Tag Archives: house

May2

Get Organized For A Summer At Home

Posted on by
Standard
Get Organized For A Summer At Home

Summer is fast approaching and that means now is the perfect time to get yourself organized and ensure that you and your home are ready for the sunny season, and all of the fun and joy it brings. Here are a few key things to get you started so that you’ll be ready when summer comes and you can simply sit back, relax and enjoy it:

Take Stock of It All:

Before you do anything else, you are going to want to take some time to wander around your home and take stock of anything that needs doing to get the place ready for summer. This could be the garden, which needs trimming down so you have a nice clear view of your surroundings or your kitchen which could benefit from a good clean, so you can hang out and make frozen cocktails with friends. Note down everything that needs doing and prioritize the most necessary jobs first.

Declutter to Destress:

Clutter is summer’s secret enemy. Piles of papers, abandoned flip-flops, and that stack of unopened mail whisper “chaos” every time you pass by. Embrace the three-box method: One for keepers, one for trash and one for “maybe later.” Go through your stuff with ruthless kindness. If you haven’t used it since last July, it probably won’t suddenly become precious this year. Clearing visual clutter will make your home feel calmer, and it might even spark joy, à la that famous organizational guru you all admire.

Command the Calendar:

When life feels unstructured, put it on the calendar. Block out time for work, relaxation, home projects and social calls. Color-code like a pro: Blue for focus hours, yellow for fun, green for errands, and red for “urgent but boring.” Seeing your entire summer laid out helps you seize the day without losing track of deadlines or dentist appointments. Plus, sharing your color-coded calendar with housemates or family can prevent those “Why didn’t you tell me” moments.

Automate the Annoying Stuff:

Bill reminders, subscription renewals, and routine home maintenance can slip your mind when the poolside calls. Automate online payments, set up digital reminders for filter changes, and subscribe to a lawn care service app that pings you before it’s too late to sharpen the blades. Automation isn’t cheating; It’s smart management.

Get the Garden Tools in Shape:

In summer, many of us spend a whole lot of time in the garden, which means we want it to look as good as possible, right? This means that we need to sort out that lawn mower repair, sharpen our garden shears, and oil those all-important garden tools so they are all in good working order and we can keep the garden in similar shape, with as little effort as possible.

Clean the Garden Furniture:

Now is also the perfect time to clean and patch up the garden furniture so that it is in perfect condition for sitting and enjoying the hard work you’ve put in to get summer ready at home. Comfy, inviting garden furniture is a must for get togethers, bonfires, and cookouts!

Summer? Bring it on!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Apr10

How To Find Your Home Decor Style

Posted on by
Standard
How To Find Your Home Decor Style

Everyone knows this, but trends are loud. They’re everywhere, always changing, and incredibly convincing. One minute, everything is earth tones and arches. The next, it’s glossy black furniture and checkerboard rugs. Suddenly, your saved folder is full of images that all look like they belong in someone else’s house. Sure, even if you want that hotel feel for your home, some things just still seem to feel off, right? You buy a vase shaped like a face because everyone else is doing it. But does it even go with your vibe? Or do you just feel like it should?That’s the tricky part about decor trends. They have a way of tricking people into thinking they love something when really, they just saw it enough times to believe it.

But really, the goal is not just to decorate, but to find your taste. The stuff you actually love. The colors that make you feel calm, the textures that make you feel cozy, and the styles that make you want to invite people over, just to show them around. And that doesn’t come from copying what’s trending. It comes from tuning into your own preferences, your lifestyle, and your version of comfort:

Start with What You Already Love:

Okay, just go ahead and forget interiors for a second. What books, clothes, or even random objects are you drawn to? If your wardrobe is full of flowy neutrals, your house probably doesn’t want to be neon and glossy. If you collect vintage postcards or have a thing for quirky ceramics, that tells you something, too. Style isn’t always obvious in your home, yet it’s already showing up in your life. Pay attention to the colors you wear the most. The patterns you gravitate toward. The restaurants or coffee shops you like spending time in. These all reflect your taste in more honest ways than scrolling through decor hashtags for three hours.

Be Honest About what Works For Your Life:

There’s a version of your dream space that probably lives rent-free in your mind. But there’s also your real life. If your house is full of kids, pets, or activity, that white linen sofa is not going to love you back. If you hate cleaning, high-shine surfaces that show every fingerprint are going to make you resent your own choices. Your decor taste isn’t just what looks pretty. It’s also what feels manageable, inviting, and livable. Lifestyle matters. Your home should feel like a place you can exist in, not just pose in.

Mix, Don’t Match:

Trying to stick to one exact style often backfires. You buy one modern chair, then panic and fill the whole room with mid-century pieces until it starts looking like a showroom. Then suddenly you realize you don’t even like mid-century furniture that much, you just thought you had to commit once you bought that first chair. Think of it like this: the best spaces have layers. Something vintage next to something sleek. A rug that doesn’t match the sofa, but still works somehow. Your taste doesn’t need to live in one lane. It can pull from different places, as long as it feels cohesive in a way that makes sense to you.

Even something as structured as a bathroom can reflect that. For example, bathroom suites are a great way to give the space a cohesive, polished look, where the tub, toilet, and sink actually belong together, without feeling overly matchy or sterile. It’s usually the fixtures and the shapes that match (which is already standard for most bathrooms anyway), but the decor and flooring (and the tile work) don’t usually match the fixtures and you can get creative.

Use Color to Test the Waters:

Color can be intimidating. It feels permanent, even when it’s just paint. But it’s one of the fastest ways to figure out what actually feels good in your space. Try a pillow, a throw, or even a cheap piece of art in a bold color you think you might love and see how it feels over time. Do you keep looking at it? Or are you starting to avoid it like an ex at the grocery store? That reaction tells you a lot. Color doesn’t have to be loud to make a statement. It just has to feel like something you want more of, not something you’re trying to get used to. And if it turns out you hate it? That’s still progress. Just knowing what you don’t like is just as helpful as knowing what you do.

Don’t Worry About Being “Timeless”:

Timeless is one of those buzzwords that sounds safe but says almost nothing. What’s timeless now probably won’t be in five years. What’s really timeless is a space that’s personal. One that reflects its people, not just its moment. Instead of trying to lock in a style that will never go out of fashion, build something that grows with you. Your taste is allowed to evolve. That’s not failure. That’s just being human. Your home isn’t a time capsule. It’s a work in progress.

Make Peace with Not Having a “Theme”:

There’s always that moment. You open a decor site, click on a style quiz, and suddenly you’re being told you’re 70% Scandinavian with a splash of mid-century modern and… coastal grandma? Now, everything in your cart feels like it has to match that label, or it’s going to throw off the whole “aesthetic.” But real homes don’t work like that. Most people don’t live in a perfectly curated theme. They live with hand-me-downs, impulse buys, and furniture that was supposed to be temporary six years ago. It’s okay if your dining table doesn’t match your bookshelf, or if your couch is more “comfortable nap zone” than “editorial spread.” What matters is that the space feels right when you’re in it, not that it fits some internet-approved style category.

Once you’ve honed in on your personal style, the next step might be bringing that vision to life on a larger scale. This is where working with professionals who offer custom home renovation services can truly make a difference. A skilled renovation team can help you translate your unique tastes into functional, beautiful spaces that reflect your personality while enhancing your home’s value. If you want to reimagine your kitchen layout, add a cozy reading area, or redesign multiple rooms for better flow, experts can guide you through every stage of the process. They’ll ensure that structural changes, material choices, and finishes all align with the look and feel you love, while also considering durability and long-term usability. Collaborating with the right renovation specialists means you can focus on the creative aspects of your project, knowing that the technical side is being handled with precision.

Finding your home decor style shouldn’t be stressful but fun! Go with your instincts, be creative, and your space will soon feel perfectly you.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar28

7 Upgrades Your Kitchen Needs

Posted on by
Standard
7 Upgrades Your Kitchen Needs

Did you know that minor kitchen upgrades, often more affordable than massive changes and renovations, can actually add more value to your property? While renovations are great if your kitchen isn’t fit for purpose or you need more space, for some people, it’s the smaller changes you make that can offer you the most value in terms of functionality as well as boosted value. Let’s take a look at some of the kitchen upgrades you can make to make your life and your kitchen better:

Countertops:

Kitchen countertops can be made from a range of durable and aesthetically pleasing materials, offering you a wide array of options to suit your style and needs. Ideally, you want to choose countertops made from granite, quartz, porcelain, or even butcher’s block. You can also find a variety of colors and styles to suit any kitchen. Not only will granite countertop installations make your kitchen look more stylish, but they will also modernize it and enhance functionality, enabling you to use your kitchen while giving it a mini facelift. High-end kitchen countertops can add 5 to 6% to a property’s value, so if you’re only investing in one new aspect of your kitchen, new countertops could be a great investment.

Kitchen Island:

Kitchen islands are highly sought after by buyers, and if this is a factor in any upgrades you are making, it’s definitely a worthy consideration. This is an extremely practical addition for any kitchen if you have the space, providing additional storage and counter space, and even housing appliances. You can expect to spend anywhere from $3,000 upwards for a custom-fit island; this is preferable over a prefabricated one, which might not fit your kitchen as well, but you can expect an ROI of around 70% on your investment.

Flooring:

New flooring is an excellent investment. You should opt for more durable flooring such as stone, LVP, or tile. These materials are made to withstand lots of foot traffic and can give your kitchen a more aesthetically pleasing look that is easy to clean and maintain – especially if you have pets or kids.

Refresh Paint:

This can be the paint on your walls, around windows and doors, on doors both internally and externally, and on your cabinets if you wish. If you want to update your look but don’t want to rip cabinets off the walls, you need to look into the different color options available for painting your cabinet doors. How much this will cost depends on the scope of the work, the surfaces you’re painting, and how much prep work they need to deliver a high-end finish.

Tile Backsplash:

A new backsplash is a worthwhile investment for any kitchen. Tile backsplashes are visually appealing and give a deeper sense that the homeowner was invested in the small details and quality of any renovation work they carried out. Subway tile is a timeless classic that can be adapted to many homes and styles. While there’s no set in stone rule, generally, subway tile is more appealing to prospective buyers.

Hardware:

Updating the hardware in your kitchen can be relatively inexpensive and easy. This includes your door handles, any hooks you might have on cabinets, light switches, pull cords, faucets, etc. These small details might seem insignificant, but a simple upgrade can be really impactful and give your kitchen a new dimension.

Workstation Sink:

A workstation sink isn’t a normal sink; it’s a sink that has much more space and is multi-functional. It can have additional features such as a chopping board, drain boards, flexible taps you can move around to help ease prep work and cleaning, etc. The more features your sink has, the easier it will be to clean up and get jobs done without taking up too much space.

When it comes to updating your kitchen, it’s not always about ripping everything out and starting again. It’s about finding upgrades that will enhance your kitchen, benefit your life, and add value to your home.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar9

Something Silly

Posted on by
Standard
Something Silly

Hello!! There is honestly never a dull moment in the apartment community that Johnny and I reside in. Crazy things are always happening and after living here for so long, you just eventually get used to it lol. This past Thursday, I had a difficult time falling asleep and was treated to something that I don’t hear very often: The apartment community at night. Johnny and I go to bed insanely early because we both get up for work insanely early. So, as I attempted to fall asleep, I was hearing ALL of the things that I would normally be sleeping through. There was a heated argument in the apartment beside ours (So juicy!), a car alarm incessantly blaring, and something that made me laugh hysterically and quietly as to not wake Johnny up!

As I was just laying there, I could hear a car zooming through the property. That’s totally normal, but what made this occurrence different was the music being played. Whomever was in the car was straight up BLASTING Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen and I wasn’t even mad about it. They had great taste! And, of course, it was impossible not to immediately think of this iconic scene from Wayne’s World:

^^^ I have no rights to this song or video!

I like to think that the passengers in the car were recreating this video together and it was one of those goofy things that I felt compelled to share. That’s apartment life for you!

Have you ever lived in an apartment? Do you have any stories about your time there? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb27

DIY Home Office Makeover On A Budget

Posted on by
Standard
DIY Home Office Makeover On A Budget

Who says your home office has to cost an arm and a leg to look stylish and work-friendly? Your office space can be lovely and easy on your wallet. No makeovers, no logos, just a bit of creativity, a little budget advice, and some patience. Here are some tips on how to give your office a new face for a fraction of the cost:

Start With What You Have:

Stop for a moment and take a good look around your house. What is it that you currently have that can be used to make your office work? Oftentimes, your best furniture is in your own possession. Paint it a new shade, change its hardware, and make sure your old furniture is new all over. Organize that bookshelf, move a lamp, and see a difference. It’s unbelievable how a fresh perspective can change a room.

Develop A Realistic Budget. Stick To It:

Budgeting isn’t exactly fun. Yet, it’s necessary. You don’t need a ginormous budget in order to have a stylish home office, but you must have a plan. Maybe you’ll budget a little extra for a snuggle-up chair just for the sake of your back’s comfort, and that will be worth it. Or maybe you’ll budget for some awesome lighting since doing your job in the dark is a total downer. Before buying, write down what you need, what you want, and what is optional. This keeps your mind in focus when temptation strikes.

Thrift and Secondhand Stores are Treasures:

The real magic is in thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces. Don’t overlook non-traditional options. For example, a sewing cabinet can be a creative office fixture and double up for your hobbies, adding a splash of personality and functionality. Such an item typically contains inbuilt compartments, perfect for keeping office supplies organized without extra mess.

Adding Personality With DIY Decor:

Personalize your workspace. Add framed prints, a corkboard, or a gallery wall. Consider adding plants for some greenery. Plants can give a room new life, too. Low maintenance options such as pothos, succulents, or snake plants can provide a pop of color for minimal price. Fresh flowers can majorly brighten your day or you could hang a bird feeder outside the office window to appreciate nature’s beauty.

Lighting Makes a World of Difference:

If your screen is giving you a headache, it’s time for a change. Natural light is ideal, so position your desk in a window, if possible. Utilizing natural light can be a game changer in your home office and is a good thing to focus your budget on. Take the time to find a Glass Company in your local area for repairs or installation and let the light shine in. No harsh overhead lights or lamps required! If you don’t have a window, that’s okay because the ideal stylish lamp can make a big difference. Scour thrift stores for vintage lamps in hip designs, or replace your current fixture with a dimmable bulb for malleable moods.

Cushioning is Important:

The throne of your office. Comfort is not an optional commodity here. Ergonomic chairs, though, can be pricey. So, in this case, how do you find a balance between cost and comfort? Try secondhand first. You’d be amazed at all of the great chairs that go on sale on online marketplaces. If you end up being stuck in a not-great chair, however, a seat pillow or lumbar pillow is an excellent investment.

Make The Best of Wall Space:

Walls in an office home are prime real estate. Make the most of them. Floating bookshelves can hold books, plants, or prints. Wall grids can hold reminders, a calendar, or motivational sayings. If you want to be bold, paint a solitary wall a fun color. Accent walls give a room excitement without overwhelming it. Accent walls provide an affordable, potent means of adding personality.

Cables and Technology – Organized and Practical:

Nothing kills a mood faster than a snarled mess of cables. Organization of cables is not a sexy phrase, but it is a lifesaver. Velcro straps, cable organizers, and stick-on clips keep everything organized and in place. Place your router, your printer, and other electronics in inaccessible locations. Consider a cordless keyboard and a cordless mouse to maintain a clutter-free space. An organized workspace is a productive space.

Make Your Space Yours:

Your home office should be an expression of who you are. But there is a fine line between personal and distracting. Be intentional. Add a few personal, thoughtful touches – a treasured family portrait, a book, a piece of art. Make your working space a source of inspiration rather than stress. Simple touches make it personal, though functionality is paramount.

Additional Ways of Uplifting Your Space:

A wonderful, cost-effective solution is multi-purpose furniture. One can have an ottoman as a secondary place for visitors to sit, in addition to a location for supplies. Likewise, a folding desk extension can be inserted when there is a need for more room, perfect for busy days when multitasking is a must. Such convenient extras make your office flexible and cost-friendly.

Your home office can be a place that makes work a little easier, a little cozier, and more productive. With some creativity, time, and smart budgeting, you can create a space for work that you’ll enjoy – without it costing a fortune.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb27

Spring Cleaning Surprise

Posted on by
Standard
Spring Cleaning Surprise

Howdy! I got home from work way earlier than normal on Monday and had three or so hours to kill before Johnny’s shift was over. I’m not really sure why, but out of nowhere, I got a strong desire to clean. I’ll be perfectly honest with you, it can be very difficult for me to find the motivation to clean outside of necessary chores. Feeling mentally and physically exhausted just seems to be the norm for me as of late and it sucks. It’s not like I don’t want to clean but the energy to do so is nowhere to be found. So, when this overwhelming urge hit me to clean, I went for it!

I decided to tackle one room before clocking in again to work from home and that was mine and Johnny’s bedroom. I cleared up any trash, did several loads of laundry, and organized the closet. I also was able to put Johnny’s clothes in some semblance of order because he needs a freaking dresser lol. As I was doing that, I found an incredible surprise: One of my FAVORITE tank tops that I thought I left in the Poconos when we went on vacation a few years prior. I looked everywhere in my apartment for it and came up empty so leaving it behind seemed like the most reasonable explanation. I guess I didn’t look everywhere, though.

After finally having found my black Rachel Zoe tank top, I was elated. The motivation to clean was there and I was rewarded for it. In fact, after this find, I found myself looking forward to tackling my office next! I genuinely thought that the cherry on top was being reunited with my beloved tank top. However, the cherry on top came after the bedroom was clean as a whistle. I had open access to an outlet again and I was eager to put a new Bath & Body Works wallflower into my Halloween plugin. The room looked so fresh and good that I decided to accentuate it with a Fiji White Sands wallflower. The spotless room combined with the crisp, beachy scent made me so happy!

I guess the moral of the story is, that if you are lacking motivation for a deep cleaning session – it really is okay. However, my first hand experience is that you will start feeling fantastic as you go through the process. Even if it is one room or one task at a time, you are accomplishing something that needs to be done and that is rewarding. There is no need to beat yourself up if you don’t have the energy to clean. Do what you can, revel in your success, and you are on your way to forming a good habit.

I really am proud of myself for getting an early start on my spring cleaning and giving the apartment the love it deserves doesn’t feel nearly as overwhelming. In fact, it is a welcome change of pace!

What is on your spring cleaning agenda? Have you found anything recently that you thought you lost? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb21

Invisible Shields: How Professional Services Fortify Your Home Against Disasters

Posted on by
Standard
Invisible Shields: How Professional Services Fortify Your Home Against Disasters

Home is supposed to be the safest place in the world. But when disaster barges in, uninvited and unannounced, it doesn’t care about your peace of mind, your years of hard work, or the memories wrapped up in every wall. Fire. Floods. Storms. Even the smallest accident can spiral into a home-altering catastrophe. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to face it alone. There’s an entire industry of professionals there to help. They’re the invisible shields, the ones who step in to prevent, mitigate, and, when necessary, bring your home back from the brink:

Preventing Disaster Before It Strikes:

Some people say you can’t control fate. But you can definitely prepare for it. A house isn’t just four walls and a roof – it’s a living, breathing structure that needs constant care. And when it comes to disasters, the best strategy isn’t to react but to stay ten steps ahead.

Fire Prevention and Protection:

Nobody wakes up thinking, Today’s the day my house might catch fire. But fires don’t wait for invitations. They start in forgotten corners – faulty wiring, a neglected chimney, a dryer vent clogged with lint. The good news? Fire prevention experts know where to look. They install smoke detectors in the right places, check fire suppression systems, and inspect the overlooked hazards before they become newsworthy. A simple checkup today can mean a home that’s still standing tomorrow.

Weatherproofing Your Home:

Water is sneaky. A single weak spot in your roof, a poorly sealed window, or an overwhelmed drainage system can start leaks that turn into nightmares. And if a storm decides to drop a tree branch through your ceiling? That’s a whole different level of destruction. Professionals who specialize in weatherproofing don’t just patch things up, they fortify. Reinforced roofing, flood-resistant barriers, and storm-proof windows aren’t just nice-to-haves. They’re shields against nature’s worst moods.

Security Systems – Protection from the Unexpected:

A security system isn’t just about keeping burglars away. It’s about having eyes on every threat – fires, gas leaks, flooding. Today’s smart home security does more than beep when someone jiggles the doorknob. It warns you when there’s smoke in the kitchen or water creeping into the basement. And those extra minutes? They make all the difference.

Emergency Response – When Every Second Counts:

No matter how well you prepare, disasters have a way of showing up anyway. And when they do, response time is everything. The first few hours after a crisis can mean the difference between salvaging what’s left and losing everything.

Fire Restoration Services – Restoring What’s Lost:

The flames are gone, but the real damage is only beginning. Soot clings to everything, smoke burrows into fabrics, and the water from firefighting efforts lingers in the walls, waiting to invite mold. It’s overwhelming. And it’s exactly where fire restoration specialists step in. JDB Builders Inc. Fire Restoration Services don’t just scrub away the damage, they rebuild what’s left. They clear out the smoke-stained debris, dry out the waterlogged remains, and restore what can be saved. It’s not just about repairing a house. It’s about making a home feel whole again.

Water Damage Restoration:

Water moves fast. So does mold, rot, and structural instability. A minor leak, left alone, can turn into an unlivable situation within days. The experts who handle water damage don’t just clean up the mess, they act like detectives, hunting down moisture in places you didn’t even think to check. Industrial dehumidifiers, professional-grade drying techniques, and mold prevention measures aren’t overkill. They’re the only things standing between you and a home that’s slowly rotting from the inside out.

Tree Removal and Structural Repair:

A tree crashing through your house is one of those things you never think will happen until it does. One storm. One strong gust. One old branch hanging on by a thread. Suddenly, your living room has an unwanted skylight. Tree removal specialists don’t just clear the debris. They assess whether your home is structurally sound or if deeper repairs are needed. Sometimes, the damage is obvious. Other times, it takes an expert eye to spot the cracks forming under the surface.

The professionals who step in to prevent, respond, and rebuild are more than just service providers. They’re the ones who make it possible for you to come home again. And at the end of the day, that’s what really matters!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jan3

The Best Investments You Can Make In A Rural Household

Posted on by
Standard
The Best Investments You Can Make In A Rural Household

Escaping to the countryside is a common dream for many people, and most often comes when we’re stuck in a traffic jam on a busy morning work commute! But of course, moving to a rural area and enjoying a more remote home is work and an adjustment to make. For this reason, learning some of the best investments you may need to make in a rural home, even if you find a worthwhile deal, is absolutely worth it. In this post, we’ll discuss some choices that may help you on that path:

Property Fencing & Markers:

You’ll find that solid fencing really does transform a rural property. Many newcomers to country living discover that boundaries help maintain excellent relationships with neighbors while keeping the local wildlife from treating gardens like their personal buffet. But it’s also true that in rural areas, sometimes homeowners just leave their property borders unattended. Sometimes this is fine, but other times it might confuse rural walkers or those who encroach on your property without permission. You’re not being over the top for wanting to make these lines clear.

You can achieve a good-looking option by investing in simple wooden fencing or hedges, which can prevent confusion about where maintenance duties begin and end. Many rural homeowners have learned through experience that clear boundaries prevent somewhat tense conversations about fallen trees or building projects that accidentally cross property lines. Before you buy a property, have the land and borders surveyed so you know what the outlines are.

Septic Tank Installation:

Most rural homes need their own waste management solutions since they sit too far from main sewage lines. You might be surprised to learn that current septic systems work quite efficiently with minimal fuss, even if it’s not the most romantic idea or home upgrade you want to think about. While the upfront costs can feel substantial, a well-installed system often serves a property for decades when properly maintained, and emptying duties might only be needed once a year or so. If you share this with a neighbor you can split the cost. Care and mindful use makes all the difference here.

Private Road Maintenance:

Many rural homes sit on minor and private roads that may be your task to maintain, or it won’t get done. They could be owned by a house or perhaps part owned by everyone on the road. It’s fair to say that sometimes, a private less maintained road can be a bit of a headache. That’s because rain can reshape paths overnight and you’ll find out that winter brings its own set of challenges with snow removal becoming a personal responsibility. Many rural communities will be keen in sharing these duties and having good co-operation about it, which helps you split both effort and expenses. You might want to consider either investing in good equipment or building a relationship with a reliable local contractor. This way you can discuss potential issues with potholes or water pooling before it affect your vehicles. As everyone has an interest in avoiding such issues, it’s a worthwhile investment, but one you need to prepare for.

Motion Sensitive Lighting:

The countryside is amazing in that it offers wonderfully dark nights for stargazing, but you’ll likely want some lighting solutions for practical purposes too. You may find success with modern LED systems because they use minimal electricity while providing excellent illumination when needed. A great portion of rural homeowners discover that carefully placed motion-activated lights are good for security and energy efficiency.

Backup Supplies:

We’re not going to suggest that living in a rural environment is akin to posting in the International Space Station, but power interruptions tend to last longer in rural areas, and weather can sometimes limit access to town. That’s why even if you haven’t experienced an issue yet, maintaining a well-stocked pantry as a matter of necessity rather than convenience is a good idea. You might want to consider keeping emergency water supplies, basic medical items, and a reliable generator on hand if that’s possible. Grit and other snow-fighting materials can help too.

Renewable Energy:

On a rural property, you have more options for renewable power, which might be an investment now but could pay off over time! Rural properties often have good exposure and conditions for solar power, with plenty of open roof space and unobstructed sunlight if you’re lucky enough. You may even have a water wheel as part of your building that might take some time to get rebuilt over the river, or a place you can use for biofuels. While setting up renewable systems does require renovation and installation that comes with a cost, the long-term savings could be quite significant. Back that up with functional utilities such as furnace installation for appropriate heating, and you’ll be set up perfectly!

With this advice, we hope you can more easily make some good investments in your rural household, should you ever escape to that country life you dream about!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov5

Reduce Stress With These Kitchen Upgrades

Posted on by
Standard
Reduce Stress With These Kitchen Upgrades

Renovating the areas you use the most is an exciting process. It means you can add the things you need and make your life much easier. The kitchen is the most used room in the home, and there are numerous upgrades you can do to make it the most loved room in the home too. Like the following:

A Pipe and Plumbing Refit:

Ripping out an old kitchen comes with many opportunities. Of course, you can design the kitchen you want. But you also have the specific advantage of being able to have the piping and plumbing inspected. What would be the point of a brand new kitchen built around old and failing pipes? Reliable plumbing services will work with you to have your pipes installed and running as smoothly as possible. This gives you massive peace of mind to move forward with the plan.

Finalize the Kitchen Design:

It can be a dream come true to design your own kitchen, especially if you love to cook. However, it isn’t cheap, so you may want to consider the budget you have to work with. Whether it is large or small, there still needs to be a plan. A finalized design means there is little chance of something going wrong. Yet it will also keep you within budget and cultivate a healthy relationship with contractors. Most also offer 3D designs today, so you can design exactly what you want together.

Electrical Kitchen Upgrades:

Even if you don’t cook much, modern kitchens are a gathering space for the family when designed in a specific way, such as open-plan. It can also be a relaxing area for adults to take five and catch up on the day’s events. But with modernity comes the need for power. The average family home has around eleven kitchen appliances, not including mobile devices. So consider USB sockets in your new kitchen.

How You Will Use the Space:

A modern kitchen isn’t only used for cooking. Today, the modern kitchen space is multi-functional and used for gathering families. Yet, the main reason for a new kitchen is indeed for cooking. And we all cook in different ways. Think about how you use the space and you can design a new kitchen around your needs. For example, you can have pan racks and knife strips placed where you need them. This helps protect your expensive set of Globals for smooth food preparation!

The Storage Space You Will Need:

Even when you redesign a kitchen, you are still going to be working with limited space. With everything you might need, such as spice racks, pan space, and utensils, it helps to think about storage. You can work with your contractor on the design of the cabinet work, adding in extras as you go. Modern cabinets come with tiers for efficient use of space, lighting features, and even under-cupboard storage such as wine glass holders and utensil hooks.

Create your dream kitchen with the tips above and enjoy your new, remodeled space!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Oct22

The Best Ways To Add Value To Your Home

Posted on by
Standard
The Best Ways To Add Value To Your Home

There are many reasons why you may be looking to add value to your home. For example, you may be considering moving house and selling your property or simply feeling like your home is looking a little worse for wear. Fortunately, there are many steps that you can take to add value to your home, like the following:

Turn your garage into a functional space:

Turning your garage into a functional space is a great way to add value to your home. It could be the perfect spot for a man cave, home gym, or as a smart setup for extra storage. There are many different ways in which you can complete this task, but it’s best to start from the ground up. For example, you could wipe away years of wear and tear and improve the overall look of your garage floor by applying epoxy garage coating.

Deal with necessary maintenance:

One of the easiest ways in which you can add value to your home is by resolving any maintenance issues you are facing, no matter how minor. While these problems may start out small, they can quickly become costly to deal with and cause significant damage to your home. There are plenty of guides online that will talk you through the basic home maintenance tasks, such as fixing a leaking tap or pipe or that one stair that always creaks when you stand on it. However, it’s also important that you know when a certain task falls beyond your skills as a DIY-er so that you can call in experts for help.

Upgrade your kitchen:

Adding value to your home often means that you’re able to sell your property quicker when it hits the market. As such, when it comes to adding value, you should be mindful of what buyers are looking for – with an excellent kitchen often being at the top of the list. It’s estimated that a new kitchen can add 5-10% to the value of your home! Now is the perfect time to revamp and redesign your kitchen. When doing so, think carefully about the kind of aesthetic you are trying to achieve. Do you want a clean, modern kitchen full of the latest gadgets or do you want something a little more cozy and retro? If your kitchen is already relatively new, you may want to consider upgrading other key areas of your home, such as the bathroom.

Go green:

Another option that can add value to your home is by making it more sustainable, such as by switching to a renewable energy provider, investing in double-glazed windows, or installing solar panels. While these upgrades can be costly, you’ll likely find that they help you save money in the long-run by lowering your energy bills. This will also make your home much more attractive to potential buyers, especially as society becomes more and more environmentally conscious each year. In fact, many buyers are on the lookout for eco-friendly properties for this very reason.

Investing in meaningful upgrades to your home will result in a boost in property value when it comes time to sell. Pick out a project and see how you can transform your space!

Featured Image By: Brian Babb on Unsplash