Sunday, June 19, 2016

Paint inspiration from around the globe:

Paint Inspiration

When it comes to the look and feel of your home – the possibilities are as endless as the inspiration you choose to draw from. Do you have a favorite travel spot or a place that you’ve seen on postcards that you dream of escaping to? With the right choice of color palette you can transform your space into its own enviable destination.
Here are some of our travel inspired favorites and how they can set the foundation in transforming your space.

Caribbean Cues

Living below the equator isn’t the only way to enjoy tranquility year round. For those of you who can’t get enough of the Caribbean’s blue and turquoise waters and golden sun rays, splash your walls with these beautiful hues.
Caribbean
Choose from an array of warm, sunny yellows to create an uplifting space that is both happy and serene. Or, select vivid teals and ocean turquoises to create a space that calms and soothes just like the water-lapping waves.

Scandinavian simplicity

Choose from the cool side of the color wheel to create a Scandinavian feel in your home. Although IKEA has had its influence the last century through minimalist designs in crisp whites and natural wood hues, the Scandinavian look and feel dates back to days before furniture that could be put together with an Allen key.
Scandinavia
Crisp whites, greys and icy blues all give a nod the region’s historical landscape of fjords, vast lakes and snowy mountain tops make the perfect backdrop for your version of Scandinavian simplicity.

Asian accents

There are many cultures around the world that celebrate red as the color of good fortune and happiness. In many Asian countries shades of red have a strong legacy that live on through local architecture, art, clothing and traditions.
Asia
Choosing deep, strong red colors are a way to bring this history and culture to your own home regardless of its physical location. If you’re feeling bold, you can paint an entire room in a symbolic red or create an accent wall to bring a dose of good fortune into your home. The celebrations await.

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Last-Minute Checklist: The Night Before the Move:


Your Moving Checklist

There's a big difference between the moving checklist that you'll draw up in the months and weeks leading up to a move, and the checklist you'll need to ensure nothing but smooth sailing on the day of the actual move. Here is a short list of the top 10 moving tips you should be concerned with the night before the movers arrive to whisk you away to a new home.




  1. Confirm you've contacted the local utilities and scheduled for electricity, water, gas and phone shutoff once your move-out is complete. Depending on what time of year you move, you may not need to have your utilities operating on the actual moving day, but it's wise to schedule for at least a full day inbetween in the event of unforeseeable circumstances. Your landline phone should be disconnected last so that you can make calls as needed until you've completely vacated the premises.
  2. By now, you should have submitted a Change of Address form online with USPS to ensure continued mail delivery throughout your move. If you haven't yet crossed it off your moving checklist, give it top priority.
  3. If you're taking it on the move with you, ensure you've defrosted your refrigerator's freezer 24 hours in advance.
  4. Double-check the arrival time of the movers. If you're moving yourself and are using a rental truck, contact the rental company one last time the day before to confirm pickup time.
  5. If you've done your own packing, make sure you've separated all boxes that contain fragile items so that you can point them out to the movers when they arrive. If the moving company is going to be packing your belongings for you, make sure that you've separated all fragile items and grouped them together so they can be cared for separately.
  6. Moving companies require that you're there while they take care of business. Make arrangements to be present at all times during the loading of your belongings.
  7. Have the mover's money ready, whether you're paying with check, money order, or credit card. Do the same if you're renting a moving truck and going the DIY route.
  8. Confirm all travel and lodging reservations.
  9. Withdraw enough cash from the bank to be able to pay for any incidental or emergency expenditures. You'll also need cash for tipping your movers.
  10. Make arrangements to board your pets or keep them at a friend or relative's place while the movers come in and do their thing.