Easy Ways To Create An Asian-Inspired Interior

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Easy Ways To Create An Asian-Inspired Interior

Hello everyone and welcome to a guest blog compliments of my friend, Diana! This lovely interior designer maven was kind enough to provide this post for lifewithlilred. Thank you again, darling!

Easy Ways To Create An Asian-Inspired Interior

A perfect fusion of various designs from Chinese and Japanese to Indian is what makes the Asian design so unique and wonderful. You also may find a huge deal of Oriental influence, as well, which only adds to its overall beauty. If you’ve always wanted to introduce a certain dose of Asian decor into your home, check out how to do it best:

Perfectly neutral:

The colors of nature are most often the biggest inspiration for Asian design. You can find a plethora of decorations that mimic scenic landscapes with a lot of natural hues to fit the interior. This is why you should consider cream shades, elegant greys, and even light blues when you start working on your Asian-inspired interior. The point is to create a soothing environment where you’ll have a chance to lay back and enjoy the relaxing ambiance.

A bit of vivid hues:

Contrary to popular belief, Asian style features quite vivid and rich hues. Only when you add some vivacious colors to contrast the neutral backdrop will you be able to say that it truly is an Asian theme. Consider adding some cherry pink, ravishing red, or luscious purple to awake a hint of that Oriental charm that is always present in Asian style. Also, you can never go wrong with subtle black, so you may want to think about combining golden tones with a soft neutral backdrop and adding some black hues to the mix.

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The lighting:

To add another visual and elegant aspect to your Asian inspired style, think about quality lighting. Carefully placed candles along sculptural lighting and stylish hanging paper lanterns will add a certain dose of Far East style to your home, creating a unique atmosphere. Then again, you can never go wrong with natural light, so try to bask your home with as much sunlight as possible.

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Splashing features:

Water is a key feature in Asian style, so you absolutely have to introduce it in order to create that harmonious atmosphere. Whether you opt for a small water feature in the living area, entrance room, or maybe the backyard, the ever-needed equilibrium is a given. If you have enough space in your backyard for a pool, think about building a reflective one to achieve that calming effect that everyone will enjoy. A gorgeous koi pond can be another amazing water addition that will unquestionably breathe new life into your home.

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Go minimalistic:

When you’re looking for a natural Asian design, you should definitely keep in mind that it implies clean and well-defined straight lines as well as sleek symmetry. It all comes from the Japanese influence, which allows you to enrich your contemporary space. This also means that you should avoid clutter in any part of your home at all costs. Following the main rules of Feng Shui, you must surround yourself with things that you both need and love, and remove all of the unnecessary elements from your home.

Organic design:

Eco-conscious homeowners will find this option very appealing, since Asian design cannot be imagined without organic and sustainable design. Besides your bamboo blinds, introduce some unique and quality rugs to your Asian-inspired decor, and it will make a huge difference to the entire atmosphere. Naturally, you don’t have to pay attention to the organic nature of the accessories, but the more sustainable the material, the bigger the Asian vibe in the house.

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The scent of nature:

Every home features its own peculiar scent that you can’t quite describe. An Asian-themed interior has a couple of distinctive fragrances that will help you achieve a soothing atmosphere in your home. Wind chimes, scented candles, and sandalwood incense will bring the aroma of Eastern culture right into your house. With a couple of potted plants, you’ll actually feel the Asian vibe spreading throughout the home and energizing you on a completely new level.

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Asian-themed style is the one design that can truly transform your home both visually and spiritually. With the right choice of colors, scents, furniture, and accent pieces, you can create a harmonious environment that you’ll never want to leave.

^^^ Thank you so much again to Diana for such a lovely post! How do you introduce an Asian vibe into your home? What is your favorite color palette for interior design purposes? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Things To Consider When You’re Designing A Kitsch Kitchen

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Things To Consider When You’re Designing A Kitsch Kitchen

Whether you prefer a vintage interior or a retro space; if you’re into everything kitsch, each room in your home should be able to reflect your style. Your kitchen (or kitschen) should be no different; as the heart of your home and where you’ll spend time cooking and hanging out, the space should exude your interior taste and any personal style elements that you enjoy. The following are some ideas to consider if you’re in the mood for an injection of kitsch character to your cooking environment:

Colorful Appliances: Nothing screams 1950s diner more than a large curved fridge in a bright or pastel hue. Your refrigerator doesn’t just have to be a functional item in your kitchen; it can become the focal point of the room and a joy to open when you’re craving a strawberry milkshake or a cola. If your budget doesn’t stretch to a shiny new fridge, then consider replacing some of your smaller appliances with colorful alternatives, instead. Toasters, food processors, and tea kettles are all items that will look great in a mint green, pastel pink, or candy-apple red shade. Do your research and bring a kitsch kick into your kitchen counter tops. For some tips on maintaining your new purchases, take a look here!

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So cute!

Your bowls, plates, glassware, and utensils don’t have to come in shy colors either. Think about investing in a polka dot range of silverware or a striped collection of cups and saucers. Display them all with pride on a vintage dresser or some shelves above your work surfaces. You can add even more vintage charm by incorporating any antique ornaments, old utensils, and postcards that you’ve picked up at a flea market. The possibilities are endless, because it’s all about adding what you love and running wild with your retro theme.

Fixtures And Fittings: A modern array of halogen lights and a sleek, stainless steel stove aren’t going to enhance a retro kitchen space, but are likely to do the opposite. So it’s worth taking a look around your cooking space and discovering what you can change so that it represents a kitsch character, and more importantly, your personal style. Consider looking at a range of sinks and think about replacing your basic steel basin with an old school-style ceramic one. The perfect choice for when you’ve got your gingham pinny on and you’re chopping up fruits for a salad. If replacing your hobs and stove isn’t an option for you, then you could look into having areas of them spray painted to give a colorful enamel finish. By the time you’ve surrounded it with all of your vintage accessories, it’ll look like a retro dream.

The lighting in your kitchen can be sourced and reclaimed from vintage stores and auctions. You’ll pay a fraction of the price of a brand new light fitting, and it’ll boast tons more character and charm. Get your polishing equipment at the ready and hunt down some personality-packed lampshades and lights for over your dinner table. Light switches and power points are also areas to consider when you want the design details in your kitchen to be a nod to kitsch charm. Look into brushed metal finishes and the shape of each fitting; paying attention to these little things will ensure that you’ll be baking your cupcakes in a kitsch environment that will keep you smiling.

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A Splash Of Paint: If you’re not in the position to replace your appliances, fixtures, and fittings; a lick of fresh paint can go a long way and will add instant charm and character to a room, depending on which hues you choose. Painting the walls in a pastel, ice cream shade will create the perfect backdrop for your old enamel advertisements and signs, taking you back to a golden era every time you cook. For a bold choice, you could choose a primary color to paint on the walls, or perhaps you could have a feature wall, where the shelving that was mentioned earlier could go.

Update your tiles and flooring with fun shades of paint and be brave with your choices; it’s your ideal kitchen space, after all. Maybe you’ll be able to source a terracotta tile or two and collect some retro tiles and could craft a lively backsplash behind the sink or stove. The braver you are, the more creative you’ll be with your choices, and you’ll have your kitschy dream kitchen before you know it!

Don’t Forget the Outside: You want your kitchen to look great from the outside looking in too. Make sure to keep control of any bushes or trees outside its windows and you may want to consider new siding to make everything look really modern and clean. Use siding company, JD Hostetter.

Maintain your kitchen: When you’re designing a cute kitchen you won’t want to forget about those important maintenance checks. Here are a few pointers to help you:

  • Check your appliances to ensure that they are working correctly.
  • Deep clean your kitchen, including the oven.
  • Inspect the drain for foul smells or signs of blockage (you may require the help of a plumber).
  • If you’re using regular light bulbs, replace these with LED bulbs.
  • Ensure that any toxic materials are stored in a high cupboard.
  • Water your plants and replace them if necessary.

Simple tips like these will help you to keep your kitchen looking cute and fresh. Your kitchen is so much more than a place to cook, it’s a space for entertaining too. Looking after your home will help you to improve your lifestyle.

Featured Image By: Miserv

Keeping Multiple Doors Open Throughout Your Career

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Keeping Multiple Doors Open Throughout Your Career

Securing a great career is one of the most rewarding accomplishments that anyone can ever achieve. But given the fact that we are individuals, you cannot fall into the trap of placing all of your eggs into one basket. Maintaining a sense of flexibility could be the key to finding a pathway tailored to your unique needs. As such, keeping multiple doors open is essential.

Gaining a sense of direction is important, or else your career could start moving backwards. Nonetheless, retaining a sense of versatility will bring many benefits as you aim to juggle the various aspects of your life. Here’s how you can achieve that goal in just five easy steps:

1) Don’t commit to the longest course: You never know when an opportunity may surface. You may even have a chance to secure your dream job without taking your education to the very highest level. Community college transfers allow you to switch over to an advanced course after graduation from a foundation level. Split your education into two parts and see where you stand at the end of part one. With the money saved thanks to reasonable community college tuition costs, you’ll be glad that you did!

2) Be open to digital opportunities: The evolution of modern tech has opened up several new doors ranging from freelance work to working at home. Build a suitable home office space, and your prospects will look better than ever. Not only can this enable you to reduce the need for commuting, but it may allow you to work during hours that are better suited to your current lifestyle. If you’re a parent, for example, this can make a world of difference to your family life and financially.

3) Consider learning a new language: Let’s face it; the world of business is a smaller place than ever, and even small companies now do international deals. Having the ability to work with clients and partners from all over the world will make you a far more attractive prospect for employers. Moreover, it could potentially open up the possibility of relocating for another role. That might not be an avenue you wish to take, but having the option can only be a positive. And, if nothing else, learning something new is fun!

4) Sign up to job sites and networking channels: In business, it’s often who you know that matters. As such, using LinkedIn and similar platforms can be hugely helpful. Meanwhile, posting your details for potential employers to find you could result in new jobs being offered to you. Even if you’re happy in your current role, you should never rule out the possibility of something better being out there. You might not necessarily chase those vacancies. But still, shutting the door on them completely would be a tragedy.

5) Have the ambition to do something on the side: This could mean increasing your skills with additional courses and experience. Alternatively, you may wish to start a small business of your own with a goal to eventually make it your full-time career. In any scenario, following your passions in a productive fashion can bring many rewards. Not only for your long-term earning potential but for your continued happiness, as well.

The business world is expanding daily with new advances and ideas. Being open to all of the future possibilities only makes sense in a world of constant change!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Are You Ready For A Pet?

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Are You Ready For A Pet?

Owning a pet is special because the animal becomes a huge part of your life. Welcoming a pet into your home is like bringing in a brand new family member. Still, pets don’t work out for everyone. Sometimes, things get in the way and stop the special bond from occurring. The good news, is that you can tell if you’re ready or not. All you have to do is ask these questions and consider your answers. If all goes well, then congratulations are in order. If not, maybe put off going to the pound for now. And, as always, lifewithlilred supports the “Adopt, don’t shop” point of view and PuppyWire has an amazing article to help prep your home for your new rescue dog!

Do You Have The Time? Firstly, there are animals which need a whole lot of love, and that means spending quality time together. Dogs are the main culprits, yet they aren’t the only ones. For those of you with busy schedules, there might be a gap that is hard to bridge. Unless you’re willing to change your lifestyle, a pet isn’t going to work for both parties. Even animals like cats, which are a lot less high maintenance, require a bit of effort. Plus, what is the point of having a pet if you only see it for a few hours in the evening? It’s a waste of time and money, and it’s unfair.

Can You Commit For The Long-Term? Figuring out whether you have the time isn’t just about the present or the near future. It’s about the long-term outlook more than anything. Most animals have a long lifespan. Turtles, for example, can even outlive humans. So, getting one today and then getting bored with it after a couple of weeks isn’t an option. It’s like the cliché saying, a pet is for life, not just for Christmas (and it’s so true). Anyone that wants a new addition has to ensure that they will be there for the long haul. Otherwise, it isn’t a savvy move for all parties involved.

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Aww :*)

Do You Have The Money? Regardless of the animal, you will need a decent sized budget. Let’s take a look at dogs for a moment. They need basics such as food and water, but they also need everything from healthcare to an inside bed and toys. And, as http://www.pawcastle.com points out, doggy beds do not come cheap. Plus, there are the extras that no one thinks out beforehand. For example, the dog will need to be warm in the winter, which means that you’ll use the central heating more. As energy prices rise, this could cost a fortune. It’s wise to cover every base that’s necessary for your new pet before committing.

Is It A Family Decision? You might be totally on board because pet lovers can be extreme. In fact, www.wired.com thinks that some of you even love animals more than humans (I know I do!)! However, the pertinent factor is whether everyone else in the house is okay with a new pet. They live there too, so their opinion is just as important. Sure, the kids will probably jump at the idea of having a dog to play with, but that doesn’t mean that your partner will feel the same.

Getting a new pet should be treated as a big deal because it is. Ask yourself all of the above questions before committing and be ready to provide the loving home that your new furry friend so deserves!

Featured Image By: Public Domain Pictures

Buying A Meaningful Gift For Friends Who Have Everything

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Buying A Meaningful Gift For Friends Who Have Everything

There are always some people in our lives that are tricky to mark off of the gift giving list. They have everything that they could possibly need and giving them something isn’t practical, which means that the gift is pretty forgettable – and no one wants that! Here are some gift ideas for the friends that you think have it all for the next present giving occasion that arises:

Summertime: The best gifts for the warmer seasons are something that will come in handy when they go on holiday. It should be something that they will enjoy, whether it be sporting equipment, protective skin care, or travel books for their vaca. This particular gift for the season, has got to be something lightweight, easily storable, able to last for a while, and reusable even if it’s not summer.

Male Gift: Rimless sunglasses are something that he can use and can instantly increase his style points when walking around the beach. The rimless designs were designed for wear near the water and the lack of a rim allows the droplets of water to trickle down and under the lens. This means the vision of the wearer isn’t obscured. On top of this, the polycarbonate material the lenses are made from eliminates the haze or blur as the sunlight squeezes through.

The shield style is more rugged than the rimless and at first glance, you can see why. It normally features thick frames, made for use while engaging in a sporting activity. The lenses are rectangular, although a little contoured around the inner edge near the nose bridge. This style works great for the man with the larger-sized head, as the weight and sleek bulky design will stand a better chance of looking in proportion with his facial features.

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Shades always come in handy!

Female Gift: Having soft, supple skin is something that most women aim for, and that means that constant care and maintenance play a role in their daily routine. Darphin Soleil Plaisir SPF 30 is a luxurious sunscreen that’s the number one go-to product for women who want to take on the sun in a one on one battle. It contains biologically researched skincare ingredients that aren’t normally found in other sunscreens. It protects the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays and offers oils from India that strengthen and fight the cracking of skin under the hot sun. The product is very beauty-orientated and designed for women who want to get a gorgeous tan on the beach, but not suffer sunburn in the process. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and doesn’t leave behind embarrassing white marks. It feels and acts like a luxury moisturizer, but lasts long on the surface of the skin while you lounge on the beach.

Experiences Of A Lifetime: If somebody you know isn’t much for the physical gift and doesn’t care for materialistic appliances, go above and beyond such trinkets of monetary value and give them an experience, instead. Book them a thrilling escape that will have their hair standing up on end. Pay for a day out where their family or friends can accompany them on an adventure where their skills will be tested and memories will be pleasantly gained.

Book them a hot air balloon ride, where they’ll float into the atmosphere and see the world from a unique viewpoint. They’ll be as high as the birds with the wind in their hair, and they’ll have the best panoramic view of the landscape that no amount of iPhone accessories could hope to match!

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Tomas Castelazo Image

Whitewater rafting is one of those adventures that will require bravery, physical strength, and ultimate teamwork for the best ride of your life. After strapping on a life jacket, the instructors give the paddlers a demonstration of how to get down the rapids in the fastest time. They’ll learn about the ebbs and flows of the waters they ride on. Possibly the most exhilarating, fast-paced, heart-stopping experience of your life. The water crashes up against the rocks and thunders at and over the boat with the occupants drenched in the cold of the river water. They’ll be a lot of shouts, communicating what side of the boat needs more steering and the line that should be followed down the drops for the quickest and safest route. Whitewater rafting will give you a workout, excite your animal instincts, and test your teamwork, all at the same time.

Food, Glorious Food: If your friend has always rambled on about their favorite cuisine and how they wish that they could have a bag of treats to get them through the working day, you could shop at an ethnic food store. Buy them the treats that they love and, perhaps, reminds them of a dining indulgence that they encountered at a restaurant.

For Japanese cuisine lovers, spicy edamame is a potent little snack that hits the craving for the spices from the land of the rising sun and vegetables with a chewy texture. Coated in a spicy garlic miso, it’s a great low-calorie, healthy snack that’s a splendid mix of peppery spices and pungent garlic. With little fuss and mess, they can enjoy this little snack at the office or wherever they work.

Italian cuisine is known the world over for its delicious antipasti. Fried olives are superb for those with the urge for something a little sour. Olive all’ascolana is green or black olives that have had their pit removed, stuffed with a little chunk of cheese, like Parmigiano-Reggiano, rolled in breadcrumbs and then fried in olive oil.

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YUM!

For lovers of Asian food, Indian cuisine is very popular in the West, and sometimes you just can’t wait until after work to order a takeaway curry. However, there are cold snacks which you must try, such as the samosa. Samosas are a thin pastry with vegetable or meat filling that are fried in sunflower oil. There are vegetarian varieties that have mashed potato with spices and peas as filling. The most popular recipe is the chicken bhuna, which is little shreds of chicken that have been cooked the same way as bhuna curry would be, then stuffed into the pastry which has already been outlined with rice.

It’s Tricky: Sometimes it’s no use; you simply won’t be able to find them something they can use or like. In that case, sometimes just cash in hand would be fine, but that seems a little insincere and tacky. Give them an option of buying their own gift at their favorite store, because there’s more online at Cards2Cash.com than you might think. All manner of gifts are available including some that can help improve the home, cater for the needs of pets, buying a favorite food type in bulk, or allow an individual to go on a general shopping spree. Sometimes it’s best to take the recipient of the gift shopping with you, allow them to pick something out, and make a day of it!

Personalized Jewelry: You’d be surprised how much a personalized gift can mean to someone. It’s a proud torch shining bright, displaying your friendship and how much they mean to you. Buying a piece of jewelry with their name engraved on it is a very bold statement. It’s something that will last for decades and only be relevant to them, specifically. It’s a little piece of the universe that’s theirs, and such a gift will be seen as a symbolic gesture of their importance and the impact that they have on your life.

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Pretty!

For the friend who has it all, gift buying can be a total pain in the you know where, but with this guide, you will be sure to provide a lasting and thoughtful gift to your BFF!

Happy Birthday, Ankhor You!

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Happy Birthday, Ankhor You!

Helloooo everyone and happy Tuesday! Today is a special day because it is my fellow Gemini darling’s 27th birthday! K.M., the author of the wonderful, fantastic, amazing blog, Ankhor You, is one of my literal favorite people on the planet. Not only is she immensely talented and a beautiful fashionista, but she is sweet, kind, and freaking hilarious. I am SO lucky to have such a lovely lady as a friend and it has been so much fun getting to know her better during our almost weekly FaceTime dates and frequent texting. I hope that all of you will join me in wishing K.M. a very happy birthday and I just know that 27 will be her best year yet! ❤

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monday Update: HELLLLP Edition

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Monday Update: HELLLLP Edition

Hellooooooooooooooo everyone and happy Monday! I hope that everyone had a super fabulous weekend! Okay, so I’m gonna keep it real with you guys: I NEED HELP. I am really trying to get more likes on lifewithlilred’s Facebook page and I would be so incredibly happy and thankful if all of you could click the like button! And, of course, I’ll help you right back. If you have a Facebook page for your blog, comment me the link and I’ll send a like your way. If not, I’ll follow your blog, instead!

I promise you all that I don’t spam my Facebook page with constant posts, either. In fact, I got a notification from Facebook today saying that I wasn’t posting enough! So click that like button, leave me a comment saying if you want me to like your FB page or follow your blog, and I will happily oblige! Much love. -Sarah

THANKS!!!!!!!!! ❤

^^^ #obnoxious

Organizing Your Teen’s Eighteenth

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Organizing Your Teen’s Eighteenth

Your child turning eighteen is a big deal not only for them, but for you, as well. No matter what country you live in or what culture you live by, the eighteenth birthday is important. It is a sign that your teen is well on their way to full blown adulthood (yikes!). It is a sign that their childhood is behind them. Basically, it’s kind of a big deal. And because it is such a big deal, you need to ensure that you do all that you can to celebrate it properly. And to celebrate it properly, you need to organize it properly. Below, you can find a few hints and tips on how to do so:

First of all, you need to get your teen’s presents sorted. And if this is something that you are apprehensive about, then remember that you will always be able to find a gift for someone, no matter who they are… even if they’re a moody teenager on the cusp of adulthood. Try getting them something that is personalized; you can never go too far wrong with this approach. It shows them that you know them well enough to know exactly what it is that they like. It also gives them something to save as a keepsake from this very important birthday and look back on it in years to come.

But, as with a birthday for anybody of any age, it’s not just about the gifts. It’s about the party you host for them, too. And when it comes to hosting a party, there are a number of things that you have to consider. One thing that must be given thought is the fine balance between childhood and adulthood that is taking place. This is a party that cannot be made up of goody bags, bouncy castles, and clowns. But it is also not a party that can be made up of the more adult things of life either — whether eighteen is the ‘coming of age’ threshold in your country of residence or not. So, you need to find a balance.

One way to induce this balance is by letting your teen invite their friends over to your home and allowing them to take free-reign of what it is they get up to. However, you should always remain in the house in order to ensure that this free reign that you have given them isn’t being taken advantage of. Click here for more ideas on how to host the best eighteenth birthday party for your growing teen.

The most important thing to remember when organizing the essentials of your teen’s eighteenth is that a balance of childhood and adulthood must be procured. They are not quite mature enough to fully revel in the world of adulthood, like, say, somebody celebrating their twenty-third birthday would be. But they are not celebrating their thirteenth birthday either, which means that they are not going to enjoy or appreciate childish things. Think dinner parties, an ice cream social, or a garden party in a spacious back yard and watch your teen have the most fabulous birthday yet!

Featured Image By: Flickr

Designing A Home Office With A Quirky But Professional Vibe

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Designing A Home Office With A Quirky But Professional Vibe

Today, more and more people are opting to work from home, instead of working in commercial office environments. In the US alone, 43 percent of workers work from home at least some of the time, with around 30 percent of workers working at the home front the entire time. Over the past 12 years, the number of home workers in the US has risen by 103 percent, which shows that every year more and more people are choosing this satisfying option.

Working from home is becoming an increasingly popular trend, but it’s not suited to everyone. If you are going to effectively work from home, you not only need to be a self-starter, able to motivate yourself, and good at timekeeping, but you also need to have a dedicated work space in your home. Sure, you could work from your sofa, but if you want to ensure that you are as productive as possible while working, having a dedicated space is a must.

When it comes to designing your home office, you want to create a space that has a unique look and feel to it. You want your home office to have a quirky, elegant, and professional vibe. To help you achieve this, below are some tips for designing the perfect home office. You can also browse these ideas for a home office to gain more inspiration. Your office is all about being personal to you so take a look at plenty of sources to see what speaks to your own aesthetic!

Call In The Experts: Not too keen on DIY? Then call in the professionals! You want your home office to have the right look and feel to it, so it’s important to get the interior design plan just right. If you don’t feel like you’ve got the skills to do that yourself, it could be worth calling in the experts. Even if you already have ideas for the space, you can still use a professional interior design service. That way, you can combine your thoughts with those of the experts. All that matters is that you end up with a beautifully designed space that is a perfect fit for your needs, so if that means working with a professional designer, then it’s worth it.

Now, what if you don’t have the space to create a home office? One trend that interior designers are loving right now are backyard home offices. Office sheds or pods are the perfect solution if you cannot give up a room in the house dedicated to your job. Although this might seem like an easy project, it is quite involved and shouldn’t be handled alone. With a professional, you can create an office space just right for you in your own backyard.

The professional services you will need for your home office aren’t just limited to the appearance – you still have to work in the space! This means having an excellent computer, security software, and fast and reliable internet. To find the best internet plan to fit your needs, simply enter a search for “isp las vegas” (or your local area) so you can work in your beautifully designed office with efficient and dependable internet access.

Focus On Comfort & Aesthetics: However you decide to go about designing your home office, one of the most important things is to focus on comfort and aesthetics. While you want your home office to be a comfortable space to work in, you also want is it to be an aesthetically pleasing space. When it comes to selecting the features to incorporate, make sure to think carefully about both aspects – comfort and aesthetics. In terms of combining the two, it’s usually a case of picking furniture designs and styles that are chic and smart as well as comfortable. Incorporating office plants or terrariums can also assist in enhancing the space by adding some greenery to the mix. As long as you remember to water them, that is!

Personalize The Space: One of the major benefits of having a home office is the fact that you can personalize the space, so it’s vital that you take advantage of that. In a commercial office, you can personalize your desk to a certain extent but not in the same way that you can with a home office. It’s important to take advantage of this and use accessories and other features to personalize your home office while ensuring that it remains a professional space. It’s all about getting the balance right, is all.

If you’re working from home, a savvy office space is a must. Now, it’s up to you to create your dream space to buckle down and get to work!

Featured Image By: Flickr

Lauren Conrad Ballin On A Budget Buy

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Lauren Conrad Ballin On A Budget Buy

Helloooo everyone and happy Sunday! Okay, so yesterday I got the prettiest shirt in the history of ever and the best part (other than it being gorgeous) is that I got it for: FIVE DOLLA HOLLA. My mom and I went to Kohl’s last night to get our shop on because we had coupons for days and wanted to make good use of them. It was difficult to tear myself away from binging on Orange Is The New Black, but this shirt was well worth it. Take a look and let’s discuss:

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If there’s one thing that Lil Red loves, it’s romantic, dreamy clothing. Which is kind of ironic considering that black is my favorite color and I prefer to dress in punk/grunge fashion. But, alas, the heart wants what it wants. Lol, seriously though, I love the contrast that flowy, girly style clothes has with my punk rock princess appearance thanks to my piercings, tattoos, and bright hair. It’s not often that I find a beautiful dreamer piece of clothing that I totally swoon over, but it’s pretty magical when I do!

This Lauren Conrad top combined all things fairy princess into one cohesive look. The creamy color, gauzy material, draped sleeves, flowy shape, and embroidery in one magnificent top is something straight out of the fairy tales and I am obsessed. My mom and I joked that this pretty little number looks like the modern day Puffy Shirt a la Seinfeld and I actually think this makes me love it more considering that’s my favorite show.

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^^^ Me.

Describing this shirt is weird because it’s one of those pieces that actually makes me feel pretty. Don’t get me wrong, lol I always think I look fabulous in the edgy, confident, badass way but I don’t have a lot of clothes that make me feel boho princess worthy. And the fact that I scored this wonder top for a whole five dollars? GET OUT!

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^^^ Elaine is my spirit animal. ❤

I can’t wait to wear this LC number throughout the summer with black short shorts and a peekaboo black lacy bra underneath to add that necessary touch of badassery to the look. A killer pair of platforms or wedges are also a must to toughen up the ensemble and make it feel a bit more Sarah. And as it gets colder? Swap the shorties for skinnies and you’re off!

So there you have it, my Lauren Conrad Ballin On A Budget Buy! How would you describe your personal style? How do you score the best deals while out shopping? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah