What’s Your Home Lacking? An Honest Look

Homes should provide for all your basic needs. But sometimes, they can fall a little short. While pretty much everyone living in western countries has a kitchen and a bathroom, there are certain things that many of us are missing. 

In this post, we take a look at some items that you’re missing from your home but that can actually make a massive difference in how you live. 

Open Space

clean house

All homes need at least some open space. Unfortunately, many don’t have much of it, particularly those built more than half a century ago. Back then, open-plan living simply wasn’t a part of life. 

The good news is that there are many more ways than ever before to create open space in your home. One possibility is to simply knock through from the kitchen to the living room and create a combined entertainment space. This method is easy, particularly if there are no supporting walls getting in the way.

The alternative is to create an archway in place of the wall. This way, you get the same feeling as an open plan without damaging your building at all. 

If neither of these are options for you, there are still other things that you can do. For instance, you can set up mirrors in your home to make interior spaces feel bigger. Creating a “mirror wall,” for instance, lets you double the size of your rooms. 

You can also try moving furnishings around in your existing spaces to free up floor space. Having too much furniture, for instance, can actually make rooms look and feel more crowded than they need to be. You might have some big rooms in your home but not be using them properly. 

Natural Lighting

Given that many people live in big cities, getting enough natural light into the home can be a challenge. Properties are often overlooked by big city skyscrapers, offices and tower blocks. 

Poorly-lit rooms aren’t great. They can feel cramped and unwelcoming, particularly during the day. 

Fixing natural light issues depends primarily on your circumstances. One idea, put forward by Renewal by Andersen Windows & Doors, is to add bi-folding doors to the rear of the property, particularly if it is south-facing. This way, the whole of the back of your home can be glass, eliminating any potential dark spots. 

If that’s not an option, you can brighten up your home by increasing the size of the windows. Structural engineers will tell you how large they can be without harming the rest of the building. Often by simply increasing the window surface area, you can get dramatically more light into your rooms. 

Of course, you don’t have to rely solely on natural light to brighten dark rooms in today’s world. You can also use lamps and floor lights. 

Lamps are a great option because you can place them anywhere. What’s more, you can get LEDs that cycle throughout the day, mimicking the level of natural light that would otherwise be coming into your home. 

If you decide to use artificial lighting, you’ll want to use a range of lighting sources. Try a combination of sconces, lamps, natural daylight (if that’s an option for you), and table lamps. Don’t just rely on ceiling fixtures. While they are great for illuminating some parts of your rooms, they may also cast shadows. 

Storage

If you’re like most people, the storage spaces in your home simply aren’t spacious enough. You just don’t have enough room to take control of all the clutter. 

Fortunately, there are several ways you can deal with this. First, if you have outdoor space, you can build a shed. A large metal barn will provide you with all the space you need for anything that you don’t have room to keep in the house, plus all your gardening equipment and bicycles. 

Another option is to outsource your storage to a third-party storage company. These provide containers and security guards who will monitor your possessions at all times. They can be expensive, but you get a lot of storage for your money. It can totally transform how you live. 

Hosting a yard sale is another approach. You can sell your extra possessions to reduce the total amount of clutter in the home. You can also host a virtual yard sale by selling possessions online. 

Modern Window Treatments

Take a look at the window treatments in your home. Can you honestly say that they are up to date? 

Don’t worry if not: you still have plenty of options. Think carefully about the type of treatments that you would like in your dwelling.

If your home is next to a busy street, sheer curtains on the ground floor can be a great option. What’s nice about these is that they still allow plenty of light to enter the room during the day, but they also give you privacy too. 

For kitchens and south-facing rooms, blinds and Venetians are a good option. These allow you to calibrate the amount of light that enters your rooms, quickly and easily. 

Full drapes are an option in the bedroom when you want to block out street light at night, but you can also use them in many other rooms. For instance, long, flowing drapes work exceptionally well in luxury living rooms. 

Outdoor Rooms

While they are becoming slightly more common, outdoor rooms remain a rarity. Relatively few people have them. 

However, they offer massive utility. They make it possible to enjoy your garden in more ways than you ever imagined before. 

For instance, during the winter, outdoor rooms can provide warmth and shelter. Many are like gazebos, with open walls but a fixed roof that keeps the rain and sun off. They also come with infrared heaters built into them to maintain your body temperature on cool days. 

Even during the summer, outdoor rooms can encourage you to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Comfortable seating, fire pits and even outdoor food preparation equipment all lure you back into nature. 

A Man Cave

While the majority of your home is geared towards family life, it’s still important to have a man cave – somewhere that the man of the house can go to work on projects.

The good thing about man caves is that, by their nature, they can be out of the way. You could set one up in the basement or even in a garden room adjacent to the main property. Just make sure that you have one: it can make all the difference. 

Cellar

Cellars used to be a commonplace home feature. People used them not just to store wine but also many other types of food. They were a kind of larder before the invention of the refrigerator. 

Now, though, cellars are less mainstream. However, they are still an impressive home feature, and something that many people want. You can use them for all sorts of things, from keeping your wine collection to storing all your Christmas decorations. 

Kids Playroom

In most families, the kids play on the floor in the living room or their bedroom. However, this setup means that children and adults often come into conflict. Kids want to play and set up their toys everywhere while parents just want to relax in a clean and tidy room. 

The solution of course, is a kids’ playroom, but not all homes have one. This is usually a hardfloor room with boxes for toys and, perhaps, a TV. It keeps all of the clutter and mess out of the rest of the house, making things easier to clean up.

5 Interior Design Tips You Can Use to Brighten Up Your Home

If you’re feeling down and in need of a bit of pick-me-up, why not try sprucing up your home’s interior design? A few simple changes can make a difference in brightening up your space. This blog post will discuss five tips that you can use to give your home a fresh look.

brighten up home

1) Incorporate light and airy colors into your space

If you want to create a brighter and more open feel in your home, then you should consider incorporating light and airy colors into your design. For example, try painting your walls in a pale blue or green hue or using furniture and fabrics in similar shades. Not only will this make your space feel more spacious, but it will also help to create a calming atmosphere. If you’re struggling to decide on a color scheme, why not take inspiration from nature? After all, there’s nothing more refreshing than spending time outdoors surrounded by beautiful scenery.

2) Make use of mirrors

Another great way to brighten up your home is to use mirrors. Mirrors reflect light, which can help to create the illusion of a larger and more open space. Plus, they can also be used as decorative elements in their own right. If you want to add a touch of glamor to your space, try hanging a large mirror above your fireplace or placing one in your entryway. You could even use smaller mirrors throughout your home to create a sense of cohesion.

3) Add different textures and patterns

Another way to add interest to your space and make it feel more inviting is to incorporate different textures and patterns. This can be done through fabrics, rugs, wallpaper, or these antique rugs. Mixing and matching different textures will add depth and dimension to your space, making it feel more dynamic. Just be sure not to go overboard – too many patterns can start to look cluttered and chaotic.

4) Add some plants

Last but not least, one of the easiest ways to brighten up your home is to add some plants. Not only do plants help to purify the air, but they also bring a touch of nature into your space. If you don’t have a green thumb, don’t worry – there are plenty of low-maintenance options out there. Succulents and cacti are a great choice for those who want to add some greenery without having to put in too much effort.

5) Get rid of anything that’s no longer serving a purpose

One final tip for brightening up your home is to get rid of anything that’s no longer serving a purpose. This could be old furniture, unused décor items, or even clothes that you no longer wear. Decluttering your space will not only make it look more open and inviting, but it will also help you to feel more organized and in control.

We hope you enjoyed these tips on how to brighten up your home. If you’re looking for more inspiration, be sure to check out more content online. So why wait, with all these great ideas, you can start decorating today.

How to Clean Out Your Home Once a Year

cleaning

Springtime is a great time to clean out your house and get rid of all the clutter that has built up over the past year. It’s also a good time to do some deep cleaning and organize your home so that it is more functional for the coming year. In this blog post, we will provide you with tips on how to clean out your house once a year in an efficient and stress-free manner.

#1 Start by decluttering your home

Get rid of any clothes, shoes, books, or other items that you no longer use or need. Donate these items to a local thrift store or charity. This will not only make your home more organized, but it will also help those in need! If you have trouble letting go of things, try this trick: for every new item that comes into your home, get rid of two old items. This way, your house will always be decluttered, and you won’t have to worry about storage space.

#2 Deep clean your home

Once you have decluttered your home, it’s time to give it a good deep cleaning. Start by dusting all surfaces, vacuuming all carpets and furniture, and mopping all floors. Then, move on to cleaning bathrooms and kitchens. These rooms usually require a bit more elbow grease, but it will be worth it in the end! Finally, don’t forget to clean out any closets or storage spaces as well. This is an excellent opportunity to get rid of any items that you no longer need or use.

#3 Organize your home

Now that your house is decluttered and clean, it’s time to organize it in a way that makes sense for you and your family. Start by creating a system for storing all of your belongings. This could include labeling storage bins, setting up a command center, or even just putting all of your shoes in one place. The key is to find a system that works for you and stick with it! In addition, take this opportunity to create a cleaning schedule for the coming year. This will help you keep on top of the cleaning and make sure that your house always looks its best.

#4 Focus on the exterior as well

It’s essential not to forget about the exterior of your home when you’re doing your annual cleaning! Make sure to sweep all porches and walkways, wash all windows, and trim any bushes or trees. This will help keep your home looking its best, and it will also make it more inviting for guests! Also, be sure to have some pest control specialists come by and secure your home from the outside to ensure any crawlers are kept at bay.

In conclusion, following these tips will help you clean out your house once a year in an efficient and stress-free manner. Just remember to start with decluttering, move on to deep cleaning, and then focus on organization and the exterior of your home. Finally, and most importantly, don’t forget to have fun! After all, this is your chance to start fresh and make your home exactly what you want it to be.

How to Create Your Perfect Kitchen Makeover

remodel

The kitchen is one of the busiest places in a home and certainly one of the most functional. The kitchen is a room where the family can gather to chat about their day and enjoy a meal together, which is just as important as the room’s practical use. As the kitchen gets so much use each day, it is little wonder that it is subjected to lots of wear and tear. If your kitchen is starting to look a bit dated or tired, you may be keen to start making some changes and makeover your kitchen to get it looking back to its best. Starting a kitchen renovation can feel like a daunting prospect, and you may be wondering where to even begin. Read on to discover tips to help you get your kitchen looking great and without spending a fortune:

Set Your Budget

Setting a budget for your kitchen makeover is an excellent way to prevent the costs from escalating out of control. Kitchens are often one of the most expensive rooms to remodel due to the materials used and the need for plumbers and electricians to install appliances and fit sinks and faucets. So, it is essential to include additional costs such as paying for contractors’ labor and any finishing touch accessories you expect to add to your completed kitchen, too. If your kitchen remodel is set to be a big project, it is also helpful to plan a contingency fund. Your contingency fund will ensure that you have the cash available to cover the additional costs if your budget overruns. A contingency fund is usually around 10 percent of the original amount you have budgeted.

Make a Plan

Thinking about how you use your kitchen and where the main changes need to be made is an excellent way to ensure you use your budget wisely. While some people go for a complete kitchen remodel, if you want to prevent waste and ensure you do not overspend, you may choose to improve the kitchen with a partial remodel. A partial remodel involves focusing your attention on the areas of your kitchen you most dislike or are most in need of changing. So, if your appliances are in good working order, you may choose to incorporate these into your new design rather than buy new ones for the sake of it. Kitchen cabinets are another great area you can save money on in your renovation. If the structure of the cabinets is in good working order, you may decide to simply freshen up the outside with a coat of paint in a different color and by updating the door handles and drawer pulls.

Once you have decided what work needs to be carried out, you will have a much better idea of the scale of the project.

Choose Your Style

Your next step is to look around for inspiration. How do you want your refurbished kitchen to look? Are you planning a new kitchen with a luxurious look, or do you prefer a more rustic style? Thinking about exactly how you want your refurbished kitchen to look and the different elements you will need to introduce to make this happen is the best way to ensure the end result lives up to your expectations. You may find it helpful to browse through interior design magazines and to look at online interiors blogs to find inspiration for your new kitchen. This kind of research is not only fun but also a great way to assess which colors and styles work together. So, if you are undecided on quartz countertop colors, it is really helpful to see how other people have incorporated them into their kitchen designs.

Get to Work

Once you have completed all of your planning and have a clear idea of how you want the end result of your kitchen makeover to look, you will be ready to get started on putting your plans into action. If you need contractors to carry out any work on the project, you will likely need to get them scheduled first and then work around their timescales before moving onto other areas of the project. Don’t forget to order any materials you need in advance in case there are supply issues that could delay your progress.

Working through your project in stages and seeing it progress is a fantastic feeling. Once you have done all the hard work, you will simply need to add the finishing touches to complete your perfect makeover.

Smart Tips To Turn A New Rental Into A Home

When you are moving into a new rental property, you want to make sure you can relax in your new home. However, your options are limited in a rental. More often than not, landlords do not authorize additional decorative statements, such as painting walls. 

However, it is important to consider all your options to find the best possible solution to create a place that meets your needs. To do so, you need to understand precisely what home means. 

What is a home?

Many describe home as the place where they feel safe and can let their guard down. 

For others, home is the place where they can relax away from the madness and fast pace of the world. 

Finally, home is also where the heart is. In other words, it is the space where you can be with your loved ones. 

So as a tenant, here are some ideas on how to create your home sweet home.

rental property

Ensure the property is safe to move in

When you first visit a rental property, it is likely to be occupied by the current tenant. Therefore, you may not have been able to check on potential hazards. So, when the former tenant removes their furniture and belongings, you can seize the opportunity to arrange a safety tour. You can spot areas that require repair works or electrical upgrades, for instance. Additionally, you may want to document issues before moving in, so you can reach out to your landlord to figure out the next step. 

Some repair works may fall under the responsibility of your landlord, so the sooner they know, the earlier they can get things fixed. 

Create a relaxing and soothing space

Don’t let external stress affect your home. It can be tricky to leave the stress at the door. But you can create a relaxing decor that will help alleviate your stress levels. Home is the place where you can recharge your energy! Aromatherapy, for instance, can be highly effective in creating a relaxing space. You can use Illume Candles, for instance, to introduce calming scents into your interior. Lavender, for instance, is a favorite for relaxation. 

Additionally, it can be a good idea to consider using colorful items to transform the ambiance. For instance, blue hues and purple can help alleviate pressure and reduce stress levels and heartbeat. 

Build a family nest 

You may not be allowed to plant nails, but there are many other tips to hang frames on your walls without drilling a hole. You will be able to bring your favorite photos and memories into your space. It’s a great opportunity to create an elegant and attractive gallery wall to display your most precious memories. Surrounding yourself with the photos of your loved ones can help make the place more homely. 

Bringing carefully curated furniture items, such as items you have chosen or that have a unique meaning to you, can also add a new dimension to your interior. 

Contrary to common belief, turning a house or an apartment into a home doesn’t require a lot of DIY. You can stage the space with the support of your landlord and through meaningful additions. 

How New Windows Can Add A Whole New Lease Of Life To Your Home

If you want to substantially improve your home but do not have a lot of money or time to devote to the project, replacing your windows could be the answer.

People may not spend much time thinking about windows on a daily basis, but their impact can be enormous.

If you have been living with single glazing or low-quality double glazing, you may have tolerated poor comfort and high energy expenses without realizing how a relatively small investment may enhance your life so dramatically.

Here are the top reasons why replacing your windows can add a whole new lease of life to your home.

plants

Enhanced comfort

It is that time of year when even the most hesitant people go for the thermostat.

But did you realize that up to 40% of that heat could be lost through your windows and doors?

If you notice condensation on the inside of your windows, it could be an indication that you need to replace them.

Reduced heat loss means fewer draughts and cold spots with energy-efficient glass. You will immediately notice that your home is cozier.

Savings on energy bills

With all of that heat still inside your house, you could see a significant reduction in your energy expenditures.

It may not appear to be much, but with the average life lifetime of modern quality windows projected to be 20 years or more, it is a long-term investment.

For peace of mind, quality vendors will provide insurance-backed warranties, so you can rest assured that you have made a sound investment.

They look great

It is astonishing how much of an aesthetic difference new replacement windows can make — giving the entire house a facelift.

With a large choice of window forms, styles, and colors, as well as glazing options, there is guaranteed to be something to fit any home. 

Upgrading your windows to contemporary UPVC makes them nearly maintenance-free. So you will not have to spend time painting or repairing old wooden frames that are coming apart on you.

This will improve your home while you live in it, but it will also make it more appealing to potential purchasers if you decide to sell in the future.

Peace and quiet

If you live near a major highway or road, you have most likely become accustomed to the incessant noise. You might not even notice how it is interfering with your sleep and putting you on edge until it is gone.

Even if you do not notice it on a daily basis, excessive road noise will be noted by potential purchasers and can be off-putting.

Quality replacement windows not only insulate your home against heat loss, but they also keep out far more outside noise.

Increased security

The majority of burglaries occur through the downstairs doors or windows.

Modern windows and doors are far more secure; they are less likely to give under pressure, and the glass is far more difficult to smash through.

How To Make Your Home Storm-Proof

NYC

There’s no denying that some parts of the country are more prone to severe storms and hurricanes than others. For example, places like Florida, Texas, and North Carolina typically have major storms, hurricanes, and other extreme weather conditions each year.

As you can imagine, many properties get damaged during such harsh weather conditions, and, sadly, some people lose their lives when debris attacks them.

Moving to a “safer” part of the country can be one way to avoid the problem. But, it’s also possible to make your home storm-proof if you live in an area where storms and extreme weather conditions are commonplace.

Take a look at the following examples for some inspiration:

Install Some High-Impact Windows

As you can appreciate, your windows will usually be the first things that get damaged by stormy weather – or, to be precise, flying debris caused by it. It’s worth strengthening your glass with some high-impact windows.

High-impact windows are ones designed to withstand damage from flying debris, typically at a rate of up to 150 mph. They also contain heavy frames that help keep the glass secured in place during extreme weather conditions.

If you search for high-impact windows near me, you’ll likely discover some companies that can install those windows at your home.

Strengthen Your Doors

One of the things that many homeowners fail to do is ensure their exterior doors and garage doors are strong enough to withstand storm conditions. If all entry points aren’t impact-rated, strong winds can easily lift them off their frames and expose the inside of your home.

That’s why it’s a good idea to upgrade your doors to strong, impact-rated ones. Again, you’ll likely come across local businesses that can install impact-rated doors for your home’s entry points and your garage.

Upgrade Your Roof

It’s no secret that strong windows can easily uplift a home’s roof, irrespective of how well built it was. With that in mind, you need to look at ways of securing your roof so that it doesn’t get blown away if your home goes into the eye of a storm.

One way to do that is by reinforcing your roof. For example, special steel clips explicitly designed for homes located within hurricane or storm areas will ensure your roof remains connected to the rest of your house.

Another option is to consider installing a metal roof. In some places like Louisiana, metal roofs make a lot of sense because they are the best roofing material available that can withstand high winds and projectiles launched in the air.

If you don’t like the idea of having a metal roof, you could alternatively invest in architectural shingles as they are just as strong for storm-proofing purposes. It’s worth discussing your requirements with a roofing contractor as they can likely give you other alternative options.

Conclusion

If you live in an area where storms, hurricanes, and other severe weather conditions are commonplace each year, you must take steps to ensure your house can withstand strong winds and flying projectiles and keep your home safe for your family.

Tackling Problems in Your Home

drill

We all want to keep our homes in the best condition possible. This is a given. When you own a property, it’s likely the biggest investment you have – and will – make in your lifetime, so you’re going to want to maintain its value. You also live here, so you’re going to want to keep the space functional, hygienic, safe, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing to provide yourself with a good quality of life.  Of course, this doesn’t happen by itself. You’re going to have to put some active effort into maintaing your property and, sometimes, it can be difficult to know where to start on this journey. Here are a few suggestions to get the ball rolling!

Don’t Ignore Repairs

All homes need some repair work carried out at some point or another. We use our properties so much that they’re bound to experience wear and tear and some things will need replacing or fixing over time. The issue here is that so many homeowners choose to sweep issues under the carpet, ignoring problems as they arise and hoping they get better by themselves or, at the very least, don’t worsen. This is rarely the case though. Issues always have to be resolved, and the longer you leave them, the worse they will get. You may find that the original issue, which would have been cheap and easy to resolve, start to damage other areas of your property and become extremely expensive and difficult to resolve. For example, a small hole in the roof would be cheap and straightforward work to fix. If you leave it, rain entering the hole could cause electrical and structural damage, which will then be expensive to fix on top of the original cost of fixing the hole itself.

Have Surveys Carried Out Annually

There are parts of your property that you probably don’t see on a day to day basis, as well as issues that can arise that only a professional eye will notice the warning signs for. It’s important that you have home surveys carried out on a relatively regular basis to give professionals a chance to spot any potential problems and provide solutions. You might not spend much time in your crawl space, but a professional could point out that you need crawl space moisture solutions, which will prevent mould, rot and other damage. You might not notice the warning signs of mould on your walls, but a specialist could show you how to avoid this problem developing.

External Factors

Some people will face issues that feel beyond their control while at home. For example, you may find that you have noisy neighbours, that a developer is trying to build an unpleasant or problematic building in your area (for example, a slaughterhouse), or other issues may arise over time. It’s important to know that you don’t have to just settle with these changes that impact you and your home. Instead, there are relevant authorities you can contact to express concern, file complaints and seek redemptive action.

These are just a few suggestions, but hopefully, some will prove useful to you should you need them.