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.

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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.

Green living is not just for hippies. Anyone can do it, and more and more people are choosing to do it these days. You just need to change a few simple things in your living arrangements to get started. And once you start to live the green way, you’ll never look back. So, here are some ways in which you should start to run your home in a manner that’s more environmentally friendly.

[Photo courtesy of Vecislavas Popa/pexels.com]

Replace Bulbs with LEDs and Make Outdoor Lighting Solar-Powered

The way you use lights will have a big impact on how environmentally friendly your home is. You should do what you can to replace the bulbs in your home with LED bulbs. They last for decades, and this means that you will spend a lot less on replacing them. But most importantly, they are very energy efficient, meaning that your home will instantly become greener. They’re pretty cheap to buy, so there’s nothing stopping you from replacing all the bulbs in your home with LEDs. You should also replace the outdoor lights with lights that absorb solar energy during the day that can then be used at night.

Buy Efficient Bathroom Fixtures

Your use of water is also a green issue, and you should address this problem directly. You will be having a massively negative impact on your home if you are currently responsible for wasting too much water. The first thing you should do is replace the fixtures in your bathroom with water efficient fixtures. These are easy to get from most mainstream bathroom retailers. You can also change your kitchen faucets to make them water efficient too. When you start to use less water, your impact on the environment will lessen. It’s another step towards a green living future.

[Photo courtesy of Karolina Grabowska/pexels.com]

Update Your Backup Generator

If you have a backup generator that you sometimes have to rely on, it could be damaging the environment a lot. Most of these old generators are not particularly green. And by switching yours for a newer model, you can ensure you never waste more energy than necessary. Online generac reviews will help guide you as you search for a new and more energy efficient generator. Read as many reviews of all the potential products as you can. That way, you can get a clear picture of what the best option for you is.

Invest in Better Home Insulation

Finally, think about the way in which you heat your home. If you have the heating on a lot, it might be because there are problems with your home insulation setup. Heat will just escape from the home immediately if the insulation you have in place is inadequate and not doing a good enough job for you. It’s a good idea to invest in better and more up to date insulation if you think this might be the case for you and your home. It’s simple and not too expensive to get insulation fitted. And then you will have to use less energy keeping your home warm.

When people hear the term interior design, their minds often jump to hugely complicated projects that are going to take up a great deal of time and effort. But this doesn’t necessarily have to be the case. Sometimes, the best home improvement jobs are simple and don’t require too much from you in terms of commitment. When you own a place, it is always something of a work in progress so these jobs can really end up making all the difference.

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Paint the Room in Soft, Light Colours

Whatever the size of your house, you want to get the most out of it by making the rooms seem as big as possible. A simple paint job can really make a big impact, particularly if you choose soft, light colours, as well as mirrors that reflect the natural light that comes pouring in from the doors. On the opposite side of the coin, darker colours tend to make a room feel smaller and boxed-in.

Mix Up Patterns and Textures

Whether you do the job on your own or you say to yourself “I want to find an interior designer near me”, mixing the patterns and textures in your rooms is a classic technique. There is nothing wrong with putting some old pieces of furniture alongside more modern items, as long as they don’t clash too much and they properly represent your own unique personality and style. When everything seems too uniform, it has the look of coming straight out of a catalogue rather than feeling lived-in.

Use What You Already Have

As we have mentioned already, there is no need to spend huge sums of cash buying a whole load of expensive, new items. Pretty much all of us have items that can be used to add a bit of character to your home. Just some of these include bedside tables, luggage racks, trunks and old pieces of furniture. Another idea is to hang some plates around the place as wall art. Some simple DIY tricks can look great and give you a good project to tackle.

Add a Touch of Greenery

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Adding a few plants and flowers to your living spaces can add a touch of nature indoors. The great thing about plants is that they are an affordable way of bringing in some colour and texture to your home. Many houseplants don’t require a great deal of upkeep, and they also help to clean the household air. Not only this, they can also absorb pollutants and get rid of a lot of harmful gases from the air.

Soften Up Hardwood Floors with Some Rugs

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Hardwood floors have a classic and elegant feel in the home, but they can end up looking a little bare without a few throw rugs. Choose a style and texture that suits you, and place them in key areas around your house without overdoing it. You could even change up the styles depending on the season if you like the idea of giving your home a different look throughout the year.

What do we mean by the future of your property? Well, hardly anyone lives in the same house their entire life. At some point, most of us decide to make a move, and that means selling the property, hopefully for the highest price possible. If we’re lucky, it’ll be a fast sale to avoid the typical, ifs, erms and buts from buyers.

[Photo courtesy of Monam/pixabay.com]

The question is, how do we guarantee this type of future for your home. Well, you need to start preparing for it right now.

Annual Inspections

You should make sure you are expecting all sensitive areas of your home such as the roof. The roof is a crucial area to inspect because it’s open to the elements and it’s an area that you probably hardly ever look at yourself. According to http://www.triumphroofing.net/roofing/roof-inspection-services/ if you get your roof inspected regularly, you can avoid expensive repair costs because you’ll catch an issue before it gets worse. Of course, the roof isn’t the only area of your home that needs regularly inspecting.

You should also arrange for someone to come around once a year and check out your heating system. If you don’t do this, it’s highly likely at some point it will break down and catch you completely off guard. Essentially, that’s going to leave you with a nasty, expensive repair or replacement and it might make itself known just before you’re about to put the property on the market.

Upgrades

A house is like any other product. Eventually, it will fall out of style. That’s why you need to make changes to the home to make sure that it still looks like every buyer’s dream. One of the areas that you should pay particular close attention to is the kitchen. The kitchen is one of the first areas that home-buyers look at and ideally, you should be think about building a completely fitted kitchen with everything a buyer could want. Do this, and you’ll make your home a very attractive purchase indeed. You can have a look at some kitchen renovation ideas on http://www.housebeautiful.com/home-remodeling/renovation/.

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Maintenance

When you live in the house, you might not worry about the little breakages and damages that will almost certainly occur over the years. For instance, there might be scratches on the marble floor, marks on the walls and other issues. However, you should fix these as they crop up. Otherwise, when it does come time to sell you’ll be in a mad rush to get everything fixed in time.

Tech Treats

Last but not least, you may want to think about purchasing new tech for your home. It’s always a smart idea to make your house look like the home of the future as this is exactly what new buyers want to invest in. For instance, right now home smart controls are very popular, and they may even cause buyers to make bigger offers on your home. You can find out more about smart home controls on https://www.loxone.com/enen/smart-home/.

I hope you take this advice and start investing in the future of your property today.

Maybe company is coming or perhaps you just need a change in your home décor. It don’t have to be a total makeover – something as simple as new throws on the beds or couch can make a big difference in the look of a room. In fact a new throw can change your life if it happens to be an electric throw – they really help to ward off a chill and keep you cozy and warm while reading, watching television or just relaxing. Since most folks are trying to cut back and be more environmentally responsible house are just colder than they used to be.

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A mundane bathroom can be a challenge because you are pretty much stuck with the tub, toilet and sink but there’s still an opportunity to transform the look of a bath or powder room with new bath and spa furniture. Teak is an amazing naturally water-resistant material – look for teak shower benches, bath mats and towel ladders to turn your boring bathroom into a spa-like getaway. A curved shower curtain rod adds extra elbow room and a new shower curtain can add a fun or festive look in minutes.

There’s no reason to deprive yourself, after all, the bathroom is possibly the most-used room in any home so it ought to be as nice as possible. Monogrammed bath towels add a touch of elegance while a towel warmer is both luxurious and practical. Imagine stepping out of the bath or shower and wrapping yourself in a hot, fluffy towel; there are counter-top, wall-mount and freestanding models designed to fit almost any bathroom.

Another exotic import that has become popular in upscale hotels and better homes is a handheld showerhead. These are easy to install without the help of a plumber and can totally transform your bath or shower experience.

While we may not be blessed with sweltering weather all year round in the UK, there is no denying that it can get a bit stuffy and uncomfortable in the home when the sun comes out. If you are searching for ways to make your home cool throughout the summer months ahead, read on.

[Photo courtesy of  Max Vakhtbovych/pexels.com]

Tips for your A/C

Of course, the easiest way to cool your home is with air conditioning, and there are numerous ways you can ensure your system runs more effectively. If possible, provide shade for your air conditioning unit, as this will boost its efficiency by five to ten per cent. You should also make sure that you clean your A/C air filter on a monthly basis. Air flow will drop by around one per cent per week due to normal dust build-up. Another tip is to make sure you do not use a dehumidifier while your air conditioner is turned on, as it will cause the cooling load to increase, which will make the air conditioner work even harder. And, if you have been meaning to get your air conditioning unit repaired for a while, now is the time with a company that provides a quick service, such as Farmen & Dermer AC repair.

Window solutions

Not only do you need to concentrate on your air conditioning unit throughout the summer, but your windows can be key to ensuring your home is comfortable. You should think about exotic infills for your windows. This is a new technology that ensures the space between the panels is filled with argon or krypton, which boost R-values because they are gases that have lower conductivity than air. You should also install mini-blinds or white window shades, as they can lower solar heat gain by as much as 50 per cent.

[Photo courtesy of  Quang Nguyen Vinh/pexels.com]

Quick tips

Now that we have dealt with the most important aspects regarding keeping your home cool during the summer, let’s take a look at some quick tips that will help you along the way:

• Grill – Forget about using the stove or the oven during the summer months; it is only going to make your home feel like a sauna. If you are already sweltering, the last thing you want to do is turn on a 400-degree oven. Instead, use the grill. After all, who doesn’t love a barbeque during the summer months?

• Get rid of incandescent lights – Now is the time to get rid of incandescent lights. Did you know that they actually waste about 90 per cent of their energy in the heat they emit? This is an awful lot of energy and an awful lot of heat. Making the switch can reduce the heat in your home as well as your energy bills.

• Heat-proof your bed – Is there anything more frustrating than being too hot while in bed? This may sound weird, but you’d be surprised how effective it is: fill a hot water bottle with water, and place it in the freezer, and then before bed put it under your feet before you go to sleep.

• Set your ceiling fans to rotate counter-clockwise – Lastly, you may not realise it, but you need to adjust your ceiling fans seasonally. During the summer, make sure your fan rotates counter-clockwise, as this will create a chilled breeze that will make you feel cooler.

For some more tips on making your home summer-ready, click here.

Moving home is one of the most stressful things you can ever do. Not only that but is a very expensive endeavor to undertake too, which is why many more people are choosing to stay put and improve their current properties, rather than moving to a new place that better suits their needs.

If you want to forgo the stress of moving, but your current home isn’t how you would like it, here are some tips to help you improve your property so that you can stay put without having to compromise on your lifestyle:

[Photo courtesy of Petr Kratochvil/publicdomainpictures.net]

Tackle any Major Repairs

First thing’s first, if you’re going to be staying in your home for a considerable time, you are going to want to ensure that it’s in good condition, which means thinking about the cost of a new roof, window replacements and pier and beam foundation repair cost, depending on the condition of your property. Do an inventory, see which major jobs need to be done and work out a plan for getting the work done and paid for. It will make a huge difference.

Redecorate the Most Used Rooms

If you want to give your home a boost without spending too much money, one of the simplest things you can do is redecorate the rooms that you use most. It’s surprising how much of a difference a new coat of paint and some new furnishings can make. If you do it right, redecorating can make you fall in love with your home all over again.

Build an Extension

[Photo courtesy of  Brian Bullock/flickr.com]

If you have been thinking about moving home due to a lack of space at your current property, it may be more cost effective to build an extension instead. The average will cost around $150 per square meter, so it is not as expensive as you might think to get the space you need.

Install a New Kitchen

The kitchen is the hub of most homes, which means that giving it a new lease of life will also give you and your family a new lease of life. For just a few thousand dollars, you can install new units, appliances and floors that will bring the space up to date and allow you to use it to its full potential.

Landscape the Garden

If your garden isn’t doing much right now, you may want to consider hiring a landscaper to give it some purpose. If you create a patio or decking area, install a gazebo and plant some pretty flowers, you can turn your garden into a livable outdoor space, which will serve as an extension to your home and give you more of the space you so desperately need.

Add Eco-Friendly Appliances

[Photo courtesy of  Marufish/flickr.com]

If your home is expensive to run, and this is why you are thinking about moving, one thing you can do to cut your utility bills is install eco-friendly technology like smart thermostats, solar panels, and energy-efficient appliances, which will allow you to run your household for a fraction of the price you are now.

After a number of years in a home, many people decide that they’re going to try to stay there for the rest of their lives, and will renovate just to make their home more comfortable and attractive. For many though, home improvements are all about bumping up the value of the property for a sale. If you’re in the latter group, you may be wondering which kinds of renovation are the most worthwhile. Here are a few that tend to generate the best returns…

Roofing

The roof of your home is one of the most important aspects of it as a property. If you install a completely new roof or make some extensive repairs, you’ll see an immediate rise in value. An existing roof you can refinish is perfect, as it obviously costs less to restore than to replace, and will be more likely to garner a return on your investment than a completely new roof. If you know the roof on your house has seen better days, it’s time to start looking for some good roofing companies.

Fixtures

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Over time, various rooms in a home can begin to look dated and worn-out. It may surprise you, but a large part of this is down to old, raggedy fixtures. By replacing the fixtures in your home, along with some other small tweaks like the cabinets and faucets of the kitchen, you’ll immediately be able to bump up the asking price on your home when you come to sell.

The Bathroom

The kitchen may be the heart of the home, but the bathrooms are a close second in terms of what’s important for valuation. If it’s practical for you to add a three-piece bathroom to a home that only has one other full bathroom, the market value will rise dramatically. While it’s a big mistake to sacrifice a lot of bedroom space for a bathroom, it’s usually a smart move to sneak another bathroom into any dead space in your home. Some families have even been able to install a three-piece bathroom in the space under their stairs, usually only measuring around 44 inches corner to corner. As a final tip, try getting a glass shower to make the room seem more spacious.

Income Suites

[Photo courtesy of Holland And Green Architectural Design/flickr.com]

These aren’t exactly common in most suburban homes, but income suites are one of the best ways to pile on value to your home. Build one of these somewhere in the property, and you’ll be amazed at how much the estimated value of your home can rise. Whether this is through a loft conversion, an outside room, a renovated garage, or any other area, income suites are very hot at the moment. This is because buyers will be able to use it to cover a portion of their mortgage payments, ensuring the home they buy will be cash flow positive. Real wealth that can supplement your income is a pretty attractive feature, don’t you think?

If you were unsure of what to priorities in your home renovations, hopefully these tips have pointed you towards a highly profitable improvement project.

Home décor has changed a lot in the last twenty years – with the advent of modern microfibers and other advances in fabric technology modern sheets and bedding are often quite different than the sort of bedding you might have grown up with. There has also been a renewed interest in organic materials and sustainable materials such as bamboo; organic cotton bedding used to be a specialty item but now there are many organic options in sheets, bedding, towels and even rugs.

[Photo courtesy of ERguille/pixabay.com]

Modern microfibers have made it possible to enjoy plenty of warmth without all of the weight often associated with heavy blankets; there are also many plush microfiber sheet sets which are ideally suited for cold winter nights or any drafty or damp environment. For those who prefer more natural materials a breathable down comforter will keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. There are also many modern down-alternative comforters which provide much of the same features and benefits as natural down.

Modern technology has made its way into the bathroom – microfiber towels dry in an instant and are great for use in a gym or locker room. Folks who prefer more natural materials can choose from organic cotton and bamboo towels along with 100% cotton terry towels which are known for their high absorbency. Even the shower curtain and rods have seen some great design advances – consider the hookless shower curtain and the curved shower curtain rod as two examples of improvement which make life easier and bathing more enjoyable.

If you love your home, but it’s starting to feel a bit cramped, what do you do? Moving seems like the obvious option, but there are lots of reasons why that might not be possible. Maybe time or money restrictions prevent you from doing so, or perhaps you’re near good schools, your work or loved ones and don’t want to be too far away. Maybe you just don’t want to move as you adore your home? Either way, there are other solutions to the problem that don’t involve upping sticks and moving to pastures new. Making the most of all of the available room is one way to go about it, and chances are you have a ton of unused space that you can work with. Here are a few options.

Bedroom Cupboard

Having a large cupboard in the bedroom is always handy. To keep it simple you could keep it as a storage cupboard. Add plenty of shelves and drawers to make the most of every inch, that way your wardrobe isn’t bursting at the seams, and it’s easier to stay organized. If you have a lot of books, you could turn it into your own little mini library! Another option is you could turn it into a walk-in wardrobe if it’s large enough add hanging rails at the sides and a large mirror so you can get dressed. Finally, you could consider an ensuite bathroom. Speak to a plumber such as http://www.plumberstives.com.au to find out if having the correct pipes installed would be within your budget. If you’re bored of fighting for the bathroom every morning, this is ideal. Your own space to get ready in and shower in peace without kids banging on the door- bliss!

[Photo courtesy of ParentRap/pixabay.com]

Attic Space

Attics in most homes are absolutely huge, and when you’re struggling for space in the rest of the home, it’s a shame to waste this. A full loft conversion with a proper staircase to turn it into a functioning bedroom is pricey, but worth the cost if you need the space and have the budget. Otherwise, having a basic loft conversion could give you a whole lot of extra storage space. You wouldn’t need to worry about having windows installed up there or a proper set of stairs, a folding loft ladder would do the trick. Have a company come and secure the floor, and an electrician fit a light, and you can turn it into the storage space of dreams. Instead of miscellaneous boxes everywhere, buy some drawers and shelving units and set everything up neatly. No more rummaging around in the dark or walking on beams every time you need something from the attic. All of your decorations for celebrations in the year can be put away neatly ready for use. You could have decor in the home for autumn/ winter and another lot for spring/ summer, and keep the off season stuff in the attic. You could even store your out of season clothes and footwear up there giving you far more space in your wardrobe and bedroom in general.

Cupboard Under The Stairs

The cupboard under the stairs is a great little storage area but often gets wasted. If yours is full of junk, clear everything out and repurpose it. It’s a handy place to keep things like your vacuum cleaner, mop, iron, ironing board and cleaning essentials. Install a couple of shelves to maximize the room. Alternatively, you could turn it into a cupboard for coats and shoes. It gives you somewhere to take them off when you come home without them cluttering up the hall. Again on shelves, you could have baskets of hats, scarves, and gloves. Have a light fitted in there making it easy to access. Depending on the size you’re working with, you could even have a downstairs bathroom installed. Most families will be looking for two bathrooms in the home when buying, so if you come to sell later down the line, you’ll add value to the property too.

[Photo courtesy of ErikaWittlieb/pixabay.com]

Kitchen Corner

If you have a corner of your kitchen that’s empty space, why not consider creating a pantry? You could have some stud walls put up, or even find a suitable shelving unit and attach doors. A pantry is so handy in the home, it allows you to neatly store all of your dry ingredients and makes it easy to stockpile. Digging through kitchen cabinets can be a pain, with everything neatly laid out it makes it far easier to find what you need. You’ll probably find yourself cooking more, and will save yourself some money too. Having some handy store cupboard recipes on hand using dry ingredients and flavored with herbs and spices is handy between grocery shops or during leaner times.

Unused Garden Space

If you have a large garden, you’re incredibly lucky, although most of us only use them for a few months of the year. To make the most of it, having a conservatory or garden room built means you utilize the space all year round. Since they’re fully insulated, they’re just like any other room in the house and are handy if you’re running out of space. You could create a dining room in the conservatory, freeing up space in the dining room or living room. These could then be used for something else. You could turn a garden room into a home office or a guest suite. Either way, stealing a bit of space from the garden to use as an additional room is a good move in many cases.

Basement

Another potentially huge space that’s being wasted in your home is the cellar or basement area. They often end up as dank and dingy storage areas full of spiders and miscellaneous boxes. But a basement could be transformed into another living area, a teenager’s hangout, a games room or even a wine cellar. As with a loft conversion, you could go all out to transform it into a proper, usable room. Or just do a simple conversion but turn it into a storage space you will actually use. Get a proper light fitting installed down there, kill off the pests and spiders and put up some storage shelves, cupboards, and units.