Tag Archives: windows

Mar27

Let The Light Shine In Your Home

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Let The Light Shine In Your Home

If your home feels dark and cramped, you may be interested in learning how to achieve a brighter, airier look. This can be done by doing some simple decorating and home improvements. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Paint the walls a lighter color:

Painting the walls a lighter color is an easy and effective way to brighten up and air out your home. Lighter colors such as white, pale gray, and taupe give rooms a feeling of spaciousness, while deeper colors can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. To maximize the light reflection in any room, opt for glossy paint finishes instead of flat or matte paints. Additionally, using a semi-gloss finish on the trim around doors and windows will help to enhance the brightness of the space.

For maximum impact, consider painting just one wall in an accent hue to create visual interest without overwhelming the room. When selecting lighter colors, it’s important to look at sample chips in different lighting conditions throughout the day so that you’re confident that they will work with your existing decor. With a few simple changes like these you can easily achieve an airier home with plenty of light.

Install some bigger windows:

Installing larger windows or increasing the existing window sizes can significantly brighten up a space. Natural light is key to achieving an airy feel and making small spaces appear bigger. When selecting new windows for the window company to install, opt for designs that have multiple panes of glass, as this will help to maximize sunlight in your home while also helping to trap warm air during the cooler months. You could also consider installing some skylights, as they’ll provide more natural light and add character to any room.

Add more lighting fixtures:

Adding additional overhead lights is another way to bring much-needed illumination into the dark corners of a room. Consider replacing old light fixtures with modern ones that direct the light downwards for maximum brightness without being too stark or overwhelming the space. Installing dimmers is also a great way to conserve energy while allowing you to adjust the lighting in each room depending on how much light you need at any given time. If you are opting for a light fixture installation to brighten up your home, just be sure to choose wisely. Really look at the space and how the shape, size, and design of the fixture can enhance it. Not only will you have better lighting to work with but you will be giving the room a mini makeover too!

Hang some mirrors:

Mirrors are great for reflecting light around a room and making it feel more spacious. Place one near a window to make the most of natural sunlight and to help create an airy ambiance in any room. Alternatively, group several small mirrors together on a wall for maximum reflection and visual impact.

These simple tips can help you achieve a brighter, airier home with minimal effort. But if you want to go the extra mile, consider adding indoor plants or nature-inspired art pieces that will bring life and energy into your living space while adding color and texture to your decor. With these few changes, you’ll be able to enjoy the bright, open atmosphere of your newly refreshed home in no time!

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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!

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Feb10

Making Your Interior Fabulous With These Ideas

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Making Your Interior Fabulous With These Ideas

If you have just moved into a new house and are wanting to put your own personal stamp on the place, then here are a few ideas to help you. Maybe you don’t know where to start or what to change first. The answer is, whatever you want! It is important to try and match your decor to your furnishings so if you are thinking about changing those, then maybe do that first before reaching for the paintbrush. Or get started with these projects:

Flooring:

The first thing we would like to mention is the floors. In the kitchen and bathroom, you could make use of vinyl sheet flooring rather than actual tiling. If you are wanting to save money while also making your interior look stylish, then good quality vinyl is the way to go. If you opt for cheaper vinyl this can end up bubbling if it gets wet, and you don’t want that.

If you have carpeted floors, you can easily change to hardwood flooring. This is a great idea especially if you have pets or children. The mess that can get into the carpet is astounding, and you don’t notice it until you professionally shampoo them. Cleaning up hardwood floors is much easier!

Wall Art:

Like a fresh coat of paint, which we will talk about in the next section, wall art can go a long way in making a unique statement. You can find endless amounts of quirky wall art at thrift stores or even create your own. Whether you love sports, nature, or travel, you can find wall art to suit your passions. For instance, if you love American football, you might wish to have a Domonique Rodgers NC State photo on the wall. If so, do what makes you happy as it will enhance the personality of your interior.

The beauty of wall art is that it can be swapped out as often as you would like to fit your mood or the season. How cool would it be to have a revolving art gallery in your home? Your guests will see something new every time they visit and it is a quick and easy way to refresh your space. You could also treat your wall art as a vision board. If you have a desire to travel, you could decorate your home with art inspired by your dream destination. For example, the art on this site https://www.london-canvas.co.uk/ features scenes of London to admire until your daydreams come to fruition.

Coat Of Paint:

Once you know what your interior will look like and you know what furniture you are using, it is time to give the walls a bit more life. If the walls are looking shabby and old, then a fresh coat of paint can brighten up the room once more. Think about what you want on the walls. It doesn’t have to be paint, you could use some funky wallpaper. Paint is somewhat easier, though. If you are looking for a professional paint job, then contact your local interior painting services for help and guidance.

You could also have a feature wall. This is more often than not the wall that contains the television or the fireplace. If you are wondering what a feature wall is, then let us explain. It is a wall in a room that is different to all the other walls. For example, you might opt for a pure black accent wall and the rest be magnolia or white. Feature walls can also be used as a personal art gallery or a memory lane. You could adorn it with treasured family photos, cool modern prints from Printivart, or even shelves with potted plants and succulents. Whether with paint or decor, a feature wall will create a personalized touch to the space that your guests will rave about.

Windows & Doors:

One final thing that will really have an impact on the interior of your home is the windows and doors. These get tired looking over time, especially if they are old and worn. It may be worth investing in new ones to give you that new look once more. Occasionally, companies have offers if you buy windows and doors at the same time. You may just want to change the doors within your home. If they don’t match the decor, then you can of course do this. Wooden doors are sleek and contemporary and match with any interior decor.

Not only are renovation projects fun, making you feel like you’re on your own HGTV episode but they will help to boost your property value too!

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Apr14

4 Steps To Take After A Break In

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4 Steps To Take After A Break In

Home invasions are often pretty scary, and can shake a person’s nerves for years after they happen. Although most home invasions are non-violent, the perpetrators are only interested in your belongings most of the time, it can be worrying to spend time at home afterwards, for fear it will happen again. If you have ever experienced a home invasion in your current house, you’ll know what we’re talking about.

When you discover your home has been burgled, either while you are at home or while you were out, it can be overwhelming. However, if you don’t take the necessary steps right away, you could put yourself in a worse position. Today, we will explore four key steps to take after a home invasion, and why these are so important:

Contact the relevant authorities:

When you discover your home has been invaded, the first instinct you might have is to look through the house in detail to see what has been taken. However, it is important that you refrain from doing this, and that you immediately contact the police. All the evidence will be relevant, so if you go through your home and move items, it could compromise the investigation into the home invasion.

In addition to contacting the police right away, you should also contact your insurance company after the police have confirmed what has been stolen. This will allow you to claim compensation for your stolen items, making it easier to replace them fully. For this reason, it is crucial that you keep your insurance policy up to date, so you don’t realize it’s expired before it is too late!

Replace broken windows, doors, or other structures:

Next, you should go about repairing or replacing any structures that have been broken or damaged during the break-in. Unless the person had a key to your home, it is likely they will have incurred damage to the property in the process. Your home insurance may cover the cost of replacing these items; this allows you to complete the work right away, and ensure that it is done to a high standard.

Some replacements you could make include:

  • Replacing windows that have been smashed, cracked or pushed open during the home invasion. You can find window replacements here.
  • Changing the locks and replacing door handles or frames that have been busted.
  • Repairing any scuffs or damages to the floors and furniture in your home.

Update your home’s security system:

After you have contacted the authorities, your priority should be making your home safe for future living. Break-ins can happen in even the safest of homes, but there are ways to make your property less vulnerable to home invasions.

Here are three ideas for updating your home’s security system:

  • Install CCTV on your front doorstep and other entry points: Security cameras are the easiest way to deter people who are looking to break into your home – if they see cameras, they are unlikely to continue with their plans. If they do, you will catch them on camera, making it easier to report to the police.
  • Have multiple front door locks: Many homes still have a traditional one-key lock on their front door, but if you have been the victim of a home invasion, you should install multiple front door locks for safety.
  • Get a dog! Although you shouldn’t just get a dog for the purposes of home security, having a medium or large sized dog is one of the biggest deterrents to criminals. Even the smallest of dogs will bark if they hear someone at the front door, and while they might be cuddly, their bark will frighten anyone who was thinking of breaking in.

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Change your routine to reduce the likelihood of break-ins:

Some home invasions happen because the inhabitants of the home make common mistakes that attract burglars. Although it is never your fault if somebody decides to rob you, you can take simple steps in your routine to divert home invaders away from committing a crime.

One easy way to deter potential home invaders is to set up a system that makes it appear you are home, even if you aren’t. Some people leave on one small light while they are out at night or leave a radio or TV playing when they leave the house. This will definitely reduce the likelihood of your home being invaded. Similarly, make sure you don’t leave valuables within window view while you are out. Close blinds and put computers, smartphones, and televisions out of street view.

Home invasions are very scary, but there are steps you can take to deter them from recurring like the ones above.

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Mar23

Warm Weather Projects For Your Property

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Warm Weather Projects For Your Property

There’s just something about the combination of spring cleaning and the improved weather that turns the “curl up and relax” mentality of winter completely on its head. When the sun comes out, it puts a renewed pep in our step and I’m sure many of us have been thinking about home improvement projects both big and small that can be worked on during the warm weather.

If you’re experiencing the “get up and go” attitude of spring but nothing immediately comes to mind, consider the following projects:

Windows & Doors:

Replacing old windows and doors will give a welcome facelift to both the interior and exterior of your home. A bold front door is a must and if you get new replacement windows, then it is all the better to let the sunshine in with. New windows and doors are also an instant curb appeal booster so it will raise your property value! If you’d like to take this idea one step further, you could even turn one of the rooms into a sun room with floor length windows. A bright, sunny room will be a nice change of pace after the darkness of winter. If this is a project you’re looking to complete, simply type in a search for “Replacement windows Greenville” or your local area to find the experts who are right for you.

Backyard Fun:

It’s safe to say that absolutely everyone will be outside as often as they can in the warm weather so make sure your backyard is well equipped. This could mean arranging a patio area or a deck for social distanced hang outs or preparing your barbecue pit for the season. If you enjoy woodworking you might want to try your hand at making and decorating cornhole boards for tournaments. Don’t forget a net for volleyball and badminton!

Of course, if you want your backyard to be the ultimate place to hang out this summer, you will want it to look its best. Flowers, gardens, soft green grass to play on, and solar lights and other decor are all great places to start. Remember, a well kept outer property will only help boost your curb appeal so don’t be afraid to go all out with your gardening.

Nature Window:

Creating a nature window ties the two ideas above together for an activity you can enjoy inside. Outside of a large window place bird feeders, baths, and houses, hummingbird and butterfly feeders, butterfly bushes, and insect condos. Basically, anything that will help attract local wildlife. You will have the perfect view of all of the birds flying in and out and all from the comfort of the air conditioning! Not to mention that all of the animals will thank you. 🙂

Don’t let your get up and go energy get up and leave! Try out some of the projects above to welcome back the warm weather.

Feb17

How To Revamp Your Home’s Exterior

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How To Revamp Your Home’s Exterior

Whether you have a nondescript colonial house that needs a bit of a makeover or a cottage that you would like to improve its personality, it can always be tricky to decide on the changes to make. When it comes to exterior home makeovers, a straightforward trick of achieving a great look is to avoid forcing a particular style, especially unrelated to your home. However, with the best exterior enhancements, you stand a higher chance of improving your home’s overall appeal.

If you are not sure what aspects of the exterior of your home to change, here is a brief guide to help you:

Update the Front Door:

The front door of your house says a lot about it. There is a new trend where the focus is to create a meaningful sense of arrival by updating the door. Most traditional houses have asymmetrical windows, a front door that is not at the center, or even a jagged roof line. A bolt-on addition, such as a porch, would put the needed emphasis on the house’s entrance. Another way to update the front door for your home’s appeal would be to upgrade its hardware – change the door number and apply a new layer of color.

Add an Enclosed Entrance:

Including a cover overhead at the entryway would be a perfect way to make your home’s exterior stand out. An even better idea would be a covered entrance; it will go a long way to giving your home’s appearance a boost. If yours is a colonial-style home, opt for a minimalist portico with a pediment – it will define the entrance elegantly.

Even with the significance of such entrances, it is worth minding pests and other crawly creatures. Termites tend to hide in wooden structures similar to the ones used to create doorways. Find a pest control company near you to ensure that the right measures are in place; you don’t want a case where termites infest your entrance within a week of construction.

Work on the Roof:

Another significant way to boost your home’s appeal is by having an updated roof. You can do this in a variety of ways, including painting the existing roof or replacing it entirely. Whether to repaint or replace the roof with the help of commercial and residential roofing and roof repairs depends on the roof’s condition, your budget, and aesthetics. If the roof is in poor condition, repairing it might not be an option, especially if it’s nearing the end. In such a case, a replacement or an addition to the roof’s cover would give it a much better appearance. The roof installation service may be necessary, for safety and longevity reasons.

When it comes to roofing projects, this is a task that should always be left to the professionals. DIY skills can be dangerous any time, but especially on top of your house! Well reviewed companies like Wilson Roofing, who offer roofing residential in Austin or in your own hometown are a must. This is a job that you want done right the first time – the safety of your family and home depends on it!

Replace the Old Windows:

How would your house look with a revamped door and new roof but old windows? Replacing the windows should be on your to do list to give your home’s exterior a facelift. You will have many options when it comes to window replacement – you can opt for powder-coated aluminum frames if you are a fan of contemporary styles or choose from PVCu, single-glazed, or period-style windows. No matter what design of replacement windows you choose, they should always complement the property and be installed by experts to give your home the ultimate makeover. This is one of the final steps in a full exterior revamp so choose wisely. You will want to explore several window options before making a decision so take the time to research “St. Paul replacement windows” (or your local area) and find some examples that fit your style.

Revamping your home’s exterior is something that you should occasionally do to keep it in perfect condition and align with the trends. Your focus should be on the yard, doors, windows, roofing, and perhaps the paint.

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