Prefabricated House in Mexico Inspired by Love for the Outdoors

Prefabricated House in Mexico Inspired by Love for the Outdoors

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Prefabricated House in Mexico Inspired by Love for the Outdoors

Posted: 28 Mar 2019 04:00 AM PDT

prefabricated house mexico
The Mexican architectural firm SOA Soler Orozco Arquitectos designed the unconventional Casa Molina residence. This prefabricated house in Mexico offers a total living area of 1722 square feet (approximately 160 square meters). A contemporary prefabricated home, it includes a two-bedroom layout with two full bathrooms as well as a common terrace space.

According to the architects, they manufactured the structure in a workshop. This is also where they assembled the light covers, electrical, plumbing installations and floor finishes. The foundation was prepared to receive the structure on the site, were the modules were fit together. The final step of the process was to install the lighting fixtures, furniture and accessories to complete the residence.

The U-shaped prefabricated house in Mexico features an optimum indoor-outdoor connection.  It features alluring terraces and spaces for entertainment. By using wood and metal, the architects managed to create a home that is both functional and inviting. Casa Molina has two bedrooms, designed with peacefulness in mind. Large windows with views to the inner courtyard also increase the feeling of intimacy. Enjoy the virtual tour! Information provided by SOA Soler Orozco Arquitectos. Photography courtesy of César Béjar.

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Take a Tour of the Season 3 Queer Eye Loft and Shop the Look

Posted: 27 Mar 2019 02:00 PM PDT

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Season 3 of Queer Eye is out now and we’re taking you on a tour of the Fab Five’s fabulous Kansas City loft. You’ll see plenty of the modern-industrial space in the new season. The guys gather to do their makeovers and watch the final transformation at the end of the show in the Queer Eye loft. And the best part – you can shop the look at West Elm.

West Elm Season 3 Queer Eye Loft

Rich, masculine neutrals and textured fabrics and finishes warm up the large, open loft space. All images courtesy of West Elm

Bobby Berk and West Elm worked together to pull the space together. Working with a large, open loft space has its challenges, but Bobby shares his secret: "Creating different vignettes throughout the room in a cohesive color palette allows me to define the different spaces without having them feel separate from each other," he said.

Let’s check out the Queer Eye Loft:

queer eye loft living room

The men gather on the cozy Andes sectional to watch the results of their makeover on TV.

Shop the look:

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queer eye loft living room

queer eye Kansas City loft

Step up a platform into the entertaining and styling area where the makeovers happen.

queer eye season 3 sneak peek

A vintage barber styling chair adds charm to the modern industrial loft design.

queer eye loft plan

The loft features plenty of tropical plants that separate each area into an intimate space.

Shop the look:

queer eye loft plan
queer eye loft plan
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season 3 queer eye loft design

The kitchen is a showstopper, with a large kitchen island for the Fab Five and guests to gather around.

queer eye decorating ideas

A “living wall” along the large kitchen windows uses hanging potted plants on industrial poles.

Shop the look:

queer eye decorating ideas
queer eye decorating ideas
queer eye decorating ideas
queer eye decorating ideas

Check out more of the Queer Eye Loft Season 3 on Netflix!

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What’s Clogging Your Drains and How Can You Unclog Them?

Posted: 27 Mar 2019 10:00 AM PDT

Water is the most plentiful natural resource on the planet. And since it's so abundant, you rarely think about it. That is, until you have a clogged drain and you can't get rid of it. “Just about every plumbing fixture in your home can become clogged, from that fabulous farmhouse kitchen sink and bathroom sinks to the tub and shower," says Doyle James, President at Mr. Rooter Plumbing. Here's a look at what's causing those clogged drains, and how you can unclog them.

Clogged Drain Causes

Clogged drain Fat oil and grease

Fat, oil and grease can clog your drains and pipes. Image: Pradit_Ph/Getty Images

"Food and substances that do not break down, such as fibrous food, egg shells and non-food items, along with grease and oil, will build up in your pipes and create a clog in your drain over time," James explains.

Clogged drains - hair

Hair is a major culprit in clogged drains. Image: sasimoto/Getty Images

Also, hair can wash down the drain during showers or while washing your hair in the sink. In addition to washing your hair, combing and cutting it over the sink will also create a clog eventually.

Soap is another culprit. “Sometimes, soap itself is not a problem,  but when it is combined with hair and other substances, it can form into solid clumps, clogging your drain," James says. "But on the other hand, many traditional bars of soap also include grease or fat, and neither should be washed down the drain."

Clogged Drains - toys

These toys look so innocent — until they get stuck in your drain. Image: Robert Reader/Getty Images

And according to Audrey Monell, President of Forrest Anderson Plumbing and AC, a clog can also be caused by kids wanting to see their toys float on top of the water. In addition, your drain could be clogged from flushing excessive amounts of toilet paper or flushing paper towels, tampons and other objects down the commode.

Clogged Drain Solutions

Clogged drain - clothes hanger

A clothes hanger is an inexpensive solution. Image: Jorg Greuel/Getty Images

If you have a clogged drain, a bent wire hanger is one option. "Use a regular wire coat hanger and straighten it out as much as possible," James says. "Bend one end to create a hook, push it through the drain and start fishing." After you pull out the hair and/or other substances, he recommends running hot water to help clear the drain.

A plunger is another option, but many people don't know how to use it properly. The initial plunge should not be forceful. You're trying to force the air out of the plunger’s bell, but you don't want it to splatter — especially if you have hardwood floors in the kitchen and bathroom. After the water is out, you can start plunging more forcefully, but make sure the plunger is firmly in place. Don't give up if you don't see any progress after four or five plunges. It may take over a dozen plunges to see any results. Also, make sure that there's enough water in the toilet to cover the plunger.

Clogged drains - vinegar and baking soda

Vinegar and baking soda are an alternative to poisonous chemicals. Image: Eskay Lim/Eye Em/Getty Images

Yet another solution is baking soda and vinegar. "Concoct a mixture of 1/3 of a cup of baking soda and 1/3 of a cup of vinegar, which will fizz when combined," James says. "Pour it immediately down the drain and the fizzing action will help break down the gunk, hair and grime." He recommends letting it sit for an hour — although he says leaving it overnight is even better — and then flushing with hot water. "You can also pour the dry baking soda down the drain first and chase it with the vinegar," James explains.

However, he says boiling water is probably the easier tip. “Boil as much water as your kettle will hold and slowly pour it down the drain in two or three stages, allowing the hot water to work for several seconds between each pour," James says. "Make sure your sink is empty before trying this and be extremely careful when handling hot water."

Chemical-based drain cleaners are a risky option since these chemicals don't work as fast and can be corrosive.

"If you aren't sure what to do or the solutions above haven't worked, contact a professional to help you clear your drain quickly and more effectively," James advises.

Preventing Clogged Drains

Clogged drains - trap hair

Trap hair or debris before it goes down the drain. Image: deepblue4you/Getty Images

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure (or trying to clear a pound of hair and grease). For example, if your hair tends to shed badly when you wash it, take a proactive approach. "Make sure you have a guard over your drain to catch the hair more frequently," James recommends. This advice works whether you wash your hair in the shower, sink or while soaking in your favorite bathtub.

Whether you use your dishwasher or wash your dishes by hand, scrape the dishes over a trashcan first to ensure there's no food left on them.

Clogged Drain - hot water

Use care when transporting hot water to the drain. Image: RyersonClark/Getty Images

You can also regularly maintain your drains by pouring hot water down them on a weekly basis, or by pouring a cup of vinegar down the drain, letting it sit for half an hour and then pouring two quarts of hot water down the drain.

"It's also a good idea to have your home's plumbing checked regularly for leaks and clogs to avoid a plumbing emergency that could cost more in repairs," Monell says.

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Chewy’s Autoship Helps You Build a Perfect Pet Gift Box

Posted: 27 Mar 2019 04:00 AM PDT

We hope you like the products we recommend. Just so you are aware, Freshome may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. 

Subscription boxes are trending, and who can blame us? What’s not to love about getting a treat in the mail, whether that’s a monthly shipment of flowers or a weekly package of food (see you later, grocery shopping!). The only issue with subscription boxes is they can also contribute to the accumulation of stuff. When your box comes stocked with items you don’t really need, they often just end up taking space in your house.

That’s why pet subscription boxes, while super fun for your furry family member, can be a problem. Do pet owners who want to take a more minimal approach to their pet’s stuff have to skip the fun of a pet gift box? No! Thanks to the Autoship feature from Chewy, you can shower your pet with fun items on a regular basis while also ensuring both you and your four-legged friend will like what your box contains.

chewy autoship

Use our promo code (at the end of this article) to grab 30 percent off your first Autoship from Chewy. Image courtesy of Chewy.

How Autoship from Chewy works

So, let’s be clear, Chewy does not offer a subscription box. They do, however, offer a recurring shipment that’s tailored to your pet. After personally getting a sample box from them, I think that’s a good thing. My dog’s toy basket is now completely overflowing. I honestly can’t imagine keeping up with a monthly increase of toys, and that’s saying something because my pet is a Destroyer of Toys.

You can use Chewy’s Autoship feature to set up your own subscription, on your own schedule, with the items that are right for your pet. That could mean a monthly shipment of Fluffy’s favorite treats or a quarterly box with Spike’s favorite toy that he inevitably destroys every so often.

And, here’s the best part: you get 30 percent off your first Autoship, plus 5 to 10 percent off select products in all your future Autoships. You can change or cancel your Autoship at any time. So whether you want a monthly, quarterly or yearly present for your pet, Chewy’s got you covered.

chewy goody box 1

My box came with – count them – six(!) toys and three types of treats. Image provided by Kacie Goff.

My sample shipment from Chewy

I wanted to test this out. It’s one thing to go into a pet store and see a toy in person. It’s another to order it online. Would Chewy’s toys hold up? Would their treats entice my dog? It was time to find out.

My box from Chewy arrived on a rainy day. We’ve been having this uncharacteristically wet winter in Southern California and my dog — a dingo lookalike mutt named Babou — has been going nuts. Naturally, he’s driving me crazy right along with him. So when the box showed up on my doorstep, I tore into it. And, I swear, Babou must have known it was for him. He paced nervously around me as I pulled off the packing tape and started sorting through the goods. We received:

Toys

Treats

The puzzle toy, in particular, was a real treat for both Babou and me. With the rain keeping us both indoors, stuffing the box full of toys (it came with three small ones inside) and tucking a treat at the bottom was enough to keep us entertained while we waited out the steady drizzle.

chewy goody box 2

The prince patiently awaiting his new treasures. Image provided by Kacie Goff.

My review of Chewy’s products

Would I recommend ordering your dog’s favorites from Chewy? Abso-freaking-lutely. Every toy they shipped me is high quality. My dog has been thrilled with (and unable to destroy) each item. And as for the treats? They’re a slam dunk. The freeze-dried treats, in particular, are a fun new discovery. Babou is a finicky eater, but I’ve found that crumbling two of them on top of his food will have him polishing off dinner in record time.

Chewy has such a wide range of toys and treats that it’s easy to replicate an Autoship order with the things you’re already grabbing from the pet store on a regular basis. With the double bonus of getting a discount on your order and crossing an errand off your list for good, it’s definitely worth taking this unique approach to pet gift boxes for a spin.

Plus, Chewy has amazing customer service and an 100 percent satisfaction guarantee on every item in every order. You can rest easy knowing that you’re going to be happy with your order.

Want to get in on the action? We’ve got a Freshome promo that gets you 30 percent off your first Autoship order! Whether you’ve got Fido’s birthday coming up or Fiona just seems bored with her current hoard of cat toys, it’s worth checking out Chewy.

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The Biggest Pinterest Home Trends for 2019

Posted: 26 Mar 2019 10:00 AM PDT

There are a whopping 250 million active Pinterest users per month. And they’re busy pinning and repinning all their favorite design inspiration photos, memes, recipes, crafts and more. Pinterest just released a report breaking down the data of which Pinterest home trends are big in 2019.

Wondering how they manage to call it correctly year after year? According to Pinterest, they track and monitor pins for an “upward trajectory [that] holds steady for 6+ months.” 250 million people must be right. According to users, these are the top ten Pinterest home trends that are going to be hot for 2019.

1. Mustard Yellow is the “It” color for 2019

pinterest home trends 2019

Add mustard yellow to a room to update and warm up your space. Image: Pinterest/decomg

Searches for mustard yellow: +45%

Mustard yellow or sunflower yellow replace last year’s favorite — sage green. Try adding a bold focal wall or add a small accent furniture piece and some accessories in the color. Here’s more on how to decorate with yellow.

2. Pinners are obsessed with fireplaces

2019 pinterest home design trends

A small, private garden was fitted with an outdoor fireplace for ambiance. Image: Pinterest/warmcozyhome

Searches for contemporary fireplace: +763%

Indoor and outdoor fireplaces are hot — and according to Pinterest, “the more modern and sleek, the better.” If you agree, you’ll love these outdoor fire pit ideas and the best indoor electric fireplaces that you can even set up in your rental.

3. Fabric walls

top pinterest home trends 2019

Hanging tapestry or textiles on the wall are an easy way to add color and pattern. Image: Pinterest/sfgirlbybay

Searches for textile art: +1718%

The idea of upholstering your walls may sound stranger than it looks. Rugs, tapestries and other hanging fabrics are hot, and give a room that boho-chic look.

4. Painted geometric wall patterns

pinterest trends 2019

Create a custom feel in your room by painting a geometric pattern on the wall. Image: Pinterest/redonline

Searches for geometric paint: +225%

Pinterest users are crafty and love a good DIY project. Save your favorite geometric paint Pin, whip out some painter’s tape and paint some geometric patterns on your wall to get in on this Pinterest home trend.

5. Wallpaper is the new paint

pinterest design trends 2019

For a more sophisticated wall, nix paint and try wallpaper. Image: Pinterest/hyggeandwest

Searches for bold print wallpaper: +401%

If painting geometric patterns on your walls isn’t your thing, bold wallpaper in bright geometric prints or tropical leaves is the answer. The best part is, there are plenty of removable wallpaper options nowadays that make it possible to wallpaper your rental walls, too. Here’s our ultimate guide to removable wallpaper.

6. Tin-spiration

pinterest design trends

Stamped tin is a stunning and low maintenance option for a backsplash. Image: Pinterest/apartmenttherapy

Searches for tin interiors: +563%

Stamped tin can work in nearly any interior style including farmhouse, industrial, vintage or modern. Paint yours to customize it further. According to the Pinterest home trends report, “From backsplashes to wallpaper, tin is in!”

7. Cactus and succulent arrangements

pinterest interior design ideas

Mix and match a cactus with succulents for a low-maintenance centerpiece. Image: Pinterest

Searches for cactus arrangements: +235%

Add some life to your space with a low-maintenance plant like a cactus or a succulent. Buy a shallow pot, fill it with soil, drop in a grouping of both cacti and succulents in different heights. Finish it off with some gravel for a cheap and chic centerpiece. Here are more ideas on how you can display your new arrangement.

8. Living walls

trending on pinterest

Cover up an unsightly wall or fence with a lush vertical garden. Image: Pinterest/sunset

Searches for vertical gardens: +287%

Vertical gardens or living walls are growing on Pinners. And we’ve been a big fan of the trend, indoors or outdoors. Here’s a roundup of our favorite vertical gardens and living walls.

9. Painted floors

trending pinterest pins

Paint over old flooring by using a geometric stencil pattern. Image: Pinterest/cuttingedgestencils

Searches for painted floor tiles: +1276%

Forget messy demolition to replace your floors and paint over your existing tile or parquet floors instead. It’s much faster, easier and cheaper. Especially if you use the latest stencils for a mosaic-tile look that are definitely a part of Pinterest home trends for the year.

10. Natural swimming pools

best pinterest home design pins

This swimming pool makes use of its natural surroundings to keep the water fresh and flowing. Image: Pinterest/babble

Searches for natural swimming pools +262%

We all love a dip in the swimming pool but can do without all the chlorine after-effects like burning eyes, bleached hair that goes green and dry skin. A salt-water pool is quickly replacing chlorine as the go-to choice for homeowners and is one of the Pinterest home trends for 2019. Here’s a roundup of some of the most beautiful swimming pools in the world.

Looks like 2019 is gonna be a big year to focus on your walls. Whether you add wallpaper, hang a tapestry or paint them in bright yellow, make sure you’ve embellished them with bold colors and prints. And don’t forget to include plants in your room’s decor.

What do you think of the Pinterest home trends for 2019? Let us know in the comments. Follow us on Pinterest!

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