  Your home is more than just four walls and a roof; it's a reflection of your personality, your style, and the place where memories are made. However, as the years go by, even the most cherished homes can start to show signs of wear and tear. But fear not, because in this guest blog post, we have Tina Martin, a seasoned home improvement enthusiast, here to guide you through the process of reviving your home. Tina understands that a home makeover isn't just about aesthetics; it's an investment that can breathe new life into your space and add significant value to your property. Whether you're preparing to sell or simply want to create a more comfortable and enjoyable living environment, these tips will help you embark on a journey of transformation that will make your home feel brand new. So, without further ado, let's dive into Tina's expert advice, including some of my own personal tips too, on how to give your home a fresh start and a new lease on life. Reviving a home with a makeover is a fantastic way to breathe new life into your living space and increase its value. However, the process of renovating can be overwhelming, especially if you're unsure where to start. Here are some tips from Toscano Interiors on how to revive your home with a makeover. Select Value-Boosting Improvements for Property Before starting your home makeover, it's essential to consider future resale value. While it's important to create a living space that suits your needs, it's also crucial to choose improvements that will enhance your property's value. For example, modernizing your kitchen or bathroom can make a significant difference in how much your home is worth. Use a Home Maintenance App It’s a good idea to use a home maintenance and repair app if you need to make repairs to your home. The right app allows homeowners to quickly schedule service appointments, track the status of their repairs, and access important information about their home systems and major appliances like the refrigerator and washer and dryer. By using the Frontdoor application, you'll also be able to access service professionals, who can provide quotes for repairs or maintenance work. Create an Outdoor Space You Can Be Proud Of Creating an outdoor living space can be a worthwhile investment for homeowners seeking to improve their home's value and appearance. SuperMoney notes that hardscaping elements such as patios, walkways, and retaining walls can enhance the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your backyard. Replace Your Bathroom Tiles A bathroom is one area of the home that can become outdated quickly. A simple way to revive your bathroom's look is by re-tiling the walls or floors. Choose neutral colors and patterns that will stand the test of time. This will give your bathroom a fresh look and feel while also increasing your home's value. Thoroughly Clean Your Home Cleaning your home can be a powerful way to rejuvenate and transform it. A thorough deep clean, including vacuuming the right way, surface wiping, and carpet cleaning, can make a significant difference in the overall appearance and health of your home. With a sparkling clean environment, you can enjoy a more attractive and healthier living space. To get started, go online for tips and hacks from cleaning experts. Maximize Storage Space To create a welcoming and spacious living area, it's essential to eliminate clutter. One way to achieve this is by maximizing your storage space through the use of shelving, cabinets, or closet organizers. This will not only enhance the functionality of your home but also make it feel more inviting by creating a tidy and organized living environment. Declutter by Digitizing Paper Files By digitizing your paper records and converting them into PDFs, you can significantly reduce clutter in your home while also ensuring that all important documents are easily accessible. If you want to combine PDF files after scanning, there are various online tools available to help you do so (click here for more info). This practical solution will save you time and improve your overall organization. Unveil Fresh Art Pieces Anne Anderson Home points out that artwork can add color and personality to your home. Introduce new artwork into your living space that reflects your style and taste. This can be done through paintings, sculptures, or other decorative items. Artwork can also be an investment, and certain pieces may increase in value over time. Upgrade Lighting Fixtures Lighting is a crucial element that can significantly impact your home's ambiance. Replacing outdated light fixtures with modern, energy-efficient options can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home while saving you money on your electricity bills. Don't underestimate the power of updated lighting fixtures to transform your home's atmosphere and improve your overall living experience. Revitalizing your living space through a home makeover and a good cleaning is a fantastic investment that not only enhances the aesthetic value but also boosts the overall worth of the property. By utilizing the tips provided, you can turn your house into an exquisite and practical living area that will significantly increase its market value. In conclusion, a home makeover is a worthwhile venture that adds charm and functionality to your dwelling while also providing a substantial return on investment. Ready to bring some fun, magic, authenticity, beauty and inspiration to your space? Call on Toscano Interiors today! 813.539.2085 
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The best kind of holiday decor not only looks beautiful but it also doesn't break the bank. I've done all the work for you this year with my lineup of beautiful holiday decor that not only looks stunning but is $75 or LESS!! Below are my suggestions for warming up your home with holiday charm this winter — and saving a bundle in the process. These deals are fleeting, so stock up now and get your home ready for Christmas! 1. National Tree Company Pre-Lit 'Feel Real' Artificial Christmas Wreath This pre-lit artificial Christmas wreath is 24 inches wide and decorated with frosted branches. This wreath features over one hundred individually crafted branch tips, creating a lush and full bodied hanging decoration that is sure to impress family and friends alike. Suitable as an indoor or outdoor Christmas decoration, hang this wreath decoration on any door, window or entryway to add a festive feel to any area of the house.  
2. Yinuo Candle Flameless Led Candles Flickering in Gray
Moving Wicks & Dancing Flame: The luminous leaves swinging from side to side are like the real candle flame swaying in the wind. Perfect for your Christmas centerpieces  
3. Wellwood 6 ft Silver Tinsel Christmas Tree with 24ct Assorted Ornament Set
If you are wanting a retro style tinsel tree, look no further! This tree is gorgeous and the price makes it even better! An Eye-catching addition to any home during the holidays.  
4. 95FT 240 LED String Lights Indoor/Outdoor, Super-Bright Christmas Lights
I LOVE these lights! 8 different modes, these lights create a most spectacular holiday show. Super Bright with Upgraded LED chips, Safer Plug in (UL588 Approved), and Waterproof.  
5. 6 ft Artificial Canadian Fir
:Standing at 6 Feet Tall with 1200 tips for fullness, this hinged Christmas tree is an eye-catching addition to your room decoration during the holidays. Easy-to-fluff full branches to create the illusion of a full-bodied genuine Canadian Fir Christmas tree with 1200 tips. Tree dimensions are 6 feet tall and 3.4 feet wide. This does shed a bid, so be prepared, but for the price it's so worth it!  
6. National Tree Company Pre-Lit Artificial Christmas Garland
This pre-lit artificial Christmas garland is 9 feet long and decorated with pine cones and berry clusters. This garland features over one hundred individually crafted branch tips, creating a lush and full bodied hanging decoration that is sure to impress family and friends alike. Suitable as an indoor or outdoor Christmas decoration, drape this garland over any door, window or entryway to add a festive feel to any area of the house. Constructed with sturdy, high quality materials and hypo-allergenic, fire-resistant needles  
7. National Tree Company Artificial White Tree
Personally, this is probably my favorite tree. It stands 6 feet tall with a 20 inch base diameter. Featuring hundreds of individually crafted branch tips to create full bodied branches, this tree is designed to look and feel lifelike. Designed to look and feel lifelike, this tree is defined by its close attention to detail, featuring hundreds of individually crafted branch tips that make up the wide, full-bodied branches that create space for your lights and ornaments. This tree features pre-attached, hinged branches that drop down for a simple set-up and fold back in for quick and convenient storage. Set aside 45-60 minutes to properly shape the tree by peeling back the branches and pulling the tips apart. Constructed with sturdy, high quality materials, hypo-allergenic, fire-resistant needles, this tree is built to bring holiday cheer for years to come. Includes a durable metal base.  
8. Heyhouse Cable Knit Stockings
This is a 4-set pack of beautiful red cable knit stockings. Made of high-quality knit pattern. The cable knit pattern make the stockings shaped beautifully. You can put your gift in or take it out easily; the soft acrylic fabric is elastic and can hold more gifts  
9. Christmas Snow Globe String Lights
I am all about battery operated Christmas lights, because you can always reuse them. Each bulb of the Christmas string lights is designed with a miniature Christmas tree and snow, total length is 7FT, with 10 bulbs and 10 warm LED lights, the unique design will surely make you praised in the party. Let this string of lights shine with you. The bulbs lights are made of thick transparent PVC instead of glass, which are durable and reusable enough that you can use them for a long time. Ready to be used for next year.  
10. YEAHOME 2FT/24” Lighted Birch Tree
ring the beauty of nature into your home with this versatile lighted tree. Measuring 2 ft. high. Embellished with 24 water-resistant LED lights that lends a hint of brightness indoors and outdoors. Adds a dramatic touch to any room in your home. Also makes a great vision centerpiece and provides beautiful ambient light. What makes this tree great is it can be used year round.    Photo Courtesy of Annie Spratt  Photo Courtesy of Maria Orlova Many designers and design publications are saying antique rugs are the hottest thing right now in the home decor market. Fancy resorts, hotels and other high end destinations are all jumping on the band wagon. Rugs which many consider a precious investment, due to their age and value, are now found in the hippest interior designs. Why are they so valuable? Hand woven carpets such as these are a living history, recording memorable people and events. Passed down from generation to generation as family heirlooms, these antique rugs are an important part of world culture. Some consider them their most prized possessions, since these antique carpets are works of art which have several practical uses. Skilled craftsmen and designers spend hours weaving intricate patterns and images into them. No wonder they have been used like currency for thousands of years. One of our oldest art forms, described in writings of the ancient Egyptians and Marco Polo. Hand woven rugs are made by many different cultures across the globe from South America to Asia. Although, unlike many art forms, they have stood the test of time, with some being over two thousand years old. A Brief History of Antique Rugs from Europe During the rule of the Muslim Moors between the 8th and 13th centuries, Europe was introduced to rug weaving primarily through Spain. The travels of Marco Polo and Spanish embassies to Venice were mainly responsible. The two most notable styles to originate from Europe are the French Savonnerie and Aubusson styles of the 17th and 18th centuries. French Savonnerie, established in Paris(1628), produced ornate rugs primarily for use in palaces, special order and royal request. Traditional artists were overseeing the production of rug orders, so their influence is highly visible. Scenes from the Savonnerie antique rugs depict the glories of the age, floral garlands, naturalistic flowers and ornamental motifs. Antique rugs with romantic scenes of medieval times also are typical of the latter part of this era. Antique rugs of the Abusson style, rumored to have begun in the 8th century, were formally established in 1743, with the advent of a royal rug and carpet factory. The initial productions from this factory were reproductions of key Turkish and Smyrna rugs. Also, designs were less intricate and expensive than those produced in Savonnerie. Later, a new style was implemented here, based off of Savonnerie, to be less distracting. A Brief History of Antique Rugs from India During the 16th century, Humayan, the son of the first Moghul Shah, was exiled to Persia by an Afghan revolt ten years after the death of his father Babur. During his nine year stay he developed a taste for Persian art, and upon his return to India he brought with him two reputable Persian artists. Well known for their paintings, these Persian artists established the Moghul school of painting which blended their styles with that of the Indians. This was the basis for Humayan’s son Akbar to encourage the development of fine arts and artistic industries. The earliest recorded evidence of rug production came at this time, praising Akbar for nurturing artistic weaving and the arts in general. Early antique Indian carpets and rugs feature free designs, with little symmetry. Floral and animal designs are a common theme, with some of the animals having several heads and devouring each other. Pictorial realism and Hindu mythology are both major characteristics of antique Indian rugs. Abstract symbols and dense ornamentation also distinguish antique Indian rugs from others. Antique Indian rugs, known for their vibrant colors, were produced with their famous dyes. All the colors of the rainbow were extracted from their local flora. The local fauna produced the wool primarily used for weaving, although silk was readily available and used often. In short, it is no wonder these ornate works of art are now on western designers minds. From beauty to usefulness and floor covering to wall decoration, antique rugs are here to stay.  Photo Courtesy of Bradford Zak #interiordesign #interiordesigntips #Tampa #FloridaDesigners #ClearwaterBeach #Rugs #designtrends #timelessdesign #antique #textiles
 Photo Courtesy of Dreams.co.uk  Photo Courtesy of Dreams.co.uk Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese perspective rooted in the belief that everything (including the arrangement of a room, like your bedroom) possesses energy - good chi and bad chi. Whether you believe in it or not, learning its inner workings and understanding how it can impact your everyday life is somewhat fascinating. As it relates to home decorating, the right feng shui is believed to balance the energy that flows into and around your space and can have an impact on everything in our lives from our wellbeing, to our relationships, and even our bank accounts.
The bedroom is one of the most important rooms in the home and is associated with rest, relaxation, and comfort. One needs to be sufficiently rested to perform well during the day. According to the laws of Feng Shui, If the main door of a home is directly opposite the bedroom door, the occupant of that room will face legal problems. Position a small decoration or a piece of furniture to interrupt the line of passage. Here are some quick Feng Shui rules to follow when it comes to decorating your bedroom: Have bunkbeds? One's head should not touch the ceiling or this could result in ill health. The top of the mattress on the bottom bunk should also be at least 16 inches off the ground. It is not favorable to keep a clock immediately behind or directly in front of a sleeper. Clocks should be placed on either side of the bed. If you have your clock on the headboard it should be placed on a stand beside the bed or on the floor. A light bulb directly above the head of the bed will turn the sleeper in to a nervous wreck. If hung above the centre of the bed, it will cause stomach disorders. The light should be placed to the side of the bed. The dressing table should not be placed at the foot of a bed as it adversely affects health. Move the dressing table to any other position. You can draw on the strengths of the elements by choosing a headboard that corresponds to your element as shown in the paragraphs below. Square or rectangular shaped headboards are for people who represent wood and earth elements. It is also good for professionals, as it encourages stability and offers support. Oval or wavy-shaped headboards are ideal for people who belong to the element water and also for artists, musicians and designers. Angular headboards or those with spiked points, these are not recommended for anyone. It relates to the element fire. It prevents people from getting a good night's sleep. There's another reason to adopt these feng shui rules in your bedroom. According to feng shui, how you position your furniture can actually impact your sleep—something we could frankly all use a little more of. Not convinced? Try out a few of these feng shui practices, and tell me how you slept!  Photo by Michael Soledad on Unsplash Whether you’re starting a business following the 2021 Great Resignation or your established business is outgrowing the spare bedroom, a garage can offer an attractive alternative in terms of size, existing infrastructure such as wiring, and with it being a stone’s throw away from your home location. Transforming it into the ideal home office, however, can be a task beyond the experience of the average homeowner. Just as you bill yourself an expert in your profession, this may be the time to call on an experienced contractor – or at least an avid DIYer – as well as an interior designer well-versed in melding practicality and personality, like Toscano Interiors. Setting the stage for renovation Depending on your discipline for shrewd organization and vehicle maintenance, it’s likely you have some decluttering and deep cleaning to do. After finding a new home for every item previously housed in the garage, you’ll want to remove the telltale signs of its former functionality, such as oil stains in the concrete, and hooks and nails that held everything from bicycles to water hoses. For this early stage, you won’t need a permit, but you may need one before you move on to more extensive renovations, so be sure to check with your local permitting office before you go any further. While you’re checking your permit requirements, talk to your business accountant or other qualified tax professional about whether your converted garage will qualify for a home office deduction on your tax return. This deduction allows you to deduct certain expenses from your business income that relate to running your business from your home and is in addition to any other legitimate business-related expenses that you claim on your tax return. Once you have your permits and other business tasks in order, gauge your current electrical wiring in the garage to see if it’s suitable for your office layout, particularly the number and location of outlets. If your garage is separate from the house, you may want to section off some space for a small bathroom, and perhaps a small kitchen area for a refrigerator and coffee maker. Regardless of climate, insulation is a must-have, if you don’t already have it in your garage. Your licensed contractor should add the necessary wiring and plumbing prior to putting in any additional insulation. In addition to tempering the outdoor weather effects, insulation quite literally helps to “insulate” you from outside noise. If you’ve never worked with insulation yourself and want to save some money for your more aesthetic improvements, consider taking classes at a nearby home improvement store. Blending practicality with creativity You’ll likely want to hire someone to replace your traditional garage door, especially if you have a need to welcome clients and vendors. Since most garages don’t have a lot of windows, consider adding a few to let in some natural light and create a more open feel to what will be your new office. Now you’re ready to set the stage for your office décor. Start from the ground up, deep clean those concrete floors before putting down your choice of flooring; an easy route is to finish the concrete with an acid stain and will complement attractive rugs. If your space is relatively small, light colors for your walls can create a more open feel, especially if combined with mirrors. You can add pops of color with artwork, furniture, and accessories. Finally, your office furniture is important, so be sure you mix comfort and practicality with style – even the mouse and keyboard you select matter when it comes to physical comfort. Passion and productivity Many business owners spend a great deal of time in their offices, so it should surround you with inspiration as well as comfort. Hiring a professional isn’t just for knocking down walls and doing electrical work, so if you’re finding the design functions more challenging than you expected, reach out to Toscano Interiors for creating the workspace that fuels your passion and your productivity. Once you get the office of your dreams, you’re off to the races! Blog written exclusively for Toscano Interiors by guest blog contributor, Tina Martin with Ideaspired. Tina Martin is an author and successful Blogger. Find more of Tina's work at https://www.ideaspired.com/blog/www.ideaspired.com/blog/   This week's blog post is courtesy of Karl Kennedy with Projectortop.com. He has you hooked up with how to enjoy your summer nights by creating the BEST outdoor movie theatre!
Watching a movie on the big screen is always fun, whether you’re by yourself or enjoying a good film with company. But sometimes, it’s rather inconvenient traveling to the theaters and spending all of that money on a cinema experience. What if we told you that there’s a way to avoid going to the local theaters? All you have to do is install your own personal outdoor movie theater in your backyard! It’s perfect for the summer months, it’ll save you money, and over time, the backyard cinema will have paid for itself. Let’s not forget that having a movie theater at home gives you the utmost comfort and privacy. You also won’t have to choose from the movies that are currently being offered, like at the movie theaters. You’ll have the opportunity to put whatever it is you want to watch on the screen. And, before you get too worried, know that the process of buying the equipment and setting it all up is a lot easier than it sounds. It’s even easy to stick to a budget if you do your research. An outdoor home movie theater can be as simple as a projector and sheet combo or it can be as boujee as a large outdoor screen, receiver, and speaker mix for the best audio and video quality. Enough jibber-jabber, let’s get into explaining the core components you’ll need to pull your at-home, backyard movie theater together. Projector Buying a projector is the better movie, especially when compared to bringing your flat screen television outside every time you want to view a movie. Purchasing a projector will absolutely “wow” your guests every time they come over. It’s bright enough to showcase any movie as soon as the sun sets, but keep in mind that it won’t do too good in the daytime.The visuals once the dark sets in are impeccable, to say the least. Just remember that items like the projector and similar technological equipment should not be left outdoors all the time; the rain and other conditions could always temporarily or permanently ruin the technologies. Projector Screen Projector screens aren’t necessarily needed, but they definitely come in handy. Many first-timers will use the side of their house, primarily because it’s a free alternative to a screen. However, we do not recommend it in the least. Movie screens are supposed to be smooth and color free, and we can guarantee you that the side of your house is anything but that. If you’re looking for a more affordable solution, you can definitely purchase a large white sheet and hang it up; you’ll get decent viewings. But, you’ll have to try your best to keep the sheet wrinkle free and secure it to something. The wind can technically cause the “screen” to move, and that’s highly inconvenient in the middle of watching a film. Honestly, buying a projector screen is your best option. Plus, it comes with a sturdy frame to avoid any blowing over. Media Player Now you need to think of how you’re going to watch the movies. Sure, you can always resort to a DVD or Blu-ray player, but streaming sticks are way more magical. Not to mention they connect directly to the projector, pick up Wi-Fi fairly quickly, and have a plethora of movie options to choose from. Speakers Good audio is a must when it comes to a great outdoor movie theater set up. To get you started, the projectors have minimal speakers, but they don’t work very well. If you’re looking to use the built-in speakers, you should plan on only having a couple people over to view the movie. If you would like to be the host for the evening and have a big group of friends or family over, it’s best to get larger speakers. The additional support is much appreciated. Think about it this way, a big screen deserves big noise, it’s the best scenario. And, if you don’t know what specific speakers to purchase, just head on out and ask a professional to get the best, most extraordinary experience with your at-home, backyard theater. |
Designer, Life Coach, + Realtor® - Candance Toscano"You can design the life of your dreams and acquire that luxurious, fulfilled and empowered lifestyle you know you have always wanted." Archives
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