5 tips for Holiday Bright

What kind of holiday decorator are you?

Walking through stores this time of year certainly sends the message that there are many people who love  a holiday  glam look with glitter, shine, and layers of finery.   If you've read this blog for awhile you know this won't be that kind of post.  I like my seasonal decor as simple as possible.  When visitors come to my home I  want them to feel in the mood for the season without being burdened by sensory overload.

In honour of the upcoming  holiday season I created a style board to illustrate some of my top tips for for decorating without going over the top.  I started with this stunning chair from Chairish, a US based online marketplace for vintage furniture.  There are so many beautiful accent chairs to choose from, in addition to other great finds for your home.

Mid century accent chair 

I would love to own this chair! It references warm and cosy, but still has a quiet elegance.  It can be yours for a great price.  Check out the link above.

Now for a little creative play, let's give it a new home using 5 simple decorating moves.

Tip #1

Add a fur throw to furniture for instant warmth 

But if  a purchase isn't in the cards for you, don't fret.  You can satisfy  your urge by creating the same look using a faux fur throw or  natural sheepskin.   While you can use fur on any chair,  a framed chair in  black can't be beaten when it comes to impact.  Remember the power of spray paint!  Of course this one with its gold tips is extra special.  Hint, hint,  tape off and spray  the tips  of your stand -in piece gold.

Tip #2

Reference nature 

A quick look around this style board shows nature repeated throughout the space with birds, trees, deer, as well as twigs and berries. They are all easily added and removed for another creative use next year.  What I like about this more minimal approach is it's longevity.  Many of the additions can be left up all winter so you don't have that bare look after the holiday season is over.

Tip #3

Integrate seasonal objects among every day arrangements 

Take down a piece of art and hang a wreath in its place, add seasonal objects to your window ledge and bookcase or tabletop.  Berries can often be added to simple arrangements. 

Tip #4 

Add candles 

Such a simple addition and so much ambiance when lit.  If you are concerned about safety,  purchase a set of battery operated candles.  They are so realistic now with some even having a subtle scent and flickering light.  I especially like  the  remote control function on the ones I have. One flick and instant mood is created. 

Tip # 5

Use pillows for pattern and comfort

Not everyone likes to have a pile of extra pillows around; I get that!  I admit pillows are my weakness and  I have a shelf full so I can make changes through the year.  I think they are a small price for a refreshed  look.   One budget idea for seasonal pillows is to find ones that work well on one side with your every day decor and flip them for seasonal decoration. 

How does this  advice play out in my own home?  

Here's my dining room from last year.  Candles, real twigs and fake berries, white  reindeer, sprayed pinecones, an evergreen and birds. It will all be used somewhere again this year but it won't look the same. 

For something different this season, I've separated my two buffets and changed the art.

artist Mike Gough, The Island 2014

 I've been looking for the perfect place for my new piece of art by local artist Mike Gough.  It seems to be comfortable in the dining room. This painting has a  fall feel that made me think of my moose antler at my summer place.  Let's see if it can be integrated into a more sophisticated environment.  My candles are in place and ....   It needs more than that.  I'm thinking a conversation will happen between what's on the buffets and the table.  Stay tuned.

Use Space Effectively With Modular Seating Layouts

Modular seating offers a means of effectively achieving the look that you want from your home or business, without having to have bespoke furniture created and without having to spend countless hours trying to find a piece of furniture with the perfect dimensions. Not only can you choose from each individual piece of furniture, but you can buy multiple individual components in order to create the bench seating, waiting area, or other functional design that fits in the space that you have available to you. Even if you have a room with unusual dimensions, you can still choose from a selection of attractive and high quality furniture.

Modular furniture enables you to add and remove pieces, as needed. If you decide that you want to add an end table to a row of seating, for example, you can take out one of the seating modules from the centre, push the seating into a single row, and then add the table that you want. If, at a later date, you change your mind again, you can move the table and put the seat back in. Alternatively, if you rearrange the room, you can add a corner seat and completely shift the seating around so that it matches your latest design requirements.

Modular furniture is also great for use as occasional furniture, for events or for special occasions. If you use modular seating in your reception area, and you are planning a one-off meeting, you can move some of the seating from the reception into the room where the meeting will be held. You don’t have the usual headaches that are associated with buying, renting, or storing furniture for a one off need.

Usually, buying furniture means making some kind of compromise, because it is very difficult to match furniture dimensions to the available space that you have. With modular furniture, it is possible to create bespoke room design for even the most complicated and unique of areas. You can add seating, tables, and other items exactly where you want them, and you can even use that tiny alcove that usually sits empty and serves no purpose.

Unique spaces have a certain appeal to them. They are filled with character, and they enable you to create a unique design. However, they also pose certain problems or challenges, and finding the furniture and pieces to fit in that space is one such challenge. Bespoke furniture, which offers seats and other pieces in a range of designs, styles, and layouts, enable you to make the most of the most characterful of spaces.

Modular design means that you don’t have to order bespoke furniture, which can prove costly. It also means that you can aren’t limited to just those items of furniture that will fit in the desired space. You can choose from a large selection of furniture pieces, and even some furniture sets to build on, so that you can achieve the exact look and layout that you envisaged.

Modulus Seating provides adaptive furniture that can be adapted to meet your needs, whether they are short-term or long-term needs. Choose from a wide range of good looking and functional furniture designs and enjoy great looking results.

The Benefits Of Timber Sash Windows

It is all too easy to get caught up in the PVC trend when looking to replace old windows, especially if your sash windows have come to the end of their functional life. PVC can appear to be the better choice, because it lays claim to being maintenance free, and can also claim to have a 35-year lifespan in its current guise. However, the reality may be quite different. The fact that you can’t paint the PVC frame may mean that it is maintenance free, but it also means that any discolouration caused by the sun or other atmospheric conditions cannot be repaired.

All it takes to bring a timber frame back to its former glory is a couple of coats of decent quality gloss paint. There’s no need to endure having the whole frame and window replaced, and it should only be necessary to paint the windows every few years, with some light and simple cleaning helping to ensure that the frame continues to look its best in between the paint jobs.

Timber offers a more natural and traditional look than PVC. In some instances, you may be required to replace existing timber frames with new timber frames, especially in conservation areas. Some buildings may even require that you specifically replace with sash windows in order to retain the same overall design and traditional look. However, even if this isn’t the case, do you really want to remove the character that comes from traditional timber frames, and replace this with PVC?

Sash windows themselves are very functional. They typically consist of a number of moving panels, allowing you to let as much air in or out as required. The sliding mechanism means that windows do not need to open out, and modern sash windows typically include safety and energy saving features that mean that they offer modern functionality while still retaining the period features and traditional great looks that only timber frame sash windows can provide.

Another benefit of modern sash windows is that they can be double or even triple glazed. This helps ensure energy efficiency, but it also serves to help reduce noise pollution from outside. Once the windows are closed, you won’t be able to hear traffic noises, and closing the windows in winter means that the cold and wet weather is left outside.

Timber frames also allow some natural ventilation, which is important in any home. PVC frames effectively create a sealed box, and this means that the modern home needs regular airing or ventilation in order to prevent mould and other problems from surfacing.

Sash windows are functional, attractive, and traditional. While they are available with PVC frames, if you want a truly traditional look and want to enjoy the benefits of window frames that could potentially last for 100 years or more, then timber frames may be your best option. You should ensure that you buy good quality frames and windows, and that they have all of the appropriate fixtures and features to help ensure safety and energy efficiency.

The Box Sash Window Co provides double and even triple glazed sash windows with traditional and beautiful timber frames. Whether you are looking to change to sash windows, or upgrade from existing sash windows, they can advise on the best options and help ensure that you get the best windows for your property.

Top Tips For Buying The Perfect Water Tank

Home improvement can take lots of different shapes and sizes. In today’s case, it comes in the shape of a water tank.

Water tanks are all about conserving water. If you have come to the decision that you waste too much of the colorless fluid at home, it is time to take action. Water tanks are the perfect choice because they save water, which saves the planet, and they also save your bank balance. Plus, they are reasonable when it comes to the price.

The next step is to go out and buy one, but what do you need to consider before you make your final purchase?

Water Capacity

How much water are you likely to use in a week, a month or the year? The answer directly affects what size of water tank you need to buy. If you use a lot of water, you will, obviously, need a tank with a bigger capacity. But, if you only use a couple of liters a day, a smaller tank will suffice. Also, how much does it rain where you live? The main benefit of a water tank is that they collect rainwater for home use. Some cities and towns get a lot more rainfall each year than others. If that is you, you are going to need a bigger tank. To find out more about rainfall, take a look at http://www.quickanddirtytips.com.

Size

The size of the tank is always an issue. To be honest, the majority of tanks are pretty big and bulky, so you are going to need a fair bit of space. The backyard is always a good option to store a tank because there is usually some free space, or it is easy to make space. Before you buy it, though, you have to make sure it will fit. Ask for measurements of the water tank and then measure the space to see if they coalesce.

What Type Of Tank?

There is plenty to choose from, but in the end it depends on your needs. Take an underground water tank as an example. If you don’t have space, these are the perfect alternative. All you need to do is install one underground to negate the issue of space. Plus, they have an extra security function because it is harder for animals and the weather to contaminate the supply. To find out more about water tanks, visit http://www.watertankfactory.com.au

Reputation

The seller’s reputation is very important. No one wants to get ripped off because water tanks are pretty expensive even when they are fairly priced. Just like in any line of business, there are vendors who are willing to take advantage. The will advertise a certain product, but it won’t be as advertised when it arrives. It is always best to get a recommendation from someone you trust, as well as proof of their previous track record.

Price

Finally, you want to use the Goldilocks method to find the perfect water tank. A water tank should not be too cheap or too expensive – it should be somewhere in the middle.

Expensive water tanks are too costly, and cheap ones are shady, so somewhere in the middle is perfect.

3 Simple Ways to Set Your Business Apart from Your Competitors

Whether you own a huge company or you're building a small business, the competition for customers can be fierce. In today's global economy, you aren't just competing for business with the store down the street. You also have to compete with online retailers from around the globe.

If you're searching for ways to set your business apart from your competitors, considering implementing these three simple ideas.

Focus on Customer Service

We are living in a busy world that seems to be increasingly impersonal. Customers demand products faster and cheaper, but they still do not want to sacrifice excellent service. Unfortunately, many businesses put customer service on the backburner to save employees' time and money.
That's one of the reasons why you can make your company stand apart from the crowd by providing genuine, attentive customer service. It sounds simple, but treat customers the way you want to be treated. Train your staff to treat customers as individuals, not just numbers.
Customers need to believe that you value them as people and not just as dollar signs. When you strive to provide excellent, personalized service, your customers will notice. This keeps current customers happy, and it also makes them want to recommend your business to their family and friends.

Increase Your Branding

You want to keep your company's name in front of your long-time and new customers as often as possible. However, you don't want to annoy them with your branding. Sending constant texts and emails simply makes customers want to click "Unsubscribe," but you can find creative ways to increase your branding without driving your customers crazy.
For instance, switch from plain packaging tape to custom packaging tape with your brand's name and logo. Each time a customer receives a package, he'll immediately know it is from your company before he even opens it.

Listen

You might be surprised to find out how many businesses don't really listen to their customers. They forge ahead with their business plans and goals without stopping to consider what their customers really want.
Bulk this trend by making it a priority to truly listen to your customers. Send out a survey before you design a new products, and seriously consider the recommendations of your customers.
No one likes complaints, but negative feedback is one of the most valuable tools you can receive. Instead of doing the bare minimum to appease the customer, turn this feedback into improvements for your business.