DIY Remodel: How to Choose Berber Carpet

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Sometimes you need to choose carpet over a hard flooring for your remodel. We are redoing our office space and we need part of it to be more quiet so we are choosing to use a loop berber to help dampen the sound in the room.

Berber carpet is a popular choice for homeowners because of its durability and unique appearance. When choosing a Berber carpet, there are a few things to consider to ensure you select the right one for your home.

  1. Fiber: Berber carpet can be made from different fibers, including wool, nylon, polyester, and olefin. Each fiber has its own unique characteristics, such as durability, stain resistance, and texture. Consider which fiber will best suit your needs based on your lifestyle and budget.

  2. Pile height: Berber carpet is known for its looped construction, which creates a unique texture. However, the pile height of Berber carpet can vary, from short and tight loops to longer and looser loops. Shorter loops are generally more durable, while longer loops may be more comfortable underfoot.

  3. Color: Berber carpet is available in a range of colors, from neutral shades to bold and bright hues. Consider the overall color scheme of your room and choose a Berber carpet that complements it. We are choosing a beautiful charcoal color that is a great neutral foundation color for your room’s remodel color palette.

  4. Pattern: Berber carpets can be found in both solid colors and patterns. I really love a good pattern. It can mimic a large area run in the room. If you choose a patterned Berber carpet, consider the size of the pattern and how it will look in your space. If you want to layer an area rug on top think about the pattern of the rug and if it will go well together. Rule of thumb:you can mix and match patterns just be sure one is a small pattern and one is a large pattern.

  5. Quality: Berber carpets can vary in quality, depending on the materials used and the manufacturing process. Look for a Berber carpet with a dense construction, even loops, and strong backing to ensure it will last for years to come. Wool is a beautiful high quality natural fiber that I would choose if it is within your budget!

Overall, when choosing a Berber carpet, it is important to consider your specific needs and preferences like it are for us and our office renovation, be sure to think about the fiber, pile height, color, pattern, and quality.

DIY Remodel: How to Choose Your LVP Flooring

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View of lvp flooring

photo via HGTV

Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring aka LVP

We are remodeling our offices and have decided on a mix of LVP, Luxury Vinyl Plank, and low berber carpet, for the spaces we need quieter. Going into this remodel I had no idea how to choose LVP and didn’t even know that Pergo/faux wood floor is called LVP!

Here are a few things I learned and some tips to help you with if you are shooing LVP for your renovation.

When choosing the best luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring, there are several factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you choose the best LVP flooring for your needs:

  1. Quality: Look for LVP flooring with a high-quality wear layer ( ask about this! It makes a difference especially if you’re putting it in high-traffic areas!) that is scratch-resistant and durable. A thicker wear layer will generally provide better protection and last longer. Consider the thickness of the plank, wear layer, and construction type.

  2. Appearance: Consider the color, texture, and design of the LVP flooring. Choose a style that matches your decor and personal taste. You can even find LVP that looks pretty close to wood@

  3. Thickness: Look for thicker LVP flooring, as it will generally be more durable and provide better sound insulation. We learned this the hard way in the past. You don’t want to hear everyone upstairs!

  4. Installation: Consider the installation method, as some LVP flooring is designed for floating installation some types of LVP flooring require glue, while others have a click-and-lock system. Choose the method that is best suited for your skill level and needs. If you are new and doing this on your own I would suggest the click-and-lock. My 12 year old niece was able to do thsi herself in her bedroom!

  5. Brand Reputation: Check reviews from past buyers or ask for references to ensure that the brand you're considering has a reputation for quality and customer service. Always look for reviews. Best lesson I learned from Amazon!

  6. Warranty: Look for LVP flooring with a good warranty that covers manufacturing defects, and wear-and-tear.

  7. Maintenance: Choose LVP flooring that is easy to clean and maintain. Some types of LVP flooring are scratch-resistant, waterproof, and stain-resistant, making them ideal for high-traffic areas and for those with fur babies!

  8. Cost: Consider the cost of the LVP flooring, including the price of installation. Choose a flooring option that fits your budget.

Overall, when choosing the best LVP flooring, it's important to balance your personal preferences, budget, and practical considerations such as quality, installation, and maintenance. By taking these factors into consideration, you should be able to choose the best LVP flooring for your home or business. Good luck! I will keep you updated on our office remodel! Before and after photos coming soon!

DIY Remodel: How to Choose Your Color Palette

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Choosing a color palette can be a fun and creative process, but it can also be challenging if you don't know where to start. I usually work in Canva to choose my color palettes but this time I use Coolor. This color palette is for my office remodel project.

Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect color palette for your project:

  1. Determine the mood or feeling you want to convey: Think about the emotion you want to evoke with your project. Do you want it to feel warm and cozy or cool and sophisticated? Once you have an idea of the mood you want to create, you can start to choose colors that will help convey that feeling.

  2. Consider your brand or project's identity: If you're creating a color palette for a brand or project, think about the identity you want to convey. What are the values and characteristics that are important to your brand or project? Try to choose colors that align with those values.

  3. Look for inspiration: Inspiration can come from anywhere - a piece of artwork, nature, or even a favorite outfit. Look for colors that catch your eye and consider how you can incorporate them into your color palette.

  4. Use color theory: Understanding color theory can be helpful when choosing a color palette. For example, complementary colors (colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel) can create a vibrant and dynamic look, while analogous colors (colors that are next to each other on the color wheel) can create a more harmonious and soothing look.

  5. Start with a base color: Choose one color that you love and build your palette around it. Consider using shades, tints, and tones of that color to create a cohesive palette.

  6. Test your palette: Once you've chosen your colors, test them out in different combinations to see how they look together. You can use tools like Adobe Color or Coolors to create and test color palettes.

Remember, choosing a color palette is a personal choice and there are no right or wrong answers. Trust your instincts and have fun with the process!

Color Palette Tools:

See more about my office remodel and choosing our flooring here.

Free Printable Thanksgiving Decor

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I made a little some just for you my sweet readers and true following fans. I am Thankful for you all and I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed painting these little watercolor doodles and making them into a cheery print for your Thanksgiving. It would be great just printed and framed or you could use it as a cover for a card, or print one out in a mini size as a place card for Thanksgiving dinner.


If you would like me to design you a custom card, place card, or invitation using these lovely fall clipart pieces send me an email and I'll put one to together for you. Email me more prices and details.

april@simplythesweetlife.com

TIP: Print your copy on watercolor paper for a custom look.



thanksgiving printables
 

DIY Dog & Cat Collar Craft

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DIY Dog & Cat Collar

Supplies:

  • Measuring tape

  • Sharp scissors

  • Button down shirt with collar 

As I mentioned, this is a super quick and easy DIY dog craft. (or cat)

First, measure your cat or dog's neck making sure to leave a little give so the collar isn't too tight. To find the correct size shirt for your pet measure the inside of the shirt collar and match it as closely as possible to your pet's neck size. 

For my cats, I used a size 6-12-month-old sized shirt. For my small dog, I used a 2 T sized shirt. You could easily fit all sizes of dogs and cats with shirts ranging from preemie to XXL men's sizes. 

A new or gently used shirt works fine. To save a little I bought my shirt at a local thrift shop. 

Next, cut along the collars edge just below the rolled seam, trimming as close to the edge as possible.

That's it. Really there is nothing more to it. 

Bedroom Makeover - Choosing the Perfect Bedframe & Headboard

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I'm in search for a bed frame or a nice headboard. It's been a while since I've had one. You know, it's just one of those things on your list that gets pushed back with other more pressing things making their way ahead on your budget. I finally decided I need to just get one. Choosing one I will like for a while is the trick though. I like the idea of a sofa upholstered headboard like the one pictured above. It's from Wayfair and at a great price too only $169 for a queen.



I also like this bed frame from Joss and Main. It costs more but it has the full frame with a low foot board that I really like so I can sit on the end of the bed. I like the combination of the darker wood with the linen colored upholstered headboard. It's still a great price at $285.95 for the queen size.


There is just something about a spindle bed that is enchanting and classic and almost fairytale like. Do you like the gray color shown above or the navy here on at One Kings Lane?


I'm off to find the perfect one. Wish me luck!

Choosing a Neutral Paint Color -Taupe or Greige

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I’m sure if you have been looking at paint colors recently you have heard the made-up color name Greige. It sounds a bit confusing because really it’s just taupe. Taupe is a cool natural that is a mix of beige and gray. For some reason, the trend for the more cool color of taupe is to call it greige.

Photo Credit - Jenn Verrier Photography @jennverrier

Photo Credit - Jenn Verrier Photography @jennverrier

The gray and white look is on its way out while adding some walnut wood and painted navy or deep peacock color cabinets is showing up in new homes with the greige/cool taupe wall paint colors.

I love the dusty pale blue painted cabinets above with the brass/soft gold color hardware. The reason they look so great together is that yellow and blue are complementary colors and the tints and tones in this palette are perfectly balanced. Such a welcoming classic look.

As a trained designer and color expert I’ve been helping my bestie choose colors for her new home. Even though her home is semi-custom her contractor is working with Sherwin-Williams but she loves many of the Benjamin Moore colors so I am helping find a greige aka taupe palette that will be more timeless and traditional than trendy.



DIY Christmas Pinecone Garland Decor

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This post is sponsored by Command™ brand.

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I love the holidays. Cheery Christmas music, gathering all my favorite decorations to tuck into every nook and cranny of my home and our favorite sweet treats we only eat once a year.

This year we live in a lovely pre-war home with two fireplaces which means I get to decorate two mantels. I'm so excited. I get to create two pretty Christmas vignettes on each one.

I love the fall/Thanksgiving decorations I have on my dining room mantel.  It's made of a beautiful old growth oak wood. To keep the pretty wood intact I am using Command™ Clear Mini Hooks that are easy to apply and easy to remove without hammering holes in the wood for a damage-free holiday.

I wanted to create a lovely transitional garland that I can have up with my Thanksgiving decorations that I can also have up for Christmas.

This simple pinecone garland is a perfect easy DIY Christmas decoration or Thanksgiving decoration anyone who can tie a simple knot and bow can make.

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DIY Christmas Decorations - Pinecone Garland

  • Gather an assortment of pine cones -wash and dry

  • 2-3 yards of ribbon

  • Holiday craft pick 

  • Craft Glue

  • Command™ Clear Mini Hook (to hang)

    Gather and wash your pinecones. Cut a length of 2 1/2 yards of ribbon. If you are feeling sparkly you can add some glitter to each pinecone too by simply brushing some glue on the pinecones and dusting with glitter.

Wrap the ribbon around the bottom of the first pinecone and tie it in a double knot. Repeat spacing the pinecones apart about 5 inches. Tie two bows from the ribbon leaving long tails to top each end pinecone. Glue the bow on the top of the end pinecones.

Using the Command™ Clear Mini Hook add adhesive back as directed. Place the Command™ Clear Mini Hook on the mantle to hang the garland as pictured above (I used the white mini hooks so you can see them better here in the photo.)

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Next, I simply added a Christmas craft pick tucking it into the Command™ Clear Mini Hook to hold it in place. The nice thing about using the Command™Brand Hooks is you can quickly change your decorations if you change your mind without damage.

I'm also hanging my wreaths on my windows using Command™ Brand Hooks. Did you know you can use them on glass? Be sure to clean the glass well before adhering the hooks.

On my enclosed porch I'm hanging these pretty velvet and grapevine wreaths on the windows using the Command™ Medium Designer Hook which can hold up to 3 pounds which is perfect for hanging wreaths.


You can find more ways to use Command™ Brand Hooks for your holiday decorating here at Command™ Brand Holiday.


Happy Holidays!

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