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Top 5 Innovative Ways to Use Your Garage Space

December 27, 2016adminhome improvement, home remodelinggarages, home improvement, home remodeling, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

TRUE! Garages are the most ignored spaces of a house. But, nobody knows that if used in a right way, one can get the most out of garages. All you need is to stop considering your garage as ‘just a space to park your vehicles’. Transform or revamp it in such a manner that it looks like one of the handiest parts of your house without hiring any garage professional.

Let’s take a look at these 5 innovative ways that you can make your garage more useful;

#1 Use Your Garage Space for a Party Celebration

Is it time for a festival? There are myriad reasons to celebrate, whether it’s a birthday, an engagement, a promotion, or any sports occasion! Why searching here and there for a space when you have it in your home. Yes! We are talking about garages. Garages are frequently ignored by party throwers, but why? Garages are a standout amongst the most open rooms in their homes and perfect for such kind of gatherings. It is very easy to decorate and there is a lot of space to arrange chairs and tables with a handful of guests.

#2 Make Your Garage- A Gym

Transforming your unused garage space into a gym is an awesome idea. As physical maintenance is an imperative part of everyone’s lifestyle. After a busy day at work, without going anywhere, you can refresh yourself at your home by doing a workout. Fill your unused garage space with fitness and sporting equipment like- bicycles, treadmill, jump ropes, and free weights. At-home gyms can actually save your time and you don’t need to pay heavy amounts.

#3 Utilize Your Garage Space for Office

Have you ever pondered transforming the unused garage space into something valuable? Most of us work from home, and for them garages can be considered as a smart way to get a classy home-office. Office’s set in garages can look surprisingly like a regular home office. Apart from PC and table, balance your home office with an entertaining area, sofa or a couch, and an entertainment system. Give your home office an immaculate look by including some extra beautifying stuff like floor carpets, framed images, and cushions.

#4 Covert Your Garage Space into Children Play Area

Are you living in a smaller home? Then, it can be a challenge to dig up space for a growing family. Making a devoted play space for your kids is a pleasant thought, but if you don’t have a basement or an extra room in the house, it might appear as though you’re in a tough situation. If your garage goes unused, it might be the perfect space for a playroom. With some changes, you can simply change over your garage into a play space that your children can appreciate year-round. Carpet tiles in a garage function admirably for a playroom as they very well get fixed on the ground and no tension of getting slipped while playing.

#5 Your Garage Can Become Restroom or Guestroom

You can even transform your garage into a restroom when you have a smaller home. Also, as the holidays are coming, your relatives or friends can anytime travel to your home and plan to stay with you. So, why make yourself suffer when you have enough space in your garages? By transforming garages into a restroom or a guest room, you can create privacy, comfort, and enough space to live for your guests so that they can feel right at home.

So, why wait? Without delaying, grab these top 5 pioneering ways and use your garage space smartly. Also, don’t forget to share your experience with us by commenting below.

Author Bio:

Oren Linder is the author and founder of ASAP Garage Door Services Inc that provides garage door repair services in Brooklyn and other areas of NY. Oren loves to write about home improvement and his expertise is in garage door.

Buying The Right Alfresco Screens

December 26, 2016adminHome Improvement Tips, home remodelinghome improvement, home remodeling, home trends, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

Are you planning to renovate your home? If so, adding character and charm to your house is possible with alfresco screens. These screens will not just elevate the charm of your house, but will also provide you with a number of other benefits. Apart from your home, these blinds can be installed at your work place as well to add to its aesthetic appeal. When these screens are installed, you can enjoy the outdoor view to the fullest as there is no obstruction to your view.

Alfresco Screens

Alfresco screens are known by other names such as bistro screens and café screens. Although there are many screens available in the market, these screens are by far the most preferred. Before you start looking out for your screens, clearly chart out all your requirements as well as your budget. These two aspects are important for you to consider since the quality of the screens depend on them entirely. Before you start browsing through the options available to you, take a while to determine what you need to consider when making a decision on the right alfresco screens. This guide will help you in this regard

Quality

The quality of the screens plays a very important role in determining its longevity. When the quality is superior, you can be sure that it will last for a long time and also be worth your investment.

Right Measurement

Before you start looking out for alfresco screens, it is very important for you to take the right measurements. The reason behind this is that only when a screen is fitted well, will it add a character to your home or office.

Also, a minor difference in the measurement of the screen will make it useless, as it would not be possible to install.

Aesthetic Value

Alfresco screens certainly add to the aesthetic value of your home or office. These screens are installed to add charm to your living or working space, while adding to its value as well. Working in an aesthetic environment will help you perform better; while a beautiful home will help you relax and unwind at the end of a long day.

Practical Use

Apart from just its looks, these screens are also beneficial in filtering out the sun’s harmful ultra violet rays. A great choice is to opt for blinds that can be molded easily. Apart from ease of installation, molded blinds also serve practically as they give you complete protection.

Garden Alfresco Screens

Style And Color

There is virtually no end to the many varieties of alfresco screens available in the market. Therefore, considering the layout of our home or office, you can choose a style and color that would compliment it completely. Also, the area in which you are installing the screens determines the style and color to a great extent. For instance, if you wish to install it in your living room that has a traditional layout, then a modern style screen will look out of place. Apart from the above-mentioned tips, there are a few questions you need to get answers for from the company you are planning to buy the screens from. This will help you be extra sure that you’re making nothing but the best choice.

Is the alfresco screen track guided?
What are the steps to operate the screen?
How experienced and trained is the staff handling the product?
Do the technicians installing the blinds have the required experience?

When choosing a professional to install alfresco screens, ensure that you get all questions answered before you go ahead. While you may end up taking a while more with your choice, you will be sure you’ve got nothing but the best one.

Author Bio :

I am Lara Buck, a knowledgeable and qualified blogger. Here you can
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Creating A Harry Potter Style Party-Infographic

December 24, 2016adminEntertaining, For Fun, infographicDIY projects, entertaining, infographicLeave a comment

Children of all ages, and adults too, love the magical world of Harry Potter and with the UK release of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them we thought we’d take a look at how you can create a Harry Potter style party in your home.

Take a look at our infographic below and be inspired to change the décor in your eating area to resemble the candle lit dining room at Hogwarts, and transform your entrance hall into platform 9¾ at Kings Cross train station so that your guests can jump through a ‘brick wall’ into the magic of your party. We even offer an idea to make your toilet more wizard and less Muggle.

If you’re wondering what tasty delights to conjure up, we’ve included some tasty recipes for you to tempt the taste buds of your wizarding friends.

With wand in hand, read on and be inspired to create a party that’s will take your friends into the magical world of Harry Potter.

Creating a Harry Potter Style Party by Terrys Fabrics.

How to Make Your Bedroom a Calming Environment

December 21, 2016adminBedrooms, Home Improvement Tips, Interior Designbedroom remodeling, home decor, home improvement, home trends, interior designLeave a comment

We all use our bedroom as the room where we go to switch off and relax after a hard day – and if you want this to be the case – then the environment has to reflect the mood you want to create. The best bedrooms are usually made up of an arrangement which is simple, dressed down and peaceful. However, it can sometimes be a struggle to know how to make your bedroom feel this way, and if that is the case, try following these steps to ensure your bedroom has a calming environment.

Clear the Space

This is one of the easiest steps you can take, but it is one of the best in making sure you can feel relaxed in your bedroom. You should focus on trying to remove all clutter and maintain cleanliness, and the best way to go about this is by cleaning the top of the bedside tables and dispersing of everything but the things you really need – such as your tablet/book, a lamp and maybe some flowers or photo frames. To then make sure the floor area is clean you should try to put any clothing or items which aren’t needed out of sight.

Cover the Windows

The aim of this isn’t to make the room dark and gloomy, but when you want to go into your room to lay down and relax, it can be hard to do when there is lots of light coming through. Therefore, you want to make sure that you have adequate window blinds that will be able to provide complete privacy and darkness for when you want to shut the lights out and enter dreamland.

Use Muted Tones

Using colours which are neutral and soft is a great way to create an environment that is tranquil and calm. With your furniture and paint, try using white or beige colours, but if you’re wanting to be more daring – then you can go for a muted blue or green. However, the important thing to remember is that the colours aren’t too bright and harsh as they will make the environment more eccentric rather than relaxing.

Author Bio:

Ryan Duffy is a freelance writer who is a recent university graduate in Media Studies. His passion for people and writing has encouraged him to pursue this career full-time. He enjoys writing about home improvement and lifestyle subjects and this is where most of his work has taken him.

Find him on Twitter here: @Ryan_Duff199

Gravtar ID: https://en.gravatar.com/ryanduffy199

Keep It in the Bank: How to Save Money on Household Repairs

December 20, 2016adminDIY Projects, Home Improvement Tips, Home MaintenanceDIY projects, home improvement, home maintenanceLeave a comment

It’s always good to include household repairs in your monthly budget. If you make it through a few months or a year without having to dip into that portion of the budget, consider that a fortunate occurrence. However, you don’t want to delete that category from the budget because you never know when you’ll be faced with an expensive home repair job. While home repairs are a part of home ownership, there are some things you can do to save yourself some money on those repairs.

Fix Your Toilet Yourself

A toilet that runs constantly will cause an increase in your water bill. Many times, you can save yourself the cost of a service call from a plumber simply by making a trip to a home improvement store, purchasing a repair kit and doing the repair work yourself. Quite often, there are knowledgeable store employees that can answer questions you may have on how to make the repair.

Prevent Water Damage

Damaged flooring should be replaced promptly. A damaged floor can increase the risk of tripping. Also, if it’s water damage you’re dealing with, procrastinating about repairing it will likely increase the overall expense. Basic precautions and observation can prevent flooring damage around a tub or toilet.

Heating and Air Conditioning

Any type of service call costs money. Finding a heating and air conditioning service, such as Pacific Aire, Inc, can save you some money. Before sending someone out, they will talk with you to determine if your problem can be resolved without a service call. Whenever a service call is necessary, be sure to confirm the diagnosing fee and repair cost before the work begins so that you won’t be surprised when presented with the bill.

Roof Repair

One of the best ways to save money on home repairs is be observant. Checking your gutters and the condition of your roof is one way to catch a small problem before it becomes big problem that results in extensive damage and an expensive repair bill.

Repair Appliances

Take notice of any odd noises that an appliance starts making. Taking quick action to make a minor repair can be easier on the budget than waiting until a simple fix becomes a major repair or requires replacement of the appliance. Using appliances appropriately will result in less repair cost.

Sometimes, you can save money on small repairs by doing them yourself. However, you’re likely to save money in the long run by hiring a professional for major household repairs.

Beautify Your Winter Wonderland With These 5 Plants

December 19, 2016adminHome Improvement Tips, lawn and garden, Winter TipsDIY projects, garden, landscaping, winterLeave a comment

Winter is a beautiful and enchanting time of year. With pure white snowfalls and the smell of chimney smoke in the air, it is a time for wonder and awe. While there are many upsides to winter, there are also quite a few drawbacks. One in particular is the frigid temperatures. If your green-thumb is forced to hibernate all winter long, consider some cold hardy plants to spruce up your winter landscape. It will be able to lift the spirits of everyone who walks by right in time for the holidays. Take a look at these five excellent examples of plants that have no problem with a little chill.

Winterberry Holly

Starting off with the most obvious of selections, the Winterberry Holly Bush has become a staple of Christmas. It has beautiful glossy green leaves adorned with the trademark red berries it is known for. This plant should be planted in the spring in order for the roots to take hold and survive the winter. Over the warmer months white flowers will add a decorative touch and will turn to berries when the air grows colder. Once planted this bush will last all year round making sure you never have to worry about a bare yard again.

Winter Glow Pigsqueak

You may want something a bit more subtle than red berries in your yard. If this is the case, consider the Winter Glow Pigsqueak. This shrub has gorgeous bright green leaves that look amazing in contrast with the snow. The only time it may change color is during the fall where it could take on a bronze tone. Aside from the color, this plant is also perfect for the winter because it requires very little upkeep. It grows best in the shade so just make sure you have some trees in your yard as well.

Jacaranda

Some people can never get enough flowers. After the first frost hits, it is often time to say goodbye to the soft petals and sweet fragrances. There is, however, a few types of flowers that may be able to bring some color to your home. Jacaranda trees are able to overlook the winter frost and bloom as if it were springtime. The blueish-purple flowers form in clusters making it truly eye catching. Moon Valley Nursery offers a few different varieties of this tree to make sure you can find the perfect fit for your home.

Winter Jasmine

While the plant itself will last all year round, the flowers will open up in late January. Winter Jasmine gives the bleak winter scenery a pop of bright yellow. It is a climbing plant which make it excellent for decorating a fence or trellis. Being an immensely resilient plant, it will survive through heat and frost, as well as dry or wet soil. Though it will not take much work on your part to keep this plant happy, it will always make it a point to keep a smile on your face.

Lemon Tree

Adding a few more trees to your yard is never a bad idea. They provide shade and picturesque scenery that can always be appreciated. Purchasing a lemon tree has these same advantages and more. If you live in a warmer climate you can have lemons any time you want. Even in cooler weather you will be able to look at your perfect landscape and wait for spring for your fruit. Either way, this is a tree that will always have a way to give back.

Winter does not always mean you have to put away your gardening gloves. Though cold hardy plants usually do not require all that much maintenance, plants always grow better with proper attention. For advice about seasonal plants as well as a wide selection of their own, enlist the help of a professional in your area.

Thinking Of Remodeling Your Shower? 4 Nifty Tricks You’ll Be Glad You Did

December 17, 2016adminBathroom Remodeling, home improvementbathroom remodeling, home improvement, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

The shower is an area of the bathroom where you can wash away the stresses of the day. The hot water cascades down the back, cleansing the skin while taking you to your own spa of sorts with your favorite shampoo and bath wash. However, before you can enjoy this oasis, you need to have a shower that has enough space for bathing and that is functional. Remodeling the shower is a task that can involve a bit of work, but there are a few tricks to give you a design that you appreciate.

On A Base Level

Instead of the shower being attached to the tub, many people are using one level for the shower. This makes it easy to enter the shower area and to allow the water to flow down the drain. It’s a design that is safer to walk into for those who might have trouble stepping over a tub just to take a shower. It’s also less expensive to build as there aren’t as many materials that are used.

Doorways

When you take a shower, you might notice that water gets on the floor because of the shower curtain. Solve this issue by installing glass doors that slide open and closed. The doors will keep the water inside, which will keep the floor dry and protected. If you’re unsure of what style of door or best installation techniques, consider using professionals like those at Glasshopper Schor Glass.

Storage

If you want a place to sit but don’t want the seat to take up a lot of room, install a seat that flips down. This is ideal for those who are older and can’t stand for long periods of time or others who may prefer sitting. Create a storage space inside the wall for soap, shampoo and other products. This is an idea to add storage to a small shower.

Getting Rid Of The Grout

With a shower, you’re always trying to clean the tile and grout as this is an area that attracts mildew. You can eliminate scrubbing and cleaning by installing a solid surface when you remodel the shower. A large piece of tile or even stone to give a beautiful look in the bathroom will take away the issues that you see with the tile and grout.

The shower in the bathroom can be a place where you relax after a long day. There are a few tricks to keep in mind when remodeling that will give you more storage and that will give you a contemporary design instead of a boring tub and shower combination. Before you do any kind of work, make sure the water is off and the plumbing lines are in place.

Deaf-friendly games for a children’s party-infographic

December 16, 2016adminEntertaining, infographicDIY projects, Holidays, infographicLeave a comment

Throwing a party for children can be stressful and if you know that a child with a hearing loss is coming, your stress levels can easily rise even higher. But there really is no need to worry, children’s parties should always be all inclusive and with a few tweaks and adjustments you’ll never have to concern yourself again.

Take a look at the infographic below, it’s full of brilliant hints and tips that will make your party more inclusive. We’ve suggested popular party games that can be adapted to suit deaf children. Simple things such as using lights in combination with music will allow a deaf child to join in musical bumps, musical statues and pass-the-parcel. Taking away the music altogether and just use lighting will add a new twist to party games and make them even more fun!

Giving children and adults name badges is another way to make your party more inclusive, not only will the badges help the children, they will also help you to remember all the names!

Communication with everyone is the name of the game, so to speak. Talk clearly, use hand gestures and even sign language throughout the party to make everyone feel included. Don’t shy away from a deaf child’s parents, invite them along to help you, an extra pair of hands is always welcome. Ask them if they have any suggestions to make your party an all-inclusive affair.

Read on to see how you can create deaf-friendly games for a children’s party.

Deaf-friendly games for a childrens party by Wooden Toy Shop

Residential Pest Control: The Basics

December 14, 2016adminDIY Projects, Home MaintenanceDIY projects, home maintenance, pest controlLeave a comment

If you’re like most home-owners, you want to keep pesky pests and creepy crawlies well away from your home. Coming in unannounced, these uninvited guests can do a lot of damage to your place of residence, and even your loved-ones. When looking to tackle this problem head on, you will need to run through the basics of keeping your home pest-free. To help you, here are the essential preventive measures and control methods you can employ.

Keep It Clean

Most animals we consider pests arrive to our homes for two reasons: food and warmth. By keeping your home clean you are denying pests the reason to enter your residence. When it comes to trash, always use trash containers with a lid, and make sure to rinse out excess food from plastic or glass jars and bottles. After cooking, wipe down countertops, stoves, ovens and sinks with kitchen solutions, and make sure to keep all dry goods in sealed containers.

Get Rid Of Damp and Moisture

Many insects, like cockroaches, millipedes and lice, are also attracted to damp conditions. To get rid of insects, you want to moisture-proof your residence, start at the kitchen and bathroom. Fix leaky faucets and make a DIY drain cleaner to clear clogs, since pests can thrive in the leftover particles found in pipes. Additionally, make sure to deal with mold in your home, since it too can provide a breeding ground for pests.

Set Traps

One of the safest methods to get rid of pests is setting efficient, non-toxic traps, claim the guys at Gold Coast Pest Control. While some traps use chemicals, these can also harm your pets or your loved ones. When it comes to rodents use glue or mouse traps, while for insects you could resort to flypaper or bug-zappers. Alternatively, you can make a trap, by mixing sugar and borax with water in jars, which can lure ants and fruit flies.

Use Natural Pesticides

When resorting to pesticides, always try to choose natural solutions. Essential oils of some plants, like lavender or lemongrass, mixed in with alcohol, can get rid of ticks, mosquitoes, fleas and flies. Use the solution to spray known infected areas of your home, or throughout your home, as they won’t harm your family and give out a fragrant scent.

Introduce Animals That Help with Pest Control

Welcoming pest control animals into your home can be yet another simple solution to your problem. While they may not be the complete answer to the question of pest control, they help in controlling pest populations, and serve as a preventive measure. As natural predators, cats and barn owls can be used to prey upon rodents and larger pests. Similarly, welcoming spiders, bats and sparrows into your home or garden helps keep insect populations away from your residence.

Plant Insect-Repelling Flora

When it comes to naturally repelling insects from your home, you can plant insect-repelling herbs and flowers. Outside, on your deck, in the garden, or near doors and windows, you can plant citronella, marigolds, or catnip. The fragrance they give off can repel insects from your home, as well as protect other plants in your garden. Inside, you can create an herb garden in your kitchen, and use basil or rosemary as your main bug repellent plants.

When All Else Fails…

Sometimes, none of the natural ways to get rid of pests are quick or powerful enough to get rid of pests. In those cases, it is best to seek professional help. Pest control experts can use appropriate pesticides to eliminate all the pests from your home. Remember to check into a hotel during that time, and, once you return, clean your home thoroughly.

Even though sometimes toxic chemicals are the only solution to pest control, they can be harmful to your family, so use it only as a back-up plan, trying basic natural pest control methods first. However, the best solution for pest control is always prevention, so make use of natural repellents and keep your residence clean. It will ensure unwanted guests stay where they belong – outside your home.

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