Tag Archives: space

Jul29

Creating An Outdoor Oasis In A Limited Space

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Creating An Outdoor Oasis In A Limited Space

Imagine stepping outside into your small yard, and instead of feeling cramped, you feel transported into an idyllic green retreat. A real escape from everyday stressors awaiting just outside your door. Now that’s what we call an outdoor oasis! Having a small yard may feel like creating any sort of garden retreat is impossible. But don’t despair; we’re here to help make it so. Let’s get started:

Examine Your Space:

First and foremost, let’s get an accurate lay of the land. So get out your tape measure and get crackin’. Don’t get carried away with size. What really counts most is what you do with what you’ve got. Make sure to take note of any quirks or limitations such as an oddly placed tree stump or pesky AC unit when measuring. This will make designing much more straightforward.

Establish Your Goals:

Close your eyes (but keep reading!) and imagine how you’d use your outdoor oasis in an ideal world. Would it be relaxing with an icy lemonade on a bright afternoon or hosting some barbecue festivities with friends? Do you want it full of useful storage barns and sheds? Whatever floats your boat, write it down, and we can get this vision underway!

The Right Elements:

Now that you know what you want and how it will fit into the space, it’s time to put together your outdoor paradise. For something a bit different, think vertical. Vertical gardens, wall hanging, and even trellises all add dimension and make any area appear less dull in an instant. Use every bit of available space efficiently. Soon your yard will transform from drab to fabulous in no time at all.

Optimizing Greenery:

Scatter greenery across your space like confetti. Combine different plants and flowers together for an eye-catching yet relaxing atmosphere. Add plants in a way that optimizes your space. Got a lot of shade? Opt for shade-loving greenery. Don’t want to spend a lot of time caring for plants? Choose a low maintenance garden. There’s no point installing things that won’t thrive.

Creative Storage:

Looking for a place to stash your tools? No worries. Creative storage solutions have got this covered. Build benches with hidden compartments, purchase ottomans with built-in storage, or simply hang shelves creatively to store all that clutter away for good.

Strategic Lighting:

Let there be light! And not just any old light. Imagine starry-night hues from string lights and fairy lights all the way to solar-powered lanterns illuminating your outdoor oasis after sundown! If you’re really looking to create an atmosphere, investing in LED landscape lighting installation can be transformative to your property. Let the lights sparkle like diamonds during every evening stroll and you’ll have a truly magical space.

Design for Comfort:

Comfort reigns supreme here. Grab some luxurious cushions, create an intimate corner with a hammock, or add some swings for added zen-like vibe. And don’t forget about shade when the sun makes its appearances. Keep yourself cool with pergolas or stylish umbrellas.

Your small backyard has now transformed into an incredible outdoor retreat filled with charm and personality. Enjoy it!

Featured Image By: Kanu Jacobson / Pexels

Jul3

Making Your Home Work For You In 3 Easy Steps

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Making Your Home Work For You In 3 Easy Steps

How does your home make you feel? You’re not alone if you feel like it isn’t working for you anymore. Many people come to the realization that their homes, while suitable for their needs when they moved in, simply aren’t doing any favors now. Pinpointing what is wrong with your home and why it isn’t working can be tricky, but the reality likely is that you aren’t in the same circumstances you were when you moved in. You might have accumulated more items, had children, become pet owners, or just have aged since you moved in and didn’t want or need the same things in a house that you once did.

But can you change things? Making home adjustments can be costly and you want to be sure you are making the right changes for the right reasons before you jump in feet first. So before planning massive home renovations or changes, why not try the following tips?

Room Use:

One of the biggest traps people fall into with their homes is sticking to a predetermined layout and using specific rooms for certain things just because you’re supposed to. If your home isn’t working for you and the space isn’t being maximized, then you should look at how you use each room. Of course, this will be different for everyone, and kitchen and bathroom aside, there is no one right way to use a room within your home.

A good idea is to make a floor plan of your home and label each room as per its current use. Then you can make a list of the requirements you need right now. This can be things like needing more or bigger bedrooms for the children; maybe it could be you need a designated office space, or you want to change things up for no reason other than you need a change.

From here, you can identify the wanted space and see how to change it. For example, do you have a dining room that could be spruced up? You can discover gorgeous dining furniture stockton (or your local area) to transform dinner into a delight. Do you have an office space that never gets used? This could be a guest bedroom! Or do you have a massive primary bedroom while your children struggle to share a smaller one? Can you switch? By getting rid of formal expectations of what each room should be used for and reconfiguring the use of the room, you can find a solution that works for you and your family.

Multifunctional Rooms:

If you are short on space, making rooms multifunctional can solve your problem. Making them multi-use can mean you are always getting the most from the space, even when it’s not in use. Do you have a guest bedroom that only gets used a few times per year? If so, could it be a home office/study when people aren’t visiting you? Could you open up space in your kitchen with the help of a kitchen remodeler in McKinney, TX or in your local area? That could be the perfect spot for a homework nook for the kiddos and your help will be right there as you prepare meals.

By looking at how you can maximize the space in a room and make it more multifunctional, you can find a workaround to your problems and find an easier fix. Don’t target the above point, as there is no one right way to use a room. Rather, look at what you need from your home and how each use can mesh together to make it work and not become more of a hassle when using it for different needs.

Strip It Back:

If you feel overwhelmed by what is happening in your home, why not try stripping it back? This means having a good sorting out of all of your belongings and asking yourself if you really want or need them. This is especially true if you have lived in your home for some time or have a family and accumulated stuff over the years. Declutter and redistribute any unwanted items appropriately; donate to Goodwill or hold a garage sale. From here, you can see what space you must work with to make changes.

It might be that you can move your furniture around to give the room a new feel, or you book residential and commercial painting and staining services to give your home a fresh feel once you’ve decluttered. This point will work well with the above two points and can be a great cost-effective way of making changes to your home and having it work better for you without undertaking massive renovations.

Getting your home to work better for you isn’t always about making huge changes. Sometimes you need to take a step back from how you live in your home to help you look at things with fresh eyes. From here, you can evaluate your wants and needs and make changes to how you use your home before agreeing to make more permanent changes. The best part, is if it doesn’t work for you, you can always revert to the original format!

Featured Image By: Pexels

May12

Tips & Tricks To Make The Most Of A Small Home

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Tips & Tricks To Make The Most Of A Small Home

Are you ready to embrace the cozy and charming lifestyle of small space living? Downsizing to a smaller home can be a liberating experience, allowing you to simplify your life and focus on what truly matters. However, moving to a smaller home can also be overwhelming, especially if you’re used to a larger living space. That’s why we’re here to share some creative tips and tricks for making the most of your new home:

Get Rid Of Clutter:

Decluttering is an art form when it comes to small space living. The key to success is to get rid of anything that you don’t absolutely need – this includes clothes, books, furniture, and knick knacks. So what should you do with all of these things? You can either donate them to the less fortunate, plan a garage sale, or hire Junk removal to take them away for you.

Invest In Unique Storage Solutions:

Living in a smaller home requires thinking outside of the box when it comes to storage. One idea is to buy a bookshelf that also serves as a room divider or use floating shelves to free up floor space. Another option is to use an ottoman or bench that provides seating and storage space.

Maximize Wall Space:

Take advantage of vertical space! There is no need for a blank white wall. Hang artwork, use peg boards for kitchen utensils or tools, and even turn your spare wall space into a mini library. Storage options can truly start from the ground up.

Utilize Multi-Functional Furniture:

Multi-functional furniture is like having a mini-transformer in your home. It can turn into something entirely different with just the flick of a switch. This type of furniture is great for small spaces because it gives you more bang for your buck and helps save space. Examples of multi-functional furniture include a foldaway bed or a Murphy’s desk.

Play With Natural Light:

The sun is your best friend when it comes to making small spaces look bigger. Let as much natural light in as possible by taking advantage of large windows and skylights, and opt for lighter colors on your walls.

Don’t Forget The Outdoor Space:

No matter how small of a space you have, make sure to take advantage of the great outdoors. You can use your patio or balcony for extra seating and storage or to grow a small potted garden with herbs and vegetables.

With these tips and tricks, you will find yourself falling in love with your cozy new home. All it takes is a bit of creativity!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Mar14

Modernize Your Home With These Tips

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Modernize Your Home With These Tips

Do you have a smaller home and feel like it doesn’t look as stylish as it could? A lot of this could come down to your lack of floor space. Interior designers are always looking to turn petite homes into stylish spaces, and there are a number of tricks that you can adopt to try and make a positive change. Want to find out more? Let’s get started:

Draw a Scale Plan:

Even if you have a large home, you still need to make sure that you plan everything out before you start the design process. You have to know what space you are working with so you can then sketch out every room. This will help you to see the size and the shape of what you have before you go ahead and make changes. You don’t want to find out the couch you ordered is way too big when it’s being installed!

Use Earthy Tones in Smaller Rooms:

Neutral earth tones tend to have a knack for making a small space look way bigger than it is. The great thing about earth tones is that they are contemporary and they can make your room look modern too. If you want to do something about the space you have, then it is helpful to make sure that the ceiling and the trim are lighter than the walls. You can also replace the windows in the room if you want to let way more natural light in. Look up local energy efficient windows if you want to know more.

Vivid Colors Are Great for Adding Personality:

Modern homes are not just about neutral colors. If you want to add a lot of style and personality to your smaller home, then make sure that you are incorporating bright and vivid shades. This will help to draw the eye; if people are looking at a chair that is bright blue, then they probably won’t be paying much attention to how big or how small the room is.

Indoor Garden:

Indoor gardens are very popular and you would be surprised at how much you can use them to your advantage. You only need a very small amount of space to work with, such as under your stairs. You can then transform this and make a contemporary statement as a result.

Don’t Overlook the Kitchen:

The kitchen is the heart of the home. If you want your home to be more modern, pay special attention to this room. Brushed metal and even industrial tones work well together and they are ideal if you want to get that functional look. If you aren’t quite sure how to get the result you want out of your kitchen, look up inspiration online. When you are good and inspired, you will soon find that it is easier to work with the space you have.

Whether your home is big or small, it is only as stylish as you make it. Use the tips above to get started today!

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

May8

What’s The Move? Let’s Talk Unpacking!

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What’s The Move? Let’s Talk Unpacking!

Hello everyone! When it comes to mine and Johnny’s move, I think packing has been way easier than the unpacking process. While we have both been steadily chipping away at our endless amount of boxes, it’s so easy to lose motivation since we’re already at our new place! Of course, it is a necessary evil and today we are going to talk about some pro tips for unpacking at your new digs:

Start With The Kitchen/Bathroom:

The first room that I fully unpacked was the kitchen and I am so glad that I did. I enjoy eating out as much as the next person but I don’t like to do it too often. With two take out meals in a row on Saturday and Sunday, I was in desperate need of real food. In fact, just the smell of the pizza we ordered in the fridge made me nauseous.

If you feel similarly, then starting with the kitchen is an absolute must. Or, you could prepare meals that just need to be put in the oven prior to your move so you can have actual food at the ready. The first meal I prepared in my new kitchen was baked ziti and I can’t tell if it was better than normal because I was so over take out or if it actually was just really good!

Unpacking the bathrooms as a priority is a no brainer and I’m about halfway there on that project. This one is a bit of a struggle because, despite now having two full bathrooms, the counter space in each of them is significantly less than my old apartment. It will get there eventually but do make sure you have a bag with your toiletries that you use every day at the ready so you don’t have to go digging for your toothbrush.

Declutter As You Go:

Johnny and I did a significant amount of decluttering before our move and had already taken several bags to Goodwill. Don’t stop there, though! It’s great to declutter before a move but I find it much easier to do it while unpacking. When I was packing up the old place, there wasn’t much of a rhyme or reason to it other than filling up boxes and getting rid of obviously unneeded things.

While unpacking, you get the opportunity to see each item in your new setting and can decide from there if it’s worth the space. With that alone in mind, I was able to fill up two trash bags of donated items just from unpacking my closet. Like many people, Johnny and I moved for the additional space. I want the new apartment to feel as open as possible and that means donating a whole lot more.

Unpack With Projects In Mind:

I find that Johnny and I are much more motivated to unpack with a set goal or project in mind. For example, Johnny decided yesterday that he wanted to prepare our game room closet and that was the first thing he did when he got home from work. It looks great and it is completely done! Whether it’s a big task or small doesn’t matter because it needs to get done eventually, anyways. Just work at a steady pace, keep checking things off of your to do list, and you will be amazed by how much progress you will make.

Don’t Forget Your Boxes:

One thing that’s taking up a lot of space in our new apartment is all of the empty boxes! Make sure to keep breaking them down as you go. This is more of a reminder for myself than anything because I hate that chore! Find the nearest recycling facility to dispose of them properly or it might be worth posting on your social media if anyone else might need them. I was actually able to get rid of all of my boxes from my first move because of Facebook and that was the case this time around too. One of my best girlfriends is moving and almost all of our empty boxes and packing supplies are going to her next week!

I can’t say that I’m having the time of my life unpacking but the end results will be so worth it. I can’t wait to show all of you!

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

Apr12

How To Make Your Home Look Bigger & Better Than Ever

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How To Make Your Home Look Bigger & Better Than Ever

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

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

Clean & Declutter:

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

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

Opt For Lighter Color Schemes:

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

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

Embrace More Light:

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

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

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Pixabay Image

Do More With External Spaces:

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

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

Revamp The Guest Room:

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

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

Convert The Basement:

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

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

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Pixabay Image

Think About Furniture Choices:

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

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

Find Extra Storage:

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

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

Featured Image By: Pixabay

 

Feb15

Home Renovations: 3 Things You’ll Need To Consider

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Home Renovations: 3 Things You’ll Need To Consider

When you’re a homeowner, it’s tempting to do up parts of your property every once in a while. These home renovations can not only make your home look better, but also function better. You shouldn’t dive straight in, however. Home renovations can be more complicated than you’d think whether big or small. You’ll need to consider multiple factors before starting your project. While there could be quite a few things to focus on, some are more important than others:

The Available Space:

Before you start any home renovations, you’ll need to ensure that you have enough space for it. It’s easy to have grand ideas for a project but if you don’t have the space, then it isn’t going to work. Basing your designs on the space you have available is essential.

While you wouldn’t need to worry too much with extensions, you’ll need to factor this in for any other home renovation project. It’ll save you from needing to adapt or change part way through the project. For instance, it is essential to consider your available space if you want to add a minibar. A home bar setup wouldn’t necessarily take up a lot of space, yet it is best to plan it for comfort and functionality. You may choose a small bar cart or a larger freestanding bar depending on your available space. Planning the bar’s layout is key to ensuring that it doesn’t feel cramped or cluttered, as this can detract from the overall enjoyment of the space.

Sometimes finding additional space isn’t a matter of rearranging rooms or adding extensions. It might be a matter of looking up and seeing how you can make your vertical space functional. This is especially true if your home features high ceilings. An amazing way to create a unique vertical space is with a popular new trend of netting. With a company like Feelnets, Custom Nets Designer you can make a hammock hideout for the kids or install a projector for the ultimate movie night in. It’s quirky, cool, and will serve as a fantastic focal point for your home.

DIY Or Professional?

Residential construction is more complicated than many people assume. While there are some tasks that you can do yourself, it’s often worth hiring a professional.

There are more than a few reasons to consider this. Some of the more notable include:

  • Work will be done to a high standard.
  • It’ll typically be more affordable than you’d think.
  • Protecting yourself from possible injury.

Although hiring a professional for your home renovations is an extra cost, you can rest assured that the work should last a lifetime. It’ll be more than worth the investment. This is especially true if you are considering a kitchen or bathroom remodel as there are a lot of specialty skills needed to complete the project. Most renovation companies like Evoke (or a similar business in your local area) offer free consultations so it is no harm done to have a pro stop by and discuss your ideas.

Time Of Year:

Many people don’t realize that the time of the year can have a significant impact on home renovations. While that might not be the case for indoor renovations, it certainly will be for any exterior ones. If you’re planning a deck or patio, for example, you’ll need to plan it for when there’s appropriate weather. Having this renovated or installed during the winter wouldn’t be recommended.

You should also think about when the more popular times to get work done around your area is. These can often be the more expensive times to have any renovations done. Avoiding these periods and choosing a less busy time could end up saving you money.

When you’re considering any home renovations, have a budget in mind, what you can achieve with it, and a time frame. Good planning will save you a lot of stress when it comes to your project!

Featured Image By: Ottawagraphics from Pixabay

Feb14

How To Create A More Social Home

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How To Create A More Social Home

Your home is primarily a space for you and your family to relax and unwind. But it can also be more than that. It can be a space that your friends and extended family enjoy, too. Is there anything better than inviting your loved ones around for a few hours of fun? Not in our book. Of course, while you might want this to be the case, it’s not as if it will always just happen. You normally have to work to make your home social ready.

Fortunately, this isn’t overly difficult! In this post, we’ll run through some useful tips that will make your house the place to be for all of your guests:

Guest Rooms:

One of the issues surrounding inviting people over is that sometimes they come from a long way away. And once they’re over, they’ll be thinking about how they’re going to get home. You can get around this issue by creating a guest room in your house. This will allow your friends and family to spend the night whenever they want. Everyone relaxes and enjoys themselves much more if they’re not worrying about how they’re going to get back.

Conversation Spaces:

If you’re going to invite friends and family around, then you’ll want to create a space where conversation can flow. After all, that’s why you’ll be together! The issue is that many people’s homes aren’t all that conducive to conversation. For example, if your living room furniture is all pointing towards a television, then you’ll have inadvertently created a space that doesn’t lend itself to communication, rather entertainment. Instead, look at arranging your furniture so that they face each other. You’ll find that the conversation flows much more naturally.

Social Kitchens:

There will be times when you and your guests are in your living room. But if you’ve invited more than a couple of people over, then you’ll want to look elsewhere. In this day and age, the kitchen is the most popular social space in the house, and especially so if it’s an open plan kitchen. If you want to change your kitchen so that it’s more social ready, then take a look at the top rated remodelers near you. Open plan kitchens are perfect for those small casual gatherings, where people can stand and mingle.

In the Yard:

You’ll likely use your open plan kitchen for gatherings during the winter months. But in the summertime, it’s best to look at your yard. If you have some outdoor furniture, a BBQ, and a speaker, then you’ll have everything you need to spend many hours under the shining sun. You can go the extra mile by adding a fire pit (perfect for those slightly chilly evenings) and putting some outdoor children’s games, so that the whole family can get together to have a good time at your property!

Turn your home into a social hub with the tips above so that you are always in good company!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb9

Pros & Cons Of Apartment Living

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Pros & Cons Of Apartment Living

Whether moving into an apartment or renting or buying a home, there are pros and cons to each of these choices. It’s important, of course, to consider your budget and lifestyle as well as things like the location of the property in terms of your job or the school district. Today, we are going to look at some pros and cons of apartment living to help with your decision:

Pros – Having Maintenance Workers Available:

One of the huge pros of apartment living is always having maintenance workers available to fix issues with your apartment. Whether this be your air conditioner, appliances, or having a chain lock installed, it is so nice to simply make the call and have the problem fixed immediately. You can count on professionals to fix your Miele appliances. And, I myself, have called on maintenance many a time and have always been pleased with their great and efficient work.

While having maintenance at your disposal is a wonderful thing, you should request an inspection of the property prior to renting. Older apartments, for example, might not have the amenities or safety specifications that you are looking for. Perhaps you don’t handle the heat well and you need central air as opposed to a wall unit. If you are on a top floor of the building, are you capable to walk up the stairs if there is no elevator? And are the dry riser dimensions accurate in case of a fire emergency? You will want to know all of this before signing a lease.

Cons – Loud Neighbors:

In most apartments, unfortunately, the walls are paper thin. If you have loud neighbors on top of this, you are pretty much out of luck. Most apartment communities have a noise regulation after a certain time at night but this, often, doesn’t get followed which can keep you up. If you work from home, this can also be a major issue too and is worth talking to your potential landlord about so that you could be put in a less noisy complex. Once your lease is signed and you then find out you have loud neighbors, you are essentially stuck.

Pros – Neighbors:

On the flip side, you might have awesome neighbors and this is great! Having an endless supply of people you can shoot the breeze with is a fun bonus of apartment living. It’s nice to have a sense of camaraderie with the people that you live by and it makes for a much more pleasant experience. Whether it’s grilling with your downstairs neighbors or a friendly person lending you their shovel in the parking lot, this is a cool perk of being in an apartment.

Cons – Limited Space:

One of the major cons of apartment living is how limited your space is. This is even more so if you are living with a roommate. A two bedroom apartment could be ideal for just you but it could be really cramped if you add another person into the mix! If renting or buying a home is not in your budget, it will be crucial to be smart with your space. Your new digs might look super spacious until you move all of your furniture in and find that you barely have room to walk!

Apartment life is, admittedly, not for everyone. However, if the pros outweigh the cons for you, then it can be a great first step into something bigger and better!