Category Archives: home accessories

Handwoven in Morocco – Introducing the Stylish Berber Rug

If you’ve never dug your toes into an authentic Moroccan Berber rug or Beni Ourain rug, you don’t know what you’re missing. Soft, plush and beautiful to the eye, these handcrafted wool rugs have been a tradition of the nomadic Berber tribes of North Africa since as far back as the Paleolithic age.

The Beni Ourain term and the Berber rug synonym refers to the seventeen tribes of Berber people who have thrived in the high-altitude Atlas Mountains of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia for centuries. It was there in that harsh mountain climate that these simple but luxurious rugs had their beginnings. Woven as a necessity from the rich, cream-colored wool of local sheep, they served as ground coverings, blankets and as shawls to throw over one’s back and shoulders to protect against the cold. And while their original purpose was for practicality, the Berber women that hand wove these rugs individually added their own personal touches with colors, symbols and designs that told the unique stories of their lives. These stories included tales of births and deaths, fertility, rural life and spirituality, and it was not uncommon for talismans to make an appearance in a design as a means to ward off evil spirits. Today’s Berber artisans continue that practice to this day.

Centuries later, these knotted pile rugs have reached a far wider audience becoming particularly popular in the home decor of western society. And because no two rugs are exactly alike, these typically asymmetrical rugs are all the more valuable. Traditional Beni Ourain rugs are notable for their generally cream-colored background and minimalist designs made up of fine black or brown lines or geometric shapes. The darker-colored yarns typically came from local dark sheep and goats, but natural ingredients such as spices, herbs and flowers were also used to make colorful dyes. As a result, Berber rugs as a whole may contain surprisingly bright splashes of color that can make quite a conversation starter as a floor covering in today’s modern homes or displayed on walls as works of art.

While modern society has since created commercialized “knock-offs” that may not even be made in Morocco, true believers can still haggle for an authentic Moroccan Berber Rug or Beni Ourain rug in a Marrakech carpet shop or seek out local sellers who take on that role for them. As the rugs have gained in popularity, artisan villages have sprung to life in the Atlas Mountain regions of Morocco. These talented women use their looms to weave beautiful, unique rugs, often customized to their buyers’ requests. In some cases, they will use synthetic colors to meet specific color requests, but on the whole, the process for making them has changed little over the centuries.

With so much history and culture interwoven in these unique rugs, it is no wonder they are so popular with historians, collectors and designers. The beauty of it is that they also have gained great appeal with those who simply enjoy the nicer things in life.

Durable and Stylish Cowhide Cushions


Are you thinking about redecorating your living room? You can spruce up your living room with some animal hide cushions. It is amazing how cowhide functions in various settings. It has become a symbol of refinement in the modern home. Specifically, the bold style can highlight any decor theme. Animal hides are rustic and elegant. Cowhide cushions look great in any living room. They are soft and silky. Your animal hide cushions can blend well with any decor scheme. The unique print is a visual anchor, and it can make any room look cozier. You can make several cushions the focal point of your living room, or you can accent your sofa with one cushion

They Are Durable
Your pets and kids will relax on your sofa. The cushions will need to withstand wear and tear. Most synthetic cushions will wear down after a few months of regular use. Animal hide cushions are difficult to puncture or tear. Cowhide is a natural shield, and it is an exceptionally resilient material. You do not have to worry about your children or pets damaging your cushions. Your cushions can be a family heirloom. A few shakes will remove dust and debris. The natural oils repel dirt, and the material will not unravel at the seams. You can remove pet fur with a brush or a towel. Most stains can be removed with a moist towel. If a glass of juice is spilled on the cushion, you can remove the stain with mild soap and water. Cowhide cushions should never be laundered in a washing machine. When the cushions need to dry, they can sit outside in the sun for a few hours.

They Are Natural and Unique
Cowhide cushions do not have a complicated manufacturing process. Real animal hide cushions are not dramatically enhanced. A real animal hide cushion will have a unique pattern. The colors can be brown, black or white. Some animal hides have a solid color. The pattern can also be sparingly broken. The earthy colors are soothing, and they can create tranquility in any living space. Animal hide cushions can be used in bedrooms. You can look forward to many restful nights in your bedroom when you lay your head on an animal hide cushion.

They Are Hypoallergenic
If you have allergies, you need to think about fabrics when you are purchasing decor cushions. Synthetic fabrics can cause rashes and respiratory irritation. Natural animal hide cushions are not manufactured with any synthetic fibers. Cowhide is hypoallergenic. The fabric will not aggravate your allergies or irritate your skin.

Add some uniqueness and rustic glamour to your home with these timeless cushions. These classic cushions look great in suburban homes, country homes and upscale condominiums. Your guests will compliment your style. Your cowhide cushions will be a great conversation starter when you have parties. They may want to redecorate after seeing your beautiful cushions. You can let them know that every animal hide cushion is soft and unique.

Install a Garage Floor Perfect for Cold Climates

Not every type of garage flooring is great for areas that are hit with wide temperature fluctuations and heavy snow or ice during the winter. Epoxy is a material that forms a solid bond with the concrete and can withstand the temperature variances and moisture levels of a Chicago winter.

Cold Climates and Snow or Ice

Cold climates like that experienced by Chicago residents bring winters that are filled with falling temperatures, snow, and ice. This moisture ends up being brought in onto your garage floor. Many garages are unheated. The ice and snow initially melting can refreeze and make it a dangerous surface to walk on.

The Beating Concrete Takes In Cold, Wet Weather

Any crack that develops in your garage floor is an area of weakness that will lead to larger areas of damage. As moisture enters the cracks and the temperatures fluctuate the water will freeze and thaw in a daily cycle. Each time it freezes it forces the crack to become wider. Water soaking into the concrete will begin to degrade the material.

How Epoxy Seals Moisture Out

Epoxy is installed a floor-wide layer of material that hardens into a surface that is both durable and waterproof. You will feel more confident that the bonding between the epoxy and concrete is tough enough to withstand years of service in the coldest and snowiest winter conditions. Add the garage floor coating Chicago homeowners need for a longer-lasting surface.

Enjoy a Cleaner, Beautiful Looking Garage Floor for All Seasons

The epoxy surface you have installed is a breeze to keep clean. It will always look and feel cleaner and retain the original beauty of the design and colors of your choice. It’s a comfortable garage floor surface to use any time and season of the year.

You have a surface material available that is quick to install, affordable and is designed to provide better than average protection from cold and wet climates. It’s the perfect choice for areas like Chicago.

6 Ways to Use Casters Around the House



If you think casters are only used in restaurants and libraries, think again! There are plenty of things in your home that can be improved with increased mobility, and here are just six of them.


1. Toolboxes

Are you tired of lugging your toolbox around the house for home improvement projects? Or maybe you just hate the constant trek back and forth in your garage. Whatever the reason for your weariness, toolbox casters can reduce your back-breaking efforts.


2. Desks

A mobile desk has many uses. For example, if you love to watch the sunrise in the morning but hate the glare it gives your screen by mid-afternoon, you can put casters on your desk and simply move it to a new spot in your office whenever you want. If you share your desk with someone else in your household, a mobile desk is also more easily transported between rooms.


3. Chairs

Once you’ve mobilized your desk, it’s time to mobilize your chair, too. Not only will you improve its ergonomics and reduce back pain during long stretches of pouring over textbooks and work documents, but you’ll also do less damage to your floor, too.


4. Laundry Baskets

You’ve probably seen them on large, industrial hotel laundry baskets, but many people fail to realize that casters can be attached to everyday laundry baskets, too. Say goodbye to hauling heavy loads of wet clothes around the house!


5. Luggage

Most luggage already comes with wheels, but what if yours doesn’t? It’s the simplest thing in the world to add a few wheels to your bag, and it’s a lot cheaper, too. Instead of buying a whole new bag, you’ll just need to buy a few casters.


6. Carts

If you have a large kitchen, wheeled carts can really reduce the chaos of cooking a big meal and having a dozen things that need your attention all at once. For example, you can use a cart for both cutting meats and organizing spices, and then you can wheel it towards the stove or back to the fridge as need be.


These are just a few ways to use casters around your home. As you can see, the sky is the limit, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Casters are so easy to add and remove that you can put everything in your home on wheels at least once!

Buying My Son a Mattress from Across the Pond

When my son moved away to study in Birmingham, England, I still felt the need to send him care packages and call him to make certain he was getting everything he needed. I don’t care how old he is, my motherly instincts can still detect he needs certain things that he will no longer ask for. I could not have been more proud of my son as he decided to study to become an orthopedic doctor, but studying over 1,000 miles away has been a challenge for me. I wanted to share my story with making a purchase for him all these miles away that really has me more excited than words can even say.

My son started studying at Birmingham University and would call me everyday with how things were going. I could tell that after he made all his book and supplies purchases, that he was having difficulties furnishing his new room. When he moved into the University campus, he had nothing more than a bed frame with a nasty old mattress and a small dresser. I wanted to show my son how excited and proud I was of him, but trying to shower him with gifts from 1,000 miles away seemed a challenge at first. I knew he was getting low on funds and he needed to furnish his dormitory room, so i decided to try and buy some things for him online.

I really wanted to get him the best possible mattress because this was the field he was studying, and I had to make certain he was getting a solid night sleep so he was fresh and strong for his daily workload at school. I started my search for a new mattress for him, and it was a challenge at first because many websites do not provide shipping and delivery. Others had decent prices, but the order process was so complicated that I found myself getting frustrated rather quickly. I decided to do a search for an online bedding supply company in England, and found Cut Price Mattresses, conveniently located near the University in Birmingham.

So after visiting the Cut Price Mattresses website, I decided to buy mattress materials and some protective coverings so it would last him his entire stay on campus. I was amazed at all the different style mattresses they have in stock, and the discounted prices on name brand mattresses. I went with the best, and then checked to see about making arrangements for the bed to be delivered to his dorm room. The ordering process was simple, I still con not believe how easy the process was, and how efficient this company is at making sure the mattress was delivered exactly when they told me that he would have it.

I was also able to locate a furniture store called IKEA, and bought him some accessories to fill up his dorm room and make it more comfortable for him to study each night. Now he has a brand new mattress, new tables, desk, chair, and even some pictures for his wall. Now remember I am over 1,000 miles away from my son, and I still have the ability to spoil him when I want. Google is simply amazing to me. I just type in a search box what I want to buy, add a location, and instantly I am provided a list of local Birmingham stores that can do the delivery for me whenever I choose. I can tell when he got to his dorm room and met the delivery guys that he was extremely excited.

he thanked me for a week, and called me everyday telling me that he has not slept in a bed so comfortable his whole life. I could not be happier with my overall experience, especially my ability to buy mattress materials with the click of a mouse and have them delivered too. I don’t even hesitate any longer when I think that my son needs anything. I have used the Cut Price Mattresses website several times to buy mattress accessories for him since that day, and each time I rave about their products and exceptional customer service. As long as he remains in that school, they have a loyal customer.

Appliance Maintenance: Caring for a Trash Compactor

A trash compactor is great at helping you save space in your garbage. However, because it deals with trash, it can get dirty and stinky. Maintaining your trash compactor can not only reduce your need for appliance repair in Sterling Heights, but it can also make being in the area more enjoyable. Take care of your trash compactor to help it last longer and stop the unnecessary spread of germs.

Trash Compactor Maintenance

You should clean out the compactor about once a month. After you remove a bag of trash, use an anti-bacterial cleaner to wipe down the compactor. If anything falls down into the compactor when you are taking bags out, pull it out right away. Get rid of anything stuck to the inside of the compactor. You should wipe down the exterior as well, since germs can spread quickly.

A trash compactor is a great place for bacteria to grow, since food is put inside and is often left inside for a while. If you do not keep up with maintaining it, the bacteria will continue to grow inside and spread. This is dangerous for your family. Deodorizing the compactor can get rid of unpleasant smells and stop the growth of bacteria. Be sure to use a deodorant that will fight bacteria. If you want it to have a scent, that is up to you.

If your trash compactor has a filter, you will need to change it out occasionally. Look at your owner’s manual for instructions on the appropriate filter and how often it should be changed out. Keep track of when you change it out so that you always get it done on time.

Trash Compactor Safety

A trash compactor is made to be safe, but it is your job to ensure no one is hurt around it. Teach children that they should not mess with it, especially when it is in the middle of compacting. If you notice that the trash compactor is not working, do not continue to use it or try to fix it yourself. Doing this can result in even more damage to the compactor, and you can actually put yourself in danger by messing with the components when you do not fully understand them. Instead, you should call for appliance repair  A professional will look at your compactor to determine what is wrong and what should be done to fix it.

Cowhide Rugs – A Stunning Classic for Your Home

Cowhide rugs in themselves are classic accessories for your home. What defines a classic? It is something that does not change with each passing trend, and yet remains fashionable and desired. A classic is always interesting, because it continues to evoke mystery, day after day.

A cowhide rug is an upscale-even luxurious-decorative object that never goes out of style. From the early homes of leading South American citizens to the rowdy Wild West Era in the United States, cow hide whispers romance, adventure, and a touch of the untamed element woven throughout all of Nature.

Cow hide, a by-product of the meat processing industry, is surprisingly at home in any type of architecture, surrounded by any type of furniture, from sharp modern mid-century to chic and edgy urban looks to cozy upholstered pieces.

Cowhide Rug on Living Room photo cowhidecarasoul.jpg

What gives cowhide rugs their universal appeal? Simple. These classic pieces don’t have to try. They evoke instant feelings of warmth, provide textural and visual interest to any room, and they are completely natural.

Their very naturalness ensures a wide variety of colors, sizes, and shapes (yes, even rectangular and square for rooms requiring a totally refined look). From pale beige and stark white shades that look fabulous on dark floors to deep brown and black skins that add intense drama to any color scheme, every homeowner will find just the right cowhide rug for their home, no matter their tastes and personal style.

Cowhide rugs, however, are not just pretty to look at. They are as tough as they are attractive. In fact, these natural accessories are unique amongst available decorative household objects in that they not only look beautiful but they are extremely durable and resilient, making them perfect for households with children and pets-or both.

Cow hide is naturally water-repellant and stain-resistant. These natural pieces remain pliable, so they are a good investment because they will last for a very long time. And when tanned with a quality technique, such as with chromium which enhances the skin’s natural durability, cowhide rugs can become beloved family heirlooms, being passed from generation to generation.

Brown and White Cowhide Rug
Despite the gently refined yet rugged look of a cowhide rug, this natural hide is also naturally hypo-allergenic, making it the perfect magnet for children. It will not irritate their sensitive systems, and the short, hairy texture will mesmerize children for hours.

Whether you want to "dress down" a formal piece of furniture, such as a velvet sofa, or soften the potentially harsh effect that could result from a roomful of angular mid-century modern pieces, a cowhide rug will feel right at home. A light cowhide rug can add interesting texture to a neutral room without destroying the carefully assembled color scheme, while a darker color is extremely durable as well as tastefully dramatic.

Cowhide rugs are a classic, sound investment that your family will enjoy for years to come. Cowhide rugs are now available from a variety of different sources, and can be easily found by conducting a quick online search for cowhide rug suppliers.