For people living in small spaces, it’s always a fight to store everything effectively. Here’s how to use your small home’s space intelligently.

There are so many “things” we use on a daily or weekly basis. From cleaning supplies and food to books and shoes, we need a solid supply of them all lest we visit stores every day as we run out. While some people have the advantage of living in a home with adequate storage for these items and others, those in smaller spaces feel the storage pinch. If this is you, and you look around without a clue where to store some things, don’t worry but rather get creative. There are several important tips for using your small house’s space well, many of which can alleviate storage concerns in several different rooms.

Implement a Wall Niche

Brown sofa in a vintage living room – rendering

For the uninitiated, a wall niche is a recessed feature that maximizes your wall space. There are several different types of wall niches, ranging from the built-in niche to the wall-mounted and recess-mounted varieties. Whether you’re building a home now or want to make a change, there’s a wall niche option for you.

Practically, wall niches open up wall space that previously had limited storage utility. Rather than extending into a foyer, hallway, or kitchen area, a wall niche creates display-ready shelving space that’s set into the wall instead. These features are ideal for housing your wine glasses, fine china, or even books.

Use All Your Vertical Space

3d rendering interior and exterior design

Also, some homes don’t take advantage of all their vertical space, effectively chopping off potential storage space near the ceiling. This is especially true in the kitchen, where cabinets often stop a foot or so short of the ceiling. Consider replacing your cabinets or introducing additional drawers or shelves to fully utilize vertical space. There are even below-cabinet drawers that come in handy—using your vertical storage well could involve installing these as well.

Elsewhere, find spots to install wall shelves that extend higher than normal. This could draw people’s eyes upward and make your space feel bigger even as you’re using upper shelves to store your things tastefully.

Incorporate Sliding Shelves and Pocket Doors

Consider all the thin spaces you can’t quite put to use. Further, think about how much space a traditional pivoting door needs. In both cases, using a sliding feature, whether it be a shelf for spices between the fridge and a cabinet or a pocket door, helps immensely.

Sliding shelves can fit in your laundry room, bathroom, or a closet and afford you an accessible yet mostly invisible storage option. Their low profile and ability to utilize thin spaces are the two big keys to their function. Meanwhile, pocket doors that slide rather than swing expand the wall space around the door for storage.

Consider Under-Stairs Shoe Storage

Another tip for using your small house’s space effectively is to declutter your front room by creatively adapting your staircase space. If your home allows, the underside of your stairway can serve as a shoe receptacle.

After installing a shoe drawer or mini-closet, you’ll notice your front room is much cleaner and offers more room to walk around because dirty, smelly shoes don’t litter your floors. If you don’t need shoe storage, outfit your under-stairs with a bookcase to display the beloved books that sit in boxes right now.

Color has a large effect on how a space feels as well as on how it looks. Gain a new understanding of the psychology of paint color and how to use it correctly.

Colorful doors painted in orange blue green and red

Color is an important component of any design, but it’s particularly useful when you’re repainting sections of your home. In fact, choosing the right color palette for your home not only creates a beautiful appearance, but also establishes an unique atmosphere that’s all your own. These effects have to do with the impact certain colors have on our brains, which in turn generate certain moods in relation to the environment. As such, understanding the psychology of paint color is crucial to creating an effective home design and setting the appropriate mood for a given space.

Warm vs. Cool Colors

Interior designer looking at inspiring photos on laptop screen and choosing color for walls color from palette

As you go about choosing a new color scheme for your home, one of the first things you might consider is whether you want to use a warm or cool color. As their names suggest, these types of hues create atmospheres associated with either welcoming and cozy environments or relaxing and tranquil spaces. This is because warm colors—such as red, yellow, or orange—evoke a heated, fire-like sensation that provides energy to those in that area. On the other hand, cool colors such as blue, green, and purple remind us of rivers, lakes, and other quiet, natural settings.

Going Pale vs. Going Bold

Open cans of paint on bright multicolored background. Top view. Copy space. Trendy green color concept.

The effects of color doesn’t end with the hue itself—the strength of the color and how light or dark it is can also influence the atmosphere you experience. In fact, the volume of the color is often considered more powerful in a home than the chosen base color. For example, pale colors are light and airy, bringing more light into a room and creating a more uplifting vibe. Deeper and darker colors, on the other hand, are incredibly rich and overwhelming—making them great for exhibiting class and elegance. Each of these color types allows you to customize the atmosphere regardless of the color you chose initially. So, even if you chose a cooler color, you can still incorporate some energy into the design by making it lighter.

Neutrals

When you’re seeking to understand the psychology of paint color, it’s also important that you know how neutrals effect a person’s view. Most people would consider basic grays, tans, and browns as less exciting additions to a home’s design, but they’re actually incredibly powerful in relation to atmosphere. Things found in the natural world most directly inspire these colors; as such, they have the charming characteristics of your local forests or mountain ranges. This alone creates interest within a space and offers you additional chances to mix and match other colors to suit your needs. Neutrals complement a series of other colors, so you don’t need to be as concerned about clashing when using two different hues in the same space.

Whites

Hand painting wall with paint roller, pastel color. Appartment renovation, repair, building and home concept. Copy space, banner. Tools for painting walls

White is another important option to keep in mind. Pure and unstained by the outside world, people most commonly use this color to create a clean-looking design that promotes creativity. For this reason, homeowners wishing to sell their properties typically paint their interior surfaces white to create a blank canvas for prospective buyers. White and all its variations represent creative opportunity and the chance to bring some light into a darker-styled home. Just be warned that too much white can easily overwhelm a space. This is why it’s generally used in tandem with bolder colors such as blues, greens, and reds.

Do you love the beauty of gardening? If you’re struggling with the occasional downsides, maybe it’s time to try out a different type of gardening method!

Gardening brings a sense of calm to many people. When the sun rises, it’s time to get out—start digging, planting, watering, and trimming. These routines help ease the mind. But, for some, gardening can add a sense of tension when plants don’t blossom, when tomatoes don’t ripen, or things generally just don’t go as planned. If that’s something you struggle with, then it may be time to try out a new technique. Below, we’ve listed a few of the different types of gardening methods. Check them out and see how your garden and calm can improve!

Straw Bale Gardening

It may seem strange, but straw bale gardening is actually a great and versatile gardening method. When you plant in straw bales, it allows for a consistent breakdown process that provides a growing medium for the plants. You have to be careful about the straw bales you choose, however, because a lot of farmers spray hay with weed killer. Nonetheless, straw bales are relatively lightweight and can be moved around to fit your gardening needs. It’s a great choice for early fall gardening to last throughout the season!

Container Gardening

growing radish and salad in container on balcony. vegetable garden

If your in-ground gardening method isn’t working well for you, then maybe all you need is to try out container gardening. Growing in pots is a simple yet effective way to maximize space (since you’re not limited to your backyard) and increase productivity. Whether you have a small backyard or only a patio in your apartment, you can make the most out of this method. You’ll just have to be careful about what plants you choose to grow!

Hydroponic Gardening

Organic vegetables of greenhouse interior

Curious how hydroponic systems work? Though the process may at first seem daunting, it’s actually a type of gardening method that more and more people are turning to. The yields you receive from this switch are incredible! The focus is on letting the roots breathe—they’re not hidden in the soil, they don’t have to battle for water and nutrients. Instead, the focus is on giving the roots directly what they need through a nutrient solution. Once you learn more about it, you’ll see how beneficial this method can be for your gardening needs!

Raised Bed Gardening

Woman growing vegetables in her raised bed

This last method is quite similar to the traditional gardening method, but it gives you a bit more control. Raised bed gardening elevates the soil to dry it out faster, providing better drainage for the roots. One of the key benefits of this method is that you have more control over the soil quality—getting weeds out and controlling moisture is much easier.

There are so many different types of gardening methods that can better suit your needs. If one way isn’t working, try another! You don’t have to stress through a slow growth period. Sometimes, change is exactly what you need.

Florals have been treasured elements of home décor for centuries. When used creatively, these ideas for decorating with floral prints will brighten your home.

Floral prints suggest warmth and hominess. Classic and modern décor alike can use some creative ideas for decorating with floral prints to make a room more welcoming or brighten a neglected corner. Floral patterns aren’t just for chairs, sofas, and drapes. Modern homes and small apartments can use florals just as effectively as larger, stately homes.

Pillows

Pink blanket on settee in white living room interior with plants and checkered floor. Real photo

An obvious and inexpensive way to add some botanical beauty to your living space is with floral pillows. Bright and bold in an otherwise neutral room, floral pillows add just that pop of color to warm up the space and promote relaxation.

Tile

Floral tiled wall textured background

On the opposite end of the price spectrum are custom floral mosaics. Artisans can create these for kitchen backsplashes, accent walls, or even entry floors.

Tables and Dressers

Paint a salvaged dining table or a rummage sale treasure in a floral pattern to add a bit of fun to the breakfast area. If you don’t have a gift for arts and crafts or DIY projects, a new floral pattern tablecloth with complementary napkins turns an ordinary table into a focal point.

For the not-so-artistically inclined, stencils make applying a floral pattern to a tired dresser simple. For those with a bold aesthetic, plain closet and bathroom doors make great canvases for oversized floral images or all-over wallpaper prints.

Bedclothes

Grey blanket on patterned bed in floral bedroom interior with plants on shelf and paintings

Canopy beds look regal with floral pattern side curtains. Upholstered headboards look lovely in a floral pattern. Bedspreads, pillow shams, and bed skirts in peaceful floral patterns bring a sense of garden restfulness to the bedroom. They’re inexpensive and washable, too, so they are good choices for home décor on a budget.

Accent Pieces

Modern designed bedroom with floral decoration on a black board

Ottomans with floral upholstery perk up a reading nook. Floral pattern vases add elegance and interest to bookcases, hall tables, and mantlepieces. Add a floral pattern cane to the front hall umbrella stand for both beauty and practicality when a little extra style or support would come in handy on a stroll around the neighborhood. Floral screens double as room dividers.

Consider adding a floral lampshade. If you collect teacups or china, pull out the floral patterns and put them on display by hanging them on a wall or standing them on a shelf. Open shelving in the kitchen benefits from peel and stick shelf paper. This not only adds color and life to the kitchen but protects the shelves and makes them easy to clean with just a wipe.

If this is the year when you plan on redoing your bathroom, you are probably in search of some trends that you can implement into this project. Well, you are in luck as 2020 is full of amazing bathroom design ideas that are not going to become outdated once the year is done, which means you will get to enjoy this space for years to come. Take a look at some suggestions below.

1. Dark colors

Regardless of the color palette you choose for your bathroom, you will not go wrong because everything from pink to neutral has found its place among the trends for 2020. However, one that stands out significantly is dark hues. Dark grey, navy blue and black are all popular choices. In order not to overwhelm the space with such dark shades, professional designers suggest you use these colours for the floor, a statement wall, a centerpiece such as a bathtub or for the vanity and other elements. That way, it will catch the eye and breathe some fresh air into space without making it feel cramped and claustrophobic.

2. Interesting patterns

Besides dark colors, you can also make a statement with an interesting pattern. Now, there are many ways how you can do this. For example, you can put up wallpaper that has an intricate print such as a floral design or a geometric grid. As you don’t want to overwhelm the room, keep it confined to a single wall. Then, you can also use the tiles on the floor or wall to create this pattern. To ensure the print is not too busy, you can add some solid color bath mats that will bring in some balance.

3. A touch of marble

The pattern can also be introduced through marble. Whether you decide to get marble walls, floors or an element like the sink, the veining of the marble will add contrast and texture to the room. If real marble is not within your budget, you can look for more affordable alternatives that create the same effect or at least find wallpaper that mimics the patterns of marble.

4. Mixing metals

Replacing the hardware is something that can be done in a day and will make a big impact. While most of us want all the elements to match, this can be too much sometimes. Not everything from the light fixtures to the handles and taps has to be brass – you can have matt black taps while the chandelier and the sconces can be brass, for example. Plus, quieter metal finishes such as gunmetal are going to be very popular this year.

5. Wood accents

Another big trend you can consider finding a place for in your bathroom is wood accents. They go really well with the industrial style if that is something that you are thinking about incorporating. What’s great about wood is that it comes in many different shades so that it works great with all sorts of color schemes. Whether you choose black, blue or pink for your bathroom, you will be able to find a type of wood that pairs nicely with it. Furthermore, you can use it for the vanity, floating shelves, bath tray and mirror frames, among other things.

6. Asymmetrical mirrors

Speaking of mirrors, they also come in a variety of models. While you can choose one or a few with a wooden frame, you can also go frameless. This is, however, not what is in the focus when it comes to mirrors. In 2020, the main trend concerning mirrors is asymmetry. So, look for odd shapes, place them in unconventional spots and don’t let the sink dictate where the mirror will be located (even if this is not the most practical of trends).

7. Corner baths

In case your bathroom is very big and you are looking for a way to fill up space, you can consider adding a corner bathtub. They are mostly used for relaxation and soaking in warm water while surrounded by scented candles, so definitely think about it if this is an activity you cherish. These tubs can be built into the corner or freestanding, which also means that you can choose the model and color you want it to be.

8. Smart technology

Finally, 2020 is also the year of incorporating technology into the bathroom. There are more and more apps and devices that we can use to make our bathroom experience more serene and enjoyable. For example, the voice control option allows you to listen to your favorite songs, books or podcasts while relaxing in the tub, without worrying about your phone or laptop getting wet. You can hear the latest news, watch a TV show and make phone calls while getting ready. Moreover, smart technology also helps us conserve water, so get low-flow showerheads, taps and toilets as well.

If any of these trends fit your aesthetic and work well with space at your disposal, don’t hesitate to add them to your bathroom because they are here to stay for the foreseeable future.

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Bio: Patrick Adams is a freelance writer and rock-blues fan. When he is not writing about home improvement, he loves to play chess, watch basketball, and play his guitar. More than anything, he loves to spend his time in his garage, repairing appliances and creating stuff from wood.

A statement piece can elevate your home, but implementing it can be tricky. Make a statement piece work in your home with these three points.

Crafting a pleasing home interior usually means creating a consistent atmosphere that transcends any one piece of décor or furniture. If too many furnishings or accessories visually clash, the ensemble can look accidental or unfashionable and quickly overwhelm the senses, regardless of how nice each component is by itself. But if you stick to what’s safe, then your home will have much less excitement and individuality. Sometimes, what you truly need to take a room to greater heights is an attention-grabbing item. We’ll advise you on how to make a statement piece work in your home with these points.

Balance the Colors

Paper color palette on cardboard box

Color is a feature of any décor item that has a huge effect on how people perceive it. When you’re trying to learn how to make a statement piece work in your home, you should keep in mind its color interactions with the room. Consider obtaining the statement piece in a contrasting color from that of the space to emphasize the piece. To determine what that opposing hue is, look up an image of a color wheel. Colors that are directly across the wheel from one another are complementary. For example, blue and orange are complementary colors, so they’ll intensify when juxtaposed together. Even though complementary colors are opposites, they’ll still create a sense of overall balance in the room, especially when one color is dominant across the furnishings and decorations while the other is used with restraint in a singular statement piece.

Contrast the Style

Another feature of your statement piece that you can purposefully contrast is style. This refers to the design, shape, and texture that gives an item its look. Take a room designed to set an airy tone. It may include desaturated, soft hues; breezy fabrics; and smooth furniture. If you add a decoration that has a busy, weightier design, such as a bold painting, it will stand out among the other pieces. Once again, the key is to make sure your statement piece doesn’t overshadow everything else too greatly. If it attracts attention with its shape, you might scale it down in size to keep it cohesive with your more modest decorations. If the pattern contrasts with the room, you could make sure its shape is cohesive with the rest of the room.

Use a Primary Piece

Open room interior with striped rug, white bed, plants, and wooden furniture

Your statement piece is meant to be seen, so choose a central item as the focal point. Instead of selecting a small table that sits off to the side as the item into which you want to inject an extra dose of personality, it may be better to choose a bed or sofa that will define the room. This will make your statement piece come off as intentional and integrated into the room instead of oddly random and off-putting.

One of the simplest primary pieces to use as a statement is a rug. Since rugs ground a space and become the foundation on which you arrange your other pieces, they always feel central to a room’s appearance. Get in the know about modern rug trends to find one that draws attention in a contemporary way.

These three ways to cut costs on your next home renovation will help you create your dream home without sacrificing quality or breaking the bank.

Planning for a home renovation can be quite exciting, but it also requires a lot of preparation and organization. Perhaps one of the more stressful parts of planning a renovation is saving money and preparing a budget. Depending on the scope of your project, renovation costs can start to add up quite quickly. Figuring out how to cut costs without sacrificing quality is therefore very important to many homeowners. Luckily with the proper preparations and bit of creative thinking, you can complete your next home renovation under budget and on time. This guide explores three simple ways to cut costs on your next home renovation without cutting corners.

Take matters into your own hands

One of the most popular ways to cut costs on your next home renovation is to take matters into your own hands. Adopting a DIY approach to your renovation will help you save significantly on the cost of labor for the project. Thanks to home renovation TV shows and instructional internet videos, taking the reins on your renovation project is now easier than ever. Many hardware stores also offer instructional classes that can help ensure your project is completed safely and correctly. Be sure to do your research before diving into a DIY project, however. Some projects that look easy on paper may require a significant amount of skill and precision when put into practice. If this is your first DIY home remodel, be sure to familiarize yourself with the basics of renovation first. Creating a game plan for the entire project before you begin construction will help set you up for success in the long run and will ensure that the final project accurately reflects your original design vision.

Don’t be afraid to shop around

A DIY mindset may not be the best idea for all renovation projects, however, and on some occasions, you may need to bring in the professionals. For larger, more specialized projects, such as plumbing and electrical work, it’s often in your best interest to consult a licensed contractor. Before you sign on with a contractor, be sure to shop around a bit. Take some time to gather recommendations and get quotes from various contractors and construction companies. This will ensure you’re getting the best price possible for your renovation project. Don’t be afraid to shop around when it comes to building materials either. Expensive building materials such as tile, wood, or marble can often be found at a lower price if you only take the time to look.

Purchase secondhand materials

Secondhand materials and furniture often get a bad rap but they can help you save a significant amount of money on renovation costs in the long run. Organizations such as Habitat for Humanity sell lightly used furniture, fixtures, and building materials at a much lower cost than if they were bought brand new. Windows, doors, and even appliances such as refrigerators and ovens can often be found at such organizations. You can also browse local flea markets, garage sales, or antique stores to find secondhand items with a bit more history and character. With a little elbow grease, these items can look brand new again, helping you cut costs on your renovation without cutting quality.

Commissioning and installing double glazed doors have picked up considerably within the country due to the advantages of these units so that many property owners have converted their traditional doors to glazed ones. Modern doors are affordable and attractive at the same time. In the following sections, we shall highlight the process of installation along with the benefits of glazed doors so that more people can understand them comprehensively.

• The Installation Process: As has already been mentioned, preparing and installing double glazed doors is not very hard, and any deft manufacturer can do the same effectively. Typically, the process starts after selecting a good service provider so that a consultant visit is set up for the purpose. Most of the service providers offer this facility of labor costs and fixing of the doors free of cost to customers with repairing guarantee. The consultant tries to understand the reasons for installing glazed doors and offers an initial assessment and quotation. The manufacturing depends on the type of order that is placed by a customer and can range from a few days to some weeks depending upon the manufacturer. In between measurements of the doors are taken and finally skilled laborers are involved in the manufacturing of the glazed doors. It takes a couple of days to complete the task. Upon successful production, the customer is informed accordingly, and a convenient time slot is arranged for installation. Finally, an installation team will arrive for the same and make it happen as per the customer’s satisfaction so that installing double glazed doors can be quite satisfying and fulfilling for residents.
• Benefits of the Glazed Door: In recent times, a lot of property owners have opted for glazed doors in their homes because compared to conventional doors, these units offer enhanced acoustic and thermal benefits. These doors offer an additional glass thickness along with an air pocket that helps in getting rid of outside noise considerably. Therefore, the unwanted sound of traffic, machinery, wildlife, or loud neighbor can be fully eliminated by installing double glazed doors. Laboratory research suggests that these doors are able to eliminate at least 80% sound, and that can be very good news for homeowners. It increases the amount of sunlight to enter the rooms compared to the traditional doors.

The thermal benefits of these doors must also be understood as they are quite significant. Sufficient laboratory results point to the fact that installing double glazed doors can help in keeping the interior cooler by about 40 percent during the summer. It effectively means that there can be a lesser dependence on the air conditioner, and the energy bill can be kept low that can be quite satisfying for any homeowner. Alternately, during the winter season, this type of door can help in keeping the interior warmer by at least 32 percent so that the chill can be eliminated as enough warmth will be available. In addition to these thermal benefits, the doors can also be useful in reducing condensation due to their double glass layer. Another benefit of these units is that they can help in reducing mold accumulation in damp areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Therefore, we can see that double glazed doors can be quite effective and helpful for homeowners because the installation process of these doors is quite convenient, and they offer a plethora of benefits for consumers. The best part is that the price of these doors is not much compared to conventional glass or wooden doors, so that they can definitely be considered for installation by many homeowners who value plush looks and ample peace of mind.

The sun is high and the weather is fine, but this doesn’t mean that everything’s bright and cheery. If you haven’t fixed your home up right, the heat can soon start to be much too much to deal with. Here, we’re going to look at ways you can prepare your home for the heat so you can live in relative comfort.

Take care of that HVAC system

When you’re considering summer essentials, then your thoughts should go, first and foremost, to your air conditioning and your ventilation. The HVAC systems in the home should be checked once a year to make sure they haven’t lost any efficiency over the past three seasons and that any repairs that are needed are made in advance of the summer heat. Be sure to find out how often you need to replace your filters as well. If they get clogged up with dust, it can decrease the power of your air conditioning, which also increases the costs of running them.

Insulation is for summer too

Ceramic Roof Tiling. Roofing Construction Theme.

When you think of insulating the home appropriately, you might think mainly of the winter, but it’s just as important for keeping the heat out of the home as it is for keeping the heat in. Aside from installing insulation in the attic and the walls, make sure you take the time to close any air gaps in the windows and roof. Have a roofing contractor come out to take a look. Not only will fixing any cracks or gaps in your tiles improve insulation, but they can also prevent serious damage to the roof in the event of a storm, too.

Make a barrier at the windows

Modern bright kitchen interior with white horizontal window blinds, wooden cabinets with white countertop and household appliances

You might be more than happy to make good use of all the extra natural light we will be getting in the upcoming months. However, you also need the option to be able to close out that glare if the sun is getting too much. Blackout blinds and reflective film for your windows can help you much better control how much light gets into the home, precisely. If your window treatments are too light, there will be little you can do to stop the sun.

Bring some greenery indoors

Tropical house plants in white pots on the table, peperomia,pothos,asplenium and spathiphilum

In general, you want to avoid cluttering the home up too much in the summer. However, by creating a herb garden in front of the window, you can actually help cool the home a little. Houseplants are great at absorbing the sunlight, keeping some of the sun’s energy out of the home. Also, by watering the plants regularly, you can also increase the general humidity of the room, meaning that you’re not dealing with a dry heat that can feel very energy-sapping indeed.

If you fail to take the heat seriously, not only can it make your home a lot more uncomfortable, but it might even become a genuine health risk. Heatstroke, dehydration, and more issues caused by heat in the summer can cause some real concern if you’re not careful.

Today, the world is seeing one of the worst financial crises. The market has plunged globally within weeks. And as per the statement given by the World Bank Group, 60 million people could face extreme poverty as a result of the current Covid-19 pandemic, which would wipe away three years of progress internationally.

Considering the current situation, market recovery is going to take time.

Consumers will be unwilling to leave their homes and spend money because of the fear of infection for several months, if not years to come.

If you are an investor, you must be worried like all others. But by undertaking some pragmatic strategies, you can still thrive during market downturns.

• Don’t make high-risk investments

Man man checking home finance calculating money. No face view

It is not wise to take risks during a crisis with your investments. Better play it safe and stay away from companies that are high in debt or risky. 

The highly leveraged companies are more vulnerable to tightening credit conditions if there is a recession. Apart from struggling to pay their debts, they will be facing a decrease in revenue brought about by the recession. The possibility of bankruptcy or a steep drop in shareholder value is high.

Find companies with good cash flow and low debt to make a safe investment. Don’t take any major risks when the times are already uncertain.

• Invest in essential items in the equity market

If you are going to invest in the equity market, invest in essential items that people need and will purchase in spite of their poor financial situation. 

The essential commodities could be food, beverages, alcohol, tobacco, and specific household goods.

• Don’t invest on cyclical stocks and assets

Since cyclical stocks often rely on employment and consumer confidence to do well, they are to be avoided during a recession. Consumers will not be spending on non-essential or luxury items. For instance, industries that produce high-end cars, furniture, or clothing are to be avoided.

Find non-cyclical industries that offer goods and services that people need year-round like grocery stores, soap, toothpaste, cosmetics, discount stores, gas, and funeral services. They will do well during economic downturns.

• Invest in different sectors

Even when you are investing in consumer staples, ensure that you invest in different sectors. 

During unpredictable times, making investments in diverse sectors will ensure that you don’t lose all your money in case a particular industry loses value. 

Also, the distribution of assets within individual asset classes is important. It will distribute the risk among the asset classes but also reduce risk within each asset class.

• Invest in real estate

Woman’s hand holding the keys to an apartment. Real estate agent. House ownership.

Make careful investments in real estate. Usually, during a recession, there will be a drop in home values. You can purchase a property at a lower price and make a big profit in the future after the market has recovered. 

In the meantime, consider renting the property to a tenant. It will bring reliable passive income short-term.

• Invest in dividend stocks

Dividend stocks are great for generating passive income. When you invest in a company as a shareholder, you will receive a share of the profits made by the company.

Be cautious of companies that have a high debt/equity ratio. To be safe, look for companies that have improved their dividend payments for at least 20+ consecutive years.

• Invest in precious metals

Invest in gold – bank gold bars bullions on dollars

A popular investment strategy in times of crisis is investing in precious metals. The value of precious metal has been going up over the last several years. And during hard times, its value is likely to skyrocket as investors will be looking for a safe haven.

Instead of investing in derivative securities such as gold mining stocks, invest in physical metal.

Gold is more likely to retain its value during uncertain times and recession. Silver also tends to work quite well.

• Invest in small savings schemes

 Though not a very popular option for big investors, investing in small savings schemes ensure that your capital stays safe and you get steady returns though interest rates can be low due to the crisis. 

• Invest in a non-cumulative fixed deposit

By investing your money in a non-cumulative fixed deposit, you can earn regular interest pay-outs. The interest is paid on a monthly, quarterly, and half-yearly or yearly basis. You can choose the frequency of the interest payout while you apply.

Wrapping-Up

Whichever investment strategy you intend to apply, do it meticulously. The current pandemic has given a blow to the global economy. And it looks like it will take years to recover.

The ripple effect of employees losing jobs, events getting canceled, social distancing protocols, and the fear of going out and getting infected is going to deter people from spending money.

However, it doesn’t mean you can’t invest anywhere. With careful planning and strategy, you can still multiply your money. 

 About Author:

Richa Parmar is an architect and passionate in the field of designing & creativity. Her inclination towards nature has made her take up a lot of challenging assignments in the subject of “landscape” and also has made her initiate to write blogs. Presently she works as a Senior Manager cum Architect Blogger at GharPedia portal. You can reach her at LinkedIn.

Unless you’re a professional architect, you probably won’t be able to design your own home. However, hiring a professional doesn’t mean that you have little or no control over what is done.

The best way to make your home design ideas come true is to work with an expert and know how to establish a great connection.

Come up with a home building budget

Although an architect should be excellent at managing the designated budget for the project in question, they won’t really be able to do anything without a ballpark. You need to predict how much you’re willing to spend on home design and you need to be able to tell your architect this in the very beginning of your collaboration.

Therefore, having a rough estimate of the budget in mind is of the absolute essence. Not only will this allow for a clean slate, but it will help your architect explain what design effort you can expect and what should be put on hold for the time being.

Find the right builder for your project

It’s important that you, as a client, are able to rely on your home builders and be certain that your new home will suit you perfectly. Say you drew your inspiration from a home magazine and you want your home to have custom luxury features.

In this case, you want to hire people you can trust to do the job properly. If a customized luxury home is your idea of the perfect living space, consider looking for reputable luxury mansion builders in your area who can make your home design idea come true.The telltale signs of professionalism aren’t only obvious skills and experience. A true professional isn’t afraid of walking in your shoes, and their sole concern is designing a home that you’ll love.

Feel free to ask questions

Architecture can range from extremely complicated to very simple, all depending on how your architect views it and how they explain it. You shouldn’t be afraid of asking questions with regards to their expert ideas.

You’ve hired a professional, you’re the one who’s paying the money and it’s your wish that they are obligated to respect. A good architect will always want what’s best for you and your home – they will want to design a lovable home that will reflect your personality.

Discuss your architectural style preferences

Every architect has style preferences, and the ones they like the most are bound to look the best. Hiring a design professional who has a similar design philosophy as you do is of huge importance.

Many professional architecture firms have hundreds of experienced professionals at disposal, which means that some are bound to fit your target style and match the architectural home style that you’re most drawn to.

Work as a team or leave it to the experts

It’s not uncommon that a homeowner simply designates a budget for an architecture endeavor and leaves everything to the experts, and this is perfectly fine.On the other hand, there are those who have their own ideas and frequently communicate with the architect in order to have their home design wishes come true.

The worst you can do, however, is tell the expert that everything is completely up to them and then start butting in later on. Not because they might get annoyed and not because this is simply not cool (although it isn’t); but because once you tell the expert that they have freedom, they will create a concept in their mind, a concept that is unique and complete – your messing with the process will only lead to a compromise architectural design.

All in all, treat your architect as you would treat your friend – sure, your ideas should match, but hearing them out when they don’t is always a smart decision.

On the other hand, you are entitled to an explanation at all times, but don’t forget: you either work with your architect or leave it to them – there shouldn’t be any compromise.

There’s a prevailing belief that artistic skill is something “innate” or “inherent.” You either have the singing voice of Jon Bon Jovi, or you sound like a distressed seal. There’s no middle ground. 

Similarly, when it comes to painting, you have the deft stroke of John Constable, rendering his idyllic, bucolic English country scenes. Or you have the stylistic merit of an oil slick. 

Design, though, isn’t a fundamental character trait. It is something that is just as amenable to the learning process as anything else. The more you practice your craft, the better you become. It’s just like playing the violin or getting to grips with statistics: it is something that you can learn. 

Learning about design, however, is different from say, building your calculus skills. It requires a fundamentally different approach. That’s not to say that training isn’t important – it is. It just has to take a different form.

Get To Grips With Design Theory

The first step is to get to grips with design theory. 

Design isn’t just something that people pluck out of their subjective imagination. Instead, there seems to be a pattern to good design baked into the universe. Design theory is the attempt to quantify and describe these apparent universal truths. 

You’ll learn things like typography, grid theory, the golden ratio, and color theory.

If you’re wondering how to best structure your course, take a look at these SAP Litmos reviews. They discuss how certain pieces of software can structure your learning to make it more efficient and accountable. 

Seek Feedback

Many people spend their entire education, receiving feedback from teachers and lecturers. But if you really want to advance your skills, you need to ask the opinion of the marketplace – people who are willing to buy your design services. Educators have their pet theories about what works best, but it is your customers who really count. They’re the people you need to impress if you want your design career to take off. 

Seeking out feedback, however, isn’t super simple. It’s more of an art form. You need to create situations that make it easy for people to give honest feedback so that you can get a sense of how you’re progressing. And that isn’t always easy. 

Start A New Project

You don’t necessarily have to work on coursework or client briefs all the time. Sometimes you just need a chance to stretch your legs and see what you’re capable of, without all the usual pressures. Starting a side project, therefore, could be just what you need. Here’s your opportunity to take risks and push your skills to the limit. 

Read More Books

Design is partly practical, but there’s also a substantial theoretical side to what we do. Practically every top designer knows their peers’ theories by heart. They understand the rules of the game – and how to break them – because they’re steeped in the literature. They’ve read every seminal book out there, and they’re hungry for knowledge. If design is your passion, you should join them. 

Ever noticed how the right combination of colors can brighten your mood? It turns out that color plays a major role in how you perceive a certain product. More than 50% (and sometimes up to 90%) of your opinion is based on it. So, let’s take a look at some guidelines to choose the right hues. 

Have you wondered why some products seem to have a strong effect on our mood and even behavior? It’s not only their design that impacts us. The colors of a product can influence your feelings and emotions and have a direct influence on your health. So, when choosing the right combination of colors, it shouldn’t be a random process guided only by your personal taste. To get the desired reaction, it’s important to be conscious of how hues work together. 

You can even use this knowledge to choose the right range of shades for the rooms in your house. Get some essential tools for home makeover and paint your walls for a soothing and calming effect. 

But what is a good combination of colors? Keep reading, and you’ll find out. This article goes through the basics of color theory, the visual effects, and offers some useful tips for choosing the right palette. Sounds good?

The Basics of Combination of Colors

Color theory is basically a term for a set of principles guiding the use of color in design and art. It helps you put together schemes that have the maximum aesthetic allure. But that’s not all: palettes help to deliver your design message. They affect not only the viewer’s eyes, but also their psychology. 

The beginning of modern color theory can be traced back to Isaac Newton. The color wheel he came up with lays out three different types of hues. These are: 

• Primary: yellow, blue, red. 

• Secondary: green, orange, purple, etc. You can create these by blending two from the primary section.

• Intermediate: red-orange, yellow-green, blue-green, etc. Created by mixing the first two.

The design process for picking colors is still pretty much based on this color wheel. Before we get into combining, let’s look at their meaning. 

Meaning of Colors

Surprisingly enough, there are no universal meanings for a combination of colors. Every culture assigns its own meaning to specific tints. Although people are affected by color very differently, and every reaction is individual, there are some meanings for certain hues that are more widely known. 

Let’s look at the primary ones, for example. 

• Red is exciting. It symbolizes passion and anger. 
• Blue signifies trustworthiness and intellect. Darker shades of blue are also commonly associated with sadness. 
• Yellow expresses creative forces and optimism. People usually have a strong emotional response to it. But beware: a lot of cultures also associate yellow with cowardice. 

After defining some possible meanings, you also need to combine colors in an attractive way. This makes your product communicates with your target audiences effectively. Or, maybe, you’re planning to give your rooms a new look? Let us show you how to improve your design process for interior picking colors that create the most harmonious combinations. 

Choosing the Right Combination for Desired Visual Effect

There are five most commonly used color schemes. They all create a sense of harmony in your palette. 

• Analogous. A mix of colors close to each other on the color wheel. For example, orange put together with blue. This combination is considered beautiful by most people. 
• Complementary. High contrast hues that are on the opposite sides of the color wheel. This combination creates a striking image. 
• Split-complementary. This scheme is created by using both the analogous and complementary combinations.  
• Triadic. You can create this scheme by picking three shades from the wheel that are at the same distance from each other. 
• Tetradic. To get this combination, you select two sets of complementary colors and put the pairs together. 

By now, you’re probably wondering what will come out of a combination of all colors. Is the black combination of all colors? Not so. You can get a rich black by mixing blue with brown. But technically black is just the complete absence of visible light. Believe it or not, but it’s white the combination of all colors. White light contains every color of the rainbow. 

Well-thought-out palettes and combinations can elicit powerful emotional responses. If you’re looking for ways to effectively communicate your brand’s message, or simply paint your walls to a more pleasant hue, then knowing color the

Theory can help you do that. So, go ahead and study the topic. After some experimentation, you’ll be able to start creating emotionally compelling color combinations. 

 What did you think of our article? Was it enough for an introduction to the fascinating world of colors? Leave comments below; we’d love to hear from you!

Author’s Bio: 

Kevin is a content writer for about 3 years. He studied Design and Arts at College in Pennsylvania. A fan of home interior design and, he has taken it upon himself to spread his love for decorating homes by informing people on some of his ideas through his articles.

Since everyone is spending a bit more time at home, this is the perfect time to upgrade the spaces where you and your family spend the most time. While your kitchen or living room may immediately come to mind, your home office could probably use some love, too.

A home office that makes you feel comfortable will lead to more focused days and relaxed evenings. Here are some tips for designing a better home office for a happier and more productive you:

1. Give Your Workspace Boundaries

When your workspace is your living space, it’s key to create some boundaries for yourself. Doing this makes it easier for your brain and body, as well as anyone you live with, to understand when you’re working and when you’re not.

These boundaries don’t need to be fancy. While having a separate office with a door you can close is great, you can achieve a similar boundary through design elements. A simple “free/busy” sign can go a long way in making sure your spouse or children know when you can and can’t talk.

Communicate to your family that when you’re at your desk, you’re working and can’t be disrupted, but when you’re on the couch, you’re free to chat. Making this distinction can help you create some distance between your work and your personal life. Plus, it will help you be more productive at work so you feel less stressed once your hours are finished.

2. Keep It Minimal

Lots of decorations can quickly overwhelm a small space and make it feel cluttered. A messy environment can be a huge distraction when you’re trying to get in the zone when working on a big project.

To keep your workspace feeling clean and productive, avoid overdecorating or adding extra pieces of furniture. Keeping your space tidy and free of clutter will make you feel organized and confident. When your workstation is open and distraction-free, it will be so much easier for you to focus and do what you need to do.

A minimal, modern workspace can also be beautiful and trendy — perfect if you’re hoping to share your home office on Instagram.

3. Make It Personal

Keeping your workspace minimal and modern doesn’t mean it needs to be impersonal. While clutter can be distracting, adding a few personal touches to your area can lend your home office a more positive vibe. After all, you spend a lot of time here, so it should be a place you feel comfortable in.

Adding a family photo to your desk, choosing a rug in your favorite color or styling your shelves with books you love can make your home office a happier, more welcoming space. You shouldn’t dread going to your office every day. Making your workspace a place you look forward to spending time in will positively impact your productivity and focus. It can put you in a better mood, leading to fulfilling and fruitful workdays.

4. Go for Comfort

It’s hard to focus on the task at hand when you’re battling aches and pains. Be sure to keep comfort in mind when designing your workspace, especially if you’ll be putting in long hours.

Selecting a comfy chair, choosing an ergonomic keyboard or even making sure your desk is positioned so the sun doesn’t get in your eyes may seem like small details. However, in the grand design scheme, these changes make a world of difference in your day-to-day workflow. When you’re not constantly fidgeting or counting the minutes until you can get up and walk around, you’ll be much happier and way more productive in your space.

Design a Workspace That Works for You

Whether you typically work from home or you’re in the early stages of designing a home office, this is the perfect time to spruce up your workspace. The tips we’ve outlined here will definitely set you up for many productive and positive days to come.

Holly Welles is a freelance writer and the editor of The Estate Update, a home décor blog for new homeowners. Her work has been published in Today’s Homeowner, Homes.com and other web magazines.

You know how to clean your house, but how do you keep it that way? Learn all the top tricks with these housekeeping tips for maintaining your beautiful home.

It never fails—you do all the work of tidying up your home, only for it to return to its usual disordered state a couple of days later. Your home is full of style and beauty, but it’s hard to show that off when there’s constant clutter. How can you clean your home and keep it that way? Fortunately, a little bit of effort every day makes a world of difference. With these simple habits, you can get rid of the mess and keep it at bay for more than a few days at a time. Check out these housekeeping tips for maintaining your beautiful home.

Make Your Bed Every Day

Bed with white bedding in spacious bedroom interior with gold decorations and big window

As simple as it seems, there’s a reason why your parents told you to make the bed every day as a kid. This is a quick, easy task that starts your day off in a productive manner. Plus, a tidy bed can immediately transform a room, making the entire space feel more put together. Take a moment as you get ready in the morning to straighten the pillows, smooth the sheets, and get into the mindset of cleaning up after yourself throughout the day.

Keep Cleaning Supplies Nearby

Cleaning products on the floor, home interior background. Chemical detergent bottles in a blue bowl. Domestic household or business sanitary cleaning

Have you ever spotted a mess and thought to clean it up, but you didn’t have the right supplies on hand? If you have to leave the room and go search for your cleaning supplies, you’ll likely get distracted along the way. Make the cleaning process easier on yourself by keeping your supplies where you need them most. Place sprays and disinfectant wipes beneath the kitchen sink, in a bathroom cabinet, and in other areas that need regular attention. This turns cleaning into a simple task of reaching down for the spray bottle and taking care of the mess.

Create a Maintenance Routine

Living room in a modern villa with sofa, wooden ceiling and hardwood floor – 3d rendering

You know the parts of your home that require the most attention. High-traffic hallways, your stovetop, those gorgeous hardwood floors, and other areas tend to get messier than the rest of your house. Make a list of all of these trouble areas and create a regular routine that keeps you on top of the problem. Figure out all the daily and weekly tasks necessary for a sparkling kitchen or well-maintained hardwood floors. Not only will this keep your house looking gorgeous, but it will also help these aspects stand the test of time and continue to complement your home.

Don’t Go It Alone

Keeping a clean house shouldn’t fall on one person’s shoulders, which is why one of the top housekeeping tips for maintaining a beautiful home is to delegate. Even if you’re leading the charge, make sure your fellow household members do their part to keep things tidy. Every member of the family should pick up after themselves and participate in the routine chores. Remember that a little effort goes a long way. By having everyone contribute a little each day, you can ensure that your home stays neat for a long time to come. When everyone does their fair share, you can all build a habit of keeping a clean and tidy household.

Summer is pretty much here, we don’t need the time of the month to confirm that, it’s defined to us by the sun that we see and the warmth that we feel on our bones. So since summer is here to stay, and a lot of the world is not going to be able to enjoy the summer sun like they usually would, it’s instead time to think about your home instead. There are so many ways that your home can be changed in order for it to be ready for the heat that the sun brings. In fact, we’d call it essential if this year is meant to be as hot as it’s expected to be. There’s nothing worse than your home being the only place you can go to cool off, and your home being one of the hottest and most uncomfortable places. So, if you keep on reading, we’ll show you some of the essentials you need to kit your home out with. Keep on reading to find out more. 

Exterior Changes

Different types of roof coating. Background from layers of sheet metal profiles, ceramic tiles, asphalt roofing shingles and gypsum slate. 3d illustration

There are many exterior changes that you could make to your home, and we know that because the exterior of the home is often the one that’s ignored the most. One suggestion we have for you is metal roofing. We know that metal roofing is not everyone’s go to, but there are so many benefits being missed out on. For starters, your home won’t be as hot because the metal deflects the sun’s rays. There’s also the benefit of having your energy bills lower because metal is a great isulant. Rps metal roofing is just one of the businesses you could use to have your new roof installed. You might also want to think about a sprinkler for the green areas outside your home. It’s an investment worth making. 

Indoor Cooling Essentials 

Beautiful upstairs spare bedroom with neutral colors and windows.

You definitely want to make sure that the indoor of your home is cool, and we’ve already given one good way to insure that. But it’s often not enough to be the heat in certain parts of the US. If you don’t have air conditioning and can’t afford units throughout the home, don’t panic. Why look into a really high tech fan to cool the rooms for you. It’s the far cheaper option, and fans can now do such a great job at generating the cool air that our homes need. You could consider having air conditioning units installed in the bedroom if you don’t already. The bedroom is where you’re going to want to be the most comfortable. 

Keep The Air Flowing 

Finally, the simple trick of making sure that you’re keeping the air flowing can make all the difference. Shutting up and closing the curtains is not the best thing to do. Closing the curtains in rooms the sun is on, and keeping the windows open at the same time, is the best way to keep air flowing and to keep your home continuously cooler. Some people hide in dark rooms thinking that will work.

Set your sights on summer sunshine and prepare for a wonderful season spent outdoors with this guide to three ways to make the most of your backyard.

With spring fully sprung and summer right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll make the most of the warmer weather. You may not be able to embark on a hiking expedition or escape to a tropical getaway at the present, but you can still make the most of the spring and summer sun from the comfort of your own backyard. Your backyard can serve as your very own outdoor oasis when the current climate makes traveling beyond your own property lines impossible. If your backyard has become a bit overgrown in recent years, never fear. These three ways to make the most of your backyard will help you create a beautiful and inviting outdoor space in no time.

Plant a garden

Detail of gardening with fane rake

You can fix even the most boring backyards with a bit of well-placed foliage. Planting a garden in your backyard is a great way to bring a touch of beauty and a pop of color to your outdoor space. The garden will add a lovely visual element to your backyard, but you can put it to practical use as well. Plant fruits and vegetables in your home garden to ensure you always have fresh produce on your dinner table, or do your part to help the environment and plant a pollinator-friendly garden instead.

Remember that planting and maintaining a garden will require a significant amount of work and patience. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your garden won’t be, either. Tend to your garden on a regular basis to ensure that it doesn’t become overgrown and that it remains fertile all season long.

Create an outdoor dining space

Six young friends dining at a table outdoors

One of the best ways to make the most of your backyard is to create additional living space in the form of a patio or deck. This is particularly beneficial to homeowners who enjoy entertaining guests and hosting extravagant summer barbecues. When creating your outdoor dining space, be sure to consider the amount of seating and the appliances you’ll need for any given event. If your family enjoys cooking and dining outdoors on a regular basis, consider investing in a high-quality grill. However, if you prefer to host more elaborate backyard gatherings, installing a firepit or outdoor bar to entertain your guests may be in your best interest. Whatever the main purpose of your outdoor dining space, be sure to design a patio that fits your exact needs and offers enough seating and lighting for all your guests.

Incorporate elements for relaxation

Cozy wicker sofa set and hanging chair in the garden

If large group gatherings aren’t quite your speed, consider transforming your backyard into a haven of self-care and relaxation instead. This relaxation can take many different forms and can be as simple or involved as you’d like. Hammocks, hot tubs, and pools are all popular options for homeowners seeking a private outdoor getaway. You can also set aside a specific part of your backyard in which to practice yoga or meditation. When you’re seeking to transform your backyard into a sunny sanctuary, be sure to consider privacy and proximity to your neighbors. Consider installing a privacy fence to instill a bit more peace to your relaxation practices.

You can still celebrate your loved ones this baby shower season—it’ll just look a bit different. Here are some tips for attending a virtual baby shower.

Baby Shower

Spring and early summer tend to be baby shower season, but it’s looking a little different this year. Rather than being able to head to someone’s house to spread love, positivity, good health, and great gifts to the mom-to-be, you’re stuck at home. However, that doesn’t mean the showering can’t go on. Thankfully, with technology at your fingertips, you can still host or attend these joyful events. If you have one coming up, here are some tips for attending a virtual baby shower that you need to have in your back pocket. Check them out!

Stay Focused on Mom

The most important tip for attending a virtual baby shower is ensuring you stay focused on the mom. It’s easy to get sidetracked during virtual chats, but do your best to help the host keep the focus on the mom-to-be. Virtual meetings aren’t the most authentic of places, but if you try to make it seem like a true baby shower and not a catch-up session, the experience will be better for everyone.

Send Your Gift in Advance

Baby shower

Your friend will still appreciate your gift even if you’re not there for everyone to ooh and aah about it. Just make sure you send your gift far enough in advance so that it can get to Mom before the virtual party. Remember, sometimes the best present is one that works better for the momma than the baby. For example, you can send her a lovely playpen that will keep the baby safe while Mom gets things done. Whatever gift you choose, make sure to send it in time.

See How You Can Help the Host

When it comes to planning the party, see how you can help the host. Although the party is online and not in the same spruced-up locale it would’ve been otherwise, any party host still needs help from various hands. You can help the host in a few different ways—you can help with game ideas, keep the timing on track, or send along thank-you notes afterward. Here are some game ideas we love:

• Guess the Number (the host holds up jars filled with sweets and asks people to guess the number)
• Name That Baby Song (the host plays different nursery rhymes and gets guesses from guests)
• How Well Do You Know Mom? (use online quiz templates)

Bring a Smile and Positivity

Lastly, do your best to bring smiles and positivity to the party. Virtual meetings can get quite draining, but try not to let that show at the party. This time is already going to feel weird for the mom and for the guests, so if you encourage light and happiness, then other people will follow suit. Of course, if you have to force positivity and authenticity, then it might be a good idea to come a bit late so that you can come with a positive attitude.

Things look different now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the ones around you. Bring some love and happiness to your momma-to-be!

While none of us are going to straight-up admit this, most of us want our house to be the talk of the neighborhood. That is why we invest in its curb appeal as much as we can and try to fix up everything from the façade to the front yard. If you’ve already done up your house’s exterior, cut the dead branches and trimmed all the bushes, it might be time to start working on your lawn. Keep on reading for some essential tips when it comes to having the most beautiful and healthy lawn on the block.

Test the soil

In order for the grass to be healthy and thrive, you first need to be aware of the kind of soil you are working with. Different types of grass have different requirement so testing the soil will allow you to know how much nutrients the grass might have access to. Furthermore, you will also check the pH levels of your lawn and see whether it’s acidic, alkaline or normal.

Luckily, you can easily purchase a home testing kit online or in a local nursery and conduct the test on your own. However, it might be better to have it tested by professionals seeing as how their examination might provide you with more accurate results and home tests are typically only used for establishing the pH levels.

Choose the right type of grass

Once you have the results, you will know what type of grass is best suited to your area and the conditions of the soil. While it is always recommended to opt for a grass that is native to your territory as it will have the highest chances of succeeding, it’s also normal that you want an exotic ornamental variety that will really catch the eye of the passers-by.

In that case, you have to make sure that kind of grass has all the necessary nutrients in order to grow. On the other hand, even if you are opting for a local variety, the soil might still need some amending.

Amend the soil

When it comes to amending, you might have to add some vital nutrients or you might have to adjust the pH level of the soil. To raise the pH level of acidic soil, you can add pulverized lime, for example. On the other hand, adding organic materials like peat moss can lower the pH level of moderately alkaline soil. If the pH is extremely high, sulphur or iron sulphate should help amend it.

Then, according to the tests, you need to find the right kind of fertilizer that will provide the soil with all the necessary nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and calcium among others. Look for a slow-releasing organic fertilizer and see whether you can find some that suppress weeds while they fertilize.

Add compost

In addition to fertilizing the soil, you also need to think about adding organic matter to it. For instance, you can make your own compost or purchase some from the local home center. If you start composting, be aware of the fact that it should not be used while it’s steaming as that means that it is not fully decomposed.

Once it smells earthy and slightly sweet, spread a thin layer of it over your lawn and rake it in. This will replenish various organisms and bacteria that help the soil stay healthy. Plus, these organisms will make the soil less compacted.

Aerate the soil

Speaking of compacted soil, it is quite possible that you are dealing with this issue. Compacted soil is most often caused by heavy machinery and foot traffic so if you walk or drive over your lawn on a regular basis, you will need to minimize this practice. You will also need to aerate the lawn once or twice a year to allow the soil to better absorb the nutrients, water and oxygen you are providing it with.

Check with a local expert whether you should do it in the spring or autumn and find the best equipment to do so. You can get a simple garden fork that will create some small holes in the soil which will loosen it up and give the roots more space. On the other hand, you can also rent a small gas-powered aerator that might help you get this done faster.

Know when to water it

To have a healthy lawn, you need to know how and when to water it. Some people think that just turning on the sprinklers for a few minutes a couple of times a week is enough but, unfortunately, that will not help your lawn thrive. What you need to do is water the grass deeply and not as often as then the roots will grow deeper down into the soil and keep the grass green during extremely hot weather and droughts.

Using a soaker hose, sprinklers or a water sprayer, you should water your grass once a week with one inch of water. Of course, this will also depend on the type of soil and species of grass as well as the weather conditions. Something else that you must keep in mind is that the best time to water the lawn is early in the morning as then the water can be properly absorbed. If you do it late in the evening, that can result in various diseases developing due to too much moisture.

Feed it regularly

Just because you used fertilizer to amend the soil, it doesn’t mean that you are done feeding it. You should feed the lawn in spring, summer and autumn if you want it to be healthy all year long. While all of this depends on the grass variety and the area you live in, it’s recommended to do it in April, then 10 to 14 weeks after that during summer and finally in September to prepare it for winter. A general rule to feeding is that you should do it right after mowing the grass to allow the fertilizer to properly settle into the lawn.

Don’t forget to weed it

How unsightly are lawns full of various weeds? Not only are they not pleasing to the eye but these invasive and unwanted plants can also harm your lawn. To prevent them from stealing space and nutrients from your grass, you need to find a way to deal with this issue.

Prevention methods like regular maintenance, mowing and aeration of the lawn will all help but some weeds will probably still find their way to the lawn. You will have to get rid of them manually by hand or with a garden fork or turn to some weed killers if you’re faced with a lot of weeds. Just like with fertilizer, the timing of when you will use these weed killers is vital.

Cut it properly

While doing everything in your power to help the grass grow, you also have to mow it properly in order for it to be healthy. Mowing the lawn seems like a simple task that everyone can do but there are some serious dos and don’ts that you have to remember.

For example, never cut the grass too short. Keep it around three inches tall and never mow more than a third of its height. People often cut it too much as they think they will not have to do this chore again for some time. However, if you want your lawn to be the envy of the neighborhood, you have to put in the work. If it’s too short, it will be more susceptible to drought and disease. Leave the grass clippings on the lawn as they will quickly decompose and give the soil the necessary nutrients.

Then, never mow wet grass as that not only makes it more difficult but it will also damage the grass and your mower. Furthermore, you need to ensure the mower blades are sharp as dull blades will hurt the grass and cause it to become brown. You can sharpen the blades on your own or take them to a professional. Lastly, you need to alternate mowing patterns to prevent the mower from creating compacted areas in the ground as well as the grass laying in one direction. So, change your patterns and mow in alternate directions.

Protect the lawn

Seeing as how you are putting this much effort into your lawn, you should also look for various ways how you can protect it. For example, if you have dogs, you should spot train them to use a specific area as dog urine can damage the grass.

If training them to use only one spot is not possible, make sure you clean up after them as soon as possible by spraying the area with some water to prevent grass burn. Moreover, make sure there is no rubbish, debris and leaves on the lawn that could damage it in the colder months.

From picking the right kind of grass and ensuring the soil is in good condition through knowing when to water the lawn and how to mow it all the way to finding ways to protect it, there are many things to consider when taking care of a lawn. However, if you put in enough time and effort and do your best to repair it as soon as you notice damage, your lawn will surely stand out in your neighborhood.

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Bio: Patrick Adams is a freelance writer and rock-blues fan. When he is not writing about home improvement, he loves to play chess, watch basketball, and play his guitar. More than anything, he loves to spend his time in his garage, repairing appliances and creating stuff from wood.

Window treatments are the primary ways of controlling light and design in a room. Discover the different types of window treatments and how each is effective.

Home window treatments are the essential finishing touches to any home design. These items turn windows into accents that highlight your own personal style—but they offer more than a visually appealing complement to the rest of the home. In fact, depending on the type you choose, you also gain access to a plethora of different functions, benefits, and even customizable options. Here are the different types of window treatments you can use in your home and which ones are best suited for specific needs.

Blinds

Beautiful blinds window with sunlight decoration interior of room

Blinds function as a series of adjustable slats that you can raise, lower, or pivot using a cable. They’re the most common window treatments due to their affordability, maneuverability, and ease of use. Blinds are generally made of plastic to preserve their affordability, but they can also come in a few other materials to better fit with a homeowner’s design choices. Some of these other materials include wood, faux wood, and aluminum, giving the buyer options in regards to look, flexibility, and overall durability. However, it’s important to note that these alternatives can also be more expensive. Vertical blinds are also great options for people with large back doorways or windows that are too tall for traditional horizontal blinds.

Shades

Gray roman shades and a pink curtain on big, glass windows in a modern kitchen and dining room interior with a wooden table and white chairs

Like blinds, shades also unfold downwards over a window and contain slats, depending on what type you purchase. However, this is about where the similarities end. Traditional shades are more commonly created out of durable fabrics, which are then creased or rolled to give them specific appearances. Because the fabric blocks any space between slats, these window treatments offer more privacy and light regulation when closed. To properly see out your windows, you’ll have to raise the shades rather than peek through the slats. Additionally, due to their design, shades make excellent insulators—they can conserve energy use indoors while keeping the elements out.

Shutters

Shutters are another type of window treatment that are highly effective at blocking out the sunlight as well as providing a home with a sleek appearance. Depending on your preferences, you can fix them to the area around the window or make them moveable along a set of hinges. Either way, they come in a multitude of styles and designs to coincide with any type of personal taste. With eye-catching pops of color and versatile materials, exterior shutters are particularly effective at drawing attention. Best of all, unlike interior models, you can install the different types of exterior shutters in unique and useful ways.

Drapes

Wooden table on pink rug and mint and grey chair in spacious interior with drapes and plant

Drapes or curtains work by either fully blocking off the window or leaving it exposed. There are few ways to adjust the amount of light curtains let into the home, and the type of fabric they’re made from dictates their effectiveness. Even so, they’re still highly sought-after for the touch of elegance they add to a room and their wide range of color, fabric, and thickness options. Since they simply wrap around the window area, you may want to pair them with another window treatment, such as blinds, to maximize their effectiveness.

If you’ve been looking for a side-hustle business to help boost your household income, becoming an Airbnb host can be a life-changing experience. While it is too early in the current pandemic situation to think about promoting your space, you can make the most of the quarantine to prepare your home to welcome guests. Indeed, as soon as it is safe to travel again, you can be sure that tourists will be flooding every town around the world. You can rent out a room in your home for future guests. As a landlord, you have the advantage of being on-site, which means you can easily greet your guests when they arrive and protect your property. Additionally, rentals can be a profitable side hustle. Here are some tips to help you prepare your home:

Utilize your spare space

Interior Of Guest Room In Bed And Breakfast Hotel

There are plenty of options to create an inviting area of your guests from a spare bedroom to a renovated basement. Ideally, you’ll find that a separate entrance to their rental can make things easier for everyone. As such, if you’ve got an unused attic or basement, you may want to consider renovation works. Thankfully, a renovation project doesn’t have to break the bank. You will need to plan every aspect of the work, including insulation and lighting installation. Careful planning will help you budget materials and external expertise when it is relevant. 

Keep guests comfortable without intruding

As a landlord or a landlady, you want to make sure your rental remains in tip-top condition. However, when you’ve got guests, you can’t intrude on their privacy to check that things are okay. But you can make sure to install helpful and smart sensors such as a temperature and humidity monitor, for instance. Sensors can notify you of suspicious or abnormal scans, which makes sure you can react quickly. 

Being accessible with your communication

What’s the best approach to be friendly with your guests without forcing any interaction? Some guests want to relax and be left alone, while others welcome your conversation. Hitting the right balance can be tricky. However, you can leave it to your guests to decide. A good tip is to welcome your guests personally and let them settle down on their own. You can send a quick message on the next day to ask if they need any help with the rental or information about the town. This lets your guests control the communication while making sure you remain available if they want to find out more about the local area. 

Is it self-contained?

Bright guest room with a sofa bed and big round window

You can rent out a spare bedroom in your home and share every other living area with your guests. However, if you want to build a profitable rental, you should consider self-contained options. A spare bedroom should also have an en-suite for privacy, for instance. Ideally, a separate entrance can make things more comfortable between you and your guests. If the space allows it, make sure to add at least a mini-fridge and a small kitchen area. A microwave and a coffee machine can be the ideal, safe kitchenette! 

You can monetize your home by promoting your spare space on a community such as Airbnb. With a little DIY love and some smart modifications, you can turn the unused basement into a cozy studio for temporary guests. 

There are plenty of issues a home can have hiding in its crawl space. Unfortunately, many people don’t take their crawl spaces seriously, which can lead to a variety of significant issues. Do you have any of these creepy problems in your crawl space? If you haven’t had a crawl space inspection in a while, you may be dealing with any of them.

Bugs and Rodents

The Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata). Close up with shallow DOF.

Rodent and bug infestations are an unfortunately common issue in many crawl spaces. One mouse can multiply sixtyfold in one year, and because mice and bugs can get into extremely small spaces, it’s not unheard of for that to happen.

Snakes

Baby corn snake on white background

Snakes are well-known for being able to get into tight spaces. If you have even the smallest opening to your crawl space, a snake could get under your crawl space and start to multiply, leaving you with a nest of snakes in your crawl space.

Wild Animal Homes

Chipmunk on the tree. Sri Lanka

During nesting seasons, it’s common for animals to seek out enclosed spaces to make their nests in. That can lead to animals tearing out your insulation, crafting a nest in your crawl space, and luring predators in.

Animal Bones

What happens when an animal crawls under your home and dies? In many cases, it decomposes and leaves behind nothing but a skeleton. If you’ve never cleared out your crawl space, that means you might have skeletons under there.

Mold

No matter what type of mold you have under your home, it can cause serious health issues, especially in people with preexisting respiratory conditions. Additionally, mold typically only grows in wet areas, which can be a structural concern.

Invasive Plants

Invasive plants often grow very quickly and very strongly. Kudzu, one of the most well-known invasive plants in the South, can grow up to 60 feet per season. Catching it early can help you avoid decades of treatment.

Mysterious Locked Cabinet

What happens when you take your first look under your home and find a mysterious cabinet in the crawl space? A locked cabinet isn’t very common, but it’s something that some people have found under their homes.

Mob Cash

Some powerful people find that crawl spaces are useful for storing items. That could mean you have items stored under your home that you don’t even know about. If you’ve never checked, you just don’t know.

Guns

This could come from a previous owner, who may have stashed weapons under the home, or from someone outside your home, who wanted easy access. Either way, it’s important you know if there are any guns in your crawl space.

Squatters and Fugitives

Though uncommon, there are still horror stories of people finding individuals living in a crawl space. A quick crawl space inspection can make sure there’s nothing in your crawl space, whether people or animals.

Unexploded Artillery

The Smithsonian estimates there are still thousands of tons of unexploded bombs from WWII, and old homes may have unexploded artillery underneath them. That includes homes all over the world, including American homes.

Disturbing Journals

Journals can be an amazing bit of insight into people’s lives, but sometimes they let you know dark and disturbing details about a home. Finding a journal on the “wrong side of history” could give you insight you didn’t want.

Ghosts

Those who believe in the paranormal sometimes believe that ghosts can haunt crawl spaces. These ghosts can range from simply annoying to actually deadly, making it a good idea to clear your space early.

Large Ghouls

When a ghoul is too big to fit under the bed, where does it go? Because you probably don’t go into your crawl space very often, some paranormal experts believe that this allows for larger ghouls to populate the space.

Foundation Problems

Stairs architecture unfinished at basement. Cement concrete staircase on construction site

Of all the problems you could face under your home, foundation problems are some of the worst. That’s because foundation problems could lead to an actual home collapse. It’s important to schedule regular crawl space inspections in your home so you can manage any problems that may arise, including foundation concerns.

We’re living through some pretty strange times right now. At the start of the year, the majority of us were making our plans for the upcoming twelve months – booking holidays, booking festivals, gigs and concert tickets, arranging birthday parties and all sorts of other exciting things to look forward to. On a day to day basis, we’d be tied up in the chaos of commuting, working, chores, exercise regimes, social plans and more. But over the past couple of months, things have changed drastically. The spread of coronavirus has resulted in a worldwide pandemic that has seen our plans canceled and us confined to our homes. Now, unless we’re key workers, we can’t leave our homes other than for essentials. We can head out for food and medication and that’s it. Unsurprisingly, many of us are finding ourselves bored and restless. So what better time to spruce up your home a little? You’re spending a whole lot of time indoors, so you should do your utmost to make the space as pleasant to spend time in as possible. This is also one of the rare opportunities where you literally don’t have anything better or more fun to do! Here are a few areas you might want to focus on to get started in the right direction!

Cleaning the Carpets

Close up of vacuuming a carpet

We tend to be pretty on top of controlling dirt in our homes. The average person has a good level of hygiene. But when it comes to dirt on our floors, we tend to turn a relatively blind eye! Our floors really do take the brunt of what’s brought into our homes from the outside world. Some people try to reduce dirt on the floors by removing their own shoes and encouraging guests to remove their shoes when entering the house. But some remnants will still make their way in. Whether that’s on pets’ paws or in some other way. This ground in dirt will begin to build up over time and can dull your carpets – not to mention the hygiene factor of having months’ worth of dirt hiding in the carpets’ fibres. Sure, you can run the vacuum around your carpet on a regular basis. But even vacuuming daily doesn’t get any deeper dirt out. It’s only really a resolve for surface dirt. This is why you might want to consider professional carpet cleaning. This uses moisture or steam to lift dirt from the floor and really give things a good wash. There are plenty of hirable cleaning machines out there. Alternatively, you might want to consider professional carpet cleaning when people are back out and about at work!

Cleaning Shower Curtains

Modern Bathroom Shower Head Assembly by Caucasian Technician. Home Improvement.

Another area that really experiences a lot of neglect is shower curtains. Now, many people have now replaced shower curtains with shower screens nowadays. They’re easier to clean and often more hygienic. But if you still have a shower curtain, it’s important to give it a thorough clean on a more regular basis than you probably currently do. Don’t make the common error of believing that these home features clean themselves through regular exposure to running water. They’re damp a lot of the time, which can create a breeding ground for bacteria! A simple way to clean your curtain properly is to remove it from its rail and place it in your washing machine. Turn it on to a cool wash on a gentle cycle. Do not tumble dry your shower curtain. Instead, simply hang it back up and allow it to drip dry. Stubborn stains can be tackled with a pressure washer, but these aren’t quite so common. Generally, a gentle wash will be sufficient.

Fix Up the Garden

Hands of farmer cutting thuja branches with scissors

If you have a garden, you’re in luck. You can get out and enjoy some sun and fresh air more often than those who aren’t lucky enough to have a garden right now. But if you’ve let things get a little out of control over the winter, it might be time for you to get a little green-fingered to make it a nicer space to spend time in. Now, many people leave their gardening to the professionals, so this may be the first time you’re trying out gardening yourself. Just make sure to be safe and don’t try anything that could potentially be dangerous. Cut your grass with a lawnmower. Trim the edges with a strimmer. Pull up weeds. Dig up some flower beds. Make some hanging baskets. Your outdoor space will be a much nicer space in next to no time. You could also consider planting some climber plants up your exterior walls. This will provide your home with a little decoration. Ivy is generally considered the most traditional option. It’s not a great option for people with children or pets though, as it can be toxic if consumed. Safer options include Wisteria or roses.

Give Your Walls a Fresh Lick of Paint

Female house painter paints walls indoor. Home repair, laughing woman doing appartment renovation, room decoration renovating

Walls build up dirt without you knowing it. Over a couple of years, the color will become dull and dirty. Even if you don’t want to change your interior design and like the current color of your walls, it’s still a good idea to do a fresh coat of paint in the same color. All you need is some rollers, brushes, trays and paint. It may take a little while, but it’s going to make all the difference and will prove well worth your time and effort. If you’re feeling particularly committed to your home improvement, you might want to consider painting skirting boards, door frames, doors and other home features too!

These are just a few different things you can do to significantly improve your home. The steps are achievable and should also help to keep your mind occupied during a time when you might otherwise feel a little bored!

Modern Day Treasure Hunters

Fans of such TV home renovation shows as Fixer Upper, Design on a Dime and Property Brothers are familiar with the term architectural salvage.  But if you’re not, it’s the booming business of reclaiming, upcycling and repurposing architectural building materials. The architectural salvage marketplace, once the sole province of old-house owners and a curiosity to nearly everyone else, is going mainstream in a big way.

As the desire to purchase expensive, high-end homes increases among residents, these same consumers may seek to add an historical touch to their milestone purchase by incorporating architectural salvage. Upcycled antique fixtures ranging from vintage tin ceilings and historic chandeliers to porcelain bathtubs and refurbished flooring add the perfect sustainable transformation to these newly acquired residences.

“We treasure hunt and upcycle from the most prestigious New York historic hotels, Broadway theaters and prominent commercial buildings to rustic barns, industrial warehouses and vintage shops in order to create a most unique retail experience for our customers,” according to Jim DiGiacoma of Olde Good Things, the nation’s leading architectural salvage company with retail stores in New York and Los Angeles.

“On any given day, shoppers might include an architect looking for antique French doors, a restaurant designer looking for industrial chicken wire glass and unusual factory doors, a decorator trying to find a set of lights for over a kitchen island, or millennials shopping for unique items from the past,” adds DiGiacoma.  “Urban dwellers snatch up things like bar carts made of reclaimed pine, large mirrors framed with repurposed copper or tin ceiling tiles, and rare pieces of wooden furniture, while others may covet the cast iron ball and claw bathtubs or porcelain faucets. Some recent finds have been terracotta gargoyles from the perch of a Park Avenue building.”

Those interested in revamping their home to create a more sophisticated and authentic style may wish to start their design search at their local salvage shop. “Salvaged from old buildings or junkyards, these items ensure a home’s uniqueness,” says George DeMarco, real estate agent with Halstead Manhattan,” and can boost resale value if done well. Walking into new construction and seeing a blast from the architectural past often can make just enough difference in the buyer’s mind to help make the sale.”

Incorporating large artifacts into a 21^st century home demands skilled craftsmen. Unlike demolition, architectural deconstruction requires finesse instead of shear force. Reusable items such as tin ceilings, large mirrors and intricate cabinetry can lose their value if they are damaged during the salvage process. To recover more than 250 fireplace mantels from New York’s legendary Waldorf Astoria hotel, for example, Olde Good Things workers had to cut fasteners in the wall, extricate the mantels, and store them safely on site until they were transported to a warehouse or retail operation.

Olde Good Things also salvaged the treasured stained-glass windows from the old JFK Airport American Airlines Terminal 8. Designed by renowned stained-glass artist Robert Sowers, it was a time-intensive and precise salvage job that left the windows virtually intact. Today, sections of these famed stained-glass panels are being incorporated into modern-day interior design such as room dividers and wall art.

Salvaged items can add a sense of history to a new residential apartment notes Michael Cohen of Michael J. Cohen Interiors, a New York-based residential interior design company. “Introducing historical items such as a stained-glass casement window or repurposed industrial halophane lighting, can add character to an otherwise cookie cutter city space.”

Although preservationists bemoan the loss of the distinctive buildings that supply the inventory for architectural salvage, the greatest appeal for consumers is the chance to acquire house parts with a pedigree. “People like to point to an antique mantelpiece or flooring and say that it came from an old button factory,” adds Mr. Cohen. “They like the stories behind the pieces.”

Shelley Fox, New York condo owner, bought antique French doors to separate the kitchen from the dining area and added six tin ceiling tiles as a grouping on her living room wall. “The next thing I intend to add is a fireplace mantel even though my new building doesn’t have fireplaces,” she noted, “I just love the cozy feeling that comes from the look of a fireplace. And I’m even going to add an electric crackling wood log hearth.”

Then there is that bootmaker’s rack from the early 1900s that Ms. Fox retrofitted into a convenient place to store her vast wine collection. “As soon as I saw it, I knew that it could be easily converted into a wine cabinet,” Ms. Fox noted.

“It’s a treasure hunt,” says Michael Laudati, a New York-based designer specializing in restoring historic Manhattan residential building lobbies to the original beauty of a bygone era. “You never know what you’re going to find or where you’re going to find it when you shop for architectural salvage.” Among his latest salvaged discoveries include a hand-hammered copper ceiling fixture, a Renaissance Revival fireplace mantel and an 1880’s wrought iron gas light fixture.

Treasure hunting at the local flea market, antique store or salvage shop, whether you go by  yourself, or with your designer or architect, can often turn up the most interesting and memorable items, things that you never thought would fit into your design scheme, yet once repurposed, can make your home truly personalized and inviting. How about an industrial vintage factory cart repurposed into a coffee table? Or old barn red doors turned into room dividers? Or if you’re just getting started, how about adding vintage opalescent glass or brass doorknobs and hardware?

If quality, uniqueness and bragging rights aren’t enough reason to join the treasure hunt, factor in the sense of buying a bit of history and nostalgia along with the idea that repurposing is a very smart way to go green.

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Don’t let stains fester on your couch or chair—they’re unsightly. Learn how to clean upholstered furniture so that it will stay lovely for years to come.

You’ve finally decorated your parlor in a beautiful Victorian style. You found the perfect end tables and lamps at an antique store and refurbished them yourself. You found a vintage oval-shaped mirror to give the room the perfect level of depth, making it look bigger, but not cavernous. You got the love seat and chairs from an estate sale for a steal, which allowed you to professionally reupholster them in the perfect colors and patterns to complement the room. It’s perfect. Everything is perfect. Then your best friend comes over and dumps an entire glass of merlot on your newly upholstered love seat like they’re sitting on a futon in the basement! Fortunately, there are some failsafe ways to clean that stain. Learn how to clean upholstered furniture (and remain friends with your clumsy pal).

Don’t Panic!

Interior of modern living room with sofa and furniture 3 D rendering

After all that hard work, we understand why you’d panic and start rushing around—but don’t. The stain will not set in instantly. As long as the spot is still wet, there’s still hope that it will come out. There are a few things you can do right away to set yourself up for success in slaying this stain:

1. Calmly gather your cleaning supplies from around the house while you gracefully stride past your friend, glaring at them the entire time if you so desire.
2. Check your upholstery for a cleaning code. Since you just reupholstered your love seat and chair set, you may find this information underneath the furniture. Otherwise, you can usually find cleaning codes on cushion or pillow tags. We’re sure you can come up with a creative way to find these cleaning codes while maintaining your dignity.

Remember: you’ll get the stain out, no matter what. Don’t let any naysayers tell you your work is of poor quality—you know what you did and how hard you worked at it. You are the stain slayer, and no one can take that away from you.

The White Wine Method

Wine. Glass of white wine in wine cellar. Old white wine on wood.

What better way to solve a wine-related problem than with more wine? Pour a glass for yourself first to steady your hands and suppress the rage, and then get to work. All you need is some white wine and baking soda. Gently pour enough white wine to cover the stained area and penetrate the cushion. Be careful not to add too much and soak the area. Let the wine sit for a few minutes; then, blot the liquid with a clean cloth. If the stain is still there, add some baking soda to the area—that will lift the red stain. Blot until it’s gone.

The Hydrogen Peroxide Attack

The beauty of these cleaning methods is that you likely already have these items in your house—you don’t have to run out and buy a bunch of stuff. Look in your pantry or medicine cabinet, and there they are, waiting to save the day. If this method for how to clean your upholstered furniture doesn’t work, try the hydrogen peroxide method, which involves hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. First, do a small test patch on the furniture in an area that isn’t as visible. This will tell you if the colors in the fabric will run or fade when the peroxide hits them. Put the peroxide in a spray bottle and cover the stained area with the peroxide. Next, sprinkle the baking soda on top of the spot and let it sit for about five minutes. Then, rinse it with cold water. Repeat as necessary until the stain is gone.

Social distancing helps reduce the spread of COVID-19, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to stay at home. Help pass the time with these projects.

Social distancing affects everyone differently. Some people have enjoyed a little downtime and found peaceful ways to fill the extra hours, while others have been stir-crazy from day one. If you fall into the latter category, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are plenty of productive, creative, or downright fun ways to pass the time at home. If you need to be apart from your friends, family, and daily routine, you can still make the most of your time with any of these projects to take on while social distancing.

Start Journaling

A wooden page on an empty journal.

There’s no wrong way to keep a journal. You can write poetry, make an aesthetically pleasing bullet journal, or just spill your thoughts out onto paper. Like a lot of projects, journaling is relatively easy, but it’s easy to forget alongside the rest of our busy lives. Your time spent at home might be the perfect opportunity to build a journaling habit. Take your morning commute time and dedicate it to sitting down with your journal. This also doubles as a way to let loose some of your thoughts and take care of your mental health during these crazy times.

Spruce Up the Garden

All necessary gardening equipment in wheelbarrow

If being cooped up inside is making you feel restless, one of the best cures is to spend some time out in the fresh air and sunshine. It is spring, after all. You can still make the most of the season by figuring out a few garden projects to take on while social distancing. Take your regular garden routine a step further by trying something new. Maybe you want to expand your garden, grow something new, or add new decorations or features. Maybe you want to start your dream garden for the first time. Your newfound downtime might be just what you need to kickstart your green thumb.

Find a Pen Pal

Social distancing might put a strain on your social life, but that doesn’t mean you have to completely lose connection with people. In fact, this could be a great chance to reconnect with those you haven’t spoken to in a while. Take communication back to the good old days by sitting down and writing a letter to a friend or family member. Don’t have the stamps or envelopes to keep up with a pen pal? Email is also a great way to send long letters back and forth. You can even combine the two by taking a picture of your letter and sending it along, mixing the personal touch of handwritten words with the convenience of modern technology.

Upgrade Your RV

Retro RV Camper In The Californian Desert Wilderness At Sunset

For many people, summer is the start of the RV season. Unfortunately, coronavirus has led to canceling many vacation plans. However, just because social distancing disrupts road trip season doesn’t mean you have to let your RV sit and wither in the yard. You can still go through your spring maintenance routine. You can even take the extra time to upgrade and redecorate your RV. Maybe you want to completely swap out your decorations or do some work to make the space feel cozier and more like home. The work you do on your RV now will still benefit you when you can hit the road again. Plus, in the meantime, you can treat yourself to a luxurious backyard camping trip.

Interior design has to do with the visual appeal of a building, residence, or structure. This includes the appearance of individual rooms and spaces as well as overall functionality. These areas being easily accessible to people with disabilities is important, whether they are homeowners or employees. The 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act brought to the forefront, according to Ortal, the importance of having proper access to public transportation, work, and services to those living with disabilities.

This would lead to better practices as it relates to designing businesses, offices, and shopping locations. Construction of infrastructure that made accessibility easier went into effect across the country. Today, accessible features like grab bars are required to be installed in most public locations where business is being conducted. But it hasn’t always been this way.

People who have mobility issues require interior design details that allow them to get around. Due to the changes in the way that buildings and residences are constructed now, it is possible to retrofit public spaces in a variety of ways. This makes it possible to create spaces that are both beautifully designed and that meet the needs of those with disabilities. There is no reason for decreasing the beauty of interior décor simply by including disability features when building.

You can utilize these strategies to build a home from the foundation up that caters to the design needs of those who are handicapped or have a physical challenge. People may also opt to add features of this sort into already constructed properties and businesses. Let’s take a look at 5 impacts that accessibility has on interior design.

1 – Open Concept Designs in Living Spaces

Beige countertop in black and white kitchen interior of house with flowers on table. Real photo

Ambience Design Group highlights that mobility is an important concept when it comes to designing with accessibility in mind. Flooring types from hardwood to tiles can be used when building or redesigning homes and offices. Open concepts seem to enhance these designs and make it easier for people in wheelchairs or those using walkers to get around.

Many people look for properties that are already designed with features that accommodate disability access. It is not as difficult today, however, to add specific features to these structures. Those purchasing homes or renovating them can combine both safety and style together to create the spacious living spaces that they want. Removing doors and even walls make for a more open look.

2 – Expand Entryways and Halls

An image of a disabled woman at the open door with space for your content

No person with a disability will have the exact same need as another. There are some people who find it easy to traverse many settings, including work environments and at home. These are also popular things that are seen in office buildings and other commercial areas.

There is often a difficulty when it comes to the entryways of these buildings and residences. Expanding these areas to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobile equipment is essential. This improves the overall usage of these spaces. Hallways are another location in homes that require expansion in many instances. These projects may involve altering designs or reconstructing existing portions of the home.

3 – Tailor Countertops and Storage Areas

Side view of serious businessman in headphones sitting in wheelchair and typing on computer at the office desk

Disability access has impacted the way that interior design projects are developed in some cases. Emagispace highlights the point that without accommodating daily activities in these designs, it is difficult for those with disabilities to do things like use hallways or an elevator. This has to do with accessibility in the workplace, but this issue is just as important when it comes to the home.

Tailoring specific items, such as countertops and storage areas is critical and serves to promote independence. The correct height for these features makes them not only accessible but simple to utilize without assistance. Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms fit into this category and can be redesigned to meet homeowner needs.

4 – Utilize Smart Technology for Home Use

Technology itself has made it possible for interior designers to better serve their clients with disabilities. Smart Technology, thorough interactive monitors, appliances, security systems, and other features are benefits. These can be added to specific rooms or portions of the home to increase accessibility to those with disabilities.

Utilizing this technology allows homeowners to set temperature gages, prepare meals, and do the laundry. There are many different brands on the market that offer advanced systems and appliances. Having these installed is another way to take control of the home setting and to live in comfort and independence. The contemporary appeal and look of these features add to the style of the residence.

5 – Replace Steps with Ramp Designs

Abilities.com reports that over the years, many people with disabilities have purchased homes that were just adequate. These residences didn’t’ improve or accommodate accessibility for those with disabilities. Projects, such as replacing existing steps in a space with a ramp is one example of making sure the room is functional for residents. The goal is to make every portion of the home user to everyone.

At the same time, it is necessary to prevent accidents and injuries due to the design of the home. Ramp designs can be used on virtually any level of the residence. These are useful in bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and other settings. Entryways are not the only important areas to consider for these ramps. It is possible to maintain the aesthetics of interior décor designs through these additions, as well.

Interior design professionals have long complied with the Americans with Disabilities Act. In 2010, the act was updated to enhance accessibility and to also meet the modern needs of this population. This update takes into consideration building design requirements for locations, such as movie theaters, hotels, restaurants, and medical facilities. As times change and building strategies progress, it is necessary to improve these techniques for residential building and commercial building projects.

Homebuyers with disabilities or family members in this category will certainly think about the importance of accessibility. In some cases, this may only require things like lift bars, but others may need lifts and entryway designs that are more conducive for use. There are design professionals that have experience with harmonizing client needs along with gorgeous interior décor creations.

Enjoying privacy at home is a right that anyone should have. You don’t want anyone peering through your windows or overhearing you while you’re at home. Although you might want to get to know your neighbors, you want to do it on your own terms and not because you can see and hear what they do and vice versa. When your home doesn’t feel as private as it should, you can do a few things that help to make it more private. A few changes can help you to feel safer and prevent you from worrying about whether your neighbors see more of your life than you want them to.

Choose the Right Window Dressings

Pink pastel curtains in living room and yellow designer chair

Having people looking through your windows is certainly not something that you want to have to deal with. However, sometimes people just can’t help it. It seems to be human instinct to look through a window as you walk past it. If you want to prevent your neighbors and passersby from looking straight into your living room, or worse into your bedroom, you should consider what types of window dressings are available. There are various options, from curtains to blinds and shutters. You can choose something that allows you to stop prying eyes but still control the natural light.

Install a Security Camera

An unrecognizable woman holding a tablet with smart home control system.

To keep your home private, it can be useful to know whether there might be anyone snooping around. It’s also just handy if you want to check who might be at the door or whether the delivery driver really did try to deliver your package like they said they did. A good security camera can allow you to check who has been outside your property and can even show you in real-time. Many modern cameras connect to smartphone apps so that you can take a look on your phone and see the video feed. You can even get an alert if there is any movement.

Soundproof Your Home

Hearing noise from outside can make it difficult to really enjoy your home. And if you can hear noise from outdoors, can people outside of your home also hear what you’re doing indoors? Soundproofing your home can help you with this problem, making your home a calm sanctuary. At https://www.insulatekansascity.com/sound-proofing-insulation/, you can find out how to soundproof your home for a quieter property. Adding insulation to your home is one of the best solutions. It helps to dampen sound so you can enjoy your home more.

Prevent Peering Into Your Yard

Hot Summer Day in the Beautiful Backyard Garden.

If your yard is overlooked by any of your neighbors, you might be reluctant to use it. However, there are ways for you to make it more private. Firstly, ensure you have a privacy fence to stop people looking in and trespassing too. If you’re worried about people looking into your yard from above, you can also use methods such as building a pergola to create a canopy.

When you feel that your home needs to be more private, make some changes, and you can enjoy your home more than ever.

Most people would agree to wanting a good dose of luxury in their home. Even if it is not something that you are hoping to have a lot of, or you prefer to use a different style in many ways, there is also probably a lot to be said for introducing some elements of luxury into your home from time to time. What’s more, it’s something that you should be able to do easily enough as long as you know some of the simple ways to do it. In this post, we are going to take a look at some of the common ways that people often introduce elements of luxury into their homes – and which you might want to make use of too.

It’s amazing what a difference the lighting makes. If you want your home to have that sense of luxury, you will certainly want to take a look at the lighting and see whether you can replace it with something that speaks to the brief a little more. Generally, that will just mean going for something that is high-quality as a fixture in the room, and not just a decorative element. Do this in a few key areas, and you should find that it is enough to really make a huge difference to the amount of luxury in your home.

Build One Show Element

Modern villa with water pool day view

For a little more luxury, you can also think about having one part of the home that you utilize as a kind of show element for the house, and specifically for the home’s luxurious nature. Many luxury homes have something of this sort, and it is definitely something you’ll want to think about. You might want to use a custom pool builder to create a luxury pool in your backyard for instance. That is something that is bound to make a huge difference to how luxurious your home really feels.

Keep It Simple

An important element of luxury is that it should always be simple. If it is simple enough, then you can be sure that it is going to have the desired effect. But if you go too far, you will end up causing the opposite effect, and before you know it you are going to find that your home looks garish or somehow overdone. Keep all of the changes simple and the design simple and the luxury is going to shine through much more potently.

Statement Furniture

Luxury light interior of sitting room with old stylish vintage furniture

Finally, you should consider finding one statement item of furniture for each room of the house. Doing so makes each room stand out a little more in its own way – especially if you make a point of choosing eclectic mixes of furniture styles throughout the home. The furniture can be anything you like, but do make sure that it is something that absolutely catches the eye when you walk into the room. With that, the whole home is going to look much more luxurious in no time.

If you’re planning on moving house in the next few months, then it’s vital that you’re organized and prepared for the process. As although it’s undeniably an exciting time, it can also be terrifying. However, with the right preparation, you’ll be on the path to success.

Whether it’s your first move or you’ve lived in several properties before, there are certain steps that you should take. But if you don’t know where to start with this, then you might be lost for inspiration. To help to guide you, here are 5 things that you should consider when moving into a new property:

Pack Sooner, Rather Than Later 

Multiple carton boxes with household stuff and furniture in empty room of new apartment

If you’re thinking of leaving packing until the last minute you’ll only cause yourself more stress. So, it’s advisable that you pack up all of your items ahead of time – then on moving day, you’ll only need to shift all of the boxes. It will also give you the peace of mind that your house is organized and ready to go, without having the fear that you’ve left something behind. 

Even though this might seem impossible when you have children, if you do this early enough and make a game out of it, you’ll get the process started on the right foot. 

Turn-key or Renovation Project? 

Home renovation with fireplace covered with plasterboard – 3d rendering

Ok, so this is something that you’ll obviously need to think about before you purchase a home. But that doesn’t mean that it’s not vital in terms of when you can move in. Many people purchase a house that is turn-key – i.e you can move in on moving day without having to do any work to it.

Whereas others like a challenge and love the idea of renovating a home so that it’s to their unique style. If you’re thinking about doing the latter, then there are plenty of tips that you can follow, to ensure that your new home is exactly the way that you want it over time. 

Hiring Professional Movers

When you’ve bought your new home and started to pack all of your items, it’s time to consider whether you’ll move on your own or you’ll hire professional movers. Typically, people will use movers as it’s less hassle and it means that all of your items can get there safely. Although it can be expensive, many argue that it’s worth the cost in the long term – especially when moving long distances.

Getting a Home Inspection Completed 

It’s vital that you get a home inspection carried out on your new property before you move in. Why? Because it will pick up any issues with the heating system, damp, mold, electrical sockets, etc. 

Without this, you’ll only end up regretting it – especially if you find a costly fix down the line that would have been picked up on it and you could have put in a lower offer because of it. Luckily there are so many businesses that can do this, no matter where you’re located – whether you’re looking for a Toronto home inspection or one in another area. 

Transfer The Utilities and Your Postal Address 

A mailbox full of mail against a blue and puffy white cloud sky

A few weeks prior to the big move, it’s worth contacting your utility providers to let them know about it. Usually, you can ask them if you can change it to your new address if you want to continue using their service. Along with utilities, you ensure that you forward all of your future mail to your new address and change your address on any documents.

Your bedroom should act as a place of peace and calm, but that can’t happen if it’s a mess. Follow these important tips for organizing your bedroom.

Your bedroom should be a haven for you, an escape from the tension and stressors of the outside world. With the coronavirus pandemic, however, we’ve all been spending a lot more time in our bedrooms now than we did in the past. That said, it’s important to keep your room that place of repose and comfortability—keeping it clean is an important step to ultimate comfort. For some key tips on organizing your bedroom and getting rid of mess, take a look below!

Control Your Closet

3d rendering interior and exterior design

One of the messiest places of most people’s bedrooms is the closet. When you were a kid and cleaning your room, there’s a high chance that you used to just throw all of the mess in the closet and close the door. You can’t—or at least, you shouldn’t—do that anymore as an adult. Instead, your closet should act as the most organized area of your room. Give yourself more space by switching out seasonal clothes and limiting how much you let yourself purchase. The more time you devote to keeping the closet clean, the better for the overall organization of the bedroom.

Utilize Other Storage Options

Background image of empty apartment with bicycle next to chalkboard wall, copy space

Your closet isn’t the only place that you can store things in your room. In fact, it shouldn’t really store much more than what you wear on your body. You can utilize other areas of the room as storage spaces, especially if your closets aren’t that big. One great tip for organizing your bedroom is to use is the space underneath your bed for storage. Clean out anything that you may have lost under there, and then use bins to maintain order. Vertical shelving is another wonderful choice to house personal items, rather than letting them litter the floor or the closet.

Organize One Area Before Moving On

When it comes to the actual cleaning and organizing of the room, try to focus on one furniture piece before moving on to another. For example, if you’re working on organizing your bookcase, finish cleaning and organizing the entire bookcase before moving on to the desk. If you try to tackle everything at once, you’ll lose sight of your goal to turn your room into an organizational haven.

Use and Maintain Your Hamper

Piles of clothes are a surefire route to sleeping in a stressful room. A messy room can often mean a messy mind, and you can start combatting that by taking care of the clothes. Use a hamper so you can hide your dirty clothes after wearing them, rather than tossing them on the floor. It’s a good idea to get a hamper with a lid on it, so that you know when it’s time to do laundry (i.e. when the lid no longer goes on). Similarly, make sure that you’re putting the clean clothes away right after washing—clean clothing piles are just as disorganized as dirty!

Declutter as Often as Possible

Dreamy feminine wardrobe with white furniture, big mirror, shoe closet, beige carpet, blue retro armchair and pastel pink accessories

A room often seems disorganized because the clutter is at its maximum. Do your best to declutter as often as possible. We tend to take things to our room when we don’t know where to put them in the rest of the house. If you can’t find meaning or purpose for an item, it’s time to get rid of it—not to stick it on a desk. Do your best to try to keep flat surfaces clear, and that will help you feel as though the room is more organized.

Despite their potential, the majority of us use our basements for tasks like laundry, junk storage, or other such unnecessary pursuits. That’s an issue you’re going to want to address if your family is at risk of outgrowing your home. Yet, even in the face of moving as an alternative, many of us simply don’t get around to making our basements beautiful. Why? Because we imagine it’ll be too much work, for one thing.

In reality, though, basement renovations are some of the easiest, and any issues they do pose have simpler fixes than you’d think. Most often, in fact, imagined struggles come down to a few fundamental mistakes on your part, as we’ll be looking at here.

Determination to do it all alone

It is possible to DIY some aspects of basement renovation, but you may also need to accept outside help sometimes. For instance,  things like lighting and window installations are fundamental for a livable space and are out of reach for you. Equally, failing to turn to outside junk removal companies as found at https://dallasjunker.com/debris-removal/ would see you struggling to clear up at the end of the task. These may be small considerations in the grand scheme of your project, but trust us when we say that they can make a considerable difference overall.

Failure to utilize what you’ve got

Your basement is a ready-made, and often largely ready-to-use space. Yet, it’s astounding how few of us utilize that fact. Rather than taking the bare structure we already have and creating haven of relaxation; we’re more liable to assume this task will take a lot of work. In reality, though, overcoming this issue is as easy as spending a little time in your basement as it stands. The more you get to know the space, the more you should realize that it’s much closer to completion than you give it credit for.

Thinking too big

Along the same lines, basement renovation can also become pretty daunting if you approach it by thinking too big. By this, we mean if you plan to knock walls down or add an entire downstairs sauna to your home. These tasks are, obviously, going to require a fair bit of planning and expertise. But, there are so many other simplistic basement ideas. In fact, as can be seen on sites like https://money.com, many people are now turning to this as a money-saving alternative to more pricey renovation undertakings. Make sure that you enjoy those affordability and simplicity benefits by considering basic basement functions, like playrooms, television areas, or just a spare bedroom for guests. In every instance, you should find that you only need to undertake a few tweaks along the way.

Of course, the ease with which you can access basement renovation will, in large part, depend on the state of your basement as it stands. But, there’s more than a little chance that you’ll find, with these pointers in mind, that this isn’t half the mammoth task you’ve been expecting.

Imagine this room: old, yellowing carpet on the floors. Grey, peeling wall paint. Sparse furniture and even sparser decorations. Clutter lying around everywhere, cheap vases with plastic flowers staring at you from every flat surface, and desks that are all crammed right next to each other. Do you feel pleasant in this room? Neither do your employees. Neither do your clients.

An office is more than just a place where people work. It’s a reflection of the company’s values and its competence, and ultimately, it’s where your employees spend at least eight hours a day and your clients come to do business.

If you want to impress your clients and keep your employees happy and productive, you’ve got to get the design right. Here are a few tips to help you spruce up the workspace.

Colors affect everyone’s mood

There’s more to colors than preference, and the majority of entrepreneurs are well aware of this. For example, let’s start with green and blue – these colors occur in nature very frequently, which is why they evoke calmness and tranquility. This aspect of office design is important for breaking tension. Yellow, however, tends to communicate happiness and joy, which plays a key role in keeping a mind unoccupied and is a great pick-me-up. On the other hand, none of the mentioned basic colors evokes creativity as red does. This creativity, however, comes at a price – red raises a room’s energy level and has a tendency to cause adrenaline surges, which isn’t always ideal, but can do wonders for new ideas.
Knowing how to use colors in your office design is a key factor in making things function properly.

Lighting is crucial for productivity

Proper lighting is the most important aspect of a well-designed office space, especially if your building doesn’t get too much natural light during the day. We’ll just come out and say it – you need LED lights. Don’t even bother with any other type of artificial lighting. LEDs are up to 80% more energy efficient than other fixtures, they contain no toxic elements, they have a longer life span, and they’re much easier on the eyes than fluorescent fixtures. If you want to do more thorough research we suggest visiting the lighting fair in Frankfurt, Germany, especially if you want to hear expert advice. For architects, artists, and similar businesses that rely heavily on employees seeing their work clearly, proper lighting fixtures make all the difference.

Furniture design reflects the company’s image

Bet you didn’t think it’s going to take this long to get to the office furniture design factor, right? Well, now we are here and it is very much worth mentioning that it does, indeed, play a crucial role in creating a great atmosphere. However, not everyone is an interior designer and, try as you may to come up with a true feng shui atmosphere, it will never feel as good as when arranged by experts in commercial office design, and this is a fact! When it comes to furniture, always resort to professionals.

Spacious offices increase comfort

There is nothing worse than feeling caged within an indoor area where you spend the majority of your working hours during the week. Now, of course that you can’t really expand the walls of an area, but cleaning all the clutter and trying to find a perfectly fitting place for everything from printers to drawers will go a long way in creating a more open atmosphere within your workspace.
Pro tip for your office: try to keep the couches and armchairs a foot or two away from the wall; contrary to the popular belief, this will make any space feel more comfortable!

Plants will boost teamwork and productivity

Is there anything sadder than gazing out from your office window just so you wouldn’t have to stare at a dull, grey, lifeless room around you? To make the office livelier, introduce low-maintenance indoor plants. They will boost creativity of your team, make them more productive, and clean the air. Plants can also reduce noise pollution, which means the office will be quieter.

Personal items will make workers more committed

Personal items can make any employee feel more at home. Instead of just clocking off eight hours, they’ll be more dedicated to the company because of the sense of belonging. Things like family photos or small ornaments are an important part of positive office decor because they create a familiar atmosphere and boost teamwork between office members.

Most employees spend 40 hours a week in an office. With good décor, it can become a pleasant space to work in where every worker feels relaxed, creative, and productive. Create a stress-free, beautiful place for your employees and they’ll repay you in hard work.

If you are looking to be more artistic with your space, to the point that it screams ‘you,’ then you have come to the right place. Some people forget that their home is a place that you can style however you want, and when people come in, they are expecting to see a reflection of you. In this article, we are going to be looking at some of the basic ways that you can create a space that shows everyone who you are. Keep reading to find out more.

Art

Simple posters hanging on grey raw wall in study corner living room interior with wooden desk with mockup monitor, fresh plants and books

The first thing that we are going to look at is art. Art is something that differs from person to person. Where someone might think that a piece of art is simply incredible, someone else might just see a blob of colors. It’s all down to personal preference, and that is something that you need to remember when you are choosing art for your space. If you are an artist, you can even use art that you have created yourself to give the room the vibe that you are looking for. If you’re not, though, then you should get out and find some that really speak to you.

It’s all about what you like, what will make you feel happy when you see it, or what provokes emotion. It’s about finding something that you think looks good, and you are happy to see every day in your home.

Furniture

Wooden modern furniture in a bright cozy room

You’ve also got to think about the furniture that you have in your home. There are so many different styles that you can choose from and so many places to buy from that you are going to be spoilt for choice. Think about what kind of material you want for your sofa, think about the colors that you are choosing and whether it’s going to work with the color that you’ve chosen for the wall and so on. There is much to consider when it comes to buying furniture, and you want to make sure that you are buying high-quality, so don’t just jump in and buy something straight away. Look around, check out things like Joybird reviews and reviews for other places to see what other people who have already bought from the company think.

Furniture has the ability to tie a room together or completely break it, so do be careful when choosing your pieces while making sure that they are you.

Extra Additions

Photo frames on wooden floor

Finally, things like personal items make a room scream you. There’s nothing more personal than items that hold some kind of value to you, or express who you are in some way. Pictures of family and friends, items that you have made, or that your kids have made, little things that you’ve picked up over the years that people associate you with, things that you treasure, and so on. You can’t get more personal than this, so if you want the room to feel like you, then you need personal items in there.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see how you can create a space that screams you.

We belong to the indoor generation – is the conclusion of a recent American survey which found that 1 in 4 Americans is happy to spend the whole day at home. Why not? After all, your home is your refuge from the hustle and bustle of the outside world, a place where you can relax and recharge your body and soul.

And now it seems that we might be staying indoors a lot more, at least until the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic is over.

To make the most out of the time you spend at home, you should consider implementing a few small changes to make your home more energy-efficient. Why? A typical household in the U.S. spends more than $2,000 a year on energy bills, not to mention the negative environmental impact.

Here’s how you can start your journey towards turning your home into a green, energy-efficient oasis:

1. Light up with energy-efficient lightbulbs

Energy saving light bulbs organized in a row over blue background, top view.

When you need to buy new light bulbs, replace them with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). LED lightbulbs consume only a quarter of the energy used by incandescent lighting and last 25 times longer. If you are not a fan of the bright operating-room-like fluorescent lighting, you can pick from a range of softer / warmer tones of LEDs. Need more reasons? LEDs are able to operate at any power strength from 1 to 100%, so you can easily dim the lights to achieve the cozy candlelight effect.

2. Unplug with a smart power strip

You have probably heard that your turned-off appliances, be it maps, laptops or a stereo continue consuming electricity if you keep them plugged in. When added up, it can cost you extra dollars on your utility bills each month. Consider getting a smart power strip, which shuts off power flowing to electronics on stand-by, avoiding the phantom electricity losses. Statistics vary, but you should be able to save between 5 – 10% of your monthly electric bill.

3. Create your indoor jungle

Cosy green room with many green plants

Close your eyes. Imagine that you are in a rainforest, surrounded by the greenery of exotic looking plants. You feel a light breeze. A hummingbird is chirping in the background. The good news? You can recreate this feeling in your home with the right selection of plants, which will not only transport you to an imaginary jungle but will reduce your electric bill too. How? Some indoor plants such as aloe vera, golden pothos and gerbera daisies release moisture and moist air is better at trapping in heat. Your home will stay cooler during the hot summer days and you won’t have to turn on the air-conditioning.

4. Stay in control with a programmable thermostat

Hand turning a home thermostat knob to set temperature on energy saving mode. fahrenheit units. Composite image between a photography and a 3D background.

A programmable thermostat will automatically turn off or reduce the heating and cooling of your living space when you are away or asleep and can save you up to $180 per year. Some newer versions can learn your daily routines and program themselves, like this Nest thermostat from Google. In addition, they usually come with clever apps that allow you to check your thermostat and adjust your home temperature from anywhere, as long as you have Wi-Fi.

5. Bask in the sun with a solar panel

Photovoltaic Solar Panels on Newly Built Modern House

Solar panels efficiently convert the sun’s energy into electricity that can be used to power your home. Form the environmental perspective, generating your own clean energy will help you reduce your carbon footprint, while also reducing your electric bill. True, installing solar panels is costly and it will take some time before you get a return on your investment. However, if you are willing (and able) to play the long game, solar panels are a great way to protect against rising energy costs and even earn money with Feed-In-Tariffs by getting paid for the excess energy that you don’t use. Alternatively, you can subscribe to community solar programs, or “shared solar gardens” that allow you to reap the benefits of solar energy without the hassle of installing a panel.

6. Switch power suppliers

There are currently 18 U.S. states with competitive energy marketplaces, driving the electricity rates in these deregulated states below the U.S. average. If you currently live in a deregulated state, you can switch your electric supplier and reduce the price you pay for electricity. Switching suppliers is easy, secure and it often involves only a few clicks of your computer mouse. In addition, most suppliers offer additional perks to win you over – attractive rewards programs, complimentary smart thermostats or 100% renewable energy rates.

If you follow the above tips, you will make your home greener and more efficient, which will soon get reflected in your utility bills. Don’t get overwhelmed by doing all of it at once. It’s probably a good idea to pick one project and kick start your journey towards home energy efficiency.

Author: A. Pavelekova

ElectricRate.com

Although laundry rooms aren’t usually people’s favorite spaces, they’re one of the most important. Plus, it’s not like anyone wants to scrub out dirt and grass stains for hours on end. But when your area looks and feels put-together and practical, you may discover a new love for this chore.

By transforming your space, you can remove the hassle from washing clothes. Here are five ideas for an attractive yet organized laundry room:

1. Extend the Countertops

If you want to save square footage, you should stack your washer and dryer. But for those of you who plan to set front-load appliances side by side, here’s a nifty trick. You can install more counter space above them so that you can fold clothes and stack items.

The countertop creates an upside-down “U” shape — there’s a shelf on either side and above the washer and dryer. Your machines should fit inside perfectly. Subsequently, you’ll have a worktable to use for whatever you need. Feel free to make your own or purchase a cabinet elsewhere. Just be sure to choose the right materials and measure accurately beforehand.

2. Use Hooks and Hangers

Often, our laundry rooms become catch-alls for random objects. That said, you don’t need to clog up precious cupboard space — use your walls instead. When arranged correctly, a few hooks can look terrific. Plus, they’re easy to access. You can try a pegboard for effortless removal. After you install your hooks, hang up brooms, bags and brushes.

Similarly, an extension rod works wonders. If there’s space between your cabinets, place a few rods to hold heavier articles on hangers. These are perfect for bulky winter coats that need to air dry.

3. Remember to Add a Sink

If you plan to renovate your laundry room, don’t forget to set aside space for a utility sink. They’re instrumental when you need to handwash especially delicate items or pre-soak stained pants or shirts.

Additionally, many people like that they’re handy for other chores — no one wants to wash their dog’s toys in the kitchen or bathroom. You could also use it as a way to clean up before you head indoors.

Try to place the sink close to your appliances to create a room with maximum efficiency. Otherwise, it’ll be a pain to walk back and forth across the room unnecessarily.

4. Try Baskets and Jars

A lot of cabinet space certainly helps, but an organized storage system does, too. You can use baskets to hold extra towels, cloths and rags. They’re also terrific for paper products and other supplies that need to be within reach. Of course, wire or cloth baskets look lovely, so you won’t have to skimp out on any design aspects. Try to arrange them on open shelves.

Clear glass jars provide form and function. You could fill them with laundry pods, liquid detergent and more. They’re handy for clothespins as well. Plus, these containers are sustainable, so you can opt for eco-friendly refills when they’re available. If you want to add a spout to the front, you can dispense soap into cups for each wash. Make sure to label every jar so that you know what’s what.

5. Keep Hampers Nearby

White cotton towels on a rattan box against black wall in a laundry.

Your house probably has a hamper in each bedroom or bathroom. It’s essential to keep one in your laundry room as well. This way, your family can dump dirty clothes and shoes on the go. If you want to be even more organized, use a laundry basket that doubles as a sorter. Then, everyone can sort their items by whatever system you decide to create.

You could even try a built-in laundry cabinet that tilts outward to collect clothes. There’s a ton of possibilities out there regarding stylish hampers. When it comes time for a new laundry basket, you can repurpose the old one in a few different ways.

Use These Suggestions for an Organized Space

Your laundry room doesn’t have to feel cluttered or dysfunctional. With these design tips, you can create an impressive space.

Holly Welles is a freelance writer and the editor of The Estate Update, a home décor blog for new homeowners. Her work has been published in Today’s Homeowner, Homes.com and other web magazines.

We all like to think of ourselves as creatives at times, and yet, we all have a different sense of creativity! We all paint and draw differently, and we all approach DIY differently, and we definitely have different styles and tones of writing. It’s what makes us all fit together and bounce off of each other, and it’s why we should all think about making a creative space within our own homes. 

Your home doesn’t have to look luxurious at all times – it can be bright and vibrant, and help your best ideas to come out! And so, if you want your home to invoke a real and continuous sense of creativity, make sure you keep tips like these in mind. Interior design is all about experimenting, and you’ve got four walls to make good use of!

Create a Sense of Mood Lighting

Room with decorative lighting, bed, dresser and sofa

Mood lighting is something we’re all a fan of – who wants to be decked out in bright overhead lights all the time, that makes both you and anything you create look terrible? No, instead, focus on setting the mood with how you light your rooms, and even think about letting a lot more natural light into them as well. 

Get some standing lamps, or even a light dimmer, and let yourself be in the dark a little more often. If you have heavy, blackout curtains, why not swap them out for blinds? They’re just as good at containing heat in the summertime, but they can be easily opened and closed, and allow for a lot more control over the level of natural light in a room. 

Include a Bit of Green

Wooden corner shelves with decor and fresh plants hanging on wall in real photo of bright living room interior with armchair with fur cushion, window with wooden blinds and coffee table

Human beings love the color green, and the natural and lively sense it inspires. It’s why we love to have potted plants and hanging gardens around the house – think about setting out a few of your own, if you want to feel a bit more creative on a daily basis. 

At the same time, think about making a green room to paint or write in; a pale apple green on the walls, a striped rug on the hardwood floor, etc. A room like this could really get your creative juices flowing, and it’ll always look nice in any kind of house out there! 

Make Some Space!

You’re going to need to get rid of all that clutter – your mind can’t think when the environment is just a bit too messy, and you’ll thank yourself for all this hard work later! You could very well make use of a Junk Removal service, if your whole house needs clearing out and you’ve got a backyard’s worth of rubbish that needs shifting. More space outside means more space in your mind to have creative and positive thoughts, and that’s what your home should always inspire within you. 

A creative space doesn’t have to be hard to put together. Think about what makes you feel creative, and always be sure to remember these decor rules too!

If you are on a tight budget then you’ll be glad to know that it’s still possible for you to create a home that looks like it’s out of a luxurious magazine. If you aren’t sure where to start or if you want to try and add some extra flair then you can find out everything you need to know, right here.

Treat Each Room like a Blank Slate

The first thing that you need to do is try and treat each room as if it is a blank slate. This will give you the chance to highlight any of your architectural details. If you have crown molding, a hardwood floor or even wooden beams then try and focus on bringing out these details as much as you can. Features like this are often very expensive so try and make them as prominent. The more you can do this, the more expensive your home will look. Mosaic-tile backsplashes are also worth focusing on, so do keep this in mind.

Add some Color

Paint is very inexpensive but it can make a huge difference. It doesn’t matter whether you need to tone down your color or whether you want to liven up your living space, because color can easily change the overall impact of your home. A nice splash of color can also make your home look as though it is worth more too so make sure that you keep this in mind.  If you are stuck as to what décor you should be going for then consider hiring an interior design service. They can then help you with anything you need.

Pick Nice Towels

Pink towel on ladder next to bedside cabinet with design lamp in bedroom with king-size bed

Now is the time for you to get rid of any bath towels that you have lying around. If you have discolored white towels then now is the time for you to get rid of them. You might also want to throw away any that are stained with bleach too.

Swap out your Throw Pillows

Another thing that you can do is get rid of your old throw pillows. Throw pillows are a very easy way for you to accessorize a room, but at the end of the day, if yours are old then you may find that they are bringing your home down. If you want to get around this then replace them with brighter pillows and ones that are fuller and fluffier. Don’t be afraid to mix and match colors and textures either because sometimes this can really work in your favor.

Add some Molding

If you can see that your walls are bare other than the occasional art piece then why not add some molding? You don’t need something luxurious, in fact, sometimes something simple can work just as well. This will really bring your home to life and you may even find that it makes your space feel way bigger too.

Hang some Art

Two modern art paintings hanging on wall in real photo of bright sitting room interior with blue couch and armchair, fresh plant and carpet

Another thing that you can do is try and hang some unique artwork. It doesn’t matter whether you are choosing to put up some family photos or whether you are putting up some DIY art, because everything in your home should be placed well and it should also reflect the wall that you are decorating too. If you aren’t sure if a piece of art looks right in a certain place then try and hang it while you get your partner to have a  look. This way, you can get perspective without having to put a ton of nails in the wall.

Accent with your Accessories

Magazines remain to be a great source of inspiration when you want to update your home. You may think that the things that you see in magazines are overly expensive and this may be the case, but it is more than possible for you to get everything you need done without breaking the bank. The only thing that you need to do is try and look for a budget-friendly alternative to the item you have chosen. When you do, you will soon find that you can get a great deal without having to worry about a thing.

So there are many things that you can do to try and get a great result out of your home décor and if you follow the above tips then you will soon find that it is easier than ever for you to make a huge difference. If you need some more help then it may be worth trying to hire an interior designer if you can.

Living in a digital era brought many innovations in the ways our households function on a day-to-day basis. However, no one said connected technology should be limited to your home’s interior, and our outdoor spaces could surely benefit from the addition of some smart technology add-ons. Here are a couple of ways you can infuse technology into the great outdoors and create the perfect backyard oasis.

Smart outdoor lighting

Just because the sun went down doesn’t mean that your party has come to an end. For someone who hosts parties and all kinds of gatherings on a regular basis, installing smart outdoor lighting is definitely something to consider. From ensuring safety in areas such as stairs, pools, and pathways to accentuating the best features of your landscape design, smart outdoor lighting has different applications that make it a must-have for anyone looking to brighten up their evenings.Thanks to numerous options that can be accessed via an app or through voice-control, a smart lighting system also provides the users with a wide color palette they can rely on to design lightscapes according to their preferences. On the other hand, if you’re working with smaller spaces and need a simpler and more practical lighting solution, a 2-in-1 halogen umbrella lamp might be just what you need to keep your guests comfortable and cozy.

A high-quality outdoor entertainment

Merging the outdoors with the indoors is a growing trend, and a lot of homeowners are looking for new ways to get their backyards to act as extensions of their own homes. Aside from incorporating cohesive design schemes and using complimentary architecture, ensuring quality outdoor entertainment is an essential step when it comes to designing functional, enjoyable, and well-equipped outdoor spaces where friends and family will want to hang out.

Adding an outdoor TV to your backyard is a no-brainer, and nowadays, you can find LED TVs engineered for outdoor viewing complete with compatible sound systems that are sure to take your outdoor entertainment experience to the next level. Thanks to weatherproof housing, such outdoor entertainment systems are climate resistant and able to withstand anything from humidity and UV rays to insects and dirt, ensuring year-round protection against even the most extreme temperature variations.

An electronic bug zapper

With warm weather come insects – the uninvited guests you don’t want anywhere near your actual human guests. However, before you hit the store and start searching for sticky tape or a harsh insect repellent spray, you might want to look for a safer alternative for pest-proofing your backyard oasis.

Effective and easy to use, an electronic bug zapper relies on LED lights and titanium dioxide to lure pesky insects into a trap container, simulating the warmth of the human body which mosquitoes – the cold-blooded insects – are attracted to. Install these in your outdoor space where people gather, and you can rest assured any insects that intend to crash your summer bash will be bugging out in no time

A robotic lawnmower

When the warm season strikes, keeping your lawn manicured and trimmed is essential. Regular mowing and lawn maintenance helps keep your grass vibrant, luscious, and green, all the while keeping discoloration and weeds at bay. A nice, well-maintained lawn sets the stage for the rest of your outdoor space, but come summer, mowing your lawn once or twice a week can easily turn into an annoyance.

To keep your lawn looking its best and save some time in the process, consider getting a robotic lawnmower. It works automatically so it’s very much like one of those robot vacuum cleaners, only for your yard instead of home. Nifty and easy to use, this outdoor gadget will ensure you get a nice looking lawn without breaking a sweat and sans supervision.

An outdoor spa

A water element is always a good addition for any backyard, no matter how big or small. That being said, installing an in-ground pool can be a pricey backyard add-on and not suitable for every budget or backyard size. On the other hand, installing an outdoor spa might be a more affordable option to beautify your backyard space and make it more functional.

Because they come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, they can be fitted almost anywhere, from outdoor rooms and porches to unused corners of the backyard. Therefore, they represent a luxury solution for those working with smaller square footage while also serving as an effective aesthetic element, not to mention their therapeutic properties. Some models even come with a thermostat that is remote controlled so you can easily warm up the water by simply clicking on a mobile app. It’s like having a wellness retreat you can enjoy whenever you want – without even leaving your home.

We’re already used to the idea of making our homes smarter, but when it comes to our outdoor living spaces, there is a lot of room for improvement. With these nifty outdoor tech gadgets at your disposal, you can make your outdoor area smarter and your life a little bit easier.

Feng Shui can make a big difference in the flow of energy in your space. Take a look at three of the main benefits of Feng Shui in the home!

Chances are pretty high that you’ve been spending a lot more time at home lately. You’re working at home, exercising at home, cooking and eating at home, relaxing at home—the list goes on. All that time indoors can something to your brain, your mood, and your thoughts. Though it seems like there’s not much we can do but sit at home and wait this out, there are ways to make your space provide more energy and passion to even your daily tasks.

For centuries, Feng Shui has cleared bad energy from the home and helped create a space of authenticity and positive vibrations. There are plenty of ways to bring these changes into your home, but if you need more of a reason to transform your living space, take a look below. We’ve outlined some of the key benefits of Feng Shui in the home—check them out!

Improves the Energy Flow of the Home

The basis of Feng Shui says that you should use the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water) in your home design to achieve balance. The placement of said elements, along with the placement of furniture, electronics, and even plants, makes a difference in a home’s energy flow. You want the energy to flow from one room to the next—imagine the energy as water. Choose curves over straight lines to improve the energy flow.

Enhances the Overall Well-being

As we mentioned, Feng Shui improves the energy of the home. As a part of that, one of the main purposes of good Feng Shui is to keep healthy energy flowing constantly throughout the house. For example, plants are a big part of Feng Shui, and plants improve a home’s air quality. This is a simple way that the wellbeing of the home is essential for proper Feng Shui. Similarly, Feng Shui design keys in on the negative energy that comes from electric items, such as TVs, clocks, phones, and radios. They should be moved at least two to three feet away from your body and should never be turned toward places of relaxation. Electronics lower resistance and absorb vital energy from the home and from your body. We could all lose some electronics from our lives!

Harmonizes the Environment for Living and Working

bamboo shoots in green vase

Probably the most important benefit, especially with our current climate, is the fact that Feng Shui helps harmonize the environment for living and working. Part of this deals with the energy flow of the home, which will bring energy to your workspace and a tame energy to your bedroom. For example, when you think of the living room, you can take the Feng Shui tips for that room and bring them into other areas of the home. You may have to do some shifting of where your home office is, but the more you maneuver, the better chance you have of figuring out the perfect flow for your home.

These helpful tips for planning a memorable fall wedding will ensure your extravagant evening will be talked about for years and years to come.

Due to recent world events, it’s understandable to put wedding plans on hold for the moment. However, the time to take part in wonderfully extravagant weddings with friends and family will return. If you want to have your wedding during the fall season, either this year or next, there are some important things to know. These helpful tips for planning a memorable fall wedding will help ensure that your wedding is the special day that you deserve! We’ll breakdown these tips by whether you’ll be planning an indoor or outdoor wedding.

Outdoor Weddings

Outdoor setup for wedding reception

Always Have a Back-up Plan

If you’re holding your wedding outdoors during the fall, it’s important to have a back-up plan in the case of bad weather. Even if the forecast looks promising, you should still expect the unexpected. If it gets too cold or too rainy on your special day, having a Plan B will help it get right back on track.

Keep Your Toes Covered

Your wedding day should be one of the best days of your life. Because of that, you don’t want something like cold feet getting in the way—and I don’t mean that metaphorically. If your wedding is outside, you should avoid open-toe shoes. That way, you can remain warm and clean through the entire ceremony.

Provide Guests with Warm Blankets and Drinks

If the weather gets super cold, you may want to hop onto Plan B. However, if it’s bearably cold, you can warm up the evening with some cozy blankets and warm drinks. There are plenty of delicious, warm cocktails that are perfect for wedding evenings. This combination can help make your event so comfortable, your guests may not want to leave.

Indoor Weddings

Decorative White Mantles And Colored Ribbons On Chairs At Festive Table. Chairs And Table Covered With Cloth.

Use Seasonal Stationery

Before guests even arrive at the wedding, you can make them feel the warmth of already being there. By printing invitations onto seasonal stationery, guests can begin picturing the venue without ever having been there. Then when they arrive, it can make the venue feel more like a destination than simply a pretty location.

Make Your Whole Venue a Photo-Op

The place where you hold your wedding should be a feast for the eyes. By focusing on small things that you would normally not consider, your wedding can go from great to incredible. For instance, eye-popping decorations on tables can make the venue feel fun and inviting. Even applying the right ceiling drapes can transform your venue into something truly dazzling.

Get the Best of Both Worlds

Bouquets of hydrangeas hanging from chairs for outdoor wedding.

Just because you plan on having your wedding indoors, that doesn’t mean you can’t bring the wonderful world around you inside as well. Decorate the venue with seasonal colors and flowers to remind your friends and family of the beauty of the outdoors without having to deal with the inconveniences of rain and cold.

Whether you’re outside in a vibrant field or inside of an extravagant church, these helpful tips for planning a memorable fall wedding will keep your night on-track. A wedding is such a special event that it’s easy for the smallest issues to feel apocalyptic. Thankfully, this guide is here to help you feel calm and remain radiant.

Your home should be a place of ease, a place to get away from tension. Follow these different ways to make your home a haven of relaxation—you won’t regret it!

The whole world is tense right now, and it’s easy to let that tension eat its way into the home. But when this happens, it becomes almost impossible to find a place of calm. Now more than ever, your home should act as a place of comfort, or there should at least be areas of the home that are “untouched” by the stress of the outside world. Maybe your new office area is the place where you look at the news and get down to business, but your bedroom and the living room, for example, should act of those places of extreme comfort. Learn some important ways to make your home a haven of relaxation so that you have places of ease within your space.

Keep the Diffuser Going

Aromatherapy concept. Aromatic white candles and essential oil reed diffusers

Essential oils are your friend during times of stress. One of the best ways to use essential oils is with diffusers. If you don’t already have one, there are a few simple steps you can take to reap the same rewards. Placing cotton balls dipped in the oil throughout the room is one option. Choose scents like lavender, eucalyptus and mint, pine, and vanilla!

Make Sure the Lighting is Versatile

Lighting also plays a big role in the comfort of a room. If your space is all artificial light, then that can add to tension. Allow for as much natural light as possible in the room, and if it’s not possible, at least give the room versatile lighting options. Think about having three different lighting options in the room—general, task, and accent. Being able to switch up lighting dependent on mood is a nice way to soothe the energy of a space.

Switch Up the Paint Colors

Color makes a difference in your mood. It may be a subtle shift, but when you walk into a room that’s red, your mood shifts in a different direction than it does if you walk into a room that’s painted blue. If you walk into a room and don’t feel at ease, then maybe you need to think about switching up the paint color. If you can’t change the paint color, add in some accent colors of ease—neutrals, blues, yellows, and light greens are good options.

Choose Soft and Comfortable

When it comes to the furniture, blankets, throw pilots, and rugs you have in the room,  choose pieces that are soft and comfortable. There’s no way the room or the home is going to be a haven of relaxation if the couch you’d lounge on is uncomfortable. Switch out hard furniture and rough blankets for items that put you at immeasurable ease. You can make your home office a bit more relaxing simply by making the chair more comfortable.

Remove Outside Distractions

If you want a room devoted solely to relaxation, then you need to remove outside distractions. Put a bin for technology outside the door, so that when you walk in, you won’t be sidetracked by the notifications on your phone. Don’t look at newspapers or magazines if you know it will add to your tension. Let the room be a place for hobbies, reading, crafting, and listening to music—a place away from the outside tension.

Embrace Greenery

Various house plants in different pots against white wall, copy space

Your home could always benefit from more plants and flowers. Make it more relaxing by adding your favorite flowers and plants—the kinds that will survive even if you forget to water them now and then. Adding natural elements to the interior design of a space is always a great option!

No matter what, plastic is everywhere around us. Plastic is widely used all over the globe. From water bottles to food packaging and cosmetic products to straws. The most popular plastic in the world, polyethylene, was invented back in 1898. However, it was not until the 1960s when it became widely used and we became dependent on it. Indeed, plastic is very convenient and serves a great purpose. However, its impact on the environment is so significant that it is increasingly becoming apparent that if we do nothing it will eventually destroy our planet.

Recycling and “upcycling” plastics (repurposing plastics instead of throwing them away) are small actions individuals can take to combat the damage plastics do to the environment. Here we are going to talk about creative ways to upcycling your plastics and provide a quick cheat sheet for recycling.

Know Your Plastics

Sometimes you may simply need to recycle old plastics. But even then, not all plastics are the same. Here’s a quick reference for which types of plastics you’ll come across, and the new life they get as a result!

PETE Plastics

PETE (Polyethylene terephthalate) plastics are recycled as a whole. They are sorted, flaked, and then washed away by recyclers. Caps, labels, and other non-PETE attached to PETE bottles are not removed during the recycling process. It is used then to create a type of fabric that is then used in the clothing industry.

HDPE Plastics

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) plastics are the most commonly recycled plastic. That is due to its highly crystalline structure which makes it stronger and higher in density than other plastics. HDPE has a melting point of around 130 degrees Celsius. This makes it easy to reshape HDPE via extrusion or mold injection easily. That is done without any significant degradation to the plastic. When recycled it is often used to make sturdy materials: tables, roadside curbs, trash receptacles, rulers, and even toilet partitions.

PS Plastics

PS (Polystyrene) Plastics are not commonly recycled. However, when recycled, it is used in products like clothes hangers, park benches, toys, rules, picture frames, seeding containers, and flower pots. Polystyrene is used as an insulator when making doors and walls in construction. It has been used in that field since 1993.

PVC Plastics

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) plastics are recycled using two methods. Mechanical recycling, and Feedstock recycling. There are only two recycling methods for PVC because it is very hard to recycle PVC plastics. Since Chlorine is present in the construction of PVC it is dangerous to incinerate it as it will produce toxic fumes. When PVC is recycled it is used to produce the same product it was before. However, when the Feedstock recycling process is used, the resulted product is used as fuel for energy recovery.

LDPE Plastics

LDPE (Low-density polyethylene) Plastics are one of the widely recycled kinds of plastics. The recycling process is done via melting the LDPE plastic to get rid of any contaminants. After that LDPE is manufactured into thin plastic sheets, which is then sold to other manufacturers. The recycled LDPE can be used in the clothing industries.

PS Plastics

PS (Polystyrene) Plastics are 100% recyclable plastics. They can be thermoformed into any type the manufacturer wants. The recycled PS plastics can be used in thermal insulation, producing ice chests, hot drink cups, and foam packaging.

Not all recycling facilities are the same. If you’re not sure about whether the plastic you have can be recycled, contact your local facility to find out.

What is Upcycling?

Upcycling is the practice of taking used up plastic items like soda bottles or plastic containers and using them for another purpose instead of throwing them out.

Another term you may have heard for upcycling is “creative reuse”. Remember the adage “reduce, reuse, recycle”? Well, here you go. Just about every piece of used plastic you bring into your home has a new life waiting for it! Here are some great ideas for how you can upcycle plastics.

Upcycling for Home Décor

Upcycling for decor is the ultimate challenge: turning otherwise unsightly refuse into something that enhances your home’s aesthetics. It sounds impossible, but before you cringe and run away, give this list a read and see if there are any ideas that pique your interest:

• Decorative Lighting: By using used water bottles, plastic spoons or forks you can create a unique upscale lamp to decorate your home.
• Wall Art: You can start using colorful plastic water bottles’ caps to decorate your wall into a mosaic – transforming it into a work of art.
• Jewelry Holder: Take a used plastic bottle and cut it into two halves, use the bottom half as a holder for your rings and earrings. You can decorate it the way you like with paint or by applying fabric and decorative elements with glue.
• Make a Vase for Flowers: Start by cutting through your plastic bottles vertically. Bend the sides a little to create an edge, apply some paint, and, voila, you now have a great looking vase!
• Storage Containers: those old bottles of water and milk can be used as storage containers for your stuff. You can use it vertically by cutting into the bottle horizontally and opening it from the top, or horizontally by cutting into the bottle horizontally and opening it from the side.
• Kids Art Projects: Discarded plastic bottles are an inexpensive material for kids’ art projects (just be sure to do any cutting of the plastics for your kids). It’s not just small single-use plastics that can be great for kids.

Upcycling for organizers

Unused plastics can be used to organize many things around the house or even in the office. Here are some ideas to upcycle used plastics for a more organized life:

• Book Organizer: Do you have many books and no good way to sort them? You can do that easily with upcycled plastic. Start with a large plastic water bottle (like a gallon bottle or laundry bottle). Cut the handle part from the top and cut diagonally down the side of the bottle. Remove that part and you now have a book separator. Decorate and display!
• Piggy Bank: Need a place to store your change? Take a water bottle and make a small incision on the side of it. You can paint the bottle to make it look like a pig with some ribbons and decorations and you’ve got yourself a piggy bank!
• Plastic Drawers: You can use large water bottles to make plastic drawers. Make a vertical cut to split the bottle into two halves. Use the pouring nozzle of the bottle as the handle end and tuck your plastic drawers into small storage spaces. You can buy a shelf organizer from an IKEA store and install the bottles “drawers” in it.
• Drawer Partitions: Cut cylindrical water bottles into 3-inch tall rings. Glue the rings together in a chain as wide as your drawer. You can use the organizer to keep underwear, socks, office supplies, and junk drawer items organized.
• Wire Organizer: Thread a plastic straw through a pencil sharpener. It will transform your straw into a coil. Wrap the coil around groups of wires to keep them organized.

Upcycling for the Garden

When it comes to gardens, the ideas of upcycling your unused plastics are tremendous. Here are a few ideas:

• Growing Herbs: You can use your used old plastic bottles to grow herbs. Simply cut the side of the bottle, put soil inside containing the seeds of the plant you want to grow. And watch your garden come to life. Make sure you make some small holes in the bottom for drainage.
• Bird Feeders: Gather a plastic water bottle and some wide, hard straws. Cut the straws into two halves horizontally. Then cut a hole for the straws in the lower half of the water bottle and glue the straws into place. This will allow birdseed to slowly dispense into the straws. Fill the bottle with birdseed and put the cap back on. Hang the bottle outside a window and watch the birds!
• Hanging Planters: You can use the bottom of the water bottles as a plant hanger. Cut the bottom of a water bottle off, decorate it, and string cord or wire through 3-4 holes along the top edge. Put soil and seeds into the planter and hang it indoors or out.
• Watering Can: You can use a large water bottle as a watering device. Start with a large bottle that has a handle. Wash the bottle thoroughly. Poke a few holes into the cap. Decorate it as you like, fill it with water, remove the cap and start watering your plants!

Plastic is an integral part of our lives. Yes, there are many alternatives to plastic, however, they are not enough to cover all the demand. We have to minimize the impact the plastic has on the environment since we are the users. Upcycling is just one answer to that problem. Every item you re-use to decorate your home, organize your things, or beautify your corner of the great outdoors means less waste, which means a less negative impact on the environment.