Category: tv

  • 3 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Wi-Fi

    3 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Wi-Fi

    Wi-Fi is without a shadow of a doubt one of the most important technological innovations of recent times. For those of us who still remember the days of dial-up internet, the advent of broadband internet, and eventually, the wireless connectivity that Wi-Fi bought, the leap from one step of technology to the next has been truly revolutionary, in every sense of the word.

    living room with tv

    via intagram/drivenbydecor

    Wi-Fi might be one of the most convenient technologies to have entered our homes, in our lifetimes, however, it is also often one of the most frustrating technologies. Nothing quite matches the sheer annoyance that comes with an inexplicably weak or dropped signal, especially as we are all now used to going straight to Google without problems.

    living room with a tv

    via Pinterest via Justine Stuckenschneider

    Here are three of the most basic, but also most important, steps that you can take in ensuring that you have the best possible experience when using your Wi-Fi.

    Use the Latest Software and Hardware

    For experienced computer users, this stuff is one of the most basic aspects of owning a computer, but for the average person, terms like ‘the latest drivers’ sound like some kind of black magic. If your Wi-Fi is working without issue, then it is probably best not to update your drivers, not unless you feel confident in your ability to roll them back should the new ones introduce problems that didn’t exist before. If, however, you are having issues with your computer or laptop staying connected to the Wi-Fi, then you might need to update your wireless drivers. Check out this guide for a simple, step-by-step walk-through of the whole process.

    living room with tv

    via pinterest via sitehouse.net

    If you are still experiencing issues connecting to the internet, but you are able to connect to your router, then you may need to either update the router’s software or alter some of your internet settings on your PC or laptop. In order to update the software on the router itself, you will first need to log-in to it. Most routers these days have their password printed on them. Note that the password you need to log-in is not the same as the one that you use to connect to the Wi-Fi network. Here is a simple guide which will take you through the process of logging in and upgrading the firmware on your router.

    home office

    via Pinterest via Glamour Brasil

    Find the Perfect Spot for Your Router

    Isaac Asimov once said that “any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” It is an adage that we can all relate to, and when it comes to our Wi-Fi networks at home, most of us never give a second thought to how it actually works. Without wanting to be overly technical, connecting to your network, and continuing to exchange information between your computer and the router, requires that both devices are able to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves, within which the information is encoded.

    home office

    via pinterest via modernchairs.eu

    These waves can obviously penetrate walls and other obstacles, otherwise, you would need multiple routers throughout your home to receive coverage in every room. However, every wall or surface that these waves pass through will weaken the signal. For this reason, you want your router to be placed somewhere open and relatively free of obstructions. If you want your Wi-Fi signal to be received with equal strength throughout your house, then you will want to position your router centrally. If, however, there are some rooms where receiving a strong signal is more important than others then the router placement tips are slightly different – place your router nearer to these rooms to give them the best signal. If you’re still struggling, take a look at Best Buy’s router placement tips.

    Security is Not a Dirty Word

    Everyone by now is aware that connecting to the internet means taking a risk. There are a number of steps that you can take to increase your anonymity and protect yourself from intrusions. Those who are less net savvy will want to make sure that they have antivirus software installed so that they can browse the internet with peace of mind, but even this is a minefield. There are so many software options out there that those without a good understanding of how it all works may well find themselves at a loss as to how they should decide on the right piece of software for them. My recommendation is Malwarebytes, it is open source and allows you a free trial. Once you have paid for the software (which is very affordable) then you will receive all future versions of the software.

    home office

    via Pinterest via Elle Studio Gallery

    You should always password protect your Wi-Fi. This is now the standard and your router will ship with a password. Your instinct might be to change this password but, for mathematical and technical reasons which are beyond the scope of this article, the password your router ships with is going to be more secure than the one that you use for your e-mail.

    Taking the time to learn a bit more about your Wi-Fi and the internet more generally is a good way to increase your confidence, both as a computer user and as a web surfer. These three tips are great places to start.

  • REAL stylish and beautiful small homes – no professional styling or decorating

    When you see a home featured in a magazine or online, inspiring as it may be, they are almost always styled and propped for the shoot.  The magazine and photography team often brings some decor items and props and a stylist will literally make the home picture perfect. One reason I always loved Apartment Therapy was that it features homes of readers that haven’t had a professional come in and perfect the space for the pages of a magazine.

    The home below is an adorable New Orleans cottage.  Another great thing about the homes and apartments on Apartment Therapy is they aren’t usually 6,000 square foot estates.  The one below is 1,400.

    I love the antique style furniture with the modern pendant.

    Check out the bold wallpaper in the hall – I love it.

    The mostly white master bedroom is a wonderfully girly retreat.

    The marble mixed with the wood floors is so pretty.

    The shelves across the window are a great way to make more space.
    See the rest of the home here.

    A lot of people are against putting the TV above the fireplace, but in a small living room it’s often your only option.  I’ve gotten used to seeing it and it doesn’t really bother me.

    The soft gray of this kitchen and dining area is perfect.

    See all of this San Francisco apartment.

    The home below is in Cambridge, MA.  I love that it’s quaint and minimally accessorized but still so warm.

    See the full house tour.

    Do you prefer seeing real unstyled homes or the ones in magazines?

  • Chic and beautiful living spaces

    Chic and beautiful living spaces

    In my house, the living room is the center of our house. Not only is it the first room you see when you walk in, it’s the place where we spend the most time.  When our wedding is over and we have our lives back – the living room is second on my makeover list after my office.

    LOVE the wall treatment in this space.  The crown molding and chandeliers mixed with the modern decor is really cool too.
    via unknown

    Gold is very trendy right now, but I have to admit I’m smitten!
    via 91 Mag

    I love that this console isn’t all about the TV!  Pretty accessories and a gallery wall distract from the TV.
    via HGTV

    via High Gloss Magazine

    via unknown

    I love the proportions of the furniture in this space – it’s something I need to pay more attention too in my own house.
    via Sweet Home Style

    via Sweet Home Style

  • A New Look at Technology in Design

    A New Look at Technology in Design

    Sometimes it can feel like technology can get in the way of our home decor. A huge screen TV might not go along with your rustic look, but thankfully there are some clever ways of designing your space around your screens

    Built in cabinets are a great way to go! You can mount the TV on the wall or just place inside the cabinet and have a gorgeous space without the eye sore of screens, wires, and devices that with it!

    A fireplace is a gorgeous focal point of a room. A TV sitting above it is not! Having this slide away piece on top of the fireplace gives you that gorgeous focal point when it’s put away and functional for every day living.
    Under the stairs storage has always been a favorite of mine. Storing your TV in the under stair storage is a brilliant idea! It won’t break up the flow of the room when it’s put away and when you do have it out, it’s in perfect view with the rest of the room!

    Using a large photo split in two is a brilliant way to hide the TV. I love the idea of the ceiling mount track for the pictures so you could change out the art pieces if you wanted to later.

    Buying a good old fashioned wall mount to set your TV in is perfect if you are looking for a quick and easy fix!


    Don’t like the thought of going through the trouble to hide your TV? Try using your it as a centerpiece for your art. Placing your pictures around the it strategically can give the wall a great look without covering up the screen.