Tag Archives: home decor

May5

Bringing Some Classic Glam To Your Home

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Bringing Some Classic Glam To Your Home

Fashion (which includes interior design) is always cyclical and referential. Waves come back time and time again, such as the fervor for everything and anything the 80s that we experienced throughout the 2010s. Lately, it’s both the 50s and the 90s that have been in style and, in particular, their taste for everything glam, ritzy, and with a touch of showbiz. If you’ve been feeling that wave, what can you do to bring it into your home? Try out these ideas:

Add some texture to the walls:

In terms of big home improvements, one of the options you can go for is to make your walls less minimalist and add some texture and depth to them. Wall paneling is a great way to do this rather than having to install new walls. You can enjoy the feel and look of materials like wood, stone, or brick without needing to actually invest in putting up a wall of those materials.

Invest in fabrics and trims:

Glam is more than a look, it’s a sensation you can create through multiple senses, including touch. Look at your furniture and think about the rich looking fabrics and trims you could upgrade. Consider taking them to an upholstery service like Simply Upholstering to give them that sense of tactile comfort and class they need. Of course, using throws and other soft furnishings can help you do much the same.

Find your retro inspo:

If you want to evoke a sense of a certain time, then finding the right visuals, such as the fashion icons of the day, can be a great way to do that. A wall gallery of Marilyn Monroe Milton Greene shots can help you evoke that sense of classic movie star glam that can add the touch of taste and class your space needs. Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly are some great options, too.

Get gilded with it:

We call it the gilded age for a reason, the look of gold and everything that glitters was all over the place. For a lot of people, gold accents can make a home look dated, which is why you need to make sure that you commit, using complementary fabrics and other retro looks to make sure that it looks at home rather than standing out. Gold accents for furniture and fixtures can add some real glam appeal when used well.

Don’t be afraid to make a statement (or three):

Glam is not entirely about excess but, to some degree, it almost always incorporates some of it. Take your largest room and make not one, but two or three focal points. A statement piece, whether it’s a piece of furniture or art on the wall and a vignette of your own making can be the perfect thing to give a level of managed richness and excess to your room.

Anticipating the next trend can help you stay at the top of your game when it comes to your home design. Sometimes, to look forward, you need to look back, and some vintage glam can be the perfect thing to do just that.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Apr25

Add Some Flare With These Home Improvements

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Add Some Flare With These Home Improvements

After what felt like forever at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is easy to understand why you might be downright bored with how your home looks. As the weather improves, you might find yourself outdoors a lot more often but you still want your home to be the place to be after your outings. If you’re looking for some dramatic changes to add some spice back to your surroundings, try the following:

Checkered Tile Floor:

When it comes to home decor, you only need one statement thing to style a room around so why not start from the ground up? Checkered tile is sure to add the ultimate retro touch to your game room or even just in a hallway. And, we all know that floating porcelain tile is wonderful for the bathroom too. Whether you want to go old school with black and white tile or try a unique twist with a light blue and white, it is sure to add some flare to your space!

Wall/Ceiling Murals:

Accent walls are a “been there done that” addition to the home so let’s shake things up! How about a wall or ceiling mural, instead? You could hire a local artist to turn your space into a literal work of art. Your wall will already offer a smooth surface but the ceiling might be a different story. For example, you might have popcorn ceiling and will have to get that removed. The popcorn ceiling removal by Patch Dudes will be able to assist and then a masterpiece can be put in its place.

Green Room:

If you love the idea of a garden but don’t have the yard space for it, then a green room might be in order. A special room devoted to plants, flowers, ferns, veggies, and all things zen will be the perfect place to unwind after a stressful day. You can incorporate table top water fixtures or even an aquarium to turn it into a slice of paradise within four walls.

Game Room:

If you have the extra space, a game room can turn a night in into an awesome experience. Bar style neon lights, a pinball machine, and board games will definitely be the way to go. Don’t forget the video games, comfy couches, and a mini fridge for drinks and snacks. This room could also double as a home theater so you could deck it out in posters of your favorite movies. A jukebox or record player wouldn’t hurt, either! 😀

Add some flare to your house and have some fun. Think outside the box and you will be amazed how it transforms your home!

Apr12

How To Make Your Home Look Bigger & Better Than Ever

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How To Make Your Home Look Bigger & Better Than Ever

We all wish that we could live in bigger properties, especially after being stuck inside for so long during the pandemic. In reality, moving to a new home isn’t on the agenda for most people. On a brighter note, though, it is possible to make your home feel bigger and better. You simply need the right plan of action.

Here are some ideas that you can take on over the months to come. While you might not use them all, the relevant projects will have a telling impact on the look and feel of your home:

Clean & Declutter:

Nothing makes a home feel cramped quite like clutter. Therefore, the first job you should look to complete is a simple clean and declutter. A thorough spring clean will change the atmosphere of the home. You can also use this as an opportunity to adopt greener cleaning with eco-friendly materials.

Before completing the deep clean, though, you may wish to declutter. Selling your unwanted possessions can create extra space throughout the home. The fact that it’ll also generate some extra money will put you in an even better position as you make further updates.

Opt For Lighter Color Schemes:

When first entering a room, you naturally respond to the color schemes. It alters your perception of size while also influencing your emotional response. Understanding the meaning of color with the Lush Home guide to feng shui is useful. When you want to make the most of the space, lighter color schemes are better.

Opting for white and off white schemes will reflect the light to maximize the space. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you have to have a room void of color. Feature walls, furniture, and decor can all help to add personality.

Embrace More Light:

As touched upon in the point above, lighting will play a significant role in building a better home environment. Replacing outdated windows with double glazing can work wonders for your energy efficiency. Moreover, letting more light into the home makes it look larger, cleaner, and full of energy.

In addition to new windows, blinds and drapes can be used to achieve greater control over lighting and privacy. Furthermore, you can use strategically placed mirrors, LED lamps, and ceiling lights to achieve great results. It’s a simple concept but has a telling impact.

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Pixabay Image

Do More With External Spaces:

Your love of the home doesn’t begin and end with what’s inside the four walls. Giving some much needed TLC to the backyard can transform the whole home. It adds a new dimension that also makes your living spaces far bigger and better. Sliding doors onto the patio can be very useful as it combines inside and outside areas.

Experts like NightScenes landscape lighting professionals can extend the fun into the evening. Better still, the right lighting can alter the atmosphere. When you make sure that the garden’s function is suited to your family’s requirements, it’ll be the best upgrade of all.

Revamp The Guest Room:

Keeping a guest room is one of the most common mistakes made by modern homeowners. While it’s nice to have a dedicated space for your friends and relatives to sleep, the average guest room is used for fewer than ten nights per year. That means you are sacrificing a huge space for less than three percent of your year.

It makes far more sense to transform this room into a games room, home office, or gym. Alternatively, it can be an art studio or a place to meditate. The options are limitless. As long as you give it a function that your household will genuinely benefit from, success is assured.

Convert The Basement:

If you have the funds or can get a loan, an attic conversion can work wonders. It saves you the hassle and costs of moving while literally adding liveable space. It also adds a lot of value to the property to counteract some of the costs. However, if you can’t afford to change the structure of your attic, the basement is an option.

Many households find that the basement needs less work, especially if your plans for it are less demanding than bedrooms and lounges. It is a good candidate for adding a gym. Alternatively, you can make a better storage space, which will remove pressure elsewhere.

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Pixabay Image

Think About Furniture Choices:

Even a larger room can be made to look small when the interior design and layout choices are wrong. Experts at Cable TV can teach you to add a wall-mounted TV bracket. When combined with wall-mounted shelving, you can remove the need for bulky coffee tables or units. Meanwhile, extendable tables are a great addition.

Some furniture pieces can be fold-up solutions too. It might take out ten seconds of your day to store them when not in use, but you’ll claw back valuable space. Another option is to use high cabin beds in a child’s room to make the space work smarter. You could also add a science table to your child’s room for extra drawers and a homework space too.

Find Extra Storage:

Getting rooms under control is one thing, but it counts for very little if you do not have the storage space to back it up. Even if you have decluttered and cleaned, you will have a need for storage. You can create extra spaces behind doors, under the stairs, or by adding shelves above the clothes hanging spaces within the wardrobe.

Unless your family is getting bigger due to the addition of kids or a partner moving in, you probably don’t need to upsize your home. You simply need to do more with the space that’s currently available in your property. If you’ve grown tired of seeing the same four walls due to the pandemic, now is the perfect time to act!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

 

Apr11

Home Improvement Ideas To Try Next

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Home Improvement Ideas To Try Next

The use of social media DIY accounts is addictive, and many of us have wished to begin DIY home improvement tasks. Some DIY projects are successful, while others are not. However, enhancing your home is something we should all focus on at some time in our lives because it is our foundation; elements like security and decor should be updated on a regular basis. Here are a few suggestions to add to your next project to do list to make your home look even better:

Wall Paneling:

Wall paneling is a cost-effective technique to add luxury to a room. This is something that you can accomplish yourself pretty easily, but it is also something that skilled decorators can achieve in no time. It’s a small thing, but it makes a great difference. Providing paneling to your walls before painting them offers an air of sophistication to the space while also adding a lot of character. It’s not expensive because it’s only a few pieces of wood that you adhere to the wall and then paint over. It gives the room personality and serves as a wonderful conversation starter when visitors arrive.

New Windows:

New windows can provide your home with an instant face lift and is an excellent way to boost your curb appeal. Turn outdated, weather worn windows into something special by experimenting with funky shapes or even trying a stained glass fixture. For a more posh, exclusive aesthetic you might want to consider a double glazing installation. This can also help increase your privacy, which is especially appealing if your home has a lot of windows. Not only is double glazing a good investment for looks and privacy but it also has practical purposes too. If you live in an especially busy area, double glazed windows can help with noise reduction. You will be so happy with this upgrade when the sounds from the city aren’t keeping you up at night.

Roof Renovations:

The most crucial element of your home is the roof, yet many homeowners are unsure how to pay for it. Fortunately, there are credit options available for many types of roofs and budgets. Roof financing is a great way to make sure your roof is doing what it needs to if you are on a budget. It’s critical that it looks amazing while still performing its functions, like insulating the home to keep heat from escaping during the colder months.

Having a beautiful roof not only looks fantastic, but also prevents problems that might occur from not having a decent roof in place. If you don’t have a proper roof, it might lead to leaks and mold growth, which can be hazardous to human health. To find an expert to help with your roof renovations, type in a search for “roofing contractor in San Marcos, TX” (or your local area) and choose a highly recommended pro.

A Surprise Room:

Let’s face it, we’re all a little envious when a secret room comes out of nowhere in a movie. It’s not difficult to incorporate into your home if you have a good handyman or professional on hand. Make a secret hideaway room or a Narnia style playroom for your kids if you have a spare room that isn’t used often or is only being used for storage. One of the simplest ways to accomplish this is to replace the door with a disguised hinged bookcase. As a result, it will open like a door, but when shut, it will resemble a bookshelf, and no one will have a clue. How cool is that?!

Whenever you’re planning your next home renovation projects, consider these ideas to make your house the ultimate place to be!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar19

7 Tips For A Comfy Cozy Home

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7 Tips For A Comfy Cozy Home

Your home should be a place where you can relax and be yourself, a place where you can kick off your shoes and put your feet up. If you’re looking for ways to make your home feel more, well, homelike – look no further! In this blog post, we will discuss seven ways to make your home more comfortable and inviting:

1. Get Some Greenery:

Adding plants to your home can make it feel more alive. One of the easiest ways to add a touch of homeyness to your abode is to bring in some green friends. Not only do plants add a splash of color and life to any room, but they also help purify the air. If you don’t have a green thumb, don’t worry, there are plenty of low-maintenance options out there, like succulents or snake plants. Or if you want something with a bit more personality, try a fiddle leaf fig tree!

2. Give Your Space Some Character:

One of the quickest ways to make your home feel more inviting is by adding some character to the space. If you want to infuse your space with a sense of homeyness, it’s important to decorate it with stylish items. Another way to add character is through art; whether it’s paintings, posters, or even funky knick knacks, filling your walls and shelves with things that add color will give your place that cozy feeling.

3. Bring In More Light:

Sunlight has been shown to have many benefits, from improving your mood to boosting your immune system. So it’s no surprise that one of the best ways to make your home feel homier is to let in as much natural light as possible. If you don’t have a lot of windows, consider a few new window installations, ones that are bigger than your current ones. You can also rearrange your furniture to make better use of the light coming in from your windows. And during the daytime, take advantage of that beautiful sunshine and open up those curtains!

4. Make It Smell Good:

The power of scent is often underestimated, but it can actually have a profound effect on your mood and emotions. So if you want to make your home feel more inviting and homey, focus on making it smell good. There are a few ways to do this; you can diffuse essential oils, bake some cookies, or light a scented candle. But be careful not to go overboard; you don’t want your home smelling like a department store! Instead, a few strategically placed candles or diffusers should do the trick in making your place smell delightful.

5. Get Cozy:

One of the best ways to make your home feel more homey is to make it feel cozy. And one of the best ways to do that is with blankets! Having a few different blankets around the house that you can snuggle up with is sure to make your place feel more inviting. You can also add in some throw pillows for an extra touch of comfort. And if you really want to get cozy, invest in an electric fireplace! Nothing says “home sweet home” like cuddling up by the fire with a good book and a cup of tea.

Warmth is synonymous with comfort and sometimes you need more heat than what a soft blanket can provide. To ensure your heating system is functioning properly, it’s a good idea to have a team of professionals like those at G.A. Bove Fuels (Or a similar company in your local area) check it out. Regular maintenance checks will keep your house warm, enhance the longevity of your system, and gives the ability to tend to repairs immediately.

6. Play Some Music:

Whether you prefer classical music or something a little more upbeat, playing some tunes in your home is sure to make it feel like the place to be. If you have trouble finding music you like, there are plenty of streaming services with millions of songs to choose from. Or you could even create your own playlist with all of your favorite jams.

7. Make It Personal:

Your home should be a reflection of you and your personality. Hang up some photos of your loved ones or display some of your favorite art pieces. You can also add personal touches to your furniture and decor choices. If you have any hobbies, find ways to incorporate them into your space as well. For example, if you love to read, consider adding a cozy reading nook somewhere in your home.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to making your home feel more like yours. But these seven tips are a great place to start!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar15

Property Renovation Tips For Your Home

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Property Renovation Tips For Your Home

Are you considering renovating your home? Whether you want to update a few rooms or do a complete overhaul, it’s essential to make sure the whole family is on board. After all, they’re going to be living in the finished product! Here are some tips to help keep everyone happy during your property renovation:

Set a Budget:

Before you start any work, it’s crucial to have a realistic budget in place. This will help prevent arguments further down the line when unexpected costs crop up. Once you have a budget, it’s time to start planning your renovation. This is where things can start to get tricky if you’re not careful. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of choosing new fixtures and fittings and forget about the practicalities. This is why it’s important to involve the whole family in the planning process, as they’ll be able to offer valuable input on what will work in your home.

Make a Plan:

When making your plan, be sure to consider how each room will be used. For example, if you’re renovating the kitchen, you’ll need to think about how much storage space you’ll need and whether there’s enough room for everyone to eat comfortably. The same goes for the bathroom – will everyone be able to get ready in the morning without getting in each other’s way? Once you’ve considered all of these things, you can start to put together a plan that works for everyone.

Get the Whole Family Involved:

One of the best ways to get everyone involved is to create a mood board for each room. This is where you can collect ideas for things like paint colors, furniture, and accessories. Then, everyone can participate by adding items to the mood board that they like. Once you’ve got all of your ideas collected in one place, it’ll be much easier to start putting together a plan that everyone agrees on.

Add air-conditioning:

Air conditioning is an absolute must if you live in a hot climate. No one wants to be stuck in a stuffy house during the summer months! When planning your renovation, be sure to factor in the cost of air-conditioning units and have them installed before the weather gets too hot. This way, everyone will enjoy the summer without feeling uncomfortable. In addition to keeping your family cool, air-conditioning can also help improve your home’s indoor air quality. This is especially important if anyone in your family suffers from allergies or asthma. By improving the air quality in your home, you’ll help create a healthier environment for everyone. To find experienced professionals to install your new air conditioning system, simply enter a search for “ducted air conditioning melbourne” (or your local area).

Consider the Lighting:

The lighting in your home can significantly impact how everyone feels. Poor lighting can make people feel tired and stressed, so it’s essential to get it right. When planning your renovation, be sure to consider both natural and artificial lighting. Natural light is always best so try to create rooms with plenty of windows. On the other hand, if you live in a wooded area or your home doesn’t get much natural light, you’ll need to focus on artificial lighting. This can be done with floor lamps, table lamps, and ceiling lights. Should you need new lighting installed, it is a good idea to find Residential Electrical Services near you to complete the job. This is not a task that should be left to DIY as it can be dangerous and costly mistakes can be made. And, be sure to choose energy efficient bulbs so that you can save money on your electricity bill each month.

Install new doors and windows:

One of the best ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency is to install new doors and windows. If your home is old, then chances are the doors and windows are not very well insulated. This means that heat can escape in the winter and cool air can in the summer, making your home less comfortable and costing you more money each month. By installing new doors and windows, you’ll be able to keep your home at a comfortable temperature all year round while also saving money on your energy bill. When looking for the perfect doors for your home, it is always better to spend a little more and get something that is going to last. Retailers like Black Badge Doors specialize in doors and windows, designed to fit your home perfectly, while looking stylish and modern.

There are a few things to consider when choosing new doors and windows. First, you’ll need to decide what material you want them to be made from. Many options are available including wood, PVCu, aluminum, and composite. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages so be sure to do your research before deciding. Second, you’ll need to decide what style of door or window you want, like high quality picture windows.

Not only do better windows and doors help energy efficiency but they also give your home a huge face lift to boost its curb appeal. Consider windows with unique shapes, doors with bold colors, or adding window sills. A window sill gives you the opportunity to add planter boxes or potted plants and windowsills.com can help! It also will add a touch of greenery as discussed in the next section:

Add some green space:

Another great way to improve your home is to add some green space. This can be done in several ways, such as planting trees and shrubs, installing a garden, or even adding some potted plants. Not only will this make your home more beautiful but it can also help improve the air quality. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen so they help purify the air around them. In addition, they can also cool the air on hot days and provide insulation on cold days. If you don’t have much space for plants, consider adding a vertical garden or installing window boxes.

These are just a few of the many things that you can do to improve your home. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to create a space that the whole family will love. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your renovation today!

Featured Image By: Skitterphoto from Pexels

Mar10

Making The Most Of Your Garden This Spring

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Making The Most Of Your Garden This Spring

There is nothing better than lovely, spring weather after a long and cold winter. Those with green thumbs or just eager to get outside will, surely, be spending lots of time in their own yards once the sun is out. Here’s how to make the most of your garden once spring is fully upon us:

Protection from the Weather:

Roofing comes in all shapes, sizes, and styles. Your roof helps with drainage and keeps you safe from the weather. It must be maintained (see this roof replacement guide) for adequate protection. Yet, while patios and decking are popular these days, they don’t come with a roof. So, sitting outside depends on the weather. Fortunately, you can get a variety of extendable canopies to keep the rain off while you relax outdoors. You will no longer require a clear sky and sunny day to get the most from your backyard sitting area.

Make it a Pet-Friendly Area:

One way to improve your garden for the better is to make it a pet-friendly environment. This can involve things like researching an invisible fence buying guide, so your four legged friend can run freely and safely. You could also add a kiddie pool or two so the pup and kids can cool off during a hot day. Lawn sprinklers are also tons of fun for splashing about in for pets and humans alike!

Clean Up:

Not only does a tidy garden look good, but it’s also more inviting. Plus, keeping plants healthy is easier when you have fewer weeds and debris to fight off pests and diseases. You can also help protect the soil from erosion and runoff by keeping your yard clean and free of build-up.

As you’re cleaning up, remove any dead or dying plants from the ground. And include some pressure washing to really spruce up the outside area. Another thing that you can do is rake or mow your lawn so that any leaves left behind will decompose into the soil. When this happens, it will break down organic matter that helps hold nutrients in the ground, making them more available to growing plants. And you’ll have a beautiful garden for longer this spring.

Cozy Heating Solutions:

There’s a noticeable increase in temperature during early spring; however, it is still cold. But that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the outdoors in comfort. Near the end of spring, it’s warm enough to sit outside in shorts and a shirt as summer approaches. But at the start of the season, you may need a heater. Outdoor heating is easy to install and will make your outdoor space more usable. From simple fire pits to gas and electric patio heaters, there are excellent outdoor heaters in almost every home improvement store.

Cover Your Furniture:

Spring weather can be unpredictable. One minute there’s a glowing sun and a gentle breeze, the next, there’s a thunderstorm. Fluctuating temperatures and rain can cause permanent damage to your lawn furniture. So, when you’re not using your outdoor rattan or wicker loungers, you should protect them. A tarp or a heavy duty plastic sheet will keep your valuables safe, but be aware that a strong wind will blow them away so make sure you adequately tie them down.

Grow Spring Vegetables:

Spring is an excellent time for seasonal growth. If you are a foodie type, there is nothing better than growing your own food. This is because you can grow what you know you will eat, reduce waste, and understand what is in your food when grown organically. Other benefits include:

  • Making it a new family activity.
  • Reduced food bills.
  • An abundance of healthy fruit and vegetables.
  • The freshest foods of the season.
  • Greatly reduced household carbon footprint.

Growing vegetables is season dependent and you should learn as much as you can about growing seasonal food before you begin your gardening.

Set Some Ambiance:

Watching the sunset from your garden is one of life’s greatest moments. And when it’s dark, it’s time to create some magical ambiance outside. Lights designed for your garden can be installed via your main electricity and timers can be set to match the sunset. You can easily do this with smart lighting via apps. For a more sustainable option, you can install solar auto lights that store energy in the day and self illuminate when it’s darker.

Get Ready for the Easter Holiday:

You can decorate your home and garden for Easter as you would for autumn and Christmas. Being close to nature, your garden is the perfect setting for an Easter egg hunt and outdoor dining. Easter egg hunts are such a fun activity if you have little ones. You can also dye eggs, paint pictures, and watch for bunnies in the yard for holiday fun with the kiddos.

Your garden comes alive in the spring and the tips above can help you enjoy it even more after hibernating all winter!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Feb21

The Essential Elements Of A Rustic Style Home

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The Essential Elements Of A Rustic Style Home

If you’re someone who wants to live in a rustic, country style home, you’re not alone. They’re incredibly popular, particularly among people looking to add warmth and coziness to their interiors. But what are the elements of design that actually make a country style home what it is? A little bit of this, that, and the following:

Weathered Wood:

Step into practically any rustic style home and you’ll find delightful weathered wood all over the place. The purpose of this is to make the interiors look and feel natural. Weathered wood provides a fundamental aesthetic that helps to ground the space and make it look more in keeping with the theme.

Subtle Use Of Colors:

In the past, owners of country style homes weren’t interested in putting on a display or indulging in ostentation. Instead, they made subtle use of color where they could, particularly in the kitchen and living spaces. Yellow, red, green, and white are all popular, but none of them ever stood out by themselves. Instead, they all blended naturally into a seamless whole which was immediately recognizable.

Shutters:

Rustic properties also make heavy use of plantation shutters. These beautiful window dressings made properties look more robust, plus give owners more options over the level of light coming in through their windows. While some shutters are purely for display, many modern country home concepts still use working models that swing back and forth like casement windows. Improving your shutters can provide an instant face lift to your home and will further enhance the rustic aesthetic. If this is a renovation you are interested in, simply enter a search for “bespoke plantation shutters in Aylesbury” (or your local area) to find a well reviewed team to take on the job.

Florals And Nature For The Interiors:

Country style homes take a lot of their inspiration from the 1950s and 60s when floral patterns and prints were at the height of their popularity. Bedding, wallpaper, and upholstery all featured intricate designs. Added to this were often real flowers from the ranch or the yard. Owners would frequently bring flowers they found on their land into their interiors and keep them in vases for a touch of beautiful color.

Vintage Pieces:

Country homes should have a rustic appearance both inside and out. To make the interiors look more retro, experiment with vintage pieces. For instance, you might install an old style cooker in the kitchen or use a white painted metal bucket to hold your eggs. You could even include some classic signage as decoration. To find vintage pieces, go to your local antique center. You’ll find dozens of items that perfectly complement the country era.

Distressed Paint:

If you’re looking for a quick way to make your home look and feel more country, use distressed paint. It helps to make your home look lived in, and, in many cases, adds buckets of charm.

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Unsplash Image

Add Shiplap:

Lastly, you can make your home look more vintage and rustic by adding shiplap to your interiors. Overlapping panels of wood make amazing accent walls, especially when decorated with your favorite photos and wall art.

Rustic country homes are all about bringing cozy and welcoming vibes to your place. It’s such a fun style too and has plenty of opportunities to bring out your playful side in your decor!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Feb21

Silly Valentine’s Day Gift

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Silly Valentine’s Day Gift

Hello! When it comes to Valentine’s Day, Johnny and I never go overboard on gifts and prefer to save that for birthdays and Christmas. My main gift from Johnny was a delicious meal at Pepper’s before going to see Jesus Christ Superstar which was more than enough for me. I am still thinking about my gnocchi with Alfredo sauce as I type this! Our dinner date wasn’t my only gift from Johnny and, although it wasn’t quite what he thought it was going to be, I still love it just the same:

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When ordering this “blanket” for me, Johnny definitely didn’t realize how small it actually was. He thought it was going to be around the size of my Step Brothers fleece blanket but that was so not the case. When he gave it to me, we were both in stitches because it is more like a bath towel than anything! In fact, it’s even smaller than our bath towels and we have taken to calling it the doily, dish towel, baby blankie, and so on and so forth lol.

It was incredibly sweet how disappointed Johnny was by this sizing mix up but I couldn’t tell him enough how much I loved it. The print is absolutely hilarious and the itty bitty size makes it even funnier to me. We had plans of hanging it up above our bed but I have been snuggled up with it every night – it’s so soft! This blanket is definitely not what either of us were expecting and it provides us with lots of lols whenever we look at it, which is a huge gift in itself. ❤

My Valentine’s Day was a GREAT SUCCESS because of our date night at the theater and I couldn’t have asked for a better additional gift – regardless of if it’s a dish towel sized blanket or not! 😀

What did you do for Valentine’s Day? Have you ever ordered something online that didn’t turn out as expected? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb18

Creating The Perfect Backyard Dining Area

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Creating The Perfect Backyard Dining Area

The optimists among us are already thinking about the end of winter and the start of the warmer months of the year. While there’s nothing wrong with curling up with some hot cocoa and looking at the snow or frost from inside your home, there’s something about enjoying your backyard that makes summer special.

If you want to transform your backyard into the perfect place for party hosting or outdoor dining, then now is the time to start planning. Here are some great ways to create a perfect place to eat together in the great outdoors.

Section Your Backyard:

If you have a large backyard, then you have plenty of options for creating a place to eat and hang out. Chances are, you won’t need the whole area for your dining needs but you at least need a place to sit and eat, and if you plan to grill your food, somewhere to cook it. Having a deck installed by a deck & fence company is an excellent solution for a dining area. A deck will boost property value and provide a space for barbecues, raised planters, and lounge chairs. Don’t forget to add spaces with shade to your deck with umbrellas or sun setters to keep your family and guests comfortable.

It’s also beneficial to plan an area for outdoor activities. If you’re inviting family and children, then the kids will want to run around and play. Leave a section of your lawn free for games, and consider adding a paddling pool for particularly hot days. This way, everyone can enjoy themselves while beating the heat.

Shelter and Foundation:

If you want to sit and eat, then you’ll need to think about your chosen dining area. A picnic is more flexible, as you can simply lay out a blanket on a flat part of your lawn and settle down. Most events, however, require more solid seating.

This means that you need to create flat and solid ground to comfortably eat. Stone tiles or a patio area is perfect for this, as the tiles won’t be damaged in the same way as your lawn. Some people also like wooden decking or a pavilion space. This will also look attractive and make partitioning your backyard easier.

If you’re grilling outside, then make sure that the flat space is fire proof. Wooden decking is fine to sit on, but it can be a bit risky if you drop some hot charcoal onto it. Stick with stone or brick paving.

As well as a solid foundation, you should consider adding some shelter to your dining area. This gives sun shy guests a place to hide in the shade. A parasol can keep away the sun, but some more solid shelter will be better in difficult weather. Slidetrack blinds are even better, as they protect you from the sides as well. Even if the weather turns bad, you don’t have to cancel early.

Outdoor Furniture and Decor:

Eating outside is far more comfortable if you have a nice table set to eat from. A picnic blanket is a lot of fun, but it isn’t practical for everyone. It also makes it harder to serve your food. Outdoor furniture can also be attractive and stylish but you will want to find pieces that can withstand the climate outside. Don’t forget twinkle lights and solar light accents throughout the yard for some lovely ambiance as the sun sets.

Even though there’s snow on the ground, it’s never too early to think about summertime fun in your own backyard!

Featured Image By: Unsplash