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Dreaming of summer already? Garden transformation ideas

There’s no doubt that, during autumn, gardens all over the UK resonate with a unique, albeit annually reoccurring splendor that vibrantly showcases the ever-changing beauty of nature. However, when winter starts to settle in later, leafless trees and placid plants can begin to look lifeless.

At this point in time, we can perceive our gardens in a still, almost skeletal way – if we’re even looking at them at all during the shorter days and dark nights. However, this is actually a great time to start planning for the following summer, when everyone can, weather permitting, get out into the garden and enjoy spending time outdoors. Here are some ideas to consider for next summer.

Create a larger space in small areas

For those of us who live in densely populated, urban environments, space is something of a commodity in all aspects of owning a home. For making the most of this space, there is an interior design method you can apply outdoors that adds at least the illusion of more space. Ideal Home recommends the careful placement of mirrors in the garden, not just to reflect light but also to add visual depth to corners of the garden and areas surrounded by high walls.

Embrace the artificial

Anybody with a lawn knows the frustration of caring for the grass during spring and summer, then watching all of the effort go to waste over autumn and winter. However, there is the option of artificial grass, which removes this problem forever. Agreed, it’s not for everyone, and it does come with many longstanding connotations of low quality and poor resemblance to the real thing – but the modern ‘astroturf’ is actually far better.

Create a new canvas for your flora

While the sodden or frozen flower beds and turf are out of action for a few months, this is a good chance to assess everything else. Does the fencing look as good as it once did? Could the shed do with a lick of paint or a new roof? Would you like to add a patio or decking, or create new pathways through the garden?

Specialist tradespeople, or multiskilled trade professionals like Findley Roofing & Building’s roofers in Middlesbrough, can give you advice on and install long-lasting, eye-catching elements that are difficult to add without the right skills.

Plant something that lasts

Although deciduous trees inevitably lose their flowers and leaves every year, the tree itself will remain a permanent fixture for years to come. House Beautiful recommends small trees for small gardens, such as June Berry, Prunus and Crab Apple, which look beautiful in summer and involve minor maintenance from the homeowner.

Planting will also free up a little room in a flower bed or lawn that you would otherwise need to keep on top of. Planting could also create focal points surrounded by gravel and stone beds that, once again, cut down on the amount of maintenance you need to put in during spring, summer, autumn and winter. Here’s looking forward to summer!

 

 

Interior Decorating for Beginners

Introduction

Some of you may be wondering what the difference is between “interior design” and “interior decorating.” Great question! And that is one that gets asked a lot. Interior design is a profession that requires schooling and proper training, such as architecture, furniture design, and space planning. Interior decorators do not have that formal training. They simply envision how your room could look better and recommends the pieces to help get it to where you want it to be.

 

First Steps to Redecorating Your Room

Your official first step to interior decorating is to find a style that you like and mimic it. This could be contemporary, casual, formal, traditional, etc. Then you will want to develop a plan for how you want the room to be balanced. You want the lighting to be even whether it is natural or artificial. Though, if you are using artificial lighting, then you will have more control over how the room is lit.

You are going to need the focus of the room. Yes, everything in your home is quality furniture and, yes you spent a lot of time decorating it so it should get the attention that it deserves. To get to talk about it, though, you need to make one piece stand out above all. This is achieved through something either really wild, unorthodox, or like the piece that all other just seem to point to.

Like anything in art, rhyming makes things interesting. Use patterns, colors, high contrast to elicit a different emotional response when looking at the room. You may want to repeat the contrast in different places and the patterns. If this is done well, those who see your room will like it, but likely not be able to put their finger on why. This gives you the opportunity to give your well done job some praise and attention that you have been eager to give it.

The Colors in the Room

When you are choosing your colors, you need to find the color palette. This will give you a good idea of what colors work well together. High contrast is key. The color scheme in your room will help to tie it together. You will want to consider what colors you like best and what colors will look the best in the room.

The Room Pattern

When you get more experienced, you will find that you can up the ante by mixing patterns throughout the same room. Though, this is not recommended for the beginner, because you can still achieve a great result without doing this. It just may not be as exotic. The patterns themselves don’t have to match, but they do need to work with the others and coordinate well. You will want to consider the entire color, size, and scale of the patterns that you are looking for.

Getting Started on Redecorating Your Room

The most important part of any project. Congratulations, you made it! Now you want to find the exact room(s) that you want to decorate. If it is your family room or your home office, then pay attention to how it looks upon entering and how you enter it. There may be something that you say, “hmmm…that could be better.” Then identify what you are thinking. Would a sliding door work better? Would you rather open the door and walk into a blue room instead of a beige one?

This is a consideration further down the road, when you are putting the icing on the cake and that is to furnish your room. While furnishings really draw attention to the room, they should never be the main part of decorating. Your room, if decorated well, will be able to look beautiful without the furnishings, which can become really expensive and make your budget for the rest of the room dwindle quickly. A suggestion, however, when it comes to populating it with furniture that works better is to buy it second-hand, especially if you are looking at doing this on a lower budget. www.joysusedfurniture.com always has an expansive collection of high-quality used furniture. Nobody will be able to tell the difference and you will be able to redecorate more of your rooms more often if you don’t break the bank the first time around.

Level-Up Your Home Activities: A Homebody Guide

 

Some people prefer to stay at home rather than spend their time outside relaxing. Being a homebody does not mean that you are different from other people. Like the party people who find their satisfaction in big crowds and extravagant celebrations, staying at home is a choice to appease your desire for a place that is quiet and serene. And since the house is the place that can give full comfort, homebodies cannot be persuaded to leave their dwellings, as they feel safe there.

But a homebody can also explore different activities without leaving the premises. These activities may range from physical, intellectual, to inner self-development that can help enhance interpersonal skills. What matters is the choice of staying at home will not affect your productivity, whether at work or in school. Aside from resting on your Italian leather sofa, or sleeping on your sofa bed, leveled-up home activities can be an outlet for the stressful world outside. You may also discover things that you have not yet explored that capture your interest and want to make them part of your life.

Learn to play a musical instrument

One of the intelligent ways of spending time alone is to enjoy music and learn to play at least one musical instrument in your lifetime. There are musical instruments that can be mastered even without the help of professional trainers. Learning how to play instruments is somewhat addictive; you want to excel in every session. Guitar, flute, piano, and violin are some of the best choices of instruments to learn at home.

Read and write

Reading and writing are exercises for the brain. These activities are best done in a peaceful place like the home. Reading materials, like specialty books, magazines, or even newspapers, can effectively stimulate your mind. It can also be an effective tool for getting additional information that may be useful for you in the future. Aside from reading, spare time can be spent in writing since it is a valuable way of expressing thoughts that are usually left unspoken. It is a form of release for your reservations and aspirations in life. Writing may be in the form of poems, narratives, or a simple journal.

Regular house makeovers

Maintaining their house in order is one of the qualities that a homebody should possess. Since you spend most of your time inside your home, having a house makeover is another home activity that is productive and enjoyable. Doing a house makeover may range from repainting the walls, rearranging the furniture, recycling of old materials, to repurposing long-abandoned appliances. Rehashing the look of your home can be done regularly, or whenever you feel the need to change the ambiance of your dwelling.

There are times that it is better to stay at home than go outside and have fun. On the other hand, going out is needed to breathe fresh air and appreciate the life that is happening beyond your confined zone.

To read more on topics like this, check out the home & garden category.

How to Keep Your Home a Relaxing Space to Help Reduce Stress

 

One of the most important things to consider when moving into a new home or making changes in your current home is to find ways to make it more relaxing. It is a nice feeling to get home after a long and hard day at work and enjoy a warm bath in your freestanding bath while drinking a glass of your favourite wine and not thinking about work. Since nobody wants to go home to a cluttered household, here are some helpful tips to help convert your home into a relaxing and comfortable haven.

Start sorting all of your stuff

If you have been living at your current place for a couple of years, chances are you have accumulated many things that you do not use, and you need to get rid of. You can clear some space in your storage by taking the time to sort out all of your stuff. Place items in separate boxes and label them accordingly. You have the option to sell or donate unwanted items and keep the remaining ones for future use. The rule of thumb is if you have not used the item for the past six months, then you have to let it go. After cleaning up or decluttering, you will notice that your surroundings are clean and relaxing.

Clean as you go

One of the reasons why some people find it challenging to clean their homes is because they do not know where to begin. To make cleaning more manageable despite your busy schedule, you should clean your mess up as you go. It only takes a few minutes to pick up dirty laundry, wash dishes and wipe dirty surfaces. Make it a habit to always clean up and teach others in the house to do the same thing because it is more challenging to do it once the chores have piled up.

Renovate different rooms

Take a look at your living room and dining area and assess what needs to be done to create a lighter atmosphere. Start with repainting the walls and ceilings with neutral colours to make it more relaxing on the eyes. Dark coloured walls can affect your mood by making you feel more sad or tired. Another thing that you can do is change the lighting. Changing to LED bulbs that can help provide better light will make the place more conducive to relaxing.

Replace old furniture

Sleeping in your old and saggy bed and sitting on a worn-out couch will not help relieve your stress; however, it can cause you to feel more discomfort. Replace your mattress every five years and your pillows every six months to sleep better at night. Replace your living room couch or have it restored by an upholsterer so you can enjoy sitting in front of the TV for an extended period.

Keeping your home clean and clutter free plays a significant role in your life. The cleaner your house is the more you look forward to coming home after a long day at work.

Join the discussion on this topic with Megan’s Cookin by visiting our contact page.

How I Decorated My Dream Bedroom While Renting

If you’d love to turn your bedroom in the property which you’re renting into your dream bedroom, continue reading to discover how to compare landlord insurance and how to turn your bedroom in a rental, into the dream bedroom.

How I decorated my dream bedroom while renting:

1. I purchased an antique writing desk to add a touch of style to my bedroom

If you’re a fan of classic home decor that will never date and will stand the test of time, it’s well worth splurging on purchasing a quality piece of antique furniture. I was lucky enough to find a decently priced antique writing desk, which I use as a makeshift home office.

One of the bonuses of purchasing antique furniture is that it’s highly unlikely that your friends, family members or neighbors will own the same piece of furniture. However, if you were to purchase furniture from a chain furniture store, you may come across the exact same piece of furniture at one of your friends or family members houses.

2. I decorated my bedroom by framing inexpensive prints which I purchased from Etsy

As my bedroom walls felt rather bare, I decided to purchase two inexpensive art prints from Etsy, which I then framed and stuck onto my bedroom walls, using an adhesive based hook. The latter of which can be easily removed when I shift properties in the future and which won’t damage the walls of the property which I’m currently renting.

I decided to frame both of the prints which I picked up in black wood frames so that they would look far more inexpensive than they are.

3. I sewed my own decorative cushion covers

I was also able to add a touch of style to my bedroom by sewing oversized square pillowcases. The reason why I chose to sew my own cushion covers, instead of purchasing pillow covers is that I didn’t like any of the cushion covers that I could find in-store or online and knew that I’d be better off finding the perfect fabric, which I could then use to sew my own one of a kind decorative cushion covers.

4. I splurged on purchase different duvet covers for my bedroom

As I’m the sort of individual who quickly gets bored, I had the wise idea to purchase a couple of different duvet covers for my bedroom. That way I can change my duvet cover on a weekly basis and I’m able to drastically change the look and feel of my bedroom within 5 minutes.

As an example, one week I may use a floral duvet cover, whilst the next week I may opt for a black duvet color. So if you’re renting a property just like me, it’s well worth following my advice and purchasing a couple of different duvet covers to dress up your bed.

5. I placed a shaggy rug at the foot of my bed

In order to make my master bedroom look like a bedroom from a boutique hotel, I placed a shaggy rug from Ikea at the foot of my bed.

So if you’re interested in redecorating your bedroom in the house which you’re currently renting, it’s well worth giving your bedroom a makeover!

6 Ways To Spend Your Time Inside This Winter

If you’re unsure of how to keep yourself entertained this winter, continue reading to discover 6 fun ways to ensure that winter is as tolerable as possible.

6 ways to spend your time inside this winter:

1. Work out indoors

In order to maintain your fitness over winter, its well worth working out indoors. As an example, you may want to invest in purchasing a few pieces of exercise equipment such as weights, an exercyle or a stepper in order to create your own home gym. Or you may want to get into the habit of completing exercise videos in your lounge. By searching Youtube for highly rated free workout videos.

2. Visit your local mall or shopping center

If you want to get out of your house during the cold winter months, it’s well worth driving to your nearest mall or shopping center and try your luck with some lucky lotto winning numbers. As you won’t have to face the wind or rain and will be able to browse shops, grab a bite to eat or catch a movie, without having to brave the elements.

3. Invite your friends over for a tasty pot luck dinner

Instead of arranging to meet your friends at a local restaurant, why not invite your close friends to a pot luck dinner. Pot luck dinners are easy to host as each guest is responsible from bringing along one dish, so you won’t be stuck slaving away in your kitchen for hours in order to serve your guests a scrumptious, hot dinner.

4. Develop a brand new skill

There are plenty of skills which you can hone indoors. As examples, you may want to purchase a guitar and teach yourself how to play a few chords or you may want to download an app which will help teach you a new language.

5. Purchase a new video game

If you enjoy activities that are more interactive than simply watching a TV show, you may want to consider purchasing a new video game which should keep you entertained for a couple of weeks. Alternatively, if your friends are also gamers you may want to find a nenw multiplayer game to play together, that will allow you to socialize with your friends, in the comfort of your own home!

6. Spend time learning how to play your favorite online casino game

If you enjoy playing online casino games such as poker, Blackjack and roulette, it’s well worth spending a significant amount of time learning how to become a more skilled poker, blackjack or roulette player. As once, you’ve got the hang of your favorite game, you’ll be able to test your skills against international players.

If you prefer games of luck over games of skill, you may want to spend cold winter days playing casino games which have a greater degree of luck such as bingo or slots.

So if you’re worried about entertaining yourself this winter, it’s defintely well worth using some of the six ideas listed above to keep yourself entertained indoors this winter! After all winter doesn’t have to be a bore.

4 Sure Signs It’s Time To Downsize

From struggling to cover the bills to finding it tough to keep up with housekeeping chores, there are a number of indications that you’d be better off moving to a smaller property. If you’re wondering if it’s time to downsize, here are four sure signs that could help you consider if it’s worth making the switch.

  1. Your house is eating into your savings

If your income has shrunk, you might be finding it difficult to keep up with your bills and this could mean you’re slowly but surely eating into your savings. Whether you recently retired, you’ve been made redundant or you’ve switched to a new job that doesn’t pay as much, keeping up with your energy bills and other running costs could be causing you sleepless nights. As cash home buying specialists Fast Sale Florida highlight, one way to reduce expenses such as electricity, gas and water is to move into a smaller house or apartment.

  1. You don’t use all your rooms

We’re conditioned to think that bigger usually means better when it comes to properties. In reality though, this isn’t always the case. If there are rooms in your home that you rarely or never use, you could be wasting money. Unused rooms simply gather dust, and larger houses or apartments tend to cost more in property taxes, utility bills and maintenance. So, if you don’t tend to set foot in certain parts of your home, it might make sense to take on a smaller property.

  1. You’re feeling overwhelmed by the upkeep

Let’s face it, indoor cleaning and outdoor housework can be hard. If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed by the upkeep of your property, moving to a smaller place could be a welcome relief. It’ll mean you won’t have to spend as much time cleaning and maintaining your home, freeing you up to focus on other things. You might be able to devote more attention to your hobbies and to enjoying the company of your partner, family or friends.

If you’ve got used to living in and looking after a large property, you might be surprised by how much easier life can be in a more compact home.

  1. The kids have moved out

Lots of space can be great when you’ve got kids around the home, but when they’ve grown up and moved out, you might be left with surplus square footage. It may simply not make sense for you to keep hold of a large property once your children have flown the nest.

As well as being savvy from a practical and financial perspective, moving to a new home can help you to embrace a new chapter in your life. If your kids have moved far away, it might also give you the opportunity to relocate to be closer to them.

If any of these points applies to you, it’s worth considering selling up and moving to a smaller place. You could do this by going through the traditional route of marketing your home through a realtor, or if you want to achieve a speedy, hassle-free sale, you could approach a cash buyer instead. The choice is yours.

How to prevent problems with mice and rats in your home

Mice and rats can cause numerous problems in your home if you do not prevent them taking up residence, or get rid of them if they have already gained entry. They can affect the structural security of your premises by gnawing on wood, and they can chew right through electrical wiring, which is obviously a fire hazard.

Mice can also spread diseases such as salmonella and Lyme disease, whereas rats can transmit hemorrhagic fever and leptospirosis. You do not want to leave your home at risk from wild rodents and you should contact a pest control service if you suspect that you already have a problem with rats and mice in your home.

How to make problems less likely

There is always a chance that rodents will set up home in your property, but there are steps you can take to make this situation a lot less likely. If you do not have a problem at present, it’s a good idea to put this advice to use.

Keep your home clean and tidy

Rats and mice are very resourceful when it comes to finding sources of food and water. This is why you need to ensure that they do not find any sources inside your home.

Clear out your kitchen cupboards and make sure they are kept clean.

Never leave uncovered food unattended on work surfaces, especially overnight.

Empty kitchen bins daily and make sure they are always covered.

Clear debris such as boxes and piles of clothing from around your home, especially hidden away areas such as the attic and basement. This prevents rodents from finding a warm, safe place to live.

You may also want to use some methods of pest control in your home, to make an infestation less likely; click here for more information.

Tidy up your outside space

It’s not just the interior of your home that can attract rats and mice to your property. Your outside space can be the first area that catches their attention.

Cut back bushes and shrubs so that your garden is not an overgrown and inviting space.

Cut back trees to eliminate the existence of shadowed spots for rats to hang out in.

Keep grass neat and tidy to eliminate a possible hiding spot for rodents.

Block up potential entry points

One of the most important actions you can take is to make it as difficult as possible for rats and mice to enter the interior of your home.

Block up holes and gaps where they may be able to get in. Even a small hole may provide sufficient space.

Repair damage around drainpipes and vents.

Fit weatherproofing around doors and windows.

All of these actions can help to make your property more secure against rodents.

If you see, hear or smell signs of the presence of rats or mice in your home, it’s a good idea to seek expert help to get rid of them. These signs can include chewing of wood and wiring, staining caused by urine, droppings, the smell of urine and scurrying noises in crawl spaces and the attic of your home.

6 Top Tips For Spring Cleaning Your Kitchen!

If you’re looking for handy tips on how to thoroughly clean your kitchen for a fresh spring feel, or if you need a good clean before starting any remodelling projects, it’s well worth continue reading in order to discover 6 top tips for spring cleaning your kitchen.

6 Top tips for spring cleaning your kitchen:

  1. Use lemon rinds and water to give your microwave a thorough clean

If you’re looking for a quick and easy method of cleaning a dirty microwave, simply place a bowl with 1/2 a cup of water, lemon juice, and lemon rinds in your microwave for three minutes. After 3 minutes, make sure to wait a further 5 minutes until you open your microwave door.

During this 5 minute period, the steam which has been trapped in your microwave will loosen up any grime which has built up in your microwave and will make it far easier to wipe the inside of your microwave clean.

  1. Use baking soda to clean your kitchen sink

If you’re looking for a natural alternative to using chemical products to wash your kitchen sink, it’s well worth using baking soda to clean a stainless steel kitchen sink. First, wet your kitchen sink and it’s faucet before sprinkling a teaspoon of baking soda onto a wet sponge and using it to wipe down your faucet and kitchen sink.

  1. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down your kitchen’s countertops

If you’re looking for an easy, efficient wash to ensure that your kitchen’s countertops gleam it’s well worth utilizing a microfiber cloth to wipe down your kitchen countertops with a high-quality, kitchen-friendly cleaning spray. If you notice this is not working so well because there are a lot of stains on your counter or, perhaps you feel it may be time to switch things up, www.worktop-express.co.uk has a variety of wooden counters including walnut, iroko, beech, bamboo, and much more.

  1. If you have a stainless steel fridge make sure to use a stainless steel specific cleaner to wipe down your fridge

If you find that the door of your fridge is often covered with unsightly marks, make sure to purchase a stainless steel specific cleaner, to ensure that you’ll quickly and effortlessly be able to get rid of any visible marks such as fingerprints or food marks.

  1. Go through your kitchen cupboards or pantry to throw out any expired food products

If you don’t go through the process of throwing out expired items in your kitchen pantry or cupboards on a regular basis, it’s definitely worth looking at the expiry date on each item in your pantry and kitchen cupboards, so that you can throw out all of the items which are past their use by dates. As a bonus, you should find that you’ll free up plenty of space in your kitchen cupboards and pantry.

  1. Use half a lemon to get rid of any watermarks

If your kitchen sink or faucet is covered in watermarks, slice a lemon in half and rub half a lemon over any marks which you can find. As lemon is highly acidic and can remove tough to remove stains.

So if you plan on giving your kitchen a thorough clean, it’s definitely well worth keeping all the six handy cleaning tips listed above in mind. As each of the tips listed above will ensure that you’ll soon have a clean kitchen, which looks as good as new.

Newest Home Remodeling Trends

Newest Home Remodeling Trends

Are you looking for ways to update your current home? DIY remodeling is the best way to add to the value of your home without spending too much money. You can start with small projects and make them bigger as you see the results.

Here are some of the latest trends that you should try:

Accessibility Remodeling

Increasingly more people are choosing to grow old in their homes instead of relocating. As a result, home remodeling has become more popular. As you grow older, you can remodel for accessibility by removing tripping hazards and opting for open designs that will maximize movement.

Metal

In the past, metal was used as an accent in kitchens and bathrooms but you can use it in any room now. You can add visual interest and texture to any room by using metals in a trend-forward way. You do not even have to use real metal; you can use faux-metal tiles to create a backsplash in the kitchen.

The Connected Home

Smartphones, apps, and tablets have come together to create a connected world and home. Advances in technology are making it easier for homeowners to incorporate convenience, affordability, and flexibility into their homes: for instance, you can use your tablet to turn off the lights when you are away from home.

When it comes to wireless technology, the possibilities are numerous: you can own a fridge that reminds you to buy milk, smoke alarm that lets you know when batteries are low, or lighting that you can control remotely.

Standalone Tubs and Showers

Several years ago, combo shower and bath setups dominated the bathroom scene. Nowadays, separate shower and bath spaces are the key to having a trendy bathroom. Instead of installing a shower with multiple jets and sprays, you should opt for designs that take up less space.

Moreover, multiple sprays will just contribute to the wastage of water. If you want to remodel your bathroom, you need to call a plumbing company unless you have years of experience. Companies such as PlumbingFix employ professionals who know what they are doing.

Energy-efficient and Eco-friendly Materials

Of course, the internet has made it easier for people to communicate but it has also given homeowners substantial power to influence remodeling trends. Slapping a label on materials and saying they are eco friendly is no longer good enough; you need to ask questions about sourcing and operation.

If you are rebuilding your deck, you should hire companies, such as Deck Remodelers, that will use trees with low-impact waste cycles.

If you’re keen on saving energy, why not produce your own? Solar panels are a eco friendly way to not only produce your own energy, but save on your utility bills as well! Visit this website for more info on installing solar panels.

Basement Escape

Gone are the days when basements used to be dark corners where you would throw all your junk. If you want to remodel your basement, you can turn it into an escape for guests or work-at-home parents. You can remodel your attic or basement without adding anything to your home.

Make sure that you find ways to brighten your basement and make it appear less dark by painting the ceilings and walls white.

Attic Getaways

If you want to remodel your attic, you can turn it into a family getaway or guest bedroom. Just like a basement remodel, you should not focus on what is missing; instead, you should focus on aesthetic choices and design tricks that will make the room more comfortable. Moreover, you should try to make the space as personalized, comfortable, and bright as possible.

Remodeling your home has many benefits, which include increasing its value. If you want to sell your home, you need to remodel the kitchen and bathroom first. If you have any left over money, you can remodel other rooms.