Home Decor 101 – The Versatile Nature Of Tiles

Ever witness a house without tiles? Would be hard to find isn’t it? There’s a reason why this happens. ‘Tiles for home’ is like a buzzword since day and age. Because of the factors that tiles are essentially durable in nature and aesthetically pleasing to the eyes, they are considered as the best fit for our households.

Whether you put vitrified tiles under the microscope or ceramic tiles for that matter, homemakers often feel spoilt for choice. That being said, these aren’t the only variety of tiles that are available in the market. Add to this, practical bathroom and kitchen tiles which touches the entire ‘tiles for home’ envelope. Tiles for Home

Tiles are used for various reasons. They are easy to maintain, they are long lasting, the large variety ensures that your area stands out uniquely. But why limit the tiles to only make it easier to clean the kitchen backsplash or keep the walls of your bathroom from rotting.

 Tiles are versatile and you can use them as you like. Here’s how:

1.       Tiles as Inlaid rugs:

 No need to move for cleaning and vacuuming; not to mention they look stunning. The name says it all doesn’t it? The popularity of tiles as inlaid rugs is gaining popularity slowly but surely.

2.       Tiles as Headboards: 

Use interesting tiles to design the headboard. Your bed and your bedroom will have a totally fresh, new look! Tiles for home like never before!

3.       DIY Art on Tiles:

Create beautiful Warli art on the tile and see it transform into your own lovely piece of art. Adorn the walls of your house with it. You can use digital tiles and wall tiles as well. Floor tiles are usually avoided here as you wouldn’t want your guests to step on to the magnificent art that you’ve created.

4.       Tile Apron:

 It makes the modern bathroom a little more exciting. No need to move for cleaning and vacuuming; not to mention they look stunning as well.

5.       Tiles as Nameplates:

 Tile nameplates are in vogue - make a welcoming entry using them. Funny what tiles are capable of these days; all it takes is a little ounce of creativity.

Whichever way you use them - #TilesAreAwesome :-)

Now that we’ve established why tiles are the first picks whenever a house gets renovated or whenever someone’s building a new house, we sincerely hope that your home decor and interior design decision making will become a whole lot easier.

How To Keep Tiles Clean & Shiny This Festive Season

There is an age old ritual in Indian families which has been passing on from one generation to another. Ever seen your mother getting busier as the festivals come calling? Is it just a coincidence? Definitely not! We all want to look our best during festive seasons and our houses are no different. Especially towards the end of the every year, we get busy in beautifying our homes in the best way possible.

As they say, ‘Drive away the darkness and move into the light’. This is where tiles enter the fray. As tiles form a major part of our homes, cleaning them becomes the utmost priority. Pale, old and yellowish tiles can be noticed from far out and don’t go well with the festive-y feel.

Irrespective of the occasion, every home maker would want a spic and span feeling inside the house whether that means getting all the floor tiles scrubbed or hand cleaning the wall tiles or whitening the bathroom and kitchen tiles. 

Bathroom Tiles:

A 50/50 vinegar and water solution will clean tile, counters, cabinet fronts and soap scum in the shower.

A baking soda and water paste will clean stuck on gunk in the shower and tub (use vinegar instead of water for really tough stains).

For grout, sprinkle baking soda on the floor and spray with undiluted hydrogen peroxide and scrub with a gentle toothbrush.

For wall tile, painted door frames, spots on the doors, outside of toilet, etc, my homemade all purpose cleaner will clean and disinfect.

Floor Tiles:

Clean tile with mild detergent and clean water, using a rag or chamois-type mop rather than a sponge mop. Change water frequently while cleaning.

If your tiles look hazy, use acid like fresh lemon juice on ceramic tiles (but never on marble). Rinse thoroughly with clean water, and buff dry with a clean lint-free cloth.

For great looking grout, clean using a paste of baking soda and water. Rub it on the stain, let it sit overnight, then scrub the stain in the morning with a stiff nylon brush (a metal brush will damage the grout).

Kitchen Tiles Grease:

Wrap a dusting rag around the bristles of a broom. Fasten it in place with safety pins or binder clips, arranging them so they won't scrape the wall.

Dust the wall from top to bottom with the broom. Get into the upper corners where spider webs and dust tend to collect.

Fill one bucket with ¼ cup of liquid cleaning detergent and 1 gallon of warm water. Add up to 1 cup vinegar if the walls have a grease film. Fill the other bucket with clear warm water.

Dampen a sponge in the soapy water. Wash the walls beginning at the bottom and working your way up. Wipe down the wall in small sections, using a circular motion.

Moisten food stains with a small amount of water and allow it to soak and loosen the stain for five minutes before wiping it off with the sponge.

Scrub stubborn stains lightly with a mildly abrasive sponge, taking care not to damage the paint or tile. Wipe the wall a second time with the clear water. Dry it with a clean towel.

With the most difficult areas of your house clean, cleaning the rest of the house is just a piece of cake :-) Have a great #FestiveSeason and celebrate the #BeautifulLife!

After all that has been said and done, tiles need your utmost attention as they occupy a larger portion of your home decor and interior design segment inside your house. Simply follow these tips and you’re good to go! 

Home Decor 101 – The Versatile Nature Of Tiles

Ever witness a house without tiles? Would be hard to find isn’t it? There’s a reason why this happens. ‘Tiles for home’ is like a buzzword since day and age. Because of the factors that tiles are essentially durable in nature and aesthetically pleasing to the eyes, they are considered as the best fit for our households.

Whether you put vitrified tiles under the microscope or ceramic tiles for that matter, homemakers often feel spoilt for choice. That being said, these aren’t the only variety of tiles that are available in the market. Add to this, practical bathroom and kitchen tiles which touches the entire ‘tiles for home’ envelope.

Tiles are used for various reasons. They are easy to maintain, they are long lasting, the large variety ensures that your area stands out uniquely. But why limit the tiles to only make it easier to clean the kitchen backsplash or keep the walls of your bathroom from rotting.

 Tiles are versatile and you can use them as you like. Here’s how:

1.       Tiles as Inlaid rugs:

 No need to move for cleaning and vacuuming; not to mention they look stunning. The name says it all doesn’t it? The popularity of tiles as inlaid rugs is gaining popularity slowly but surely.

2.       Tiles as Headboards: 

Use interesting tiles to design the headboard. Your bed and your bedroom will have a totally fresh, new look! Tiles for home like never before!

3.       DIY Art on Tiles:

Create beautiful Warli art on the tile and see it transform into your own lovely piece of art. Adorn the walls of your house with it. You can use digital tiles and wall tiles as well. Floor tiles are usually avoided here as you wouldn’t want your guests to step on to the magnificent art that you’ve created.

4.       Tile Apron:

 It makes the modern bathroom a little more exciting. No need to move for cleaning and vacuuming; not to mention they look stunning as well.

5.       Tiles as Nameplates:

 Tile nameplates are in vogue - make a welcoming entry using them. Funny what tiles are capable of these days; all it takes is a little ounce of creativity.

Whichever way you use them - #TilesAreAwesome :-)

Now that we’ve established why tiles are the first picks whenever a house gets renovated or whenever someone’s building a new house, we sincerely hope that your home decor and interior design decision making will become a whole lot easier.

5 DIY CHRISTMAS TREE ORNAMENTS.

Even if you haven’t gotten your Christmas tree yet, fret not! Christmas is just around the corner so get your festive spirits on and revel in the glory. You might have some leftover presents and ornaments and preparations from last year, but still there is always room for something new.

When was the last time you donned your floor tiles with a bunch of Christmas-y decorations, or hung up decorations on your wall tiles just to give them a red camouflaged appeal?

 Here are the top 5 DIY Christmas ornament preparations that you can implement at home.

Ornaments in the form of Scrabble Tiles:  Now that you are a scrabble expert, create your own short and sweet Christmas message by pasting together words from your scrabble tiles. Give it an interesting shape by clever use of words and hang it pretty on the tree.

Red Nosed Wine-Cork Reindeers: All you need is used wine corks, googly eyes, pom-pom nose, pipe cleaners and glue! Bring them all together and your red-nosed reindeer is ready to go on the Christmas Tree.

Buttoned Snowman : Paste three two-eyed buttons on a piece of cloth cut in the shape of the snowman. Make sure that the top button is perpendicular to the other two so that the holes make the snow-man's eyes. Cut a dark-coloured cloth in the shape of a hat and paste it on the top button. With a string, your tree gets its very own snowman.

Mini-Wreaths : Weave together anything - a string, a piece of cloth, a slice of wood or a few leaves. Add a ribbon flower and glitter - the mini-wreaths are ready to go up on your tree.

 Ornaments That Sparkle:  Turn old night bulbs into sparkling ornaments. Add different coloured glitters on each of these and add a string. Your Christmas tree shines like a diamond.

After all that has been said and done, tiles play a huge role in your Christmas decorations. For tiles are there in everybody’s home and there should be some way we can incorporate our floor tiles or wall tiles in our decorations. There’s a reason why tiles are so popular when it comes to home decor.

All that is left now is for you to place that big start on the top. Don’t wait up, and get right into that festive feel with your family. Celebrate the beautiful life in all its glory.

5 Easy Tricks to Brighten Up Your Rooms

Who doesn’t love a little light? The winter season is upon us and now it has become more imperative than ever that we address those dim corners and rooms inside our house. Darker rooms exude a lazy and monotonous vibe, one which isn’t welcoming to guests or home-stayers alike. Brighter rooms on the other hand provide a sense of energy to get through the day effectively with vigour.

1.       Wall mounted shelving is a must for your home decor!

Eliminate the need for heavy furniture and the room will automatically look shades brighter. Rather than incorporating separate study tables and hefty bookshelves, opt for precise and aesthetically pleasing wall mounts over your wall tiles which will not only save you a lot of space but will accentuate your room in terms of lighting as well. Make sure you paint them white or some other lighter colour. This way, there will be no more shadows which are usually casted by heavy pieces of furniture during the day.

2.       Replace your dark furniture right away:

Do you have a dark wooden television cabinet that is occupying half the length of your walls? Do you own a huge wooden bed belonging to a darker coffee shade? Do you have bookshelves which are widespread right from your floor tiles to the ceiling? Heavy furniture is sometimes essentially needed, but more often than not, it contributes to an extremely dull and mundane feel. Always minimize such furniture components and pick lighter wood options. If you’ve already invested a lot in your ‘heavy’ furniture, you can pick vibrant slipcovers to compensate for that.

3.       Pick your accessories and decorations wisely:

Being passionate is one thing, but buying a dark Manchester United poster just for the sake of the name might just deteriorate the vibe of your entire room. Always be cautious while picking your artwork, book collections, wall hangings, knickknacks and other decorations that are sitting in your room. Old black and white rustic accessories donning your wall tiles or a wall full of old green plant hangings or an ancient stack of books – all this can contribute towards that dark appeal your room is exuding. You might end up making a few sacrifices along the way if you want to brighten up your room in an effective manner.

4.       Mirror mirror on the wall!

Now that there is breathing space in your room, don’t be hesitant to add a few mirrors. The minimum amount of light that is entering your room will be reflected through those mirrors, making your room seem a whole lot brighter than it actually is. Make sure you pick mirrors which come with light coloured frames.

Set Your Mood Straight With Vibrant Wall Colours This Monsoon Season

Colours are ruminative of a person’s mood. In fact, colours break the monotony of the frantic work-driven human lives. Colours make life beautiful and evade any sense of dullness that creeps in because of certain things happening every now and then. Monsoon is a season that is known for its vibrancy, beautiful rains, sumptuous delicacies and happier people. Why not transport this happiness to your homes? After all home is a place that stands for comfort and calm and therefore it should be laden with home decor items and wall tiles that are vibrant and chic.

Set your mood straight with vibrant wall colours this monsoon season by following these simple and fun tips:

1.       Change the wall colours: Well, this just makes good common sense to be appearing at the top of the podium. Indulge in brighter colours. Period! A pop of colour would add a new dimension altogether. It is less effort and more result. How about having a dash of orange on the beige wall tiles?

Also, make sure you maintain a good distance from the greys and blacks this season. It adds dullness and heaviness which is best avoided.

2.       Lighting: Home lighting assumes great importance in the monsoons.  Ensure that you manage it well. Try experimenting with yellow lamp shades for a brighter and warmer look. Also, pick some pretty and quirky lamps. There are so many to choose from in the market today. Imagine a creative personalized lamp donning your composite marble floor. It will add that personalized touch that you’ve always dreamt of.

3.       Curtains and drapes: Use lighter and free flowing materials and bright colours and you are set to experience the monsoon breeze in all its glory sitting in your living room.

4.       Window Fixtures: Monsoon breeze is perhaps the standout thing about the season, and therefore one should revamp the windows to make ample room for cross ventilation.

5.       Bed Linens: Playing with colours should not just be restricted to the walls but should be reflected in the choice of bed linen also. You could opt for traditional Rajasthani or Kutch embroidered cushion covers along with quirky crockery for an added appeal.

6.       Add a sleek and colourful piece of furniture or accessory to add that X-Factor to your home sweet home. Match it with the newly done wall colours. It would result in a stammeringly beautiful visual delight.

7.       Make sure to hang a beautiful wind chime. Monsoons are tailor made for these accessories. In a nutshell, a wind chime is a treat to the eyes and the ears.

8.       The floor mats and doormats donning your floor tiles should be rain resistant but should also compliment the wall colours. Choose the colours and material wisely. Utility and aesthetics go hand in hand here.

Wall colours should be the starting point of preparing your home for the ‘monsoon welcome’. Then you should co-ordinate and make sure the other accessories follow closely. It is all about coordination and mixing and matching. So what are you waiting for? Get going and add that dash of colour now! You can thank us later!

Preparing Your House For the Chilly Winter Season

The time is approaching when the days will get shorter and the nights longer. For some, it is the dullest part of the year but for others, the season is all about basking in the pleasures of staying at home all cozy and warm in your skin soft quilt. The transition from summers to winters is not all sunshine and rainbows. Your need to give your house a makeover in order to make it winter-proof.

So, here are some tips to prepare your home for the chilly winter season:

1.        Take care of your plants: Move all the potted plants inside to prevent them from catching cold. The tropical plants cannot thrive in low temperatures and besides, they add a new look to your living room. Moreover, all the other plants should be pruned and trimmed effectively.

2.        Add layers: Winters is the time to invest in some beautiful quilts and amazing bed covers. As we all know, come winters spending time in bed becomes a luxury. Add pops of colours to all your bedding sheets and throw some classy rugs and carpets beneath your feet.

3.        Chimney cleaning: This is again a very significant area to invest in. To make the most optimum use of your pretty fireplace, you need to get the chimney cleared by a professional. It increases the efficiency and also is a much needed safety measure for your family.

4.        Curtains, window panes & tiles: Firstly, invest in pretty thick curtains to add freshness to the look of your house. Winter curtains are very different from the summer ones in terms of prints and fabric. Choosing energy efficient glass panes for windows which will help keep the chills away. Incorporate aesthetically pleasing tiles in your current home decor by moving for digital tiles, wall tiles, floor tiles, or ceramic tiles for that matter.

5.        Gutters cannot be left clogged: Make ample time to clean your gutters either by yourself or by employing a professional. This is a must do ritual for winters.

6.       Boiler Alert: Winters are the time when you need a good heating system. Therefore, make sure to tune up all your boilers. It also ensures a good life span for your heating system.

7.        Candles and lamps: Winters are the perfect occasion to have candles light up the interiors. Buy some creatively beautiful candles and make sure your guests don’t forget to look twice. Moreover, get yourself some artistically pleasing lamps which add that warmth and take up the aesthetic appearance of your home a notch higher. Always remember, candle light dinners are still in fashion!

Follow these steps religiously and bask in the glory of the mesmerizing winter season. Wake up the interior designer or the home decor expert inside you and get to work. Happy Winters!!