Tag Archives: decorations

Jul26

Bathroom Upgrades That Will Help Sell Your House

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Bathroom Upgrades That Will Help Sell Your House

If you are in the process of selling your home, you will probably be exploring the possibility of making a few upgrades. This is an effective way to ensure that your house sells quickly and at the price which you are asking. One of the rooms that you should definitely place a lot of attention on is your bathroom. THE THRONE ROOM! Here are some suggestions on how to make your salle de bain the best ever:

Add an ottoman or stool: By adding a stunning piece of decor that is also functional, you create the ultimate private hotel suite look. Why not put a stool beside the bathtub? You can add a potted plant, candle, or some hand towels to complete the look. Another option is to go for a long ottoman or a marble side table. Nothing says “luxury” like a gorgeous piece of furniture to drape your clothes on!

Buy a new toilet: Let’s face it, who really wants to use a toilet that countless other people have been using for many years? NO ONE. Upgrading your toilet can make your bathroom look new, and it will create a good impression on anyone that is interested in buying your home. Toto Toilets are good because they offer quality, as well as a versatile style selection. But we suggest playing it safe – not many people are going to want a bright red toilet!

Change your counter tops: A lot of people assume that changing their counter tops is going to be an expensive job. However, it is something that you can do yourself. DIY faux marble counter tops will cost you less than $100, yet they will look like they have cost a small fortune. This is a great way to give your bathroom a glam update without breaking the bank.

Flower frenzy: It is amazing how much of a difference that some fresh flowers can make. Fresh plants and flowers will make your bathroom come alive, adding instant texture and color. Plus, they improve the air quality in the room, making it much more welcoming when your viewers look around. There are many different styles of plants and flowers to choose from, but lush purple orchids work especially well in bathrooms.

Stick with neutrals: If you are going to invest in new cabinets, upgrade your tiles, or repaint your walls, it is always wise to stick with a neutral palette for these elements. This will appeal to buyers, because they want to imagine living there, which can be hard to do if you choose a vibrant color that is not suited to their taste. If you do want to add some color to the room, it is best to do it via the likes of accessories and towels.

Clean thoroughly: Last but not least, the importance of cleaning thoroughly should not be understated. Giving your bathroom a quick wipe over will not suffice. You need to ensure that every inch of the room is spotless – even the corners that you don’t think your home viewers will see. A sparkling bathroom gives the impression that your home has been well loved and maintained during your time there.

Bathrooms are where luxury and smart decor is key. Use the tips above to make your home fly off of the market in no time!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jun22

Bedroom Makeover: Quick Fixes That Can Make A Huge Difference

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Bedroom Makeover: Quick Fixes That Can Make A Huge Difference

The bedroom is one room in the house that we probably don’t prioritize enough when it comes to decorating. We can be too transfixed with the rooms that other people see more regularly, like a kitchen or a living room. It’s understandable. Those rooms are the ones that we may entertain in and ultimately spend our waking hours in. But the sleeping hours are just as important!

Do you find that your bedroom is cluttered? Perhaps it has become a room in your home that is multifunctional? These things can be causing problems with the quality of sleep that we are getting, and every one of us deserves a place that is a sanctuary to retire to when the day is done. Here are some quick fixes that you can make to your bedroom that will make a huge difference in your quality of sleep:

Let’s Talk Mattresses: Where we lay our head at night is an important part of any bedroom, wouldn’t you agree? So it’s important to have a good quality mattress and bed to ensure that we get the most restful night’s sleep as possible. It may not be possible to change your whole bed, but one thing that you should consider is a new mattress. Companies like Puffy offer a great selection of mattresses that are comfortable, lush, plush, and perfect for a good night’s sleep. Sleep is vital for our well-being, and feeling rested for the next day can help improve productivity. So replacing your old and battered mattress is definitely a worthwhile investment!

Get Rid Of The Clutter: Clutter can be a big issue when it comes to your mindset. Any bedroom with multiple uses will not only look cluttered but feel it, too. This will make you relaxing in the evening when trying to get some sleep all the more difficult. Focus on what you need in the bedroom and try and get rid of or find homes for everything else. Invest in some good storage so that if it has to be there, then it is out of sight and out of mind.

Redecorate Your Bedroom Purposefully: We may all have our favorite colors that we go to, but when it comes to decorating your bedroom, try and decorate it with purpose. The purpose being a restful night’s sleep. This means avoiding brightly colored walls and opting for something more sedated like a pastel shade. If you insist on color, then use accessories to bring it out. Funky colored frames, cushions, and bed sheets will still enable you to get a peaceful night’s sleep. Hot pink walls? Not so much!

Finally, make sure you keep your bedroom airy throughout the day. Summer can make sleeping very difficult, so you might want to invest in a fan or at the very least open the windows during the evening to let the air circulate. A stuffy room is the farthest thing from comfortable!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jun15

Easy Ways To Create An Asian-Inspired Interior

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Easy Ways To Create An Asian-Inspired Interior

Hello everyone and welcome to a guest blog compliments of my friend, Diana! This lovely interior designer maven was kind enough to provide this post for lifewithlilred. Thank you again, darling!

Easy Ways To Create An Asian-Inspired Interior

A perfect fusion of various designs from Chinese and Japanese to Indian is what makes the Asian design so unique and wonderful. You also may find a huge deal of Oriental influence, as well, which only adds to its overall beauty. If you’ve always wanted to introduce a certain dose of Asian decor into your home, check out how to do it best:

Perfectly neutral:

The colors of nature are most often the biggest inspiration for Asian design. You can find a plethora of decorations that mimic scenic landscapes with a lot of natural hues to fit the interior. This is why you should consider cream shades, elegant greys, and even light blues when you start working on your Asian-inspired interior. The point is to create a soothing environment where you’ll have a chance to lay back and enjoy the relaxing ambiance.

A bit of vivid hues:

Contrary to popular belief, Asian style features quite vivid and rich hues. Only when you add some vivacious colors to contrast the neutral backdrop will you be able to say that it truly is an Asian theme. Consider adding some cherry pink, ravishing red, or luscious purple to awake a hint of that Oriental charm that is always present in Asian style. Also, you can never go wrong with subtle black, so you may want to think about combining golden tones with a soft neutral backdrop and adding some black hues to the mix.

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The lighting:

To add another visual and elegant aspect to your Asian inspired style, think about quality lighting. Carefully placed candles along sculptural lighting and stylish hanging paper lanterns will add a certain dose of Far East style to your home, creating a unique atmosphere. Then again, you can never go wrong with natural light, so try to bask your home with as much sunlight as possible.

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Splashing features:

Water is a key feature in Asian style, so you absolutely have to introduce it in order to create that harmonious atmosphere. Whether you opt for a small water feature in the living area, entrance room, or maybe the backyard, the ever-needed equilibrium is a given. If you have enough space in your backyard for a pool, think about building a reflective one to achieve that calming effect that everyone will enjoy. A gorgeous koi pond can be another amazing water addition that will unquestionably breathe new life into your home.

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Go minimalistic:

When you’re looking for a natural Asian design, you should definitely keep in mind that it implies clean and well-defined straight lines as well as sleek symmetry. It all comes from the Japanese influence, which allows you to enrich your contemporary space. This also means that you should avoid clutter in any part of your home at all costs. Following the main rules of Feng Shui, you must surround yourself with things that you both need and love, and remove all of the unnecessary elements from your home.

Organic design:

Eco-conscious homeowners will find this option very appealing, since Asian design cannot be imagined without organic and sustainable design. Besides your bamboo blinds, introduce some unique and quality rugs to your Asian-inspired decor, and it will make a huge difference to the entire atmosphere. Naturally, you don’t have to pay attention to the organic nature of the accessories, but the more sustainable the material, the bigger the Asian vibe in the house.

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The scent of nature:

Every home features its own peculiar scent that you can’t quite describe. An Asian-themed interior has a couple of distinctive fragrances that will help you achieve a soothing atmosphere in your home. Wind chimes, scented candles, and sandalwood incense will bring the aroma of Eastern culture right into your house. With a couple of potted plants, you’ll actually feel the Asian vibe spreading throughout the home and energizing you on a completely new level.

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Asian-themed style is the one design that can truly transform your home both visually and spiritually. With the right choice of colors, scents, furniture, and accent pieces, you can create a harmonious environment that you’ll never want to leave.

^^^ Thank you so much again to Diana for such a lovely post! How do you introduce an Asian vibe into your home? What is your favorite color palette for interior design purposes? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun14

Things To Consider When You’re Designing A Kitsch Kitchen

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Things To Consider When You’re Designing A Kitsch Kitchen

Whether you prefer a vintage interior or a retro space; if you’re into everything kitsch, each room in your home should be able to reflect your style. Your kitchen (or kitschen) should be no different; as the heart of your home and where you’ll spend time cooking and hanging out, the space should exude your interior taste and any personal style elements that you enjoy. The following are some ideas to consider if you’re in the mood for an injection of kitsch character to your cooking environment:

Colorful Appliances: Nothing screams 1950s diner more than a large curved fridge in a bright or pastel hue. Your refrigerator doesn’t just have to be a functional item in your kitchen; it can become the focal point of the room and a joy to open when you’re craving a strawberry milkshake or a cola. If your budget doesn’t stretch to a shiny new fridge, then consider replacing some of your smaller appliances with colorful alternatives, instead. Toasters, food processors, and tea kettles are all items that will look great in a mint green, pastel pink, or candy-apple red shade. Do your research and bring a kitsch kick into your kitchen counter tops. For some tips on maintaining your new purchases, take a look here!

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So cute!

Your bowls, plates, glassware, and utensils don’t have to come in shy colors either. Think about investing in a polka dot range of silverware or a striped collection of cups and saucers. Display them all with pride on a vintage dresser or some shelves above your work surfaces. You can add even more vintage charm by incorporating any antique ornaments, old utensils, and postcards that you’ve picked up at a flea market. The possibilities are endless, because it’s all about adding what you love and running wild with your retro theme.

Fixtures And Fittings: A modern array of halogen lights and a sleek, stainless steel stove aren’t going to enhance a retro kitchen space, but are likely to do the opposite. So it’s worth taking a look around your cooking space and discovering what you can change so that it represents a kitsch character, and more importantly, your personal style. Consider looking at a range of sinks and think about replacing your basic steel basin with an old school-style ceramic one. The perfect choice for when you’ve got your gingham pinny on and you’re chopping up fruits for a salad. If replacing your hobs and stove isn’t an option for you, then you could look into having areas of them spray painted to give a colorful enamel finish. By the time you’ve surrounded it with all of your vintage accessories, it’ll look like a retro dream.

The lighting in your kitchen can be sourced and reclaimed from vintage stores and auctions. You’ll pay a fraction of the price of a brand new light fitting, and it’ll boast tons more character and charm. Get your polishing equipment at the ready and hunt down some personality-packed lampshades and lights for over your dinner table. Light switches and power points are also areas to consider when you want the design details in your kitchen to be a nod to kitsch charm. Look into brushed metal finishes and the shape of each fitting; paying attention to these little things will ensure that you’ll be baking your cupcakes in a kitsch environment that will keep you smiling.

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Pexels Image

A Splash Of Paint: If you’re not in the position to replace your appliances, fixtures, and fittings; a lick of fresh paint can go a long way and will add instant charm and character to a room, depending on which hues you choose. Painting the walls in a pastel, ice cream shade will create the perfect backdrop for your old enamel advertisements and signs, taking you back to a golden era every time you cook. For a bold choice, you could choose a primary color to paint on the walls, or perhaps you could have a feature wall, where the shelving that was mentioned earlier could go.

Update your tiles and flooring with fun shades of paint and be brave with your choices; it’s your ideal kitchen space, after all. Maybe you’ll be able to source a terracotta tile or two and collect some retro tiles and could craft a lively backsplash behind the sink or stove. The braver you are, the more creative you’ll be with your choices, and you’ll have your kitschy dream kitchen before you know it!

Don’t Forget the Outside: You want your kitchen to look great from the outside looking in too. Make sure to keep control of any bushes or trees outside its windows and you may want to consider new siding to make everything look really modern and clean. Use siding company, JD Hostetter.

Maintain your kitchen: When you’re designing a cute kitchen you won’t want to forget about those important maintenance checks. Here are a few pointers to help you:

  • Check your appliances to ensure that they are working correctly.
  • Deep clean your kitchen, including the oven.
  • Inspect the drain for foul smells or signs of blockage (you may require the help of a plumber).
  • If you’re using regular light bulbs, replace these with LED bulbs.
  • Ensure that any toxic materials are stored in a high cupboard.
  • Water your plants and replace them if necessary.

Simple tips like these will help you to keep your kitchen looking cute and fresh. Your kitchen is so much more than a place to cook, it’s a space for entertaining too. Looking after your home will help you to improve your lifestyle.

Featured Image By: Miserv

Jun12

Designing A Home Office With A Quirky But Professional Vibe

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Designing A Home Office With A Quirky But Professional Vibe

Today, more and more people are opting to work from home, instead of working in commercial office environments. In the US alone, 43 percent of workers work from home at least some of the time, with around 30 percent of workers working at the home front the entire time. Over the past 12 years, the number of home workers in the US has risen by 103 percent, which shows that every year more and more people are choosing this satisfying option.

Working from home is becoming an increasingly popular trend, but it’s not suited to everyone. If you are going to effectively work from home, you not only need to be a self-starter, able to motivate yourself, and good at timekeeping, but you also need to have a dedicated work space in your home. Sure, you could work from your sofa, but if you want to ensure that you are as productive as possible while working, having a dedicated space is a must.

When it comes to designing your home office, you want to create a space that has a unique look and feel to it. You want your home office to have a quirky, elegant, and professional vibe. To help you achieve this, below are some tips for designing the perfect home office. You can also browse these ideas for a home office to gain more inspiration. Your office is all about being personal to you so take a look at plenty of sources to see what speaks to your own aesthetic!

Call In The Experts: Not too keen on DIY? Then call in the professionals! You want your home office to have the right look and feel to it, so it’s important to get the interior design plan just right. If you don’t feel like you’ve got the skills to do that yourself, it could be worth calling in the experts. Even if you already have ideas for the space, you can still use a professional interior design service. That way, you can combine your thoughts with those of the experts. All that matters is that you end up with a beautifully designed space that is a perfect fit for your needs, so if that means working with a professional designer, then it’s worth it.

Now, what if you don’t have the space to create a home office? One trend that interior designers are loving right now are backyard home offices. Office sheds or pods are the perfect solution if you cannot give up a room in the house dedicated to your job. Although this might seem like an easy project, it is quite involved and shouldn’t be handled alone. With a professional, you can create an office space just right for you in your own backyard.

The professional services you will need for your home office aren’t just limited to the appearance – you still have to work in the space! This means having an excellent computer, security software, and fast and reliable internet. To find the best internet plan to fit your needs, simply enter a search for “isp las vegas” (or your local area) so you can work in your beautifully designed office with efficient and dependable internet access.

Focus On Comfort & Aesthetics: However you decide to go about designing your home office, one of the most important things is to focus on comfort and aesthetics. While you want your home office to be a comfortable space to work in, you also want is it to be an aesthetically pleasing space. When it comes to selecting the features to incorporate, make sure to think carefully about both aspects – comfort and aesthetics. In terms of combining the two, it’s usually a case of picking furniture designs and styles that are chic and smart as well as comfortable. Incorporating office plants or terrariums can also assist in enhancing the space by adding some greenery to the mix. As long as you remember to water them, that is!

Personalize The Space: One of the major benefits of having a home office is the fact that you can personalize the space, so it’s vital that you take advantage of that. In a commercial office, you can personalize your desk to a certain extent but not in the same way that you can with a home office. It’s important to take advantage of this and use accessories and other features to personalize your home office while ensuring that it remains a professional space. It’s all about getting the balance right, is all.

If you’re working from home, a savvy office space is a must. Now, it’s up to you to create your dream space to buckle down and get to work!

Featured Image By: Flickr

May6

8 Stylish Ways to Beach up Your Home

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8 Stylish Ways to Beach up Your Home

Hi everyone and happy weekend! This post is compliments of my darling friend and design guru, the lovely Miss Chloe Taylor. Thanks again, Chloe girl! ❤

8 Stylish Ways to Beach up Your Home

It was the year 2003 when the world fell in love with the amazing beach house from the movie “Something’s Gotta Give” with Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton. The Hamptons house Keaton’s character lives in was everything anyone could wish for from a beach house – light shades of blue, warm whites, soapstone counter tops, an amazing pool, and a fabulous view of the waterfront. However, not all of us can enjoy the benefit of having a shore near our homes, but that doesn’t mean that we should be deprived of laid-back coastal decor. If you are interested in “beaching up” your home, here are a few ways to do it:

Start With the First Impression:

If you want to turn your landlocked home into a beach-like heaven, you should start from the very entrance. Painting the facade in light grey or white (or a combination of the two) should do the trick. Then, you can enhance the vibe with a pastel blue front door and lush green plants on the sides of the entrance.

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Choose a Beachy Color Palette for the Interior:

Once you enter your little sea shore kingdom, you’ll want the interior to match what’s outside and enhance that light summer vacation feeling even more. To achieve that, go with colors like white, light shades of blue, beige, pastels, and light grey.

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Let the Light In:

If you want to show those wonderful colors in their truest light, you’ll have to use precisely that – light. Shine some natural light by leaving the windows bare, or using sheer or linen curtains. Also, especially in the kitchen, you can use bamboo or woven shades.

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Use Rattan and Sea Grass:

Rattan furniture is an instant way to transform an ordinary room into a traditional looking beach house. The living room and the dining room are the best places to introduce such pieces, but you can also use them outdoors to connect the two environments. A sea grass rug in the living room will amplify the summer lightness of the beach decor.

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Cover up:

If you’re a little short on cash and don’t feel like buying new furniture, that’s alright. You can always slipcover the pieces that you already own and bring that special lighthearted feeling to the room. Linen and cotton duck cloth are perfect fabrics for this task.

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Stripe it up:

Don’t you think that after all of these light colors, that it’s about time to add some drama to the whole picture? We have the perfect thing for you: sailor stripes. It is the perfect pattern to implement on an area rug (just like in “Something’s Gotta Give”), accent wallpaper, or an armchair/sofa slipcover.

Sea-Loving Artwork and Accessories:

Now it’s time to sprinkle your home with just a bit of fairy dust. And by fairy dust, we obviously mean some accessories associated with the seaside. Collect some beach treasures like sea stars, rocks, sand dollars, pieces of coral, and driftwood. You can display them independently, cluster them in a bowl, or use them to encrust a chandelier or a mirror.

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Don’t Have a Shore? Make One!

Who needs the sea when you have your pool? It just needs a few upgrades to get close enough to beach-indulgence. And since the waterfront is your main inspiration, this is the very place where you should splurge on outdoor designer furniture (stylish pool lounges sound like a great idea!). Plant some shrubs and bushes around the pool (palm trees are also an option) and add some tiki umbrellas. Pour yourself a margarita and enjoy.

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If there could be one term that would easily replace “a dream home” it would definitely be “a beach home”. Unfortunately, we aren’t all blessed with a Hamptons house (or even better, a Caribbean estate), but we can do our best to introduce just a bit of the sea breeze, sparkly shells, and sunny days into our lives. There’s no shame in being a beachy-keen dreamer!

^^^ Thanks again to my Chloe girl for a beach-tastic post! This was perfect, considering it’s been raining ALL WEEK in Ohio! Are you a beach fan? If not, what type of land/climate do you prefer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May5

How to Add Value to your House Without Having to Remortgage

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How to Add Value to your House Without Having to Remortgage

We all know the importance of taking pride in our homes. We work hard to keep our dwellings spick and span and looking its best. We constantly strive to make sure they are cozy, comfortable, and a happy place for our families. But, sometimes we need to really up our game and whip our houses into shape with some serious elbow grease. However, that can be easier said than done as it can be tough to know where to start.

So whether you’re looking to add value to your house because you’re wanting to sell or whether you’re just looking for the best ways to really make the most out of your home, here are our simple tips on how to do just that:

Start From the Top: Looking at our attics as a potential area for extending our living space is one of the top ways to add significant value to our homes. If you think your property would benefit from an extra bedroom or if you think that your home needs an amazing game room, your attic could be just the ticket. Get a builder to take a look at your attic and see what possibilities are open to you. Although attic conversions take money and time, the return on the investment is usually really high. A £15,000 attic conversion, can add an extra £30,000 to the value of your house, so it’s well worth considering. Or if you’re staying put and just looking for extra room for your family, this really is the best part of your house to consider opening up.

Extend Into Your Garden: Extending your property into your garden is another great way that you can expand your living space and subsequently add value to your home. Be cautious when taking on conservatory projects, however, as sometimes they can look like an afterthought. An extra unit just bolted onto the side of your home doesn’t look so attractive. Work closely with an experienced builder to see how your conservatory can create a natural flow from your internal home and out into your outdoor world.

Make sure that the style fits well with the existing decor of your house and consider putting the same flooring down from the connecting room so that you give off that natural flow. A full build conservatory can cost as little as £4,000 and can add as much as 9% to the value of your home so, again, this option is well worth looking into.

A Lick of Paint Works Wonders: There’s nothing that drags down the overall appearance of a home more than dull, tired, and old paint work. Look at the paint both internally and externally on your house and get to work. This is a job that you can take on yourself, but to make it as easy as possible for you, you should consider investing in a paint spray machine. It will quarter the amount of time that you spend painting and provides really even coverage. Try shopping around for the best paint spray machines at Tool Nerds.

Before rolling those sleeves up and going in, all paint guns blazing, take some time to consider the most attractive colors for your home. Think of how to cleverly mix neutral with statement colors and plan each individual room and living space accordingly.

When considering the outside of your home, you will need to look at the bigger picture. Look at the houses on either side of you and along your street. Look at the general color palette on the street and think about a color for your house that would not only make it look fantastic, but will also compliment the colors of your neighbors’ home. This will not only give your home an instant facelift, but it will also help make your street look more desirable in general.

Windows are the Soul to Your Home: Windows can be so easily overlooked when sprucing up and renovating homes. Whatever plans you may have for your windows, make sure that they are cohesive with the age and style of your house. Replacing old, tatty, and even moldy or rotting windows will instantly lift the look of your home and provide some much needed sunlight and fresh air into your quarters. This transformation is sure to boost your curb appeal if done right so take the time to explore several different styles before making your decision. You could go eclectic with some stained glass fixtures, classic with custom timber windows, or rustic by adding quaint wooden shutters. The possibilities are endless!

First Impression: The smaller details are just as important as the big when it comes to adding value to our homes. Dingy, faded, and old front doors are certainly not the first impression that you want to give off to any potential buyers or guests coming to your home for the first time. Make sure that you get your new paint spray machine out on your front door, too. Once you’ve painted your front door and it’s looking shiny and new, think about elements such as doorknobs and the sign to your house (if you have one) or your house number.

Look into solid, decadent looking doorknobs and stainless steel house numbers to really have your front door looking in tip top condition. These little extras are incredibly affordable and can make all of the difference to visitors getting excited about stepping inside of your much-loved home.

The Hall: The hall is your second opportunity to make a lasting first impression. Keeping the kids’ shoes stored away and all coats and scarves neatly hidden out of site is the first thing that must be done. Then, take a look around the space. How can you improve the overall feel and style of your hallway so that people instantly feel warm, welcome, and inspired by your home? It all starts with mirrors and lighting.

Hanging mirrors on the wall will open up small hallways and give the impression that they are larger than they are. Natural light will also give off a feeling of spaciousness. For evening lighting think of low, mood lighting that will create a soothing and calming ambience to the entrance of your home. Avoid harsh overhead lighting and invest in interesting lamps or low-lit floor lights for a warm and inviting atmosphere that beckons visitors into the heart of your home.

Ready, get set, and get to work on making your home look brand new and beautiful!

Featured Image By: Flickr

Apr30

What You Need To Make Your Home Entertainment Ready This Summer

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What You Need To Make Your Home Entertainment Ready This Summer

With summer approaching, fashions will start to change. Looking good is important all year round, but once the weather starts to become warmer and you spend more time in the park or basking in the sunshine outside of a bar, you will need to think about the perfect summer outfit. Your winter coats and cozy sweaters will be there waiting for you in the fall, but in the meantime, your look will have to change. As everyone knows, being stylish takes a lot of time and attention, but it is worth it. Carefully choosing what you wear is important because you want to make a good impression but as April cedes to May, and May acquiesces to June, you may also be thinking about hosting a garden party.

Having your friends over and just relaxing really is the best part of the season (except perhaps going on vacation). However, if you are going to be a good host, you will need to make sure that everything is perfect. There is a lot of think about. Do you have enough food for everyone? The best advice is to get more than you think you’ll need. After all, you can enjoy it on your own once all the guests have gone home. You also need to ensure that you’ve got enough for everyone to drink. Most guests will be good enough to bring something themselves, whether it is a bottle of wine or something a bit stronger, but there is nothing that lets a party down quite as much as not having enough alcohol!

You also need to make sure that your home is ready for guests, too. Tidying up is one thing, but if you want your house to make as good of an impression as you do, you should consider fixing it up a little. There is still time before summer starts in earnest and the convenient thing about home improvements is that they last for the rest of the year. Here are a few ideas about things that you can do to make your home perfect this summer:

First impressions are crucial. It is estimated that when you go for a job interview you have just six minutes to impress your prospective employer. When you are meeting someone for the first time in a casual social situation, you have just seven seconds before your interlocutor has made up their mind. When someone sees where you live for the first time, it is no different. That is why you should try to improve how your house looks from the street. You could hire Local Roofers to give your place a better look or think about getting new windows (both of which, incidentally, can help you save money and energy). If you do not have the time to start major work on your house, you could clean your driveway and outer exterior with a high-pressure washer. You will be amazed once you start at just how clean things used to look, and can look again.

If you are hosting a garden party, your guests will probably not spend that much time in your house, so all you have to worry about is that it is clean and tidy. The bathroom, in particular, should be spotless because people will use it at one point or another. However, your focus should be on your garden. Mowing your lawn and dealing with any pesky weeds is the first thing to do, but then you should think about investing in some garden furniture. Standing for an entire afternoon or evening is no one’s idea of fun and sitting on the ground may not appeal to everyone. And, you can use it too on those long summer nights when there is nothing better than reading a book outside while perched on some comfortable bench cushions and relaxing.

An outdoor party will require a shady space to hang out at with a cold drink when the sun gets too hot. You could have a few patio tables with umbrellas set up, invest in sun setters, or go with something very practical like portable event gazebos. Pop up gazebos can create a welcome oasis from the sun so your guests are comfortable all day long. This is a much more affordable option than renovating your outdoor space to create shade and can be taken down easily after the party.

A good barbecue is another essential item. If the food that you cook (whether it is hot dogs and burgers or roasted vegetables) is not great, that is what your guests will go away remembering. Lastly, if you do not have a good sound system, your party will be doomed before it even begins. You could play something from inside and open your windows, but a much better option is to get outdoor equipment. It can be rather expensive, but if you want to create the perfect atmosphere, there is no better way of doing it.

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Ayyyyy

The only thing that you need to do now is relax and enjoy yourself. You may think that having loads of people over and entertaining them could be stressful but the secret is that if you let your hair down and have some fun, your guests probably will, too.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Apr25

Creating A Restful Bedroom

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Creating A Restful Bedroom

Your bedroom should always be your sanctuary. It should be that one place where you can really let yourself go, relax, and rest after a stressful day. Of course, it is easier for all of that to happen if your bedroom is set up to be as restful and relaxing as possible! Here are a few ways that you can improve the peaceful mood of your bedroom and turn it into your favorite place to kick back and unwind:

Blow the Budget on a Good Mattress: If you do nothing else to transform your bedroom into a more restful space, you should splurge on a brand new mattress. If you’ve never had a really good mattress before, it’ll be impossible for you to truly understand how much difference a comfortable, supportive mattress can make.

When buying a new mattress, it is always a good idea to visit a bricks and mortar store to try out a few styles, because everyone’s comfort levels are different. Once you know which mattress suits you best, you can always check out http://www.us-mattress.com/ to save a few bucks off the in store price of your chosen bed.

Invest in Better Bedding: Of course, the comfort of your bed is about more than just the mattress, which is why you should also take a look at http://www.down-comforter-info.com/ where you will find the warmest, softest comforters you’ve ever had the joy to sleep with. You should also probably check out more supportive pillows and high thread count sheets made from natural fibers if you want to be able to rest and relax without any aches, pains, or irritations.

Can the Clutter: It’s impossible to rest and let yourself go when you’re surrounded by clutter. Not only are piles of clutter visually stimulating, whether you want them to be or not, they can also be a source of stress, which gives you the feeling that you should be cleaning instead of taking some me time. Luckily, getting rid of your bedroom clutter is as simple as visiting http://www.ikea.com/ and buying a few storage baskets and boxes where you can hide your most unsightly clutter.

Ditch the Desk: If you have a desk in the bedroom from which you sometimes work, it might be time for a rethink. By associating the bedroom with work, even just occasionally, you are ruining the area’s reputation as a restful location for relaxation and sleep. Ditch the desk and replace it with a pretty dressing table for a serener space and leave work for the home office!

Serene in Green: If your bedroom decor is currently bright, bold, and in your face, a visit to http://www.homedepot.com/ might be in order because those crazy colors are doing nothing to help you relax. In the bedroom, you want to keep things nice and chill. Toned down colors like mint green, pale blue, white, and cream are all good options that won’t stir up the senses too much.

Add Comfy Furniture: One mistake that many homeowners make is that they do not add enough comfy furniture to their bedrooms. Sure, they’ll have a nice bed and perhaps a chair at the dressing table, but what about the big comfy armchairs, couches, and chaise lounges? These are the things that will make spending time in your room easier, more comfortable, and infinitely more relaxing. So if you have space, add a couch or recliner and you’ll get much more use out of your bedroom. If you want to make your bedroom not just comfortable but unique, search for different furniture at an Amish furniture store and make the space exactly how you want it.

Blackout Blinds: If you like to relax in a slightly darkened room with some classical music and a nice scented candle, blackout blinds are your best friend. They will filter out the harsh light of the sun, allowing you to create a comfy, cozy atmosphere at any time of the day or night. They’re great if you have trouble sleeping due to excess light, too.

Candles: Candles should be a staple in any bedroom. They provide a good source of soft, warm light, which is perfect for relaxing after a hard day at work. AND, they can make your room smell wonderful. Choose candles scented with lavender and chamomile if you want to de-stress and fall into a restful sleep.

Transforming your room from uninviting to restful and relaxing may take a little time and effort, but it is well worth it when you have a space where you can truly unwind and sleep like a baby! Zzzzzz….

Featured Image By: Flickr

Apr7

Making Your Home Comfortable Doesn’t Need To Break The Bank!

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When people think about a really comfortable home, they often assume that it’s the kind of thing that can only be achieved through spending large amounts of money. That to get the most comfortable, relaxing, luxurious atmosphere possible, you need to fork out the kind of cash that most of us would usually prefer to spend on things like food and paying off bills.

Of course, that’s completely ridiculous! In fact, the idea that you have to pay out the nose to do anything to your home is something that a lot of people really need to get past. Aside from big projects like extensions or knocking down walls, there are creative, thrifty, DIY solutions for pretty much anything in your home. So here are a few simple, easy, and cheap ways to make your home as comfortable as possible without breaking the bank:

Get Creative With Light: It’s strange that people tend to forget about the importance of lighting since the way that you light your home can make a lot of difference to the way that it feels overall. A poorly lit home can feel far smaller and more cramped than it really is whereas using too much cold light has a tendency to make things feel a little clinical and impersonal. Natural light is always your best bet for creating a warm, comfortable atmosphere but when the sun goes down why not think about things like trailing fairy lights along the walls or mixing and matching different lamps throughout a room? There’s no real limit to how creative you can get with light so just experiment and see what works for you.

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Love fairy lights!

Beat The Heat With A Portable A/C: There’s nothing worse that being unable to stay cool on a really hot day. A lot of the time the solution is to simply get outside in the fresh air and find some shade, but sometimes you’re either stuck in the house, or it’s simply too hot to expose yourself to the sunshine. When that happens, it’s important to try and keep the temperature in your home as low as possible. Things like fans are good but they often just move the air around. A portable A/C is a great, affordable way of making a room instantly more comfortable. There are plenty of portable A/C units for pretty much any budget that you can find at CoolAndPortable.com. This isn’t something that you’ll want to use all of the time, but you’ll be grateful for it when you’re stuck at home, sweating like a pig!

There’s No Such Thing As Too Many Cushions: Seriously. This one pretty much explains itself! People might try to tell you that there is such a thing as too many cushions, but they’re wrong, and they don’t know what they’re talking about. Cushions can turn even the plainest room into somewhere pleasant and cozy. They can make sofas and beds more luxurious and they can make even the hardest chairs more comfortable. Seriously, just get cushions, as many as you can. You’ll never have enough. Ever.

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SO. Comfy!!

Use Your Other Senses, Too: When people talk about improving your home they almost always just talk about them in terms of one sense: sight. But, it’s important to remember that you experience your home with more than just that one sense. Your sense of smell is a major factor in how it feels to enter any room. Why not get some nice smells floating around the house? Of course, the best way to do that is with some plants and flowers, but there are plenty of scented plugins that can make your home smell fresh and inviting. Switch it up every so often, too, because it’s incredibly easy to end up getting so used to a particular smell that you simply fail to notice it anymore. By changing it up every now and then, you’ll be able to step into your home and be greeted by a pleasant fresh scent every time.

There are dozens, maybe even hundreds, of different ways to make your home feel more comfortable, inviting, and luxurious but hopefully this list has shown that it’s possible to create the kind of home that you’ll never want to leave without having to empty your savings account. Of course, if you want to do something a little more drastic then you’re probably going to have to pay for it, but it’s important to know that there are other options available to you for a quick but effective spruce up of your home!