Luxury and Designs

5 Ideas for Yarnbombing Your Own Home

2015-07-09T20:18:00.000-07:00

One of the famous yarn bombs

Knitting scarves and blankets is a serious pastime for crafty people, but in the last few years, a new kind of knitting has emerged that’s basically Banksy-meets-Grandma. It’s called “yarnbombing,” and sometimes people call it “urban knitting” or “yarn graffiti” since many yarnbombers anonymously leave their work in public spaces, hoping to make people happy.
If you’re a fan of this trend, we suggest covering a few things in your own home with knitted masterpieces, since it’s a fabulous way to add a pop of color, texture, and personality to a room. Check out these five ideas:

Update Those Hard Children's Chair

via DailyFix

Every adult remembers those uncomfortable metal and plastic chairs at school and home so cover them with yarn. Along with a gorgeous new look, the chair has a slightly softer feeling when kids sit down. You could be inspired to try yarnbombing on the dining table chairs too. The next dinner party will be a memorable one.

Make a Brand New Lamp

via: The Guardian

Is your floor lamp boring you with its beige shade and brown pedestal? Yarnbomb it! Be sure to keep the yarn away from the bulb itself to avoid fire and heat issues, but go ahead and cover the rest of the lamp. Visitors may think it was store bought with that design if you're an expert knitter.

Branch Out

via: OffBeatHome

Your household may use twigs and branches as decor, standing tall in a vase or large floor vase. Yarnbomb those branches along their base and even add little yarn balls to the tips like this decorator's masterpiece. Make different yarn creations for the branches as the seasons change too. Explore autumn's oranges, winter's whites, spring's pastels and summer's bold colors.

Make Mundane Fixtures Fantastic

via: Craftster

Where's the thermostat? Certain household fixtures are just part of life, such as this basic thermostat. This yarnbomber decided to make this fixture more fun with a mushroom and soil cover. You could cover it with nearly any design you desire. Make the thermostat into a dragon's head, for instance. At least the dust stays off the thermostat this way.

Put a Sweater on Your Stair Rail

via: Blog a La Cart

It’s a subtle addition that adds a ton of personality: wrap a staircase handrail in yarn, and the end result will be something that softens the overall room, creating a comforting, homey feel.

With one yarn ball in your hands, you can create wonders around the home. Mix up colors and patterns to make designs never heard of before in the knitting world. This old-fashioned craft may make a major comeback with young people as colorful yarn decorates the world to increase smiles and happiness.

Visit Modernize for more home design ideas and inspiration!

Black & White Designs

2013-10-23T00:20:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since I posted on my blog. I was strolling down the street when I bumped into a lady carrying pile of magazines. One page of the magazine showing black and white designs of houses. From that moment, I can't stop thinking of that sophisticated designs.

So I went home and searched for more. Look what I've found:

This grayish-black cup looks stunning right?

I want this fireplace in my house right now! LOL

I like to incorporate this pendant light with the fireplace above. Cool right?

This pooping dog lamp made my day! So cute isn't it?

Decorate the Kitchen with GG Collection Canisters to Add Class to an Entertaining Hotspot

2013-05-14T20:17:00.002-07:00

Modern open-plan living spaces and expansive designs have made the kitchen into a new entertaining hotspot for busy families. If you'd like to fully make use of your kitchen for this purpose, consider decorating with items that are eye-catching yet delightfully functional. GG Collection canisters fit the bill with elegant designs and quality construction.

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Decorative canisters from the GG Collection are made of stoneware fired at extremely high temperatures to yield chip-resistant clay. Glazes are then added to the stoneware for a unique finish. As a final touch, GG Collection's canister sets are decorated with intricate filigrees and other artistic details on the metal base and lid.

To best suit your kitchen's design, you can choose canisters from a number of different themes.

Provencal draws inspiration from the Mediterranean region of France and Italy. Items from this collection suit homes that follow the region's style.
Acanthus Leaf channels traditional elegance with a classic Mediterranean motif. Canisters under this theme feature scrolls and acanthus leaves that add to the rustic feel of a country-style kitchen.
Barcelona is GG Collection's take on minimalism with a more subdued design. Its subdued rope designs along the base and upon the lid make it ideal for homes with a sleek and sophisticated aesthetic.
Baroque canisters are the ultimate in Old World opulence with their abundance of intricate accents. The large metal flourishes on the base make them ideal centerpieces in traditional kitchens.
The Faith, Hope, and Love canister sets represent these timeless virtues with intricately crafted symbols on each lid. These make a great choice for an inspired conversation piece.

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Because of their luxurious details, the canisters are best used as an integral part of your kitchen's interior design. If you've designated a spot as a beverage station for tea and coffee, placing these canisters nearby for sugar, creamer, and cinnamon powder will surely draw attention to the spot and make it extra-presentable for any guest.

Alternatively, you can use GG Collection canisters to add charm to the cooking area. The glass canisters, in particular, can add color when filled with colorful spices, seeds, and other ingredients.

While kitchen décor does need to be practical, there are brands that add exquisite beauty to everyday functional items. The GG Collection in particular will surely help you keep a kitchen that's ready to welcome guests at any time.

How to Sound-proof a Room: Reducing Noise in Shared Spaces

2013-04-14T22:53:00.000-07:00

In some homes, the family room or den may double as a home entertainment system and occasionally a guest bedroom. Though it is a multi-purpose space, preserving the family's privacy is still an important concern. Families who want to have more privacy in their shared spaces can look into how to sound-proof a room. Investing in items such as sound-proof windows can significantly dampen noise and keep the atmosphere of the home private.

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A good sound-proofed room prevents unwanted noise from escaping as well as entering it. It helps families prevent their neighbors from overhearing loud conversation, the television, or music. If they wish, they can also enjoy having a quiet evening at home without being disturbed by noises outdoors. When used for hosting guests, sound-proofing treatments can provide any space the same comfort and privacy of a bedroom.

Though absolute sound-proofing is not possible, there are many different ways of reducing the amount of noise that enters a room. Strategically-installed heavy drapes can reduce the amount of noise that comes in through windows, while thick carpets can prevent floors from deflecting sound. If the walls are thin, installing additional insulation can also reduce the amount of sound that passes through it.

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In cases where the main source of noise comes from outside the home, families should consider installing sound-proof windows as well. A room's sound-proofing is only as good as its weakest point, and windows are structural weaknesses that allow a significant amount of sound to pass through.

Rooms with large windows, in particular, are more likely to be subject to ambient noise, especially if the home is located near an area with a lot of foot or vehicle traffic. Sound-proof windows let families enjoy having natural light in their rooms without compromising their privacy or subjecting them to unnecessary irritation from ambient sounds.

To learn more about how to sound-proof a room and to find quality window treatments for your home, visit CitiQuiet.com.

Add Enchantment to Your Living Spaces with Mackenzie-Childs Home Décor

2013-04-01T19:35:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for unique and charming accents for any room in the house, you won't need to look further than our collection of Mackenzie-Childs home décor. With a diverse array of luxurious hardware, rugs, and other high end decorative items to choose from, you can certainly incorporate the brand's whimsical style into any space.

Known for its intricate details that make each piece a work of art, Mackenzie-Childs décor will surely attract attention to any feature in your home. Each creation lends an individual touch, sculpted by skilled hands or painted with a careful brush.

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The intricate, hand-painted details on these pieces, turns whatever they are placed on, into a work of art. When you adorn a chest of drawers with knobs in the same pattern and color, or group similar candleholders on one table, their subtle differences are sure to stand out. This artisan charm keeps collectors fascinated with Mackenzie-Childs' products; and we are certain you'll be enchanted by them, too.

While the inspiration behind Mackenzie-Childs' home décor doesn't stray far from the charm of the countryside, its various collections provide a wide array of accents to suit any aesthetic. For simple patterns that still reflect the brand's artisan charm, look into products that bear the iconic Courtly Check or the subtle Parchment Check design. On the other hand, if you would like to incorporate the romance of the countryside in your living space, consider products from the Flower Market or Espalier collections.

Here at Chelsea Gifts, we take pride in carrying a complete collection of products from Mackenzie-Childs. This means that our selection of décor from the brand covers everything from decorative storage and fanciful sinks to dainty Mackenzie-Childs knobs and tassels. We even offer a range of Mackenzie-Childs candles to complement any table setting featuring the brand's enamelware.

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A complete range of products also means that we provide you with Mackenzie-Childs décor for any room in the house. Handcrafted entrance mats make the perfect first impression for any charming home. To add whimsy to a simple sofa in the living room, consider the brand's pillows and throws. Bathrooms also become an enchanting sanctuary with the brand’s ceramic sinks and vanity accessories. Finally, turn any bedroom into a unique retreat with the brand's collection of window treatments.

Whether you've decided to pair these decorative products with a room decked out in Mackenzie-Childs furniture or used them to add life to a simple and dull space, these handcrafted articles will surely impress family and friends.

If you need help with the online shopping process, feel free to read through our help page or contact us.

Finding a Discount Mattress for Budget-Conscious Individuals

2013-03-19T19:35:00.001-07:00

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Don't put off changing your bed because of high prices. With a little effort, you can find a discount mattress online.

Mattresses don't last forever. Wear and tear will eventually cause it to sag or rip as the springs or the upholstery lose their strength. They will become uncomfortable, preventing you from having a good night's sleep. In fact, a worn mattress's irregularities can place your spine in an unnatural position, and raised bumps can touch nerves and cause discomfort.

But, in some cases, the mattress hasn't changed much; it's you. Aches that weren't there before become apparent. Accidents result in injuries that need careful bed positioning. Pregnancy is another big change that alters the body in all sorts of ways.

When these conditions arise, changing your mattress can help you find relief and a good night's sleep. However, mattresses can cost thousands of dollars, especially those that are designed to accommodate people with sleep problems.

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Instead of placing your budget in jeopardy, you can purchase a discount mattress. They can be easily found in the Internet through dedicated online mattress stores.

Additionally, some online sites offer membership in their preferred customers program. Aside from providing sneak peeks for upcoming products, these programs also offer better chances for savings that can't be found anywhere else. Usually if there are physical premises, members will be notified of store specials and events that bring in huge savings.

By shopping online and signing up for an online store's customer privilege program, you can easily find a discount mattress that meets your needs.

Mathis Sleep Studio offers a wide variety of mattresses from reputable brands such Tempur-Pedic and Lady Americana at reasonable prices. They also provide free membership for their Gold Club, where customers can find exclusive savings and benefits. For more information, visit MathisSleepStudio.com.

Checking for Safety When Buying Children's Furniture

2013-03-18T18:06:00.000-07:00

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Besides finding children’s' furniture that match your kids' personalities and interests, it's important to make sure that each piece you choose is safe. This will make sure that accidents will be prevented, whether or not they're supervised by someone older. Below are a few safety factors to remember when buying certain items for your children's rooms:

Bunk Beds

Bunk beds are efficient space savers that your kids will love to not just sleep in, but also play on. For this reason, it's important that that the bunk bed you choose has rails on both sides so that no matter how it is positioned, it will always keep your child from falling. Rails should also not be wide enough for a child's head to get trapped in.

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The bunk beds ladder must also be secured properly to prevent wobbling when in use. Another safe alternative would be loft beds and bunk beds that feature storage steps.

Chests

Whether for toys, clothes, or other belongings, chests make a great addition to a child's room. However, some chests feature drawers that may cause injuries as hands and fingers may become trapped. Choosing chests that feature side roller glides will make sure opening drawers is smooth and trouble-free.

Since some chests are designed to be tall, it's also important to secure them in their place. Considering how imaginative children can be, a set of open drawer may seem like ideal climbing frames. The chest may tip over if your child climbs on and it is unsecured. It's best to secure them to the wall to prevent such incidents.

Accessories and Accents

When choosing children's furniture, it can be tempting to purchase those with cute accessories and accents. But these furnishings may include small parts that can be removed, becoming choking hazards for younger kids. Hence, it's important to make sure to choose quality furniture that features secured designs for your children's safety.

Choosing Wholesale Clothing: Why Invest in Celebrity-Connected Brands?

2013-03-13T19:34:00.001-07:00

image from BarginWholesaler

For many urban fashion retailers, choosing what brands of wholesale clothing to carry is an important decision that can influence what clientele they'll attract. Instead of randomly looking at different clothes from a wide array of labels, they can specifically invest in brands connected with celebrities.

The main reason why it helps to carry brands endorsed by celebrities is because most customers would be naturally attracted to them. Furthermore, recognizable brands help customers recognize a store that caters to their own taste in streetwear. Finally, there are reasons to why celebrities endorse particular brands—it's often because they recognize their smart design and good quality.

image from BarginWholesaler

Three of the most popular streetwear brands backed by celebrities are Apple Bottoms, Baby Phat, and Rocawear.

Apple Bottoms

Originally a denim label co-founded by American Grammy Award-winning rap artist Nelly in 2003 for women with "apple bottoms", Apple Bottoms has since then expanded to other clothing items, accessories, and perfume for women and girls. Its clothes are made to flatter a full-figured woman's curves. Because of how they perfectly accentuate the body, various female celebrities such as Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas and Oprah have been seen wearing clothes from Apple Bottoms.

Baby Phat

Baby Phat, a women's clothing arm of Phat Farm, is an urban fashion line of clothing for women and girls. This clothing line was co-founded by top American model Kimora Lee Simmons who has been in the high fashion industry since she was 13. Baby Phat is geared towards confident women looking for sexy and trendy clothes. With a more uptown bohemian vibe, its signature items include maxi dresses, chiffon skirts, and jersey drape tops.

Rocawear

Catering to men, women, and children, Rocawear is an exclusive lifestyle brand that features bold and fresh designs for clothes, accessories, and other items. Launched by Shawn Carter—better known as the superstar icon Jay-Z—in 1999, this clothing line is for the hip and street savvy shopper who wants to achieve a borderless, global style.

Retail stores can visit BarginWholesaler.com or call 1-888-572-0814 to purchase wholesale clothing from Apple Bottoms, Baby Phat, and Rocawear.

Update Your Winter Look with Plus Size Jackets in Leather

2013-03-13T18:22:00.000-07:00

The leather jacket has become a symbol for tough, masculine cool, sported by the likes of James Dean and Marlon Brandon. But these days, leather jackets aren't just for the boys. Update your look and make a bold, fashion-forward statement this winter with leather plus size jackets that flatter your figure.

image from AshleyStewart

A genuine leather jacket can cost you upwards of $150, but a faux leather jacket can give you the same look at a more affordable price tag. While neutral shades are easier to pair with other pieces, going for a bright color like cherry red instead of the classic black will really make it pop. Details like ruffles or sheer panels add a flirty, feminine touch while drawing attention to your best features.

Full figures look best in shorter jackets. If you're petite, the hem should fall no further than the hip, allowing it to create the illusion of longer legs. A cropped cut highlights curves and lengthens the body while keeping you warm. The versatile length of a cropped jacket allows it to be paired with all kinds of ensembles, from classic cocktail dresses to simple jeans and a t-shirt.

Because of their unique luster, leather plus size jackets add texture to any outfit. Since it will be the focal point of your ensemble, set it off with other fabrics like satin or sleek polyester to create a luxurious, winter-ready look. The cold weather creates a good opportunity to make use of layers, so go ahead and stack them up! Wearing leather on leather is tricky to pull off without looking overdone; but when worn correctly, it can create a dramatic, eye-catching look for a night out on the town.

With a little creativity, a good leather jacket will certainly go a long way. Its timeless look makes it a versatile companion for a variety of outfits.

Honoring your Retiring Employees: Choosing Crystal Awards to Show Appreciation

2013-02-24T17:35:00.000-08:00

Retirement is more than just the end to a person's working life. For some, it is a moment of triumph. Others consider it a farewell to the people they've shared their lives with for many years. No matter what feelings come with the event, crystal awards and trophies provide a way for the company to fully recognize their services.

image from bca.org

Awards also serve as a precious memento of the time they've spent with their cherished co-workers. Compared to those made of other materials, those made of crystal have an elegant and modern aesthetic that allows it to easily suit any home's décor.

If your company is deciding on giving an award to recognize employees who are retiring, it's important to consider a number of factors before selecting a design. Retirement is a time for farewells, so it is best to choose something that's respectful, and not too gaudy. Simplicity and elegance are also why crystal is preferred over other materials for the award. Aside from that, there are other things to keep in mind.

The award for those retiring must be different from those for other awardees, particularly employees receiving service awards. If your trophy for company loyalty is something showy and colorful, consider a more demure variation for those retiring. You can also consider different symbols: a flame for those still in the workforce, and a diamond for those retiring from the business.

image from epicengraving.com

Keep in mind that an award to honor an employee's retirement serves as a memento from the company. Because of that, the award has to be much more than just a symbol of triumph. Have your company's logo engraved on the trophy or make sure that its design is representative of the business. If the trophy maker can add a personalized message, take the opportunity to give the award a special touch that will truly set it apart from all others.

Crystal awards tell retiring employees that you are happy for them and wish them well for their future endeavors. To make sure your company is able to fully express its gratitude, seek out a manufacturer that can provide personalized trophies with the right design.

Different Types of Sofas to Make Your Den an Ideal Place to Relax and Unwind

2013-02-14T22:05:00.000-08:00

A den can be many things: an entertainment center, a guest room, your own private sanctuary, or a combination of all three. Good sofas are the key to making the den a great place to relax and unwind.

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While there are many types of couches available on the market, it's important to select one that suits the main purpose of the room. Here are the common types of sofas found in dens and a brief description of each:

Love Seats

Designed to seat only two people, love seats work best for smaller rooms. They can be made of a variety of materials, and often offer the most diverse options in appearance. A love seat made of wood and upholstered with brocade is an elegant and practical furnishing for a den. Some love seats can be purchased individually, but some also come with a matching three-seater couch.

Recliners

These large pieces of furniture are a good choice for dens with a large amount of space, especially those intended for use as family rooms, as they extend and allow you to put your feet up on a built-in footrest. Recliners come in a large variety of sizes, and some even have built-in massagers or heaters.

Convertibles

Convertible couches provide you the option of turning your den into a guest bedroom, since they unfold and convert to a full-sized bed. Some types are designed to have the bed portion hidden away, while others simply readjust the seat cushions to lie flat, creating a mattress. Convertible sofas can be very large when unfolded, so be sure to take that into account when positioning it in your den.

By taking into account the space available in your den and the purpose the room will be used for, you can easily choose a sofa to fit your needs.

Plus Size Clothing for Women: Workplace Essentials to Stock Up On

2013-02-13T21:59:00.002-08:00

AshleyStewart.com

Dressing up for work can be challenging as you need to look presentable and respectable every day. When looking for plus size clothing for women that you can wear to work, keep an eye out for these wardrobe essentials:

LBD

The little black dress or the LBD is a staple in women's plus size clothing for night outs with friends, fancy dates, and other special events. This classic dress is also versatile enough to be worn to the office as is—depending on its style, or with other accessories such as cover ups and tights.

A black sheath dress is considered to be the most common type of LBD worn at work. With a slim cut that falls just at or above the knee, it provides a slender and curve-flattering shape.

Blazers

Resembling a suit coat, the blazer has become an indispensable article of office wear as it effortlessly adds structure to any outfit. When choosing blazers, you may want to go for safe colors such as black, white, and neutrals. But, blazers are also available in a wide range of bright and pastel colors that can add an instant punch to your office wear.

Button-down Shirts

Always office-appropriate and professional-looking, a button-down shirt pulls any outfit together. When wearing a button-down to work, you should make sure that it looks crisp. If you're planning to wear it under a jacket, the collars should stay inside. Aside from one-color button-down shirts, you can also look into other office-appropriate designs such as pinstripes.

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Dress Pants

Aside from pencil skirts, dress pants are also important bottoms for the office. They can provide comfort without making you look too casual for a professional setting.

With these workplace essentials that you can easily pair or match most of the other plus size women's clothes in your wardrobe, dressing up for work can definitely be more fun and exciting.

Enduring Urban Wear Brands to Look For When Searching for a Wholesale Apparel Supplier

2013-02-13T21:49:00.000-08:00

Barginwholesaler

One thing to remember about being a fashion retailer is that some customers value certain brands. If you cater to a demographic interested in urban clothing, it's a must to partner with wholesale apparel companies that feature high-quality brands customers would proudly wear. When you shop at wholesale urban clothing retailers, look out for the following big names in the urban clothing industry:

LRG Clothing

The Lifted Research Group or LRG, is a leading clothing brand established by Jonas Bevacqua and Robert Wright in Orange County, California. Made for those in the hip-hop and skating subcultures, designs by the company mirror their unique identities and lifestyles. With the needs of their demographic in mind, LRG also focuses on comfort and functionality.

Sean Jean

Ecko Unltd. was established by fashion designer Marc Milecofsky in 1993 and has since been an urban culture icon. The design of the company's clothes evolved from graffiti style t-shirts that the founder sold in the 1980s. Today, the company offers an extensive collection that includes hoodies, thermals, button-downs, bottoms, and denims, among other products.

Coogi

Founded in Australia in1969 under a different label, Coogi is an international urban wear brand popularized in the 1990s by rappers such as The Notorious B.I.G., Lil Boosie, and Riff Raff. The brand is famous for its colorful knitwear, but has long since expanded to include denim, jackets, and urban t-shirts.

Barginwholesaler.com

For a wholesale urban wear company that holds a collection of top-quality, well-known brands, visit BarginWholesaler.com or call 1-888-572-0814.

Unique Gifts for Any Occasion

2013-02-12T22:45:00.004-08:00

Whether for birthdays, anniversaries, or weddings, unique gifts not only show how much thought you've put into the present, but also make the special day all the more memorable. To help you with your search for unique gift ideas, we offer a wide variety of artisanal gifts that will surely stand out in any home.

In this section of our site, we cover a selection of fine photo frames, exquisite glassware, charming bottle stoppers, and even monogrammed cheese boards for special occasions.

Instead of getting your loved one or friend a simple clock or generic linens, why not present them with unique table ornaments? Timeless pieces from Nambé, for example, can add to an exquisite dining room tablescape with their award-winning, museum-quality designs. Crafted with a proprietary alloy, each product from the label is known for its artistic beauty, uncompromising quality, and practical functionality.

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From elegant tea lights to salt and pepper shakers sculpted into modernist art, our collection of products from Nambé has everything you need to help bring the fine dining experience home.

For unique gifts with a more personal touch, we also carry a selection of Big Wood Boards—the original monogrammed cutting boards. Made in Vermont, these boards of maple or walnut fitted with ornate metal handles are beautiful accents worth displaying in any home. At the same time, their durable finish and practical design make them perfect carving boards for special occasions.

Aside from items from Big Wood Boards and Nambé, we also feature pieces from other top designers such as Michael Aram, Olivia Riegel, and Vera Wang. Each with their own set of fine qualities, the unique gift ideas we provide include pieces for the home and even chic accessories to keep in the study or office. With the variety of gifts we carry, you can surely find something for that someone special in your life.

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If you're a bride planning her big day, consider adding our unique gifts to your wedding registry. Along with the other items we carry, our unique selections will surely add charm to your new home. From remarkable coffee table ornaments to elegant, modern decorations for your new dining room, our collections ensure that you receive only the best on your big day.

Create an account today and start shopping for unique gifts to give or add to your bridal registry. Click here for more details.