Tag Archives: apartment

Making Your Home Work For You In 3 Easy Steps

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Making Your Home Work For You In 3 Easy Steps

How does your home make you feel? You’re not alone if you feel like it isn’t working for you anymore. Many people come to the realization that their homes, while suitable for their needs when they moved in, simply aren’t doing any favors now. Pinpointing what is wrong with your home and why it isn’t working can be tricky, but the reality likely is that you aren’t in the same circumstances you were when you moved in. You might have accumulated more items, had children, become pet owners, or just have aged since you moved in and didn’t want or need the same things in a house that you once did.

But can you change things? Making home adjustments can be costly and you want to be sure you are making the right changes for the right reasons before you jump in feet first. So before planning massive home renovations or changes, why not try the following tips?

Room Use:

One of the biggest traps people fall into with their homes is sticking to a predetermined layout and using specific rooms for certain things just because you’re supposed to. If your home isn’t working for you and the space isn’t being maximized, then you should look at how you use each room. Of course, this will be different for everyone, and kitchen and bathroom aside, there is no one right way to use a room within your home.

A good idea is to make a floor plan of your home and label each room as per its current use. Then you can make a list of the requirements you need right now. This can be things like needing more or bigger bedrooms for the children; maybe it could be you need a designated office space, or you want to change things up for no reason other than you need a change.

From here, you can identify the wanted space and see how to change it. For example, do you have a dining room that could be spruced up? You can discover gorgeous dining furniture stockton (or your local area) to transform dinner into a delight. Do you have an office space that never gets used? This could be a guest bedroom! Or do you have a massive primary bedroom while your children struggle to share a smaller one? Can you switch? By getting rid of formal expectations of what each room should be used for and reconfiguring the use of the room, you can find a solution that works for you and your family.

Multifunctional Rooms:

If you are short on space, making rooms multifunctional can solve your problem. Making them multi-use can mean you are always getting the most from the space, even when it’s not in use. Do you have a guest bedroom that only gets used a few times per year? If so, could it be a home office/study when people aren’t visiting you? Could you open up space in your kitchen with the help of a kitchen remodeler in McKinney, TX or in your local area? That could be the perfect spot for a homework nook for the kiddos and your help will be right there as you prepare meals.

By looking at how you can maximize the space in a room and make it more multifunctional, you can find a workaround to your problems and find an easier fix. Don’t target the above point, as there is no one right way to use a room. Rather, look at what you need from your home and how each use can mesh together to make it work and not become more of a hassle when using it for different needs.

Strip It Back:

If you feel overwhelmed by what is happening in your home, why not try stripping it back? This means having a good sorting out of all of your belongings and asking yourself if you really want or need them. This is especially true if you have lived in your home for some time or have a family and accumulated stuff over the years. Declutter and redistribute any unwanted items appropriately; donate to Goodwill or hold a garage sale. From here, you can see what space you must work with to make changes.

It might be that you can move your furniture around to give the room a new feel, or you book residential and commercial painting and staining services to give your home a fresh feel once you’ve decluttered. This point will work well with the above two points and can be a great cost-effective way of making changes to your home and having it work better for you without undertaking massive renovations.

Getting your home to work better for you isn’t always about making huge changes. Sometimes you need to take a step back from how you live in your home to help you look at things with fresh eyes. From here, you can evaluate your wants and needs and make changes to how you use your home before agreeing to make more permanent changes. The best part, is if it doesn’t work for you, you can always revert to the original format!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Wall Art Collection Expansion

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Wall Art Collection Expansion

Hello! Mine and Johnny’s apartment is filled with all of our favorite things. We have a huge video game, board game, and knick knack collection as well as our own personal library. Another thing that we are connoisseurs of is our ever growing wall art collection. Our apartment features an art wall on the stairway, an ode to all things horror in the living room, and some rather unique pieces scattered throughout the space as well.

A vast majority of our art collection is from the Goodwill or handmade and, now, we have a few more things to add from The Exchange. I just couldn’t pass these up:

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The Office is one of mine and Johnny’s top tier comfort shows and we are currently on our millionth time of watching it! With that in mind, I wasn’t going to not get the poster for Threat Level Midnight, an absolute classic. I also had a laugh attach over the Date Mike poster, which is something that I have never seen before! Date Mike is one of Johnny’s favorite Michael Scott bits and I didn’t think it was possible for him to like this find more than me, yet here we are. While taking a look at the poster selection at The Exchange, I almost flipped past this one thinking it was for the movie Date Night. However, something made me take a second glance and I am so glad I did! I’m Date Mike. Nice to meet me. 😉

Another find that I am so pleased with is the National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation poster. This is an homage to Miller family tradition because we watch it every single year for our Christmas celebration. It’s a blast to watch this movie with Johnny’s family because we all know it by heart at this point, but it’s still SO funny every single time. Our Christmas Vacation viewing is more like us just reciting the entire movie and laughing hysterically. It is the best and I couldn’t say no to a tip of the cap to past and future Christmases with my second family. ❤

Finally, as a treat for Johnny, I purchased a poster for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, which is his all time favorite video game. It took me a while to find this poster in the store, but I knew they had to have it because I saw one for Majora’s Mask. I was so excited to bring this one home because Johnny has been working an insane amount of overtime as of late and I wanted something to cheer him up. He was like a kid delighting over a new birthday present when he pulled it out of the bag and ran to the game room to put it up by our Master Sword. I can’t think of a better place for it to go and now we just have to find a home for everything else! 😀

This little haul from The Exchange wasn’t a necessary one at all, but it was a fun purchase that made me and Johnny happy and that’s all that matters to me. We both enjoy expanding our many collections further and these posters will make a great addition to the apartment!

What is a beloved movie in your family? What is your favorite episode of The Office? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Tips & Tricks To Make The Most Of A Small Home

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Tips & Tricks To Make The Most Of A Small Home

Are you ready to embrace the cozy and charming lifestyle of small space living? Downsizing to a smaller home can be a liberating experience, allowing you to simplify your life and focus on what truly matters. However, moving to a smaller home can also be overwhelming, especially if you’re used to a larger living space. That’s why we’re here to share some creative tips and tricks for making the most of your new home:

Get Rid Of Clutter:

Decluttering is an art form when it comes to small space living. The key to success is to get rid of anything that you don’t absolutely need – this includes clothes, books, furniture, and knick knacks. So what should you do with all of these things? You can either donate them to the less fortunate, plan a garage sale, or hire Junk removal to take them away for you.

Invest In Unique Storage Solutions:

Living in a smaller home requires thinking outside of the box when it comes to storage. One idea is to buy a bookshelf that also serves as a room divider or use floating shelves to free up floor space. Another option is to use an ottoman or bench that provides seating and storage space.

Maximize Wall Space:

Take advantage of vertical space! There is no need for a blank white wall. Hang artwork, use peg boards for kitchen utensils or tools, and even turn your spare wall space into a mini library. Storage options can truly start from the ground up.

Utilize Multi-Functional Furniture:

Multi-functional furniture is like having a mini-transformer in your home. It can turn into something entirely different with just the flick of a switch. This type of furniture is great for small spaces because it gives you more bang for your buck and helps save space. Examples of multi-functional furniture include a foldaway bed or a Murphy’s desk.

Play With Natural Light:

The sun is your best friend when it comes to making small spaces look bigger. Let as much natural light in as possible by taking advantage of large windows and skylights, and opt for lighter colors on your walls.

Don’t Forget The Outdoor Space:

No matter how small of a space you have, make sure to take advantage of the great outdoors. You can use your patio or balcony for extra seating and storage or to grow a small potted garden with herbs and vegetables.

With these tips and tricks, you will find yourself falling in love with your cozy new home. All it takes is a bit of creativity!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Affordable Upgrades To Create A Relaxing Home Environment

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Affordable Upgrades To Create A Relaxing Home Environment

With the fast-paced nature of our world today, creating a calm and relaxing home environment is more critical than ever. Your living space should be a sanctuary where you can unwind, recharge, and be at peace. Let’s explore some affordable upgrades that can help you transform your home into a calming oasis:

Lighting:

The right lighting can have a significant impact on your mood and create a calming atmosphere in your home. Try swapping out harsh, fluorescent bulbs for soft, warm-toned ones, like yellow or orange. You can also incorporate string lights or candles to enhance the ambiance and provide a warm, cozy feel. Lighting dimmers are also an affordable and easy upgrade that can help set the mood. Simply adjust the light to your desired level for a gentle, inviting atmosphere.

Declutter:

Clutter can cause stress and anxiety, so take a few moments to declutter your home. Donate or sell things you no longer need and create storage systems to organize what’s left. If you have a lot of unwanted, broken, or unusable items you might want to consider a residential junk removal service to make the process easier. Tidying up can help promote a sense of calm as you remove excess items and create an organized, relaxing space. You can also use baskets or decorative boxes to store things away without sacrificing your home’s aesthetic.

Color:

Color can have a significant impact on your mood, so think about which hues create the most calming environment for you. Light blues and greens can be soothing, while oranges and yellows evoke feelings of warmth and happiness. Choose colors that make you feel relaxed and at peace, then incorporate them into your living space. This can be as simple as adding a few colorful pillows or painting an accent wall for an easy refresh.

Aromatherapy:

Scents like lavender, vanilla, and eucalyptus have soothing properties that can help you relax and reduce stress. Consider incorporating aromatherapy into your home by using essential oils, candles, or diffusers. You’ll be amazed at how much a simple scent can transform your living space! You can also combine aromatherapy with soft lighting to create an even more calming effect.

Art:

Art can have a significant impact on the atmosphere in your home, whether it’s a painting, photograph, or sculpture. Choose pieces that bring you joy or have a calming energy to them. You can also add texture to your walls with tapestries or decorative fabrics – the possibilities are endless!

Biophilic Design Elements:

Biophilic design is an interior design concept that emphasizes the connection between humans and nature. This will help to create a calming atmosphere by bringing the outdoors inside. You can create a biophilic home by following these tips:

Invest in a living wall:

A living wall is an easy and affordable way to bring nature indoors. It can be as simple or complex as you want, with a variety of plants that suit your needs. You can also opt for moss walls that are easy to maintain and look beautiful.

Add natural materials:

Natural materials like wood, stone, and clay can provide a tactile element to your home and enhance its calming aesthetic. Try adding baskets woven from seagrass or wooden furniture for a rustic feel.

Bring in natural light:

Nothing says relaxation like natural sunlight pouring into your home! Open up curtains and blinds to let the sun shine through and create a pleasant and inviting atmosphere.

Add water elements:

Adding a water feature like a fountain or waterfall can help create a sense of tranquility and relaxation. The sound of running water will lull you into a calm state, perfect for unwinding after a long day.

Creating a calm and relaxing home environment doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Take the time to invest in yourself by creating a sanctuary that is uniquely yours – one where you can relax and recharge!

Amazing Hacks For A More Convenient Home

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Amazing Hacks For A More Convenient Home

Home life can be chaotic and expensive. It seems like every season brings with it a new set of challenges, tools, and products. If you want to cut down on your expenses and make home life simpler, try some of these amazing hacks. Who knew something like PVC pipes could do all of this:

Curling Iron Holsters:

A curling iron or styling wand is what you need to make the bouncy curls and stylish waves that sets you apart from the crowd. Curling irons and styling wands come in different shapes and sizes, but they have some things in common; they all become hot and need to be stored safely. When you are using your curling iron in the bathroom, it can be inconvenient and dangerous to leave it sitting on the porcelain counter; it’s better if you can store it in a handy PVC holster. These are simple to make, just cut lengths of PVC pipe and attach them to the inside of the door!

Trendy Overhead Storage:

PVC piping might be expressly designed for plumbing and drainage, but it can be repurposed to make your home life more convenient. If you have a basement, garage, or attachment, you probably have some extra space overhead, so why not make it work for you with PVC storage? Source some PVC piping from your local hardware store and attach it to the wooden beams overhead. Create U-shaped sections to place copper piping on for cross beams. Once the copper beams are in place, you can use the space above for storing lightweight garden tools.

Gutter Cleaning Hack:

Home gutters need to be cleaned regularly, especially in the fall when leaves gather as it increases the risks of flooding and water damage. Water damage in the home is not only difficult to repair, but it is also a health risk for a family due to mold growth. Here is an easy gutter-cleaning hack. Again, PVC piping is your friend, so make sure you buy plenty of it at the hardware store. PVC piping is durable and hollow; it is also versatile, with plenty of attachments. Place an elbow joint on one end with a rinsing cap and attach a hose to the other end to clean gutters with ease.

Bike Storage:

Do you walk into your garage and bemoan the sight of the family bikes stacked precariously in the corner? What you need is a bike rack, but they can be expensive to buy and install. If you have some DIY skills, you can use this PVC piping hack to create your own at a far lower cost. PVC piping is an easy material to work with; you can put it together like Lego, so even low-skilled DIYers can create helpful home hacks with ease. What you need is a row of rectangles with gaps at either end and a stand at the back as per these helpful instructions.

Carpet Cleaning:

In recent years there has been a trend towards wooden floors in the home, but many homes still choose carpet and for good reasons. In colder climates, carpets retain more heat and create a warmer atmosphere in the room. But they need to be cleaned regularly to protect family health. Dust mites, allergens, and bacteria build up in the carpet and can cause health conditions like asthma for family members. There are a ton of carpet cleaning hacks that you can use, such as lint rollers, squeegees for pet hair, and stain removal using an iron or a professional service.

If you don’t have the time or desire to do the carpet cleaning yourself, the best hack of all is going with the pros! Your carpets will never look better. To find an expert near you, simply enter a search for “minnesota carpet cleaning” or your local area.

Fiber Specialties

Lighted Screwdriver:

Whether you are working in the garage, the basement, or the attic, you could benefit from a lighted screwdriver. A lighted screwdriver is a conventional screwdriver with an LED light on the end that illuminates the space you are working on. Lighted screwdrivers can also be created. Buying one of these devices in the store or online is likely to cost significantly more than one might expect, especially if it’s a brand-name device. A better option is to go to the counter and pick up a small LED keychain for a fraction of the price, then simply tape it onto your screwdriver end.

Draft Excluders:

Draft excluders come in different varieties and depend on the type of gaps you have in your home. Some homes have ceiling registers that can be fixed with a plant pot base glued over the gap in winter. Gaps in the bottom of the door can be sealed with a strip of materials or a soft toy.

Screen Cleaning:

Computer, laptop, smartphone, and TV screens all collect dust and need to be cleaned regularly. If you don’t have any screen cleaning products around, you can use household items like window cleaner, kitchen cleaner, rubbing alcohol, or wipe with vinegar for a sparkling surface.

All of these hacks are easy to complete and will make your life easier too! Happy DIYing!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

New Chair, Who Dis?

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New Chair, Who Dis?

Hello!!! My grandparents ran a funeral home in Cleveland and it was my favorite place in the world. So much so, that I have several pieces of furniture and art from the home in my apartment. While a majority of the home decor I have is in excellent condition, one of the chairs that resided in my living room has definitely seen better days. The fabric was torn, the springs were shot, the cushions were worn, and it was basically a hot mess. So much so, that my in laws and aunt in law decided to have it reupholstered as mine and Johnny’s Christmas gift. Unfortunately, I didn’t think to take “before” pictures, but here is the end result:

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When Johnny’s mom came to pick up our chair last month, she also brought along at least thirty books of fabric swatches from the person she hired for the job. Johnny and I were hoping for some awesome spooky prints like bats or ghosts and found nothing that came even close. We were basically flipping through swatches that would have been more appropriate for a carpet for several evenings in a row. By the time we got to the very last book, we had resigned ourselves to choosing the least bad option and calling it a day. Then, we got to the last page and found the fabric that you see above. I am so happy that we kept on trucking through all of the books or we never would have found it!

The original fabric on the chair had a deep navy background with light pink and white flowers and green leaves. This chair dates back to 1969 and while it was gorgeous in its prime, it needed an update badly! I am in love with the new fabric featuring red pagodas, blooming cherry blossoms, twisting bonsai, and flowing rivers. As soon as we saw the swatch, we knew it was the one and were confident that it was going to turn out amazing. And, when we finally saw it in its completion, I couldn’t believe that it was better than we ever could have imagined.

The person who brought this chair to life is truly a master of their craft. The chair is much more sturdy and comfortable with fresh padding and the fabric is nice and soft but it feels so durable. We got two throw pillows that were made with leftover fabric too! Johnny’s dad also played a part in getting this chair back up to snuff by removing and replacing the rotted wood at the base. He is so handy and the effort from both of them gave us a chair that will surely last for another almost fifty-five years!

This belated Christmas gift is one of the best ones that Johnny and I have ever received and we are so thankful to our family for making it happen. I think that my grandparents would love it too!

Has any of your furniture gotten a makeover before? What is your favorite piece of furniture at your house? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sweaters In Spring OOTD Bloopers

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Sweaters In Spring OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the blooper reel from my Sweaters In Spring OOTD! For last week’s OOTD, I had to resort to using my tripod for pictures because Johnny was feeling under the weather so I was very happy that my master photographer was back for this shoot. It was an alright experience using the tripod and I am glad that I got a feel for it in case I ever have to use it again. However, the convenience of having an in house photographer and OOTD shoots that last all of five minutes definitely outshines independently taking my pics. Plus, only Johnny can capture the outtakes that make for a good blooper reel! Check it out:

Lol, just hoisting up me britches

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I LOOK GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Just out here getting my Vanna White on

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Upsy daisy!!

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Pausing to contemplate the meaning of life mid shoot

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Derek Zoolander has got nothing on me!!!!

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Poise, elegance, and grace

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You may have noticed in several of the past OOTDs published that I have resorted to taking pictures on the balcony of my apartment. I know, I know – no brick wall in sight! As much as I would love to go out and about with Johnny on Saturday, our designated picture day, we have much more pressing matters to tend to. Every Saturday for the past month and change, Johnny and I or just myself have gone to visit a loved one in the hospital. Then, I do my makeup and put an outfit together when we get home and do a quick photo shoot before becoming one with our couch.

The balcony is, admittedly, not the most exciting place for a shoot but, hey, you work with what you’ve got given the situation and it works for us! If you are wanting to create content, but are too wiped out to go anywhere then it is A-okay. If you have a good imagination, as I’m sure you do since you like to write, content can be found anywhere! Whether it be taking pictures on your porch, writing about your favorite knick knack, or simply writing about your day; you are still creating something and that’s great. Life happens and the blogosphere understands – we are all proud of you simply for writing and being in this wonderful corner of the internet that we have made for ourselves. Write on, no matter the situation – it always helps me feel better and it will help you too. 🙂

For the time being, you can find me posted up on my balcony and it’s all good. I wouldn’t trade my time at the hospital for the world! Keep it posted for more fun on lifewithlilred and I will see you all tomorrow. ❤

What do you do when you get writer’s block? How often do you write for your blog? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

On The 6th Day, She Rested OOTD Bloopers

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On The 6th Day, She Rested OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the blooper reel from my On The 6th Day, She Rested OOTD!! It has been an insanely awful few days in Lil Red’s world and by the time Johnny and I returned home this past Saturday, I just wanted to go to bed. Content called, however, and I would have been a monkey’s uncle before I ruined my streak of Saturday OOTD shoots. So, I decided to show the world a makeup free, lounge clothes Lil Red. We also had a power outage at that point so I just had to roll with the punches because applying makeup wasn’t in the cards. Not surprisingly, there weren’t a lot of winners from this shoot. There were a fair amount of bloopers, though, so let’s check them out:

Smiling for my kindergarten school picture like:

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I LOOK GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Lol, not so much a blooper; I just thought that the plushies looked hysterical

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Johnny beautifully captured a photo sequence, which I call “Makar & Me”. We begin by gingerly placing the plushie to the side…

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About to start freaking WERKING it as much as I possibly can

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My “seriously?” face when Makar fell in a matter of two seconds

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Alright, let’s get back on the horse and try again

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And down he goes! This is also when I decided that we had enough pictures haha

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You might notice a cooler propped up to the left of me in these pictures and there is a method to the madness. The room behind the couch is our bunny proofed area for Mel and Penelope and we have had to get creative with ways to keep them away from the areas that aren’t safe for them to be at. One example of this is the cooler! Mr. Melvin used to LOVE running behind our curio cabinet to get to the non bunny proofed living room. So, Johnny placed “bunny blockers”, which included cardboard behind the cabinets and the cooler on top of a box to keep him from hopping over it. As unsightly as it looks, it serves its purpose well!

You might also have noticed an array of Chewy boxes and cardboard behind me too and that is all Mel and Pen lol. I absolutely adore buying new toys for them when I restock their supplies on Chewy and most of them go over pretty well. However, nothing will ever beat boxes for them. Melvin is my tiny wanderer and he is always running in and out of the boxes and jumping on top of them from the stairs. Penelope, on the other hand, is my shy girl and has spent hours burrowing in the boxes and shredding to her heart’s content. When things get less crazy, Johnny and I have grand dreams of creating a cardboard castle for them and solidifying our ranks that I personally gave of “best bunny parents ever”. 😀

Every home is different and, in this case, you got to take a peek into our bunny room as well as a lazy day at chez nous. The backdrop from this shoot might look a bit haphazard, but I suppose that’s what happens when you have two furry little gremlins running about for hours on end!

Do you have a special place for your pets at your place? How have you gotten creative with pet or baby proofing? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Let The Light Shine In Your Home

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Let The Light Shine In Your Home

If your home feels dark and cramped, you may be interested in learning how to achieve a brighter, airier look. This can be done by doing some simple decorating and home improvements. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Paint the walls a lighter color:

Painting the walls a lighter color is an easy and effective way to brighten up and air out your home. Lighter colors such as white, pale gray, and taupe give rooms a feeling of spaciousness, while deeper colors can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. To maximize the light reflection in any room, opt for glossy paint finishes instead of flat or matte paints. Additionally, using a semi-gloss finish on the trim around doors and windows will help to enhance the brightness of the space.

For maximum impact, consider painting just one wall in an accent hue to create visual interest without overwhelming the room. When selecting lighter colors, it’s important to look at sample chips in different lighting conditions throughout the day so that you’re confident that they will work with your existing decor. With a few simple changes like these you can easily achieve an airier home with plenty of light.

Install some bigger windows:

Installing larger windows or increasing the existing window sizes can significantly brighten up a space. Natural light is key to achieving an airy feel and making small spaces appear bigger. When selecting new windows for the window company to install, opt for designs that have multiple panes of glass, as this will help to maximize sunlight in your home while also helping to trap warm air during the cooler months. You could also consider installing some skylights, as they’ll provide more natural light and add character to any room.

Add more lighting fixtures:

Adding additional overhead lights is another way to bring much-needed illumination into the dark corners of a room. Consider replacing old light fixtures with modern ones that direct the light downwards for maximum brightness without being too stark or overwhelming the space. Installing dimmers is also a great way to conserve energy while allowing you to adjust the lighting in each room depending on how much light you need at any given time. If you are opting for a light fixture installation to brighten up your home, just be sure to choose wisely. Really look at the space and how the shape, size, and design of the fixture can enhance it. Not only will you have better lighting to work with but you will be giving the room a mini makeover too!

Hang some mirrors:

Mirrors are great for reflecting light around a room and making it feel more spacious. Place one near a window to make the most of natural sunlight and to help create an airy ambiance in any room. Alternatively, group several small mirrors together on a wall for maximum reflection and visual impact.

These simple tips can help you achieve a brighter, airier home with minimal effort. But if you want to go the extra mile, consider adding indoor plants or nature-inspired art pieces that will bring life and energy into your living space while adding color and texture to your decor. With these few changes, you’ll be able to enjoy the bright, open atmosphere of your newly refreshed home in no time!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Better Protect Your Home With These Tips

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Better Protect Your Home With These Tips

With many people still working from home, we can all become blind to the fact that our home has a number of problems. A very good example is how safe our home is. Our home can be an easy target for burglars, which is why we need to make sure we are not unwittingly displaying red flags as an open invite. Here are a few things to bear in mind and what you can do to better protect your home:

Not changing the locks since you have moved in:

If you’ve been in the home for a number of years but you’ve never changed the locks, you don’t know who has access to that property. Having a local locksmith change the locks is such a simple thing, but they can also advise you on the best ways to reinforce your door. They may recommend that you use keyless entry points, which can provide extra peace of mind if you are going on vacation.

Things to look out for:

Some people’s homes can be watched by burglars over a long period of time. Here are a few things that you may wish to keep an eye out for:

  • Calls from unknown numbers: Look out for unknown callers and never give away any personal information. If you have children, talk to them about phone safety so they can alert you if any odd calls come in.
  • Flyers, stickers, and ads: If you notice marketing and advertising flyers in the door or mailboxes, this could be a sign that burglars are using these as marks. Any stickers on your mailbox should be removed immediately. Additionally, if you find any unusual markings, such as a little bit of paint on your fence, a rope tied around your lamp post, or any other symbol this should be a sign that you need to remove the markings but also step up your security.
  • More door-to-door activity: Burglars will sense their opportunity by casing up the home, as well as the individuals within. They can target properties by pretending to be someone taking a survey, salespeople, or other non-threatening individuals.

What you can do:

If you notice any signs that burglars are targeting your home you need to:

  • Record observations, including dates and times of questionable activity, like a vehicle patrolling the area.
  • Notify neighbors so they can be more vigilant in the community.
  • Find ways to prevent break-ins, which can include installing a security system, but also illuminating dark corners outside of your property by installing a light sensor.
  • Inform the police. Informing the police and ramping up your neighborhood watch initiatives ensure you are informing the people who can best deal with this while also making sure the neighborhood is more vigilant than ever.

It can be incredibly stressful to find out your home is being targeted by burglars. Some of these components can make a massive difference. It is always about making sure you are in a prevention mindset, while also noticing these tell-tale signs.

Featured Image By: Pixabay