Browsing Category: "Home Improvement"

Don’t Let Your Lack Of Space Drive Your Crazy!

When you run out of room at home, it can feel like the end of the world. And if you’ve ever suffering from a lack of space, you’ll know that’s no exaggeration. Living in clutter can be one of the most frustrating things ever. Not only can it make you feel stressed and claustrophobic, but you may also find that your entire family is always stepping on each other’s toes. But, you don’t have to let it drive you crazy. Instead, you need to take action. When you finally think that enough is enough and you need more room, here’s what to do.

Black Leather Book Cover

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Have A Huge Clear Out

The first step is probably the most obvious one, but it’s also the one that we all tend to avoid. Having a clear out can be one of the most stressful things you go through. Not only does it make your space problem worse to start with, it means you have to live in mess for a while. But, remember, it’s for the greater good. So get to work. Start small, take it room by room and be sure to get rid of anything you don’t need.

architecture, cabinets, carpet

[Photo courtesy of ATBO/pexels.com]

Organize Your Spaces

Then, as you start to free up a bit more space, you’re going to want to make sure that you work to organize everything a bit better. It’s often a lot of work, but it will be worth it in the long run. You’re going to want to make sure that you’re using all of your rooms for the best purpose. If you have to switch around bedrooms, living spaces and storage spaces, do it. If it means that your home is more harmonious, it’s always worth the work.

Do Some DIY

Next, you might want to think about doing some DIY. When you lack in space, you’re going to want to do what you can to change that. So, put up some shelves, add in storage and even start to build some more cupboards if you need to. You’ll find that you’re able to live a little more clutter free when you do.

White and Brown Wooden Book Shelf Beside White Calendar

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Add Additional Options

If that’s not enough, you may need to think outside of the box – and even outside of the home. Sometimes, you need to add storage to your yard or elsewhere on your property to make things work. Look into the cost of metal building options or even for a wooden construction that you can add outside. Not only could it be for storage, but it may give you a space to work from if you need home space for storage.

Extend Your Home

And finally, you may also want to think about extending your home. If you have the budget, getting an extension can be a great idea to add more space. You may want to go for a single story to increase your living space or add a garage, or even double to add more bedrooms. If can also be a great option if your family is growing and you need to house more children.

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Colorful Pinch Pleat Curtains for Healthy Mind and Body

Curtains are part of any home decorating ideas. Their presence can be magical when they create a beautiful artistry in homes, offices and hotels. It is no wonder why interior designers would include the curtains in their top ten lists. A window without curtains looks motionless and boring. Curtains are comparable to your dress and they create a convivial atmosphere with their unique designs and style.

Among interior designers highly recommended curtain style are the pinch pleat curtains. They are the typical curtains that look formal and cool. The pleats are intricately sewn to give the curtains fullness while hanging on a decorative drapery rod. Jacquard, floral and prints are ideal fabric designs for a pinch pleat curtain.

adult, architecture, chair

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The simplicity of the pinch pleat curtain makes them ideal for any type of architecture. They do not go out of style if they are adorned in baroque and Gothic inspired homes. What’s more if you adorn them in a contemporary or log house. Their appeal is overwhelming and creates an illusion of wealth and fame.

When your room is adorned with pinch pleat curtains, you can feel the luxurious ambiance of a hotel room. As you wake up each morning, you don’t feel like going out from your room. For bedrooms, choose bold colors to keep the emotions burning with passion while having your romantic interlude with your spouse. The most ideal color is burgundy, crimson or any shades of red.

The kids’ room should be adorned with playful colors such as red, yellow, pink, orange, aqua blue and floral prints to keep the mind active. Students are encouraged to adorn their bedroom with red curtains to stimulate their brain and increase the body processes and blood circulation. Rooms with patients who are suffering with psychosomatic illness are advised to hang yellow curtains to purify their minds from any negative thoughts.

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Home Improvement Ideas and DIY Tips for Ladies

DIY doesn’t have to be left to the men. In fact, many women who have given it a go have enjoyed it and felt a huge sense of accomplishment. Yes, we may not be as strong as men, but with the know how we can certainly put a few shelves together. So, if you’re determined to show your man how it’s done, here’s what you’ll need to get started.

[Photo courtesy of foto fledgling /flickr.com]

Your Own Tools

Using your husbands drill to get started and practice is fine. However, most drills used by men are heavy and large so you may want to go shopping for your own. Finding the right tools will mean you’re one step closer to becoming a DIY Diva. Having the right size tools for you will make all of the jobs you do much easier to complete. You can find a list of perfect DIY tools for women here.

Safety Equipment

Again, there’s no point in wearing safety gloves that are three times the size of your hand. Firstly, it will your jobs much harder for you and secondly, it’s downright dangerous. Wearing safety equipment that doesn’t fit properly doesn’t make you any safer. In fact, it makes you more susceptible to injury. When you’re attempting a welding job, you’ll find the perfect Miller welding helmets from WeldingOutfitter.com.For anything else, try searching for women’s DIY safety equipment online. There’s a great variety.

[Photo courtesy of Ed Oliver/flickr.com]

Designate a Space

DIY can get messy and if you don’t designate yourself an area to work, that mess will spread quickly. It’s not just a pain to clean up after you’re done; it’s a hazard for anyone that has access to where you’re working. Find somewhere where you can set up your own table so anything that needs to be sawed, drilled or nailed can be carried to and from the working station. Don’t make the mistake of using your kitchen counter top as somewhere to do DIY. You’ll risk ruining your kitchen!

Know What You’re Doing

There are some jobs you can wing and have a go at, but there are others where it’s best to seek advice. Whether you ask your partner to give you a helping hand or you watch some tutorial videos online, it’s always best to know how to do the job properly before you start. You may fail the first time but DIY is often full of trial and error. Be as confident as you can be with what you’re doing. If you’re still squealing every time you use a power tool, you may need more practice.

Quality Over Bargains

You may be tempted to invest in a new tool because it’s on sale, but buying power tools isn’t the same as clothes shopping. You need to know the tools you’re using are safe and reliable. Before adding to your collection, do your research and look at reviews. You may find that the charge doesn’t last on battery powered drill or the plastic handles snap off of screwdrivers. Don’t waste your money on things that won’t last.

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5 Stunning Patio Styles To Inspire Your Outdoor Dining Space

When you’re looking to add an outdoor dining space to your garden, you can often feel completely overwhelmed with choice. Because there really are a lot of options to consider. Not only do you have to pick out the perfect furniture, but you also have the accessories, plants and even the patio style to think about too. To help you hone in on the right design for you, you might want to consider a few very different options. When you’re looking online, you can often be inundated with styles that all look and feel the same. But if you want something that feels completely your own, here are five to think about.

Small & Simple

If you only have a small outside space, you might want to keep your dining area as cute and compact as possible. And you totally can. You don’t have to go big and brash and ruin the rest of your garden. Instead, you can create a small patio area, even if it’s super narrow, add a chair or two, and a French style bistro dining set along with a few potted plants and you’ve got the perfect alfresco area to enjoy all summer long.

chair, coconut, exotic

[Photo courtesy of Pixabay/pexels.com]

Classically Influenced

Regardless of the space you have, you might want to go for something classic. A traditional patio area can look completely charming in any backyard. Old cobbled stones make for incredible patio areas, and lots of vegetation can give off a rustic vibe. If you’ve always wanted to make your outside dining space feel like it was taken from your favorite vacation spot, with a classic look, you can.

Hamptons Style

If you want to go for a super chic summer look with your outside dining space, why not think about styling the area based on your favorite Hamptons beach house? Here, the look and feel of the patio should be very light, bright and airy. Blues, white, grays and neutrals are always good options to go with. With a minimal yet still stylish vibe, and the odd nautical element or two, your outside space will give you the relaxed air you’ve been hoping for.

Water Inspired

Sometimes, a tranquil eating space is exactly what you need. If you love to feel apart of nature, enjoy a glass of wine as the sunsets, or even read outside, you might like the idea of having a few water features around your patio. While the flooring choice itself may not matter, you’re going to want to make sure that you choose fountains or features that make you feel calm, relaxed and facilitate an easy evening.

A Space For Entertaining

Or maybe you want your patio area to be all about entertaining? When you love to have people over and let out your inner social butterfly, you’re definitely going to love outdoor entertaining. Your focus here should be on the flow of your furniture layout, having enough seating or relaxation areas, and of course – the food and drinks areas. A grilling area and bar could really make your dining space the talk of the town.

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Beat The Heat And Win Back Your Home

It’s definitely getting hotter and it’s becoming harder to spend your time indoors. However, we can’t ignore the nightmare that is the muggy, musty house forever. What we can do, however, is beat it. Here’s how you prepare your home for the worst that summer has to bring and make it into that cool retreat from the heat that we all need. Just a few habits and additions can make the home a much more pleasant place to survive the heat.

Fan, Keys, Mirror, House, Indoors

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We spring clean for a reason

If there’s anything that’s worse than a home that’s too hot, it’s a home that’s hot, humid, and dusty. Dust isn’t just unpleasant and an allergen. It also makes it a lot harder to control the airflow of the home. It builds in vents and air conditioning units, make them less effective and efficient, driving up the costs. Go for a thorough spring clean of the home and try to stay on top of dust as much as possible. It’s a lot easier to both control dust and to circulate air by decluttering the home, as well. If there’s any furniture you can spare for the moment, move it into storage so you have more spacious, airy rooms that are easy to clean and cool.

Keep the outdoors to the outdoors

Your first thought when summer rolls around might be to let the sunlight in and throw the windows open. However, if you’re cooling the interior, that’s only going to invite hot air in. Solar heating also plays a massive role in increasing the temperature of the room. Use fans as a more energy efficient method of circulation in the room you’re using and close that window, using sun blockers to keep the heat out without completely darkening the room. Don’t neglect the heat that builds in the attic that can get upwards of 150 degrees in the evening. Seal it up by using isotherm insulation and making sure that you don’t have any leaks by way of cracked or missing roof tiles. In the evening, if it’s cooler outside, then you crack open the window and use a window fan to cool the house down.

Remember, energy equals heat

If there’s any reason to get more energy efficient, it’s to make the home a lot more comfortable. Every appliance you keep on when you’re not using it is just adding more unnecessary heat. This effect is in full force in the kitchen most of all. Extractors are well and good, but there are other ways to use less energy when cooking and thus create less heat. For one, you can cook outside. But you can also use a microwave or toaster oven instead of a full-sized oven or use the refrigerator to defrost frozen goods instead of the microwave.

Remember, working to make the home easier to cool isn’t just going to make summer a lot more bearable. It’s going to help you drive down the costs of controlling the environment of your home. Save your money alongside your sanity by following the tips above.

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Practical Bathroom Ideas

The bathroom is one of the most heavily used rooms in any home and it needs to hold up to use 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Because most bathrooms present a moist and humid environment, safety can be an issue and care should be taken to make the room easy to use. Keep clothing and wet towels off the floor by having enough towel bars, robe hooks and rack along with clothes and laundry hampers.

Store bath toys in a plastic laundry basket which can be kept in the bath tub when not in use or invest in suction-cup wall mount bath toy hammocks which can help to corral bath toy clutter which may pose a slip and fall hazard. Bath mats and rugs should always feature anti-skid backing to help prevent the possibility of slippage.

Bathroom, Wood Furniture, Shower, Modern Bathtub

[Photo courtesy of La-Belle-Galerie/pixabay.com]

The installation of a handheld shower head can vastly improve bathroom functionality – most can be installed by the average homeowner and do not require the services of a plumber. It is easy to shampoo hair, bathe children, wash pets and water plants with a handheld shower head and they are helpful when you need to clean the tub or shower enclosure.

Another practical update for any bathroom is a heated towel rack – there are freestanding and wall mounted models along with counter top towel warmers. Not only will you enjoy wrapping yourself in a warm towel after bathing, you will find that a towel warmer is useful for drying swimwear and fine washables, warming blankets and bathing clothes and drying towels quickly, which may also help to prevent mold and mildew.

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Are You Making The Most Of Your Yard?

Now that the summer is pretty much here, we all want to be able to enjoy more time outside. With warmer weather and lighter nights, it always just seems a shame to stay indoors. But, sometimes, you can feel as if your yard just isn’t cutting it. Whether you live out in the country and have a lot of space to play with, or you’ve got just a small backyard, it’s time to start making the most out of the garden you’ve got. And if you’re not exactly sure where to start, here are a few ideas to think over.

backyard, bench, daylight

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Create A Dining Space

The first thing you should think about doing will not only be a benefit to you but the whole family. Everyone loves to be able to enjoy their breakfast, lunch, or dinner outdoors when the weather is nice. But to do that, you need a suitable dining space. So make sure you look for the right outdoor dining set and even a grill. Backyard barbecue spaces can be super fun to create, and in the summer, you will always get a lot of use out of them.

Enjoy Gorgeous Flowers

When you have a garden, it can be a shame not to see it flourish. You don’t have to be the most green fingered person to make it happen either. Whether you pick out some pretty flowers at the garden center and plant a few in pots by your door, or fill your entire garden with beautiful blooms, having flowers in your yard can give it a new lease of life. As well as creating a relaxing atmosphere and attracting nature, you can also clip them to bring indoors and put in vases.

blur, blurred, eco

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Keep Animals

If you have a lot of space, particularly if you live in the countryside, you might want to think about keeping animals. A coat can be great to keep your grass short, and then there’s always the option to keep chickens and enjoy fresh eggs in the morning. Even if it seems like a lot of work, you can do your research online so that things like chicken incubators are explained to you to make it easier. It will also take your love of growing vegetables to the next level.

Build A Sanctuary

Then, as a little treat for yourself, you might want to think about creating a little sanctuary. Whether that’s a garden house where you can escape for an hour or two of peace, a lovely seating area in the sun, or even a hot tub to soak your evenings away in, your yard can often give you a lot of potential to work with.

Make It Fun

With the adults covered, you might want to think about adding in something for your kids too. There are lots of outdoor play areas that you could consider building or putting in yourself. You just need to work of what space you have first. Then, your kids can also be kept entertained when everyone is enjoying some time outside.

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Quartz Bathroom Counter Tops – Add style, Add glamour!

Your home is a place where you come in after a tiring day and wish to relax. This is one place which has to be stylish, clean and well decorated. When it comes to designing a home, most people give importance to designing their bedroom or living room but they forget to think of their bathroom. But it should be noted that your washroom or bathroom is also one of the important places that needs to be designed in the best way. It is a place, where you take a shower at the start of the day or when you come home after a tiring day. Unless this place is clean, hygienic, well designed and full of light, you will never be able to enjoy your shower.

One of the easiest ways to add style and glamour to your bathroom is to install quartz bathroom counter-tops. This will provide your bathroom with an altogether new look. Of late, quartz bathroom counter-tops have grown quite popular in the market. So, you do not have to search much! You can simply install them in your washroom. Also, you should note that these counter-tops are now easily available online. Thus, it makes things easier for most of the homeowners. You can simply sit at home, take a look at the options online and place order!

architecture, bathroom, contemporary

You must be wondering as to why one will choose quartz counter-tops for their bathroom. Well, reasons abound for the same. Considering the durability factor, these bathroom counter-tops are too good. When comparing it to other materials like granite, you will have to agree that quartz will stand out. The quartz bathroom counter-tops are extremely hard and non-porous as well as immensely resistant to the ravages of mold and mildew. This makes all the difference. Moreover, you should also note here that these counter-tops are exceptionally resistant to various types of cracks, chips, stains when compared to other materials.

The best part of bathroom counter-tops is that they are available in various sizes and designs which can fit into any kind of bathroom – big or small. Using these counter-tops will help you to play with your imagination and design your bathroom in whichever way you feel like. Thus, it will be unique and envy for others! Quartz offers extreme versatility and this makes all the difference.

With the quartz bathroom counter-tops, you will be able to maintain the cool feeling of your bathroom. Moreover, if the counter-tops have tiers, then you will be able to arrange all your bathroom utilities easily giving your bathroom a clean and tidy look. You can keep some indoor plants in your bathroom in order to make sure that it has a fresh feeling. Apart from this, make sure that your bathroom has the right amount of ventilation so that fresh air and sunlight can get into your bathroom and keep it bacteria free.

As you install bathroom counter tops, you will not have to worry much about cleaning it as they are non-porous! So, what are you waiting for? Install quartz counter-tops and make your bathroom look grand.

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Vividly Contrasting Themes For Your Kitchen And Dining Room

Feeling bored of your home’s interior design? Make your living space a reflection of your taste and imagination. Your deepest and wildest shades of your personality should come leaping out from the walls. The lighting arrangement should be the maze that leads to the window into your soul. The decor should be your physical statement on the earth, it should bellow out with power and vigor to those who enter the room. Your home’s rooms’ style and decorating theme waltzes around your heart and without any words, encompasses all that is you.

Lamp, Pattern, Light, Shadows, Table, Decor, Indoors

[Photo courtesy of Ulciscor/pixabay.com]

Green as grass

A botanical dining room is something you don’t see very often; in fact it’s a little too outlandish for most. However, If you replaced the floor, with complex patterns of Aztec, or a sprouting spiral cement tile art, the room would come alive with vegetation. As green is a light color, often associated with nature, wildlife, earth and stillness, any food or any cuisine eaten in the room, won’t look out of place. Green is a neutral color; not too bright, not too dark. The chairs and table can be made out of wicker and a dried and stiffened bamboo. Sushi roll-up mats would make for great plate board at the table. The same material should be used for coasters, just to keep the table uncluttered. For when your family is dining later than they should be, you could have candlelight holders made out of a clear see-through plastic or glass. The light shade style would captivate the bliss of untamed nature if it were like a ball of twisted hay or a tumble weed. The light would peer through the many gaps as if it were free-floating, it could have the ability to spin independently from the bulb attachment. Simple, humble, and yet artistically clever.

This full on Mexican kitchen has style love the retro appliances

[Photo courtesy of Mnmal/miserv.net]

Passion, flare and furiosity

If you want your creativity, and precision of taste, flavors and combinations in the kitchen to punch out with unmistakable snap, stamp your heels no further than a Mexican theme. Set the mood vividly with a rose colored wall paper or paint scheme. When sunlight peers through, the red shall transform the yellow rays into a blood red or a shimmering yellow like the sunset of the Mediterranean. For the table, nothing, but nothing, will do besides a rustic, strong and large wooden table. Preferably you should look for something that’s a little lighter, for example, like a honey color. The sauce pans, pots and frying pans should all be in a deep, thick and heavy black. Something like a cast iron material for all three would be very bold. For the utensils, you should aim for something that’s a real dark brown. Authenticity is crucial to get the proper feel of Mexico, so make sure they’re also made out of wood. On top of the shelves or somewhere where there’s free space, you could stand earthen clay pots as these are used for storage for pickled sweet red peppers. Placing flowers in the room, is simply up to you, they won’t take anything away, nor will the look out of place.

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Following the Rules of Kitchen Design

Spicing up your kitchen always breeds excitement, however unless you know the right ways to  make the most important space in your home stand out, then you’re going to have a few problems on your hands. If you follow the rules of kitchen design, then there’s no doubt that you’ll be left with a very safe and functional kitchen, as well as a cooking environment that will last for many years to come. From lighting to counter tops, there are many ways to enhance your kitchen space, and depending on the theme you want to install, you could have a brand new kitchen without breaking the bank! Let’s take a look at some of the rules of kitchen design.

The Triangle

You may not have heard of the triangle, but most kitchens implement this design technique in order to save time moving between appliances. The triangle consists of a refrigerator, a stove and a sink, and they’re kept close together to allow for convenient movement in the kitchen. Not only are these some of the most used appliances in the kitchen, but kitchen design would be completely different without the use of the triangle.

apartment, architecture, cabinet

[Photo courtesy of Pixabay/pexels.com]

When it comes to the triangle itself, the sides don’t have to be the same length. As you’ve guessed, the triangle is imaginary, however keeping these core appliances within 5-8 feet of each other will dramatically increase efficiency. If you like to cook alone, or you have a small family, then the application of the triangle will be hugely beneficial. To further improve the triangle, why not move your dishwasher into the space between two of the appliances.

Assessing Your Kitchen’s Needs

Before you start a project as big as redesigning your kitchen, you have to know what you need, what you want to change, and what you want to keep. Without a solid plan of refurbishment, you may find that your original budget goes out the window, as you start to buy things that you don’t necessarily need.

The first step to redesigning your kitchen is to understand what you want to change, and why. Next, is to determine a budget for the changes you want to make, as well as the length of time it will take you to complete the refurbishment. The last thing you want is to reduce your cooking space for a longer time than necessary. Finally, after implementing the changes, you’ll need to complement your new kitchen with up to date appliances, colour and lighting, to ensure the theme lasts as long as possible. Surf online to see a great selection of the latest appliances for your kitchen!

Different Types of Lighting

Kitchen design isn’t all about the physical aspect of the space in front of you, it’s about how that space is perceived. To improve the perception of your kitchen, different types of lighting can be used to illuminate space, or create shadow. From task to decorative, accent to ambient, try out different lights in your kitchen, and in different places. For example, you’ll want your chopping area well lit, however you could have ambient lighting under cupboards to enhance the floor design.

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