Author Archives: Justin

How to choose right paint color for Your Bedroom?

A bedroom is a very personal space for your rest, relaxation and intimacy. The selection of a wall color serves as a reminder of what you want to feel in the room. Different room color ideas for bedroom showcases different feelings like calm, soothing, awake, alert or romantic.

There are some guidelines to remember when choosing paint colors for bedrooms.

Avoid feeling boxed in.

You don’t need to paint every wall in the same color. Idea of painting all walls in same color get more worse effect when the paint color is dark and room size is small.

Accent with Color

Choose an accent wall in bedroom to paint and paint the other remaining walls with lighter shade. Colors have a profound effect on mood so choosing the right shades for bedroom can determine the quality of sleep that one gets.

Emphasize length with color

If you have a narrow bedroom, paint one of the longer wall with brighter color to highlight the length of the room.

Light Colors

Use of light colors make a space look larger and darker colors make a bedroom appear smaller. Try to select light colors for your bedroom.

Ceiling Paint Color

Nowadays, interior designers and decorators lay a lot of emphasis on ceiling color designs while creating a perfect ambience in the bedroom. Invest time in selecting colors for ceilings as they can present beautiful combinations in modern bedrooms.

Right color choice

When it comes of selecting a color for bedroom, choosing the right elements that are aesthetically pleasing. It also helps in designing the style of the room, whether modern, rustic or minimal. The color palette of bedroom should be incredibly refined and sophisticated. It should be appealing to the senses of today’s homeowner.

Appealing to individual personality

The color of bedroom needs to strike a delicate balance between being cozy, warm, peaceful and stylish. Since, bedroom is home’s private space; it should reflect its owners’ taste and personality.

Innovative Ideas

Use an eclectic mix of colors to take advantage of every square meter so they can look chic, comfortable and luxurious. Applying innovative ideas and unique combination of colors to create modern bedrooms can inspire you to give a new look to your bedroom.

Feature Walls

Painting a feature wall in bedroom make it look attractive. Beautifully colored wall decors effortlessly attracts the attention of the viewer.

Ultimate Celebration Ideas And Places For A Bachelorette Party In Calgary

Calgary is an incredibly beautiful city in Canada with events all over the year treating people with lots of fun. The charming city has all that life has to give and excites people with a variety in all celebrations. Wedding is a milestone in the life of any individual and nothing could be better than celebrating a bachelorette party with close friends. Making the big day of life more memorable for the bride and bridegroom, the party can be a good kick start for a happy and long life with togetherness and love. Friends plan for parties to the bride and the bridegroom and it’s great to spend time before the wedding with all friends.

Exciting Ideas For A Bachelorette Party

Calgary is no exception when it comes to partying in any theme. The party could be big or a simple yet more memorable one with interesting ideas that relax the bride and bridegroom before they step into their new life together. Best Places for a Bachelorette Party in Calgary is much thrilling to explore and planning is itself unlimited fun.

  • Relaxing at a spa completely free from everything. It’s all about having good massage and facials and feeling fresh. It’s a great way to give them good rest after schedules of preparations for the wedding and the upcoming events.
  • If the bride or bridegroom is a foodie, a party with the choice of finest cuisine is the best. Be it French cuisine or nay international cuisine, a choice can be made based on the taste of the person. Q Haute Cuisine can be an interesting choice for a party with world famous food options.
  • Ranchman’s Cookhouse & Dancehall is an exciting place to go for people with love for drinks, dinner and dance.
  • Booking a room at karaoke can be a good option for those who love singing all through the night whilst enjoying delicious foods.
  • Reserving an escape room to have all fun with the best tastes of exclusive drinks.

It’s exhilarating to be part of bachelorette party and throw a bash to friends and experience great fun.

Great Option for your Aircon service as per your Requirement

Let us now examine the main interventions that good seasonal maintenance can ensure. The two units making up the plant are in continuous contact with elements present in the air such as dust and, above all for the external part, pollutants and pollen. These normally settle on the cover of the outdoor unit and can sometimes affect the batteries, which are fundamental for their functioning. The same substances can deposit on the filters of the indoor unit, turning them into dangerous germ and bacteria receptacles. As a result, bad smells and allergenic factors may arise. Moreover, since the correct air circulation is hindered, the noise of the machine and the consumption of electric power would increase.

The cleaning of the filters is, therefore, an indispensable intervention to be carried out in a professional manner: the do-it-yourself method often proves to be inadequate as it is not enough to use normal detergents or disinfectants for the home; certificates made by specialized technicians at least once a year. With the best in aircon repair singapore the deals come perfect now.

Checking the refrigerant gas / checking for leaks

Leakage of the gas used as a heat transfer fluid is one of the factors that can affect the correct operation of the air conditioner. In fact, they cause a drop in efficiency in the refrigerating function of the appliance with a consequent increase in energy consumption. In other words, the air conditioner cools less than required, wasting more energy. To prevent such inconveniences, good routine maintenance involves checking the connections between pipes and welds   (the points where losses occur). It will also be possible to assess whether it is possible to refill refrigerant gas.3

Checking the capacitors

The condenser is a fundamental component of the air conditioner, whose task is to condense the gas bringing it to the liquid state. The malfunction of this device leads to a considerable drop in performance which can be avoided by simple periodic checks.  You should go for the good at aircon servicing  for the same .

Who can you contact to be sure of proper routine maintenance?

Air conditioners are complex electromechanical devices: Any intervention on them could be very damaging if not supported by proven expertise and experience. For this reason, therefore, it is advisable to always contact specialized technicians.

It is now since the last century that the inverter technology is known, used in all fields where speed variation in electric motors is required, including that of automatic machines.

For several years, major brands such as Mitsubishi and Daikin have adopted this technology in the air conditioning sector for electric compressors.The inverter technology has two different applications, the first is able to invert the direct current into alternating current, a system mainly used in photovoltaic systems, and the second has the ability to straighten the alternating current so as to vary the voltage and frequency in the constant load engines reducing fuel consumption, a system used in air conditioning compressors.

Contractor Risk Mitigation

As discussed in the latest blog post, the single best way to mitigate contract risks is to depend on definite requirements. The contract itself should have very few if any, indefinite requirements. Note that I’m not just talking about the SOW, pricing and payment terms, but also the standard terms and conditions.

Each section will have its own assortment of risks that you should review prior to signing the contract. Ideally, you will have done most of this as part of the proposal evaluation and negotiation process. Within the SOW, the biggest concern is that all of the requirements have definite detail.

Are materials definite in terms of quality? In cases where equipment is provided, are the model numbers and quantities listed? Is the labor necessary to complete the project included within the scope (beware of proposals that state the bid includes a fixed number of hours, if they go over are you on the hook for a higher price)? Is a warranty period defined? Is there a commitment for project completion schedule?

Does the SOW capture everything that the contractor has committed to provide and do for you (have they made verbal commitments that are not noted)? If the contractor is pulling permits, it should be noted in the SOW.

Don’t neglect to specify that the contractor cleans the premises after their work is finished. Remember, the SOW is everything specific that the contractor is required to do under the contract. If you are satisfied that the SOW is definite and complete, well and good. However, if it is not, the contractor needs to fix that deficiency BEFORE you sign the contract.

Pricing should be clearly definite. If it is a fixed price for the entire SOW, that is clearly definite assuming that the SOW is definite. Where it gets less clear, is when there are various items which are not fixed in quantity value.

For example, the rock boring fee from the earlier discussed fence project, if your fence was in a very rocky area and every pole needed rock boring before setting in concrete, then the total price for the project could go up dramatically. Be watchful for situations like this, and aware of the pricing impacts which could occur.

You don’t want to end up in court arguing against paying a larger bill than expected if the contract pricing identifies it as a possibility because you will lose. Payment terms should be definite as well. On small, and short projects, there
should be one or two payments required. It should be clear as to when the payments are required as well as how much.

On large projects, payments should be tied to specific milestones of the project, rather than “1st Payment, 2nd Payment, …etc.”. Payment terms should also closely match the completion percentage of the project rather than being front-loaded. When payments are front-loaded, the homeowner is at heightened financial risk if the contractor abandons the job or doesn’t pay sub-contractors, because then the homeowner would have to pay additional to complete the project or clear any mechanics liens. If the payments track completion, the homeowner is still at risk for such events but at a lower level. Standard terms and conditions should have elements which reduce your contract risk.

Of those, several needed to be addressed at the contract stage. The big issues were those of the contractor is an independent contractor and consequently being responsible for their employees’ disability insurance and tax withholding.

Generally, there should be a paragraph which states that the contractor is responsible for those items and holds the homeowner harmless, should others claim against them.

While that is not a perfect defense, it does establish that your expectation was that the contractor (and any subcontractors) is an independent contractor and not your employee. Two related provisions are very useful, “proof of payment” and “lien waiver” clauses.

A proof of payment clause protects you from any liability if the contractor fails to pay subcontractors or materials suppliers. Similarly, the lien waiver clause provides that you withhold the final payment until the contractor provides either proof of payment or lien waiver forms for all subcontractors and materials suppliers.

Often there will also be a clause requiring that all subcontractors and materials suppliers be fully identified with contact information. Note that the issue of liens is more pronounced on larger projects.

I also recommend a requirement that the contractor will always be present onsite to supervise any subcontractors. Another standard clause to look for is one that speaks to how disputes are handled. This can involve third-party mediation before heading to court. A clause to be cautious of is the misuse of a “Substantial Completion” clause. An example of misuse is when a contractor’s final payment milestone is based on substantial completion.

Typically, when that point of the project has reached a contractor notifies the homeowner that they are ready for a final inspection. Note that things may not be completely finished at that point, as usually a list of deficiencies (punch list) is generated.

Never make the final payment until the project is fully completed, or sign any contract that requires otherwise. Reading contract terms is a struggle for many people, but one easier way to do so is to consider the language in its standard English meaning.

If there are provisions you don’t agree with, you may want to have them removed. You can instead strike through the portions you do not agree with, with initials signed next to the deletions at the time you sign the contract. It is cleaner to have the contract modified, but sometimes on a standard form that approach is less practical.

Of course, marking through terms means that the contract isn’t active until the contractor agrees to accept the order with your changes. In a perfect world, you would have already modified the terms during the negotiation/ask phase. However, there are contractors who wait until the final contract proposal to show you all of the terms of sale.

When Decorating the Bathroom


Description: clear glass shower cubicle cover

Decorating your bathroom is exciting. It might have been years since you last decorated this part of your house. Before you get too excited, you need to understand the common mistakes people make when decorating that could spoil everything.

Switching everything around

Renovating the bathroom does not mean you have to move everything around. You need to have a clear plan first to address the issues and change them without necessarily touching the fixtures that are in an excellent spot. You need a soil pipe to help ensure proper drainage. You also need enough space between the shower and basin. Moving pipes might also be necessary depending on what you add to the bathroom, but if it costs a lot, you need to rethink the plan.

Squeezing everything in

The problem when you look at too many TV shows on home decoration is that you believe that those changes are also applicable in your place even when they are not. You need to carefully select the things to add to your bathroom and remove the ones that are unnecessary. You need a spacious bathroom, and it helps if you limit the amount of furniture.

Not enough storage space

Even if you are trying to limit the items inside your bathroom, you need to prioritise having quality storage space. It is crucial for hiding the mess. Besides, the place will look spacious if you can keep everything in one area. A mirrored cabinet with drawers is a good investment. As long as it fits the bathroom space, it is okay.

Poor ventilation

The bathroom is perhaps the smallest room in your house. If you are claustrophobic, you do not want to go inside a small bathroom without proper ventilation. It will be difficult for you to breathe well. Add to that the possibility of moulds growing in hidden corners of the bathroom due to the lack of proper air cycle, and it could be a serious problem.

Careless lighting

Imagine when you start fixing yourself in the mirror, and your shadow starts to hide your face when you put on beauty products. It happens because of the poor positioning of the lights. You need to determine which area is perfect to allow you to see yourself clearly in the mirror. You also need to invest in a quality lighting fixture that will last for years.

Doing everything yourself

If you plan to move things around, you can do it yourself. However, if your plan involves significant changes, you need help from experts. For instance, if you want to install one of the new shower cabins, you need to consider the pipe positions. You cannot do it yourself, so you need someone who can adequately do the job.

Try to avoid these mistakes as you start looking at what you can do to change your bathroom. You want to enjoy your bathing experience and having an aesthetically appealing bathroom helps you relax. You might have to spend money on these changes, but you are investing it in the right place.

Image: Unsplash.com  

What Causes Pipes to Leak

No one wants to deal with leaking pipes in their home. Running a household is stressful as it is. Unfortunately, a lot of problems can arise when you don’t expect them at all. Your pipes endure a lot of things, and they are not indestructible. A lot of factors are responsible for leakage. You might think that everything is okay with them, but it’s advisable that you hire experts once in a while to take a look at them. You can never be too safe when it comes to plumbing.

Having to deal with a leakage problem can cause stress in the home. If you’re a plumber, then you’ll know what to do in a situation like this. Check the link and follow the manual https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-Leaking-Pipes. But if you’re not, it’s best to hire professional workers who do this for a living. This way you’ll know that the job will be done efficiently. When they resolve the problem, you can go back to enjoying your hot baths and showers. On the plus side, your family will be pleased as well. As mentioned above, a lot of factors can cause pipes damage. Here are some of them:

They can start to deteriorate

Let’s say that the house you’re living in was built a long time ago. Naturally, with time things will begin to decline. The same goes for pipes. If you use your pipes regularly, then there is bound to be some damage over time. The can begin to rust and leak. Most of the time, this problem is undetectable. Therefore you can’t fix something if you don’t know what’s wrong with it. And before you know it, you’re faced with this huge nuisance that needs to be fixed as soon as possible.

That’s why it is advisable that you do regular plumbing maintenance. It might not be your favorite thing to do, but at least you’ll know that nothing is wrong with the tubes. On the plus side, it can save you a lot of money. You don’t have to spend cash trying to fix something if there isn’t any problem at all. Of course, over time some things will have to be replaced because the pipes will not last forever.

The pipes are clogged

Unfortunately, clogs are unavoidable when it comes to tubes. They are your pipes’ worst nightmare. Clogs are caused by excessive hair shedding when taking a shower, grease, bits of toilet paper, etc. You need to be careful with what you allow to go through the tubes. The only thing that needs to run through the tubes is water. But, sadly, that’s not always the case. You can’t stop hair from entering the pipe after you’ve bathing or showering.

When the clogs form, the only way that you can notice them is by watching how your water drains. If the draining is slower than usual, then you definitely have a clog problem. Before the issue starts getting any bigger, you need to contact a professional to clear the tubes as quickly as possible. The longer you postpone the problem, the worse it will get. Don’t wait for the clogged pipe to turn into a leaking pipe. Those are much harder to detect and resolve. Always check for online recommendations about different plumbing businesses. You can also ask referrals from friends, coworkers, and family. The faster you address the problem, the better for the entire family. You can go back to enjoying your bath with functional pipes.

Temperature changes

Some people enjoy a cold shower, while others hate them. It really depends on the person. However, you can’t take a shower with boiling water. To get mild water running through the faucet, you need to mix hot and cold. These constant temperature changes are also not a good thing.

Moreover, they can cause the pipes to burst and crack. This will definitely lead to leakage. Additionally, during the winter lots of tubes freeze. This leads to contraction. When you turn on the water to run through them, the process can form crevices. These crevices often result in more leaks. Of course, this problem is not as severe as deterioration. Lots of people use mild water, and this doesn’t usually cause an issue.

The heat of the summer often force us to keep the air conditioning on many hours

This is done both at home and in the office, inevitably causing higher consumption and rising costs. What’s more, the air conditioner can cause damage to your health, be it a cold, a cough or a backache. The air conditioner is the greatest ally against the summer heat, but we must be careful not to turn it into the worst enemy for health and wallets, using it in an intelligent way. In order to know more about Aircon service Geelong, you may always seek help online.

How to use the air conditioner in the home without waste and without damage to health

1) Attention to the energy class

This first advice is especially useful for efficiency and sustainability choosing a class A air conditioner or higher, you can save in terms of consumption and consequently of expenses, while also respecting the environment. By installing a model of air conditioner of this type you can also take advantage of eco bonuses and energy bonuses, which allow you to save even more. The choice of a good energy class is certainly the first requirement to achieve greater efficiency.

2) Evaluate the inverter technology

The inverter technology constantly adjusts the temperature of the room without ever turning off and without causing temperature changes. In this way, the air conditioner ensures that the set temperature is kept constant, adjusting so that it does not come down (and never rise). This is very important for health as it avoids thermal changes and at the same time waste and high consumption, as the air conditioning maintains the ideal temperature independently. The inverter is particularly recommended for those who keep the climate on for a long time.

3) Take advantage of incentives

By satisfying certain requirements in the installation of a plant, you can take advantage of attractive facilities that save a lot.

4) Position it strategically

The air conditioner cannot be positioned randomly, it is important to strategically study which is the ideal and most efficient location. First of all, it is advisable to place the air conditioner at the top, since the cold air tends to go down and not rise, and you should not put it behind curtains or furniture. Secondly, it is important to study well what is the point for r the most possible use of the house with the least use , that is in the most efficient and effective way.

5) Do not cool the environment too much

Two or three degrees less than the external temperature are sufficient exaggeration leads only to higher consumption, higher costs and the risk of getting sick. Many times it can be more useful to simply activate the dehumidification function to eliminate heat and humidity.

6) Attention to external components

It is important to insulate the refrigerant circuit pipes outside the home if they are in a place exposed to the sun, as they could be damaged. Furthermore, the external motor must be placed in a shaded and protected area in case of bad weather.

7) Use the functions correctly

Taking advantage of the right timer, night function, inverter, dehumidifier, WiFi control, and all the other functions of the air conditioner, allows you to get not indifferent advantages in terms of expenses and consumption, keeping it on for less time.

8) Cleaning and constant maintenance

Last but not least is the cleaning, which allows you to always get the best performance and make the air conditioner last longer without breaking or needing repairs.

Home Remodelling Ideas on a Budget

It’s normal to want to remodel your home from time to time, no matter if you have just bought a fixer-upper or if you have lived in your home for years. However, if you have a small budget, then it can be daunting to try to come up with great ways to remodel your home without overspending. Upgrades can quickly break the bank and tend to be very expensive, even if you are opting for something small such as a new bath vanity. If you aren’t willing to overspend on your remodelling project, but still want to make a significant impact in your home, then you will enjoy some of these great ideas.

The Finances of Remodelling

Before you start any remodelling project, it’s essential that you understand the finances of your situation and that you are prepared for how much you can spend. If you need a little extra wiggle room in your budget to make your remodelling dreams come true, then you will want to work with a lender who can provide you with some extra cash. The professionals at Savvy Home Loans and Lendi can help you get the financing that you need.

Paint Your Cabinets

Rather than buying new cabinets, which can get expensive, with some paint and a long weekend you can instantly update your kitchen or your bathroom. This is a great way to update your space if you think that your cabinets are too dark or if they are outdated, as lighter paint can quickly refresh your area without breaking the bank. Even if you already like the colour of your cabinets, if they are looking dirty and old, then restoring them with a new coat of paint can improve the way that your room looks and brighten up your space.

Change Your Doorknobs

Switching out your doorknobs, hinges, and handles will improve the way that your home looks, but is an easy upgrade that can be completed quickly and doesn’t cost a lot at all. Old doorknobs can look dingy and dirty or be the wrong colour for your home. If you have some different coloured doorknobs and hinges, then changing them so that they all match will make your home appear much more cohesive. In the same vein of thinking, consider updating the hardware in your kitchen and bathroom cabinets for a new look.

Replace Your Lampshades

Most people have lamps in their homes to help increase the amount of light that they have and to make their rooms look more finished. Dirty or cracked lampshades will make your room feel dark and unloved. By updating them with newer lampshades, you can not only choose shades that match the rest of your décor but opt for fresh designs and styles. Lampshades are a budget-friendly option and are a fun way to improve the way that your room looks. For a cohesive look, try matching your lampshades from room to room. Even if they aren’t the same colour or design, a similar appearance will make your home décor appear intentional.

Paint Your Ceiling

Homeowners usually turn to painting their walls when they want a fresh pop of colour in a room or to switch up the appearance of their space, but painting the ceiling can have a massive impact on the way that your home looks. Bold colours on the ceiling will draw a person’s eye up when they come into your home and will make an impact. You can even opt for lighter tones if you want, as a fresh coat of paint will make your home instantly feel brighter and cleaner.

Updating and remodelling your home doesn’t have to be expensive or require a lot of effort on your part. While replacing the bathroom or kitchen or tearing down a wall to enjoy an open floor plan is a great way to make a significant impact in your home, these smaller projects are a great place to start, especially if you don’t have a huge budget. While talking to a lender to get the money that you need for more significant remodels. you can make more modest changes, and you can consider saving for a more substantial project or think about

Tips on Moving from the UK to a Spanish Resort

Most UK residents love travelling to Spain for the holidays. It’s one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the world with lots of beautiful sceneries. In Spain, you can explore the beautiful coastlines and mountains. Not to mention, the locals are quite friendly. However, have you found the perfect Spanish resort to live in? Below is a guide on moving from the UK to a Spanish resort.

First, Pick a Destination

When you decide to move from the UK to a Spanish resort, you need first to pick an ideal destination. You can either choose an island or mountain destination. Let Google be your friend when you are looking for the perfect destinations. Look at the island of Mallorca. It is stunning and has a fusion of a good coastline or mountains.

Alternatively, you can pick a Spanish resort in the Sierra Nevada. The resorts there will provide you with miles of skiing and hiking terrains. It is the perfect environment for those who have an adventurous spirit. You can also book a resort close to some of the popular cities in Spain such as Barcelona and Madrid. An agency like this family estate agency business can help you decide.

Find the Best Resort

Moving from the UK to a Spanish resort doesn’t need to be a hassle if you prepare early in advance. You need to decide however whether you want an all-inclusive resort or not. An all-inclusive resort is a perfect solution for those aiming to relax and have everything catered for on their behalf.

For you to enjoy your stay in Spain, you should find a resort that meets your style and standard of living. If you are carrying your family along, you should book a resort which has family facilities such as playgrounds. For young couples, you can do some digging on resorts which offer the best nightlife. The elderly on the other hand should look for a quiet and secluded resort.

When looking for an ideal resort, you also need to consider your budget. Because the holiday season is approaching, you can expect to come across different resorts with great offers. Nonetheless, don’t strain your finances in the name of fun. You should only seek accommodation from resorts that match your price range.

Don’t forget to consider the experience that you are after. For folks who are looking to explore Spain or bask in the warm sandy beaches. You should pick a Spanish resort that will enable you to enjoy to the fullest. With these tips, you can be assured of moving from the UK to a Spanish resort without incurring any challenges.

How to Decorate a Bedroom

The bedroom is as much a place of contemplation and relaxation as it is a place to sleep. Learn how to decorate it in a way that makes it as pleasant as possible.

 

Whatever size the bed, make sure it’s the best quality possible.See more here. People spend a lot of their lives sleeping, and quality is key. Spend plenty of time testing out models for comfort. Do some research about construction and coil count. Usually, the higher the number of springs inside, the better. Depending on what style of frame is chosen, a box spring may or may not be necessary. A bed frame that has a base to support the mattress often doesn’t require a box spring, but if extra height is desired, a box spring will do the trick.

 

Picking Bedside Tables

 

Size is important when it comes to bedside tables. Generally, the height should be about the same as the mattress. Otherwise a bit lower is better than a bit higher. It also shouldn’t be too deep. Anything deeper than about 24” will make it awkward to get in and out of bed. When it comes to accessorizing a bedside table, resist the urge to clutter it up. Make sure there’s enough room for a lamp, alarm clock, book, glass of water, phone, etc. If the table has storage some of these items can be placed in a drawer, otherwise, consider placing a small stool underneath to place a couple of items.

 

Window Treatments for the Bedroom

 

Window treatments in a bedroom can be very important since privacy is often desired. Shades and curtains can be lined with a blackout fabric to block light and provide maximum privacy. Since bedrooms tend to be more match than other rooms, have fun with colour and pattern and coordinate them with other items in the room. Match the curtains or shades to the wallpaper, bedding, furniture upholstery, etc. Alternatively, pick up colours from other items in the room such as a piece of art or the rug.

 

Bedroom Rugs

Wall-to-wall carpeting works well in a bedroom because it’s the place where we are most often barefoot. It both looks and feels comfy. Area rugs also work well and can unify the room, but it’s important to use one that is big enough so that it doesn’t completely disappear under the bed. Throw rugs can also be fun in a bedroom. Place one on either side of the bed for a soft spot to greet feet in the morning. They also look great at the foot of the bed. And remember, it doesn’t have to be one type of rug or another. Layer throw rugs over area rugs or carpeting to create depth in the room.

 

Choosing the Bedding

Take care when choosing sheets and buy the best quality possible. Natural materials like cotton are best (buy organic and eco-friendly whenever possible). Don’t feel that a set is necessary. Mixing and matching patterns in bedding is quite acceptable. Just make sure that the background colour is the same. Also, don’t fill it up with too many throw pillows. The look ends up being cluttered, and it’s a pain to constantly must remove them when getting into bed.