Tag Archives: house

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.

Should you enjoy relaxing outside as opposed to on the couch, a fire pit could be just what you need as night starts to fall or a chill sets in. Fire pits provide the perfect spot to curl up by with a good book, chatter away with friends, or simply to be alone with your thoughts. Enlisting the help of fire pit and outdoor fireplace builder specialists can bring a cozy vibe to the great outdoors with a crackling fire. When you’re ready to head in, just make sure the fire is out completely to keep your family and property safe!

Indeed, 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

Mar15

Spring Cleaning? Check Out These Tips!

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Spring Cleaning? Check Out These Tips!

Spring is the perfect time to start fresh and get rid of all the clutter with some good old fashioned spring cleaning. Spring cleaning is not just about getting rid of clutter from your home but it’s also about organizing everything you have, from the garden to the car. With these tips, you’ll be able to declutter your house and life in no time:

What Not to do When Spring Cleaning Your Home:

There are many things that you can do to clean your home. However, there are some things that you should not do. Here is a list of things that you should avoid when cleaning your home:

  • Don’t use bleach or ammonia on hardwood floors
  • Don’t use ammonia on a toilet bowl
  • Don’t clean with hot water and don’t scrub with abrasive cleaners

Instead, it helps to try and use more natural options to protect your home and your health.

Tips for Getting Started with Spring Cleaning:

Spring is the ideal time to give your home a thorough cleaning. It’s a great way to get rid of the winter blues and start fresh. Some of the best ways to approach it include:

  • Start with high traffic areas such as the kitchen, dining room, and living room.
  • Make sure you have enough trash bags, boxes, and containers on hand to take out all of your old stuff.
  • Start with the floor and work your way up. Vacuum or sweep before mopping or dusting.
  • Don’t forget about windows and furniture! Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth or towel.

Tips for Cleaning & Sprucing Your Car at This Time of Year:

Many people are taking the opportunity of spring cleaning to clean out their cars and spruce them up for the summer too. It could even be the time to make some upgrades. Maybe you want to add XXR Wheels or make other improvements to your ride? But first, the cleaning!

To get started, you’ll want to check your car thoroughly for any leftover items from last year. These could be old receipts, food wrappers, or even forgotten items like sunglasses or a favorite hat. Then, use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of any dust or dirt on your seats and in your car’s nooks and crannies. You can also use a damp cloth to wipe down your dashboard (although this may not be sufficient if you have spilled coffee or other liquids on it).

Signs To Start Your Cleaning:

Spring cleaning is an important process of organizing your life and getting rid of those things that are weighing you down or taking up space in your home. It’s not always easy to know when to start spring cleaning, but there are some signs that indicate it might be time to do so:

  • You have been feeling overwhelmed by clutter
  • You have been feeling as though you have too much on your plate
  • You feel like the clutter in your home has been affecting how you feel

So get started today and enjoy a calmer mind and cleaner environment!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

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

Mar10

Small Things That Are Unsafe In Your Home

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Small Things That Are Unsafe In Your Home

Most of us like to think of our homes as being our safe space. But, the reality is that many of our homes are not quite as safe as we believe them to be. Every day, millions of us are putting ourselves and our families at risk by doing lots of little things that make our homes more dangerous. Check out these small ways that you could be making your home more unsafe:

Not cleaning the lint trap regularly:

If you have a dryer at home, then you need to clean the lint traps after every use. If you fail to do this, not only will your dryer not work as efficiently, but you could be putting your home at risk of fire, bacteria, and even carbon monoxide poisoning, all of which can happen when the dryer vent is blocked by lint. If you haven’t been regularly cleaning your lint traps, then calling a dryer vent cleaning service might be in order. After the experts have tended to the vents, it will put you in a better position to make cleaning them a part of your routine.

If you think your appliance is in need of dryer vent cleaning, don’t hesitate to call an expert near you. This is something that can be fixed easily and will prevent any major misfortunes from happening.

Not repairing your roof:

If your roof is old or damaged, then it could pose a very real safety risk. It will be more likely to let in water which causes mold and dampness. Tiles could also fall off and hit you on the head! If your roof is damaged, you really do need to call in a company like Bison Roofing to repair it as soon as possible. Leaving it in a poor state is not worth the risk.

Not getting your A/C serviced regularly:

If you don’t get your A/C serviced regularly and it develops a fault, it could be a serious fire risk. Thousands of fires are caused by faulty A/C units every year so this is a very real threat.

Hiding your extension cords with a rug:

If you have a lot of extension cords, it is fair to say that they can be unsightly. It can be tempting to cover them over with a pretty rug to keep them out of sight but that is a really bad idea. Not only is your family more likely to trip over the cords when they are hidden, but there is a chance that they could set fire to the rug and that would not be good news!

unsafe1^^^ Pixabay Image

Plugging extension cords together:

While we’re on the subject of extension cords, it is also worth saying that you should never plug two extensions cords together. It can be tempting to plug one into another when you have an appliance that doesn’t quite reach a wall socket, but this is a major fire risk so it’s a definite no no.

Never washing your pillows:

If you don’t wash your pillows very often or if you do not wash them at all, then you could be exposing yourself and your family to a whole host of bacteria, fungus, and allergens. If you’re sick a lot and you don’t wash your pillows very often, there could well be a link.

Not covering your pool:

If you have kids and you leave your pool uncovered, even if just for a short amount of time, there is a risk that they could fall in and get into trouble. If you can’t keep it covered, then installing a fence is a good way to keep the kids out and prevent any potential disasters from happening. The safety of your family is what really matters.

As you can see, there are lots of little things that we do every day without thinking, which could potentially harm us or our family. The good thing is, now that you know what you could be doing wrong, you can stop doing it!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Mar1

Six Reasons To Buy A Newly Built Home

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Six Reasons To Buy A Newly Built Home

It can be hard to decide whether to buy a newly built home or an existing one. The decision will depend a lot on your personal tastes and needs for amenities, features, and location. If you’re considering a newly built home, here are some of the best reasons to go for it:

1 – It’s brand new:

When you buy a new property from someone like Harvest Curve Rockford Homes, nobody will have lived there before. Nobody will have ever used the appliances or the shower, left stains on the carpets, or made small holes in the walls. There won’t be anything to clean when you move in, as everything is brand new.

It’s also an empty, blank canvas. You can start from scratch when you decide on decorating or choosing where to put your furniture. Nothing will have been left behind that you need to arrange and there’s nobody’s hideous wallpaper left behind for you to cover up. Because everything is new, you can also just choose to do nothing. All you need to do is unpack. Often, quick delivery new homes will have features such as garages, porches, or a sleek kitchen with an island – depending on the build. Buying a quick move-in home is a great way to save time, and is often more affordable than a new construction home.

A newly built home also offers the prospect of a brand new location too. For example, maybe you and your loved ones will build family homes in Houston, TX to accommodate a new job or a change of scenery. The possibilities really are endless!

2 – You can help design the look:

When you work with Southdown Homes, for example, you and the experts design the space together to make a home that is perfect for your family. Some builders will offer bespoke packages for upgrades when you buy a new build, which will allow you to choose some of the fixtures and fittings, such as your kitchen cabinets, your appliances, or the bathroom tiles.

3 – Peace of mind:

Most new builds will come with a standard structural guarantee with a house building insurance company, so if anything does go wrong in your first few years of owning your new build, you can get help to put it right at no cost to you. Check if you have a guarantee before making any decisions.

The latest standards will apply too so your security and fire system will be as up to date as possible, and so will your appliances. This is another source of peace of mind in your new home.

4 – The green choice:

A new build is usually more environmentally friendly than an older property and is often much cheaper to run too. Modern houses like the ones built by SK Builders (or a similar company in your local area) tend to be better insulated and should have more efficient appliances and boilers. There shouldn’t be any drafts around doors and windows yet, and the heating should be easy to use and efficient. This is all good for your wallet and the planet.

5 – Support for buyers:

Schemes to help first time buyers often apply to new builds, so if you’re buying your first home, it’s well worth seeing what help could be available to you if you choose a newly built property.

6 – Designed for modern living:

New homes tend to have more than one bathroom, often have a basement, and open plan layouts, which work much better for families. They’re also built with modern demands in mind, so should have plenty of power points for all those devices you need to keep charged. To view examples of the amenities that a typical modern home offers, enter a search for “new homes in Delaware” or your local area to get started. During this process, remember to keep a list of “must have” and “nice to have” features for your own home!

Living in the modern world means that you deserve a modern home too, which is what you will get with a freshly built property!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb25

Lil Red’s Spring Cleaning Pro Tips

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Lil Red’s Spring Cleaning Pro Tips

Howdy!! In about two months, Johnny and I are possibly moving into a three bedroom apartment which means that we need to get our place in tip top shape to prove ourselves worthy. The timing is perfect because it coincides exactly with spring cleaning! Slowly but surely, we have been tackling this task and it’s not as bad as I thought, especially when following these tips:

Declutter:

A true deep cleaning of your home can’t happen without a good decluttering session first. Johnny and I are still on this phase in several areas of our apartment but I can already see a big improvement. I knew that we both have a lot of stuff but I don’t think I realized just how much until we began going through everything piece by piece.

When decluttering be sure to organize like so:

  • Throw away: Anything that is damaged beyond minor issues, garbage, and don’t forget anything past its expiration date in the pantry!
  • Donate: Items still in fair condition that are no longer needed including clothing, electronics, home goods, even dishes! Johnny and I have SO. Many. Glasses. which I definitely plan on downsizing.
  • Hand Me Downs: If you have close friends or siblings that might be interested in any of your donate items, feel free to pass them on. I know my sister will want a peek at any of my clothing or accessories that I no longer need!
  • Buy, Sell, Trade Groups: Facebook Marketplace and the like are a great way to make some extra cash for unneeded things. This is especially good for more expensive items or larger ones that you could see someone else wanting. You can use your new funds for more cleaning supplies. 😀

Deep Clean:

Once your unwanted items are out of the way, it will make a good deep clean so much easier. This is when you pull out all of the stops – dusting, sweeping, disinfecting, and so on. Prior to your cleaning session, just make sure you have all of the products that you need to accomplish it. Once you have motivation to complete this task, a run to the store can burst that bubble really quickly!

Remember that you will need specific products for different types of cleaning and some things might require more care than others. For a really good deep clean, it can help to call the experts in. For example, a company like Hydra Clean NW (or a similar one in your local area) would be a good idea to call for tough stains in upholstery and carpets. You will be amazed at the difference it will make once those unsightly stains are gone for good!

Work In Sections:

No one says that spring cleaning has to be done in just one day! Sectioning off your cleaning and working in small bursts will help decrease the stress of such a big chore. I try to work in half hour or so increments every other day and always feel pleased with my progress afterwards.

During my cleaning, I have been working on the easy stuff first while slowly pecking away at the bigger projects. My kitchen and bathroom are small so those were the best places to start whereas my living room will need a lot more effort. Long story short, sectioning off is the way to go when spring cleaning!

Delegate Tasks:

I am a huge fan of organizing and I don’t mind cleaning all that much so those are the chores that I have been working on. However, there are things that require heavy lifting or a lot of elbow grease that I’m just not capable of and will be Johnny’s assignments. If you have kids, a chore chart will be helpful and you can throw a pizza or ice cream party when the work is done to celebrate your nice, clean house.

If you live alone and could use some extra help, invite some friends over and have them lend a hand. Pizza and ice cream also goes a long way for adults! Also, there is no shame in hiring someone to clean, either. Johnny and I are going to take care of a majority of the work but when we move out, we will be hiring my sister’s friend to make the apartment look the best it can and get my security deposit back lol.

Entertainment:

When I am cleaning, I can’t stand to work in silence and will put on my favorite music or something that I have already seen on Netflix. The key words being “something that I have already seen” because nothing kills motivation quicker than getting way too into whatever is on TV! Once your tunes are on or you’re laughing along to your favorite scenes from The Office, the task at hand doesn’t feel so bad.

Reward Yourself:

No one wants to spend their weekend or evening after work cleaning when they could be relaxing. I sure don’t! After I complete my cleaning burst, I try and do something that I enjoy like reading, playing Animal Crossing, or settling down with a movie. But it could be anything! You could treat yourself to some take out or have a nice, hot bath. You so deserve it!

Cleaning is a necessary part of life in your home and while it isn’t the most fun thing, it doesn’t have to be completely miserable, either. Use the tips above and soon your place will be as fresh and clean as a spring day!

What is your least favorite chore? What are some of your spring cleaning tips? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb22

Preparing Your Home For Storms

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Preparing Your Home For Storms

With extreme weather events and disastrous storms becoming more common in many parts of the world, it’s never been more important to know how to protect your home correctly and make it prepared for when storms hit. We’re going to discuss some of the best steps you should take to keep your home protected next time a storm hits your town:

Use Surge Protectors:

One thing you need to think about when it comes to protecting your home ahead of a storm is the electricity. Ideally, you want to make sure that you have surge protectors in place so that the electricity doesn’t cut out on you halfway through the storm. Electrical surges are very common during storms and they can easily leave your entire home without power. Electricians like those at Old Town Electric (or a similar business in your local area) can assist with surge protector installation so you can avoid outages during major storms. This is an essential part of safeguarding your home should you live in an area that often faces outages or stormy weather.

Store Away Anything That’s Not Secured:

If you have anything out in the open in your garden or other outdoor spaces, you should think about storing them away. They’re likely to get picked up in the wind and be damaged. Even worse, the wind could carry them onto your roof or through one of your windows, and that’s definitely not something you’ll want to be dealing with. Store them securely in a shed or garage.

Keep an Eye on Your Generator:

As we’ve discussed, electricity supplies can be hit in numerous ways during a storm. If you find yourself without power, a backup will bring you peace of mind. For most people, that will be a generator and you should make sure you have one in place. You’ll also need to keep it in check and have it monitored with a generator monitoring service so it’s ready to jump into action when needed.

Generators are especially important if you’re in an area where power outages happen fairly frequently. Nothing puts a damper on your day like waiting around for the power to come back on! An Electric generator shop in Chelmsford, MA or your local area will be able to assist you in finding the model that makes the most sense for your property.

Check the Gutters:

Your gutters are going to be put under some pretty intense pressure during a storm, which is why it’s important to clean them regularly. When you know a storm is on the way, it’s a good idea to get the gutters looked at, either by a professional who knows how to remove any blockages properly or by yourself if you are handy.

Keep the Trees Trimmed:

Finally, you should make sure your trees are in good shape and don’t have any weak branches. Branches are likely to break and fall and potentially cause a lot of damage. Get the help of a tree surgeon so the job gets done safely.

Your home is your most valuable asset and it’s also the place that keeps you and your family protected. If you want to make sure your home is prepared for any storm that might come your way, make the most of the ideas above.

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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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

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