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Top Residential Areas in Qatar to Consider for Living

  • August 9, 2023

Top Residential Areas in Qatar to Consider for Living

When it comes to finding the perfect place to call home in Qatar, there are several exceptional residential areas that stand out. With a booming real estate market and a variety of properties for rent in Qatar, there’s something for everyone’s preferences and needs. Whether you’re a young professional, a family with kids, or a retiree looking for a peaceful environment, Qatar has a range of residential options to cater to your lifestyle. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the top residential areas in Qatar that you should consider for living.

1. The Pearl-Qatar

The Pearl-Qatar is a stunning man-made island that’s become synonymous with luxury living. Its Mediterranean-style architecture, picturesque views, and high-end shopping and dining options make it one of the most sought-after residential areas in the country. The Pearl offers a mix of apartments and villas, all equipped with modern amenities and stunning waterfront views. It’s also conveniently located near major business districts, making it an attractive choice for professionals. If you’re looking for exclusivity and a lavish lifestyle, The Pearl-Qatar should be at the top of your list.

2. West Bay

West Bay is another prominent residential area in Qatar, known for its towering skyscrapers, impressive skyline, and proximity to major business hubs. This area is perfect for those who seek convenience, as it’s situated in the heart of Doha, the capital city. West Bay offers a mix of upscale apartments and serviced residences, making it a great choice for expatriates and professionals. The area is also home to numerous international schools, making it suitable for families with children.

3. Al Sadd

Al Sadd is a vibrant neighborhood that strikes a balance between modernity and tradition. It’s known for its bustling markets, cultural attractions, and a wide range of housing options. From cozy apartments Read the rest

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Finding Your Dream Home in St Albans: Tips for House Hunting in a Competitive Market

  • July 20, 2023

Finding Your Dream Home in St Albans: Tips for House Hunting in a Competitive Market

Introduction

St Albans, a historic city nestled in the heart of Hertfordshire, has become a sought-after destination for homebuyers. With its charming neighborhoods, excellent schools, and convenient access to London, it’s no wonder that the property market in St Albans is highly competitive. If you’re on the hunt for your dream home in this bustling city, here are some tips to help you navigate the challenges of a competitive market and find the perfect property.

Define Your Priorities 

Before diving into the house hunting process, take the time to identify your priorities. Consider factors such as location, size, amenities, and budget. Knowing what you’re looking for will help you stay focused and make informed decisions during your search.

Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage 

In a competitive market, it’s crucial to be prepared. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage will give you a clear understanding of your budget and show sellers that you’re a serious buyer. This step will also expedite the buying process once you find your dream home.

Work with a Local Real Estate Agent

Partnering with a knowledgeable and experienced St Albans estate agent who specializes in the St Albans market can be a game-changer. They will have insider knowledge, access to exclusive listings, and the negotiation skills needed to help you secure your dream home in a competitive market.

Stay Updated with Online Listings 

Set up alerts on popular property websites and stay updated with new listings. In a competitive market, desirable properties can go under offer quickly. Being one of the first to know about new listings will give you an advantage and increase your chances of finding your dream home.

Attend Open Houses and Viewings  

Actively participate in open houses and property viewings. This will give you the opportunity to get a feel for different neighborhoods, Read the rest

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Why Use Hot Tub Enzymes for Hot Tubs or Spa Care

  • July 14, 2023

Why Use Hot Tub Enzymes for Hot Tubs or Spa Care

A hot tub is a luxurious amenity that provides relaxation, therapeutic pros, and a great place to unwind. Regular maintenance is vital to ensure your hot tub’s durability and optimal performance. There are various products available for spa care.

However, hot tub enzymes are popular for their exceptional cleaning and maintenance properties. This article will explore why incorporating hot tub enzymes into your spa care routine is wise.

What are Hot Tub Enzymes?

Hot tub enzymes are specialized products that help maintain water cleanliness and clarity in a hot tub or spa. They are formulated with a blend of natural enzymes and bacteria that work together to break down and digest organic contaminants in the water. Enzymes effectively eliminate oils, lotions, detergents, and other organic substances accumulating in the water.

Reasons to Use Hot Tub Enzymes 

  1. Improves Water Clarity

One of the main reasons to utilize hot tub enzymes is their ability to enhance water clarity. Enzymes break down organic matter like body oils, lotions, and cosmetics that accumulate in the water. Enzymes avoid cloudy water by eliminating contaminants, leaving your hot tub crystal clear and clean. You can enjoy a pristine spa experience without worrying about impurities affecting the visual appeal of your tub.

  1. Avoiding Unpleasant Odors

Using your tub regularly leads to the accumulation of organic compounds that emit unpleasant odors. Hot tub enzymes efficiently digest these compounds, removing foul smells and ensuring a fresh and inviting atmosphere in your spa. By addressing the root cause of the odors rather than simply masking them with fragrances, enzymes provide a durable -lasting solution for an odor-free hot tub experience.

  1. Prevents Scale Formation

Calcium and other minerals naturally found in water lead to scale formation on the surface of your hot tub. The deposits not only detract from the appearance Read the rest

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Why furniture is getting cheaper

  • March 18, 2024

The furniture segment is one of a few to see prices go down lately, according to today’s CPI report. The furniture index fell 3.7% over the last year, and kept slipping last month. And Ikea, one of the biggest furniture retailers in the world, is no exception. The Swedish home store has been cutting prices on budget staples like the Billy bookcase and Kallax storage cubes, and executives say the price rollbacks will continue in 2024 across all markets where Ikea operates.

That weird supply and demand shock of the pandemic hit furniture sales harder than a sleep-deprived person stumbling into the corner of their bed the first morning of daylight savings.

First there was the pivot to working from home in 2020, said Marisa Ortega, a retail analyst at Mintel. Then in 2021 with record low mortgage rates, a lot of people upsized their homes.

“And you know that requires to fill more spaces in your home — more pieces for another living room and another bedroom,” she said.

That intense demand has subsided as mortgage rates have soared.

“If people are not buying houses, there is less need to look for furniture and home decor,” Ortega said.

At the same time, supply pressures like shipping costs have also eased. Most furniture is imported, said Michael Brown, a partner with Kearney Consulting.

“Coming in on ships that were very, very expensive. And that quickly dissipated,” he said.

Brown said Ikea has been uniquely positioned to save thanks to its clean modern designs, which are also more efficient to manufacture and transport.

“There’s not a lot of waste. There’s not a lot of shapes. They’re all pretty straight cuts, you know all connected by similar hardware,” he said.

Transportation and materials make up the bulk of furniture costs, which

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Gardenfurniture Presents: Unwind in Style Choosing the Perfect Outdoor Furniture Pieces

  • March 17, 2024

Gardenfurniture Presents: Unwind in Style Choosing the Perfect Outdoor Furniture Pieces.

GardenFurniture, the leading provider of premium outdoor furniture, is excited to announce the launch of its latest collection, inviting customers to elevate their outdoor living spaces with elegance and comfort.

As the warmer months approach, people are increasingly seeking ways to transform their gardens, patios, and outdoor areas into tranquil retreats where they can unwind in style. Recognizing this desire for relaxation and luxury, GardenFurniture has curated a stunning selection of outdoor furniture pieces that blend functionality with exquisite design.

Our mission at GardenFurniture is to help our customers create outdoor spaces that reflect their personality and lifestyle,” stated, the representative at GardenFurniture. “With our new collection, we aim to inspire individuals to reimagine their outdoor living areas as extensions of their homes, where they can entertain guests, enjoy family gatherings, or simply indulge in moments of solitude amidst nature.”

From chic dining sets that set the stage for al fresco dinners to cozy loungers perfect for lazy afternoons under the sun, GardenFurniture offers an array of options to suit every taste and space requirement. Crafted from high-quality materials such as weather-resistant wicker, durable aluminum, and sustainable teak, each piece is designed to withstand the elements while exuding timeless charm.

The collection showcases a harmonious blend of modern aesthetics and classic craftsmanship, allowing customers to create cohesive outdoor environments that enhance the beauty of their surroundings. Whether seeking sleek minimalism, rustic charm, or opulent extravagance, GardenFurniture provides a diverse range of styles and configurations to cater to diverse preferences.

In addition to its commitment to design excellence, GardenFurniture prioritizes sustainability and environmental responsibility. By sourcing materials ethically and implementing eco-friendly manufacturing processes, the company ensures that its products not only enhance

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A Closer Look at a Midcentury-Modern Home in the Woods

  • March 16, 2024

When you know it, you know it. That’s how Greg Bartelt felt when he first laid eyes on the home in which he now lives.

Nearly three years ago, Bartelt saw a real estate listing for a midcentury-modern home in Huntington Woods. “It was a Friday; we looked at it Saturday and closed the deal Sunday night.” Bartelt fell in love with modern design many years ago when attending Whitman Junior High School in Livonia. “My school was a Minoru Yamasaki design,” he says. “I loved the lines, the glass atriums, the courtyards, the floor-to-ceiling brick. Pure Yamasaki.”

Bartelt and his wife, Sue, purchased the 1950 home from the original owners’ daughter. “We started renovating immediately and wanted to get it done in under a year,” says Bartelt, who had an insider’s perspective on what that year might look like.

Bartelt owns Royal Oak-based Vogue Furniture, which designs, fabricates, finishes, and installs high-end furniture and millwork. The couple continued to live in their Birmingham townhome during the renovations.

Bartelt says the move was somewhat inspired by the fact that his family has grown to include two young grandchildren. “We needed the space again,” the creative designer says.

The home’s renovation crew, including Bloomfield Township-based Lakes Development Group, removed drywall, flooring, windows, and more. Meanwhile, the floor plan was fine-tuned to include a large primary suite that would eliminate two bedrooms, consolidating those areas into one large space.

“There are no walls between the bathroom, the floating closet, and the bedroom,” Bartelt says. Another goal was to create a new kitchen layout. “It was closed in, so we tore down walls and opened a space, moving it to where the breakfast niche once was.”

They also removed a hearth and a built-in planter area and designed a new staircase

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Best Patio Furniture Sales March 2024

  • March 13, 2024

Spring is almost here, and now’s the perfect time to shop patio furniture sales to prep your outdoor space for the upcoming season. Between now and Memorial Day, you’ll see good deals on everything from outdoor dining sets to Adirondack chairs. After that, you’re not likely to see comparable deals again until the end of the summer.

We’ve perused the current outdoor furniture sales from top retailers like West Elm, Wayfair and Frontgate and rounded up the best deals on conversation sets, outdoor couches, dining sets and more. Below, check out the best patio furniture deals separated out by category for easy browsing.

The Best Patio Furniture Sales At A Glance

Best Conversation Set Deals:

Best Outdoor Couch Deals:

Best Outdoor Dining And Bistro Set Deals:

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Lulu and Georgia Friends and Family Sale 2024: Save 25% on Furniture, Rugs and Decor

  • March 12, 2024

Lulu and Georgia is one of our favorite places to shop for stylish home essentials and rugs this season — and now, you can enjoy major deals on the brand’s gorgeous selection of furniture, decor and more. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your home this spring or splurge on investment-worthy pieces at a discount, the Lulu and Georgia Friends and Family Sale is not one to miss.

Now through Tuesday, March 19, Lulu and Georgia is offering 25% off sitewide — including best-selling furniture, rugs and decor pieces that are perfect for a seasonal home refresh. 

Shop 25% Off Lulu and Georgia

Marked by luxurious textures, sleek silhouettes and elegant vintage-inspired touches, Lulu and Georgia’s designs are at once minimalist and warm. From modern and minimal to boho and vintage, the selection of elevated essentials and coveted statement pieces is hard to beat. 

The Friends and Family Sale also includes lighting, bedding and dinnerware to upgrade your entire home at a discount. No matter what room you’re looking to upgrade, there’s a good chance Lulu and Georgia will have just the right addition. Below, shop the best furniture and rug deals happening at Lulu and Georgia this week.

Best Furniture Deals at the Lulu and Georgia Sale

Corso Side Table

Corso Side Table

Lulu and Georgia

Corso Side Table

Sleek, modern and a little moody, this hand-carved mango wood side table offers lots of textural appeal and stylishly displays its artisan craftsmanship.

Best Rug Deals at the Lulu and Georgia Sale

Most of the brand’s pieces are crafted in soothing neutrals and earth tones, making them easy to incorporate into your home. Rugs can either make or break a room’s ambiance, so whether you’re after an eye-catching statement piece or a clean-yet-cozy Moroccan style, you can treat yourself to the gorgeous designs

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New Orleans furniture store Floor 13 opens in Mid-City | Gambit Weekly

  • March 9, 2024

A mannequin dressed in a vintage pink blazer and pillbox cap “greets” guests inside the new location of Floor 13, a furniture and home decor store in Mid-City.

“That’s Belinda the Bellhop,” says owner and artist Holis Hannan. “She’s not for sale. She’s our mascot.”

Belinda is just one of the whimsical, vintage finds at the store, which is hard to miss with its exterior fresh coat of pink paint.

Belinda’s lair is decked out in colorful furniture, original art, retro home decor and second-hand collectibles that Hannan has gathered from hotels, estate sales and other markets. 







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Holis Hannan of Floor 13 finds vintage and antique furniture at estate sales, hotel liquidations and other markets, often refinishing them with a fresh coat of paint and new hardware. 




Since relocating Floor 13 from Harahan, Hannan has been organizing her new space by setting up a series of “vignettes” — rooms that correspond to a specific design style, such as mid-century modern, Victorian or shabby chic.

There’s even an area featuring a huge variety of vintage circus posters, striped furniture and other trinkets. She calls that the “Pontchartrain Beach room.”

“We’re kind of taking some inspiration from Wes Anderson, with a hotel theme,” she says of the store’s aesthetic, which is partially inspired by “Grand Budapest Hotel.”







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A Pontchartrain Beach-themed vignette at Floor 13 showcases vintage carnival and amusement park decor.




“I took my whole staff to see ‘Asteroid City’, and we loved the color, the saturation,” she adds.

As far as the eye can see, whimsy abounds, whether it’s in the form of a pile of throw pillows depicting various animals, a golden lamp from the Ritz-Carlton repurposed with a handmade butterfly shade, or a rockabilly-inspired stenciled dresser. Statement

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Best Amazon Furniture Deals Spring 2024: Shop End-of-Season Savings Up to 75% Off

  • March 2, 2024

The new season will be here soon — and our spring cleaning impulses along with it. Aside from welcoming the new season with clean floors and revamped wardrobe, there’s no better feeling than refreshing our homes with new furniture. Luckily, Amazon is making it easier to head into spring with a furniture upgrade in pretty much every room of your house—and yes, that includes outdoor spaces, too.

From Amazon’s outlet to its secret furniture storefront, there are currently massive deals on furniture worth getting excited about those home updates. No matter what room you’re trying to outfit, you’ll find something affordable for up to 75% off.

Shop Amazon’s Best Furniture Deals

The Amazon furniture sale is brimming with stylish and affordable homeware, including platform beds, sleeper sofas, coffee tables, outdoor dining sets and a lot more. To help you find the very best furniture deals, we did the digging for you and selected the top deals that’ll upgrade your home without breaking the bank.

From modern furniture to classic, rustic-style pieces, shop the best Amazon furniture deals in every category and save on top brands like Martha Stewart, Christopher Knight Home and more.

Best Living Room Furniture Deals

Best Kitchen and Dining Room Furniture Deals

Best Bedroom Furniture Deals

Antok Floor Mirror

Antok Floor Mirror

Amazon

Antok Floor Mirror

One of the best ways to make a space feel bigger is with a truly great accent mirror. This gold arched full length mirror can be tilted to the wall or installed vertically on the wall.

Best Patio Furniture Deals

For even more savings on best-selling products, check out our ultimate guide to all the best Amazon deals on tech, fashion, beauty, home and more to shop today.

RELATED CONTENT:

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Furniture From Grandma’s House Is Trendy Again. Thank Round Top.

  • March 1, 2024

In late December, Lockhart resident Allie Launius uploaded an innocuous-seeming video to TikTok about a rustic piece of furniture she’d recently nabbed from Facebook Marketplace. Launius, owner of the vintage furnishing outpost Stampworthy Goods, knew she’d found something special with this light wooden cabinet, which folded out into a little breakfast nook Murphy table–style, with a cubby for stools tucked underneath. She didn’t expect for the video to go viral though, with millions of plays and hundreds of commenters gushing about the table’s homespun patina and practical potential. 

Comments poured in, with some viewers exclaiming that it’d be perfect for their work-from-home setup. Others fantasized about repurposing it as either a sewing or hobby cabinet. “It struck a chord with people because it was just so functional. It’s not just a beautiful piece that you have in your home that you don’t use,” Launius says. “It’s something that you could use every day.” 

It’s tempting to think that this folksy Murphy table’s virality can be chalked up to it having its fifteen minutes at the whims of the algorithm. In reality, it nods towards a growing demand for refined, down-home furnishings that would have been described as dowdy just a few years ago—picture heavy oak wood cabinets and unfussy chairs carved from pine that might have sat in your grandparents’ living room for decades. “People love the quirk,” says Maria Bergh, co-owner of Austin vintage shop Joint Detail. “Something that’s just a little off that adds a little texture and an unexpected moment to a more refined space.” These handmade pieces are decidedly imperfect, and that’s precisely the appeal. 

“The wear and tear speak to a lifetime and age and a durability of pieces that don’t exist in our world of fast design,” says Matthew Tsang, an

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Best place to find actual and affordable modern furniture and accessories

  • February 27, 2024

I stumbled into Velvet Goldmine, at the corner of Division and Damen, after failing, for the second time, to outlast the breakfast line at Kasama, a few blocks south. (That’s another, less happy, story.) It was August and witheringly hot outside, but inside this vintage building with its Moorish fantasy keyhole windows, the vibe was as cool as the welcome was warm—more Mad Men than Ziggy Stardust to my eye. Owner Jon Gorske is happy to chat or to let an obvious “just-looker” like me browse his ever-changing stock of actual and relatively affordable midcentury modern furniture and accessories at her own pace. As is Ella, the waggy part-pit bull greeter in the lamb suit. 

During the week, Gorske scours the countryside, rounding up well-used Scandinavian imports and American MCM pieces, and works at restoring those that need it to their original (mostly) woody splendor. The Wicker Park store, which has been there since 2015, is open weekends (check their Facebook or Instagram page for news and updates). And now, one weekend each month (usually the second), shoppers can also browse their Pilsen warehouse space at 329 W. 18th Street, along with spaces housing a cluster of other vintage dealers in the same building. The Velvet Goldmine mother lode on display at the warehouse last month included a Danish architect’s drafting desk and a set of Norwegian nesting tables, both in glowing teak, and something I would have purchased if only I had the Playboy Mansion parlor for it: a major statement coffee table of curving glass with a formidable driftwood base.

Velvet Goldmine
Open Sat 11 AM-7 PM, Sun 11 AM-6 PM, and by appointment; 2001 W. Division, 312-493-1660, facebook.com/velvetgoldminechicago

Best of Chicago 2023 is presented by


Wild Wednesdays and Shindig Saturdays at Charlie’s Chicago


Game 1 of the

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Walmart’s Midcentury Modern Furniture Sale Starts at Just $40

  • February 26, 2024
walmart furniture sale

Don’t Miss Walmart’s Major Furniture SaleWalmart

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Nostalgic trends seem to be popping up everywhere right now, and our homes are no exception. (Did you know pit sofas are back?) Whether you love the look of wing-back chairs and shag carpets, or midcentury modern silhouettes always seem to get your attention, you can easily mix old and new pieces in your home for a vintage-inspired design. Plus, you don’t have to splurge to get the look because there’s a major Walmart furniture sale happening right now, with budget-friendly furniture and decor starting at just $40.

Adding pieces that are inspired by past trends is a great way to inject a personal touch into your home. You can combine your favorite modern pieces with eclectic, old-fashioned finds to create a space that matches your exact style. We’re seeing tons of eye-catching pieces available right now, including a chic velvet couch that’s currently $119 off. It features a midcentury modern aesthetic with tapered wooden legs and a tufted backrest that adds instant style to your space. Or, embrace a Noguchi coffee table dupe for under $300. It’s perfect for resting your drinking glasses on or for styling with your favorite coffee table books. Though if you feel like you need more storage space, this walnut-colored table offers just that with its open middle shelf.

Regardless of what midcentury modern piece you’re looking for, we guarantee there’s something for everyone below. Scroll on to shop our favorite pieces from the sale.

Midcentury Modern Nightstand

This walnut-colored nightstand will keep all your bedtime necessities organized, and hidden, in the morning thanks to the drawer. We love the spacious top as you can place a lamp on

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