Maximize the space in your house and build the home of your dreams without breaking the bank with these three simple ways to transform a spare room.

Space is one of the biggest commodities for many homeowners, and when you’re treated to a sudden expanse of empty space, it can be hard to find the perfect way to fill it. Whether you’re a new empty-nester looking to renovate your kids’ old bedrooms or you’re looking to renovate an old storage room into a space with a bit more purpose, remodeling a spare room is one of the best ways to make the most of the available space in your house. Below are a few great ways to transform a spare room so that you can start building the home of your dreams.

Home office

One of the most popular ways to transform a spare room is to create a home office. This renovation option is so popular because it’s simple and because it requires very little time, money, or effort. A home office is also a very versatile space—it can work with almost any room, regardless of dimensions. Home offices are very popular among individuals who frequently bring work home with them, own and operate their own business, or have the ability to work from home. They’re also popular among people looking for a quiet space to pursue their creative endeavors or hoping to pen their first novel. Many people also combine their home offices with a home library, often separating the room into two sections. One section, intended for work, may hold a desk, while the other—intended for taking a much-needed break from that work—might hold a comfortable seating area.

Playroom

Renovating a spare room to become a playroom is a great option for homeowners with young children. Providing the kids with a space that’s entirely theirs—where they can play and create to their hearts’ content—will not only please the kids, but also help keep all the other rooms of your house free of toys, books, and coloring utensils. When decorating the playroom, consider asking for your kids’ input as to the style and design they’d like to see. This will help them feel more involved in the whole process and make the space feel more personal for them. When the space feels more comfortable and personal, they’ll be more likely to spend time there, and you’ll be able to keep other areas of your house free of kiddie clutter.

Home gym

Home gyms are also a very popular renovation idea for spare rooms. As health and wellness becomes increasingly important, and as more and more people seek to make healthy changes in their lives, home gyms only continue to grow in popularity. Like a home office, home gyms are very versatile, and you can adapt them to fit you individual goals and needs. Your home gym can be as complex or as minimalist as you like, and you can outfit it to accommodate your favorite workouts. When designing your home gym, be sure to carefully consider the size of the room. Allot the appropriate amount of space between pieces of equipment and exercise areas to ensure your continued safety while you’re working out in the space.

Parties are a lot of fun, aren’t they? You get together with a lot of fun people, with drinks and food that all taste great, and the music can make you dance well into the night. A party is something to always look forward to, and the memories you make at them will be held onto forever!

But to throw a party, a lot more time and effort needs to go into the preparation. If you’ve got a party to set up, there’s some things that make your background setting truly special. And if you want to throw a bash to remember, you’re going to want to keep the elements below in mind! 

You’ve Got Something (even simple!) to Set the Atmosphere

Baby shower party

The atmosphere of a party is always going to matter the most. If you want to set the scene and make it truly special, being able to turn down the lights or highlight certain areas of the backdrop is key. 

For example, if you’re going to be hosting a party that’s primarily outside, why not invest in an outdoor concrete fire pit? It’s a good way to warm the feeling of the evening up, and to even increase the amount of entertainment you can put on. 

Singing around the fireside, drinks in hand, and even telling ghost stories if it’s near to Halloween, are all forms of entertainment that arise from this one simple feature you could install. 

You Have the Right Temperature for the Dress Code

Discoball in hands of young woman celebrating birthday in night club

You’re always going to need to keep an eye on the temperature; after all, if someone is dressed down, or they’re layered up in all kinds of materials, you don’t want them to be freezing or sweating the night away. There’s no point asking your friends to dress up as flappers from the 1920s if you’re not planning to put the heating on! 

There’s Plenty of Facilities to Make Use of 

And if you’re inviting people over and want them to enjoy every single moment they’re at the party, you need the right facilities for them to make use of. There’s no room for boredom at a party, especially if you want it to be a special night to remember! So stock up on some more entertainment; make sure there’s enough to talk about, enough furniture to sit down and chill on, etc. 

And if you’ve not stocked your bathroom up recently, it’s time to buy an industrial load of toilet paper… But your facilities’ worries don’t end there. Do you have enough ice for the evening? Would it be useful to invest in a separate chiller for food and drinks? Make a checklist of everything the average party needs and ensure you can cross off each point as you go down!

A party setting can be made truly special through a few tweaks, here and there. Take all of the above ideas into account, and think about what else you could do along the same lines. 

Creating an outdoor living space can take a lot of time and money, but it’s a fantastic way to make more use of the space in your backyard. Whether it’s extending your patio or creating a separate living space with a beautiful roof and high-end furniture, there are lots of different options for you to pick from. In this article, we’ll be covering 10 of the most useful design tips to help you create an incredible outdoor living space.

Pick high-quality outdoor furniture

High-quality garden furniture is an absolute must for designing a great outdoor living space that you actually want to use. High-quality doesn’t have to mean expensive, so make sure you try out different pieces of outdoor furniture before buying.

Use plenty of plants

Even though your garden might already be full of plants, it’s a good idea to bring some of them over to your outdoor living space to make it integrate seamlessly with your garden.

Pick unique planters

If you’re going to add plants, try and avoid typical pots and consider using something a little more interesting and modern. There are lots of unique planters available that cover a wide range of design styles.

Always have a centerpiece

It could be a unique potted plant, a large outdoor table or even a statue. Whatever the case, try and have some kind of centerpiece that will make your outdoor living space look that much more interesting.

Cover your outdoor living space

Your outdoor living space should have some kind of cover to both protect it and also serve as a “roof” of sorts. Pick a stylish fabric or material and it will lift the entire design to look absolutely stunning.

Add lots of soft furnishings

Soft furnishings can add a nice touch to common garden furniture such as metal seats and wooden stalls. These can add a nice touch of color too for an added bonus.

Make it a functional space

Functional spaces help to get you outside and using your outdoor living space. A great example would be to add a kitchen, dining table or even a relaxing workspace.

Add lots of convenient features

Convenience is a great way to make more use of your outdoor living space. For instance, you could install a retractable awning system from a company like Eclipse Shading Systems to protect your outdoor living space from the weather while also allowing the sun to shine in when it’s retracted.

Focus on a lighting theme

Do you want mood lighting that works brilliantly at night, or are you looking for colorful LED lights that can be changed to create an outdoor party environment? Pick a lighting theme that complements the colors of your outdoor living space.

Coordinate designs and colors

If you want to create a seamless design, think about how you can coordinate different designs and colors of your outdoor living space with your indoor one. This can include matching color themes, tones and even materials.

This is a contributed post by freelance writer Liz Buckley

It does not matter if you are moving into a new place or you want to renovate your current living space, every homeowner wants to make their living space as good as possible. However, all spaces present their design challenges, but since the living area is where you spend most of your time, designing or decorating a small one can be quite challenging. You need to know how to strike a balance between squeezing in extra seats and making the room appear as spacious as possible. If you are a homeowner, then here is a list of useful tips from bestvacuumexpert that  you can use when designing a small living space.

Use wallpapers and mirrors

Bedroom with wallpaper, bed and walk in wardrobe

A small living space, especially one with small windows, can appear a little bit boxed in. You can boost light, add some depth, and create a focal point by papering your wall and also hanging some mirrors on top. If possible, you can position some mirrors across from one of your windows. The mirrors will reflect the outside view, giving the feel of an additional window.

You can center the main seat on your papered wall, fringed by one pair of matching lamps and side tables. A large woven divan can serve as an extra seat or a coffee table. If you have some room, you can work in a small-scale extra chair or even two across from the main seat in this kind of arrangement.

Add a hidden storage

Elegant, creative, geometric open space interior design with colorful elements, stylish fireplace, stairs and big dog sleeping on a rug

To limit clutter, you can buy furniture with built-in storage. A storage divan or trunk can also act as a coffee table as well. You can try putting a small credenza or a small chest of drawers along the perimeter of the living space instead of console tables to boost your storage options. Rather than having small pieces of furniture like a bookshelf, a chest, eat up space, you can devote an entire wall of the room for storage.

You can customize a floor-to-ceiling wall to contain everything from a media center to books and maybe a pull-down desk as well. By doing that, you will be limiting clutter in your living space, which will, in turn, make your cleaning routine easy since all you need is a handheld vacuum to eliminate dirt and dust.

Select small-scale furniture

Stylish cozy home interior with striped wallpaper, sofa and cupboards

Generally, there’s more to living space furniture than just bulky armchairs and full-size sofas. Antique shops are also great places to check when you are looking for small-sized furniture since the average size of any room was quite small until the very last half-century. Look for some small settees, chairs, and love seats that can work well for your living space.

Maximize the angles of your living space

White wallpaper with black crosses in kid’s bedroom with ladder, poster and yellow pouf

If your living room is awkwardly shaped, it can be challenging to decorate. However, no space or room is ever too odd for stunning decor. You can easily turn an awkward wall into a center point. For instance, you can turn the vertical area around your bedroom door into an amazing salon-style gallery wall. If you are not sure where you should put your sofa, you can choose wallpapers with bold patterns to establish a focal point in a living space with an odd shape. Here the wallpaper featuring peonies will anchor the living space.

A great hanging poster or nice art piece can go a pretty long way when it comes to restyling your living space. According to The Design Tourist, vertical installations can grab the attention of your guests while suspending glass pieces close to the windows allow natural lighting to illuminate the living room. The other advantage of having some hanging decorations in your living room is that you can take down some of the pieces you are tired of or those you would like to replace at any time.

Put your best foot forward and begin the new year with a clean slate and a clean house with these four quick tips for decluttering your home with ease.

The new year is right around the corner, and for many people, that means an opportunity for a fresh start. Start the new year off right by clearing out all the clutter and chaos that are tying you to the past. This guide for four quick tips for decluttering your home will help you enter the new year with a clean house and a clear mind.

Set goals

The prospect of decluttering your entire home can be quite daunting. Starting small and setting achievable goals will help you stay on track without becoming too overwhelmed. Start by establishing a project timeline. Whether you hope to have the entire house cleaned out in three months or simply want to clean up your closet by the end of the month, establishing a deadline gives you an attainable goal to strive toward.

When setting goals, try not to pack your plate too full. Overcommitting to too many projects and attempting to clear out your house’s every nook and cranny at once can cause you to quickly become overwhelmed. Set your sights on one small project at a time and work toward completing it fully before moving onto the next project.

Go paperless

Paper products are a major source of clutter for many people. We often feel compelled to save receipts, bills, birthday cards, and photo prints because we never know when we’ll want to reference them again. Luckily, thanks to technological advancements, you can now reference these documents without saving the physical copies. Switching to paperless billing reduces the amount of receipts and bills laying around your home, effectively reducing clutter in your home and litter in the environment. If you still want to hold onto the information but want to rid your home of the papers, consider digitizing the paper documents. This will enable you to access your files easier and help clear out some of the clutter on your desk and in your filing cabinets.

Establish a routine

One of the best tips for decluttering your home is to establish a sustainable routine that will follow you into the future. Establishing a regular cleaning routine will help your home from becoming unbearably cluttered, negating all the initial decluttering you did. When establishing this routine, try to think critically about your habits and the amount of clutter in your home. If your home becomes untidy quite quickly, you may consider setting aside time once a week, or even once a day, to tidy up the house and put things back in their intended locations. If clutter accumulates more slowly in your home, you may only need to go on a decluttering spree once a month.

Create a system

The phrase “a place for everything and everything in its place” may be a bit dated, but the sentiment rings true to this day. Ascribing to this adage’s instructions, try to create an organization system that works for you and your space. Find a place for each of your belongings and be sure to return the items to that place promptly after use. This will help you stay organized and significantly reduce the number of items that go missing in your home. Establish an organization system for storage spaces in your home as well, including closets, cabinets, bookshelves, and basements.

For many years now a lot of people have been investing in hot tubs for the health and relaxation benefits they provide, but now we are starting to see a move towards swim spa pools. If you are unfamiliar with swim spas, continue reading to find out everything you need to know.

In basic terms, a swim spa is like a smaller, compact swimming pool, and so it is still wise to use a pool service company for these. However, it offers many more benefits than a standard swimming pool does and this is because swim spas often come with jetting systems, which offer the benefits you would experience from a hot tub. This includes the like of pain relief, improved circulation, and relaxation. You are essentially getting a swimming pool and a hot tub in one. So, how does a swim spa work? Well, you will basically swim against a current, and thus you essentially won’t move forward so to speak. There is thus no need to do laps or turn around, as you would if you were in a regular swimming pool. This is one of the best ways to benefit from effective exercise if you don’t have a large amount of space at your home. After all, not everyone has the space or the money for a full-sized swimming pool. You can find swim spas as either portable units or self-contained units, and there are many different designs and sizes to choose from. Some swim spas are split-models, so there is a hot tub spa at the end of the swimming section.

Mistakes Made When Buying A Swim Spa

Have you been looking for a quality swim spa sale so you can get your hands on this compact swimming pool? A swim spa represents a large investment. This is not a purchase that should be rushed into. To ensure you end up with the right spa for your garden or home, read on to discover some of the most common mistakes you need to avoid during the shopping process.

The first mistake a lot of consumers make is going for the cheapest swim spas they can find. If you do this, you are almost certain to suffer from a lack of quality. Moreover, just because a spa is cheap to begin with, does not mean it is going to work out that way in the long run. If you have high running costs or a lot of repairs, the costs will soon start mounting up. Aside from this, another error is failing to consider the way that the swim spa works. A lot of keen swimmers purchase swim spas without taking this factor into account, and they end up purchasing a jet swim spa. There is nothing wrong with this system, but it tends to be suited to casual swimmers so you would be better of going for a propeller-driven swim spa instead. Finally, another blunder is failing to read reviews that have been left by past clients. This can give you a great insight into the quality of the swim spa and the experiences other people have had.

The holidays are meant to be spent with loved ones. Make sure you’re prepared to accommodate lots of visitors this season and make your home extra-cozy.

The holidays are all about being with the people you love. During the holiday season, people travel far and wide to be with their families. If you’re hosting family members this winter, read this guide on how to prepare your home for holiday guests. Your loved ones will have such a good time at your house that they won’t want to go back to their own.

Keep Things Tidy

Your house must be spotless if you’re planning on hosting guests this holiday season. The last thing Grandpa wants is to get off an airplane and walk into a messy house. Clean as much as you can before people arrive. Wash your floors and do all the laundry. If you have kids, put all their toys away and ask them to be as neat as possible while the company is there. Your loved ones will appreciate you taking the time to make sure your house looks inviting.

Decorate

Help your guests get into the holiday spirit by decorating your house to the nines. Make sure your Christmas tree is a true statement piece in your home. Put as many lights on it as possible so that it’s glaringly bright when people walk in. If you can, position your Christmas tree in a window so that people see it as soon as they pull into the driveway. Put Christmas lights on your banisters as well, and hang as much mistletoe as you can. People will feel merry the minute they walk into your home.

Create a Bedroom Oasis

After a long day of travel, people want nothing more than to plop themselves on a comfortable bed. Create a bedroom oasis for your holiday guests. Use the most luxurious sheets possible so that people can fully relax, and provide them with the fuzziest blankets you have so that they can curl up and get a good night’s rest. Have adequate lighting available in case someone wants to read a book. Most importantly, ensure their bedrooms are welcoming spaces where they can crash at the end of the day.

Tasty Holiday Treats

Calories don’t count during the holidays, so make sure all your guests are well-fed the entire time they’re at your house. It’s important to remember that visitors are on vacation when they’re at your house, so accommodate them as much as you can. Bake tasty holiday treats so that your house always smells like a bakery. Try cooking unusual recipes and have your guests provide you with feedback—you’ll get to test out your kitchen skills, and they’ll get to taste so many treats.

Anyone hosting visitors this season should read this guide on how to prepare your home for holiday guests. Having people over for the holidays doesn’t need to be stressful. In fact, you should enjoy the company while you have it. After all, the holidays only come around once a year, so make the most of the holiday season before it passes you by. Before you know it, the guests will be gone, and you’ll be prepping for your New Year’s bash.

This guide tells you everything about how to host an elegant dinner party. Guests will leave impressed and eager to see what you have planned next.

Hosting a party is a big deal. It shows your family and friends that you’re organized and can handle any stressors that come your way. Show them how sophisticated you can be and follow this guide on how to host an elegant dinner party. People will be in awe of your hosting abilities and think even more highly of you.

Dazzling Dinnerware

The first thing people notice at a dinner party is the table. When you’re hosting an elegant dinner party, ensure the table looks as chic as possible. Layout a beautiful table runner and light candles throughout. Also, put out beautiful dinnerware that will catch guests’ eyes. Make sure the dinnerware is something that people talk about for days to come. Do your research beforehand and choose dinnerware that’s classy, yet durable. Dinnerware can be made from various materials. So, just make sure you’re choosing the right set before you invite people over.

Fantastic Food and Drinks

Having the right food can make or break a dinner party. Keep the menu in mind if you’re hosting an elegant celebration. For example, it would be completely inappropriate to serve guests pizza or burgers and fries at a classy affair. Browse recipe books before your event’s date and search for unique options. Choose menu items that scream sophistication, such as a roasted duck or finger foods. The more unique you are with your decisions, the more people will be impressed. Keep this in mind with serving drinks as well. Only serve high-end cocktails that people would have difficulty making themselves. And, of course, serve every cocktail in stylish glassware to maintain the elegant atmosphere.

Hire Professionals

A professional waitstaff is a great way to add sophistication to any event. Hire a waitstaff for your elegant dinner party to leave guests in awe. Make sure the waiters dress the part and that they look as sharp as possible. Also, meet with them before your event, so they know what your expectations are. Anyone wondering how to host an elegant dinner party must remember to keep their guests in mind at all times. Inform the wait staff that you never want someone to have an empty drink and that they should be able to answer any questions people have. Also, hire a professional chef and bartender for an inspired touch. The main objective when you’re hosting an elegant dinner party is to ensure people are catered to. Hiring professionals is the best way to guarantee that happens.

This resourceful guide on how to host an elegant dinner party will ensure your event goes off without a hitch. If you follow these steps, there’s no reason your family and friends won’t have a new view of you in their heads. Pull this off and show them you can host an excellent event, no matter the occasion’s tone. Remember, just because this is an elegant celebration, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself. Be creative and show your guests that things can be sophisticated and fun.

‘Tis the Season to Make Ready for Guests

Conveying hearth and home to visitors involves special touches

According to AAA’s statistics, one in three Americans travel during the holidays. While many may stay in hotels and residential rentals, the majority become guests in the homes of friends and family. Outfitting a home, especially the guest area, with special touches, creature comforts, and thoughtful amenities immediately welcomes visiting company.

Some ideas to show guests they can truly “make themselves at home” – be it during the holidays or any time – include these four:

1) Stock up. Mornings and evenings, especially, are when guests typically enjoy relaxing. Consider providing a selection of coffees, teas, creamers, sugar, honey, and some powdered flavorings. Pick up fresh scones, muffins, and bagels from a favorite bakery (or make them), and add some fresh fruit. All these goods can be arranged on a kitchen cart, such as one from Twin Star Home. Various styles, from modern farmhouse to contemporary, are attractive but also utilitarian. Drawers can be filled with eating utensils and napkins, while shelves house a variety of essentials. In the evening, breakfast accoutrements can be moved to a lower shelf, and the countertop arranged with a charcuterie board, refreshments, a selection of beer and wine (or cocktail ingredients), glasses, small plates, and more.

2) Bath and body. A guest bathroom should be replete with enough towels, wash cloths, and toiletries to accommodate all visitors. Make sure there is a drying rack or plenty of hooks for hanging up towels, unless guests can expect clean towels daily. Towels can be arranged on special shelving, stand-alone linen towers or floor cabinets, or in baskets. Storage pieces also hold extra toilet paper, paper cups, and basic first aid items.

3) Warm and cozy. Bedrooms are where hosts can pull out all the stops for guests. Soft and lush bedding, a comfortable bed, plush pillows, and feet friendly area rugs are musts. But a special touch is an electric fireplace, for rooms not already equipped with a built-in fireplace. Twin Star Home has an extensive assortment of electric fireplaces that serve dual functions: both heater and furniture. Provide a cozy heat and guests may never want to leave!

4) Entertain them.  Whether in the guest bedroom or in a gathering area where guests are welcome, making certain there is an entertainment area equipped with the latest audio and visual technology allows guests to settle in and enjoy. Include remote instructions for smart televisions, satellite services, and DVD players. Some electric fireplaces are also television stands, but Twin Star Home has up-to-date entertainment stand designs as well that feature built-in Bluetooth options. Learn guest’s music preferences and set up a special playlist to welcome them when they arrive!

Also, make certain that guests have plenty to read, such as the latest magazines, local and national newspapers, and a few books. A small placard with the home’s Wi-Fi password, situated on a nightstand, ensures guests can connect quickly without having to pester hosts. Plus, some brochures touting local activities and a community’s calendar of events enable guests to determine if there are special interests to add to an itinerary. Finally, some finishing touches just before guests arrive are flowers and a bedside pitcher of water with drinking glasses.

Attending to both small and significant details expresses volumes to visiting guests.

Simple Tech Tips to Make Your Life More Sustainable

Advancements in affordable technology have made it easier than ever for us to adopt environmentally friendly practices in our own homes. While many people associate sustainable living with compromise, we don’t really have to make significant life changes or sacrifice convenience to support the planet. Most eco-friendly tech can even save us time and money in the long run. Here are some simple ways you can use technology to live a more sustainable life.

Replace Energy-Hogging Devices

Over the shoulder view of girl sitting on sofa holding tv remote and surfing programs on television

Many common home electronics—including TVs, DVRs, and satellite boxes—suck energy when not in use. Standby mode allows these devices to perform updates, record shows, and jump to life quickly when you’re ready to use them. While this may be convenient, it can have a dramatic effect on your energy bill. Cutting the cable cord and switching to a streaming device is an easy way to reduce your energy consumption while enjoying your favorite movies and shows. This device plugs into your TV rather than an outlet and offers plenty of channels and apps for your entertainment. Streaming devices use significantly less power than cable TV DVRs both in use and in standby mode. You can also save energy by using the power management settings on any devices that have these features, so they draw less energy when they’re not in use. When shopping around for a device, study several models and check for TV compatibility.

Switch to LED Bulbs

Group of transparent LED filament bulb on black background

Another easy way to reduce your home energy usage is to switch all of your lights to LED bulbs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, energy-efficient light bulbs use 25% to 80% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional bulbs. Not only that, but the lifespan of LED bulbs is not affected by the number of times they are switched on and off, so they’re an excellent option for sensor-controlled lights. These bulbs can also be dimmed all the way down to 10% brightness and come in various shades of white so you can illuminate your home however you want.

Install an Environment Control System

Heating climat control in home concept. Programmable thermostat on the table in room. 3d illustration

Heating our homes accounts for 46% of residential energy usage throughout the United States, according to TreeHugger. Air conditioning and lighting follow close behind. Adjusting your thermostat and being mindful about turning off your lights when you leave a room can reduce your carbon footprint, but if you want to go a step further, installing an environmental management system in your home will optimize your energy usage. Smart home accessories, like WiFi thermostats, smart light bulbs, and remote-controlled outlets will do a lot to reduce the amount of energy you use for lighting and temperature control.

Opt Out of Junk Mail and Paper Statements

Mail or post concept envelopes, letters, bills and packages

If you’re like most people, you’re used to opening your mailbox to find stacks of papers you don’t want or need. If you haven’t already, sign up for electronic statements from your bank, credit card companies, and any other businesses that send you regular updates in the mail. Switching to paperless statements can even help prevent identity theft due to stolen or lost mail. While you’re at it, consider switching from paper to digital magazine subscriptions that you can read on your computer or tablet.

What about all that junk mail? Catalogs and direct mail advertisements make up 5.6 million tons of landfill waste every year! Sadly, the deforestation caused by the annual production of junk mail releases as much greenhouse gas as 3.7 million cars. Opt out of unwanted mail by contacting the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) and calling companies directly, asking them to take you off of their mailing list. You can always go online to print out any coupons or promo codes that you want to use in-store, or load them onto your phone using coupon apps.

Eco-friendly living doesn’t have to be difficult. Take advantage of green technology to reduce your household energy usage and cut down on waste. Not only will these sustainable tips help you do your part for the planet, but they can make your life a little easier too!

This is a contributed post from Mark Harris

With the age of the Internet, homeowners can now look online for some interior design ideas for your new home. This is especially beneficial when your hands are full of plenty of pre-move tasks. After all, decorating your new living space should be one of your priorities so you can make your humble abode a more functional place to live in after your arrival.

If you’re planning an upcoming move one of these days, here are a few interior design hacks to consider right from the very beginning.

Lighten Up Your Space

Having more light means making your spaces brighter and bigger. Thus, if you want to get the most out of your living space, put in as much light as you can to make it feel and look bigger than it’s actual space. You can do this by painting the walls with light colors or place huge mirrors to create an optical illusion of space. If your new home has an abundant source of natural light, let that come through to brighten up your spaces. For instance, you can open the windows or use some thin curtains to allow natural light to shine in.

Accessorize

In addition to lighting, home accessories can really transform a dull space into a cozy and inviting one. From throw pillows and rugs to paintings and other forms of artwork, you can surely bring a comfortable and elegant touch to your space. If you don’t want to spend on these accessories, another option is to display your own stuff to make the ambiance more unique and personal. For example, if you have a vast collection of figurines and family portraits, you can use these items to accessorize your new home. However, to make sure you can move your valuable possessions safely and without damage, asking help from professionals can be the right thing to do. Most moving companies NYC and other nearby places offer quality moving services to ensure the safe delivery of all your belongings to your new home

Go Green

Photo by Daria Shevtsova from Pexels

Your living space will be more relaxing with the presence of some green. Generally, plants can go a long way in improving both the air you breathe and the place’s aesthetics. More than that, having some plants around your new home can add more life and make your humble abode fresher and livelier.

Add Some Pieces Of Furniture

Photo by Matthew Daniels on Unsplash

Adding some furniture pieces can give your new home a high-end designer look and ambiance. Fortunately, putting some furniture in your space doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive. With several second-hand stores and consignment shops, you can have the furniture of your choice at an affordable price.

On the other hand, if you want to be more personal with your furniture and other stuff, you can re-use or re-purpose some items to ensure they’ll complement your home interior design. Also, if you’re a music lover who owns bulky music instruments like a piano, you can have it displayed in your living room to add a personal touch. And to move heavy items safely, it’s best to work with professionals like piano movers.

Mix Up Your Decorations

Photo by Emre Can from Pexels

Generally, you may have a specific style in mind when it comes to interior designing. But, if you’re looking to emphasize your personality when decorating your living space after your move, you can actually do it by mixing up your design ideas to come up with a distinct and unique home style. For instance, you can combine your new stuff with the old ones until their color schemes blend. Also, try to match your unique modern decors with the vintage ones or hang some artwork using a contemporary wallpaper as a backdrop.

Conclusion

As you’ve read, there are plenty of ways you can consider to make your new home cozier after a stressful relocation. Just follow these simple interior design hacks, and you’ll be surprised at how you can create a stylish feeling and looking abode to live in.

5 Bathroom Renovation Trends for 2020

Renovating your bathroom is important for several different reasons. First, it affects the sustainability of your home, which is a major factor that you have to tend to when it comes to reducing your monthly expenses. Second, it affects the resale value of the place and your home’s overall appeal to potential buyers.

Just think about it, the bathroom is one of the first areas of your home that people come to visit when deciding on whether to buy the place or not. Last, but in no way least important, is the fact that it substantially helps improve your lifestyle quality.

1.    Eco-friendly fixtures

The first thing you might want to consider is replacing your fixtures like your showerhead and your faucet with a low-flow alternative. The best thing about this is that it’s a project that you can do on your own, all you need is a bit of research. First of all, you need to crunch some numbers and see if the saving is really as substantial as you would hope it to be. Second, you need to do the research on the fixture in question.

Finally, what you need to do is figure out how to install them. When it comes to the issue of a shower, the things are, more or less, straightforward. On the other hand, when it comes to replacing a faucet, you might want to figure out the type and then lookup for a YouTube tutorial.

2.    An investment in functionality

Photo by Vecislavas Popa from Pexels

The next thing you need to think about is the functionality of your bathroom. For starters, you need to think about the fixtures in your bathroom and find a way to improve them for your own convenience. For instance, a sensor faucet or hands dryer might be a good way to go.

Self-flushing (yet low-flow) toilet is also a great idea. Provided that your bathroom doesn’t already have one, getting a bidet is always a good idea. Nowadays, you can easily find a bidet buyers guide online, which will give you all you need for thorough research.

3.    The lighting

One of the biggest challenges in your bathroom renovation is the fact that you have a limited influx of natural light in the room. This means that you come to depend on the artificial lighting, however, this here is a double-edged sword, as well. Why? Well, first of all, it’s due to the fact that you need the room to be both relaxing and intimate, as well as functional, at the same time.

Tasks like shaving or applying makeup require an admirable vision. Therefore, what you might want to consider is layer lighting, which will allow you to get both of these things at the same time.

4.    The tiles

Photo by Rene Asmussen from Pexels

While it is true that there’s a number of materials that you can go for when it comes to the bathroom floor, opting for tiles is definitely the way to go. Why? Well, because hardwood or laminate isn’t necessarily ideal around all that moisture and due to the fact that stone and marble tend to be incredibly expensive.

Regardless of your motivation or your point of view, ceramic tiles are probably your optimal choice. As for the aesthetics, you get to choose the texture and you can even get something wood- or stone-like.

5.    Shower instead of a tub

For a lot of people, the question of getting a tub or a shower is one of the aesthetics. Still, this isn’t necessarily true. First of all, showering wastes less water. Second, it’s more time-efficient, which gives you a great head start early in the morning.

Other than this, it’s more hygienic and more efficient in every single way. In other words, if you’re trying to make a rational choice rather than a purely subjective one, going for a shower is an obvious choice.

In conclusion

In the end, the question of a bathroom renovation is one of the most important issues that any homeowner eventually has to face. The thing is that you need to know exactly what you want to get from it. First of all, you might plan to renovate your bathroom in order to boost the lifestyle, the resale value or the eco-friendliness of your home. Before knowing what you want, it’s impossible to make any plans.

This post was authored by:

Patrick Adams

Freelance writer and blogger

Sydney, Australia

https://www.clippings.me/patrickadams

When you are designing a room in your home, there are many qualities that you will generally want it to have. One which is going to be pretty common in most cases is that you will probably want it to be as personal to you as possible. If you can achieve that, then you are going to be much happier with it, and visitors and guests will be more likely to remark how unique the space is. But how do you actually make sure that you achieve this kind of individuality with the style of a room? In this post, we’re going to look at some of the basic things you can do to give any room some real personal touches.

Your Kind Of Artwork

Not many rooms are going to feel complete without some kind of artwork adorning the walls. This is actually a fantastic opportunity for you to make the room as personal as you like, as you probably have a specific taste in artwork which is not quite like anyone else’s. If you are struggling to decide on artwork that you would like, then you will need to think about looking around at different styles. In time, you will be able to work out what kind of artwork is likely to be the kind you like – and then it’s a simple case of finding a decent art printing service and having them printed, getting them framed and putting them up on the walls.

Photographs Of Your Life

Photographs are always likely to be fairly personal, especially if they are ones from moments of your own life. If you have a lot of these that you would like to proudly display, you might even want to make a collage of them and have that be one of your main displays. Of course, it depends on the room and what you are trying to achieve, but if this fits in with your overall interior design, then you should think about it. If you don’t want to do that, you could instead merely try to include one or two photographs around the home which are unmistakably an impression of your personality. That can be a wonderful way to bring a space together while making it your own.

Your Colors

You probably have a real distinct preference for colors, and as such you can use those to try to bring about something of a better understanding of your own personal style. By thinking about what colors tend to really speak to you, you can then include them in the decor, and that will have a profound effect on how personal the space really seems to be. Of course, there is only so much that a color can do, but you would be surprised at the kind of effect that this may have if you do it in the right way. At the very least, you should be very careful not to avoid thinking carefully about colors, as they are clearly an important part of designing any room anyway.

Items From Your Favorite Era

Do you have a favorite time in history? It might be that you are particularly fond of the Victorian age, and you want to try and include that in your home design, for instance. If so, you can absolutely do so, and generally the best way is to find items of furniture which are indicative of that era, if not actually from that time themselves. You don’t have to be rich to find antique items that you can afford, and you will be amazed at the kind of effect this can have on the interior space that you are trying to improve and make more personal. If you are not sure that you have a particular affinity for any period in history, then you will want to spend some time first looking at items from different times to see whether that is really the case.

Little Touches

Sometimes, it is the smallest and subtlest touches that really make a difference. If you want to make any interior space more personal to you, then one important thing to consider is that you need to have some little touches, the kind that people would not necessarily even notice at first. These have a way of really filling out the space, and you will find that – as if by magic – the room is suddenly going to feel a lot more personal to you in no time. This is a neat little trick that everyone should consider using.

Are you bored with the dull feel of your rental? Spruce up the space with our favorite ways to add personality to your apartment rental—you won’t regret it!

Whether you’re a college student or constantly on the move, something about living in a rental can seem impersonal. You often aren’t allowed to paint the walls; you may not love the structure of the apartment; or maybe you just haven’t had time to make it feel like home. No matter what the case, you deserve to live in a space that oozes comfort and individuality. To help you find your way to the perfect space, we’ve included some of our favorite ways to add personality to your apartment rental.

Switch Out the Lighting Fixtures

Lighting in apartments can be pretty rough. Dull fixtures, gaudy fixtures—you name it, and there’s probably an apartment with it. Lighting is an essential aspect of your home, so making it your own will do a lot for the space’s overall personality. Instead of sticking with the unsightly light fixtures, switch them out for fixtures that you like (and store the originals until you move out). It’s an easy way to update your space!

Add a Colorful Rug

There are various reasons to get a colorful rug, and adding personality is just one of them! In general, rugs do wonders for anchoring your space, and they add a wonderful warmth as well. If you want to update your space, then finding a rug that fits your personality is a fantastic idea. You can also try out different shapes and sizes.

Purchase Unique Dinnerware

Believe it or not, you don’t have to stick to the standardized apartment kitchen. Sure, you may not be able to switch out all the appliances, but you can add personality in other ways. Think about adding colorful and unique dinnerware—from patterned cups and plates to cute serving trays. You could also ask the property manager if you can change the cabinets to glass fronts so you can show off those new plates!

Use Double-Duty Furniture

Double-duty furniture is the way to go for both comfortable seating and extra storage space, especially for smaller apartments. Decorating your apartment rental with comfortable, multifunctional furniture of your choosing will make organizing the space that much easier. Figuring out how to make room for both a couch and storage space is hard enough, so make it easier on yourself by combining the two. This will leave more room for creative play!

Decorate with Art

Artwork is typically the main way that people add personality to their homes, and that’s because it simply makes a home your own. With all the various artforms, colors, patterns, brushstrokes, and mediums out there, finding works of art that fit your personality is easy. Whether you choose a massive piece that covers the wall or smaller works scattered throughout the home, there are plenty of ways to make your apartment your own with just a couple of wall hangings.

Play with Shelving

Another excellent way to add more storage options and personalize your apartment is to play with your shelving options. Utilize all the space your apartment rental allows with corner shelves, vertical shelving, and other unique shelving ideas. These shelves will add more space for you to showcase your interests—from family portraits to favorite books and movies. There’s something enchanting about a home filled with love.

Don’t trap yourself in a home without the vibrance and spirit you’re full of! Follow these tips and watch your place come to life.

When you are in the middle of a decorating project, you probably already have an idea of the finishing touches that you want to add. Some items will tie a room together with ease. The smaller details are actually the things that people are more likely to see and use in the room. Which makes them really important to get right. 

There are, of course, a lot of different looks and styles, but in general, there are few things that will work in any decor.

Lighting

The right lighting can make a massive impact on your room. Copper tones bulbs give a warmer glow and are ideal for rooms that you want to feel cozy and relaxed in, more so in the evenings. The amber colors mimic the glow of a roaring fire, and so are particularly perfect for wintertime. 

Cushions & Throws

Adding soft plush furnishings like throws and pillows. They don’t just make your couch look welcoming and comfortable, though. You can choose colors that are on your rug, or tie them into your wall art. And because they come in so many different styles, you are destined to find something that works for the theme of your home. Opt for a range of different textures as this will bring more interest to the space. 

The great thing about throws and cushions is that they don’t have to be an expensive feature. 

Mirrors

Mirrors are a great way to add more light to the room. If you place a mirror in the right spot, the angle will catch the light and make a room lighter and bigger. If you want to create something extra special, you can choose to get glass home mirrors that have space for light fittings. 

Wall Art

You could choose to have a display of family photos that are placed in almost a gallery style. Usualying different frames and sizes will make it interesting to look at. You can take time over the placement too. If you aren’t in love with the idea of putting photos on the wall, then you can try to find affordable artworks and use those instead. If you don’t have room to hang photos or artwork, then you could consider adding a patterned wallpaper to the wall instead. 

You will get the same beautiful bold effect, but you won’t lose any of the space. 

Plants

Plants and flowers are the most simple way to add life and color in one swoop. If you have a specific theme in the room, you can add plants that fit with that. For example if you have gone with a minimalist theme, succulents and parlor palms work wonders and are simple yet effective. 

When it comes to getting the little bits and pieces that tie your room together, try not to rush. Although the want to have everything finished can be pretty high, it is better to take your time and curate the room to be exactly what you want from the start. 

Colder temperature and snowfall can wreak havoc on properties, so it’s important to be prepared. By winterizing your home, you can keep it in tip-top condition throughout the coldest season and save on your fuel bills too. To make sure you’re ready, check out these top tips for winterizing your home now…

1. Check for drafts

You may not notice them in the summer but, chances are, your home has a number of cracks and small openings close to windows and doors. Although these aren’t uncommon, they can cause problems during winter. With cold air able to enter the property and heat easily escaping, you’ll have your heating on more often if you don’t take action.

Check every door and window closely and use expanding foam, weather stripping or caulk to fill them in. With drafts minimized, you can save a significant amount on your energy bills and keep your home warmer too. 

2. Clear out drains

To operate efficiently, your drainage system needs to be free from debris. As winter approaches, however, you’ll notice a build-up of leaves and twigs filling your gutters and outside drains. When this can’t be washed away, it leads to an excess of mold and mildew, which can affect the structure of your drains.

In addition to this, excess debris increases the chance of a blockage occurring, which could require intensive repairs. By accessing gutter cleaning services at the start of the season, you can ensure that your drains are free from debris and working perfectly. With blocked drains posing a risk of flooding, it’s vital you take steps to clear your drains before the bad weather really sets in.

3. Leave your heating on

When you’re out of the house, it may seem sensible to turn your heating off and save some money. However, leaving your heating system off in low temperatures could result in pipes freezing. If temperatures are going to plummet, be sure to leave your heating on when you’re away for long periods.

Instead of turning the system off altogether, simply adjust your thermostat so that the pipes won’t freeze but you won’t be paying over the odds to keep an empty house warm either. 

4. Let natural light in

Many people rely on thick curtains for added insulation, but you won’t want to keep them closed all winter. Natural light and adequate ventilation will help to prevent rooms from becoming damp, so be sure to open windows for short periods and leave your curtains open too. Although thick curtains can be a great way of keeping heat in, they aren’t a permanent solution to winterizing your home.

Preparing for cold weather

We expect cold weather in winter but it’s still important to keep an eye on local weather reports. When you know a snowstorm is due, you can undertake extra prep, such as gritting your pathways and driveways. Preparing your home for winter will ensure you stay warm and dry while you’re at home and it can also prevent the need for costly repairs when spring arrives. 

Buying your first house or apartment represents an interesting threshold in the life of a person, with many questions popping up after you’ve managed to surmount this first and initial snag. (And some snag it is, considering the today’s real estate prices.)

Once you’ve moved in, a host of questions will assert themselves that will each require a separate and carefully thought out answer. For example, how to cut the electricity bill, whether to install solar panels, should you designate a room to act as your larder or award it some other purpose.

That said, one of the matters that you will be required to tend to straight away, so to speak, would be the decoration business. This will be the first step toward establishing yourself as the sole master of your apartment. So, the draperies you pick, the furniture you buy, as well as the paint you use to decorate the walls will all stand as the living proof of your designer genius. (Or lack thereof.)

Anyway, in this article, we’ll talk about how you can decorate your first apartment with a limited budget. As you will see, this task is easier than it appears, so you won’t have to worry too much about money or your artistic expertise, so to speak.

Right then, folks here’s the deal.

How to Decorate Your First Apartment on a Budget

1) Buy Less Furniture

This one may sound a bit odd, but it’s a legitimate way to save some money.

The thing is, once you move in your new apartment, you may get the feeling that you have to fill it with stuff as soon as possible, otherwise you’ll look incompetent.

This, of course, is not true, and many people opt to wait it out to see what pieces of furniture and home appliances they need and which ones they could do without. Why buy a brand new set of expensive chairs and then see them gather dust for years later on because you can’t figure out where to put them.

So, the word of advice is – buy less in the beginning and then add more stuff as you begin to feel the need for it down the line.

2) Get a Houseplant

If you don’t want your house to feel empty, but you aren’t willing to commit to a big buying spree of furniture, you can always get a house plant to fill in the aesthetic gap, so to speak.

Chances are, you see, a houseplant will be able to do wonders when it comes to making your apartment look like a relaxed place with some nature vibes added, as well.

Another thing – houseplants aren’t that expensive, either, so you won’t have to pay an arm and a leg to get a decent-looking one for your place.

3) Multi-Purpose Furniture

A great way around not being able to afford all the furniture pieces you need at the moment would be to buy multi-purpose furniture.

Many homeowners opt for these pieces even if they do have the money to afford single-purpose furniture, so to speak. Whether it’s a sofa that can promptly turn into a bed or a nightstand that can double as a small table with plenty of compartments, you can find pretty much any combination of furniture pieces you fancy. If you can think it up, chances are – some avant-garde Danish designer has already made it and the thing is sold on e-bay or some other similar online venue.

So, if you need the functionality of proper furniture, but can’t afford enough of it – you can always get a 2-in-1 sofa or a cheeky closet ‘n’ bed combo. Saves money, serves two purposes, and looks cool – what’s not to love?

4) Buy Second-Hand Stuff

This one’s particularly useful for young folks (especially couples) working on a smaller budget.

The idea is quite simple – instead of buying new and expensive furniture, get some second-hand pieces and then mend whatever issue there is with it. Quite simple and works like a charm more often than not.

This principle also works for other household objects such as electrical appliances, for example. While you can buy your fruit blenders and vacuum cleaners new, some of the more expensive contraptions such as refrigerators, electrical stoves, or washing machines are readily available at many second-hand shops where you can find them at half the price of a new unit. In case that second-hand appliance requires some tweaking, you can get the spare parts at a venue such as Wholesale Appliance Supplies, for example.

Again, bargain prices for functionality that does the job. Grand stuff for young people working on a tight budget.

The bottom line, decorating your apartment with a modest budget doesn’t mean you’ll do a bad job or that your apartment will look shabby. On the contrary, working with fewer means you have to turn on your creativity, which will no doubt lead you to some interesting solutions you would have otherwise never thought of.

This post was authored by Stella Ryne

It doesn’t matter if you’re moving into a brand-new space or you want to remodel your current living area—take advantage of every nook and cranny you have!

Every homeowner wants to make their home as great as possible. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a studio condo or a four-bedroom house—maximizing your home’s space is optimal for creating your dream house. If you’re a homeowner, then you need to follow these tips on how to take advantage of vertical space to free up your rooms. Do this once, and you’ll be good to go for a while!

Add a Vertical Garden

Use your wall space to grow your favorite herbs or vegetables. A vertical garden allows natural elements to spread across your living space. Plus, a wall-mounted garden is the perfect piece of décor for your wall, and it’ll leave your home smelling fresh and vibrant. Even houseplants are great additions; try hanging the plants from hooks or placing them in hanging baskets. They’re cheap, and they require minimal maintenance.

Place High Open Shelves

Installing floating shelves above doorways will make your room feel more open. Items that were previously at eye level will now go above your headspace, clearing up room and making it feel more spacious. You can also replace the cabinets in your kitchen with open shelves to show off your dishes and trinkets. Open shelving will also push you to reorganize your items.

Invest in Some Hanging Decorations

A nice art piece or hanging poster can go a long way in restyling your home. Vertical installations grab your guest’s attention. Suspend glass pieces near windows to allow natural light to illuminate the room. Another perk to having hanging decorations is that you can always take down pieces you’re tired of or that you want to replace.

Reevaluate Your Color and Lighting

Another way to maximize your empty wall space is to be smart with your lighting. Use track lights for a hanging light effect, or paint the room a lighter color to reflect more natural light. Using a different color or wallpaper on your ceiling will make people look up and really appreciate all the space. You can also add color through paintings and pottery pieces—anything bright will make your room stand out. Stripes can play into the optical illusion that your room is more spacious than it is.

Make the Most Out of Tight Spaces

A great way to maximize space in your living area is to invest in some slim storage units. Hanging closet organizers, rolling shelves, and bathroom shelving units are great for optimizing every square foot. Hanging closet organizers make your closets tidy and spacious and easily clear up space for your clothes or shoes. Another way to use all your room is with slim rolling shelves. These can fit in crevices that are only a few inches wide. Store your spices, condiments, and kitchen tools here. You can also optimize your bathroom space with storage units in and around your shower and toilet. A tension rod with built-in wire baskets is perfect for storing your soaps and shampoos. Likewise, a vertical shelving unit around your toilet can hold your toilet paper, soaps, and aromatics.

There are backyards and then there are backyards. Merely owning a backyard can hardly be considered an advantage unless you decorate to fit your needs and most homeowners have a single purpose in mind: rest. This outdoor section of your home should really be all about attaining that peace and quiet that escapes us is so many other aspects of life.

Coming home after a long day at work, pouring a drink and lounging outside until sundown is a luxury not everyone can afford. That’s why a backyard, slash safe haven, should become an exterior design goal and here are 6 way in which you can transform your backyard today!

Vertical gardening

Adding a garden to the backyard is a real must because there are countless health benefits stemming (pun intended) from a garden and gardening in general. Instead of going for a usual small garden in one corner of your property, try to create a vertical garden leaning against the fence.

Not only will a garden wall maximize the use of space but it will provide with a wonderful background to the lounge to. Add to this the benefit of stopping noise pollution and dirt from penetrating your oasis of peace and you get the perfect backyard improvement.

A “no-mow” yard

A verdant garden is often associated with a lawn whose color green will match that of the rest of the backyard. However, in many places around the globe, there are water issues that prevent the lawn from being watered properly. These patches of green might look nice but they gulp huge quantities of water, skyrocketing the final maintenance cost.

This is the main reason why you should give a “no-mow” backyard a try. This time of landscaping, better known as a xeriscape is drought-tolerant and it requires only rain for watering. Such a lawn is maintenance-free by default but it will still look nice if you plant the right flora like various cacti species.

Adding an egg swing chair

A hammock is one of the most obvious backyard additions that will help you transform this space in a matter of minutes. However, they are very safe for children to use. Luckily, there is an alternative in the form of a freestanding egg swing chair. Nowadays, they can be purchased ready-made at any garden center and place anywhere inside the garden you see fit. Wouldn’t it be cool to cuddle up inside one when you feel the whole world is out to get you!

Awnings for the windows

There is one part of the backyard that people usually overlooked because it’s an integral part of the house. Window awnings never get installed because homeowners never bother to look that way but what a difference awning can make. In fact, adjustable outdoor awnings come with user-adjustable pitch so are bound to be well-protected from the sun. And if you are worried about strong winds, then rest sure because they are made using Titan Flex technology whose name speaks for itself.

Paver stone pathways

A backyard can often be large in size so you are likely to get mud on your shoes going from one end to the other. That’s why pathways are a neat addition because they allow you to use the garden even when the ground is wet. Use simple paver stone tile to crisscross the garden with walkways. As an alternative, you can use polished beach pebbles that are available for purchase at large garden centers.

Bohemian furniture for the patio

In terms of furniture design inspiration for the patio, you cannot go wrong with implementing a Bohemian style. It comes with a timeless value that places it outside all the epochs so it will never go out of fashion. Furthermore, its stylish look is combined with a fairly low price as you can acquire it at a garage or a yard sale. Just make sure the sofa is comfortable enough to sit and sleep in.

The 6 stylish ideas listed here are bound to breathe life into the dullest of the backyard. Once you create a green wall, install outdoor awnings, and throw in an egg swing, your backyard will be upgraded to an oasis of tranquillity.

This is a contributed post by Patrick Adams, Freelance writer and blogger, Sydney, Australia  https://www.clippings.me/patrickadams

This is a contributed post with affiliate links

It’s easy to buy an off the rack house. There are housing developments everywhere with the same design repeated over and over again with only the door number distinguishing each property. It’s hardly a personal statement or ambitious design, is it?

So what can you do if you live in one of these boxes and want to make it your own? 

Rework the Outside Finishes

The first thing you can do to make your house your own is to rework the outside finishes. For example, you could add wooden cladding or you could use smooth white render for a cleaner finish. You can paint your front door, swap out your windows and use colorful window frames. You could even change the roof tiles in favor of bright metal sheeting, a job http://www.ddroofing.com/ would be ideal for. 

Another way to change the feel of your building is to make much more of your garden. Using trees and shrubs to alter the approach to the building is a good way to edit the way people see the building and to hide the bits you aren’t so fond of. Clever planting is a great way to provide shade for your house and to improve your surroundings immeasurably. We should all be planting more to help the environment so even if you like your house, you should find somewhere to put a shrub or two! 

Don’t be Afraid to Build

There is nothing more depressing than a house that’s starting to look run down. However, you can look at this situation as an opportunity to create a house that truly works for you. Many standard houses are built with small windows and little consideration for the aspect of the home. If you are willing to take the plunge and do some building work, you can certainly bring a lot more light into your home. 

Many people now prefer the idea of open plan living but houses are still being built with lots of small rooms. To counter this, a builder can knock down any interior walls that aren’t structural, giving you a more open plan space. Similarly, moving rooms around your house can help to create a better sense of flow. If you look at your house as though it is an empty box, the options are endless.

Put Your Stamp On Each Room

Once your house is beginning to feel more like you structurally, it’s important that you put your stamp on the interior design as well. There are a few design principles you might like to consider but the most important thing here is that every space feels like you and your family. 

There’s no such thing as good taste. Taste is a very personal thing and everyone likes something different. Standing by your taste can take some bravery but you know you’re right when you enter a room and relax into it. This is when you know that your house isn’t a duplicate anymore; it’s the real deal. It’s yours.

Easy Halloween decoration ideas for your home

With Halloween just around the corner, you are probably wondering how you are going to decorate your home. Now, some people spend months installing decorations and designing their homes so that it is as spooky as possible. Others, on the other hand, decide that decorating their home for Halloween is childish and that they shouldn’t bother. Well, we feel that the best attitude to have is in-between. You should decorate your home for Halloween, but you shouldn’t spend a fortune on it. So, if you agree with us so far, let’s take a look at some easy Halloween decoration ideas that you can incorporate in the next couple of days.

Halloween decoration ideas for your home

The world’s most creative Halloween decorations are usually thought up when there is a fixed budget. After all, if you have all the money in the world to spend on Halloween decorations, why would you bother with being creative. So, if you are worried that you do not have enough money to decorate your home, you are in luck. A low budget can even be a creativity boost. All you need is some cardboard, duct tape, and paint, and you will easily create beautiful decoration pieces that are bound to bring your home into the Halloween spirit.

Halloween wallpapers

One of the easy Halloween decoration ideas is to simply put up temporary Halloween wallpapers. You can put these on your walls, your doors, and your furniture in order to bring the whole house in Halloween spirit. There are numerous designs that you can choose from, so don’t shy away from looking for one that suits your home the best.

Creative pumpkin carving

Some pumpkin carvings can truly be astounding.

Now, we can consider easy Halloween decoration ideas and how to implement them. But you simply cannot have Halloween without carving a pumpkin.  So, what are you to do? Well, simple. Go to YouTube and pick a tutorial that suits you best. Ideally, you want to have a practice pumpkin on which you can make your rookie mistakes. But, after a bit of practice, you’ll be able to follow the instructions and make a perfect pumpkin lantern. These should be the key to your decoration as they are the most recognizable symbol for Halloween. Mind you, you don’t have to limit yourself to “Scary faces”. If you are feeling confident in your pumpkin carving abilities, you can attempt to copy some of the stuff online that is truly a work of art.

Cardboard monsters

It is a common mistake to view making monsters out of cardboard as arts and crafts for kids. People, who know nothing about it, think that no decent piece of decoration can be made with simple cardboard. Well, they are wrong. There are countless online guides and tutorials on how to make beautiful, yet spooky cardboard monsters. Ghouls, trolls, bats, witches, and even spiders. All of them can take their form with some precise cutting and proper painting. True, you might need to get some decent cardboard in order to make some. But there are a lot of designs that only require everyday cardboard, a bit of duct tape and some colorful paper. So, go to websites like movers101.com if you want to learn where to get cheap moving boxes. That way, you can start creating your little cardboard monster army as soon as possible.

Spooky balloons

If you plan on hosting an outdoor party for Halloween, then you’re in luck. Along with pumpkin lanterns and cardboard monsters, you only need to place spooky balloons. “Now, how in the world can balloons be spooky?” you might ask. Well, simple. First, go to your local store and get helium balloons. Then, you can either draw ghost faces on them (you should do this for white and orange balloons only), or you can place a light cloth over them. Soon, your balloons will look like cute little ghosts. Add to that some proper lighting and you are bound to create a great Halloween atmosphere.

Halloween cushions

People often overlook cushions when it comes to decorations. This is why it is no surprise that they are almost completely ignored during Halloween. But, as it turns out, cushions can be one of the better easy Halloween decoration ideas. You can get cushion covers at your local store or even order then online. Soon you will see that there are hundreds if not thousands of creative designs that you can use to incorporate Halloween into your home. And, if you happen to be moving to a different part of the city or you simply need to store away your Halloween decorations, you are in luck. Cushion covers require no storage space, and can even be used as wrapping materials.

Light

When it comes to easy Halloween decoration ideas, jar lanterns steal the show.

You need to have the proper light effects if you are going to create a true Halloween mood. All the easy Halloween decoration ideas and all the work that you put into them won’t do you much good if you don’t set the light. So, how are you supposed to do that? Simple. First, use your lamps. Multiple lamps are usually a better choice for a living room since they provide a more natural feeling light. So, if you are still using an overhead light for your living room, reconsider. All you need to do is to put Halloween decorative shades on your lamps and make sure that the light is low.

Another way to tackle light, if you don’t have multiple lamps, is with candles. A neat idea is to put candles into jars and then put decorations around the jars.

This is bound to create the right mood for your living room. If you choose to do so for an outdoor gathering, just make sure that you have enough. Candles don’t produce as much light as electrical lights, which is why you might even consider combining them with a couple of standard lamps.

From gorgeous fall weather to entertainment and fun, find out what goes into hosting the perfect outdoor party for your guests (and you!) to enjoy.

Hosting an outdoor fall party can be a lot of fun. Fall is the perfect season to sit outside in cozy sweaters and enjoy hot beverages with friends. You can’t go wrong with good weather and good company. A lot of factors go into hosting the perfect outdoor party—here are some suggestions on how to keep your guests happy.

Invite guests early

Sending out invites early is the first indication of a rocking fall bash. It signals to guests that you’ve planned ahead and that they weren’t last-minute invitees. You don’t have to work out every detail of your party by the time your guests begin to RSVP, but knowing how many people to expect will help you plan everything, from the menu to activities.

Make it warm and cozy

Even if you have a daytime party, it may last past sunset. The weather can get chilly once the sun goes down, so keep your guests warm with plenty of blankets. You can lay them over seating arrangements or keep baskets of them around the party.

Staying warm is more than just blankets, too: a campfire is an outdoor party staple. Light a fire in your firepit or build your own bonfire (space and proper permits permitting) for guests to gather around and warm up. Make sure to have enough materials to keep the fire burning for your whole party; if the fire dies out, you lose lighting and warmth. Also, because fall can be an unpredictable season, prepare for rain or cold with tents and heat lamps, or plan a backup space indoors.

Keep guests full and hydrated

The secret to a great party is well-fed guests. Eliminate the chance of hangry visitors with a planned menu. Depending on your party size, you have several options. Decide beforehand if you’ll serve a full meal or just have appetizers and snacks. Once you’ve chosen, make the decision to cook or cater.

For any size party, have warm drink options for your guests to enjoy. A perfect fall drink is warm apple cider. Add cinnamon sticks and star anise for a fun twist. Another great fall drink is hot chocolate, which is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. For adult parties, you can create and pre-make a signature cocktail. Booze up your apple cider and keep it in a crockpot so that guests can serve themselves and you can enjoy your party instead of playing bartender all night.

Offer entertainment

Keep your guests entertained by offering optional activities when conversation lulls. For a mid-party activity, have a basket of mini pumpkins or gourds for guests to decorate and take home. You can also mix snacks into the fun. Put apple slices on sticks and set out melted caramel and toppings so that guests can make their own caramel apple slices. Roasting marshmallows over the fire is also a time-honored fall party tradition. Making s’mores is a fun activity that results in a delicious treat.

You could also add some fall staples to your activities list. Bags (or cornhole) is sure to bring out your guests’ competitive spirit, or you could set up a relay race to really get people up and moving. An upside to this activity is that people will stay warm when they’re running around! Bob for apples, send the kids on a fall-themed scavenger hunt, or simply enjoy the company of your guests. All of these are great ways to host a fun outdoor fall party.

For some of us, there’s nothing more refreshing than nabbing a nicely made cocktail after a long day of work. Let’s just say that if you love a good drink in the comforts of home, then you most certainly need your own mini bar. And you can do it on a budget too.

Must-try Mini Bar Designs

You have no shortage of places to purchase mini bar items from. There’s the internet, and there are also furniture stores that offer these items. But concocting your own mini bar lets you bring in personal touches, that would otherwise be nonexistent in store-bought furniture. Get creative with a DIY bar from scratch, or rely on furniture that only needs an instant upgrade.

#1 Floating Wall Shelves Mini Bar

Here’s your solution if you want a mini bar inside your small apartment. Tack a bunch of functional wall shelves to an empty wall space, and add your favorites. By clustering bottles of your favorite alcoholic drink on the shelves, you get a wall that feels like a bar without taking up any floor space. Complete the look by hanging a chalkboard over the display to tie the mini bar arrangement altogether.

#2 Drinks in a Vintage Case

There’s no shortage of stuff you can use when it comes to creating your own mini bar. And with number two, we’re still sticking to the floating trend. Someone thought of using a vintage case as the main design element in this mini bar. And it’s beautiful, compact, decorative, functional, and oh so stylish.

#3 Tune In to Your Drinks

Who says everything at the flea market or the thrift store is garbage? That’s certainly not true. Some genius turned this classic box TV into a mini bar and stocked it with everything a mini bar needs. And there’s no reason you can’t take inspiration out of this too. Just think about how cool that would look in your living room.

#4 Drinks in the Closet

This mini bar idea is ideal if you have a family, and you want to keep all the fragile materials and breakable stuff away from the reach of children. Also, it looks very charming when you open the doors of the modified closet and reveal glasses and bottles of liquor. And by adding a full-sized mirror in the background and some accent lights, you can turn a once drab closet into something charming.

#5 Replicate a Bar Cart

Turn a bar cart into a mini bar. It’s probably one of the easiest and most budget-friendly way you can create a mini bar. Grab a couple of stickers and grab an accent signage to stick on your mini bar cart.

#6 Just Hang Wall Art

Pick your favorite table. Seriously. Take any piece of furniture that occupies floor space. And if you have an empty wall space, that’s all the better. Get your favorite piece of wall art and hang it up. You can choose wall art with funny quotes, decals, or the traditional ones with canvas.

Platforms you can use for this include:

• The detached top of a red wagon.
• Bar cart made of metal pipe pieces and wood boards.
• DIY mini bar by stacking cinder blocks and wood boards.
• Side tables with new paint jobs.

#7 Mini Bar Out of a Weathered Door

Create your very own rustic bar. If you have an old door sitting around your garage, you can turn that charming vintage door into a mini bar. Attach shelves and balusters to house your liquor and your favorite glasses. It’s going to require some handiness skills. And finally, to recreate the aesthetic, you can paint it however you wish.

Repurposed Mini Bars

Whichever one of these brilliant ideas you decide to choose, customizing mini bars can let you create one that would suit your needs. For storage, displaying your most-prized liquor, or just to provide a good spot to relax and chill when you get home. It’s time to create your own mini bar.

Bio:

Katherine Belle is a contributor at Enjoy Canvas. She goes to great lengths to seek out new interior designs every time. She likes reading, designing, and of course, writing about interior design.

Discover some home renovations that increase home value. Invest your money back into your biggest investment, and make your house look great.

For the average American, their house will be the biggest investment they ever make. Historically, property values increase steadily over time. In the last 20 years, however, that hasn’t been the case in every part of the country. There’s one way to make sure your property value goes up, though; invest in your home. Renovations that increase home value come in many forms. To make your house look better and more modern, you don’t have to spend a lot of money, but you can if you want to.

Finish Your Basement

Add to the livable areas in your house by finishing the basement. If you already have a finished basement, then freshen the look. Making basements look like taverns trended in the 70s and 80s, but that isn’t so hot these days. Some drywall and a coat of paint, paired with some new furniture, will create a cozy spot for everyone. You can spend a ton, or spend a little; the bottom line is that a basement remodel adds livable square footage and value to your house.

Create a Smart Home

Wire up your home, and control it with a tablet and app. With so many smart gadgets for the home on the market, you might not know what to buy. Smart light switches can sense when you come into the room and will remember your lighting preferences. Get a smart thermostat you can control from anywhere in the world via an app. Consider adding some extra security with a doorknob that has a camera in it, so you can see who comes to your front door while you’re away.

Make it More Efficient

A home’s energy efficiency is very important. So much money gets wasted on electric bills because of poor insulation and inefficient appliances. If your A/C unit, water heater, or dryer are more than 20 years old, you may want to replace them with newer ones. Windows also impact your electric bill. Replacing windows is not a cheap job, but it’s well worth it. Newer, energy-efficient windows will eventually pay for themselves. Old windows that don’t properly seal will blow money out the window every time your A/C kicks on.

Take Your Time

Money concerns everyone, so don’t think you need to take out a loan and make all kinds of improvements at once. Start small by painting a bathroom. Then continue to make small changes as more money comes in. You could replace the toilet and sink next, and before you know it, you will have a new bathroom. Then move on to the room you think needs help the most.

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Finding mold in your home is never a good sign. As well as looking unsightly, mold can cause health problems if exposed to over long periods. This could include skin irritation, itchy eyes, headaches, wheezing and even serious respiratory problems.

You can sometimes remove mold with nothing more than a dry sponge. However, it will come back unless you address the cause. Mold tends to only grow in warm and damp conditions. Dampness is usually the big culprit and the factor that is easiest to tackle. Here are just a few things that could be causing your home to be the perfect environment for mold growth.

Leaking water

Damp patches on walls or ceilings that are covered in mold are a clear sign of a leak. This could be a rainwater leak or it could be a plumbing leak.

Rainwater leaks are most commonly caused by roofing damage, however, rainwater can also leak in through cracks in window frames and doors. If damp patches get worse after a period of rain, it’s likely that this is the cause.

As for a plumbing leak, this could be caused by a damaged pipe or a damaged appliance/fixture such as a washing machine or toilet. If you suspect this to be the case, your best option is to hire a plumber to seal up this leak. Such a leak could be continuous, causing major water damage, or it could only occur when a certain appliance is used – either way you should get it fixed as soon as possible to prevent future damp and mold growth.

Rising damp

Rising damp occurs when water rises up from the earth and permeates walls. If there are signs of mold and damp on the bottom of ground floor walls or in your basement, rising damp is likely to be to blame.

Rising damp can be prevented by installing a damp proof course around the foundations of your home. This barrier stops your walls from soaking up water from the ground, preventing the damp conditions for mold to occur.

Lack of ventilation

Lack of ventilation is the most common cause of mold. By ventilating your home, you can allow moisture in the air to escape. If it is not allowed to escape it will often collect on walls as condensation, transforming into mold. Ventilation will also allow mold spores to escape, preventing further growth.

Opening windows is one simple way to ventilate your home – however, in the cold of winter, this isn’t always possible. It could be worth looking into heating and air services that allow you to control the temperature while also dehumidifying and purifying the air. Extractor fans could also be useful in the bathroom and kitchen – these rooms often get the most moisture build-up as a result of steam from cooking and showering and an extractor fan can help to pump this steam out of your home.

Hanging wet clothes indoors

Damp laundry can also sometimes lead to mold growth. As it is drying, moisture evaporates into the air and often ends up on walls and the ceiling. Meanwhile, piles of clothes that are left damp for long periods could even start to develop mold growth.

To avoid damp clothing causing mold, always hang your wet laundry outdoors. Alternatively, you could buy yourself a tumble dryer so that you don’t have to hang up clothing at all (useful for a rainy day or if you don’t have any outdoor space).

There’s a huge difference between a house and a home, and everyone wants that cozy feel after a long day. Here’s how to easily make your house into a home.

Having a house is one thing, but having a home evokes an entirely different feeling. If you don’t feel completely at ease when you come back home after a long day, or if your house just doesn’t feel like it’s yours, then it’s time to make some changes. Your house should be your refuge, and with these tips on how to make your house into a home, you can achieve that atmosphere.

Add touches of art

Bare walls are often the culprit behind dull, sterile spaces. To really bring in some life and personality, adding touches of art is the way to go. There are so many reasons to decorate your home with artwork, ranging from simply adding variety to bringing your personality to the forefront. Best of all, artwork is completely unique to you and your interests.

Use plants to bring life to a space

Plants add some lovely color as well as an element of life to help make your house feel more like a home. Taking care of a living thing will make you feel more responsible, and that responsibility will make you feel more tied to your house. Plants are an incredibly simple touch that will improve the way you feel every single day.

Incorporate your favorite color

The last thing you want is for your house to feel like it’s not even your own. Without personalized touches, though, that’s very likely to happen. That’s why something as simple as incorporating your favorite color into your décor is the perfect way to turn your house into a home. From hanging a colorful painting to painting an accent wall your favorite color, there’s no end to the ways in which you can splash your home with your hue of choice.

Hang pictures of family and friends

Few things can make your house into a home quite as effectively as adding pictures of your family and friends. These will act as physical reminders of all the people in your life who make it whole. By adding pictures of these people to your space, your home will feel cozier in no time at all. Be sure to pick out frames that speak to you as well. They should add a lovely touch of decoration to the space while displaying your loved ones as a constant reminder of happiness.

Use rugs for coziness and dimension

Nothing is worse than stepping onto a cold floor in bare feet. Bare floors don’t just feel unpleasant—they can also feel barren and forgotten. To avoid these problems entirely, make sure to use plenty of rugs. They’ll not only make day-to-day life more comfortable, but also add some interesting dimension to your rooms. To make your house feel like a home, it’s important that you include subtle touches such as these to improve your quality of life.

Light up some candles you love

Few things can bring us back to a particular moment or memory like scent can. Whether the smell of apples reminds you of childhood summers or the scent of pine reminds you of Christmas nights spent with family, every fragrance evokes something special. To bring that homey feel right into your house, burn some candles with your favorite scents each night. Doing so will help you relax, and you can start to associate those beloved smells with your own home.