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Eco-friendly flooring: Top 8 trends to watch out in 2022
The time has come! 2022 is almost here and it’s time to remodel your home with the hottest flooring solutions. However, if you are environment-savvy, just like me, then you may find it difficult to create the space you have always dreamed of.
The good news is that you don’t have to worry anymore. This blog post is all about sustainable flooring solutions that are going to rule the flooring industry in 2022 and beyond. Let’s begin:
Eco-friendly is the new flooring trend
Flooring is often a challenging thing to decide since it comes in different types, forms, shapes, materials and prices. When it comes to sustainable flooring, gone are the days when the options were limited. Thanks to the latest technological advancements, buyers have an array of choices, ranging from engineered wood to natural stone tiles
Sustainable flooring makes use of eco-friendly materials that look ultra-chic. This is an added bonus for environment-conscious people who believe in opting for sustainable solutions. However, it’s not easy to choose the right one from a plethora of eco-friendly options. To assist you in your journey, we have compiled a list of the hottest sustainable flooring solutions for 2022. Some are new, some are old and a few will blow your mind. Have a look:
Sustainably harvested hardwood
Hardwood is timeless, classic. It’s all-natural, durable, cosy and eye-pleasing, making it the most sought-after flooring material in the world. But if you want to make sure the flooring product you choose has a positive impact on the environment, then invest in certified hardwood products that are sourced from responsibly managed forests. Be sure to verify your hardwood floor is ethically and sustainably obtained.
Bamboo flooring
Bamboo is the perfect example of sustainable flooring. Although it often resembles traditional plank wood flooring, bamboo is much harder than oak and maple. On top of that, it expands and contracts less than hardwood, making it extremely durable and tough.
The best thing about bamboo is that it is a type of grass, not a tree. It is obtained from six to seven years old plants, generally available in a variety of colours, ranging from darker tones to natural light tones. Remember, carbonised bamboo isn’t as long-lasting as stained bamboo. So, try to invest in stained bamboo flooring.
Cork flooring
Cork comes from the bark of the Mediterranean oak tree, which regenerates itself in eight to twelve years, making cork flooring a sustainable solution. Some flooring experts even use recycled industrial materials, such as scraps from wine stoppers.
Cork flooring is available in both tiles and planks and provides nice cushioning and insulation. Also, it’s a great option to reduce noise and maximise comfort in the busy areas of your house, such as bedrooms, dining halls and living rooms. Be sure to keep it away from moisture-prone areas.
Natural linoleum
People often think of vinyl when they hear the word linoleum. Yet, the two aren’t relevant to each other. Vinyl is a synthetic material, whereas linoleum is organic. Though natural linoleum isn’t new to the flooring industry, it was left behind after the introduction of vinyl. As manufacturers, engineers, architects and designers are asking for it again, it is going to re-emerge with a great force in 2022.
Reclaimed hardwood
If you love rustic and vintage flooring, reclaimed hardwood is your thing. It is a popular choice in all sorts of buildings and decor motifs. Why? Because hardwood isn’t the best choice for people like us, who are environmentally conscious.
However, reclaimed wood is different. It is obtained from old wood, instead of a new one. It has the same aesthetic appeal as hardwood and can last for years when you take good care of it. In addition to being eco-friendly, reclaimed wood is pocket-friendly too.
Engineered hardwood
It’s cost-effective, eco-friendly and beautiful; there’s nothing like engineered hardwood. In fact, it’s more sustainable than its hardwood counterpart because of the way it’s manufactured. Engineered wood is produced by attaching a hardwood veneer to a plywood core, leaving more area to use the tree.
Natural stone tiles
This one is quite an obvious one – natural stone tiles. As the name implies, these floor tiles are totally natural. They are highly durable, extremely comfortable and easy to maintain. Plus, natural stone tiles won’t emit toxic gases, unlike white subway tiles.
However, their place of origin might become a concern for you. This is because some natural stone materials are mined on a large scale, which can leave a negative impact on the environment. Thus, it’s better to ask your local flooring expert about how they obtained natural stone tiles in Melbourne.
Glass tiles
Have you ever wondered what happens to the beer and wine bottles that are recycled? They get converted into glass tiles. Yes, tiles! These bottles are a good renewable source for manufacturing floor tiles that are great for bathroom and kitchen walls. Glass tiles have eco-friendly characteristics and are non-absorptive, stain-resistant and easy to clean. Unlike terrazzo tiles, glass tiles reflect light, adding additional light to the room. Plus, they come in a wide range of colours, patterns and finishes.
There you have it – a list of eco-friendly flooring solutions for 2020. Which one is your pick and why? Do let us know in the comments below.
https://www.passivehouseca.org/?p=740
2022 Printable Calendar Collection
My friends, a new year is just around the corner! While you settle into these last few weeks of December, you can still plan for next year!
Introducing my new Calendar Collection for 2022! Over at my print shop, find six different designs to frame. These are all year-at-a-glance style. If you’re like me and like to look ahead or glance at a year then you’ll love these large scale calendars!
These are perfect for an office or kitchen or anywhere you need to quickly remind yourself of dates. I’ve created six different designs using my sketches and photography. I’ve blended artistic touches with the practicality of a calendar in an instant download!
These printable calendars are fantastic framed in poster size at 24×36” but you can also print them at 18×24” or 50x70cm (see below how they’re a perfect fit for the IKEA RIBBA frame).
Here are the six designs up close:
Boho Flourish
Watercolor botanical flourishes in earth tones surround this year-at-a-glance calendar.
Olive Leaves
Illustrated palm leaves surround this calendar with months identified in a script font.
*also available in a teal background, see the listing!
Blue Leaves
Cascading blue leaves beautify this calendar with months backed by blush pink squares.
Black Scallop
Sketched abstract scallop shapes surround this calendar in minimalist type.
Retro Surf
A retro style calendar featuring surfboards in a line with months displayed in minimalist type.
Beach Walk
Find instant serenity in this wall calendar in soothing blue tones and an ocean view.
I’m very excited to share these new designs with you!
Earlier this year, I wrote about the easiest way to frame large scale art under $50.
Each one of these prints can be framed and hung on the wall as a reference all year.
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Each digital download includes a 2to3 ratio which prints as large as 24×36” as well as a 3to4 ratio which print as large as the 18×24” size.
Also included is the 50x70cm size which sits perfectly inside this $15 IKEA RIBBA 19¾x27½” frame (also available in black). The 24×36″ IKEA RIBBA frames are only $20!
Find the 2022 Calendar Collection here.
Cabin Getaways Across the USA
This time of year I always look around for weekend winter getaways and cozy cabins always come to mind. How lovely it is to escape to a little cabin in the woods! In winter, nature is mostly dormant and invites us to slow down and recharge in anticipation of new seasons of growth. How lovely it would be to explore outdoors by day and sit and read by the fire by night in these featured homes.
Last year I featured cabin getaways and desert getaways. Today I’m back with even more cabins available for rent across the USA. These cabins offer appealing interiors that are just as lovely as their outdoor views. As much as I love a classic log cabin, it’s refreshing to see unique twists on traditional style or more contemporary looks on display in these getaways. They’re fun to glance at for design inspiration but you can rent them too! Click on the header links to explore more images and check out their availability calendar.
Sky Cabin | Washington
Coastal Hilltop | Oregon
Big Bear Lake | California
Lake Arrowhead | California
Mountain Chalet | Montana
Modern A Frame | South Dakota
Blushing Beaver Cabin | Oklahoma
Long Lake | Wisconsin
Frame | Pennsylvania
Fairytale Cabin | Vermont
Tiny Home | Tennessee
Catskills Cabin | New York
Modern Mountain | North Carolina
Lake Hartwell | Georgia
5 Secrets of People Who Always Have a Clean House
It is natural for homes to become messy and dirty at times, but the homeowners use different techniques to tackle various problems. There isn’t any confirmation that proves that a few people come with a clean gene. For developing better habits for keepinghouses clean, it is time to disclose some secrets. Towards the end, you will find that it is not tough to have a clean home:
Discard the old and worn out
When you have fewer items in your home, then you can easily get a cleaner home. When cleanliness freak people purchase anything new, they become successful in escaping from the worn out and old things. And so, they manage to strike a balance. These people either donate or sell their old things. At times, they also throw out the old things that they no longer need or use. People should be mindful that nothing should be preserved for safekeeping. If you haven’t worn a dress within the last year, it is most unlikely that you will wear it again. Hence, there’s no point in keeping it.
Do the dishes
A kitchen can’t look spotless when the sink is full of dirty dishes. Dirty dishes make a kitchen look messy naturally. So, it would not be a nice idea not to wash them the very day and postpone the work to be done the next day. You must always clean them now.
Form rules
Forming rules might sound similar to boot camp; people who have clean homes do implement different rules. For example, they do not walk around wearing their outdoor shoes inside their homes. They also train their kids to clean up besides enforcing some rules regarding where they must keep their toys. Home is a person’s castle and so, everyone wants to have a clean castle that they can enjoy. For having a clean home, you must set some rules and everyone in the house should follow them. Even when you aren’t born with a clean gene, you are liberal toacquire a few cleaning habits
Cleaning gutters
Clogged gutters always pose a huge concern to a person’s gutter system. When a person lives in an area that has lots of trees, critters, and overhead foliage that run around, then he would be required to hire a professional gutter cleaning service, like Clean Pro Gutter Cleaning Kansas City for getting his gutters cleaned regularly. Gutter cleaning is a vital task that people need to include for having a clean home. Frequent cleaning of gutters avoids pesky damage of water and insect infestations too.
Keep all the cleaning supplies handy
Though it seems sufficiently tough for a person to keep his house clean, he must not make the process tougher. And so, people must keep all-purpose paper towels and cleaners under every bathroom sink. And so, you will find no excuse to not keep the counter clean when it seems dirty. If people are required to haul their cleaning supplies all through the house, they will not feel inclined to use them.
How Do Tenancy Deposit Claims work?
Imagine this situation: you have just moved into your new rented home after giving your landlord your tenancy deposit. You’re confident that your money is safe with them because they promised to register it with a government-authorised protection scheme.
Fast forward to more than a month later and you have asked your landlord for an update on your deposit, but you have not received any reply. Take heart though; according to UK laws, landlords are required to protect tenant deposits within 30 days of them receiving the money. Once they have done so, they are to send tenants details about the protection scheme where they registered the deposit. This is called prescribed information, and if this is not provided to you 30 days after you paid the deposit, you may be eligible to file for a dispute or tenancy deposit claim.
Tenancy deposit protection schemes are intended to keep your money safe throughout the course of your tenancy. If you break any of the tenancy terms or damage part of the property, your landlord can use the money to offset repair costs. But if you have diligently followed all tenancy terms and paid your rent on time, your landlord is obligated to return the deposit to you after your tenancy ends.
Tenancy disputes
Millions of tenants in the UK claim that their profit is not protected. The estimated worth of unprotected deposits is around £515 million, or nearly 50% of tenants. Many renters often think that if their landlord is well-known or has been in business for years, or their letting agency is popular and big, they are automatically guaranteed deposit protection. Most of the time, the reality is the opposite: their deposits were not or have not been protected.
So, even if it is specified in the agreement that your deposit will be protected, don’t rely too much on it. There are rogue landlords who often resort to illegal behaviour, such as denying their tenants deposit protection.
When you can make tenancy deposit claims
There are three instances when you are eligible to file for tenancy deposit claims
When your landlord does not register your deposit in any of the government-authorised protection schemes: mydeposits, Deposit Protection Service, and Tenancy Deposit Scheme. When your landlord protects your deposit and then removes it without re-registering it even while you are still renting and living in the property. When your landlord puts your deposit into the tenancy deposit protection scheme late – after more than the 30 days that was given to them.
If your landlord is found to have breached the tenancy deposit laws, they will be ordered to return the original deposit to you and will be asked to pay between one to three times the deposit value for every breach.
How a tenancy claim works
Before filing a tenancy claim, you first need to verify if your deposit has been protected or not. Here’s what you need to do:
To check if you have a basis for making a claim, you can ask your landlord or letting agent for confirmation. If they did not provide you with the prescribed information, you should ask them for it because they are required to do so by law. If your landlord or letting agent does not respond or provide you with accurate information, check the websites of the deposit scheme providers. You will have to enter the following details:Your surnameStart date of your tenancyYour postcode
These details are typically contained in your tenancy agreement.
If you are in a joint tenancy, you may have to enter the details of your joint tenants if the information is not available under your name.
If you just renewed your tenancy, you should enter a different start date.
If you cannot find the details you need, talk to a representative of the deposit protection scheme provider. Their contact number is usually displayed on their website.
Once you have verified that your landlord has not protected your deposit, you need to get in touch with a team of solicitors experienced in tenancy deposits. After verifying your proof of a right to claim, the team might have to go over your tenancy agreement to determine if your landlord provided you with the right clauses and documentation.
This step will provide further confirmation if you have a valid claim.
Your deposit protection compensation claim team might also verify with you if you are still willing to push through with legal action.
Provide your solicitors with all the information needed for your claim to move forward. This includes evidence such as photos, videos, and documentation of landlord-tenant communication (via email, text, written letters, or personal meetings).
The team will then prepare a letter of claim for you, which is sent to your landlord. Your landlord is given 14 days to respond to your letter. If they do not, your team of solicitors will prepare to take them to court.
No win, no fee
Choose the team of solicitors from Tenancy Deposit Claims if you want a no-win-no-fee guarantee from solicitors who are authorised and registered with The Solicitors Regulation Authority. Tenancy Deposit Claims’ solicitors are well-versed and experienced in tenancy deposits, so your chances of getting a successful claim are higher.
Botanical Staircase Garlands
I finished decorating my staircase today, I was in the mood to deck the halls. We’ve had a few weeks of sunshine and my yard was so happy so I was inspired to use what I’ve got! I chose non traditional yard clippings to layer over my faux lighted pine garland that I reuse every year.
A few years ago I layered big bunches of eucalyptus, but this year I mixed boxwood clippings from the huge hedge in my front yard with blooms from my Mexican orange flower plant. These stems will stay fresh over a week in small floral tubes.
The blooming florals are unconventional and give it a slight wedding-ish vibe but I love them mixed with boxwood clippings and matte green ornaments.
Both staircases and mantels offer up so much opportunity to get creative with trimmings. I gathered some other ideas I found on the internet for your staircase too. Notice how you can mix in a group of different objects and create a statement staircase!
Bright Ornaments + Pinecones + Eucalyptus + Berry Sprigs
better homes & gardens
Faux Magnolia + Berry Springs + Metal Bells
rambling renovators
Shiny Ornament Garland + Striped Ribbon + Paper Tags
liz marie blog
Classic Red Berries + Burlap Ribbon
midwest living
Eucalyptus + Dried Flowers + Colorful Ornaments
first sense interiors
Mixed Garland + Stockings + Ribbons
better homes & gardens
rtificial Sprays + Dried Citrus
melanie lissak
Multicolored Ribbons + Burgundy Leaves
Ribbons + Berries + Pinecones
at home in arkansas
Twigs + Pinecones + Oversized Bells
pottery barn
Juniper + Earth Tone Ornaments
southern living
Magnolia + Twigs + Ribbon
hgtv
Olive Leaves + Ribbons
the identite collective
Simple Swags: Ribbons + Mini Bells
i spy diy
White Paper Stars + Star Cutouts
layered lounge
Our New Kitchen Porch
Finally took the photos and videos for this post and I can’t wait to share it because it changed our house in such a major way. Introducing… the area that we affectionately call our kitchen porch. Aka: the grillin’ spot with all the greenery.
grill | outdoor table | outdoor stacking chairs | large white planter
If you followed along on Instagram Stories for the last few months, essentially this side porch always existed, but after we closed off doors number 7 and 8 from our bedroom which led out here (yes our bedroom had 8 exterior doors & still has 6 of them – more on that here), it was just a floating porch without any door leading to it. Here’s an old photo to show you what we essentially were starting with (this is after the exterior stairs came down from the upper deck, but before we painted the house, got new railings, etc, etc).
Continue reading Our New Kitchen Porch at Young House Love.
Contemporary Electric Fireplaces
Yesterday as I was adding a touch of festive decor to my studio while the fireplace was on and I was reminded of how much I love the one in my small sitting space.
It will be my third winter with this one and it is so great for warming up this room on colder days. This electric fireplace I bought two years ago is still available but in a lighter color wood and also in white.
You can always build a frame and mantel to create a more built in style, there are a lot of tutorial online from people who’ve done it. But if you’re not feeling like all that extra work, these portable electric fireplaces may be just the thing to warm up your space too.
hollis fireplace (also in black)
marble look
portable electric (also in black or white)
off white veneer
shiplap
traditional white
antero black
antique silver
faux stacked stone
barnwood
black fluted
How to Make Your New House Feel Like a Home
Moving is one of the most exciting yet nerve-wrecking things you can go through during your life. Whether you are moving out of your parent’s house for the first time or moving into your eighth new location, the feelings are still the same. Moving provides the chance for a fresh start as well as new opportunities. There are new neighbors to meet, a fresh town to get to learn, and a place to start the next chapter in your life.
If you have ever moved house before, you likely know that weird feeling just after a move. Sometimes, it can be hard to come to terms with the fact that a new house is actually yours. It can often lead to you feeling like you are a guest in someone else’s home. However, this is only due to the fact that your home doesn’t have that homely feeling. But how do you attain that? You don’t have to wait years until you feel like you really belong in a living space. There are things that you can do immediately that can really make you feel settled in your new home. Here are some suggestions on how you can do that.
Make the Most out of Your Sentimental Items
Everyone is going to have that one box when they move that is full of items they are emotionally connected to. This could include the likes of stuffed animals, first clothing items, and medals and trophies. These are really important things to have in your home. They are all significant in terms of different stages of your life. Thanks to these items, you can be reminded of the good times in the past and where you came from. With this considered, you should try to make the most out of them when you are setting up your new home. Display them loud and proud to really make it clear that this is your home.
Work on the Garden
Part of having a home you feel like you belong is making it personal to you. This can often require a little bit of creativity. One of the best places in the home to get creative is the garden. There is so much room for unique designs that can make your garden special to you. For example, you can plant a variety of flowers that can really brighten up your garden. By finding gardening seeds sold in Australia from Happy Valley Seeds, you will be able to give your flower patch a unique combination of color and life.
Don’t Follow Layouts or Pre-set Designs
Many people will be afraid to get creative when moving into a new house. They follow the set designs and layouts, making their house look just like everyone else’s. However, there is no reason why you can’t get creative and do your own thing. Don’t follow any set of rules when setting up your home. Just do what feels right for you and your family to make it uniquely yours.
The importance of fitting new doors within your home
If you are looking to spice up the aesthetics of your interior space, then you may be forgiven for focusing on obvious avenues to pursue, such as a new wall color, furniture, artwork, or a cohesive theme that you can use throughout your house.
While all of these points are worthy of consideration, and can certainly transform the look of your home’s interior, you should not neglect the details which are often forgotten—but actually tie the whole space together.
For example, anyone who has renovated their home will tell you how difficult it is to choose new doors for each room.
This is because they are such a foundational piece of the house—both aesthetically and practically. Your doors have to match the color and theme of each room, while looking cohesive and minimalist enough to stay standing for years (or even decades) to come.
Furthermore, given how much you use doors on a daily basis, a dated or awkward one can become a regular annoyance, and even affect how you feel about your house as a whole.
This is what you need to know about fitting new doors in your interior space.
Avoid squeaky or ugly hinges
The most fundamental aspect you need to consider when fitting doors to your house is whether they function correctly. This might sound blindingly obvious, but it can be all too easy to become caught up with choosing particular colors, trying to match them with particular rooms, or searching for examples that come in on budget, that you can forget to buy quality items that will function for years to come.
For example, there is nothing worse than a squeaky, warped, or stiff door. Some of your guests may not even be able to use them properly, and it can make living within your house on a daily basis an annoyance.
Therefore, it is crucial that you source the constituent parts from a reliable supplier such as Tradefix Direct
They can keep a draft out
Doors have a far wider-reaching purpose than you might imagine. They are intrinsic in keeping each room at a certain temperature, for instance, which is particularly obvious if you live in a poorly insulated home.
Not all doors are good at fulfilling this purpose, so it is key that you find examples which block drafts out effectively. To do this, they must sit close to the floor, without any noticeable gaps between the door and the frame.
High-quality doors give your home a more upmarket feel
Another reason why doors are so intrinsic to your home interior is that they can make or break your perception of the wider space. If you have spent a lot of money on a new kitchen, for example, but the doors are cheap, dated, and don’t match the overall theme, then the rest of the room will be dragged down with them.
Contrast that with high-quality doors which feel good to touch, look in keeping with the rest of the space, and won’t date easily, and you will soon see the influence that doors have on interior design
They match the aesthetic of the wider space
Leading on from the previous point, the doors you choose need to match the aesthetics of the wider space. This sounds easy but is actually incredibly difficult to do, especially if you use bold colors in your interior space.
Like any utilitarian item, it is best to opt for an inoffensive color, such as a white, light gray, or black.