How to update your look

@chrisbhoffman
Updated November 12, 2018, 11:07am EDT

You probably shouldn’t update your BIOS, but sometimes you need to. Here’s how to check what BIOS version your computer is using and flash that new BIOS version onto your motherboard as quickly and safely as possible.

Be very careful when updating your BIOS! If your computer freezes, crashes, or loses power during the process, the BIOS or UEFI firmware may be corrupted. This will render your computer unbootable—it’ll be “bricked.”

How to Check Your Current BIOS Version in Windows

Your computer’s BIOS version is displayed in the BIOS setup menu itself, but you don’t have to reboot to check this version number. There are several ways to see your BIOS version from within Windows, and they work the same on PCs with a traditional BIOS or a newer UEFI firmware.

Check Your BIOS Version at the Command Prompt

To check your BIOS version from the Command Prompt, hit Start, type “cmd” in the search box, and then click the “Command Prompt” result—no need to run it as an administrator.

At the prompt, type (or copy and paste) the following command, and then hit Enter:

You’ll see the version number of the BIOS or UEFI firmware in your current PC.

Check Your BIOS Version by Using the System Information Panel

You can also find your BIOS’s version number in the System Information window. On Windows 7, 8, or 10, hit Windows+R, type “msinfo32” into the Run box, and then hit Enter.

The BIOS version number is displayed on the System Summary pane. Look at the “BIOS Version/Date” field.

How to Update Your BIOS

Different motherboards use different utilities and procedures, so there’s no one-size-fits-all set of instructions here. However, you’ll perform the same basic process on all motherboards.

First, head to the motherboard manufacturer’s website and find the Downloads or Support page for your specific model of motherboard. You should see a list of available BIOS versions, along with any changes/bug fixes in each and the dates they were released. Download the version to which you want to update. You’ll probably want to grab the newest BIOS version—unless you have a specific need for an older one.

If you purchased a pre-built computer instead of building your own, head to the computer manufacturer’s website, look up the computer model, and look at its downloads page. You’ll find any available BIOS updates there.

Your BIOS download probably comes in an archive—usually a ZIP file. Extract the contents of that file. Inside, you’ll find some sort of BIOS file—in the screenshot below, it’s the E7887IMS.140 file.

The archive should also contain a README file that will walk you through updating to the new BIOS. You should check out this file for instructions that apply specifically to your hardware, but we’ll try to cover the basics that work across all hardware here.

You’ll need to choose one of several different types of BIOS-flashing tools, depending on your motherboard and what it supports. The BIOS update’s included README file should recommend the ideal option for your hardware.

Some manufacturers offer a BIOS-flashing option directly in their BIOS, or as a special key-press option when you boot the computer. You copy the BIOS file to a USB drive, reboot your computer, and then enter the BIOS or UEFI screen. From there, you choose the BIOS-updating option, select the BIOS file you placed on the USB drive, and the BIOS updates to the new version.

You generally access the BIOS screen by pressing the appropriate key while your computer boots—it’s often displayed on the screen during the boot process and will be noted in your motherboard or PC’s manual. Common BIOS keys include Delete and F2. The process for entering a UEFI setup screen can be a bit different.

There are also more traditional DOS-based BIOS-flashing tools. When using those tools, you create a DOS live USB drive, and then copy the BIOS-flashing utility and BIOS file to that USB drive. You then restart your computer and boot from the USB drive. In the minimal DOS environment that appears after the reboot, you run the appropriate command—often something like flash.bat BIOS3245.bin—and the tool flashes the new version of the BIOS onto the firmware.

The DOS-based flashing tool is often provided in the BIOS archive you download from the manufacturer’s website, although you may have to download it separately. Look for a file with the .bat or .exe file extension.

In the past, this process was performed with bootable floppy disks and CDs. We recommend a USB drive because it’s probably be the easiest method on modern hardware.

Some manufacturers provide Windows-based flashing tools, which you run on the Windows desktop to flash your BIOS and then reboot. We don’t recommend using these, and even many manufacturers who provide these tools caution against using them. For example, MSI “strongly recommends” using their BIOS-based menu option instead of their Windows-based utility in the README file of the sample BIOS update we downloaded.

Flashing your BIOS from within Windows can result in more problems. All that software running in the background—including security programs that may interfere with writing to the computer’s BIOS—can cause the process to fail and corrupt your BIOS. Any system crashes or freezes might also result in a corrupted BIOS. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so we recommend using a BIOS-based flashing tool or booting to a minimal DOS environment to flash your BIOS.

That’s it—after you run the BIOS-flashing utility, reboot your computer and the new BIOS or UEFI firmware version loads. If there’s a problem with the new BIOS version, you may be able to downgrade it by downloading an older version from the manufacturer’s website and repeating the flashing process.

With a few easy age-defying tweaks to your wardrobe, you can easily keep up with the play

It is time to change your mindset when it comes to fashion. Some say you grow out of fashion – while we grow in and out of trends we certainly do not grow out of fashion. Embracing new techniques and styles can make a world of difference to a dated outfit. Adopting some or few of these simple style ideas will keep you looking up-to-date.

Getting noticed is good
Embrace individual style, like 67-year-old fashion influencer Meryem Slimani.

Dial down a smart work uniform
For a relaxed and sophisticated look try Papa Clothing ‘Ehu’ shirt $445 and ‘Lana’ tie pants $182.

Embrace athleisure
A tracksuit style of trouser can be paired with a blazer or shirt for an effortless look. Ruby ‘Corvette’ trousers $249.

Be open-minded
Reset your ideals on what ‘should’ and ‘shouldn’t’ be worn by embracing trends and trying new things as long as it suits your shape and lifestyle.

Go for bright lips and strong shades
Boost a plain outfit with a pop of colour. May it be an accessory or make-up, a slash of colour will revive any look. Try M.A.C’s Amplified range, M.A.C Cosmetics ‘Amplified’ lipstick $35.

Loosen up your hair
Forget the curlers and go au-naturel or try a spray of sea-salt to add texture.

Ditch the handbag
Hand held bags are a thing of the past for now. Hands-free options such as a cross-body or even a belt bag have been adopted by the masses in recent times. We love the Yu Mei ‘Luci’ bag $275.

Wear one thing that’s a little bit bonkers
If you’re daring, try a print on print outfit or if feeling more reserved opt for a crazy style of sunglasses to finish off a look.

Find your brands
Find a brand with your aesthetic or a style you love. If you are tall and rangy, Kate Sylvester , Penny Sage or Cos are likely to fit you well. If you are petite, try Twenty-seven Names (for short torsos) or newcomer Caitlin Crisp . If you are a pear shape, the custom designs of Tanya Carlson ; Widdess or the more accessible options at Max will serve you well.

Buy classic, but wear with a twist
Whether it’s a trench coat or pearl necklace there are plenty of options on the market with a modern take on an old classic. Look for extra interesting details like the silver lock on this Meadowlark fob pearl and sterling silver necklace $869.

Trainers modernise every look
Your new best friend.. Perfect to pair with your favourite dresses, a suit trouser or jeans. Veja trainers, $229, from Playpark by Karen Walker.

Go OTT on jewellery
A piece of jewellery can change any outfit from dreary to fabulous. A dramatic earring can even be paired with a white t-shirt and denim for a elevated look. Penny Foggo earrings, $35, from Iko Iko.

Do some research
Instagram and Pinterest are excellent resources for outfit inspiration with endless street-style pictures from all around the globe along with daily outfit s from bloggers of any age. If you have a favourite website or brand to shop from, check out how they style their pieces and shop the look for ease of styling in future.

Big eyebrows are a) good, and b) not an impossible dream
Long may the over-plucked eyebrow hideaway in the archives.. a natural face with a bold brow is front and centre in majority of beauty campaigns and has been transferred over to the streets with welcome arms. Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Long Wear brow pencil, $72 , from Mecca.

Your shoes are ageing you
Try to look for styles with an interesting twist on a classic shape like By Far’s ‘Stevie’ ankle boot $998 and ‘Lily’ mule $729 from Workshop.

Play with proportions
Colour or print blocking is a great way to be playful with an outfit while also looking put-together and well thought out.

1. Look in the mirror.

Ask yourself: Am I doing this for me or to please someone else? If it’s about you, keep going: How do I want to present myself? What do I feel good about? What do I want to update? Let the changes you make reveal the real you. (Have an outgoing personality? Try some bolder colors!)

2. Clean out your closet.

Make three piles: one for items that fit well and make you feel great, one for items that need tailoring, and one for items to donate or toss. Clearing out clutter helps you assess what you still need and makes room for a hot new wardrobe — and lets you appreciate what you already own.

3. Find a fashion mentor.

Share your mission with one of your stylish girlfriends. Ask her to dish her secrets: What designers does she love? Is she free to take you shopping? If you hit the mall solo, get advice from a chic store clerk about what silhouettes and colors might look good on you.

Give yourself permission to try a look that you may think “isn’t you.” Once you step out of your wardrobe safety zone, you’ll see your fashion possibilities in a whole new way. And if the look doesn’t feel quite right, ask yourself which parts did work. You may find a single new element to make your own.

The best thing about a style change is that if you don’t love it, you can leave it. New jacket looks a little too funky? Return it! Haircut a bit short? It’ll grow back! As you develop your look, you’ll see what clothes and makeup bring out the best version of you — and build confidence along the way.

Finding Your Style: 3 Questions for Ariane

Q: Why is fashion so intimidating?

The fashion we see seems flawless: Models have the perfect bodies and clothing, and it’s intimidating to compare ourselves to that unrealistic standard. But you can unhook your fears by focusing on the positive feelings that come from updating your look. Even a small change — like a form-flattering pencil skirt — can make you feel great. The confidence that comes from strutting your stuff in something you love will radiate from the inside out.

Q:
Why do people hang on to familiar looks?

Everyone has fashion blind spots. People think they can’t wear heels, or color, so they become trapped in what they’ve always worn. Plus, there’s a comfort in the familiar. Silence the inner chatter telling you, Color isn’t me, or, I’m too tall for heels, by focusing on what makes you feel good. When you get excited over an outfit or haircut, you’ll know it’s right.

Q:
How can I stop comparing myself to people around me and learn to own my unique style?

Let go of the way you think your hair or body should be and allow what you do have to come forth. Remind yourself that just as you compare your looks to friends’, you might very well be a role model for someone else — and that she looks to you for style inspiration.

Who is ready for a change? Hands up if you need a little pick-me-up and want to update your look but don’t want all the fuss? It’s easy to get stuck in the comforts of your style, but we have some tips that are easy on the budget, fit with a busy mama’s time constraints and can freshen up your look in no time. Date night, anyone?

Fashion stylist, blogger and author of the book The Capsule Wardrobe Wendy Mak says you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on new pieces every season to update your look.

Mak says, “One of my most common style mantras is never stay dull. It’s so easy to lose your fashion mojo and fall into a rut – I see it all the time with my clients, particularly with new moms and women who are losing confidence as they mature. They wear the same things or stick to the same brand over and over and again.

“It’s easy to look fresh and current without stocking your wardrobe full of the trendy new clothes every celebrity is wearing, which will look dated next season. Once you’ve got your capsule wardrobe – your key foundational pieces – you can always rely on these tried and true ways to look trendy without the celeb budget. And best of all, if you shop right, you can revamp your look for less than $50.”

5 Easy Tips to Update Your Look

1. Change up your lip color

“A super easy fix, a new lipstick is a quick way to change your look – especially if you’ve been sporting the same lippy for years. With a swipe of this season’s shade, you can literally just throw on a white tee and jeans and you’ll still look on trend. Colors to try now: deeper reds, browns and burgundy. We have been trying out the new colors from Hard Candy and love the all-day wear.

2. Change up your sunglasses

“Have you worn the same pair of metal-framed sunnies for years? Break away and try a colored or plastic frame, or a completely new shape. Be adventurous! Getting uber-trendy with your sunglasses gives a total diva look. My best tip is to take a selfie in the store with your new sunnies, and that’ll show you what you really look like with your new shades on, rather than peering through the shades.” For on-trend sunnies, I look to Modcloth. They have a just-right pair for everybody and there’s plenty of bang for your buck!

3. Get a fringe

“In both the southern and northern hemispheres, fringe is very now and we can expect them to stay for at least another season (or long enough to grow it out if it’s really not working for you).” We found THIS fringe bag that is perfect for all your summer travel adventures.

What you need for a killer wardrobe this spring.

May 2, 2018

Exactly how will you reinvent yourself this spring? With the shops awash in options, the choices can be paralyzing. So, like any endeavor, it’s best to break your wardrobe update into manageable chunks. Start with five pieces, then add the bits and baubles. Here, our suggestions for the essential purchases of the season.

A Jacket That Works

It isn’t quite T-shirt weather, and even when temperatures rise to appropriate heights, you’ll need a light jacket to endure those frozen tundras imposed by air-conditioning. The coolest jacket right now is one inspired by work wear, ideally in a surprising shade. Wear with everything.

From left: Urban Outfitters vintage French chore jacket, $69 at Urban Outfitters, urbanoutfitters.com; Community Clothing denim chore coat, $104 at Selfridges, selfridges.com; Carhartt WIP cotton blend jacket, $168 at Carhartt Work in Progress, us.carhartt-wip.com; Ijji cotton work jacket, $180 at ijji.co.

The ‘It’ Bag of the Future

The Los Angeles label Building Block has won a loyal following thanks to its minimalist sculptural accessories, which are not unlike the kind of artwork you may see at the city’s Museum of Contemporary Art. It’s fitting, then, that those two would link up on a capsule collection, including this “iPhone sling.” And as the increasing use of Apple Pay and Venmo means less use for wallets, it may be the “it” bag of the future.

Building Block x MOCA leather iPhone sling, $125 at MOCA, mocastore.org.

The Long Shorts

Who wears short shorts? No one over 35, usually — and certainly not to the office. But this spring, designers, thoughtfully addressing the needs of, say, 80 percent of the population, have extended the hemlines. The result: shorts you can wear anywhere, even, in the right fabric, to a cocktail party.

From left: Melitta Baumeister cotton blend shorts, $480 at Totokaelo, totokaelo.com; Wales Bonner cupro blend shorts, $525 at Totokaelo, totokaelo.com; Martine Rose cotton cargo shorts, $610 at La Garçonne, lagarconne.com; Marques’ Almeida denim shorts, $350 at La Garçonne, largarconne.com.

A New Take on a Trend

While the must-have earrings of the last seasons tended to be boldly minimalist or made of precious and semiprecious metals, this spring’s must-haves are playful and packed with color. This may be the final flourish before the long-running jewelry trend flames out. Enjoy wisely.

Clockwise from far left: Marni resin earrings, $435 at shopbop.com; Kate Spade New York beaded earrings, $78 at shopbop.com; Rachel Comey acrylic earrings, $92 at needsupply.com.

Life in Plastic

The forecast for shoes this spring? Clear. In a forward-thinking touch at a time when fashion is often looking back, designers have turned to PVC and Lucite to give classic shapes a fresh spin. Slipping into a pair is the easiest way to update a ho-hum outfit.

Fashion is a wonderful tool for self-expression. You can use it to identify with your tribe or to stand out from the crowd. There are no set rules, and fashion knows no boundaries. However, for most of the population, high fashion is just not a practical choice for everyday life, and while you may dream of having a designer wardrobe and skyscraper heels, the reality of your closet is that it is functional and practical, with the sporadic statement garments for special occasions.

It can be easy to fall into the trap of wearing the same clothes day-in-day-out, which does nothing to make you feel as fabulous as your clothing should do. Complacency is a fashion killer, so to help you rekindle your fashion passion, here are 3 top tips to update your look.

Statement footwear

Footwear is often forgotten about when it comes to revamping your closet. However, the impact can be dramatic

• A pair of statement boots will boost the appeal of your outfit. Over the knee boots are a stunning addition to any closet, and they can be worn with trousers, dresses, shorts, and skirts. The good news is that you can head online to find stylish wide calf over the knee boots so that all people can have a pair, no matter what the shape of their legs.
• A pair of killer heels should be in your closet, even if you only wear them from bar to car. Heels elongate your legs and make you look great. Think about the colors that mainly dominate your wardrobe and buy a pair that either sharply contrasts; or conversely, a nude color that will flatter the colors in your closet.
• A pair of new sneakers is always a joy, so if your current pair are looking a little too worn, you now have the perfect excuse to buy a new pair. You don’t just need to wear them for your exercise classes, wear sneakers with a dress or your smartest gear for a fresh look

Monochrome Statement

People often wrongly assume that monochrome means black and white; however, the monochrome look is all about wearing all of one color, and of any color! This trend has been strong for a couple of years, but that is because it is a chic and effortless way to wear color. If you feel like you need some other color in your outfit, introduce it through the accessories that you choose. A monochromatic look is the perfect background for a statement necklace or patterned scarf.

Mix and Match

Just because you’ve always worn garments together, doesn’t mean that you can’t mix and match and experiment with new ways of wearing your clothes. You will soon identify the most flattering shapes of clothes for your body shape and the colors that best enhance your coloring. Shirt dresses over jeans , floral dresses with a polo neck, you won’t know about a winning combination unless you try it!

Fashion should make you feel as great as you look, so if your heart sinks every time you look in your closet, you know that its time for a style update. Don’t underestimate the power of the accessories that you choose for your outfit, statement pieces of jewelry can transform even the simplest of outfits. The most important thing, however, is to have fun with your fashion.

Microsoft releases frequent updates to its various Office applications, including Outlook.

By default, these updates are installed automatically, so you don’t need to worry about doing it manually. But occasionally, automatic updates get disabled or specific updates fail to install.

Here’s now to make sure automatic updates are turned on, and how to apply an update manually.

How to turn on automatic updates for Outlook

1. Open Microsoft Outlook and the click “File.”

2. In the navigation pane, click “Office Account.”

3. Select “Update Options.”

4. If automatic updates are paused or disabled, you’ll have the option to “Enable updates” in the drop-down menu.

5. Click “Enable updates.” Updates are now automatic.

© Dave Johnson/Business Insider Enable updates from the Update Options menu in Office Account. Dave Johnson/Business Insider

How to check for and apply updates to Outlook manually

To update Outlook manually, you can make Microsoft check online for any available updates and install it.

1. Open Microsoft Outlook and click “File.”

2. In the navigation pane, click “Office Account.”

3. Click “Update Options.”

4. Click “Update Now.”

© Dave Johnson/Business Insider You may need to click “Enable Updates” if you don’t see the “Update Now” option right away. Dave Johnson/Business Insider

If you have an older version of Outlook

If you don’t see the Office Account option in the File menu, you are running an older version of Office, and you’ll find the updates control in a slightly different location.

1. Click “File” and then click “Help.”

2. Choose “Check for Updates.”

3. If there is an update available, you’ll have the open to install it.

5 ways to update your look

Do you fancy updating your look? The new autumn and winter collections are coming into the shops so it’s a good time to make some changes.

1. Spot the trends that work for you.

To help, we’ve pulled out five key looks. See what you think:

• Global traveller mixes and layers the best styles, textures and luxurious patterns from around the world. Create offbeat pairings using military influences, faux fur, clashing patterns, traditional craftsmanship and collectable jewellery.
• Historical romanticism borrows heavily from the past with lots of ruffles, lavish embroideries and opulent fabrics – velvet, lace, sheer silks and faux fur. It’s perfect for the party season.
• Shake it up is flamboyant, angular and dramatic. Think Ziggy Stardust, 80s glam and the Studio 54 disco scene.
• The purist is all about classic sculptured shapes, understated elegance and muted neutrals. Soft, luxurious fabrics skim the body, with emphasis on the elongated silhouette and defined waist.
• Young sailors are classic pieces with a nautical influence – little jackets with sailor collars, high-waisted trousers paired with chunkier knits, toggles, Breton stripes, A line skirts and dresses.

If you’re drawn to some – but can’t relate to some of the others – that’s down to your clothing personality. If you’re not sure what that means, or how to apply the latest looks to your personality, your local stylist is always on hand for some expert advice. Get in touch for the details.

1. Do it with accessories

You don’t need to go head to toe. A bag, scarf or a pair of shoes can latch onto a new trend without blowing the budget.

In fact, sometimes you can update without spending any money at all? Just wear what you have in a new way. If the global traveller is your thing, pick out a couple of your scarves in clashing patterns and wind them together. Most of us have items of jewellery we have picked up on our travels, now maybe the time to wear them again.

1. Change your hairstyle

It’s easy to get into a habit with our hairstyles – and our hair colour. But even a small change can tap into one of the season’s new trends.

If you’re comfortable with it, there’s a growing trend for ditching the dye and embracing grey hair. It’s not for everyone. Winters and summers will suit the coolness of grey, whereas autumns and springs may need something warmer.

1. Wake up your make-up

There are 3 easy ways to keep on trend with your make-up…

• Lips – The focus is on the lips, while the face is kept neutral. Winters and summers will love the deep berry shades. Deep chestnut and bronze will suit autumns. Classic red is everywhere this season, with multiple finishes from matt to high shine.
• Eyes – There are lots of smoky eyes around. Autumns and springs will go for dark browns, winters and summers will want the greys. There’s also a pop of colour – blue, green and metallic shades. Check out our retractable eye pencils for creating that look.
• Face – Rather than contouring, it’s fresh and light with a natural luminosity and satiny softness. On the cheeks, there’s a hint of pink for summers and winters. For springs and autumns it’s coral.

For some expert help with the latest make-up trends, why not check out our wake up your make-up classes.

Your season never changes, but you may not realise that your double star colours can shift within your season as you get older. They’re the colours that turn heads and get you the best compliments, so a re-rate is a great way to refresh your look and boost your confidence. We recommend a colour re-rate every 7 years, so if you’re a bit overdue, get in touch with your stylist.

We love the transformative effects of makeup. Nothing else in the world makes us feel more powerful than swiping on some lipstick and letting the world know that this is exactly how we want to be seen. The issue is that as we age, the products and application methods that made us look like a million bucks in college no longer work as well—suddenly they’re making us look older than we actually are.

But don’t throw your mirror out the window—all you need to do is fine-tune your makeup routine so that it’s as fresh and gorgeous as you are. We turned to makeup artist and the Beauty Director at Large of Beauty.com, Romy Soleimani, who gave us some of her best tips for how to update your makeup—and still feel like yourself when you do it.

Wear the Right Foundation and Concealer Shade
When you wear a hue that doesn’t match your skin tone or is too light, Soleimani says it can make you look washed out and tired—which makes you look older. To make sure you buy the right shade, shes suggests color-matching to the skin on your neck, and don’t cake it on. “While we want to cover any dark areas, sun spots, or redness, a well-hydrated complexion that allows some of your natural skin to shine through will look healthy and youthful,” she says.

Similarly, Soleimani notes that using a concealer shade that’s too light will just draw attention to the flaws you’re trying to cover up—make sure it’s an exact complexion match or skip it altogether!

Be Mindful of Eyeliner Placement
It’s all about “lightening and opening up the eyes,” Soleimani explains, and you’ll need a solid balance of eyeliner to do so. You don’t want to much eyeliner all around the eye; you also don’t want to only apply bottom liner as that will drag down the face. The fix? Keep it away from the inner corners—so think the outer third of the eye only—and apply a thin line on the upper lid for an “instant lift.”

Think Through Dark Lip Colors
We’re all for a vampy lip, but for a fresh, young look, Soleimani suggests a lighter shade. “In general, using a darker tone can make lips appear less full, and as we age, lips become thinner,” she says. “Stick to lighter tones that will make your lips look more plump.” If you do want to wear a berry shade, she suggests picking something that has a sheer finish and is moisturizing.

Create Balance Between Your Eyes and Lips
Don’t go all out on both a smokey eye and a bold lip on the same night. “I think modern makeup is all about creating subtle tweaks to enhance your features, and it’s about creating a balance,” explains Soleimani. “If you want to try a bright lip, make sure the eyes aren’t too heavy and vice versa.” Pick one and go with it—it’s a way less dated look.

Focus on Your Skin
Keeping your complexion in mind—that’s what Soleimani says is the modern approach to makeup. To ensure you’re getting flawless look, she suggests using your fingers to apply the product, as it will warm up the formula and give you a natural finish.

Use a Cream Blush
Turns out, powder blushes are more likely to emphasis dryness and settle in fine lines, so cream formulas are a great alternative. That’s what Soleimani says will help you create a healthy complexion. “The Cream Blushes by RMS ($36, RMS Beauty) are great because they include coconut oil and healing turmeric, plus they don’t get greasy and stay put,” she says. “I also like Kevyn Aucoin’s The Creamy Glow Blushes ($28, Bergdorf Goodman) for their super smooth and easily blendable formula.”

4 Simple Ways to Update Your Look This Fall

Autumn is and always will be my favorite season for experimenting with beauty and style. There are various ways you can update your look during this time of year, whether it’s with clothing, hair, makeup or accessories.

Brisk weather is upon us. That means, you can begin layering clothing and accessories to create comfortable outfits, plus the colors of the season make some excellent inspiration for your color palette. If you’re in need of inspiration on how to update your look for, here are four easy ways I like to do so each time fall comes around!

One of the easiest ways to update your look is by dying your hair a fresh, bright color. Reds and lavender ‘dos are a popular choice for autumn.

Wardrobe

An effortless way to update your look for fall is by adding a few seasonal staples to your wardrobe. Items like chunky knit sweaters, denim jeans, basics for layering and classic coats never go out of style. For fashion inspo and outfit ideas, check out Pinterest and Instagram’s #Fashion tabs for the hottest finds.

MAKEUP

Once autumn arrives, try to add some new goodies to your makeup collection since so many shops have sales for the holidays. Bright plums and fuchsia colors are the perfect tints for fall.

Accessories

The last area that I like to update is accessories. You’d be surprised at what a few accessories can do to a typical everyday outfit. For fall, I love accessories like blanket scarves, ankle boots, bright animal print purses and long necklaces and earrings. So break out those thigh-high socks and boots and remember to have fun and experiment with your style. Its ok to not always follow the style rules!

What’s your favorite way to update your look for fall?

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Posted on March 22, 2017 by Amber Ooley

You’ve had your logo since the beginning of your startup or small business. But if you clicked on this post, you might suspect that it needs a refresh. How do you know when it’s time for a new look?

Find out how to identify a logo that needs some rework and learn how you can make those changes easily with a logo maker.

An outdated look

If you’ve been in business for multiple decades, or if you inherited the business from someone else, you may notice that the logo looks a little old school.

Vintage fonts can be a great way to convey your brand, but not if your business is supposed to be tech-savvy, edgy, or forward-thinking. Look at your logo with fresh eyes to identify any outdated fonts, wording, or symbols.

Unnecessary complexity

Digital trend expert Gabriel Shaoolian says, “Logos with a lot of detail or too much gradient often don’t translate well to digital.” He also explains, “Companies that were established long before the digital age may find that their logos look great on letterhead but not so great as profile images or in digital ad creative.”

When you update your logo, make sure that it’s simple and crisp – a modern design that looks good on both computer screens and smartphones.

An inaccurate reflection of your business

Have you changed your original product offerings or altered your services? Your logo could still reflect your business’s original mission. That means it’s an inaccurate reflection of your current business – time for a refresh!

Your logo should represent your business in its current form. Consider updating your logo to reflect the evolution of your business and accurately show what you do – and who your customers are.

How to make updates to your logo

You’ll find a number of logo maker and logo design tools online. These tools typically charge only at the end of the design process if you like the logo you crafted and want to use it for your business.

To use a logo maker, simply go to the website and type in the name of your business. You may be able to add a bit more information, such as a keyword or two about your products and services.

After that, you’ll be presented with dozens of logo options. These logos are all created by real, live designers. The search program pulls them up for you to view, based on the criteria you typed in.

Not every logo you’ll see among the results is right for you. In fact, a few may be pretty far off the mark. However, you’ll notice that most of them have a visual connection to your business.

Design choices

Take a look at the options. A few of them may look too similar to your old logo. Others immediately jump off the page because of an appealing font, bold color, or apt imagery.

Select one that matches your current (or future) business purpose. Your new logo should have momentum, color, and give off a modern vibe.

Introduce your new logo to customers

Once you’ve chosen a logo, you can tweak the colors, size, and font as needed. Before you roll out your new logo, let your customers know about the upcoming change so they won’t confused by the update.

Develop an engaging ad campaign, social media campaign, or mailer series that explains when and why you’re changing your logo. After that, remember to use the design on your signs, business cards, website, and packaging.

Ready to make updates to your logo design? Learn what to consider when selecting a logo maker .

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There are many ways to update older homes to make them appear fresh and new. Supplies such as paint do not have to cost a great deal to yield huge results. By adding new finishes, lighting and other decorating items, it is possible to create a whole new appearance to an outdated home. The result is a house with added visual appeal and, many times, a more valuable market price.

Entrance Makeover

Create a fresh, updated look to the front entrance area. Paint the front door with gloss, exterior paint to make it stand out as the focal point for the home. Choose a vibrant color, such as red, to give it maximum visual appeal. Add a new, brushed-nickel doorknob set, kick plate and door knocker. Place a 4-foot, potted topiary on either side of the front door to amplify its prominence. Include new light fixtures on the right and left side of the door in varieties that complement the style of the home. Finish with a new doormat in colorful designs to create a new look and feel.

Kitchen Update

Make an outdated home look new with a kitchen makeover. Paint the room an updated shade of tan, gray or cream. Change the look of dark, outdated cabinets with lighter finishes and styles. Choose painted cabinets in white or black for a kitchen with up-to-date flair. Homeowners on a budget can easily paint the cabinets to save money. Add new knobs and handles in brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze. Include new lighting fixtures such as a chandelier, sconces and overhead lights to create a kitchen with a contemporary appearance. Select new countertops in granite, concrete or marble to give the kitchen a luxurious, modern look. Because flooring installed before 1978 can contain asbestos, refresh a tired, kitchen floor by floating new linoleum tiles atop the old flooring. Complete the kitchen with a new faucet in a finish that coordinates with the other metals in the room.

Bathroom Facelift

Incorporate a bathroom update to create a home with a new, fresh appeal. Give the walls a coat of paint in a light, neutral shade to make the room feel larger than its measurements indicate. Add a new vanity to the bathroom space in a finish such as oak or hickory. Alternatively, choose a painted vanity for a crisp, updated look. Include a new bathroom countertop in granite. Select a large bathroom mirror that is framed with a wooden finish that coordinates with the vanity for a seamless appearance. Choose an undermount or vessel sink for a clean look to the decor. Purchase a new toilet in a neutral shade. Include travertine flooring to add instant shine to the bathroom decor.

Living Room Upgrade

Paint the walls a light shade or gray, tan or cream to make the living room feel expansive. Add painted, white mouldings around the doors and windows for a crisp, new look. Apply a coat of white paint to the ceiling. Rip up the old flooring and replace it with new carpet or hardwood flooring. Match the carpet shade to the walls to create a spacious living room. Alternatively, install hardwood flooring in a contrasting hue — such as dark floors juxtaposed with light walls — for a more contemporary final result. Add new lighting. Hang an oil-rubbed, bronze chandelier on a high ceiling or install two wall sconces on either side of a fireplace to finish the updated decor with style.

A quick settings menu removes some of the busy work of adjusting the look and feel

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Accessing the plethora of settings hidden in Gmail can be a pain, but it’s about to get a little easier. Google is rolling out a quick settings menu, which offers a sampling of options that let you adjust the look of your inbox without leaving the page. Once this new tweak arrives on your account, it will activate automatically, and you won’t have to leave the page to see the visual changes you make to your inbox.

The quick settings menu contains an option to change the density of information displayed (between default, comfortable, or compact). It also lets you choose which emails you want to have prioritized in your inbox. Another option lets you add a reading pane so you can see an email’s contents without actually opening it. Lastly, you can adjust your Gmail theme from the quick settings menu.

The new quick settings menu will appear in the top-right section of your Gmail window. Google

You’ll still need to drill into the full list of settings if you want to, say, make a vacation response for some out-of-office time. Google’s putting a link to all of those options right at the top of the quick settings menu, and it mentioned in a press release for this feature that no new features are being added to Gmail. This is simply a nip and tuck of previous features to make its email service a little easier to use.

Google Meet starts rolling out in Gmail, continuing Google’s quest to unseat Zoom

You can now email your emails in Gmail

Apple considers allowing apps like Chrome and Gmail to be set as iOS defaults

The rollout has begun for personal Gmail accounts as well as G Suite users who work at corporations on Google’s rapid-release track. If you don’t notice the quick settings menu soon, your workplace might be on Google’s scheduled release track. If that’s the case, the quick settings menu won’t begin rolling out until June 22nd.

This post was brought to you by T-Mobile. America’s Largest 4G Network — Now faster than ever. Click here for more details.

Are you a mom with nothing to wear? Have you wasted precious early morning minutes trying on and then discarding clothes that aren’t working? Maybe you need a wardrobe update. Moms spend a lot of time and money on others, relegating their own appearance to the bottom of the list, but looking good is feeling good, and a happy momma is a good momma. Here is a systematic plan to give your wardrobe a makeover without breaking your budget.

Step 1: Clean and Organize

Taking inventory ensures you won’t unnecessarily spend on items you don’t need. Organize your existing wardrobe into pants, skirts, jackets, blouses, and dresses. Except for workout clothes and what I refer to as “extreme casual” wear, resist the urge to make distinctions between work and casual clothes. You’ll get more value from your wardrobe by opening up your options to dress up and dress down.

Step 2: Edit Ruthlessly

Anything that does not make you feel good about yourself has to go. Every time you try on something that doesn’t flatter, that is not only time wasted, it also chips away at your self-image. Not sure if something looks great? Enlist help. Some moms have friends who tell them whether or not something is better off retired. I have an 11-year-old daughter. Much as I hate to admit, her fashion choices are usually correct.

Step 3: Play Favorites

The standard rule is to toss, donate or sell anything you haven’t worn in a year, but there are exceptions to every rule! I keep certain favorites around, just in case. (Keep reading!) Send things you can’t part with to the back of the closet, or better yet, to another room entirely so they don’t take space in your now clean and organized closet.

Step 4: Identify Must-Haves

Make a list of key items depending on your work and lifestyle. I need a lot of jeans, colorful form-fitting tops for TV appearances, and just a few business/formal basics like black slacks, a white shirt, and a nice jacket. If any of your essentials need replacing, put these on your list first, and plan to spend the most on these (but only if you have to, more on that later.)

Step 5: Flip and Click

This is the fun part. Get your favorite beverage and head to a well-stocked magazine rack or public library. As you flip the pages pay attention to styles you already know will flatter you and fashions that show up over and over. Think about how things you already own can be incorporated into new outfits. Catalogs are another great source of what’s hot in a particular season. If you don’t get catalogs shipped to your home, go to the online stores to see what everyone is wearing. I also like to tape morning television shows, which have a fashion segment almost every day.

Step 6: Choose Your Trends

With the latest trends in mind, add to your list those fun seasonal pieces you’re going to incorporate into your wardrobe. Don’t forget to check the back of your closet for one of those favorites you’ve put away in seasons past. I recently pulled out a great vintage lace dress and a metallic knit cardigan. I haven’t worn either in years, but they both look like they’re ripped from a page of any recent fashion layout.

Step 7: Swap and Shop Resale

Some moms save a lot of money by swapping clothes with friends. I like this idea for certain essentials—suits and little black dresses—but I prefer to get my gently used clothing from a consignment store. Armed with your list of essentials and trendy items, hit your best local resale shops. Remember to factor in the cost of any alterations.

Step 8: Hit the Web

Online shopping is great, especially if you know certain brands that fit your body well. Sites like eBay and Craigslist can be an inexpensive source for fun fashion items. You can also often snag great deals by signing up for new accounts or subscribing to alert or newsletter lists. Always search for promo codes before you checkout.

Step 9: Never Pay Retail!

Your next stop for wardrobe updates is traditional retail outlets. Start first at discount outlets like TJ Maxx and Marshalls, and then head to the department and specialty stores. Take advantage of coupons and rewards points if you have them, and use your smart phone to search for coupon codes before you get to the register. Always ask the cashier if there are any coupons he or she can scan for you.

Step 10: Document Your Best Looks

Whether in a journal, on your phone, or file in your computer—make note about or take pictures of outfits you love. In a busy mom’s morning, it’s easy to forget a fabulous combination you put together on a particularly good day. Having a record of great looks ensures you’ll always feel great about yourself when you step outside your door!

What are your wardrobe updating secrets?

Where a traditional dining room is defined by formality and rigidity, a modern dining room is defined by flexibility.

Forget about the strict rules of a traditional dining room, and leave behind the idea that everything has to be, as Gary, our Director of Sales puts it, “matchy-matchy.” A modern dining room is also defined by practicality.

Whereas combining a library and a dining room would have seemed ludicrous decades ago, people are now designing stunning multipurpose dining spaces with bookcases lining the walls.

Light

The first thing to think about when updating a traditional dining room is light. Dining rooms can tend to have a closed-off, dark feeling.

Bring light to the dining room with airy, light elements, and a lighter color scheme. Simple changes like opting for a buffet without a hutch will make a big difference if you want to visually open up the space.

Change the trim on your walls to a lighter, brighter color. And if there isn’t enough natural light, bring in ambient lighting fixtures where needed.

Texture

The next step when considering a modern take on the dining room is to add texture. A traditional dining room might feature a set of cherry furniture with cabinets in the same color.

A modern update would incorporate metal, glass, and different tones of wood.

ixing in different textures and colors will add depth and dimension to your dining room. An easy way to start is to incorporate metals along with your wood accents and consider using a fun, textured fabric on your chairs.

Color

When choosing between wood tones, if cherry doesn’t suit your fancy anymore, consider grey or ashy toned wood, and a more tonal color scheme.

If you have silver accents, consider updating them to copper or brass for a more modern look.

Finally, be creative with color! The dining room can be just as fun an environment as the living room. Gary suggests thinking outside the box and placing, for example, “a chartreuse seat on the chair with a grey rug and a navy dining set.”

You may not have the budget for an entirely new dining set. Or maybe you inherited a family heirloom and you’re not ready to part with it. There are so many ways to update your dining room without letting your beloved furniture go.

• Paint your dining set! Deep jewel tones like royal blue or navy will transform older furniture.
• Keep your traditional armchair, butchange the fabric on the seat. Try something unexpected that contrasts the chair, like leopard or cheetah.
• Update your table by adding upholstered chairs at the head of the table. Or alternately, remove chairs on one side and place a bench in their place.Mixing textures in your chairs will give your dining room a new look.
• If your chandelier is too traditional for your taste, update the look by hanging 3 chandeliers at different heights.

Soho Chairs featured with the Weston Table

Potentially the most fun part about updating your decor? Bringing in new pieces! Here are some elements to bring in that will quickly modernize your dining room.

• If your oriental rug reads too formal, replace it or layer it for a modern look. Depending on your color scheme, you could opt for a neutral rug or a bright statement.
• If a new dining table is in the cards, consider a live edge, raw and rustic table like the Fairfax Dining Table. You could also go the opposite route and opt for a sleek, modern design. For a complete guide on how to choose the perfect dining table for you, read more here.
• As opposed to a high hutch that matches your dining set, invest in a buffet or bar cart and place a large mirror over top to stylize it.
• As far as window treatments, Gary says, “Take off the long draperies and go cleaner with roman shades that cover just the window.” This will help open up a smaller room.

When in doubt, Gary suggests, “Buy one new piece of furniture that funks the room up.”

Another really great and simple way to keep your dining room looking fresh and modern is to set up a tablescape. Place a variety of vases down the table and combine natural and man-made elements to bring your design to the next level.

How you choose to design your dining room will greatly affect how you feel when you’re sitting down for dinner or gathering during the holidays. You want your dining room to feel like you, whether that means a traditional space, an eclectic mix, or a sleek and modern design.

Ultimately, it’s about having a dining space that serves your needs and brings you joy. Updating your dining room, whether you start with small changes or a large overhaul, will transform your dining experience.

Through simple additions of color, light, pattern, and texture, and a reworking of your old furniture, your dining room can become new again.

The best place to start any design project is by talking with one of our talented designers. Meet them here and then come into a showroom near you!

Are you the friend that hosts all the parties? Do you want to be? Read our guide on how to decorate your dining room to host the best parties.

Author: Julia Maiman

Julia is a writer, blogger, and believer in the smell of old books. She has been crafting stories since she could put pen to paper. She is also a lover of dogs, traveling, and Led Zeppelin.

Change the look of your fireplace without spending a lot! Whatever your budget, these tips – and some creativity and elbow grease – will get you the look you want.

Looking for fireplace remodel ideas to make yours a more interesting focal point? Whether you’re desperately wanting to give your outdated fireplace a facelift, you’re just ready to change things up or you’re trying to personalize a new home, here are some ideas for how to update a fireplace on a budget.

1. Add a touch of paint.

Gone are the days of design elements such as bold and bright red fireplaces and natural, oak-colored wall paneling and trim. What has taken their places? Light, cool, crisp paint colors, such as those in the white and gray families. Yep, painting — and even whitewashing — your fireplace brick is all the rage (just don’t tell your grandmother what you’re up to).

2. Turn your brick to stone.

Tired of looking at the dingy, old brick eyesore smack dab in the middle of your living room? Here’s an idea for how to update a brick fireplace on a budget: Forget about brick altogether! Instead, create an all-new focal point made of beautiful — and inexpensive — stone. Anna Moseley, from Ask Anna, has all the details for this easy and affordable stone solution.

3. Add a mantel.

If you’re wondering how to update a fireplace mantel — or even include one, in the first place — we’ve found the perfect project. What’s more, it will cost you less than $35. Mysha at Remington Avenue has all the details about this easy DIY fireplace mantel.

4. Think — and build — outside the box.

When it comes to fireplace remodel ideas, sometimes you have to think beyond the firebox. That is, consider adding design elements above the fireplace, like this popular shiplap addition, and around the fireplace, like these bookcases converted to built-ins. Fortunately, you don’t have to be particularly handy in the DIY department to complete these projects, and you certainly don’t have to break the bank.

5. Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize.

A fireplace doesn’t just have to consist of a firebox and bare mantle. After all, the mantel serves a purpose, right? To give your fireplace a major facelift, consider adding accessories that define your tastes. A giant mirror over the fireplace? Fresh-cut flowers from your garden? A fire screen with the perfect amount of embellishments? The possibilities are endless, and they don’t have to cost a fortune. Simply keep these mantel decorating tips in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to a fireplace that stops guests in their tracks. The best part? Accessories aren’t permanent. Feel free to switch them out with the changing seasons, holidays or room décor.

Ready to tackle another DIY home improvement project? Try your hand at replacing those outdated sink faucets with shiny new ones.

Since the introduction of Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft has greatly improved the way users can update their computer. Below are steps on how to perform these updates, as well as additional recommendations to help update your computer.

Microsoft Windows Update

If you are running Microsoft Windows 98 or later, at least some updates should be available for your computer. In most cases, automatic updates and the latest drivers are available online. To update your software through Windows, follow the steps below.

Users on a corporate network or running an illegal copy of Microsoft Windows may be unable to perform Microsoft Updates. If you are on a corporate network, contact your administrator if you are concerned about updating your computer. If you are running an illegal copy of Microsoft Windows, we recommend you purchase a valid copy of Microsoft Windows to download updates.

Windows 10

Windows Update is automatically turned on in Windows 10 and cannot be turned off for home users. Only enterprise users (Windows 10 for business) can delay the installation of Windows updates.

Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. If using Small icons view, click the Windows Update option. If using the Category view, click the System and Security option, then click the Windows Update option.
3. Windows Update checks for any available updates for your computer. If any updates are found, they’ll be shown. We recommend you first install all important updates and service packs that are available. In some cases, you may only be able to do a few important updates or service pack updates each time, if some updates are dependent on other updates.

Windows XP and earlier

1. Read the Windows Update FAQ.
2. On the Microsoft Windows Update page, select the option Scan for updates. If prompted to install a plugin, click Yes. Not installing this plugin prevents you from scanning for updates.
3. Because this feature must query your computer, Microsoft gathers information from your computer allowing the software to know what it needs to update. Several urban legends exist about Microsoft attempting to inspect your computer for illegal software, install unwanted the programs, and steal your private information. None of these are true. Unless otherwise stated in Microsoft’s Privacy Statement, Microsoft collects information from your computer during this process. Collected information includes the following information.

• Your operating systemversion.
• Your product key.
• What version of Internet Explorer you are using.
• Version numbers of any other programs you have installed which Microsoft provides updates.
• ID numbers of the hardware devices installed in your computer.
• Your region and language settings.

1. After Windows Update has completed scanning, any available updates will be shown. We recommend you first install all critical updates and service packs that are available. In some cases, you may only be able to do a few critical updates or service pack updates each time.
2. Although Microsoft does provide some driver updates for hardware devices, it is important to realize that they will not have all the latest drivers. You may want to consider updating the drivers directly from your computer manufacturer. See the computer drivers page for a listing of computer hardware manufacturers and a link to their drivers page.

Whenever you are prompted to reboot the computer, reboot the computer. Rebooting is an important step and in some cases may be required several times before you have installed all the Windows updates available. After the computer has rebooted, make sure to visit the Windows update page again to make sure all the files you need are downloaded.

Microsoft Windows XP and later users

Users of Microsoft Windows XP and later versions can have Microsoft Windows automatically update their computer.

Other hardware drivers

To get the best performance from your computer, we recommend you make sure you have the latest drivers for the hardware devices in your computer.

Unable to view Windows Update page

Below are some reasons why you may be unable to view the Microsoft Windows Update page.

• If you’ve recently installed Windows XP, 2000, or older version of Windows the update page is no longer compatible unless you’re running the latest service pack. See Microsoft’s guide to fixing Windows Update errors for more information.
• Your time, date, or year on your computer is not set properly. See: How to set or change a computer’s date and time.
• You are trying to access the Microsoft Windows Update page through a web browser other than Microsoft Internet Explorer.
• If you are on a corporate network, your administrators may have disabled this feature. If this is the case, a message indicating that the Windows Update feature was disabled is shown.
• You are using an illegal copy of Microsoft Windows.

Every time I run the Windows Update my computer has problems

Although Microsoft tests the updates before they are released with numerous computer configurations, you may have issues after running an update. Usually, these problems are caused by other software programs, a unique computer or software configuration, or third-party drivers.

If you ran an update and are having a problem not documented, try uninstalling the updates through Add/Remove Programs or Programs and Features in the Control Panel.

Below are recommendations for helping to prevent problems.

• Temporarily disable any virus and spyware protection programs.
• Disable any disk software utilities or performance tools running on the computer.
• Let the updates run without using the computer. Step away from the computer while updates are being installed.
• How do I clear my Internet browser history?
• If you are encountering problems after installing driver updates, we recommend you try updating the drivers from the hardware manufacturer’s website instead of through Microsoft. A listing of driver manufacturers is on our computer drivers page.
• If the update is not a critical update, do not run the update immediately after it’s released. In some rare cases, Microsoft discovers issues with its updates after they are first released that may cause your computer issues.

Although problems may occur after running the Microsoft Windows Update, it’s still highly recommend you always update your software because of the problems and security issues they can fix.

How do I know if my computer has all the Windows updates?

If you’re uncertain if your computer has all the Microsoft Windows updates installed on your computer, read the Windows Update FAQ. It guides you through performing a Windows Update. If no updates are required, it will report the computer is up-to-date.

Alternatively, you can download software utilities such as Belarc Advisor that lists the updates installed on your computer and any critical updates you may be missing.

When was the last time you did a full review of your resume? If you’re like many people, this document only gets an update when you switch jobs or apply for a new one.

That’s understandable: A total overhaul sounds daunting and time-consuming. Fortunately, making a few tiny tweaks to your resume—the type of adjustments that take just minutes to complete—can have a surprisingly big impact.

Here are some suggestions for small yet powerful updates you can make to your resume.

1. Remove Old Positions

Have you been working off the same resume since you graduated from college, and just tacking on new jobs? If you’re 10 to 15 years into your career (or more) it’s probably time to remove some entry-level roles. Read your resume from the bottom up, and consider deleting older positions that might not be so relevant anymore. You can learn how many years of experience to include on your resume.

Estimated time: 30 minutes

2. Update Your Skills

Have you taken a class? Mastered a new program? Started giving presentations regularly? Take a look at your resume’s skills section and make sure you have listed all of your professional skills, both soft and hard. At the same time, consider removing some dated skills. If you’re still listing proficiency with Lotus Notes, you can probably delete it. And, some really basic skills (like Microsoft Office) often can be removed as well, since they’re assumed for most office roles.

Estimated time: 15 minutes

3. Check Your Keywords

If you work in tech, you know the latest jargon and buzzy words can change in a flash. It’s Python one day, Ruby the next! But that’s really true for every industry—jargon changes, and with it, the words recruiters and applicant tracking software look for while scanning through your resume. Take a look at some job descriptions posted in your industry, then read through the experience and skills section of your resume to make sure you have all the necessary keywords listed.

Estimated time: 30-45 minutes

4. Update the Formatting

Your resume doesn’t need to be visually arresting (unless you’re applying to be a designer or other art- or design-focused role). Still, design and formatting matter. Readability is important—that means using a standard font and plenty of white space. And while a resume template can be very helpful, you can also tweak it a bit so it doesn’t look exactly like all the other resumes the human resources department flips through. Here are some formatting updates you might want to make:

Font: Update your font choice if the one you have is hard to read or ho-hum.

Estimated time: 5 minutes

Replace paragraphs with bullet points: Or, if you already have bullet points, check that they’re concise. If they spill over to three lines, consider trimming the copy down to just two lines. You should read more advice on writing job descriptions on your resume.

Estimated time: 1 hour

Change all written out numbers to numerals: Not only will this give you more space, but it’s visually arresting. And, instead of writing out “percent” use the percentage symbol (%) instead.

Estimated time: 15 minutes

Apply consistent style: If one job title is in bold, all job titles need to be bolded. Make sure all your small formatting choices are consistent from top to bottom.

Estimated time: 15 minutes

Make sure there’s enough white space: In an effort to get everything on your resume, you may have sacrificed white space by decreasing the space between lines, shrinking your margins, or reducing your font size. Print it out, and make sure these adjustments haven’t made your resume a challenge to read and scan through.

Estimated time: 5 minutes

5. Remove Dated Phrases

If your resume includes the phrase “references available upon request” it sends a signal that you’re an older job seeker. Cut that phrase, and any mention of references, from your resume.

Estimated time: 5 minutes

6. Make Sure It’s Saved Correctly

Your filename should not be “resume”—you may only have one document on your computer with that name, but recruiters and hiring managers could have hundreds of documents with that filename. Instead, include your first and last name, along with the word “resume.” And, unless otherwise requested, it’s generally a good idea to send over resumes as a PDF—that way, all your careful formatting will be preserved.

Estimated Time: 5 minutes

7. Refresh Contact Information If Necessary

While you’re at it, make sure your contact information on your resume is up to date—and that you’re using a professional email address for communications. (Consider setting up an email address devoted to your job search.)

Estimated Time: 5 minutes

8. Review the Top Half of Your Resume

A resume is a concise document (often, just a single page in length). That means every bullet point and the word should be purposeful, supporting your candidacy. Still, it’s human nature for people to pay more attention to the beginning of the document than the end.

To that end, make sure the top portion of your resume reflects your best, most relevant experience. This may mean, in some cases, moving sections around. Once you’ve had several jobs, for instance, your education probably belongs at the bottom of the page, not the top. If your most recent position doesn’t display your most noteworthy skills and accomplishments, you may want to transition from a chronological to a functional resume.

Finally, if you lead with a summary, profile, headline, or objective at the top of your resume, make sure that the copy sounds current, doesn’t have dull or cliched phrases, and is a good match for your industry and the job you’d like to have.

Estimated time: one hour

9. Proofread (Yes, Again)

The space of time can make it easier to catch typos, grammar mistakes, and other small errors. Give your resume another proofread. This is a particularly good idea if you’ve just made many tweaks. Try reading it aloud and follow a proofreading checklist. Or, ask a friend or family member to review your resume.

Maintaining your computer with the latest updates is one of the most important things you can do to keep your information secure and avoid crashes. Use our guide to find out how to update your PC.

Keeping your computer up-to-date

Although each new version of major operating systems includes more maintenance tasks that run automatically, there are still some tasks you should perform to keep your computer updated. An updated computer allows you to run the newest programs hassle-free.

It’s also important to keep your PC updated to avoid viruses and other malware. Hackers are always looking to exploit holes in operating systems and apps that will allow them to send a virus, install adware, or install spyware.

Software companies combat the hackers by putting out updates to their products. It’s important to install these updates to keep your computer operating securely and efficiently.

Updating your Microsoft ® Windows ® computer

Windows 10 is one of the easiest systems to update. Windows Update, which is found in the System and Security area of the control panel, cannot be turned off. It will automatically install Windows updates and updates to some apps. If you want to be sure your software is up-to-date you can also manually check for updates by clicking the Windows icon, selecting Control Panel, then selecting System and Security, then Windows Update. Click Check for updates to manually check for additional updates.

For earlier Windows versions, the same process is possible, but check to make sure you haven’t turned off Windows Update. If you get messages prompting you to install important updates, install them.

Be sure to reboot when prompted; rebooting is an important part of the installation process. If you wait to reboot, the queue of items can be very long and rebooting will take longer. Some updates can be installed only after other updates, so if it’s been a very long time since you rebooted the updates can get stalled looking for other updates.

Anti-virus software

You should have anti-virus software running, and updating, to keep your computer safe. There are many kinds of anti-virus software, including anti-spyware, anti-adware, and anti-malware. The important thing is to install software that checks automatically for updates to keep your computer free of malware.

App updates

Be sure to turn on automatic updates when installing any new app. That way you get the most recent versions with protection against any known vulnerabilities hackers can exploit.

If there isn’t an option for automatic updates, be sure to check the seller’s website for updates. Never click links sent by email, as these might not be sent from the seller and can contain malware or phishing attempts.

Driver updates

A driver is a piece of software that tells a specific hardware component how to run. Generally, drivers are updated automatically, but if you are having trouble with a piece of hardware, check the seller’s website to see if there is an updated driver and download any that are recommended.

To find out the exact name of the hardware component, click the Windows icon, then select Control Panel, then Hardware and Sound, and click on Devices and Printers. The window will list all the hardware items you have installed.

Troubleshooting performance issues

If you have updated your operating system, apps, anti-virus software, and any drivers and your system is still having performance issues, try these options.

You need to restart your PC

It’s easy to always leave your PC on; everything you were doing is ready when you come back to it. But leaving everything running all the time can create slow response times. Restarting closes forgotten apps running in the background and clears the memory cache. Restarting can also trigger updates and patches that require a restart.

Be sure to restart properly, by going to the Start menu and selecting Restart or Shut Down.

Too many open apps and tabs

Apps and web browser tabs use valuable RAM resources, even when you’re not directly interacting with them. To combat this, re-configure apps that start automatically if you don’t need them when you first start your computer and close any web browser tabs that you’re not using.

If you use Microsoft ® Windows ® , you can see the apps that are using memory right now:

1. Hold down the Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys at the same time
2. Select Start Task Manager
3. Open the Processes tab

See which programs are using the most resources and decide if you can close them. Be careful which processes you do close, as this might affect the important background tasks running on your machine.

Hard drive is corrupted or fragmented

Hard drives can become corrupted from a variety of sources, including hard or cold shut downs (just pressing the power button while the computer is running). Follow these steps to check if your hard disk is corrupted:

1. Click Start, select Computer, right-click on your hard drive and select Properties
2. Click Tools, under Error-checking, click Check now
3. A Check Disk dialog will appear, select both options, then click Start
4. Click Schedule disk check
5. Close all open programs, then restart the computer. The check will take some time, so keep your PC turned on and connected to a power source.

To avoid problems with hard disks, upgrade your computer to a solid state drive. Learn more about solid state drives here.

If there is an error message when the check completes, consider upgrading your drive.

Think your computer might need an upgrade? Find out more about upgrades for your device.

Not enough RAM

Many computers can be sped up with the addition of more memory (RAM). To see how much memory your Windows computer has, follow this process:

1. Click Start and then select Control Panel
2. Select System and Security, under System, select View amount of RAM and processor speed
3. The amount of Installed memory (RAM) is displayed

A memory (RAM) upgrade is ideal for improving responsiveness, running apps faster, and multitasking with ease. Because nearly every computer operation relies on memory, it’s essential to have a surplus of RAM to allow for sudden peaks in memory demand; and that’s why a memory upgrade is one of the best ways to improve PC performance. Use this guide to see how much memory you need.

Your computer should now be up-to-date with the latest versions of all your apps and games. This will help you not just to run programs faster, but also to browse the internet more safely.

© 2017 Micron Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Information, products, and/or specifications are subject to change without notice. Neither Crucial nor Micron Technology, Inc. is responsible for omissions or errors in typography or photography. Micron, the Micron logo, Crucial, and the Crucial logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Micron Technology, Inc.. Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

Since the grey trend has been replaced with black/dark and moody kitchens (the pendulum has to swing back and forth between light and dark after all), here’s where incorporating a trend works really well:

You can make your 90s granite disappear!

So first, notice I didn’t say 80s granite even though there are lots of unpainted oak kitchens today with granite countertops that were installed in the 90s and onwards. FYI, if you did that without painting your cabinets, you would likely end up with a ‘new granite, old kitchen’ look, because we weren’t doing granite countertops in the 80s.

However, if you do have pink beige or earthy granite and you want to create a new and current look, painting your cabinets a deep colour works well to downplay the stone and create an upscale look. This way you can extend the life of your dated granite for another 10 years as long as this look is trending.

Look at this amazing transformation that makes the best of pink beige granite by Chris Loves Julia (below).

Moody painted kitchen transformation by Chris Loves Julia

See how the arched display cabinet perfectly echos the arch of the black window AND the window design as well! Really clever. I’ve seen a lot more arches lately in doors and windows, have you been noticing that too?

While the blue green grey colour (above) feels a bit like the grey trend, (slate blues and greens are certainly trending, especially for cabinetry), these cabinets could just as easily have been a muted navy or a deep green, red or violet based colour too for a similar effect.

Notice, that the uppers were removed on either side of the window.

That’s what will make an average, builder kitchen feel a lot more current.

A dark colour for your cabinets is definitely something to consider if you want to work with dated earthy granite.

Peach Granite + Navy Cabinets

Here is good example of peachy/pink granite working with painted navy cabinets for a smart update below.

Notice that the peach granite (easier to see below) has been visually repeated by the wood shelving that relates to it! And of course, the old uppers were removed (and the range area reconfigured) to create this updated makeover which is fabulous!

Choose your dark colours carefully

Still, be cautious if you want to try this. It won’t work for every kitchen. The darker the colour, the more it shows finger prints and dust, just like dark espresso floors and cabinets did. And be especially careful with trendy, heavy black.

It’s more likely for stark, inky black cabinets to look like ‘trendy new painted black cabinets in an old kitchen’. In other words, black is more likely to make your earthy granite look old. Stick with softer darks in muted warm neutrals, blues, greens and slates if you want to try this look for your kitchen.

If you need help choosing colours for your kitchen makeover, be sure to check out my eDesign services here.

Become a True Colour Expert this Spring, learn how to choose the perfect white, learn when the perfect white should be greige or complex cream, and how to coordinate neutrals and colours in ALL finishes and fabrics. Join me for the best colour training in the world. Register here.

– Here’s everything you need to know

(Pocket-lint) – In the history of Facebook, there have been four major redesigns.

The latest one, FB5, otherwise known as the “New Facebook”, might be the most dramatic of them all. It’s a total shift in how Facebook looks and works on desktop and mobile. It even introduces a site-wide dark mode. Don’t have a meltdown just yet. It’s been many years since a massive design change came to Facebook, so this news is both welcomed and much-needed, even if it’s jarring.

To help you navigate the change, we’re breaking down what to expect.

What is the ‘New Facebook’?

At the F8 2019 conference, Facebook executives announced the social network plans to push out a massive redesign called the “New Facebook”. It’s an interface update that will place a bigger emphasis on Groups and Events – two of the biggest reasons people visit Facebook on a daily basis. This subsequently also means that the News Feed will be featured way less in the “New Facebook”.

Both the desktop website and the mobile app will automatically receive the update, hopefully making Facebook easier to navigate while also modernising its look for the new decade. Facebook described it as a cleaner design, with more of an all-white look and even a dark mode option.

What’s new with Facebook?

White design

Visually, Facebook’s redesign is carried throughout the desktop and mobile apps. It’s a cleaner, brighter, more contemporary Facebook. Here’s a look at CEO Mark Zuckerberg showing off the mostly-white design at the F8 2019 conference:

Dark mode

If you’re not a fan of the bright look, you’ll be happy to know that, because dark modes have become a huge trend, Facebook has decided to offer its own dark mode for desktop and iPhone users with this update. (Go here to learn how to get this dark mode now for Messenger.)

Here’s a quick video from Facebook showing off the look:

Here’s a closer look at FB5, including Dark Mode for web, coming soon.

News Feed and Groups

Perhaps the biggest change to Facebook is the News Feed. Facebook is doubling down on group communities and private interactions and has suggested we can expect a major disruption in how we get our content from Facebook in the future. It floated the notion that friends and family should be the core of our social lives. So, Facebook Groups will now be prioritised and surfaced more to you.

That doesn’t mean the News Feed is dead. In fact, press imagery for the “New Facebook” still shows a stream of status updates.

Facebook said the Groups Tab has been overhauled to make finding new groups that you might be interested in even easier. The feed for groups will also serve up recent activity within groups you’re a member of and may even replace the News Feed as the default feed. You’ll also see more connections among groups and the Facebook features you use the most, such as Marketplace or Facebook Watch.

Other features

There will also be new features events and for specific communities, like Chat for Gaming Groups, as well as interaction improvements for Facebook Live and those who use it for buying and selling purposes.

When will the ‘New Facebook’ arrive?

Facebook began rolling out the “New Facebook” to mobile users in late 2019. Facebook finally began letting desktop users try it in March 2020.

How to get the ‘New Facebook’

Desktop

Facebook is now allowing people to try the “New Facebook” from a desktop. Just log in to Facebook on your computer, go to your Settings drop-down menu, and select the option toward the bottom that says “Switch to New Facebook.”

To switch back to the old Facebook and its classic white design, simply go to the Settings drop-down menu and disable it.

Mobile

To try the “New Facebook” on your Android or iOS device, just make sure you’re running the latest version of the Facebook mobile app.

How to turn on dark mode

Desktop

While switching to the “New Facebook”, you will automatically be brought to the all-new look and shown a card detailing the changes. Then, you will be allowed to choose the dark mode. If you’ve missed this step, at any time, you can go to the Settings menu to toggle on dark mode.

Although Facebook hasn’t formally announced dark mode for iOS is available yet, it has begun appearing for some iPhone and iPad users. Open the Facebook app on an iOS device, then tap the Menu tab on the bottom menu, and scroll down and tap Privacy and Settings. A toggle for Dark Mode will appear, should it be available to you. Tap it to turn on the new dark mode.

From new furniture arrangements and easy DIY makeovers to ideas for creative reuse, there are many ways to update your space that do not require cash. If you are ready for a home makeover without spending a dime, it’s time to shop your house.

Also known as “use what you have” decorating, shopping your house entails searching your own home for forgotten treasures and looking at what you already use with fresh eyes. Get started with these three steps:

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Do a walk-through of your home, exploring every nook and cranny for forgotten items. Note anything you would like to have repaired.

Take photographs of everything. It is easier and faster to see what will work where if you can hold up a picture, rather than dragging furniture from room to room.

Remember to remove, not just add, items. If a piece of furniture or a decor item has been rubbing you the wrong way, move it out, try it in a different room, paint it or sell it — but don’t let it just sit there.

Here are 10 creative ways to kick off your shop-your-home makeover.

Give an old twin bed new life. An old twin bed frame (or even just the mattresses) languishing in the basement can easily be transformed into a chic daybed with the addition of a pretty coverlet and an armful of pillows. The key to making it look more sofa-like is to cover the mattress with a fabric you would not normally find on a bed. A vintage Moroccan wedding blanket, a heavy linen coverlet or anything with pretty trim would be sublime.

Dress up your walls with dishes. Have a pile of pretty dishes hiding out in a dark cupboard? Bring them out where you can appreciate them by creating a wall display. Try incorporating one larger platter in the center to anchor the arrangement.

Put an unused desk to work. Placed behind a sofa floating in the middle of the room, a desk provides a convenient spot for sorting mail or displaying a few favorite objects. You can also try using a desk as a console table, an entryway organizer or an unconventional bar cart.

Stop before you buy that changing table. Dressers (the long, low type) are usually the perfect height for use as a changing table and have the added bonus of ample storage in the drawers below. Later, simply remove the changing-pad top and fill the drawers with your little one’s clothes instead of diapers.

Create a unique display space with a spare coffee table. Just because you bought that table to use in front of the sofa doesn’t mean that is the limit of its potential. Try using a coffee table (longer, narrower versions work best) pushed against the wall to hold artsy books or a pottery collection. Or use it as the focal point in a yoga or meditation corner with a candle and other special objects placed on top.

Swap out your current coffee table. Changing your coffee table is a quick way to freshen up your living room. Look around your home for things you might be able to use instead, such as a wooden or leather bench, a steamer trunk or a pair or stools or side tables.

Cut a table down to size. Before you give away an old table, consider whether you would use it if it were shorter. Kitchen tables, consoles and simple desks can all be shortened to become wonderful coffee tables.

Reuse architectural elements as decorative displays. If your basement or garage is crowded with old windows, doors and shutters, think about how you might use these creatively around the house.

Window panels can house photographs, or you can fasten them to a base to make a unique table. Shutters and doors can stand in for your headboard, while old brackets can hold up floating shelves.

Try that dresser in another room. Dressers are one of the most versatile pieces of furniture, providing both display space and storage. Try using one in the entryway with mail on top, scarves and hats in the drawers below.

Or put one in the dining room to use as a buffet, with linens housed in the drawers. If you are a crafter, try painting your old dresser with chalkboard paint and keeping supplies organized by writing with chalk on the drawer fronts.

Need more workspace? Use an old dining table as a desk. If you have an old dining table you no longer use, consider swapping it with your desk for more room to spread out. Also, be honest about how you use (and how you wished you used) your home. If you hardly ever use your formal dining room but seriously need more space to dedicate to your home business, why not give in and make your dining room the office? On the rare occasion you want to host a dinner party, you can always clear away your work materials.

Houzz is the leading online platform for home remodeling and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish – online or…

Houzz is the leading online platform for home remodeling and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish – online or from a mobile device. From decorating a room to building a custom home, Houzz connects millions of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals across the country and around the world. With the largest residential design database in the world and a vibrant community powered by social tools, Houzz is the easiest way for people to get the design inspiration, project advice, product information and professional reviews they need to help turn ideas into reality.

Thanks to the Oculus Quest being a standalone VR headset, there is only one device you need think about when it comes to updating your headset – the Quest itself.

Since its first firmware update at launch, to its latest just three weeks after, Oculus is regularly updating its headset via a downloadable firmware update. Firmware updates commonly address any number of software bugs, they add new features and performance is also improved along the way.

Whilst there isn’t a way to directly force the latest update on to your Oculus Quest, your Oculus Quest is automatically set up to receive these updates as and when they become available to the public.

How to update your Oculus Quest

To make sure your Quest carries the latest update of features and bug fixes you need to make sure your device is set up to receive automatic updates. You can check or do this by following these simple steps in the Oculus App:

Automatic Updates on the Oculus Quest

Currently, the Automatic Updates option is not displaying on either iOS or Android versions of the app. Having seen this option before, it is either a setting that appears when a new firmware displays or it’s a live option that Oculus has hidden in the app. If you know how to display this option again, let us know in the comments.

1. Power up your Oculus Quest and open the Oculus App on your phone
2. Select the Settings option in the bottom menu of the Oculus App
3. Select your Oculus Quest from the list of detected devices
4. Select the More Settings option
5. Select the Advanced Settings option
6. Make sure the switch for Update Software Automatically is on

How to check your Oculus Quest firmware version

You can simply check your Oculus Quest firmware either on the headset itself or on the Oculus App. Follow these steps below for either device:

Launch windows update windows 10 – How to start Windows update on Windows 10 [GUIDE]

If you are having any issues in your PC, then what i and Microsoft Support team will ask you to do is

to just update your windows 10 and check whether the problem persists.. But majority of us fail

to instruct users on how to update windows 10 laptop or PC, which is a huge mistake performed by

most of us. So , in this post i like to show how to start windows 10 update in windows 10.

Do you need any software ??

No, we don’t need any software to do this task..

then, how to do it ?

Just follow the below steps..

How to start Windows update in windows 10

You must know the fact, that there are many ways available for you to launch windows update in

windows 10, for example : you can launch windows update from command line, you can launch

windows update from run, you can launch windows update windows 10 and you can also launch

windows update even from powershell , etc..

But, since you are a beginner i like to show the easiest way in this post..

1) First open settings app.

2) When you opened Settings App, click on Update & Security

3) Clicking on it, will open a new window with Windows update on the left pane,

Now, your job is on right pane, so look on your right pane and find the option called “Check for

5) Click on that Check for updates button.

Wait for some time, your PC will start updating your PC.

Restart when it asks..

Updated on JAN 27, 2017

Are you a beginner ? then below is a link to find all the beginner articles that may help you in

various stages and in mastering basics of Windows 10, just click on the below link to view..

An Apple Watch update is your ticket to a better smartwatch experience, with each major watchOS version bringing new features.

Apple also regularly releases smaller updates that fix bugs and add things like new complications and watch faces, but to take advantage you need to know how to install new Apple Watch software.

The smartwatch requires you to meet a few conditions before you’re allowed to install a watchOS update. And, like with any bit of kit, sometimes there are problems with the Apple Watch not updating or getting stuck during the process.

Below, we’ll take you through the basics of how to check for an Apple Watch update, how to force one and give you a couple of troubleshooting tips for if you’re having, well, trouble.

What is the current version of the Apple Watch software?

The Apple Watch is currently running watchOS 6, which was released in September 2019. This update brought with it the ability to download apps from an on-watch App Store, among other things.

How to get the latest Apple Watch update

Things to check

• iPhone is running the latest version of iOS. To check, head to Settings > General > Software Update.
• Apple Watch is sitting on the charger and is at least 50% charged.
• iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi.
• iPhone and Apple Watch are in close proximity to each other.

How to force an Apple Watch update

In truth, you shouldn’t really need to look too hard to kickstart an Apple Watch update. When a new one is available, your device will notify you, and from there you’ll be able to select ‘Tap Update Tonight’ within the notification – again, similar to your iPhone. If both of your devices are on charge, the update will take place automatically.

However, if you don’t mind doing it during the day and instead want to download the update manually, follow the steps below.

1. Open up the Watch app on the iPhone, then tap the My Watch tab.
2. Tap through to General > Software update.
3. Enter your passcode (if you have one) and download the update.
4. Wait for the progress wheel to pop up on your Apple Watch.
5. Keep the Apple Watch on the charger until the update is finished. This could take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the update and your internet speed, so make sure to be patient.

Apple Watch not updating?

As we mentioned up top, sometimes the Apple Watch simply won’t play ball. And while you should generally obey Apple’s warnings regarding the restart of your iPhone or Apple Watch, sometimes your device will be stuck for hours in the same spot clearly in need of rescuing.

If the update won’t download, or it’s having trouble porting over to the Apple Watch, try the following:

• Restart your Apple Watch by holding the side button until the see Power Off appears. To turn it on again, press and hold the side button.
• Restart your paired iPhone. Hold the Sleep/Wake button until the red slider appears, then drag it. To turn your iPhone on again, reverse the step.
• From there, try to start the update again.
• If it doesn’t work, open the Watch app on the iPhone, head over to General > Usage > Software Update and then delete the update file. Then, try to download and install the latest version of watchOS again.

Part of making a bathroom look as beautiful as possible is choosing the right floor tiles. The floor is actually one of the few surfaces where you can get pretty creative with the design without worrying too much about negative effects from a functional or practical point of view. There are obviously a lot of different options and lots of different elements to consider before actually making a final decision. Then of course once you’ve chosen the bathroom floor tiles comes the installation process which is easier than you might think. You can turn this into a DIY project and with a little bit of guidance it can be a massive success. Here are some tips and ideas that can hopefully teach you how to tile a bathroom floor successfully.

If you want to give your bathroom a more warm and inviting sort of look it can be a very good idea to use floor tiles that mimic the look of wooden boards. These right here are natural timber ash porcelain tiles and they look fantastic, creating a very homely vibe and complementing this small bathroom and the areas adjacent to it. Before you start permanently installing all the tiles it’s a good idea to just lay them all on the floor and come up with a pattern that you like. You might have to cut some of the tiles and make some holes for the pipes to fit through. Once you’re happy with the layout you can actually put each tile in place. Check out happihomemade for additional details on this particular project.

The floor tiles can totally change the way a bathroom looks so if you ever want to make a change this can be a really good makeover idea. Everything else can remain the same but even so, when the new tiles are in place, the whole room will look totally different than it did before. Anyway, if you want to go for a modern yet also a bit vintage look, consider hexagon floor tiles similar to these ones. They form a lovely honeycomb pattern that looks beautiful without being too busy. As far as the actual installation process goes, you’re going to need a few tools, the most important one of all being a tile saw. You can rent this one and everything else should be pretty easy to find at any local store. Check out elkinsandcompany to find out more about this remodel project.

There’s also a really nice remodel project described on create-enjoy which also involves hexagon tiles. It’s the same honeycomb pattern we described earlier but this time with lighter-colored grout which gives the bathroom a more uniform and clean look, better-suited for a modern home. The tools and supplies used throughout this project are more or less the standard ones and include tile cement board, cement board screws and a special scoring knife, mortar, grout, a trowel, a tile cutter, a bunch of grout-related accessories and an oscillating tool for cutting the door frames in case you need to. The bathroom floor tiles fit in like puzzle pieces for the most part. Once the big pieces are in place you can finish the project off by cutting and adding the little edges and corner pieces.

Marble bathroom tiles look really beautiful, retaining that classic and timeless look and elevating the entire space. If you’re a marble fan you should definitely consider doing this for your own bathroom. The tricky part in this case is that you might not be able to find the tiles in the right size or shape but that’s entirely ok because you can cut them yourself. Start with large rectangular tiles which are easy to find and quite cheap. You can cut 12 x 12 tiles into thirds and they’d be the perfect size and shape for a herringbone-patterned floor. Check out shineyourlightblog to see how this entire process goes.

View in gallery There’s also a way to redo your bathroom floor without getting rid of the old tiles, since that’s messy and can cause all sorts of complications. The idea is to install brick floors on top of the existing tiles. This process is fast is pretty easy. Of course, you’ll want to use thin brick veneer so you don’t actually elevate the bathroom floor too much. Pick out the bricks that you want to use, lay them across the floor to make sure you like the placement and the pattern and then install them in place. All the details you need can be found on carlascoastalcreations.

Painted stencil idea – no retiling required

If you want to refresh your bathroom floor tiles without actually replacing them that’s totally understandable too. There’s a way to do that without having to remove or replace any of the tiles. The trick is to use a stencil. You’d basically be painting over your existing floor tiles giving them a whole new look. This works best if you have plain white tiles or just a solid color as a background as opposed to a pattern. Naturally, you need to first clean the tiles before you start applying the stencil. If you’re interesting in doing something similar for your own bathroom floor tiles and you want to find out more details you can check out lifeonshadylane.

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Posted in Bathroom on January 23, 2020

The restaurant industry has changed drastically over the past few decades, and there are new trends and styles that are constantly changing and evolving. Many restaurants find themselves with outdated decor because they’re unable to keep up with changing tastes. Restaurant owners may also be overwhelmed or intimidated by costly, time-consuming, and large renovation projects. Fortunately, updating your decor doesn’t have to be difficult, and making a few small changes can radically change how customers perceive your restaurant and its overall look. Here are 7 easy things you can do to update your restaurant’s decor:

1. Implement a New Color Scheme

Painting is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to change the look of your dining area. And changing the colors on your walls can give your customers an entirely different dining experience. Painting is also a quick DIY project, so you can cut down on your renovation time. But, before you start painting, you should first choose a color scheme that complements your concept or brand. Additionally, rather than painting your entire dining space, you can use an accent wall to enhance one particular wall and create contrast with the other neutral colored walls. An accent wall is when you paint one wall with a bright color or pattern that stands out from the others to draw attention, and it gives your restaurant a more modern look.

2. Add Plants to Your Dining Space

If used correctly, adding plants to your dining space can bring life and a splash of color to your front-of-house area. But, you shouldn’t use real plants because they are costly to maintain, can trigger customers’ allergies, and create smells that can clash with the aromas of your food. If you want to use real plants, cacti and succulents are excellent options because they are easy to care for and don’t give off any odor. Additionally, there are plenty of realistic-looking fake plants that you can use to decorate your space.

3. Hang Artwork on Your Walls

If you’re going for an artsy and contemporary look, hanging artwork in your dining space is an excellent idea. The artwork you use can be anything, ranging from photographs, to paintings, to 3D art and sculptures. Additionally, you can put up local artists’ work in your establishment and give customers the option to buy it. That way, you get beautiful art to hang in your restaurant, and you also help the local art community. For restaurants that offer ethnic cuisine, displaying photographs and paintings of famous landscapes and landmarks in that region is a great way to give your restaurant a sense of authenticity.

4. Skip the Tablecloths

In years past, tablecloths gave customers the impression of fine dining and elegance. Nowadays though, many restaurants are trading in their tablecloths for bare wooden tables, which fits with the minimalist aesthetic that has become popular on social media. Tablecloths are also costly to upkeep because they need to be constantly washed and replaced. If you want to give your customers a similar feeling of elegance, you can use cloth napkins. Additionally, table mats can help protect the surface of your tables from scratches and stains caused by dinnerware or flatware.

5. Use Light Creatively

Changing the lighting and amount of light in your restaurant can have a huge impact on the ambience. More light gives your establishment a bright and welcoming atmosphere, and a dimmer dining space creates a more intimate and romantic feel. There are different ways that you can change the amount of light in your establishment. Mood lighting, recessed lights, and pendant lamps create a soft and diffused light, and candles help accentuate the romantic atmosphere. You can also adjust the natural light coming to your dining area with curtains and blinds. Not only can curtains change the amount of light coming into your restaurant, but they can also provide a splash of color and decorative flair that you can use to match with your color scheme and concept.

6. Re-Design Your Menu

Your menu may be one of the last things that you consider when updating your restaurant’s decor, but it can have a huge impact on how your customers perceive your establishment. Old-fashioned menus with fraying menu covers can give the impression that your operation is shabby and cheap. So, rather than print your menu on pre-designed menu paper, you can create your own unique design on the computer using free design software. If you want a more professional-looking menu that reflects your restaurant’s concept, you can also hire a local graphic designer to create one for you. Then, pair your new and improved menu with a stylish menu cover to complete the look and protect the paper from spills and stains.

7. Update Your Servingware and Tableware

The pieces that you serve your food on can also affect the customers’ perception of your restaurant. For example, if you’re using old porcelain plates that have scratches and chips on the surface, it’s going to reflect poorly on your operation. Many restaurants may be reluctant to change out their dinnerware and servingware because they think it’s expensive, but there are affordable options. Melamine is durable and cost effective, and it can mimic more upscale types of dinnerware, which makes it an excellent option for casual establishments that want to maintain a sophisticated look.

Many restaurant owners put off updating their decor because they think that it involves difficult and costly renovations, but by simply changing a few small things in your restaurant, you can drastically change how customers see your restaurant. For example, painting your walls with a brighter color or adding new curtains can bring in more light and vibrancy to your dining room, which influences your customers and how they feel. Or, new servingware and menus can give your establishment a fresh look. So, if you keep these seven tips in mind, you can drastically improve the look and design of your restaurant.