Everyone's a happy camper at this summer-fun retreat — complete with tents, campfires and a mess hall — on Washington's Puget Sound.

SLEEPING TENT

For clients with a weekend home on Whidbey Island architect Steve Hoedemaker and designer Tim Pfeiffer of Hoedemaker Pfeiffer built custom sleeping tents as alfresco bedrooms. 

BEDROOM FURNISHINGS

Swiss wool military blankets and a vintage Moroccan rug add touches of warmth to the canvas tent. The Victorian bentwood chair was once used in a pub.

MESS HALL

converted into a mess hall and furnished with half-log pine benches from Joss & Main and 250-year-old Welsh oak chairs. 

OUTDOOR SINK

DECK

 Source: HouseBeautiful

Bank of Cyprus' continued recovery after a bailout four years ago will depend on the bank's ability to significantly clean-up its loan book from legacy bad loans, according to Moody’s Rating Agency. 

“Nonperforming loans (NPLs) fell to 40% of the loan book in March 2017 (equal to €8 billion) from a peak of 53% in December 2014, driven by loan restructurings, debt for asset swaps and write-offs. Management has set ambitious targets to halve the ratio to 20% by 2019. We consider the target attainable only if the bank also includes NPL sales in its toolkit”, says the agency in a special report. 

Progress on restructuring has led to large volumes of performing loans. Management expects another €1.6 billion loans approximately to be reclassified as performing by 20191. Since 2014, BoC's dedicated restructuring unit has handled close to €10 billion of nonperforming and underperforming loans out of a total loan stock of €20 billion as of March 2017. Around 91% of corporate restructured loans have no arrears. 

According to Moody’s, Cyprus’ economy has enjoyed a broad-based recovery, driven by a growing tourism sector, the recovery of the construction sector and rising consumer spending as unemployment declines. 

“We expect the economy to post solid GDP growth of 2.7% in 2017, supporting borrowers' debt repayment capacity”, the agency adds. 

Debt for asset swaps give the bank control of assets put up as collateral, allowing it to set more realistic sale prices and to benefit from income generated by these assets. 

However, although assets are taken onboard at a 25%-30% discount to current prices, the bank is exposed to the risk of losses if it is unable to sell the assets at the on-boarded price. 

“Although initially reluctant to write off bad loans, this is a measure increasingly used by the bank. Management expects around one third of its targeted NPL decline to be driven by write-offs. Accounting write offs of bad loans do not constrain a bank from pursuing debt recovery. However we expect limited reversals of these write-offs in the future”. 

“Assuming new lending of around €1.5 billion per year, write-offs close to €300 million per year and that all restructured loans currently in the pipeline become performing, we estimate that BoC's ratio of nonperforming loans to gross loans would decline to around 22% by 2019. Additional NPL sales would therefore be required for the bank to achieve its 20% target”, it concludes. 

Source: Stockwatch

Whether it's a teensy powder room or a shower stall with barely enough room to scrub, an awkward washroom can really cramp your style. Fly through your morning routine with these easy storage and styling solutions for tiny bathrooms.

STOCK UP ON WOVEN BASKETS.

Under-mounted twin sinks were a sleek choice for this modern master bath, but the lack of cabinetry cut down on storage space. Oversized bins do the trick instead, with plenty of room for fluffy towels. 

KNOW WHERE TO SAVE ON SPACE.

If you need a big tub (it's the only way you can unwind) then make sure you're saving space elsewhere. Here, designer Amanda Reillyincorporated built-in shelves into the wall behind the bathtub for towels and products.

TRY A TRENDY OVAL SINK.

In a Lake Martin, Alabama, lake house bathroomdesigned by Bill Ingram, an oval-shaped sink looks softer — more like a bowl — and gives you more counter space than a square.

USE YOUR WINDOWS.

In an Atlanta family home, the downstairs bathroom had virtually no walls to hang a mirror from. No problem: Just hang your mirror in front of the window, which creates privacy with a purpose. 

CHOOSE A WASHSTAND WITH TOWEL BARS.

It's the best way to save surface space. "I love this washstand, because I can hang wet towels without having to have towel bars everywhere," designer Barry Dixon says of the bathroom in a Washington, D.C. row house.

OPT FOR A LEGGY TABLE.

A small table with an open base doesn't close off space in the master bathroom of designer Thom Filicia's.

PAIR BUSY FLOORS WITH SIMPLE WALLS.

We love the intricate details of elaborate tiled floors, but (as designer Barrie Benson knows) it's important to keep the rest of the tiny space simple, so the room doesn't become overwhelmed with patterns and color.

GIVE A LONG SINK A SHOT.

Instead of a double sink vanity, this long design could save you serious space, as proven here in designer Lynn Butler Beling's. "This sink and the countertop are all one piece and it's long enough that we can get ready at the same time," she says.

DON'T FORGET TOWEL RACKS.

Towel racks above the tub are both convenient (no more tiptoeing around when you're soaking wet!) and save on wall space in a Park Avenue apartment designed by Christina Murphy.\

GO BIG WITH YOUR MIRROR.

In a Vermont cottagedesigned by Deirdre Heekin and Caleb Barber, the cedar bathroom's mirror over the tub creates the illusion of a larger space. And the navy blue claw-foot tub is just straight up glamorous.

CONTINUE FLOOR TILE IN THE SHOWER.

In a New York City bathroom, designer Alla Akimova ran zig-zag tile straight into the shower stall. "It makes the room feel larger," she says. "If I had changed materials, it would have interrupted the space."

TRY TO CURVE THE CORNERS.

We're not advocating for cutting corners, justcurving them. By making the edge of your vanity softer and rounded, like designer Frank Hodge did here, you'll gain back space and you're less likely to bang into the edge when you're in a rush (win-win!).

DON'T BLOCK THE SHOWER FROM SIGHT.

Sure, most people opt for a foggy glass or dark curtain to block the shower from view. But designer Amy Meier opted for glass doors, which makes the shower suddenly feel like livable square footage again.

USE AN UNTRADITIONAL SHOWER CURTAIN.

This curtain chosen by designer Christos Prevezanos looks more like a drape than your average plastic shower curtain — which not only makes the room feel more sophisticated, but it also makes the shower feel like more than just space reserved for later use — it feels like a bonus room!

CHOOSE AN UNUSUAL ACCENT COLOR.

Chrome shower accessories, like the door handle, knobs and even drain (!) add decorative elements to the bathroom, which allows the room design as a whole to feel clean and open (but not overwhelming).

THE MORE MIRRORS THE BETTER.

It turns out mirrors are useful for more than just touching up your makeup: Light bounces off the reflective surfaces and helps make rooms appear bigger. So even if you can only fit in a mini mirror (like the one on the hanging shelf in this bathroom) it makes a big difference.

GO WITH A SLIDING DOOR.

Instead of a door on a hinge that, when open, takes up space in your small room, opt for a door on a rail that stays parallel with the wall at all times.

Source: House Beautiful 

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The spot is made by Dwayne Johnson's Seven Bucks production company and features the actor performing a variety of tasks across the world (and in space) throughout the course of a day using the Cupertino, California-based company's smart assistant. For example, he is shown to be painting the Sistine Chapel and taking a walk in space during the same day in the advertisement. The idea is to show how the Siri app helps Johnson navigate through his hectic day.

Digital currency bitcoin on Friday averted a split into two currencies after its network supported an upgrade to its software that would enhance its ability to process an increasing number of transactions.

Bitcoin's miners have signaled their support for the so-called Bitcoin Improvement Proposal (BIP) 91, avoiding a split of bitcoin into two blockchains. The miners represent a network of computer operators who secure the blockchain or a public ledger of all bitcoin transactions

BIP 91 is the first step toward a larger effort to upgrade bitcoin through a software called SegWit2x. On Friday, the support for BIP 91 reached nearly 100 percent, exceeding the required threshold of 80 percent, according to analysts and market participants.

Some investors have warmed to bitcoin, wooed by its explosive performance and potential to compete with gold and government-issued money as a means to store value. Demand for bitcoin has grown in eight years to a market capitalization of more than $40 billion.

But fears about the bitcoin split dampened demand for bitcoin in recent weeks. After hitting record high near $3,000, bitcoin dropped as low $1,830 BTC=BTSP on the Bitstamp platform. On Friday, it traded at $2,647.

The software upgrade attempts to address the bitcoin network's limitations in processing millions of daily transactions. Bitcoin's network has not kept pace with its growth and is unable to process all the transactions fast enough.

"BIP 91 unleashes the next wave of innovation because it has been a little bit stagnant of late for bitcoin," said Rob Viglione, co-founder of ZenCash, a digital coin focused on privacy and security.

Before BIP 91's endorsement, some bitcoin investors feared it could split into two independent currencies because core developers of the network and the miners each wanted different ways to increase bitcoin's scale.

A compromise between the two groups has been reached through SegWit2x.

"Bitcoin now has a clear run to add features that allow for faster transactions with lower costs," said Charles Hayter, chief executive officer of digital currency analytics firm Cryptocompare.

The upgrade to bitcoin's network will not occur until autumn, said Viglione, because several things need to happen before the new software is activated.

Market participants have complained about the delay in transactions. Analysts say a single bitcoin transaction costs on average 83 U.S. cents to execute, which means micropayments are not feasible on the network.

The network is also limited to roughly seven transactions per second. In comparison, Visa on average handles 2,000 transactions per second.

Source: Reuters

Yes, you can achieve a high-end look without blowing your budget! Give your space fresh appeal with these ideas to make it look more expensive.

Nix the Dated Fixture

If that eyesore overhead makes you cringe during every meal, ditch it! Swapping out an old light fixture for a new one instantly updates the ambiance of your space. Want to tackle the job yourself? Use our step-by-step instructions.

Stick to Classics

Have you ever noticed how most high-end homes are awash in neutrals? Neutrals feel calm, clutter-free, and classic. Bring high style to rooms by choosing neutral hues for anything that's expensive to update, such as floors, fixtures, and upholstery, and using accessories to introduce bold colors and textures; a neutral base lets hotter hues take center stage.

Transform with Tile

It's beautiful, it's timeless, and best of all, it gives you a lot of bang for your buck. Subway tile is an affordable option for kitchens and baths, so you can keep costs low and achieve a stunning look. Have cash to spare? Introduce a second tile design in a different color or size to add interest.

Improve Interior Doors

Interior doors don't have to be solid and boring. Beautiful, space-saving pocket doors may be worth the splurge. Not only do they elevate style, but they also can be used to create separation within open floor plans.

Fake a Built-In Look

If you like the look of library-like shelves but don't want to splurge on a custom design, use bookcases to create the appearance of floor-to-ceiling built-ins. In this living room, four tall bookcases were stacked and secured to the wall with anchors.

Add Dimension

Give plain walls a paneled look by adding narrow strips of molding. This treatment, known as picture-framing, is a simple way to draw eyes to certain areas of the room. Keep the spacing even and the edges aligned for a symmetrical, eye-pleasing look.

Make the Ceiling Stand Out

Architectural details are a great way to make a home look expensive. Turn the ceiling into a focal point with this simple trick: Embellish the area around a light fixture's attachment with a lightweight, polyurethane ceiling medallion. Decorative ceiling medallions are available in various sizes and can be painted in your desired hue.

Coordinate Finishes

Give a bathroom or kitchen a sparkly new look by coordinating hardware finishes. Replacing mismatched accessories with new, coordinating pieces is an affordable update that will make your space look polished and luxurious.

Kick Up the Contrast

Is your kitchen stuck in a rut? If yours has an island -- or you're planning to add one -- consider using tonal contrasts to spark some interest. Shades of taupe, espresso, and white give this small kitchen a sophisticated upgrade that's both traditional and modern.

Make the Entry a Focal Point

You may not have the cash for a full-on exterior makeover, but improving your entryway can make a big impact on your home's curb appeal. Use a dark hue to make the point of entry pop, then flank the front door with tall planters. Finish the look by adding symmetrical plantings on either side of the walkway.

Source: Better Homes & Gardens

Your dream bedroom is just around the corner.... All it takes is a little redecorating and reorganizing to get the beautiful bedroom you've always dreamed of.

Get Board

A headboard can instantly pull an entire bedroom together. It gives the room a focal point when layered behind your comfy, cozy pillows. 

Personalize Something

Our simplified approach to couching doesn't require the labor of a needle and thread -- just cording, fabric glue, and a disappearing-ink pen!

Use Colorful Accents

Liven up your room with colorful lamps, a fresh coat of paint on an old dresser, or (dare we say it) wallpaper in your closet. A light, floral wallpaper makes a statement next to a solid wall without being too bold. It's eye-catching and creates depth.

Add Pillows

If you want to update your bedroom, there are a few small changes you should focus on first. Your bedding can set the tone for your entire bedroom; we love these bright and airy DIY pillows that definitely inspire creativity -- and you can customize them to your taste!

Add Something Fancy

Give your bedroom a luxurious uplift without damaging your wallet. Faux marble is elegant and traditional and will give any desk or bedside table exactly the kind of touch your bedroom needs

Get Artsy

Bare walls really only mean one thing -- art! Keep your bedding subtle and go bold with your favorite kind of paintings and art pieces. It makes your bedroom more personal and way more interesting.

Style the Nightstand

The nightstand is an oft-neglected but valuable piece of furniture in your bedroom. Turn it into a picture-perfect composition that will make your bedroom feel both homey and inspiring.

Top It Off

We love the idea of a draped canopy because it's oh-so dreamy. Is there anything more regal and luxurious than a canopy?

Make Room

Create the illusion of more room by using a wall full of mirrors. It's a beautifully polished touch that matches almost every color and decor

Don't be afraid to mix up your monotonous bedroom color scheme. Try pattern play with your linens!

President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades announced on Friday new projects for the Larnaka District with the estimated value amounting to 70,5 million euro. 

The President, accompanied by members of his Cabinet, visited the coastal town of Larnaka where he presided over a meeting with the participation of Ministers, Mayors, Members of Parliament and government officials, during which he examined the progress of the government projects announced two years ago and proceeded to the announcement of new ones, including road construction works and new schools. 

The total state funds for Larnaka between 2013 and 17 reach 228 million euro, he said. 

In addition, he announced that the Council of Ministers has decided that the government undertakes the repayment of the guaranteed loans of the Local Authorities for a total amount of € 185.3 million for all municipalities. 

As regards the port and marina of Larnaka, he announced that the tender for their development and commercial exploitation has entered its second phase, while already three leading companies were announced to proceed to the next stage of the tender. 

He expressed hope that in the coming days a legal problem that arose as a result of the appeal of an unsuccessful tenderer will be solved. 

The President said he expects significant benefits from the implementation of the Larnaka port and marina project, especially in the tourism sector. 

He also referred to the relocation of the petroleum and gas facilities from "one of the most attractive beaches in the district," noting that in May 2017, the dismantling of the liquid fuel tanks of the Cyprus Organisation for Storage and Management of Oil was completed. 

The problem which remains, he added, is the demolition and relocation of the private companies, "which I have to admit, they themselves understand the need to move their facilities" and most of them have already prepared their plans to build facilities (land and sea ones) in the Energy and Industrial Area at Vasilikos. 

The President said that in order to assist the relocation, the Government proceeds with the first phase of the road network of the new Vassilikos Energy and Industrial Area, with a total cost of 17.5 million euro. Construction works will commence in the beginning of 2018. 

Concluding, he said that the government will proceed with its decision to create university schools in Larnaka, while studies continue for the establishment of an Oceanographic Center and the School of Marine Sciences and the School of Marine Archeology of the University of Cyprus.

Source: Stockwatch

House prices, as measured by the House Price Index, dropped by -1.4% in Cyprus for the first quarter of 2017, compared to the last of 2016, but also increased by 4.1% compared to the same quarter of last year. The quarterly decrease was the third largest in the EU. These figures come from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union 

Meanwhile, house prices rose by 4.0% in the euro area and by 4.5% in the EU in the first quarter of 2017 compared with the same quarter of the previous year. . Compared with the fourth quarter of 2016, house prices rose by 0.4% in the euro area and by 0.7% in the EU in the first quarter of 2017. 

Among the Member States for which data are available, the highest annual increases in house prices in the first quarter of 2017 were recorded in the Czech Republic (+12.8%), Lithuania (+10.2%) and Latvia (+10.1%), while prices fell in Croatia (-0.4%) and Italy (-0.1%). Compared with the previous quarter, the highest increases were recorded in the Czech Republic (+2.9%), Latvia (+2.8%) and Sweden (+2.5%), and the largest decreases in Malta (-5.4%), Slovakia (-2.4%) and Cyprus (-1.4%). 

Source: Stockwatch

The shares of the Cooperative Cyprus Bank will start trading at the Cyprus Stock Exchange at 10 cents per share, after the external consultants of the Bank evaluated it at around 600 million euro. 

On Monday, an extraordinary Annual General Meeting approved a resolution to introduce the total issued share capital of the Bank, totalling 6,036,000,000, of a nominal value of €0.28 each, to the main market of the CSE at a price of € 0.10 each. This means that the bank’s fair value amounts to €603 million. 

The Cooperative Bank has been nationalised as the state injected a total of €1.67 billion on two occasions to cover its capital shortfall. In the previous fair value assessment carried out in 2015 by audit firm PWC the value of the Cooperative Bank has been calculated to €800 million. 

A CCB official has told CNA that since the first assessment carried out in 2015, various developments have impacted the bank’s value. These relate to the decision to refund €111 million to borrowers due to a mistake in applying the base interest rate of the European Central Bank and Euribor, as well as a potential impact to the bank’s capital due to the application of the new International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS 9) which stipulates that banks should make provisions up front based on expected losses. 

The same official pointed out that the bank’s value to equity ratio amounts to 50% which is higher than other Cypriot banks listed on the Cyprus Stock Exchange. 

“This is an assessment carried out for the purpose of the bank’s entry into the CSE and we believe that this assessment was appropriate,” he said, pointing out that due to high NPLs financial institutions are trading on stock exchanges with a significant discount. 

The Cooperative Bank’s NPLs amounted in March 2017 to 7.2 billion or 60% of the bank’s loan portfolio. On Monday, the Cooperative Bank announced it agreed with Spanish asset management firm Altamira to set up a joint venture to manage NPLs. 

The Central Bank of Cyprus welcomed the decision as a positive development as an additional tool to accelerate the reduction of NPLs.

Source: Stockwatch