Tag Archives: home decor

Sep20

Fun Ways To Personalize Your Home

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Fun Ways To Personalize Your Home

If you do not want your home to be like every other one on the block, then there are lots of things you can do to make it more interesting than the average home in your neighborhood. Have some fun with these ideas that people will be sure to take notice of:

Paint the exterior doors:

Painting the exterior doors in a unique color is a good way to really put your stamp on your property and show the world that you are unique. A fuchsia door or an orange porch might not be the norm, but if it’s what you love, then why not go for it?! It will be worth it if it makes you smile and is something that your neighbors will take joy in too.

Create a mosaic:

One of the more unusual things you can do to personalize your home is to create a mosaic either on a wall or floor indoors or to the exterior of your property. You can buy ready made mosaic wall art or make your own and it is a great way to tell your own personal story in an artistic way that is likely to add value to your property too. Decorative and unique, it will look great, add meaning, and impress potential future buyers all in one fell swoop.

Make your own soft furnishings:

A fun way to personalize your property is by making your own soft furnishings such as cushions, quilts, and blankets. Having things that you have made yourself in your home is a really good way of making it feel more like yours. If you are looking for something really special, then why not use transfers to put your own photographs onto cushions and throws? It’s a unique way to display them, and will ensure that no one else has the same decor as you.

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^^^ Pexels Image

Use washi tape:

Washi tape is basically decorative tape that comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. It can be used to decorate your home in a cute, non-permanent way, and because there are so many designs available, it is an easy way of making your home more personal to you. For example, if you love floral designs, you can line your shelves with poppy print washi tape or if you love gold, you can create gild frames around light switches and other fixtures. It will also only cost you a few dollars to do so!

Buy your favorite flowers:

Buying your favorite flowers, whether they be roses, geraniums, or lilies, and displaying them in every room of your home is an easy and uplifting way to make your property more personal to you. Nothing is better than the scent of fresh cut flowers in your home!

Personalizing your property is a fun way to make it more your own, stand out more, and adds value to potential buyers, so why not try out some of the ideas above today?

Featured Image By: Pexels

Sep14

Marc’s Halloween Haul

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Marc’s Halloween Haul

Hello! In my neck of the woods, there is a discount store called Marc’s that offers everything from food and clothing to toys and home goods. This past week, they also had a ton of Halloween goodies that I just had to snag for the apartment. Everything was SO cute and also way cheaper than anything you would find at TJMaxx and Walmart. Take a look:

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It is Halloween year round in mine and Johnny’s home and our decor includes skeletons, pumpkins, ghosts, ghouls, and a Jason Voorhees cardboard cutout lol. Our neighbor gave us this life size likeness and it still freaks me out sometimes! I have taken it upon myself to freshen up our Halloween stock pile this year and just couldn’t say no to the above purchases – especially considering I got all of them for under twenty-five dollars. 😀

I am particularly partial to the glittery hanging skeleton with the bow tie and Johnny loves the skeleton and scepter statue. Our niece, Valerie, always wants to play with our ghost figurines when she comes over so I think she will be a huge fan of the “BOO” ghost statue! As soon as I brought this haul home, it was like a kid in a candy store and Johnny added them to our spooky shelves throughout the apartment. SO. Precious!

While chain stores might have a bigger selection of Halloween goodies, don’t write off the discount stores. I have never seen anything like my purchases at Marc’s elsewhere so you are sure to find some very unique pieces if you know where to look. Now, is it Halloween yet?!

Where is your favorite place to shop for seasonal decor? How do you decorate for Halloween? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Sep9

Important Steps When Updating An Old Property

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Important Steps When Updating An Old Property

When you’re faced with an older property to renovate, the challenges presented can put a lot of homeowners off from purchasing it in the first place. However, there are some of us out there that love a challenge, and an old property certainly gives you it in abundance.

An older property should be approached carefully and will often be more costly than the average renovation. Whether you’re updating one room or multiple, there’s a right way to go about it in order to get the most out of your investment. Let’s look at the important steps you need to take in order to update an old property successfully:

How much is typically spent on renovating a property?

According to Rocket Mortgage, the average house renovation can cost anywhere between $15,000 to a whopping $200,000. Of course, not everyone has this type of cash just sitting in their bank account, which means you often need to be realistic about what you can afford.

Depending on the skills you possess, there are some jobs that you can likely do yourself, whilst others will require a professional hand. Before you start hammering down walls or stripping fixtures away from ceilings, it’s important to have planned and prepared the project properly. How much are you thinking of spending on the project and what’s required from the renovation?

Let’s look at some of the most crucial steps for updating an older property:

Install new windows:

To brighten up the appearance when it comes to your home’s exterior, new windows are a great way to update its look. There are plenty of companies out there who will be more than willing to help knock out the old windows and replace them with eco-efficient, high-performance alternatives including this one here.

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^^^ Unsplash Image

Typically, you’d expect to pay around $600 for a window but this can vary from $200-$1,200.

Assess any other structural work that needs doing:

Structural work is something that should be undertaken before you make any cosmetic changes to your property. There may be certain issues within the walls, floors, and ceilings of the property that need fixing. Wouldn’t it be frustrating to spend all that money and do all that work only to find that there’s a serious structural issue that means you need to rip everything out and start again? By doing the assessments and getting the professionals in to take a closer look at the integrity of the property, the more problems you can avoid further down the line.

Focus your attention room by room:

When it comes to your focus, make sure it’s spent on tackling each room individually, rather than all at once. Unless you can afford to move out of the property and spend the money to do everything at once, it’s both a more pleasurable experience and a less stressful one to do it in separate chunks. Not only that but it means your attention isn’t spread too thinly, which ultimately helps avoid mistakes.

Replace outdated fixtures and fittings:

With your fixtures and fittings, it’s important to replace these in order to provide your home with a blank canvas. For example, the lighting found in most old homes is likely very outdated and unless you want to refurbish some of them due to their vintage appearance, it’s good to replace them.

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^^^ Unsplash Image

Upgrade your heating system:

Upgrading your heating system is a must, especially as a lot of the old properties back in the day would run on the most basic of heating systems. There has been a considerable amount of development in central heating systems. This can be a costly expense, but it’s something you should definitely consider, along with air conditioning units.

Do a check of the roof and guttering:

Your roofing and guttering protect your home from water damage so any compromises in these structures can cause a lot of costly damage. With that said, get the professionals in to do an inspection and a roof and gutter cleaning if needed. This one appointment could save you from a lot of headache later down the line.

Upgrading old properties can be extremely gratifying, so with this in mind, enjoy the process of creating your dream home!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Sep8

4 Ways To Improve Your Garden Right Now

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4 Ways To Improve Your Garden Right Now

A lot of people have the idea that gardens are only for the summer, but your home should be beautiful throughout all times of the year. If you are looking for ways to make improvements to your garden or yard, then look no further. We’ll discuss some ideas to get you started in this post:

Put up a fence:

If you’re going to enjoy your garden more, a little privacy can go a long way. Many gardens have short fences or old fences that make them look worn down. While there’s nothing wrong with a little wear and tear, it’s good to make sure you’re happy with what you’ve got. If you would like to install a new fence, you can start by looking into this Flawless Post Hole website. Having some privacy makes it much easier to feel at home in your own garden, and it’s a great way to start things off.

Take better care of your plants:

If gardening isn’t your thing, then the chances are that it looks pretty baron. Flowers are generally going to have a hard time growing healthily if you don’t water them enough or take proper care of them. A flourishing garden needs an attentive gardener to take care of it, which is where the effort comes in. Learning to take better care of what you have, as well as looking into more plants for your garden is important if you want a beautiful environment to spend time in.

Some yards are not conducive to gardening and if this is the case for you, a section of potted plants could be a great alternative. Pots of lush flowers, towering tomato plants, fresh herbs, and ferns can turn your yard into an oasis. You can use steel plant supports to arrange them however you see fit but a good rule of thumb is to use different heights so they are not all on the same level. You could also use hanging supports as well for beautiful flower baskets.

Consider a greenhouse:

If gardening is something you’ve always wanted to give a try, and are looking for more things to fill your garden with – look into the benefits of greenhouses. Greenhouses take up quite a bit of space, but if you invest in the right one, it can really add to the scene. Your greenhouse will provide you with a safe and weatherproof atmosphere to tend to your plants. No matter what you want to grow, you’ll know that they’re safe inside the greenhouse. They’re a gardener’s best friend and are great for growing plants that would usually have a hard time in your climate.

Install a pond:

Inviting nature into your garden can be quite difficult, but a pond can be a good place to start. So long as you’re willing to maintain it, your pond can be home to fish, frogs, and other wildlife that enjoys being near water. You might find that installing a pond attracts all kinds of wildlife to your garden. You’ll have to make sure to clean it through regular pond management and keep your fish fed if you don’t want it to stagnate, though.

Turn your backyard into a paradise with the tips above and you will enjoy spending time in your garden all year round!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Sep7

Start Better Home Maintenance With These Ideas

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Start Better Home Maintenance With These Ideas

We all love our homes. At the end of the day, this is the space where you’re going to find yourself spending most of your time. Outside of the average eight hour work day, most people will spend hours in their home. It’s not surprising that you’re going to want the space to be nice! Of course, this is going to take some hard work and effort. This is where home maintenance comes into play. Home maintenance can ensure that your property is always in full working order and the best condition possible. Here are some areas of focus you might want to get started with:

Deep Cleaning:

Sure, you probably have a chores schedule that you stick to. Vacuuming. Sweeping and mopping. Wiping down work surfaces. Cleaning the toilet. But you do need to remember to carry out some deep cleaning every once in a while too. Deep cleaning tackles the areas that don’t get too much TLC on a regular basis. Over time, they can develop dirt and other issues that need to be addressed. There are all sorts of deep cleaning tasks that you can take into consideration, ranging from carpet cleaning to cleaning the oven or sinks.

If you’re struggling to keep up with this, companies like Seattle Green Cleaning Fairy, and others in the industry can help you. They can deep clean your home for you when you need, helping you to stay on top of things, and feel better about your home. Just ensure that you research before you hire!

Repair Jobs:

Are there any repair jobs that need to be carried out around your house? The majority of us have one or two that we keep putting off and avoiding. This is illogical, though. You may not want to spend the money on necessary repairs right now but they’ll need to be done at some point and sooner is always better than later. Issues left unattended simply tend to worsen. They can become more expensive to fix as time goes on or they can begin to negatively impact other areas of your home, which will need to be repaired in turn too. The most convenient and cost effective approach is to always tackle repair jobs as quickly as possible.

Animal Control:

Having mice, rats, or other animals in your personal space can be very problematic. They could bite, they would cause a mess, and they can be particularly dangerous for children and pets. This is where you need to practice some animal control. Make sure that you don’t leave uncovered and unpackaged food lying around. Limit access to your home, making sure to shut unattended windows or to have shutters fitted. This can all help. In cases where creatures can’t be easily dealt with, such as termites, you may need to call pest control.

Exteriors:

When was the last time you paid any attention to the exterior of your home? This is often one of the most neglected parts of any living space, despite being subject to the elements on a constant basis. Take some time to survey your home and decide what needs to be done. This could be clearing your gutters, repainting a gate or fence, or power washing your patios. Take a full look around and decide what needs to be done to bring everything up to scratch.

Storage:

It’s a good idea to go through a decluttering process every few months. All of us are guilty of picking up items that we don’t actually have much use for or like that much. Every so often, you should remove these from your life. You can sell, donate, or recycle them to reduce your environmental impact. Once you only have the belongings you plan to keep, it’s time to look into some storage solutions. Browse options that not only function well but also fit your home’s aesthetic too.

Home maintenance takes a lot of time, thought, and effort. But once you’ve spent some time focusing on and implementing it, you should begin to reap the benefits pretty quickly!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Aug30

TJMaxx Mini Halloween Haul

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TJMaxx Mini Halloween Haul

Hello! In terms of shopping, I think that right now is the most wonderful time of the year. I love when fall clothing starts making a comeback and, of course, all of the Halloween goodies! This past week, I couldn’t help indulging in the former and the latter during some much needed retail therapy. I went to TJMaxx at just the right time when they started putting out their Halloween decor and walked away with the following:

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Johnny and I keep our spooky decorations up all year round so I was excited to get some new additions for our little slice of Halloween heaven. I freaking LOVE the snow globe featuring a skull and striking snake. The best thing about it, of course, is the little bats floating around in lieu of glitter. It is just so cute and looks great on one of the shelves in our book nook. It was also the only one in the store. 😀

I also just had to get two new plates by Royal Stafford with his and hers skulls on it. When I saw these on display, I literally clutched my pearls because I have several plates from this brand already. I purchased them almost three years ago and have never seen anything like it at TJMaxx since so I felt lucky to find more to add to my collection. They are way too pretty to use for its intended purpose of eating off of but I like having them just to have them lol.

Halloween is in my home all of the time but is officially in the air in stores and I am so there for it. Johnny and I plan on having a Halloween shopping crawl soon for more decor and I can’t wait!

What is your favorite holiday to shop for? Which stores have the best holiday decor? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug23

How To Change Your Garden Layout In 8 Easy Steps

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How To Change Your Garden Layout In 8 Easy Steps

Your garden is your own little piece of paradise. It’s a place where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors, surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers. But after a while, you may start to feel like your garden is a bit lackluster. If you’re looking for a change, there’s no need to wait until springtime to do it. With a little planning, you can easily change up your garden layout in just a few easy steps:

1. Decide what you want to change:

The first step in changing your garden layout is deciding what exactly you want to change. Do you want to add more color? Or are you looking for a more functional space? Once you know what you want to achieve, you can start planning your new layout. Consider Dumpster Rental to get rid of any debris you may accumulate.

2. Sketch out your ideas:

Once you have a general idea of what you want to do, it’s time to start sketching out your ideas. Get a piece of paper and a pencil and start drawing. Don’t worry about getting everything perfect – this is just for planning purposes. Once you have a basic idea of your new layout, you can start refining it.

3. Choose your plants:

One of the most important aspects of any garden is the plants. Carefully choose the types of plants that you want to include in your garden. Consider things like sunlight and water needs, as well as their growth habits. You’ll also want to think about how the plants will look when they’re in bloom.

4. Place your plants:

After you’ve chosen your plants, it’s time to start placing them in your new garden layout. Again, sketching things out first can be helpful. Once you have a general idea of where you want to put each plant, you can start digging holes and planting them. If you have pets, remember to keep in mind that they may want to rearrange your plants after you’ve placed them!

5. Add some mulch:

Mulch is a great way to add nutrients to your soil and help your plants retain moisture. It can also give your garden a polished look. When you’re adding mulch, be sure to use a layer that’s two or three inches thick.

6. Water regularly:

One of the most important things you can do for your garden is to water it regularly. Depending on the type of plants you have, you may need to water daily or just a few times a week. Be sure to check the soil before watering to make sure it’s not already moist.

7. Fertilize as needed:

Fertilizing your garden is important to help your plants stay healthy and thrive. However, you don’t want to overdo it. Apply fertilizer according to the package directions and be sure not to use more than recommended.

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Unsplash Image

8. Enjoy your new garden:

After you’ve finished all of these steps, sit back and enjoy your new garden layout. With a little bit of planning and effort, you can easily transform your space into something you’re proud of.

Changing your garden layout is a great way to give your space a fresh look. By following these eight easy steps, you can achieve the results you want in no time. So what are you waiting for? Get started on your new garden today!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Aug9

Bath & Body Works Halloween Haul

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Bath & Body Works Halloween Haul

Hello!! A full size product freebie coupon from Bath & Body Works turned into a full blown haul because their Halloween line has launched! It was complete cuteness overload and in a perfect world I would have every single item from the line inspired by the greatest season of all. As a *somewhat* responsible adult, I, sadly, had to limit myself to just a few treats for myself and the apartment. That doesn’t mean that I’m not daydreaming about everything else I want to buy, though lol! Check it out:

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Like a woman possessed by the Halloween spirit, I was adding goodies to my shopping basket left and right. I adore the light up skeleton hand sanitizer holder, which alternates between white and green eyes. I actually don’t even plan on using it for its intended purpose because it will make a great addition to mine and Johnny’s spooky shelf. I also couldn’t say no to a bath bomb in Ghoul Friend, a scent that features strawberry, citrus, and peony. I can’t wait to use it!

Not only did I have a coupon for a free full size product but I also had one for a free wallflower too. I have never used B&BW’s wallflower plugins before and never really planned on it. As you can see, that changed drastically when I laid eyes on the wallflower holders! I received my freebie wallflower in Vampire Blood and I also bought one in Ghoul Friend for good measure so it only made sense to buy two holders, right? 😀

Like I said, I was thinking with the indulgent side of my brain and when I saw the hand holding an apple, it was an instant yes. The same goes for the adorable little ghost in the clear globe. Because I was in a frenzy, I didn’t even realize that each holder had a light up surprise until the following day when I was writing. And, yes, it did say this on the tag but that’s neither here nor there!

Both of these wallflower holders light up 24/7, making a wicked apple appear as well as orange bats on my wall. Originally, I thought that these holders were perfect as is so it’s safe to say that my mind was BLOWN. I still can’t get over how clever the idea is and how amazing they look and smell in the apartment. The scent that is released isn’t overpowering in the slightest and that was something that I was definitely worried about. Even if it was, I think I would overlook it for all of that cuteness.

If you are a fan of Halloween themed scents and decor, RUN don’t walk to Bath & Body Works – especially considering I might just mess around and buy the whole lot!

What is your favorite holiday to decorate for? What is your favorite thing about Halloween? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul29

Make Your Home More Comfortable With These Improvements

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Make Your Home More Comfortable With These Improvements

After a while, your home could use a little upgrade in the comfort department. As time goes on things get old and need repair or something new comes out that you know you have to have. If you feel your home needs a boost in comfort, here are a few ideas to get you started:

Get a New Couch:

Couches are the ultimate in comfort. You are going to want to sit on them, sleep on them, lay on them, and have guests stay on them. After a while, they can lose their high level of comfort. Do yourself a favor and get a new couch.

You can visit stores like Ashley Home Furniture or any other affordable furniture store and find an amazing couch that is fluffy, soft, and reclines. Newer couches come with zero gravity reclining to take the pressure off of your back and make you feel as relaxed as possible.

Get Central Air and Heating:

A great way to up the comfort level of your home is to get central air and heating. This eliminates having to have wall or window units that only heat and cool certain rooms. With a central air system, you can evenly heat and cool your entire home.

A reputable company like Eggert Cooling and Heating knows exactly what your home needs to be at the perfect temperature at all times. It’s affordable and one of the best things you can do for your home.

Repaint Your Rooms:

Changing up the color of your rooms can really set a comfortable mood. Choosing soothing colors matched with the right color furniture will put you at ease while you are watching TV, going to sleep, or sitting in your favorite spot to read or relax.

Visit your local paint store and choose colors that speak to you and are universally regarded as soothing like some grays, browns, or blues. Let all parts of your home set the tone that will make you and your guests feel nice and cozy.

Improve Your Lighting:

When you can set the room with the right lighting, comfort will abound. The first thing to do is put your lights on dimmers. Dimmers will give you full control over the strength of the light and you can set it to be at the perfect level so you will feel chill at all times. Next, pick the right kind of lighting for your room. Some people enjoy indirect recessed lighting, while others choose to work with lamps or track lighting. Whatever your choice, the right lighting will set the right mood.

There are several other things you can do from blankets to carpeting and window treatments that will help set a great vibe in your home. As you improve upon one thing, you will discover something else that you can do and before long your entire home will be the epitome of comfort!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jul27

Simple Ways To Make Your Outdoor Space Better

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Simple Ways To Make Your Outdoor Space Better

Getting and taking care of your dream backyard is a lot of work. If your space looks a little unloved, try making some of these easy to do improvements. You’ll be able to enjoy your outdoor space in no time:

Have A Deck Or Patio:

When designing a backyard, you may be struggling to come up with ideas, but the best ones feature “areas.” Begin by creating an area where you can sit back and take in the scenery. In the summer, Custom Built Decks or patio spaces are a wonderful location to relax and take advantage of the beautiful weather. Plus, during the summer months, you will be able to host gatherings and socials for friends and family and have somewhere that is separate from the rest of the garden for people to sit or stand on. It will also be such fun to design your perfect patio colorado springs co or wherever you may be! Additionally, if you ever decide to sell your house, the average return on investment for a deck addition is between 67 and 72 percent.

Enjoy Outdoor Living:

Now that you have a patio or deck area, you need to fill it with things to use. Depending on the patio furniture you choose, you can have a lovely dinner under the sky with a bench and table set or pop open a beer and relax in a lounger. If you want a “living room” outside, for example, choose a sofa, chairs, and a coffee table. Or you could have a kitchen outside. There are a lot of choices, so it’s a good idea to browse an outdoor living store for inspiration.

Lay A Stone Pathway:

A stone path from your patio or deck to your new dining area gives your landscape some charm and texture. There are a lot of different designs, from brick and gravel to natural stone and mosaic stones. This is one of the more challenging backyard upgrades that add value, so choose the type that fits your style and level of DIY home improvement skill the best.

Not too keen on a pathway? That’s okay! You can focus on your patio or deck area to work on improving. It’s a wonder what a fresh coat of paint on weather worn boards can do! If your seating area still leaves a lot to be desired, consider having a local professional or paver patios Roanoke take a look and start creating the ultimate outdoor hang out.

Add A Gateway:

By putting arbors at the entrance to your backyard, you can make it feel like a summer oasis for your guests. Think about putting your favorite flowers or creepers on the arbors to give them a personal touch. Add a few trellises if you want to make your yard more private. This is one of the best and cheapest ways to landscape your backyard.

Use The Shade:

Pergolas are great additions to a backyard because they make a unique space, gives you privacy, and keeps you cool in the summer, thanks to the shade they provide. Plus, they look elegant in a well kept garden with beautiful climbing plants and vines. If pergolas aren’t your thing, you could also consider patio awnings by Caribbean Blinds to add some shade to your outdoor seating areas. It will be so nice to sit comfortably on a lawn chair under an awning without the sun baking you!

Add Lighting:

Installing patio string lights is an excellent do-it-yourself project. It’s simple to install and a lot of fun to use in your garden. Pergolas, gates, and trees can all benefit from hanging lights over them to create a nighttime gathering spot that your guests will adore just as much as you do.

Buy A Fire Pit:

A fire pit might be the best thing to add. Not only will you be able to roast marshmallows during the long summer evenings, but when the hot weather begins to fade, the warmth of the fire will take you into fall. Also, this is one of the easiest things you can do to improve the value of your home in your backyard.

Turn your backyard into the place to be with these ideas. Yourself and your guests will be sad to go indoors!

Featured Image By: Tom Swinnen