Photos By: Jennifer Bevan Interiors

High ceilings, arched windows, wrought iron railings, chandeliers, and tons of attention to detail make this magical San Gabriel home a unique gem that literally takes our breath away! Designer Jennifer Bevan jam packed this home with glitz and glam which keeps us guessing if Mediterranean decor is really meant to me rustic or luxurious. What I love about this home is that it sticks to it’s Mediterranean roots on the outside, while the inside comes to a complete surprise with modern, sleek decor and most importantly – amazing lighting which makes every square foot sparkle in all it’s glory.

Feeling the cold this winter? Can’t sleep from the busy road or from noisy neighbours? Is your furniture fading from the sun? Yup – it’s definitely time to get a new set of windows!

Installing new windows can transform your home, inside and out – and it doesn’t mean you need to break the bank! There are tons of affordable options that you can even install yourself with the right tools and some patience! Believe me, it’s worth it in the long run and will sky-rocket your home’s market value. Here’s some info on how new windows can improve your home, and a little advice about how to choose the right type of windows.

Save on Electricity Bills!

Installing a new set of windows is guaranteed to keep your heating bills down, new technology and specific materials help keep heat IN and the cold OUT. It’s definitely one of your best investments that will surely pay off in the long run.

Keep City Noises Out!

What’s really trending this year are new double-glazed uPVC windows that have not only insulation properties, but a whole other list of benefits. You can expect noise from the outside to be reduced by as much as half – particularly good if you live on or near a busy road, or in the bedroom if you’re a light sleeper. They also significantly reduce the risk of condensation – potentially saving you from costly damp proofing or correcting work.

Double Up on Security

Double glazed uPVC windows are also super secure, they are strong and come with very high quality locks fitted as standard – or the potential to fit them without too much hassle. Knowing you have good windows with high security is definitely a lifesaver – you can sleep easy at night knowing your home is secure!

Sky-Rocket Your Home’s Value

New windows make your home look instantly REVIVED and improve the overall exterior of your home. Perfect for adding significant value to your home if you wish to sell in the future – as well as giving instant return in terms of your day-to-day comfort.

Choose Your Window Style

Once you’ve decided to replace your windows, the biggest choice you’re going to need to make is what style of window to go for. Windows with uPVC frames are the most cost effective, the most energy efficient, and will give your home a modern look – especially if you want to update an older home. What I love about these windows is that they require next to no maintenance, so you can pretty much put them in and forget about them.

If you live in a period home and have a bit more to spend then opt for wooden frames as they will be keep with the overall aesthetic style of your home. However, they will require significantly more maintenance than their uPVC cousins – such as regular weatherproof coating.

Some Extra Tips from Experience!

Keep in mind when installing new windows – if you do it in stages, window models will occasionally be discontinued and replaced with different ones. To avoid style differences, it’s worth investing in all the frames you’ll need (at least for one section of your home) right off the bat. Whatever style you choose, there’s not going to be a huge cost difference between good quality, energy-efficient windows, and lower-quality, builder-grade windows. My advice is, invest in the better quality ones to save headaches and trouble in the long run!

 Photos: Nathan Schroder

If you’ve recently moved into a new home or are planning to spruce up your current decor with some new furniture, it’s important to know how to choose high quality items. There are tons of fabulous choices in store and online, so picking out the right pieces may seem like a daunting task.

Items like beds, dining room tables, chairs and dressers are pieces that will get a great deal of regular use, and if they are properly cared for, can last years and even be passed down through generations. With some basic knowledge and these easy tips from designers, you can ensure to select the best quality piece every time!

Douglas Vanderhorn

Choose the Right Wood Type

The source and type of the wood really matters if you’re looking for a long-lasting item that will look good even after years of wear. There are three types of wood on the market that are used to make furniture; hard, soft and engineered. Generally, hard wood is the best choice for those who want a guarantee of quality. Hard wood comes from deciduous trees like teak, cherry, walnut, birch, mahogany and oak. It is usually air dried then kiln dried to remove all traces of moisture, as this can warp and damage wood over time.

Hard woods tend to be significantly more expensive. If you’re on a tight budget, engineered wood may be a better solution, as it has a similar strength to hard wood and can be sturdy and long-lasting. Soft wood comes from coniferous trees like pine, cedar and fir, but items made from this wood may scratch or dent more easily and require more care.

DTM Interiors

Keep an Eye Out on Construction

It doesn’t matter how lovely the wood your item is crafted from if the piece is poorly constructed. Good construction will make the difference between a hard-wearing item and one that will need to be replaced in a couple of years.

Look for dovetail and mortise and tenon joints, as these are the oldest, strongest and most aesthetically pleasing joining methods. Dowel or screw joints are also acceptable, but never buy an item that has been stapled together. It’s also a good idea to check whether any glue is showing outside the joint, as this is a mark of poor craftsmanship. Test your new wooden bed frame or dining bench for sturdiness before you buy by rocking or jostling the piece slightly.

West Fall Design Studio

Check the Wood’s Finish

In order to ensure that your furniture is of the highest quality, it’s essential that you pay attention to the way a particular piece is finished. Look at how it is sanded and stained, and run your hand over the item to detect any rough patches. The stain should enhance the natural beauty of the wood grain, and certain retailers including the Trade Furniture Company pay special attention to bringing out the unique colour and pattern of each piece of wood.

Dream Star Custom Homes

Be wary of any item that has splintered edges, dull spots, ‘teardrop’ spots of varnish, scratches, dents and dust specks. A high quality item will not show signs of imperfection from the sanding or finishing process.

Gordana Car Interiors