Wedding decor thats over-the-top [in a good way]

Wedding decor that s over-the-top [in a good way]

chateau chic 

As far as wedding venues go, this one pretty much takes the cake. With sprawling gardens to house the ceremony and a stunning chateau that doubles as the backdrop, we can't think of a better spot for swapping I dos.  

looking up 

As if the trip down the aisle wasn't memorable enough, why not add in a flood of florals to generously lead the way to the top.

step up splendor 

The best way to dress up an outdated space? A pin-worthy compilation of fresh garden roses and elegant votives just might do the trick. 

opening ceremony 

If there's ever a must-have photo opp at a wedding, the post-ceremony trip down the aisle definitely ranks high up on the list. Make the most of the moment with a bold arch of fresh lavenders and wisteria, for a backdrop that just might be as memorable as the moment itself. 

beached beauty 

Elevate the standard place card table by opting for an assortment of rosy proteas and strips of driftwood, to create a rustic setting that captures the eye.  

the high light 

Nothing makes a statement quite like oversized chandeliers, hanging in the midst of bright greens in an equally elegant locale.

center of attention 

When your table runner doubles as a centerpiece - and consequently as the focal point of the reception - we're thinking, the bigger, the better. This cascading cluster of blush-toned dahlias lend a feminine touch to the rustic decor, evoking a touch of charm. 

picture this 

Consider this your not-so-standard photo booth backdrop. Blank walls and cliche props have had their moment, and we're all for updating the mandatory wedding step-and-repeat with a fearless cluster of vibrant greens. 

looking up 

You can never go wrong with enough lighting, especially when your big day entails a night under the stars. We're loving this ultra chic setup, where an assortment of paper lanterns and free-falling wisteria complement the dramatic flair of the romantic decor. 

cakes on deck 

When a 10-tier cake just isn't enough by itself, consider an ornate alter of bold florals to seal the deal.  

luxe love 

This extravagant setting (complete with mirrored tables and matching chairs) effortlessly complements the old-world aesthetic of the understated color palette and lavish decor. Brass candelabras and an overhead installation of plated sculptures lend the perfect finishing touches.  

woodland wonder 

Over-the-top doesn't always mean you have to break the bank. This budget-friendly DIY (that's just about as dreamy as a backdrop can get) makes for the ideal setting for photos and toasts. 

keywords: Wedding decor that over-the-top [in a good way]

How To Wash a Window

How To Wash a Window

• It's a good idea to wash your windows at least twice each year to keep up with all the dirt and grime Mother Nature blows your way. Special tools the pros use can make the task easier, but if all you've got is a few microfiber cloths and a good cleaning solution, you're well on your way! 

• If you have exceptionally dirty windows, start by spraying them down with a mixture of dishwashing detergent and water to remove built up dirt. Rinse clean and follow up with the steps below for a streak-free shine.

Cleaning tips

• Don't Wash in the Sun: Don't wash windows in direct sunlight because the sun can overheat glass and cause streaking.

• Use a Squeegee for best results: It's not 100% necessary to have on hand for cleaning day but it does make managing streaks much easier.

• Clean Scrubber: Make sure your scrubber/wash rag and squeegee are clean. It doesn't make much sense to clean with dirty tools! Don't forget to wipe your squeegee between strokes. You don't want to leave dirt behind. Also, a wet blade will make streak marks more likely. 

• Overlap Strokes: By at least an inch and angle the squeegee so the dirty water doesn't drip into the area that is clean and dry.

What You Need

• Materials
• Vinegar or Ammonia
• Water
• Dishwashing detergent
• Tools
• Spray bottle
• 2 lint free cloths
• Squeegee (optional)

Instructions

1. Mix up your cleaning solution. Equal parts vinegar + water are a fantastic solution for just about everything in your home, but you could also use ammonia + water, or lemon juice + 1 quart of water. 

2. Spray the entire window with the solution. 

3. Move the solution all around the window with your lint-free cloth (or scrubber) wiping away any scummy residue left on the windows. Fold in the edges of the cloth (or rinse the scrubber) as you go to keep from moving dirt around the window. 

4. Wipe down the window with a clean, lint-free cloth or squeegee from the top of the window to the bottom. 

5. Be sure to clean drips from the window sill so the solution won't damage your windows!

Keywords: How To Wash a Window

11 of the Most Amazing and Unusual Homes You’ll Ever See

11 of the Most Amazing and Unusual Homes You’ll Ever See

What is the most unusual home you have ever lived in? Many of us only know what it is like to live in stucco or brick buildings, with everyday walls, windows, and doors. But there are houses all over the planet that are far different from the traditional, offering a unique way of life, and a place to live that is just as much art as it is a home.

Here are 11 of the most amazing and unusual homes found all over the world.

1. Glass House In Tokyo 

Called the “House NA,” this glass house was designed by Sou Fujimoto Architects to let in a whole new level of natural light. Located on a populated street in Tokyo, Japan, the only thing this house is missing is some privacy. The 914 square foot home was built to be like a tree house with layers of living spaces built in throughout.

2. Waterfall Home

There was not enough land to build a full home on this parcel, and so the architect designed a house built into the active waterfall on site. Located on Bear Run in Pennsylvania, this home is truly remarkable.

3. The Most Narrow House In The world, The Keret House

This home made the best it could out of a very small space. Squeezed between two buildings, the Keret house ranges between 92 and 152 CENTIMETERS in width!

Do you see it? It’s the small structure crammed between 2 much larger structures.

4. Boeing 727 Hotel In Costa Rica 

At one point in time this airplane flew people from South Africa to Columbia, but at the end of its career it ended up at the San Jose airport. Here it was purchased for $2,000 and recycled into a home located in Costa Rica.

The 2-bedroom domain has epic views of the ocean and surrounding gardens thanks to the long hallway adorned with endless windows–provided by the plane. It cost $4,000 to transport the plane to Costa Rica, at which point an additional $24,000 was spent in renovations to make the airplane feel like home.

5. The Hobbit House in Wales 

This house sure makes for some delightful photographs! Making it less of a surprise that a photographer is responsible for creating this house. With some help from his father-in-law, he was able to build this house using all natural materials and only $5,200. His goal was to create a living space that resembled the Lord of the Rings for he and his family to live, within 4-short months the dream was a reality.

6. Brooklyn Clock Tower Home 

This is one unique, and pricey apartment located In Brooklyn’s Clock Tower building. The lavish 7,000 square foot pent house overlooks Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens offering up some of the most amazing views in all of New York City. Interested? The price tag reads $18 million dollars.

7. Flintstones House

Located in Malibu, California, this house is YABBA-DABBA-SWEEETT!!!

8. Slide House In Japan 

It may look like an ordinary, modern 3-story home with just over 1,700 square feet, but inside this house in Japan has a conventional staircase on one side of the home, and a not-so conventional slide you can alternatively use on the other side of the home.

9. Crocodile House- Ivory Coast 

10. Dumpster Home

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure–the old saying just went to a whole new level after you see this dumpster home. Gregory Kloehn is designer from California that turned an old dumpster into his Brooklyn home. It might be a ‘dump’ but he’s added all of the necessary ammentities to a good apartment, he’s got a microwave, mini-stove, some storage space, and even a tiny little toilette!

The best part according to Kloehn? “If you don’t like your neighbors, you can push it a block over.”

11. Home On The Rock 

Who needs a whole island when you can build a house right atop a rock?! This unique home is located in Serbia. 

Keywords: 11 of the Most Amazing and Unusual Homes You’ll Ever See

17 of the Most Amazing Treehouses From Around The World

17 of the Most Amazing Tree houses From Around The World

• Kids ever since dreamed of building their own tree house as a sanctuary away from parents, away from the real world. Some of us still do. In Western countries the tree house is said to be only for kids, but is it? People from the other side of the globe see the tree house as their traditional home. For instance, for the Korowai community in New Guinea, the tree house is the best option of accommodation due the environmental conditions. They raise their houses up above to protect their homes from sneaky animals and constant floods. 

• Fortunately, the idea of tree house is no longer left to rust in the pages of a children's books, nor on the other side of the globe. Architects and designers develop new concepts of tree houses for a child inside you, who never grew up. In these days, everyone can fulfill their old as the hills dreams about having a tree house or even spending your holiday there. The conventional wooden cabin design is left into the previous century as these new houses feature multiple floors, electricity, glass, mirror or even lightweight aluminium alloy parts. 

Three Story Tree house (British Columbia, Canada)

Why have a single-story tree house, if you can have three? This one is said to be the tallest tree house in British Columbia, Canada. You can find it somewhere near Revelstoke

Mirror Tree House (Sweden)

Almost invisible and perfect for hiding, the Mirror House is part of the Tree Hotel project in the North of Sweden. As cool as it looks, we’re afraid the house may be invisible to birds. 

The Bird’s Nest Tree House (Sweden)

This tree house, by the creators of the Tree Hotel, might confuse the birds even more. Although it looks like a massive nest from the outside, the house has a modern and high-standard room built inside.

The HemLoft Treehouse (Whistler, Canada)

After retiring at the age of 26, software developer Joel Allen became a carpenter and fulfilled his dream of “building something cool”. Kind of an understatement. He never thought this personal project would be featured in international design magazines!

Treehouse in Muskoka (Ontario, Canada)

Designed by Lukasz Kos, 4Treehouse is constructed around four trees over Lake Muskoka in Ontario, Canada, and floats in the air like a big Japanese lantern on stilts.

Minister’s Treehouse (Crossville, Tennessee, USA)

This grandiose 100-foot-tall structure is said to be the tallest tree house in world, and was built entirely out of reclaimed wood by Horace Burgess in Crossville, Tennessee.

Yellow Treehouse Restaurant

This restaurant in Auckland, New Zealand, offers you an amazing dining experience: the restaurant seems to be organically wrapped around the tree and is able to host up to 18 guests at a time.

Treehouse in Seattle (USA)

As if tree houses are not fairy tale-ish enough by themselves, this one even has a rope bridge leading to its doorstep! (Image credits:

Free Spirit Sphere Treehouses (Canada)

Built with vision and engineering, these handcrafted spheres are suspended like pendants from a web of rope. They occupy a truly unique place in the world and provide a habitat for the un-tamed spirit that exists in us all.

Treehouse by Takashi Kobayashi (Japan)

Designed by Takashi Kobayashi, the Tree House People seek to “break down the feeling of separation that exists between humans and nature.” 

Senior Center Turned Treehouse (Ghent, Belgium)

This sculptural tree house in Belgium was made for the art festival TRACK: A Contemporary City Conversion, and is a miniature version of the houses behind it.

O2 Treehouse (USA)

The O2 Treehouse seeks to “inspire humanity to reconsider how we can more harmlessly co-exist with nature” by creating world-wide tree house communities.

Treehouse for Birds and People (Andu Momofuku Centre, Japan)

A modern tree house concept by Nendo offers you the possibility to peek into the private life of birds. Divided into two parts by a wall with little peek holes, it allows people to see what the birds are doing on the other side of their wall.

Eco-friendly Finca Bellavista Treehouse (Costa Rica)

This tree house is a part of the self-sustainable and eco-friendly Finca Bellavista tree house community in Costa Rica. The whole property of the community now takes up more than 600 acres, and is all connected by suspension bridges!

Plane Treehouse (Costa Rica)

While not entirely a treehouse, this vintage Boeing 727 was originally bought by Joanne Ussary for $2,000.00. It cost her $4,000.00 to move the plane and $24,000.00 to renovate an turn it into this Executive Suite 727 tree house. A jacuzzi in the cockpit is just one of the intriguing ideas she had for her new home! 

Teahouse Tetsu (Yamanashi, Japan)

Architect Terunobu Fujimori‘s treehouse combines both minimalism and fantasy. While the interior is simple and modern, the exterior looks like a page from a fairy tale.

UFO Treehouse (Sweden)

The Swedish Tree Hotel decided to go a totally different direction after building a Bird Nest tree house and built this UFO treehouse.

keywords: 17 of the Most Amazing Treehouses From Around The World