is one of the finest choices keeping in view the long lasting quality and its affordability. Especially when you are considering flooring of bathrooms and kitchen, vinyl floor is the best option. Trend of installing vinyl floor is increasing day by day. Not only the durability and affordability is the major reason but also it has a wide range to select from. There are various designs, colors and types and the prices depend on the quality and material used in manufacturing. Let's discuss in detail the characteristics of this flooring. Introduction To Vinyl Floor: Vinyl floor is basically a building material made of polyvinyl chloride called PVC. It is made of engineered products instead of original material. Similar to linoleum but is more durable. It can be used in commercial areas like offices, shopping malls as well as in residential areas like bedrooms as well as kitchens and bathrooms. Types Of Vinyl Floor: There are basically two types of this flooring. One is called printed vinyl and the other is inlaid vinyl. Printed contains a thin sheet of vinyl and has a coating of printed-paper. It is cheap in cost and is not much durable, while the inlaid vinyl is thicker in sheet strength and is expensive. Both are available in the market in form of sheets as well as tiles. Advantages Of Vinyl Floor: Vinyl is less cost, long lasting and easy to maintain flooring. It is highly resistant to moisture and this quality makes it best option for the bathrooms and kitchen flooring. It can be the great flooring for heavy traffic areas like offices, shopping centers and schools. It's underlay gives comfort to the foot and add insulation. Disadvantages Of Vinyl Floor: One of the major drawbacks of vinyl floor is that it cannot be refinished or polished. Over time when it looses its luster it looks dull and it can wear down. Though it is less in cost from other flooring but have short life comparatively. It is also sensitive to sunlight and cold and can get fade or crack. When choosing for vinyl floors consider installation, cost and type of vinyl. Use inlaid vinyl flooring for heavy traffic areas like shopping centers, offices and schools. Printed vinyl floor is best for low traffic areas like personal bedroom. Use tiles if you want more designs and it is also easy to install on your own. But if you have tight budget go for vinyl sheets, as it is less in cost than tiles. Source

In this age of constant digital communication, what was once a separate life at the office has now freely and frequently become part of our home life. Our offices are essentially everywhere. When I think of the ways my commercial clients use their workspaces, I am reminded of the ways my residential clients use their homes. Making these workspaces comfortable, usable, and durable is what we do for our residential clients, especially families. From my work on commercial projects, I have distilled my experiences down to these Five Rules for Success. 1. Develop A Clear Narrative My practice provides services for both residential and commercial clients, and although these clients are quite different, the basic activities remain the same. One of our first tasks is to develop the program for the space. During this phase, we characterize the space with a narrative. The narrative contains the guidelines for the project. This means we determine the needs of our client; we establish their aesthetic preferences, if any (most people have at least a Pinterest board, or I encourage them to start one!); and then we align those with the architecture and begin to outline what we can provide decoratively to best suit the narrative. This is most often five to six adjectives that can describe how you feel in a space, what the space evokes, and how it functions. 2. Durability Is A Must Commercial spaces get a lot of wear and tear. People eat at their desks and spill drinks on the upholstery. Sound familiar? For these reasons, I am a huge proponent of performance upholstery. There is an increasing demand for upholstered pieces in family living rooms as well as in company waiting rooms. Sometimes performance fabrics can cost more, but their longevity makes them worth the investment. Soft goods that are designed for commercial use are absolutely okay to use in a residence—just make sure you feel them first! Installing items that will last is sustainable both for the environment and for our wallets. 3. Mixing Styles Adds Interest Even on a restricted budget, I shop high and low for furniture, lighting, and accessories. For this office, we purchased vintage items while staying on budget. We have some vintage area rugs and industrial carts from Chairish. We also have some incredible vintage Windsor chairs that are lacquered and add interest at the entry. Our sconces and pendants were sourced new and affordably. We mixed these with some farmhouse dining tables and Masters chairs in the company dining area. The contrasting styles, textures, and colors all add a layer of interest that develops the overall design and generates a unique and beautiful space. 4. Encourage Personality Within the framework of the design narrative, I work with my clients to determine how we can showcase their unique perspective. In this office, all of the large-scale photography depicts musician clients. These pieces add color and emotion to what are often monochromatic spaces. I have also encouraged the staff to name each room. “Conference room” was too generic, for example. The rooms needed personality. The staff members’ response was absolutely unique—and I nearly vetoed it. They decided to name each room based on a meme or a pop culture reference. The upper bath is now “Game of Thrones” and the main conference room is “Success Kid.” To help bring this to fruition, we added the room name to the glass on the door and also had an illustration of each of these room names commissioned. These illustrations are about twelve inches square and are framed in each room. Encouraging the clients to name the rooms gave them permission to infuse the spaces with their personalities. I think residential clients can be best served in the same way. Of course designers want to create spaces that are gorgeous in a photograph, but we absolutely need to allow our clients to personalize their homes. I often find, especially with clients hiring a designer for the first time, that people are cautious about using or inhabiting their spaces. They often need a designer’s permission and/or guidance to determine how best to personalize a space. 5. Designate Spaces With Clarity Of Function This office employs about eighty people and continues to grow. The main area is open, with incredible amounts of natural light, but planning that space meant spending a lot of time programming and drawing furniture plans to allow for the necessary volume of standing desks and chairs as well as the other furnishings. We then needed to provide storage for personal items. We purchased some old school lockers where the staff could store their bags and other small items. In a residence, this is your entryway or mudroom storage. Because this office is a startup, many of the staff work odd hours. Some bike to work or stay into the wee hours of the morning programming. In the upper bathroom, we provided hooks for towels and baskets for personal items. These additions are labeled and organized without seeming cluttered. In the small break-out area, we designated a snack wall. I provided a range of woven baskets where employees could store all manner of snacks for easy access and tidy presentation. What I’ve learned from working on commercial projects is applicable to my residential projects as well. Successfully designed spaces, be they commercial or residential, reflect the people who inhabit them. As designers, it is our job to get to know our clients, to understand them, to outline their ideals, at times to challenge those ideals, and to visualize what elements set them apart from others. By doing so, the spaces remain authentic and become workable (nay, livable) while also being beautiful.

As the seasons change, our plans for home projects and design change too. But there is one thing that stays constant in the trendiest homes—a remodeled bathroom. A massive en-suite is ideal, but it’s not always feasible. Fortunately, in today’s design world, bathroom design is no longer limited to large-scale bathrooms. With a little creativity, small to medium-sized bathrooms can share in the glory. Colors, shapes, and natural elements can drastically change your powder room, and elevating your style can be as easy as incorporating natural wood, tile, and stone into your design. After all, the beginning and end of each day is usually spent in the bathroom, so why not make it a place for inspiration? The collection that follows was created to share fresh design ideas for the everyday home. From modern and chic to trendy and bright, our collection of bathrooms is sure to spark some revolutionary thinking. We have included color palettes and styles for everyone, and we hope our collection inspires you to start working on your dream bathroom, no matter the size. Modern Design Modern design takes a new approach when thoughtfully mixed with natural and semi-precious stones. This classic black-and-white palette is the perfect mix of modern, industrial, and chic. The addition of gold embellishments brings warmth and delicacy to this timeless design. Design: Kalu Interiors | Photo: Provoke Studio Crisp Lines Crisp lines are complemented by a round porcelain sink and patterned tile flooring in this classic, contemporary powder room. The natural wood and exposed pipes create a cool, minimalistic style, and the intricate tile grounds the vanity. Design: Cynthia Soda | Photo: Stephani Buchman   Funky Wallpaper Shapes and colors can add interest to any space. This watercolor cactus wallpaper is fun and whimsical, and though it’s on trend, it’s also classic enough to keep for years. Design: Rebecca Hay | Photo Mike Chajecki Inviting and Calm Inviting and calming, soft grays create a soothing ambiance. Details become more prominent in clean color palettes. A herringbone pattern placed on the floor and ceiling of this bathroom’s boastful shower is a subtle way to incorporate upscale design elements. Appreciation for nature can be derived from the larger-format wall tiles and their natural veining. Design: Dvira Ovadia | Photo: Valerie Wilcox Color and Whimsy Wrapped in whimsical wallpaper and trimmed in warm gold, playful pattern and color give life to this statement powder room. Design: Rebecca Hay | Photo: Stephani Buchman Natural Light Natural light highlights the clean and crisp features in this Mediterranean inspired bathroom. Intricate cobalt tiles leave the space feeling fresh and airy. Design: Linda Mazur | Photo: Jason Hartog

So you're setting up a garage gym, or you're already set up with a gym, but you're tired of working out on a concrete slab. In either case, it's time to explore some garage gym flooring ideas. Good, durable flooring protects your homes foundation, your expensive equipment, and most importantly, you and your joints!So what's the best flooring for a gym? Well, if you've ever stepped foot in a box gym or CrossFit facility (as I'm sure you have), you've seen the dense, durable rubber flooring they have installed. While this is probably the best flooring option (and I'm certain what the majority of us would like to have), most of us can't afford to outfit our personal gym with this material. So, we need some other options.Option 1: Commercial FlooringLet's first look at the commercial flooring I was just talking about. The material you would find in a large, global gym. If money is of no issue, this stuff is about as nice as you're going to get. It's called Aktiv by Regupol. It is offered in a ton of colors, and as far as pricing goes for the commercial stuff, everywhere I've seen it sold requires you to request a quote.You can also buy the tiled version of this flooring. It is called Aktivlok. I'm not sure how it compares to the commercially installed flooring, but prices are more readily available without asking for quotes, and it sells for about $4-$5 a square foot. So not too bad for a high quality product.Option 2: Rubber Stall MatsThe next option is almost as good as the above-mentioned commercial flooring. Believe it or not, it's horse stall mats. They are 3/4" thick 4 'x 6' rubber mats that run about $40 each ($1.66 per square foot). You can cover some serious square footage for not a lot of money with these. This is what I used in my own garage gym. They're relatively easy to cut down to fit your space or when you need to cut holes to secure equipment to the ground. In my garage, my power cage is anchored to the slab. I easily cut around the feet of the cage with a jigsaw. I've seen videos of this stuff being cut with box cutters as well.A couple of things about these mats. First of all, they are extremely durable. I drop dumbbells and weights on these regularly and never think twice about doing so. I haven't so much as scratched these mats. They also hold their shape. If you bunch four or six of them together in a square, they all line up. They don't distort like lesser quality rubber mats do. They are extremely heavy though. They weigh in at about 100 pounds each. Get help from a friend when you pick these up at the store (Tractor Supply Company has them for $39.99).Option 3: Interlocking Rubber TilesFinally there is the economical option. CAP Barbell makes interlocking rubber tiles that you can purchase from local sporting goods stores like Academy or Dicks, or even online on eBay or Amazon. It's cheaper than any other option, but you get what you pay for. If you're going to be dropping bumper plates and dumbbells consistently, you may want to avoid these. I looked at them when I was shopping for my gym flooring but I didn't feel like they would hold up for any length of time. Having said that, I didn't actually buy them so I can't say how well they will hold up for you. Read some reviews on Amazon for an idea of how people like them.The hardware stores also sell versions of the interlocking vinyl or rubber tiles. The online reviews are hit or miss, and the specs don't look all that great for the price (they seemed thin). Still, another option for you to consider.So in summary, the more lightweight interlocking mats or tiles seem more suitable for putting under a treadmill or elliptical. Something that doesn't move around much, but will still protect the floor underneath. For explosive movements with bumper plates, especially movements where a failed rep means dropping the bar, I would at the very least go with the heavier duty mats like the horse stall mats. If you've installed flooring not mentioned here and love it, leave a comment and tell us about it. Source

I ask myself this question often. These days, more than ever, the daily bustle sweeps us up all too easily, with the full schedules, the rushed meals, the hurried “hellos” between family and friends. Then the holidays arrive, and our most joyful time of year comes, with a storm of advertising telling us exactly how busy and stressed we all should be. Exhausting, isn’t it? What if there were another way? What if we could design our living spaces to inspire slow, memorable gatherings and that peaceful, meaningful life we crave? It can be done, my friends . . . and boy, is it worth it. The following tips are simple, but they’ll go a long way toward helping you slow down and make the most of your time with loved ones, not just this season but all year long. 1. Create An Intentional Flow First, start with the big picture: the flow of your space. Slow, relaxed gatherings don’t have to be stationary. Imagine a friendly dinner that starts at the bartop in your kitchen, moves to the cocktail table in the living room, and settles effortlessly into the dining room. Or, if the weather permits, a long Sunday brunch that flows from food prep together in the kitchen to intimate conversation around the table to after-meal drinks in the sunlit outdoors. 2. Make Something Together As a host, it can be tempting to buy or prepare all the food and drink in advance and spoil your guests silly with hospitality. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with this scenario, I also think it gives stress the most room to enter. We feel that we have to do everything and be everything, when there’s just as much (and maybe more) enjoyment to be found in readying the day’s leisure together. Share the enjoyment of roasting veggies or making a soup. Laugh together over baking the morning’s fresh, warm bread or inventing new cocktails for happy hour. When it’s time to finally enjoy your group’s creations, trust me, they’ll taste all the sweeter! 3. Accentuate The Meal With Simple Wares Part of slow, thoughtful living is taking the time to fully savor and appreciate the little things, such as the food and beverages you just prepared with your friends or family. Remember, too, we eat with our eyes first. The best way to make your food the spotlight of the table (and worthy of those slow, satisfying bites) is to keep your furnishings and wares... simple. A table decorated with finely crafted yet unassuming wares lets the meal take center stage, like this hand-thrown pottery we selected for our dishware. Each piece has a quiet splendor of its own, but none competes with the beauty of the meal; each piece complements the whole. Neutral tones and clean lines make reds richer, oranges more vibrant, and greens burst with life, which will inspire you to slow down and savor the meal even more. 4. Keep Your Space Natural And Organized In addition to keeping your wares simple and natural, the same can be said for your furnishings. For example, this walnut table’s clean-lined, subtle design ushers the gorgeous grain and tone of the wood to light. Its natural beauty is unmistakable yet calm, peaceful... as we wish to be. Another way to inspire peace in your space is to keep the area clear and organized. Remove clutter and make guests and activities the spotlight! 5. Include Meaningful Pieces In The Scene When designing for gatherings (or even just for yourself), it’s always a good idea to have a few meaningful pieces around. Not only do they add a layer of personal warmth to the event, but they also give you the advantage of an easy conversation piece. For example, the centerpiece of this walnut table is a piece of driftwood collected from my family home. It has meaning to me, evokes fond memories of my childhood, and inspires great conversation when brought up in gatherings. Everyone has a childhood, after all. Take a look at your space and decide which items could help you tell a story in your space, whether it’s one from your past or from the present you’re creating right now. 6. Opt For Simple Yet Functional Lighting A gathering that takes place over several hours is naturally subject to fluctuations in lighting. Whether it’s the changing angle of the sun or the transition from day to night, you should give consideration to how light (or lack of light) will play in your spaces. That’s why it’s always an advantage to have lighting on dimmers for an easy change in ambiance. As the night carries on, for example, you can dim the lights from a joyfully conversational dinner to sultry and pensive after-dinner drinks. Again, natural beauty is the key to an understated yet peaceful space. These low-hanging geometric pendants are the perfect mix of simple and creative. 7. Use Layers And Textures When it comes to designing a space, it’s all about layers: What will help each layer of the space stand out to its best advantage? As we mentioned before, contrast is key. Smooth, hand-thrown dishware plays up the colorful food, and an immaculate walnut table highlights the ceramic dishware. So what will make this handsome table stand out without stealing the show? A neutral, textured rug! Texture is the perfect contrast to the smooth, polished wood . . . not to mention the joy your guests will feel with something soft under their feet. Layers, my friend! Well, there you have it—seven tips for bringing slow, joyful, meaningful gatherings to you and yours. Each of these tips will help you create a space that is intentional, inspires conversation and community, and is beautiful to behold. Now all you have to do is gather your nearest and dearest and enjoy them.

Do you feel like the flooring options for your home have gotten confusing? There are so many different types and brands now that keeping up with everything can seem overwhelming. Most people don't shop for new flooring that often, so when you do begin to look at options, you might feel a little out of your league. One type of flooring we hope to explain in this article is luxury vinyl.In addition to carpet, hardwood and laminate, vinyl is a popular choice for the floors of your home or business. Vinyl itself comes in several forms. There is sheet vinyl, which is glued directly to the subfloor. Sheet vinyl has come a long way with realistic tile, wood and stone looks. The other option for vinyl is called luxury vinyl, which comes in either tiles or planks.Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) look like stone or ceramic tile. With natural colors and surface texture, these tiles look and feel like real stone or ceramic. Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP) offer the look of wood planks in various species and colors. Surface textures can even include scraping or embossing to heighten the realism.Whether you choose sheet vinyl, LVT or LVP, you will get a resilient flooring, know for its warmth and comfort underfoot. It's real claim to fame though is its resistance to moisture, making it the best option for a bathroom or kitchen. It's also much less expensive than real ceramic or wood.So, maybe you've decided luxury vinyl is the way to go for your new bathroom install, now all you need to do is decide on the style and color, right? Not quite, there are still many more things to consider and this is where it can get confusing.First, you can choose how you want to install the luxury vinyl floor. There are still some that you can glue down, while other options include floating click and loose lay. With floating click, the planks or tiles click together forming a water-tight seal. Loose lay flooring allows you to simply lay each piece down to cover the floor. This type of flooring is simple to repair since you can easily remove one piece in the middle of the room and replace it.You will also have choices on the thickness of the tile or planks. The core of the plank may have extra cushion to dampen sound and provide more comfort under foot. Other types may be more rigid, allowing them to hold up better under heavy foot traffic.There are some other acronyms used to describe the core of luxury vinyl: WPC and SPC. Depending on the manufacturer, these stand for different things. For example, WPC can stand for Wood Plastic Composite, Waterproof Polymer Core or Wood Polymer Core. Likewise, SPC can stand for Stone Polymer Composite, Solid Polymer Core and other variations. So, you can see where the confusion might set in!If you are looking for new flooring and decide to research luxury vinyl, you might become frustrated with all the different terms and lack of consistency. All manufacturers tend to have their own name for things, which makes it difficult for the consumer to know what's what. With just a few searches on the Internet, you will soon realize there's way more to luxury vinyl flooring than you may have originally thought!This is where you local flooring store can be your best option for expert flooring advice. They will know the differences between manufacturers and the type of products they make so you will be better able to compare. In addition, you can simply explain to an expert at a flooring store what type of look you want, where in the house it will be used and what type of traffic it is likely to get. Then they can offer suggestions and help you weed through the flooring jungle to find the best luxury vinyl option for your needs. Source

Bringing plants indoors is a great way to enjoy nature no matter the weather. Indoor plants provide a wide range of benefits including purifying the air as well as creating a peaceful atmosphere. Many plants also offer a lot of style and interest to a home as well. 1. Ficus Tree Any indoor plant that grows above 6 feet is bound to draw attention. Larger plants usually cost more than smaller ones making them a luxury. The Ficus Tree is one of those indoor plants that can quickly grow tall and add depth to a home. They are known for living a long time with the proper care and are commonly grown as a houseplant. Ficus Trees have an intertwining trunk that screams luxury and style. Place a few of these beauties on either side of an entryway, at the end of a long hallway, or even in the corner of a kitchen to create instant polish to a room. 2. Succulents These unique plants are known for their ability to hold water within their leaves making them incredibly low maintenance. Succulents vary in all shapes and sizes. Options include Hens & Chicks, a plant that produces small round shaped succulents that like to spread within a container. Other interesting options include the Panda Plant that offers fuzzy blue-grey leaves dotted with black spots on the edges. Succulents are happy to be left alone and offer a lot of interest and beauty to a space without getting too large. Place a lot of them around a home on coffee tables, bookshelves, and window sills in order to bring a touch of nature indoors. 3. Jade Pothos This beautiful dark green plant loves to climb and will do well in a totem planter. Jade Pothos is an easy houseplant to grow but also offers elegance and beauty with dark green heart-shaped leaves. This plant can also be grown in hanging baskets and will grow downward for a cascading effect. Consider placing a hanging basket of Jade Pothos in front of a single window to draw interest to space. 4. Citrus Tree The ultimate choice for a luxury indoor plant is one that will bear fruit indoors. Citrus trees are a perfect option for those upscale homeowners looking to add a “wow” factor to their home. These trees don’t grow very large and can bear fruit if hand pollinated. Choose from oranges, limes, or lemons to add instant color to your home as well as add a fresh squeeze of juice to a cocktail. Citrus trees will need watering and lots of light. 5. Cactus If you’re looking for a stylish and more offbeat plant for the home, consider choosing a cactus. This super low maintenance plant is being featured in more and more homes thanks to its need for little attention. Grow a cactus in a large pot placed on the floor or choose a smaller variety to set as a centerpiece or on a mantle. Place a cactus in a room with bright light to cater to its natural desert landscape style. Choose from many different varieties that can grow tall, wide, or stay small to fit your room’s needs. There are plenty of plants that can be grown indoors to add instant interest to a room. Consider adding any one of these plants to your newly styled room to add natural beauty, color, and form. Any of these plants are a must have for luxe-looking décor and would do well in raising the overall level of a room.

Stained Glass Ceilings, fireplace screens, and Light FixturesA simple idea that adds much to a home space is the incorporation of stained glass panels as ceiling tiles or overlapping with light fixtures. This creates a colorful ambiance and acts like art pieces do, except the added charm of coming from above. Ceilings done this way make for excellent conversation pieces, and will match almost any style décor. Fireplace screens add a wonderful, warm ambiance to your surroundingsStained Glass Table Tops and Furniture DesignsMany unique and stylish furniture designs use glass paneling to create Art Nuevo feels for the home. Tables topped in stained type glass give off wonderful reflected light that shines throughout the room. With the right lighting, furniture designed with stained type glass makes a dazzling ensemble that sets the mood in the wider angles of any living room or dining area.Stained Glass Lamps and Chandeliers ArtLamp shades made with stained type glass are the perfect synthesis of art and home furnishings. They can be set so their light casts in all directions and make a charming addition to the home entertainment space. In a more elaborate sense, it is possible to design stained glass chandeliers that hang from above, dangling light colorful displays cascading across the ceilings and dancing along the flooring of your household.Stained Glass Flooring and Discothèque DécorFor those who want to take their décor to the next level, why not a party space for your indoor gatherings. Stained type glass flooring can be created, it is a little more expensive than traditional floor tiles, but can be done economically and will last for a longer amount of time. Some homes have taken this idea and created pseudo dance floor feels to entertain guests and visitors. Just as some stained type glass flooring or textures throughout a room, then compliment it with a lighted glitter ball hanging above and a booming stereo system, then you have the premium discothèque in your home.Stained Glass Swimming Pool DesignsA more elaborate application of stained type glass paneling and tiles can be used in outdoor scenarios. A sweet look can be given to your pool areas, where stained glass can be inserted into the edging, walkways or in spaces for seating around swimming pools or your Jacuzzi. This is a colorful way to make a plain pool area artsy and fun in the daylight hours, although the accents of stained type glass under moonlight make it a romantic texture for the evening swim party. This is an idea that might cost a little more, but the results are amazing for an outdoor project to modernize your home in a stylish way.Stained Glass windows and panelsA very simple way to add color and texture to your space is using Stained type Glass windows but if that is not an option, a more easy choice is a Stained Glass Panel to hang over your windows. Easily hung by a chain with a bit of hardware, and it transforms your surroundings! Source

Our last calendar year was the earliest we’d ever started decorating for the holidays. Typically, we wait until the weekend following Remembrance Day to fill our house with all things festive and to begin playing holiday melodies at any given time until Christmas Day. However, this particular year; we had the honor of being part of our town’s Christmas Home Tour, in which our household and design company had the opportunity to design and decorate our house for hundreds of people to tour over the first weekend in November to raise money for charity. The idea — and process — of handing out Halloween candy with spooky music playing, all while trimming the Christmas tree, was certainly an experience for the books (and our kids had plenty to say about it), but it was all for the good. The tour annually collects money to donate to the Jennifer Ashleigh Foundation, which helps improve the quality of life of seriously ill children and their families; and the Able Network, a community-based program providing relevant inclusive work and recreation opportunities for young adults with intellectual disabilities in natural job and community settings. Because it was the season of giving, we felt this was a wonderful opportunity and a natural way to kick off the holidays. The weekend was a bustling one — never a dull moment, from Friday evening through the weekend. Word on the street was that our home had become known as "the pink house" (which I was entirely okay with) because pink and white were our colors, in stark opposition to the primary reds, greens, and blues that typically take center stage around the holidays. Having just visited sunny California earlier that year, I drew inspiration from my California friend's love of succulents and even popped some cactus flowers into our office tree. A fan of all textures and colors (when used together for the greatest impact), I was drawn to blush tones this year because I wanted our family home to feel light, fun, and a little romantic. We chose pink roses and simple eucalyptus garlands and twigs to adorn our tree, mantels, newel post, and vases. With the help of my mom, we wrapped some old shoeboxes with the lids separate, so they could be easily filled with gifts later in the season. (I'm all for managing my time and helping my future self!) Mixed metal accents of silver and gold were scattered throughout, set in contrast with polished and natural rustic wood elements, and the dining table was staged and set to host dinner for eight (we subsequently added five extra seats on Christmas Day). Shaggy-textured area rugs in blush and white were purchased from a home goods store and cut in half to be used as ethereal accents draped over the dining chairs to further soften the scene. Meanwhile, a "Christmas spirit" essential oil filled our home with the smell of cinnamon and oranges, accentuated by holiday music softly playing throughout the weekend. When the last visitors walked through our space, I thanked my helpers for the day, turned off the music, sat down in silence, and fully appreciated all our hard work. I was reminded how easy it is to get so caught up in our to-do lists over the holidays that sometimes the most important things get lost in the busy-ness of the day. My mouth was dry from all the chatting and smiling, and my legs ached from the soles of my feet to my knees. It was exhausting, and I was relieved it was over, but I also felt blessed to have been part of it. By nature, I am a Christmas fanatic. I believe in magic and wonder, and I truly love the process of giving more than my childhood self could have ever imagined I would. Seeing smiles on the faces of those you love (along with others you didn't realize you have positively affected) and teaching our children the importance of giving back and being part of something bigger than yourself is the greatest gift you can give. Interior Design by Cynthia Soda | Photography by Mike Chejecki Cynthia Soda is the owner and principal interior designer of Soda Pop Design Inc. Cynthia believes in and uses her design filter to successfully merge her clients’ lifestyle, personality and architecture to create customized, liveable luxury that tells each client’s unique story. @CSodaPop

Make the most out of the holidays by focusing on a few simple ways to ensure that your home reflects the magic and joyfulness of the season. 1. Plan a Signature Cocktail Image: Jacquelyn Clark The holidays are full of friends, family, and hosting. Planning out a signature cocktail to serve throughout the season not only saves a little time when you entertain, but it also is a sure way to impress your guests. For an extra special feel, consider purchasing a set of decorative cocktail glasses or keep an eye out at local antique shops to mix and match a set of vintage selections. Pair your glassware with a beautiful serving tray, and don’t forget to keep fresh garnishes on hand for an added touch of splendor.   2. Invest in a Show-Stopping Wreath Image: Glitter Guide Handmade or purchased, hung indoors or outside, wreaths are a must-have during the holiday season. A front door adorned with a statement wreath not only acts as a first point of welcome for guests, but can also be used to set the tone for your holiday décor within the home. Wreaths can also be used to accent interior spaces, such as window panes, mirrors, or the backs of your dining room chairs. Go traditional with greenery or opt for a hardier display of pine cones and faux snow.   3. Make Mantle Magic Image: Coco Kelley Mantles offer endless options, a clean, symmetrical slate that you can decorate any which way your heart desires. Whether your preference is an impressive display or more of a minimal vibe, there are limitless ways to create a holiday mantel that will leave a lasting impression. Find inspiration in nature building a simple base with beautiful green garland or decorative berry branches. Then add in a little height and sparkle with a scattered arrangement of candles. The mantle is also the perfect place to display your prized collections from Santas to nutcrackers to village house displays.   4. Let It Glow Image: Craftberry Bush There’s something so serene and magical about the glow of a Christmas tree at night. Expand on that sense of serenity by incorporating other sources of light throughout your home. Decorative holiday houses glimmering by tea light make a great centerpiece for your dining table, or the perfect complement to your mantle. You can use a set of string lights to weave a little extra sparkle through garland or to frame interior windows. You can even consider just adding a few more candles to your everyday display.   5. Curate the Perfect Wrapping Scheme Image: Bev Weidner A well-considered wrapping scheme goes a long way, and here’s the secret. First, devise your desired aesthetic for the year. Are you drawn to a particular color, texture or pattern? Whatever it may be, choose your look and stick to it. Second, purchase all your wrap, ribbons, boxes, and bows in one fell swoop to ensure that everything feels cohesive. Last, keep it balanced by making sure you use all materials in even manner. Following this method will guarantee that your assortment of gifts under the tree will be (almost) too pretty to open.   6. Get a Little Quirky Image: Liz Marie Blog It’s always satisfying to piece together the perfect curation of holiday décor, but let’s not forget the joy and laughter that each holiday season should bring. It’s okay to add a touch (or more) of quirky to the mix! Incorporate a cheeky holiday print designed for a laugh, vintage Santa lights strung for all to see, or even that tacky lawn inflatable that your kids love if you dare.