#as well as a regular fireplace and a stone fireplace area rug
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merwilson · 2 years ago
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Minneapolis Basement
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realestatencrs · 30 days ago
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Gaur City 12th Avenue Apartments with Quartz Countertop
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Apart from giving both visual and tactile experience, Gaur City 12th Avenue Apartments Greater Noida West, the Caesarstone has other benefits, such as: Available in different colours, sizes and thicknesses, Non-porous, Heat and cold-resistant, Resistant to stains and scratches, Easy to maintain and Durable. Though there are many beautiful patterns of Caesarstone, which can be used to achieve any interior style, here is the list of top six designs available, which will help you to narrow down your choice. These patterns will transform any surface to give your interior an appealing look. Caesarstone Kota Grey quartz.
The Caesarstone Kota Grey is soft grey background quartz stone with a grey veining pattern to give it a unique look. It works well in every home type and kitchen style. It comes in both polished finish and honed finish. The Caesarstone Kota Grey is an ideal option for high-traffic kitchens and commercial business countertops. Gaur City 1 Noida Extension / Gaur Siddhartham Price List / Gaur City Resale Price / Gaur city 12th avenue Price List
Caesarstone Rugged Concrete quartz, Symbol of the urban environment and converted loft aesthetics, Caesarstone Rugged Concrete quartz is reinterpretation to the actual concrete. Gaur City 12th Avenue Apartments Greater Noida West, It can be combined with white, grey or black tones to give a smart finish to the area in which it is installed. Besides, it is durable, resistance to heat, anti-bacterial, easy to care and maintain and scratch, stain and impact-resistant.
Caesarstone Primordia, One of the legendary innovations, Caesarstone Primordia, is suitable for any interior. Available in a range of attractive colours and textures, the durable material can boost the aesthetics of space. It has a new grey base with imperfect patina and rusty spots to give your designs a contemporary feel. Caesarstone Primordia offers many advantages, apart from giving an inviting look to your interior, as it is anti-bacterial, non-porous, durable, scratch-resistant and robust.
Caesarstone Empira White, Empira White is unique marble quartz, which offers the natural look of Calacatta Marble. Gaur City 12th Avenue Apartments Greater Noida West, It has deep grey veining on a classic white base. The Caesarstone Empira White quartz elevates both traditional and modern interiors. It gives an elegant finish to any area and can be used in kitchens, bathrooms and living rooms. The high-quality material is resistant to heat, and you could use it as a fireplace surround.
Caesarstone Statuario Maximus, Caesarstone Statuario Maximus brings warm grey veins sweeping across white quartz base to your interior. Gaur City 12th Avenue Apartments Greater Noida West, This beautiful design is further enriched with delicate background veins to give an exclusive look to your space. The brand offers a polished finish with a perfect sheen. The material requires very little maintenance and is accompanied by high quality pure natural quartz. It is non-porous, anti-bacterial and heat-resistant material and can be cleaned with regular detergent.
Caesarstone Fresh Concrete Quartz, Caesarstone Fresh Concrete Quartz is the clean, modern appearance of white concrete with white and light warm grey features. It is a long-lasting material, which requires low maintenance, and offers a timeless look with neutral shades. Besides, it is scratch and heat-resistant, which can be used in kitchens, vanity top, fireplace surround, flooring and wall cladding.
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thestoneevolution · 1 month ago
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Transform Your Home’s Exterior with Stunning Elevation Stone Tiles
If you want to make a lasting impression with your home’s exterior, elevation stone tiles are an excellent choice. At The Stone Evolution, we specialize in providing high-quality elevation stone tiles that add sophistication and durability to any facade. These tiles offer a simple way to upgrade the look of your property while ensuring it stands strong against the elements.
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Why Choose Elevation Stone Tiles?
Opting for elevation stone tiles gives you a range of benefits that go beyond mere aesthetics. Here’s why they’re a valuable addition to any home:
Instant Curb AppealStone tiles give your home an elegant and refined look, adding character that enhances the visual appeal. Whether your style leans modern or traditional, elevation stone tiles add timeless beauty that elevates any exterior.
Built to LastThese tiles are crafted from durable materials that withstand various weather conditions, from rain to harsh sunlight. With proper care, elevation stone tiles will remain beautiful and intact for years, requiring minimal maintenance.
Adds Value to Your PropertyElevation stone tiles not only beautify your home but also increase its market value. Prospective buyers are often drawn to homes with high-quality exteriors, making stone tiles a smart investment for future resale.
Low MaintenanceUnlike painted or stuccoed surfaces that may require frequent upkeep, stone tiles are largely maintenance-free. Regular cleaning is typically all they need to retain their color and finish, and they resist damage from everyday wear.
Natural Insulation BenefitsStone tiles help regulate indoor temperatures, keeping your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This added insulation can contribute to energy savings and a more comfortable living environment.
Choosing the Right Type of Stone for Elevation Tiles
Selecting the right type of stone is essential to achieving the look you want and ensuring longevity. Here’s a quick guide to popular options:
Sandstone: With its natural earth tones, sandstone provides a warm, rustic appearance that blends well with many architectural styles.
Granite: Known for its strength and available in various colors and textures, granite is perfect for homeowners seeking a polished and high-end look.
Slate: Offering a unique rugged appearance, slate is ideal for creating depth and a strong visual impact on exterior surfaces.
Limestone: With lighter tones, limestone lends a soft and elegant look that complements minimalist and modern styles.
Marble: For those who want a luxurious touch, marble’s unique veining and smooth finish make it a stunning choice for an upscale aesthetic.
Creative Uses of Elevation Stone Tiles
Elevation stone tiles are versatile and can be used in many ways to enhance your home’s exterior and landscape:
Feature WallElevation stone tiles can create an eye-catching feature wall on the front of your house, adding visual interest and elevating the architectural design.
Entryway ColumnsCladding columns and entry pillars with stone tiles gives a grand look to the entrance of your home, adding sophistication and style to this focal point.
Fence or Boundary WallsElevation stone tiles can be used on gate or boundary walls, creating a cohesive exterior look that complements the home while offering security and elegance.
Outdoor Living SpacesStone tiles make a great addition to patios, outdoor kitchens, or fireplaces, adding a natural element that enhances the beauty of your outdoor areas.
Garden Pathways and BordersUse stone tiles along pathways or garden borders to create a charming landscape feature that integrates beautifully with the natural environment.
Tips for Selecting and Installing Elevation Stone Tiles
When choosing elevation stone tiles, keep a few essential considerations in mind to get the best results:
Color and Texture: Select a color that harmonizes with your home’s existing design and style. Darker tones can create a dramatic look, while lighter colors offer an airy, minimalistic feel.
Finish: Decide on a finish that complements the overall aesthetic. Polished finishes provide a sleek look, while natural finishes add texture and can hide minor imperfections.
Professional Installation: Proper installation ensures that the stone tiles will look their best and remain durable. A professional installer can achieve the ideal finish and secure the tiles to withstand exterior elements.
Sealing: Depending on the type of stone, sealing may be necessary to protect against moisture and stains. This can help maintain the tiles’ appearance and durability over time.
Elevate Your Exterior with The Stone Evolution
At The Stone Evolution, our elevation stone tiles are crafted to provide beauty, durability, and versatility. Whether you’re looking for a rustic, traditional, or modern design, our wide selection can help bring your vision to life.
Transform your home’s exterior with our stunning elevation stone tiles, combining long-lasting strength with a design that reflects your unique style. With The Stone Evolution, your home’s exterior will stand out and remain beautiful for years to come.
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interiordesigner4321 · 2 months ago
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Creating Timeless Elegance: Marble and Granite in Living Rooms.
Marble and granite are two materials that have long been associated with luxury, beauty, and durability. Incorporating these natural stones into your living room can instantly elevate the space, creating an ambiance of timeless elegance. Whether used as flooring, feature walls, or decorative accents, marble and granite bring a blend of sophistication and functionality to modern and traditional interiors alike.
1. Marble Flooring: Classic and Luxurious
Visual Impact: Marble flooring is a stunning way to transform your living room into a space of grandeur. Its polished surface reflects light, making the room feel brighter and more expansive.
Variety of Colors: From soft whites and creams to rich blacks and greens, marble comes in a range of colors to match any design style. Carrara, Calacatta, and Emperador marbles are some popular choices that enhance the luxury feel.
Durability: Marble floors are highly durable, though they require proper care to maintain their shine and prevent staining. Regular sealing can help preserve its beauty for years.
2. Granite Fireplace Surrounds: Bold and Striking
Natural Texture: Granite’s rugged yet refined appearance makes it an excellent choice for a fireplace surround. Its durability ensures it can withstand the heat, while its unique patterns and bold colors make the fireplace a focal point in the living room.
Color and Texture Options: Granite is available in a variety of shades, including earthy tones like brown, beige, and gray, as well as dramatic black and deep red. The natural veining and speckling of granite add depth and character to the space.
3. Marble Accent Walls: Sophisticated Statement Pieces
Artistic Feature: A marble accent wall can serve as an artistic statement in the living room, offering both visual appeal and texture. Whether it's behind the TV or as a backdrop to your seating area, marble’s veining patterns add a sense of movement and luxury.
Subtle or Dramatic: For a more understated look, choose soft, neutral-toned marble such as white Carrara. For a bolder effect, opt for darker stones like Nero Marquina or a richly veined Calacatta.
4. Granite Coffee Tables and Side Tables: Durable Elegance
Functional Art: Granite coffee or side tables offer a blend of durability and beauty. These pieces are not only practical for daily use but also add an artistic touch to the room. Their natural patterns make each table unique, adding character to your living space.
Long-Lasting: Granite is highly resistant to scratches and stains, making it perfect for surfaces that will experience frequent use. The stone’s density also ensures that it can withstand heavy objects without damage.
5. Marble Mantels and Shelves: Timeless Detailing
Elegant Focal Point: A marble mantel around the fireplace instantly becomes the centerpiece of the living room. The smooth texture and subtle veining bring a refined look to the area, balancing both classic and contemporary designs.
Functional Luxury: Marble shelving units or display spaces provide a luxurious touch to the room while also offering practical storage. Their sleek finish contrasts beautifully with books, artwork, and decorative objects.
6. Granite or Marble Coffee Table Tops: Sleek and Stylish
Luxury at Your Fingertips: Replace traditional wooden or glass coffee table tops with granite or marble slabs for a sleek, sophisticated look. Both materials are durable, easy to maintain, and add a touch of opulence to your living room’s centerpiece.
Complementary Textures: Pair the polished stone surface with metallic or wooden legs for a mix of textures that enhances the visual interest in the room.
7. Pairing with Other Materials
Wood and Stone: The natural warmth of wood combined with the cool, sleek finish of marble or granite creates a balanced and harmonious look in the living room. Consider wooden furniture with marble or granite surfaces to combine the best of both materials.
Metal Accents: Marble and granite pair beautifully with metal accents, whether it’s brass, copper, or blackened steel. Use these materials in light fixtures, frames, and decorative pieces to highlight the stone’s natural beauty.
8. Maintaining Elegance: Care Tips for Marble and Granite
Sealing: Both marble and granite require regular sealing to prevent staining and ensure longevity. Make sure to use the appropriate sealants for the specific type of stone you have.
Cleaning: Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the stone's surface.
Preventing Damage: While both materials are durable, use coasters, placemats, and area rugs in high-traffic areas to protect the stone from scratches and spills.
Conclusion
Integrating marble and granite into your living room design adds an air of luxury and sophistication that few other materials can match. Whether you’re looking for a stunning marble floor, a granite fireplace, or accent walls that make a statement, these natural stones offer a timeless elegance that enhances any space. At Karst Galleria, we provide a wide range of premium marble and granite options that can help you create a living room that’s both beautiful and durable.
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nehamanglani-102002 · 4 months ago
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Stone Finish Texture for Home: Elevate Your Space with Natural Elegance
A stone finish texture adds timeless charm and a touch of sophistication to any home. Whether you’re looking to enhance your interior or exterior, stone finishes provide both aesthetic appeal and durability. Here’s a comprehensive guide to stone finish textures and how you can incorporate them into your home.
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Benefits of Stone Finish Textures
Natural Beauty: Stone finishes offer a classic, elegant look that complements various architectural styles.
Durability: Stone finishes are highly durable and resistant to weathering, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.
Low Maintenance: Stone surfaces are generally easy to clean and maintain.
Versatility: Available in a range of colors, textures, and styles to suit different design preferences.
Increased Property Value: Enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home, potentially increasing its market value.
Types of Stone Finish Textures
Rough-Cut StoneDescription: Rough-cut stone features a natural, rugged appearance with uneven edges and surfaces.Benefits:
Adds a rustic, authentic look
Highly durable and suitable for exterior applicationsIdeal For: Exterior walls, garden features, and rustic-style interiors.Tips:
Pair with natural landscaping elements for a cohesive look.
Ensure proper sealing to prevent moisture infiltration.
Honed StoneDescription: Honed stone has a smooth, matte finish achieved by grinding and polishing the surface.Benefits:
Provides a sophisticated, refined appearance
Less slippery and suitable for indoor useIdeal For: Interior floors, countertops, and feature walls.Tips:
Regularly seal honed stone to protect against staining.
Combine with contrasting textures for visual interest.
Polished StoneDescription: Polished stone features a high-gloss finish achieved through extensive polishing.Benefits:
Reflective surface enhances lighting and brightness
Elegant and luxurious appearanceIdeal For: High-end interiors, such as living rooms and bathrooms.Tips:
Use polished stone in well-lit areas to showcase its reflective qualities.
Regular maintenance is required to keep the surface looking pristine.
Tumbled StoneDescription: Tumbled stone has a weathered, worn appearance created by tumbling the stone in a drum with abrasive materials.Benefits:
Creates a soft, aged look
Ideal for creating a cozy, rustic ambianceIdeal For: Backsplashes, floors, and outdoor patios.Tips:
Choose tumbled stone for areas where a less formal, more casual look is desired.
Sealing may be needed to maintain the stone’s appearance and durability.
Stacked StoneDescription: Stacked stone features thin pieces of stone arranged in a vertical pattern to create a textured, layered look.
Benefits:
Adds depth and dimension to walls
Versatile for both interior and exterior useIdeal For: Feature walls, fireplaces, and exterior facades.Tips:
Ensure proper installation to prevent gaps and unevenness.
Pair with complementary materials for a balanced design.
Dry-Fit StoneDescription: Dry-fit stone is laid without mortar, allowing for a more natural, irregular appearance.
Benefits:
Provides a rugged, organic look
Allows for flexibility in design and layout
Ideal For: Exterior walls, garden walls, and landscape features.
Tips:
Ensure the base is properly prepared to support the stone.
Regularly inspect and maintain to prevent shifting.
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healthandfitness789 · 4 months ago
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The Timeless Appeal of Stone Cladding: Elevate Your Home’s Aesthetics
Stone cladding is a versatile and elegant choice for enhancing the beauty of both interior and exterior spaces. Whether you’re looking to create a dramatic feature wall or add a touch of sophistication to your home’s facade, stone cladding offers an array of options to suit various styles and preferences. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of stone cladding, its different types, and how you can effectively incorporate it into your home design.
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What is Stone Cladding?
Stone cladding refers to the application of natural or manufactured stone veneers to a wall surface. This technique not only improves the aesthetic appeal of a space but also provides additional insulation and protection. Unlike full stone construction, which can be costly and labor-intensive, stone cladding is a more affordable and flexible option, allowing you to achieve a similar look with less effort.
Benefits of Stone Cladding
Aesthetic Appeal: Stone cladding can transform any surface into a stunning focal point. With its natural textures and colors, it adds a touch of elegance and sophistication. Whether you prefer the rugged charm of rustic stone or the sleek look of contemporary stone veneers, there’s a style to match every taste.
Durability: Stone cladding is known for its durability and longevity. It can withstand harsh weather conditions, making it an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor applications. This durability also means less maintenance compared to other materials.
Versatility: Stone cladding can be used in a variety of settings, from feature walls in living rooms and fireplaces to exterior facades and garden walls. It can also be combined with other materials, such as wood or metal, to create unique and personalized designs.
Energy Efficiency: The insulating properties of stone cladding can help improve your home’s energy efficiency. By adding an extra layer of protection, it can help regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy consumption.
Types of Stone Cladding
Natural Stone Cladding: This type uses real stones, such as granite, limestone, or slate. Natural stone cladding offers unparalleled authenticity and uniqueness. Each piece has its own distinct patterns and colors, creating a one-of-a-kind look.
Manufactured Stone Cladding: Also known as cultured stone, this type is made from concrete and molded to resemble natural stone. It’s lighter and often less expensive than natural stone, making it a popular choice for many homeowners.
Stacked Stone Cladding: This style involves arranging stone pieces in a vertical stack, creating a textured and layered effect. It’s ideal for creating dramatic feature walls or adding visual interest to exterior surfaces.
Thin Veneer Stone Cladding: Thin veneer stone cladding is a lightweight option that can be applied directly to surfaces without the need for additional structural support. It’s perfect for DIY projects and offers the look of full stone with less weight.
How to Incorporate Stone Cladding into Your Home Design
Feature Walls: Create a stunning focal point in any room by installing stone cladding on a feature wall. This works particularly well in living rooms, dining areas, or entryways.
Fireplaces: Enhance the look of your fireplace by adding a stone cladding surround. This can turn a simple fireplace into a striking centerpiece.
Exterior Facades: Elevate your home’s curb appeal by using stone cladding on exterior walls. It can add character and charm to your home’s facade.
Garden Walls and Outdoor Spaces: Stone cladding isn’t just for interiors. It’s also a great choice for garden walls, patios, and outdoor kitchens, providing a natural and durable surface.
Maintenance Tips for Stone Cladding
Regular Cleaning: Keep your stone cladding looking its best by regularly cleaning it with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the surface.
Check for Damage: Periodically inspect your stone cladding for any signs of damage or wear. Address any issues promptly to prevent further problems.
Sealing: Depending on the type of stone, you may need to apply a sealant to protect it from moisture and staining. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for sealing frequency.
Q&A About Stone Cladding
Q1: What are the main types of stone cladding?
A1: The main types of stone cladding are natural stone cladding, manufactured stone cladding, stacked stone cladding, and thin veneer stone cladding.
Q2: How do I choose between natural and manufactured stone cladding?
A2: Natural stone cladding offers authenticity and unique patterns, while manufactured stone cladding is lighter and more cost-effective. Your choice depends on your budget, aesthetic preferences, and the specific application.
Q3: Can stone cladding be used for exterior walls?
A3: Yes, stone cladding is an excellent choice for exterior walls. It provides durability and enhances curb appeal while withstanding various weather conditions.
Q4: How do I maintain stone cladding?
A4: Regular cleaning with mild soap and water, inspecting for damage, and applying sealant as needed are key to maintaining stone cladding.
Q5: Is stone cladding suitable for DIY projects?
A5: Thin veneer stone cladding is a great option for DIY projects due to its lighter weight and ease of installation. However, for larger or more complex applications, professional installation may be advisable.
Stone cladding is a timeless design choice that adds beauty, durability, and value to your home. By understanding the different types of stone cladding and how to incorporate them into your design, you can create a stunning space that reflects your personal style. Whether you opt for natural or manufactured stone, the results will be both elegant and enduring.
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corinnesamuels · 4 years ago
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Guarding the Gates Chapter 5: Desperation Makes a Man Do Terrible Things
Lily isn’t responding to James’ letters. In fact, she isn’t even opening them. She knows that he knows this because Sirius told her that he told him so. 
She knows that she’ll stop ignoring him eventually, but until then? He can sulk. 
She tells Remus as much one day when he calls her on the Floo. 
“You’re driving him crazy, you know.” Remus says. His voice holds no judgment, just the facts of the matter.
“He’s a full-grown wizard, Remus. He’ll be fine.” Lily sits cross-legged on the rug in front of her fireplace, lazily popping a crisp into her mouth and giving a cavalier shrug. 
“For whatever it’s worth, he agrees with you. He’s trying to figure out how to agree with you without pushing her away.”
“I know he does.” Lily rolls her eyes at the mention of her. “He wears his heart on his sleeve like he always has. My frustration lies in the fact that he allows her ridiculous comments to go on so often. If the shoe were on the other foot, I’d never allow—”
“What you once did?” Remus asks.
Lily stops, caught off guard by the statement. The Marauders rarely mentioned or referenced Severus Snape by choice anymore. She hasn’t heard anyone mention her former friend in several years, actually. But Lily knew that Remus was referencing how she had allowed Severus to share his inhospitable thoughts about James, though, at the time, she and James were only mildly friendly. They hadn’t become close until after she and Severus had stopped being friends. She slowly chews another crisp, mulling over Remus’ comment.
“This situation is different. And that was a long time ago.” 
Lily knows her words aren’t lies, but she also knows that Remus’ words aren’t either.
“It is, and it was.” Remus agrees fairly. “I only hope that you would remember it just enough to extend him some grace as he figures this out. He doesn’t want to lose either of you.”
Lily lets out an annoyed sigh. “I don’t understand how he can be with someone who doesn’t understand what’s happening. How is he not annoyed and frustrated by the way she thinks? How? When we’ve seen him hex people for less?”
Remus hesitates, tilting his head slightly. “I won’t weigh in on that. But I’d imagine people never know what they would do in a war until it’s on their doorstep. That’s where Miranda probably is. But he would lay his life down to protect you.” He catches her eye through the green flames in the fireplace. “You do know that? That we all would?”
“I wouldn’t allow it.” Lily says obstinately.
Remus chuckles. “It’s my understanding that you don’t always have a choice in the matter when the time comes.” She hears a door open and shut in the background, followed by heavy footsteps.
“Moony, have you seen . . . oh, who are you talking to?” a voice asks.
Lily rolls her eyes. “Really, Remus?”
Remus winces apologetically, and she sees James’ shins stiffen at hearing her voice. “I’m at Sirius’ place.” Remus says. “I didn’t know he was coming over this early.” 
“He’s right. I wasn’t due for another few hours.” James says. “But I’ll let the two of you have at it.” His tone is neutral, and Lily knows it’s forced.
She thinks about telling him thanks and carrying on her conversation with Remus but sighs heavily again instead. It’s been two weeks. She’d be lying if she said she didn’t miss him. “If you’d still like to talk, come through the Floo. I’m waiting on some treacle to finish up, so you might as well.”
She can only see just above his kneecaps, but she can tell his whole body relaxes at her words. Not only is treacle tart his favorite, but it is also the extent of her culinary prowess, potions skills be damned. Euphemia had taught her how to make it over the course of several lazy summer days at the manor, and while other recipes never seemed to stick, this one had. 
Lily hadn’t put much thought into why she decided to make treacle today. Until now, that is. Though the idea is unsettling, Lily realizes that even though she was angry with James and her feelings were bruised, she’d made it because she missed him. Her brain was just now catching up.
How many times had she made it while abroad? For the same exact reason?
James steps through her fireplace and dusts himself off. He looks uncertain as to where to sit or stand or even what to do with his hands. She remains seated at her place on the floor, silently looking up at him, knowing the uncomfortable silence was doing him in. Finally, she gestures at the space next to her, and he joins her on the floor.
James starts talking before he even makes it to the ground. “Lils, I’m so incredibly sorry. I didn’t mean for things to go as far as they did.” He says I wasn’t prepared for you and Miranda to be at odds, but I should have stepped in. I should have done more.”
“You should have.” Lily nods in agreement.
“I don’t agree with the things she’s said, Lily.” He runs a hand through his hair. “I didn’t realize that she didn’t see what was happening with Voldemort. I just assumed that she viewed things the same way the boys and I do. I’ve been trying to figure out how to handle the conversations with her, but I haven’t done a good enough job, clearly.” James lets out a heavy sigh. “I never meant for you to be hurt in the process. And I know that doesn’t change how it probably feels. I felt terrible about it. I still feel terrible about it.”
Lily watches as James’ gaze moves from her to the floor to other areas of her flat, as if he’s ashamed to look at her for too long. “I’m not asking you to pick me over her.” She responds, keeping her voice level. “I just want to not have to be the first person to step in and handle the situation every time. It’s exhausting to have to defend my kind against someone who seems to be woefully and purposefully misinformed.”
James sighs again. “I won’t argue against that. But I talked to her, and I think she’s starting to get it now. There was an article in the Prophet last week and—well . . .” He clears his throat. “It opened her eyes to some things. But you haven’t been wrong. And I owe you an apology for letting things escalate without stepping up. You deserve more from me as a friend. You’ll get more.”
She ponders this for a moment as he holds her gaze, longer this time than before. She has no goodwill left in her for Miranda, but she trusts James to stick to his word. She scans his face and eyes before extending a pinky toward him. James is confused at first, but as his mind catches up, he laughs and links it with a pinky of his own.
“Pinky swear?” she asks.
“Pinky swear.” He confirms. She notices that his whole demeanor has changed, his shoulders look lighter, and the distressed look she’d seen when he came through her fireplace has given way to a soft smile. It looks better on him.
“So, catch me up then. What’s new in your world since I last opened one of your letters?” she asks. James looks as if he wants to roll his eyes but doesn’t want to push his luck.
He fills her in on Puddlemere’s new Seeker and his hopes for how it will increase their chances for the English Cup before sharing how excited and anxious he is to begin practicing with the rest of the English team in the World Cup. She can’t help but smile as he describes it, she’d always loved watching his eyes light up when he talked about Quidditch. He asks about her, and she tells him about her recent trip to the cinema with Dorcas and Mary to see the newest installment of their favorite spy film series.
“That Band bloke? The less dashing, less talented James?” he scoffs in jest. Lily rolls her eyes and pushes his shoulder.
“It’s Bond, James, and don’t act like you don’t know it.”
    Now that Lily and James had made up, it felt as if all of their friends were breathing a little easier, though some of it may have to do with the fact that Miranda was around less and less, and never when Lily was present. Sometimes that meant that James had to leave early to take her to dinner, or sometimes missed hanging out altogether, but no one complained.
With the tension in their group diminished, it becomes more and more difficult for Remus to hide his struggles. He’s beginning to look thinner, and his clothes more threadbare. Lily knows that he’s painting it as the usual side effects of an approaching full moon, but Lily isn’t fooled. His latest job had gotten suspicious of his monthly absences and decided that it was best that they part ways. 
That was two months ago. He hadn’t yet managed to find work again.
Lily mentions this to James and Sirius as she brews a few healing potions to help Remus’ recovery after the upcoming full moon. Peter is at work, and Remus, getting progressively more ill as the full moon looms closer, is at his flat attempting to rest up, though they all know that there is no rest to be found until after the full moon passes. 
“Sirius, did you come to pick up these potions and salves for Remus, or did you come to eat all of my snacks?” She asks dryly as he helps himself to the various wares in her scullery. 
“I believe it’s what the muggles call ‘two birds with one stone,’ Red.” Sirius replies. Lily rolls her eyes as James attempts to stifle a laugh. 
“Sirius and I have both offered to support him, but he won’t take it.” James says, going back to the conversation at hand.
“His pride is making it very difficult.” Sirius grumbles.
“Your pride would make things difficult too if you were worried about being a burden.” Lily points out. “Is there a way we could subtly get him to take help?”
“You mean tricking him into it?” James asks.
“It sounds distasteful when you say it like that.” She frowns.
“Call it whatever you want, Evans, but you might be onto something.” James responds as he begins pacing. “I could talk to Dad and make Sunday tea at the manor a more regular occurrence.” 
“We could also drop food and things off at his door and disapparate before he has time to reject them.” Sirius offers as he pops a pretzel into his mouth. 
“Oh! I could ‘accidentally’ overcook meals a few times a week!” Lily says, proud of her excellent idea. “Surely Remus won’t let the food go to waste.”
James stops pacing, and the pretzel Sirius had begun tossing into his mouth misses, hitting him in the eye instead. The two men exchange looks before James opens and closes his mouth, trying to find the right words.
“Lily you have so many great qualities—” James says, eventually.
“Amazing, really—” Sirius adds. 
“I’ve seen you do things with a cauldron people could only dream of doing—” James continues.
“Most mortal men can only begin to fathom—”
“But when it comes to your cooking . . .”
“It’s absolutely dreadful.” Sirius says, shaking his head slowly.
Lily’s jaw drops, and James’ eyes grow wide behind his glasses. “Er . . . I was going to say that it wouldn’t be playing to your strengths.”
Sirius either ignored or didn’t catch James’ attempt at diplomacy. “I’ve never seen such a disparity between potion-making and cooking. Fascinating, really.”
“Are you quite finished?” Lily asks tightly.
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petri808 · 4 years ago
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For Inuyasha Sins Pride. Chapter 2 4800 words. gomen, it’s rushed ;-; please see AO3 source link to the first chapter.
It was a surprise to the kingdom of Chiba to learn the stable hand was really an undercover Prince. But once the initial shock wore off, King and Queen Higurashi gave the couple their blessings to begin a proper courtship. How could they not to a Prince from an ally kingdom. Princess Rin and her retinue were given guest rooms in the palace to use during her visit but Inuyasha requested to stay in the quarters provided to the stable hand. It was an odd request for the royals to approve, but he explained he’d grown comfortable in it and rather enjoyed the work. If anything, it was the reason for his enlightenment.
During Rin’s visit, the two Princesses grow close, almost like sisters, something neither girl had fully experienced before. Kagome was surprised to learn that Rin was not blood related nor born a Princess. The King and Queen of Kamakura were both yokai, but the girl was 100 percent human.
“Wow, so Sesshomaru adopted you... that’s a really amazing story.”
“Yeah,” the girl blushes. “Before he became King, he was the General in charge of the army. I was told he’d found me as an infant during one of the campaigns against a rouge group of wolf yokai who was attacking a village. My parents had been killed so he took me to the castle. I guess, he grew attached and adopted me with King Toga’s blessing. You see Toga, Inuyasha’s father had a love for humans and even sired a son from an affair.”
“Inuyasha?”
“Yeah! This is all before my time, but sadly Uncle Inu’s mom died of cancer when he was just a pup.”
“Then who is King Sesshomaru’s mother?”
“King Toga had a Queen. I’ve been told through the castle gossip it was an arraigned marriage with very little love between them.”
“I see... is that why he strayed...” Kagome’s voice quiets down due to the nature of the suggestion. Rin nods her head. “Well, I guess I should be thankful considering Inu was a product of that meeting.”
Rin giggles and smiles. “I’m really happy uncle finally found someone.”
The week passes by in a blink of the eye. So, when the time comes for Rin to go home, she coaxes the couple into joining her. ‘Uncle, you need to let father know you’re alive and most of all courting a Princess.’ It worked. Inuyasha knew his niece was right and begrudgingly agrees to accompany her.
They secure approval from the King and Queen for Kagome to travel with her personal guard, two attendants, and primary tutor, then set off on the five-day journey to the heart of Kamakura. It wasn’t a very difficult journey between their borders, just bandits to watch for. With a yokai soldier guarding Rin and Inuyasha, it dropped the likelihood of attack to almost zero. Whenever possible, the group stayed in towns along the route, but if they didn’t make it by night fall, the two carriages served as sleeping quarters for the women, while the men made-due under the stars.
To pass the time, Sango graciously tutors both Princesses, which Rin greatly appreciated. The woman was like her own tutors who were a bit stuffier, and besides the woman’s pet was a total delight.
“I know, I love it too when she brings her kitty to sessions,” Kagome muses. “Always relaxes me.”
“She is really sweet, but you know she’s not a regular cat, right?” Rin responds.
“She’s not?”
“No, she’s a yokai cat,” the girl giggles with Sango nodding in confirmation.
“I inherited Kirara from my mother,” Sango provides more information. “She’s very protective of me and can transform when she wants to into a much larger cat.” The animal looks up as if in understanding. “But that’s rare now that I don’t go hunting with my family anymore.”
“Huh? I had no idea!”
“You’ve never asked,” Sango laughs. “She likes most people as well, except Miroku, but he’s trying to win her over.” She leans in and whispers, “I think because she knows he’s a pervert.”
“I heard that!” Comes a voice from beside the carriage.
“Tch, figures he’s eavesdropping.”
Rin and Kagome laugh. As annoying as the man was, he was relentless in pursuing something he wants, and Kagome wonders if Sango is the reason, he somehow become her personal guard. One thing was for sure, Miroku was not shy about his obsession either.
“He’s not a bad catch,” Kagome teases her friend. “It could be worse, and I’ve seen you blush when he talks to you.”
“Pf-t-that’s not the point,” Sango looks away as she feels her cheeks heating up. “I’m not interested in a relationship right now.”
“I’ll wait for you my love,” the male voice calls out again. “As long as it takes.”
That sets the two Princesses into full blown giggles and Sango into a heated embarrassment. “Stop listening to us you perverted lecher!”
“Yeah, get! Get away from the carriage,” another male growls. “Leave the girls be and focus on your job.”
“Inu?” Kagome whispers, while Rin giggles and nods yes.
Finally, the combined entourages reach Shiroinu Castle in the capital city of Yuki no Machi. It was aptly named for residing at the base of a snow topped mountain in the winter months. Inuyasha explains to Kagome, his ancestors chose this location as the capital because the mountain provides one side of protection from invasion. The castle had another unique security feature. The two main castle walls were separated with a fifty-foot wide moat running between them, with massive draw bridges and gates. So, even if you breach the first wall, an invader would have to traverse the water before it could reach the inner wall, slowing them down, and providing additional time for the military to react.
The palace staff are thrilled to see that their wayward Prince has returned and quickly usher the group into the castle. The royals retinues are taken straight to where they will be staying during this trip, while Inuyasha, Kagome, and Rin are led into the throne room where the King and Queen await them. It was a tense and nerve-wracking moment with the Prince expecting some backlash and the Princess unsure of how Sesshomaru will receive her. According to Rin, her father was not one to show emotions, rarer still to ever see the male smile. He was a stately King and prided honor above all.
But Rin was excited to see her parents, despite only being gone less than a month. She skips her way to the thrones and takes her place beside her father, giving him a peck on his stone-faced cheek. If it wasn’t for the very, very tiny uptick in the corner of his mouth, one would think he looked angry at her behavior.
“My daughter returns with a surprise I see.”
“I found uncle Inu on my trip to meet Princess Kagome of Chiba, father. Isn’t that wonderful!”
The King keeps his features stoic in stark contrast to the young girls exuberance. “And this I take is the Princess?”
“Yes, father.”
“Inuyasha, explain you absence now.”
The Prince swallows down his desire to snap at his brother. They’ve never had the greatest of relationships because Sesshomaru abhorred the reason of his birth. It was only after adopting Rin that the older males heart began to thaw, just a little towards him. He steps forward, slightly in front of Kagome as a potential shield.
“I went out in search of a possible bride, but one that fell in love not for my title but heart.”
“What does title matter if you’ve chosen a Princess of the same rank?”
“Kagome did not know I was a Prince when we met.”
Sesshomaru’s brow raises. “Explain.”
“I became the stable hand at the castle and that is how we met. I had not intended to fall for a Princess, that’s just how things turned out.”
Such a statement makes the King’s brow twitch in annoyance. He knew his brother was not fond of being a Prince, but to stoop to the rank of a commoner was simply disgraceful in his eyes. They were royals and it was their duty to behave as such. Still, he holds his indignation back for now in light of Kagome’s presence.
“So, you’ve brought your intended to gain my blessing?”
“Yes.”
“Aren’t they cute together, father?” Rin chimes in, hoping to break the tension she can sense from the male. “I can confirm everything he’s saying is true, and that Princess Kagome’s parents have also given their blessings for a proper courtship.”
“I see. We will discuss this further after dinner.” Sesshomaru motions to the palace staff. “Please show them to the rooms, they must be tired from the journey.” And with that he dismisses the trio without another word.
Kagome is placed in the same room as Sango, while her other two attendants are in an adjoining room. Miroku will stay in the soldiers barracks area. Of course, Inuyasha has his own room close by along with Rin.
The accommodations are beautifully laid out with finely decorated, gleaming white stone walls. A large four-poster canopy bed, thick rugs, a dressing table with a large gilded mirror, armoires, a walk-in closet, and a fireplace. The balcony overlooks a manicured garden filled with ponds, paths, sweet smelling flowering fruit trees, and benches along the paths for sitting. In the middle of the garden is a gazebo large enough for luncheons, popular with the women of the palace.
“What do you think?” Sesshomaru turns to his Queen.
“Perhaps this is a positive development my King. If this Princess satisfies Inuyasha, he’ll likely settle down.”
“Perhaps...” he sits back on his throne in contemplation.
“And she is the daughter of an ally not a rival. Such relations could prove mutually beneficial. Our daughter also seems to like her.”
“Rin likes everyone,” he fires back.
“True,” the woman chuckles, “but you know your brother has never shown interest in marriage. This one must be special.”
“We shall see.”
This is why he is grateful to have such a woman reigning by his side. Kagura is well educated, tactfully smart, but able to converse without overstepping her position. Sesshomaru’s lucky that his father broke tradition and allowed him to choose his Queen rather than be forced into a marriage. It was one of the first edicts enacted by Toga when he was crowned King to ensure his children married for love. Still, while he did love Kagura, pride made sure she was worthy of the title first. Such a power move was simply necessary when one is a King. As his first duty, he has an entire kingdom of subjects to protect. In order to do so, a ruler must be tactful and careful in all of their decisions no matter the cost.
Kagura reaches over and takes her husband’s hand, lovingly sweeping her thumb over the webbing of the palm. “This could be the blessing we were hoping for.”
All through dinner, Princesses Kagome and Rin keep the table alive with conversations. Most of the topics revolve around Chiba, what it’s like, and Kagome explaining some of the notable areas of the kingdom worth visiting. Eventually, the subject of her and Inuyasha is brought up by Kagura. Inuyasha wonders if this is more like an interrogation, but Kagome sees it otherwise with the older female seeming to have a genuine interest in how the relationship came to be.
She explains how Inuyasha started working at the castle as a stable hand, that it seemed an odd profession for one who would make a better soldier, but regardless he was great at the job. “I was impressed by how well he cared for the horses, especially my own.” The man took pride in his handiwork, was always level-headed and willing to listen when she needed to vent or talk. So, eventually feelings developed and actually it was the day Rin had arrived that they realized it was a mutual attraction. “I remember thinking, wow, this man actually talks back to me,” Kagome chuckles, “servants don’t dare to talk like that to a royal out of fear.” She turns to Inuyasha who looks annoyed with the whole convo. “Well, now I know why.”
That brings a chuckle from the Queen. “I don’t believe I’ve ever equated Inuyasha with patience before. This experience must have had a profound effect on him, or perhaps I should say, you had such an effect on him.”
The cheeks on both Inuyasha and Kagome brighten as they look away to hide their embarrassment. Rin on the other hand giggles amusingly. “When I found them, they started bickering, it was adorable! That’s how I knew, uncle Inu was in love!”
“Bite your tongue brat!” He grumps back but with no real anger to his tone. This only causes the girl to laugh harder.
Through the entire meal, Sesshomaru watches without adding to the conversation. Kagura was better in these situations so he simply observed and so far, he was willing to give Kagome a chance. He was teetering between agreeing to the arrangement or not, placing the same conditions on the Princess that he had on his intended wife. Because no matter if they loved each other, he still felt that they must uphold the dignity he strives for to protect their kingdom. The girl was only a couple years older than his daughter, so it made sense that the two women got along well. But despite her exuberance in chatting, Kagome held a strong poise. He also took into consideration their first meeting where she stood quietly, never speaking out of turn, and following proper decorum of meeting royalty.
“Inuyasha,” Sesshomaru cuts into the conversation during a lull between the women, “I’d like to speak with you privately in the study. Now.” He stands up and walks out of the room without waiting for a response.
Kagome turns to the man concerned, “is everything okay?”
“Yeah,” Inuyasha reassures her. “This is normal.”
“Oh. Okay.”
“Don’t worry my dear,” Kagura adds to allay her fears, “they just need to figure out a few details of this arrangement.”
Neither words of comfort really worked, but as a guest in the palace, Kagome didn’t want to do or say something wrong. “I understand.”
“Let’s have some dessert in the meantime.” Rin suggests to distract the woman. “Kagome you must try the strawberry tarts, they’re delicious!”
When Inuyasha arrives in the study, he finds his brother seated at the writing desk. Sesshomaru’s fingers are steepled and a nondescript expression screwed onto his face. But he could sense the emotions emanating from his brother, the tingling of yokai energy being muzzled. It doesn’t surprise him. Sesshomaru’s behavior when they’d arrived was lacking his normal reactions.
Inuyasha takes a seat opposite his brother and sits casually, trying not to show any disdain. “You wished to speak with me brother?”
There’s a short pause before Sesshomaru sits up straight and begins to chastise his brothers behavior over the last nine months. Of leaving without any word or where he was going and what he was up to. “Inuyasha, you’ve spent your life fighting against the fact you are a crowned Prince of this kingdom. It’s not something you can easily run away from. What if you’d been captured and held ransom or killed, can you imagine the consequences? The potential war you could have started? We have our subjects to protect.” The king leans back against his seat. “Our lives, whether we like it or not will affect the most people. We do not have the luxury of being selfish when it comes to such things.”
“You think I don’t realize such things, I—”
A hand wave cuts off his words. “The question is, have you truly learned the error of your judgment? If you love this Princess enough to seek out our blessing, I would hope you have for her sake.”
“I have,” Inuyasha growls. “I don’t care if you believe me or not. And frankly, I only do this to allay her concerns of courting properly. I’ll marry her if you agree or not.”
A long silence befalls the two brothers as Sesshomaru thinks carefully his next choice of words. His brothers reaction would finalize his decision. If Inuyasha was still the arrogant Prince he’d left as, the answer would not have been a pleasant one.
“After discussing this situation with my Queen, I have decided to allow your courtship under one condition.”
“Being?”
“You are both to stay here for six months for observation. To be blunt, I must make sure that Princess Kagome will serve this kingdom properly.”
Despite spitting out that he didn’t care, Inuyasha knows his brothers blessing is necessary to ensure any marriage has a chance to take place. If Kagome’s parents were to find out that Sesshomaru disproved, they may not allow her to marry him either. Inuyasha holds back a growl. “Fine. I’ll have Kagome send a message to her parents, pending they have no objections we accept your conditions.”
“Very well. You are excused.”
Once the door closes behind Inuyasha, Sesshomaru sits back, musing and a bit taken by surprise. Had eight months outside of these walls really affected his brother so much? It’s hard to believe that a nearly 30-year old fused in their personality could change so drastically and quickly. He’d been ready for an explosion only to be met with submission. That’s not to say he didn’t sense the anger bubbling inside of his brother. Energy is much harder to mask. Yet Inuyasha controlled it. A smile licks at the corners of Sesshomaru’s lips, dare he admit he was proud of his little brother?
Kagome took Sesshomaru’s edict in stride despite Inuyasha’s irritation over it. The younger feeling as if the older should stay out of his love life. She looks at it as an extended vacation since this is the longest, she’s ever been away from home, plus it gave her an opportunity to bond further with Rin who was an absolute delight. It’s surprising how carefree the young woman is considering her father is quite strict about her behavior. Perhaps, despite his emotionless personality, that girl really has him wrapped around her finger.
Many a day is spent in normal royal routine. Tutoring lessons continue like normal with Sango, added lessons such as archery being something Kagome rather enjoyed learning. Her parents never allowed her to use a weapon back home, but here it is encouraged for protection. In the evenings, she spends it with Inuyasha as part of the courting because during the day he has his own duties to the Kingdom to deal with. But he never withholds information from her as if he wants Kagome to understand how a kingdom is truly run. Such a partnership is how Sesshomaru and his Queen rule as well. All the information gives her a better sense of how important their positions truly are.
“How are you liking it here?” Inuyasha questions Kagome during one of their riding times together. Whenever there is a lull in his duties, this is his favorite way to relax away from the castle.
“Mmm, sometimes I miss my family, but I love being here as well.” She chuckles, “for so long I wanted to get away from home, but I guess now I just have a better appreciation for my life.”
“I’m sorry we don’t get to spend a lot of time together.”
Kagome smiles. “It’s fine, really, Inuyasha. You have things you need to do, and I have things to keep me busy.”
Four months have passed by and Sesshomaru has never given them any indication that he was unhappy with Kagome. They saw each other almost every night at dinner or on occasion around the castle, but no real interactions. Rin assures her that this is how he always is, silent, calculating, and observant. When he was a general, much of his success came not because of brawn, but brains, outmaneuvering enemies and losing the least amount of soldiers in the process. Kagome had yet to meet Sesshomaru’s mother who she was told moved away from the castle after the death of Toga a couple years ago. Sadly, she also learned Sesshomaru became King upon their father’s death during a battle later finished by the son.
On a beautiful afternoon with tutoring complete for the day, Kagome ventures into the enclosed garden to relax before dinner. As she walks the pathways, she takes in the peaceful elements it brings. Whoever designed this garden was a master artist. Everything was laid out to bring out a sense of quiet, reflective joy, from the types of plant life chosen to the pond filled with colorful fish. It was easy to lose yourself here for hours at a time.
Even in the night, it’s a beautiful scene and where she and Inuyasha have spent star gazing a few times. In fact, she remembers one night in particular. It was his human night, the one day each month he transforms. Despite the moons absence, the sky was unusually clear and stars inordinately brighter. They sparkled off his dark hair almost giving it an iridescent blue hue and if she thought he was handsome normally, on that night Inuyasha truly shone in her eyes.
She clears a bend in the path that takes one to overhanging wisterias. To her surprise, Kagome sees Sesshomaru sitting there with his eyes closed, relaxed, and leaning against the trees trunk instead of the bench beside it. Not wanting to disturb him, she starts to turn around until a deep voice calls her back.
“Do I scare you?” Sesshomaru questions without opening his eyes. He’d felt her energy approaching.
“Not really.” Kagome turns back to him out of polite respect. “Well, maybe just a little.”
He peeks open one eye. “You have nothing to fear from me Princess,” then points to the bench, “sit. We’ve not had a chance to converse properly.”
O—kay? She sits down on the bench hesitantly. The day had been going so well too, what would Sesshomaru want to speak with her about? The man closes his eyes fully again as if uninterested in this conversation. She finds it odd but isn’t sure if she should be the one to engage first. Proper etiquette dictates that she allow him to start it off, so she stays quiet.
He could hear the slightly palpitating heartbeat of anxiety and smell a minute amount of intrigue mixed with unsurety. It’s clear that the woman really held no true fear of him, or those senses would be amplified, but mostly just nervous of the unknown. These unconscious reactions tell volumes about an individual and is why he sat there silently for a few minutes analyzing them.
“Tell me Princess, for I am curious, why do you believe my brother is worthy of your hand?”
Well that is not a question Kagome expected to be hear.
“I’m sorry my lord, but I do not quite understand. Do you believe that I am somehow better than him?”
“I watched Inuyasha grow up and he has never shown an ability to be responsible for himself and certainly not another person’s life. Both marriage and crown requires such an ability. It is true he appears to have grown in the span of a year, but I wish to determine if it is for show in order to gain your hand or Inuyasha has truly changed.”
Kagome reflects on his words for a moment making sure she’s understood them. Is Sesshomaru testing her or does he really not trust his brother? She chooses her words carefully. “I mean no disrespect, but I believe your distrust of your brother is mistaken. I am not discounting his past for creating your disillusion, only in that you still do not believe he is capable of change.”
“Explain.”
She sighs, “the truth is, it is I who was not worthy of Inuyasha. When he came to our kingdom, I was a lot like what you describe of his past. I hated my title and envied commoners because I was frustrated with all the rules of being a Princess. I couldn’t see past my own selfish desires.” Kagome smiles softly in reflection, “and it was Inuyasha who showed me how misguided I was behaving. I believe that when Inuyasha left here and lived amongst the commoners, he gained a new perspective not only of them but of himself. That self-reflection allowed him to realize the important roles and responsibilities of a royal to the commoners. He might not like the rules sometimes, but he understands the importance of them now and so do I.”
She stands up and bows low. “Lord Sesshomaru, I humbly beg you to give your brother a chance to continue to show you he has changed for the better.”
After a few moments of silence, he opens his eyes to see the Princess still standing there with her head bowed to him. “I shall take your request under advisement you may return to your walk Princess.”
“Thank you lord Sesshomaru.”
It’s only after she can no longer see him that Kagome releases the breath, she’s been holding in. She poured out her true feelings on the matter and now it was up to the King who she hopes heard the honesty in her voice. It’s not easy to admit out loud ones failures. She knows a few months and one conversation is not enough to truly sway someone’s mind, but it was merely the opportunity to do so that she requested. By the time she exists the garden, she decides not to mention the full conversation to Inuyasha for fear of sparking an argument.
Another month carries through as if the conversation never took place, but the feeling as if she was being watched played on her from time to time. Deep down Kagome knew that’s exactly what was happening, Sesshomaru had them stay to be observed after all. But it wasn’t until that day in the garden that it came back to the forefront. At the same time, she knew that the best way to handle the situation is to continue doing her best to prove she could be a proper, capable Princess.
But the time is ticking away and soon enough the six months would come to a close. The one positive thing Kagome had to draw upon was Inuyasha’s proposal of marriage and her acceptance that came at the beginning of this month. He promised to put a ring on her finger regardless of his brothers decision. It gave her a sense of warmth and also pride at how much they’d both grown in this time. Together, they could do anything and if both their parents rejected their marriage, to hell with them, they’ll just build that house by the lake and live happily ever after.
Of course, she hoped it would all turn out in the end but that didn’t help her steadily growing nerves. She wonders, agonizes of the Kings decision until finally, with just two more weeks to go, she and Inuyasha are summoned back to the throne room.
“Inuyasha and Kagome, I have made my decision.”
The couple steps forward hand in hand. Inuyasha squeezes hers in an effort to comfort her, despite his own trepidation.
“If marriage is what you choose, we will grant our blessing, but Queen Kagura wishes to make a request.”
“Request or demand?” Inuyasha questions.
This time, instead of Sesshomaru, it’s the Queen who speaks up. “It is a request, but after I explain what it is, I pray you accept it for it is important to the kingdom.”
Kagome squeezes Inuyasha’s hand, looking up with a gaze to keep silent. “Please continue,” she requests of the Queen.”
“As you know a kingdom must have an heir, but sadly I am unable to bear children. Therefore, my request is that if you should bear a son, he will be raised to become the next heir apparent of Kamakura.”
Such a shocking revelation takes Kagome and Inuyasha by complete surprise. They see a slight film of moisture building in the woman’s eyes despite her stoicism, and it immediately tugs at the Princess’s heart. She looks to Inuyasha who’s ears are withered as if moved by his sister-in-law’s plight as well. “That would be alright, wouldn’t it,” she questions him. I cannot refuse such a request Inu.”
“I agree,” he smiles and lifts her hand, kissing the back of it, then turns to his family. “We would be honored to fulfill your request.”
“You do understand,” Sesshomaru steps in to clarify, “that it would require you to stay in this kingdom?” The couple nods in agreement. “Very well. We shall begin preparations for your wedding...”
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gemmagcabe · 4 years ago
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parc central residences
Not unlike other marked periods in history that had come before it, the Edwardian period saw numerous reactions against the Victorian era. In design and architecture, Romantic outlooks were replaced by more easygoing styles. As the central Edwardian movement, art nouveau shifted emphasis away from the dramatic and onto the natural, giving us earth-inspired lines and curves like floral patterns. Geometric and mosaic motifs on Edwardian floor tiles were simpler and less convoluted. King Edward VII reigned in Great Britain and Ireland for hardly a decade from 1901 to 1910 but changed what was in place when his mother, Queen Victoria, ruled from 1830 to 1901.
Pastel as well as wood and earth tones took over the brilliant hues seen on Victorian ceramics and in printing. Edwardian floor tiles wore singular or combined solid colors, unglazed except in fireplaces. Hardwood or terra cotta made up Edwardian floors, or light-hued linoleum in posh residences. Pebble stones comprised the outside steps, sometimes with sheet metal. Homeowners stopped contracting housemaids, opting for self cleaning door hardware, handles and house numbers in iron, black and leather refinishing instead of a copper alloy like brass or bronze. Edwardian houses and land were more spacious whereas classic Victorian houses had cramped entrances and walkways. Doors had generous widths and heights.
Heritage, colonial and Federation homes were built from 1901 to 1918, American or English. Turn-of-the-century houses beautified the floors in entryways, vestibules and alfresco areas like porches. Kitchen and bathroom floors had plainer, subdued tiles. For floors or walls, bonafide antique Edwardian tiles were generally tessellated and 6 parc central residence siteplan inches in length instead of today's regular 8 inches. Edwardian decorative tiles were bullnose, either transfer printed or embossed. Rugs over carpets, fretwork, nickel plated fixtures like towel railing, bamboo and wicker over heavy furniture all exuded a light and cheery feel.
Terrazzo, which are Italian floors consisting of granite or marble chips laid in concrete and given a smooth surface, were adapted during the Edwardian era. Elizabethan, Tudor and neoclassical Geordian trends also influenced Edwardian floor tiles, as did the Arts and Crafts movement from the mid-19th century. Floor tiles made of vitrified clay, unglazed stone, terracotta, travertine, limestone, slate, sandstone, quarry, porcelain, marble, granite, glass and ceramic are prevalent today. They should be given a woodsy finish or light colors to achieve a classic Edwardian visage for restored Federation and Heritage houses or even to lend contemporary homes a modernized Edwardian twist.
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wallpaperpainting · 5 years ago
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thestoneevolution · 1 month ago
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Bring Nature Indoors: A Guide to Choosing Stone Wall Panels for Your Home
In recent years, interior design has embraced natural materials for their timeless appeal, durability, and ability to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Among these, Interior Stone Wall Panels have emerged as a top choice for homeowners, designers, and businesses alike. Their versatility and aesthetic value make them ideal for a wide range of applications, from accent walls in living rooms to statement pieces in commercial spaces. This article will delve into the benefits, types, and applications of interior stone wall , highlighting how The Stone Evolution offers top-quality options to meet every design need.
The Beauty of Stone in Interior Spaces
One of the most attractive aspects of stone wall panels is their ability to bring a touch of nature indoors. Stone, with its unique textures and colors, can instantly transform a room from plain to extraordinary. When used thoughtfully, stone panels can enhance a space's elegance, provide visual interest, and even boost the overall ambiance by adding a sense of permanence and stability. Whether you prefer a rugged, rustic look or a smooth, modern finish can be customized to suit any aesthetic.
Types of Interior Stone Panels
The wide variety of materials and finishes available means that  can meet diverse design requirements. Here are some popular types:
Natural Stone Panels: These are made from real stone, such as slate, granite, marble, or travertine. Natural stone panels are unmatched in terms of authenticity and aesthetic appeal. Each panel has a unique pattern, offering a one-of-a-kind look that artificial materials cannot replicate.
Manufactured Stone Panels: Made to mimic natural stone, manufactured stone panels are lightweight, affordable, and easy to install. They’re crafted from a mixture of cement, aggregates, and natural pigments, making them a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing visual appeal.
Stacked Stone Panels: These panels consist of narrow stone pieces layered together to create a textured, three-dimensional look. Stacked stone panels are ideal for feature walls, fireplaces, and even outdoor applications, adding depth and drama to any setting.
3D Stone Panels: For those looking for a contemporary twist, 3D stone panels offer dynamic shapes and patterns that add a layer of depth to walls. These panels work well in spaces where a bold, artistic statement is desired.
Brick Veneer Panels: If you're looking for a rustic or industrial feel, brick veneer panels are an excellent choice. While technically not stone, they offer a similar natural aesthetic and pair well with various decor styles.
The Advantages of Interior Stone Panels
1. Durability and Longevity
Stone is incredibly durable, making it ideal for areas that experience wear and tear. Unlike wallpaper or paint, stone panels resist scratches, dents, and fading, ensuring a lasting appearance. Interior stone wall from companies like The Stone Evolution are manufactured to maintain their look and structural integrity over time, making them a worthwhile investment for both homes and businesses.
2. Low Maintenance
Once installed, stone wall panels require minimal maintenance. Regular dusting or occasional wiping with a damp cloth is typically sufficient to keep them looking pristine. Natural stone is also resistant to mold and mildew, making it an excellent choice for humid areas like bathrooms or kitchens.
3. Thermal and Acoustic Insulation
Stone has natural insulating properties, which can help keep rooms warm in winter and cool in summer. Additionally, stone wall panels absorb sound, making them an ideal choice for homes with open layouts or commercial spaces where noise reduction is a priority.
4. Aesthetic Flexibility
Interior stone wall are available in various styles, colors, and textures, allowing for versatile design options. Whether your home leans toward rustic charm, modern minimalism, or industrial chic, there’s a stone panel option to suit your aesthetic. It offers an extensive range of choices, including unique finishes and colors that cater to both classic and contemporary tastes.
Applications of Interior Stone Wall 
The adaptability of stone wall panels means they can be used in numerous settings. Here are some popular applications:
Living Room Accent Walls: A stone panel feature wall can create a stunning focal point in a living room, adding a sophisticated, earthy feel that draws the eye.
Fireplace Surrounds: Stone panels are ideal for fireplace surrounds, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. Natural stone’s heat-resistant properties make it a practical and beautiful option.
Bathrooms: Stone panels add luxury to bathrooms, providing a spa-like atmosphere. Their resistance to moisture makes them suitable for use in showers or around bathtubs.
Commercial Spaces: Stone wall panels are increasingly popular in offices, restaurants, and hotels. They help establish a high-end, professional look and are perfect for lobbies, conference rooms, and reception areas.
Kitchen Backsplashes: Stone wall panels can make a statement in the kitchen. With easy-to-clean surfaces and a wide variety of colors, they are a durable and stylish backsplash option.
Why Choose for Interior Stone Panels?
When it comes to quality and variety, it stands out as a trusted provider of interior stone panels. The company offers a range of products crafted from high-quality materials, ensuring both durability and beauty. With a commitment to sustainable sourcing and precision manufacturing, The Stone Evolution products are designed to elevate interiors with style and sophistication. Additionally, their customer-centric approach and customizable options make them a go-to choice for homeowners and designers seeking reliable and beautiful stone solutions.
Conclusion
Interior stone panels are a fantastic way to bring the natural beauty and timeless appeal of stone into your living spaces. With options to suit every taste and application, they offer both aesthetic and practical benefits that enhance a room’s overall ambiance. The Stone Evolution’s wide range of premium stone wall panels makes it easy to find the perfect match for your design vision, ensuring that your space remains beautiful and resilient for years to come. Whether you’re redesigning a single room or revamping an entire building, consider the unique charm that stone wall panels can bring to your interior spaces.
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wolfhardftwheeler-blog · 5 years ago
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12 Companies Leading The Way In Decorative Concrete Patio Floors
Primarily, they are precisely the same. All a similar supplies are applied, and they are both equally carried out although the concrete remains to be gentle. The only real variance is the fact with stenciled concrete, you can get practical hunting gray “mortar joints” between the “stones”, whereas with stamped concrete the joint is whatsoever colour was utilized for the antiqued highlights.
Decorative concrete normally retains up a lot better than frequent concrete as a consequence of the upkeep ways taken. When someone spends the extra money on decorative concrete, they usually want it to remain interesting. Hence, they keep it sealed, which prolongs its everyday living span.
An unlimited assortment of coloring merchandise and techniques permit your contractor to attain a great number of unique seems. Deciding on colours in your job will likely be as simple as finding from color charts, that may be presented at the time in the on-web-site take a look at.
This ‘rug’ effect is ideal for kitchens and loos. They incorporate color as well as the glance of texture. In addition they consider much less time and cost below painting a complete ground. You could paint an intricate piece such as rug higher than or make a uncomplicated outline just like the rug underneath.
Hand coloring is the art of making use of the right concrete stain for getting that thoroughly natural look. A lot of the most effective samples of hand-coloring are Wooden-stamping that looks Pretty much indistinguishable from a normal wood floor, replicating pure tone modifications in stone coloration, and for that playful, fossils, dinosaur tracks, or stamped leaf styles!
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How will the patio be used? – Even though many people are good having a concrete rectangle ideal off the house, think about incorporating curves to get a softer appear. It's also possible to use the shape of your patio to mark locations, including a standard rectangular patio with a small area jutting off for wherever the grill might be, or a rounded location for a fireplace-pit with seating.
The dearth of joints and spaces signifies there’s no place for weeds to increase. Routine maintenance is as easy as sweeping and washing surfaces to eliminate Grime. It’s simple, and with regular maintenance, your stamped concrete patio design ought to last for decades.
In some cases, stenciled concrete might also be a tad flatter in profile and a lot more slip resistant. Stamped and stenciled concrete normally cost a similar Except The work has some Distinctive attribute which might make a person selection inexpensive. Be sure to see this video of The 2 procedures for more clarification.
Knockdown Texture – For a more textured surface that appears just as appealing, this spray-on acrylic process is an excellent option. A contractor simply just sprays the combination on the present area after which trowel it right down to amount it and creates a wonderful texture.
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We will let you layout your concrete patio exactly the way you'd like it. With Resourceful Concrete, you may work with seasoned experts who will convert your ideas into reality.
Indeed.. but you need to use industrial or garage toughness for all of it because dependant upon the degree of site visitors, it wears absent.
Depending on where you reside, a lovely patio can provide you with a higher return, especially in temperate locations. The greater most likely persons are to spend time outside the house within the patio, the higher a return you’ll get.
The styles are made using massive, flexible polyurethane stamps. The stamps are about 2-by-2-toes square and an inch or two thick, they usually’re pressed into the damp concrete to build the textured complete. 
Concrete Staining – Staining not just improves the appear of the outdoor living space, In addition it allows the outdoor hook up With all the architectural variety of the entire home. You are able to make a choice from an acid stain or perhaps a drinking water-based stain.
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actutrends · 5 years ago
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Our Stone-Topped Coffee Table Hack
For everyone who has been asking for the details on our new coffee table (glimpses of it have made their way into my InstaStories over the last few months – and boy did you guys notice!), I’m finally writing up all the details.
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How many words can someone possibly share about the hunt for and the creation of a living room coffee table that checks every one of their oddly specific boxes, you ask? Well, settle in. I shall regale you with a tale of woe and triumph and there’s even a random not-sure-it-even-works alien joke worked in there for good measure. Plus I’ll show you exactly how to get this exact coffee table if you want to pull this same hack at your house (it is BEGINNER LEVEL EASY).
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Let’s back up for a second. You know how sometimes you dream about an item that doesn’t exist and you’re like “I like this one thing but wish it had that other top or that other wood finish.” Like you want to pull a Frankenstein combo move and merge three things together? That is exactly how my search for a living room coffee table has felt.
For ages we had a huge white padded ottoman and loved it. We literally kept it for like seven glorious years until it died a very slow death by flaking and peeling everywhere (we’d find little peels of it upstairs in our bedroom – it really got around in those final days). This is a picture from two years back:
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It was perfect for small kids (no hard edges to bump into) and there was storage inside for games and blankets. A big padded ottoman is still my favorite living room tip for any family with smaller kids, but over the last few years we’ve started to really enjoy coffee tables since the kids are older. We have one at the beach house and it’s great for casually doing a puzzle or playing family games. There’s just something nice about having a centralized solid surface to you can rest things on and gather around.
And let me tell you, since upgrading from ottoman to coffee table in this living room, we have played SO MANY epic family games (Sequence or Ticket To Ride are near-nightly occurrences) and it’s really nice to use a room with a TV for way more than watching TV. Highly recommend it if your kids are old enough that the change would make sense for you.
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But anyway, back my over-a-year-long coffee table hunt. I know. That sounds very high maintenance. I’m learning that I am, in fact, extremely needy when it comes to coffee tables. I’m ok with this fact. I’ve been called worse 😉
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You might remember that last fall we bought a cheap secondhand coffee table for $35, just because the flaking ottoman NEEDED TO GO and I had been searching for a coffee table that I really loved for a while and couldn’t find one. So I basically was like: we are being crazy by holding out for this perfect thing, when all we need is something that’s cheap and fine in the meantime – so we can get that peeling beat up ottoman that literally drops “dandruff” all over our house outta here.
You know that saying: don’t let perfect be the enemy of good? We were literally living with terrible (the flakes everywhere were as maddening as inexplicably finding glitter everywhere), and for the cost of one meal at Panera we got a secondhand table that made zero mess and worked fine. We never should have waited that long. It was a huge step up. It wasn’t the perfect size or material that I wanted – but it was such a relief. No more shavings everywhere, plus it gave me a gift: the giant release of urgency to find that oddly elusive perfect coffee table.
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Well, we got that “just for now” coffee table last fall. As in, over a year ago. And ever since I’ve looked pretty much everywhere, but this room is sort of an odd layout, so a rectangular coffee table is just too narrow. Even a very large round one feels too small in the room because it doesn’t connect the accent chairs as nicely as a larger square one does – which makes it feel like a legitimate connected conversation area. So after hours and hours of searching and scrolling… and even doing some in-person exercises, like trying a few different combos just to be sure (like a round coffee table two white leather poufs, etc) I was 100% certain I wanted a large square one. Like around 3′ wide by 3′ long. Big and solid.
Easy to find right? Well, to make a short story long (my specialty! Ha!), it wasn’t. Because I also wanted it to be a similar wood tone to the side chairs and the side table that we already had in there (the darker old “placeholder” table didn’t tie into anything and I didn’t love that – and I felt like metal legs would’t be as warm looking as wood ones with our old secondhand rug).
I also wanted it to have an extremely durable, water-ring-safe top so the kids could draw with markers or play spirited board games without worrying about the finish. Which led me to the following thought… “that sounds a lot like our kitchen island – which is polished quartz.”
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Polished quartz is super durable, the shiny finish always looks gleaming and lovely, and there’s no worry about juice or wine stains like you have with marble. The kids do very messy art projects on the kitchen island, and everything wipes right off. It has just been wonderful for our family. But who the heck makes a giant square quartz coffee table with a wood base in the exact size that I wanted?
Nobody, that’s who.
So I was like… what if I make one…? Not exactly make it from scratch, but I bet I can find a nice solid square wood coffee table that I love (not necessarily the right wood tone, but that can be changed) and then stain it the color I want. And then what if I just go to a stone yard and buy a cheap remnant piece of quartz (we made our living room fireplace surround with marble remnants and it was so much easier and more affordable than I expected). And you guys… this idea that felt kinda hair-brained at first. Well, it worked like a charm.
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It really was as simple as ordering this unfinished wood coffee table (I loved the shape of it and the x-details on the side of it – plus the fact that it was unfinished meant I didn’t have to do any stripping or sanding to get it back to a raw wood finish because it literally came that way). I ordered it on Amazon, it came within a few days, and I took it out of the box and assembled it.
After I wiped it down with a damp cloth to make sure no dust or weird dirt was on it, I stained it Provincial by Minwax (which is also what I stained our accent chairs a while back – it’s a great wood tone). I applied two coats of that in the garage, where it could air out – followed by two clear coats of Polycrylic matte sealer – make sure you get the blue labeled one that’s water based because the oil based one tends to get really yellowed over time).
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Then we took a trip to the stone yard and I basically was like “TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER! AND BY LEADER I MEAN CHEAPEST REMNANT PIECES!”
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To anyone who doesn’t know about local stone yards and their remnant pieces, they’re basically the excess parts of the slabs that kitchen or bathroom clients don’t use (the stone yard cuts the counters for them, and some extra pieces of the original large slab are leftover). Since they’re smaller pieces for smaller jobs that typically wouldn’t work for a big kitchen island or a long span of cabinets, they’re traditionally marked at least half off. Our local place charges around $40 a square foot for quartz remnants, instead of the regular price which is usually around $90. For any locals wondering, we use Capitol Granite, who also made our kitchen island.
So for this huge block of quartz to top the table that is around 3′ wide by 3′ long, we paid around $370 ($40 x 9 square feet). Yes, that is NOT CHEAP. I had some second thoughts about if I was being extremely irrational and overthinking this far too much. So I did what any person who is teetering between “this is too much” and “but it’s exactly what I want” does, and I looked around for similar options to see if I really was getting the best deal, or paying through the nose. This gut check can be hugely helpful and illuminating either way it ends up going. And suddenly I felt much much better, because similarly sized stone-topped tables were upwards of $800 and in many instances they were $1,000 plus!
Even the ready-made ones that I found in those higher price points didn’t have all the features I was looking for (ex: wood legs, the right 3′ x 3′ dimension, good reviews, a quartz top that wouldn’t stain like marble, etc). Take this $1249.00 one for example. Suddenly the cost for my own quartz remnant ($370) added to the cost of the base that I bought (it was $149 thanks to the markdown they were running that day) didn’t sound that crazy. Especially for exactly what I wanted.
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So yes, this coffee table was $519. Not the most expensive thing in our house, but definitely more than I thought I’d pay for a coffee table over a year ago when I started my search if I’m being honest. I don’t know what I expected, maybe under $300? But I can tell you that it completely meets all of my hopes & dreams for a coffee table, which I have since learned is surprisingly hard to do, so I can’t even be mad about that extra $219. Especially after the realization that I’d never end up with exactly what I wanted unless I made it myself. AND DANGIT THAT’S PRICELESS. Well, not priceless, but well worth the effort.
I love that it feels like something we’ll have forever and I really like how it ties into the marble on the fireplace and looks great with the kitchen counters too. Seeing the gleaming coffee table top between the shiny kitchen island and the stone fireplace surround is just lovely. In fact our son very enthusiastically proclaimed that he liked that the top of the coffee table is a giant coaster so they don’t have to use coasters on it. I laughed SO HARD (we have stone coasters in the same color/pattern – you can see one on the end table below). The table really is a giant coaster, so he’s onto something.
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Oh and as for making a solid table even more solid, we added these satin brass corner brackets around the edges, because they blend in and stabilize it even more. See, when you put your feet up on a table over and over again, it can start to rock and not stay super square, and when it starts to rock back and forth, you have to worry about it loosening and continuing to rock more and more. And in an extreme situation it could eventually collapse. These hold it square. No rocking = no getting rickety or unsteady. Such an easy way to add even more strength and it only took a few minutes to screw them in (we predrilled small holes so they went in smoothly).
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This thing is SOLID. As in, the kids can’t move it. Not an inch. Which is kind of nice because they used to push the ottoman all over the place – and it would do that annoying thing to us where it slipped out from under our feet sometimes when we both had our feet up on it. This stays put. We also used a few dabs of adhesive to attach the quartz to the tabletop, just because we worried that it might shift somehow over time. Although once we got it home we were like… this is so heavy it probably won’t ever move. But it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Oh and one more tip: order the coffee table first & assemble it so you can measure the exact size of the top. Sometimes every single table varies slightly, and you want to get a remnant piece of quartz that’s around 1.5″ wider and 1.5″ longer than your tabletop so it has a 3/4″ overhang on all sides, which looks really proportional and doesn’t read like an afterthought.
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So that’s it! The story of Frankenstein-ing a few things together to get exactly what I had been hoping to find. Life will not end if your coffee table doesn’t do everything you want it to, or fit into the room as well as you’d like, or if it gets drink rings, or if you buy a $35 craigslist stand in and it stays there for a year or even ten years. But if you have a picture in your mind of something that you think would be amazing for your family, it’s nice to consider that you don’t only have what’s available at a store to choose from – you can always try to hack or combo-move a few things to hopefully end up with something you love that’ll last a nice long time.
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Speaking of the long haul, our $35 “placeholder” coffee table that used to be in our living room ended up being the perfect shape and size for the beach house living room! So it’s happily living there now (and we have big plans to alter the top to work really nicely in that room – more on that here).
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I love that our “just for now” secondhand find has worked out to be a long term solution for another space. And the coffee table that was in the beach house living room before is living it up in our son’s room as an often used play table (picture it covered in Pokemon cards & blocks to his little heart’s content). In summary: the sisterhood of the traveling coffee tables is real, and I’m gonna need Alexis Bledel and Blake Lively to take this to the big screen.
P.S. Want to read about other things we’ve built or hacked? We have a whole category of posts about furniture upgrades & building stuff.
*This post contains affiliate links*
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dawnjeman · 6 years ago
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Beautiful Homes of Instagram: Farmhouse
  Hello, my wonderful friends! How are you today? Are you being able to enjoy your weekend? It’s been so cold lately that I miss going for my walks and feeling the sunshine… I wish I could go to somewhere very sunny but for now I pour myself a cup hot cocoa and work on this post for you… and I really hope you have a good time on Home Bunch!
Today I will be featuring the talented Cheri from @strangefarmhouse on our Beautiful Homes of Instagram series. Here Cheri shares some insights of her gorgeous farmhouse:
  “We decided to build our forever farmhouse in a modern and open style, with classic finishes to last us generations. Our floorpan is 62544dj from Architectural Designs with some modifications. Our builder was S. W. Andwood who also did all the custom woodwork including cabinetry, the wooden porch posts and the great room beams.
My husband is a first responder working for a police department, and I am a corporate gal working in the Financial Industry. Together, with baby Finn we enjoy DIY’s, cooking, making homemade wine, and enjoying our 12 acres in Western Massachusetts. We are so appreciative of the amazing community that has been built around our Instagram and blog.”
Have a good time!
  Beautiful Homes of Instagram: Farmhouse
Cheri’s home doesn’t lack on curb-appeal. I absolutely love the combination of the Timber posts with the white siding, metal roof and black windows.
Siding: Vinyl siding in white. White straight edge shake shingles in front. The rest is regular horizontal siding.
Roof
Roof is a combination of black shingles with black metal roof on the overhangs.
Porch Posts
The front porch posts are custom built by builder. Aren’t they inspiring? I knew I had to share this home with you guys when I saw this front porch!
Black Windows
Windows – Anderson 400 series Casement black on outside/white inside and a cross style grille.
Similar Church Pew Bench: Here.
Outdoor Rocking Chairs: Here – similar.
Pillows: Here – similar.
Meet the Homeowners!
This is Cheri and her beautiful family. Her baby is just so adorable! Look at that smile!!!
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Kitchen
A stained wooden hood and a kitchen island with X insets give a farmhouse feel to this large kitchen.
Backsplash – white subway tile – Other Beautiful Tiles: here, here, here, here & here.
Kitchen Cabinetry & Lighting
Cabinets are shaker style in a custom white color.
Kitchen Lighting: Pottery Barn (medium).
Island Dimensions
Kitchen Island Dimensions: 11’10” x 4’ – Great size for five stools!
Counterstools
Counterstools are from World Market – similar here – Other Beautiful Counterstools: here, here, here, here, here & here (different styles).
Kitchen Island Paint Color
The kitchen island paint color is Benjamin Moore Hale Navy, but it looks different on these images. Benjamin Moore Hale Navy is a navy blue paint color.
Dishwasher: KitchenAid.
Sink & Faucet
Kitchen Sink: Kohler.
Faucet: Delta pull down kitchen faucet with Delta soap dispenser.
Cabinet Hardware: Here.
Runner: Safavieh.
Countertop
Kitchen countertop is White Ice Granite. I absolutely love it because Granite is a durable and there’s nothing boring about it!
Dining Room
The dining nook has shiplap chair rail. Wall color is Benjamin Moore Classic Gray.
Dining room table is custom from reclaimed barn wood in upstate NY – Other Beautiful Dining Table with Benches: here, here, here & here.
Chandelier: Pottery Barn.
Rug: Sunderland – similar here.
Coffee Station
This practical coffee station is located between the refrigerator (on right) and the ovens (on left). This is a great area for baking as well.
Cabinet Hardware
Large Pulls: Cosmas.
Smaller Pulls: Cosmas.
Open Layout
The kitchen opens directly into a spacious and welcoming Great Room.
Great Room Drapes: IKEA Rivta – similar here.
Drapery Hardware: here – similar.
Great Room Paint Color
Wall color is Benjamin Moore OC-23 Classic Gray.
Couches are from Jordan’s Furniture, similar here.
Fireplace
This fireplace really steals the show! I love the combination of stone and shiplap.
Mantel
A custom log mantel adds a rustic feel to this gorgeous fireplace.
Pillows: here.
Beautiful Plaid Throws: here & here.
Ceiling Fan
Ceiling features box beams and a windmill-style fan.
Windmill Fan: Quorum 60″.
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood throughout is 5″ Character grade walnut – similar here &here (in Hickory).
Coffee Table & End Table: Magnolia Home.
Rug: Safavieh 9×12.
Mudroom
This mudroom is so perfect and you don’t need too much space to create something similar! I love the contrast of the dark hardware against the off-white cabinet and the herringbone brick flooring.
Wall color – Benjamin Moore Classic Gray.
Cabinet Hinges: here – similar.
Finger Pulls: here & here – similar.
Hooks: here – similar.
Floor – Best Tile, Specialty Tile, Dias – similar here & here (in brick-style mosaic).
Garage
Garage doors are Haas 664 with windows in polar white.
Farmhouse
Living in the country means that you allow your soul to be free more often. You can take off your shoes and walk with your bare feet on the grass… breathe the fresh air and allow the birds sing a song never heard before.
  Have a Blessed week, my friends and make sure to follow Cherie on Instagram to see more of her beautiful home!
Photo Credit: Wild Lemon Photography & homeowner photography.
  Home Bunch Favorites:
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Amazing End-of-Season Sales!
Thank you for shopping through Home Bunch. I would be happy to assist you if you have any questions or are looking for something in particular. Feel free to contact me and always make sure to check dimensions before ordering. Happy shopping!
Serena & Lily: ENJOY 20% OFF BEDS & BEDDING WITH CODE SLEEPMORE
Wayfair: UP to 75% OFF – Huge Sales on Decor, Furniture & Rugs!!!
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West Elm: Big New Year Sale: 20% Off Your Entire Purchase! Use Code: NEWYEAR
Pier 1: Huge Sales – Up to 60% Off!
Horchow: High Quality Furniture and Decor. Up to 55% Off!!!
Anthropologie: Winter Tag Sale: All sales at an extra 40% Off! Amazing!
Build: Bathroom Renovation Sale – Save up to 65%
Posts of the Week:
Family-friendly Home Design.
2019 New Year Home Tour.
Newport Island Beach House.
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Renovation Including Updated Fireplace Boosts Value
The clean lines of this gas burning fireplace enhance the simple elegance of this space.
When you’re considering a home renovation, don’t overlook the value of an updated fireplace. Real estate professionals and house-hunters in the Madison WI area agree: fireplaces are one of the most sought-after features. Nationally, more than 60% of home buyers say they are looking for a home with a fireplace.
Expanding or adding a family room or opening up an older floorplan to increase daily living space is a great reason to remodel. If there’s already a fireplace, bringing it up-to-date is a worthy investment. Otherwise making room for a new fireplace is a popular option. The National Association of Home Builders as well as Angie’s List report an up-dated fireplace may add as much as $5,000 to the home’s value.
There was a time when the fireplace was a heating tool for the home. Today, it goes beyond providing warmth. Words found on social media describing what a fireplace adds to a room include comfort, cozy, happiness, a homey feel and luxurious living.
Modern fireplaces come in a wide range of sizes, shapes and designs. However, there are two basics getting most of the attention: traditional wood burning models and gas burning fireplaces.
Choose The Updated Fireplace For Your Lifestyle
Traditional wood burning fireplaces remain popular. However, a gas burning fireplace is the most sought-after version in the 21st century. The cost of adding or up-dating either one varies. Details like running a gas line to the location have to be considered. After the fireplace is in, ongoing costs vary, too. Unless you have a ready supply of wood, you’ll have to purchase wood for a traditional fireplace. Availability of wood varies too. The cost of natural or LP gas changes, but overall the daily cost of using a gas burning fireplace are not excessive.
Both gas and wood burning fireplaces have their pros and cons to consider.
The advantages of wood burning fireplaces include:
Awakens the senses – the smell of wood smoke is a traditional sign of the seasons. The snap, crackle and sizzle of burning wood adds to the experience.
A reliable energy/heat source – for centuries wood fires have provided heat to homes of all sizes.
Wood burning fireplaces are not without their drawbacks, including:
Installation costs – if you’re starting from scratch adding a wood burning fireplace requires serious construction. The fireplace must have a complete chimney. There are local, regional and state building codes to deal with.
Cost of wood – in an urban area buying wood can be expensive. The impact of the cost depends upon whether you plan to use the fireplace as a heat source or just for “atmosphere.”
Not energy efficient – a traditional open fireplace loses a high percentage of its heat up the chimney and drafts from outside are common.
High maintenance – with burning wood comes clean up chores. Burned wood leaves ashes and soot. The fireplace has to be cleaned regularly and ashes must be disposed of. In addition, to prevent chimney fires the chimney must be cleaned on a regular basis.
The Most Popular Fireplace For Your Remodel
For a rustic, rugged look nothing beats stone – making this fireplace an eye-catching feature of a remodeled space.
What makes a gas burning fireplace popular? Is it flipping a switch for instant fire? Or nothing to clean up when the fire goes out? Consider the advantages of using gas:
No hassle – no need to “build” a fire. No hot embers.
Plenty of fuel – no wood to stack, buy or split.
Clean – clean inside and outside – including the air around them.
High heat – unlike early versions that were mostly cosmetic, modern gas fireplaces generate a lot of heat. And, with optional fans they can move the warmth into a room quickly.
Safe – there are two types of gas installations: direct vents and ventless. Neither has a chimney.
Direct vents – the safest choice, draw air in from outside and exhaust all combustion gases outside.
Ventless inserts – the most efficient (around 98% efficiency compared to 92% for direct vents) because no heat escapes. Have your contractor check local codes to be sure ventless installations are an option in your community.
Little maintenance – periodic cleaning and a regular inspection are all they need.
Environmentally conscious – gas burns efficiently and there’s little or no air pollution associated with exhaust. No smoke. No ash or creosote to clog chimneys either.
For all their pluses, there are some drawbacks, too:
Fuel cost – depending on the fuel you have access to, gas might be the more expensive choice. LP (propane) can be expensive and the cost varies a lot. If you already heat with natural gas the added cost of a fireplace won’t impact your monthly bill much. Unless you have access to wood you can cut and split yourself, buying wood can be costly, too.
Aesthetics – the “fake” logs in a gas installation are more realistic than ever, but they still don’t look “real.” There’s no snap, pop or aroma of burning wood.
Plan Your Remodel Around An Updated Fireplace
Decide early in the planning process where you want a fireplace. Location is important to design, style and installation options. If you’re working with an existing fireplace, decide if it stays or moves. Additional details include how to update both looks and performance.
Location depends upon how you plan to use the fireplace. Do you want a roaring fire to greet guests when they walk in the front door? Are you adding a comforting accessory to your remodeling master bedroom? A small fireplace enhances a cozy spot while a large installation boosts the usefulness of a large family room.
The fireplace mantel was created to catch and direct smoke into the chimney. Today, it is designed to catch the eye of visitors and family. An eye-catching mantel turns the updated fireplace into the focal point of any room. Choosing the “right” material is a personal touch available in many materials, colors and sizes.
Surround your fireplace in your personal style. Field stones, bricks, marble and tile are all options for surrounding your fireplace. Do you want a rustic, country look? Or are you looking to surround the fire with warmth and elegance? You have dozens of ways to make your dream come true.
Don’t overlook nearby lighting. A fireplace produces a cascade of light. By adding complementary lighting you build on the mood. Darker mood lighting exudes intimacy. Ideally suited to a bedroom fireplace. Brighter lights and brighter colors generate energy. Perfect choices for a family room.
Draw Upon Remodeling Experience
To be sure the installation of a new fireplace or renovation of an existing one fits the overall remodeling plan, work with an experienced contractor. With specialists on call to cover all the details, a skilled contractor makes sure every aspect of your remodeling project fit together flawlessly. Attention to detail and continuity are critical. Understanding how the fireplace fits into the overall vision for the space ensures a safe, efficient installation.
Safety is vital. When the plan calls for working with an existing fireplace, make certain all its parts are working properly – clean the chimney if it burns wood.
From living rooms to bedrooms a fireplace increases your appreciation of home. As you formulate a remodeling plan, look to Sims Exteriors & Remodeling to make it happen. Call 608-825-4500, or email us. We’ll take your ideas and turn them into reality. A reality that includes an updated fireplace to increase the value of your Madison WI area home.
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https://madisonexteriorsandremodeling.com
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andylocksmithtipsntricks · 5 years ago
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How Can I Prevent a House Fire?
Losing your home to a fire is a scary thought, but there are plenty of things you can do to stop a fire before it starts and keep your home and family safe.
  Test your smoke detectors.
Properly maintain your smoke alarms by testing the batteries once a month. It’s easy to forget such regular maintenance, but it’s worth setting a reminder in your smartphone’s calendar to help you get it done. If they’re not working, replace them immediately. 
Inspect heating sources.
Regardless of what kind of primary heating you have in your home, an annual inspection will reduce your risk of fire.
Change furnace filters regularly to avoid a buildup of dust and lint that can easily catch fire. If you use space heaters, carefully inspect them before and after each use, and place them at least three feet away from anything combustible, such as fabric or paper. Check water heaters as well, especially those that run off gas and have a pilot light. Make sure nothing is close to the heating element.
Keep the stove and oven clear.
Kitchens are the most common places for house fires. To prevent kitchen fires, don’t leave anything flammable near the stove or oven. Make sure curtains don’t hang over the stove, and never rest towels or a cookbook on the stove top. Keep oven and stove cooking surfaces clean and free of debris, especially if heating elements are exposed. 
Stay in the kitchen.
Don’t leave a hot cooking surface unattended. Whether it’s a pot on the stove or an electric griddle, you need to be close by. If you have to leave the room, take the pot off the stove or turn off the griddle first. Make sure pot handles are turned inwards at all times so they can’t accidentally be bumped and splatter grease.
Check the dryer.
If you have a gas-powered clothes dryer, have it inspected once a year to make sure all connections are secure. No matter what type of dryer you have, always clean out the lint filter after a load is finished. Regularly check behind and around the dryer for pockets of lint or items of laundry that have fallen under or behind. Use a shop vacuum or hire a professional to thoroughly remove all lint and debris from the lint trap area and all external dryer vents at least once a year. 
Maintain electrical cords.
Regularly check the condition of electrical cords and watch out for frayed wires. Repair or replace damaged cords immediately. Electrical cords can produce heat, so don’t trap them under a rug or between furniture and the wall. When you’re not using them, unplug any appliances that feel warm to the touch when connected to power, including phone chargers. 
Use extension cords sparingly as a temporary fix, as they can deteriorate quickly with continuous use. Make sure any extension cords you use are rated for the wattage of the device they’re powering.
When it comes to power strips and surge protectors, don’t try to cut corners. Trusted name brands are best.
Know your shutoffs.
Know the locations of your power shutoffs for all utilities, including gas lines, circuit breakers, appliances, and fuses. Post clear shutoff directions next to each one. Keep a non-sparking tool handy for turning off gas.
Store flammable products properly.
Many household cleaners and cosmetic products like shaving cream and hair spray are flammable. Keep flammable products away from heat, including exposure to sunlight. Designate a cool, dark cupboard for flammable products and make sure all family members know where they go. 
Keep combustible materials like paint and gasoline in their original containers. Store tightly-closed paint containers upside down so the paint creates a seal. Gasoline should be stored in containers designed for gasoline. If a container develops a crack or leak, transfer its contents into a new container made of the same material as the original. 
Be careful with candles.
Never leave candles unattended and always keep them away from flammable items like blankets and curtains. Place candles in secure, tip-proof holders and extinguish them before leaving or going to sleep. If you’re afraid you’ll forget, set a timer on your stove or phone. 
Be a conscientious smoker.
Avoid smoking in bed or while lying on the couch so you don’t accidentally fall asleep with a lit cigarette. When smoking outside, never leave used butts on the ground. Always dispose of used cigarettes in ashtrays or other safe receptacles when smoking either inside or outside the house.
Use the fireplace responsibly.
To keep errant sparks from escaping, install a durable metal fire screen in front of your fireplace. Don’t leave a fire unattended. Give ashes ample time to cool down before disposing of them. Always place fireplace ash in a dedicated metal container that isn’t used for any other household refuse. Have your chimney professionally cleaned at least once a year to prevent the buildup of creosote and other materials that could cause a chimney fire.
Prevent wildfires from outdoor fire pits, bonfires, and burn barrels.
Make sure your fire pit or burn barrel is constructed of nonflammable materials, like stone or concrete. Avoid having fires on windy days or after long periods of dry weather. Never leave the fire unattended—it only takes one spark to ignite a wildfire. 
Keep a bucket filled with water or a hose connected to a water source nearby. Extinguish the fire by thoroughly dousing it with water, and place your hand over the ashes to feel for any remaining warmth. 
Keep fire extinguishers handy.
Some homes come equipped with fire sprinkler systems, but fire extinguishers stocked in key areas of your home is the next best thing. At the very least, keep one in the kitchen and others near high-risk areas like a fireplace. Remember to put the fire extinguisher far enough away from the potential fire source that you’ll be able to grab it safely without getting too close to the stove or fireplace. 
Regularly review the instructions and make sure all members of the household know how to use the extinguisher properly. Post the P.A.S.S. acronym near the fire extinguisher:
P = Pull
A = Aim
S = Squeeze
S = Sweep
Download Steps
If you’re not able to invest in fire extinguishers, a box of baking soda works in a pinch for grease fires. Generously shake the baking soda over the grease fire to smother it. 
Close bedroom doors.
House fires spread quickly when there are no barriers. Something as simple as closing bedroom doors at night can create passive fire protection that buys precious seconds when it counts. 
Know your location.
Few people realize that emergency operators can’t always trace your location if you call from a cell phone. They can estimate your location based on signals bouncing off cell towers, but firefighters still need an exact address. It’s important for every member of the household to understand how fire response works and to know your address. 
Fire damage can be devastating, but learning how to prevent fire can minimize the risk of fire in your home. Make these practices part of your fire safety plan and review them regularly. For more information about fire safety, and to learn more about what do during a house fire, check out our Fire Safety Resource Guide.
Related Pages on SafeWise
Best Smoke Alarms
Best Fire Extinguishers
Best Fire Safety Emergency Kits
Best Fire Escape Ladders
Where to Install Smoke Detectors and Fire Alarms
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