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How to Use Mirrors for More Light and Style

How to Use Mirrors for More Light and Style

Mirrors are a standard decorative and functional element in bathrooms and changing rooms, but they rarely find their place in the remaining rooms of a house. And that is a shame, since mirrors have a lot to offer to each space, especially to confined and dark spaces. When placed strategically and chosen well, mirrors can truly make the room look more refined, fresh, brighter and bigger. There is no reason to discriminate against them as bathroom-only items. Here are some great ideas on how to use mirrors as decorative features.

Place It across the Lighting Source

how to use mirrors as decorative features.

If your room lacks light, you can compensate by placing a mirror across the lighting source and create a reflection that will spread the light throughout the space. You can even play with it and place one smaller mirror across each lamp or bulb. If you put one across the window, you will simultaneously make the room appear bigger and brighter.

Mirrors on Adjacent Walls

Mirrors on Adjacent Walls

What is better than one mirror? Well, two mirrors, of course. If you line adjacent walls with mirrors, they will make the light bounce around the room. It can be a great décor statement, if used in the right places. This project would work best in the dining room where it will create the illusion of a bigger crowd around the table. Keep in mind though, that dining room lighting should be a bit more subtle, so don’t use a too bright bulb.

Make It Double Duty

mirrors home decor

If you are stuck in a room where all the walls are already decorated with something or there are some walls where it wouldn’t make sense to put a mirror (by the bed), there is a way (or shall we say a door) out, and that is installing sliding mirror wardrobe doors. It will not take an inch of space, and it will look fabulous. Another plus is that the mirror will be big enough for a head-to-toe glance when trying out clothes.

Mirror in the Kitchen? It’s Possible.

It’s no joke; a mirror in the kitchen can look truly amazing if you choose the right style. A vintage looking kitchen with wooden cabinets and countertop would look more appealing with a wood-framed mirror to complement the look and give a homier vibe. Sure, this type of mirror wouldn’t belong in all-steel modernist kitchen, where a minimalistic metal-framed mirror would work much better.

Expanding the Hallway

Entryway mirror

Entryways always look a bit claustrophobic and narrow. You could easily open up that space by placing a full-size mirror at the end of the entryway, thus making it look more expansive. If you want to make it even more chic, you can put a large floor mirror that will at the same time be a great decorative element, especially if you go with some more extravagant or retro look.

An Accent Wall

Who need framed photos when you can just use a bunch of small mirrors to create an accent wall in your living room? All you need to do is to find mirrors with different shapes, frames and borders, to create an appealing visual texture. Just keep in mind not to go overboard and create a chaotic, cluttered appearance, you want it to look stylish, like a gallery wall and not like a funhouse exhibition. You can also mix in a couple of mirrors into your artwork or photo wall.

Above the Headboard

Another great way to use a mirror as a decorative element is to place it over the bed. There is actually nothing better to put on that big blank space above the headboard. Since most headboards are rectangle-shaped, go with a round mirror (sunburst perhaps) to create a striking contrast.

These were just a few ideas on how you can use mirrors to glam-up and light-up your space. We hope you’ll come up with some of your own.

Guest Post By:

Chloe TaylorChloe is an art historian, recreational ballet dancer and a contributor at smoothdecorator.com. She is passionate about photography, dance and music. Her biggest dream is to travel the whole world with her husband and take stunning photographs of beautiful places. She also enjoys learning and writing about home design, since she is crazy about aesthetics. You can find Chloe on FB, Twitter, and G+.

The Plan Behind Designing the Small Kitchen of Your Dreams

Have you been dreaming of making your kitchen amazing but space is holding you back? Make those renovations you’ve always wanted by maximizing the space you do have. A kitchen is a sacred space in a house, as food is great way to bring the family together. The design is just as important as food when it comes to a kitchen. Here are some great ideas to get your planning started for the kitchen of your dreams in the small space you have.

The Plan Behind Designing the Small Kitchen of Your Dreams

  1. Add Shelves to Extra Wall Space

In order to have the kitchen of your dreams, you need to get the best out of every square inch of your small kitchen, including the wall space. Hanging shelves on the wall is a great way to use up every possible storage space necessary. There are a few ways you can customize shelves if you install them yourself. This will allow you to choose the look and style of your shelves. You can store extra plates, pots and pans, or even use them to add décor to your kitchen.

  1. Plan to Maximize Your Space

A plan is the most important place to start when coming up with a kitchen design. You have to consider the budget, the things you want, the things you can live without, what brands you’ll bring in, what company will do the remodel and more. You need a guide to get you through the entire kitchen renovation. Before you start changing anything, you’ll want to come up with a sketch of where things will go so you can be sure you’ll absolutely love it.

  1. Ditch the Island

You may think you need an island, but when faced with reality you know there’s just not room for one. Perhaps an L-shaped counter top with two bar stools on the side will give you that island feel in the counter space you have. Another option would be to find a rolling cart, or build it yourself. Customize it by building shelves or cabinets underneath a cutting board table top. This will give you more storage and counter space, but the ability to move it out of the way when needed. You can get around not having an island and still be happy with your kitchen.

The Plan Behind Designing the Small Kitchen of Your Dreams

  1. Give Cabinets More Than One Use

To really maximize the space of your small kitchen, you’ll want to take advantage of the cabinets. There are so many great hacks to utilize storage space hidden away in kitchen cabinets. Did you know you can use the back of the cabinet door by sticking on command hooks and hanging baskets on them? Bam, you’ve got yourself a hanging spice rack! Personalize them with wallpaper or a slide-out rack spray-painted your favorite color. Cabinets hide away everything you need to store in your kitchen, but they don’t have to be dark and dirty. Use your cabinets wisely and you’ll have that kitchen you’ve always wanted.

  1. Make Kitchen Items into Décor

Did you know that your kitchen utensils can be used as décor throughout your kitchen when you’re not using them? Organizing your utensils can actually make your kitchen look better. Keep things simple by hanging them on the side of your cabinets. You can hang your hot pads on the wall under the cabinets as decoration too. If you’re into hanging a lot of things, consider hanging something over the oven, like a chandelier of pots and pans.

kitchen-storage

  1. Choose Your Color Carefully

Choosing a color for your kitchen can be a terrifying thing! Don’t let this stop you from your planning process. There’s good news. Certain colors can make your kitchen feel bigger and you’ll want to know all about which colors to choose from. If you like bold, choose a vibrant color that pops. If you want comfortable, warm colors then stick with darker neutrals. Picking a color for your kitchen doesn’t have to be hard, and you don’t have to keep the walls white.

To have the kitchen of your dreams in a smaller space, it’ll take lots of carefully planned ideas. Take it one step at a time. It’s one thing to make plans, but another to follow through with them. Start with choosing your colors and your cabinets, and any outside contractors you need to hire. This will help you set a date for the renovations. Use a Pinterest board to help you narrow down your ideas, and keep them organized with the plans you do decide on. The kitchen you’ve always wanted can be yours with careful planning and a little renovating. Don’t let space stop you from having the kitchen of your dreams. A kitchen is where you spend time with family and friends over delicious meals and making memories. Finish your plans and get a start on it, you won’t regret it!

Guest post by:

Kacey-MyaKacey is a lifestyle blogger for The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts.

https://twitter.com/kacey_mya

https://www.pinterest.com/kaceymya/

https://www.instagram.com/thedriftercollective/

Carpets: A Source of Pollution in Our Homes?

Your home feels like home because it is safe and secure—you trust it and feel confident that it is a healthy, protected environment for you and your family.

But what if your home is making your family sick because of invisible toxins in your carpets that you’re not aware of?

Carpets act like giant sponges, absorbing all of the toxins, pollutants, and bacteria that we track in from the outside. They soak up the invisible pollutants that are found inside our house as well, like the ones found in mold or cleaning solutions. Because carpets are designed to hide things like dirt and grime and look cleaner than they actually are, we usually don’t realize all the harmful things they contain.

Not only do they soak up what we track onto them, but carpets themselves (especially new ones) often contain toxic chemicals. Very few carpets today are made using natural products or by natural processes. The adhesive glue, the carpet cleaners and shampoos, the loose fibers—they all contain harmful chemicals that can lead to health problems for your family.

Keep your family safe by keeping your carpets clean and toxin-free. Check out this infographic that illustrates how pollutants are spread to your carpets and shows you how to maintain them so that your family is kept healthy and safe from the harmful things that collect on your floors.

Carpets: A Source of Pollution in Our Homes?

About the Author:

Emily Childers is an author for West Coast Restoration & Cleaning—a family-owned and operated company, located in the heart of San Diego. They have years of experience and research dealing with the elimination of harmful chemicals and toxins that pollute homes and threaten the health and safety of families.

How to Combat the Annoying Basement Smells and Odor?

How to Combat the Annoying Basement Smells and Odor?

Basements are great places for home improvement projects.  They can act as a storage space, entertainment area, impromptu room, or serve some other purpose. However, basements are also damp locations that are one of the biggest domestic odor producers. Unpleasant smells are usually the result of mildew and mold growth, so you should aim your efforts at these. Fortunately, there are many ways to improve the conditions and maximize the comfort in your basement.

Root around

Basement remodeling is one of the most exciting upgrades, and it is best handled by professionals. Bruzzese Home Improvements can carry out basement renovation for you and allow you to expand the living area. This gives you a well-designed and clean space. However, the problems could occur later, as the installations deteriorate. Also, not everyone can afford quality services, and many people go DIY when assembling a basement space.

basement remodel

Hence, some uninvited guests come to spoil the party: the incommodious smell and odor. Basements that smell like sewers are one of the most widespread issues homeowners deal with. Some of them decide to utilize perfumed candles or incense, but this brings only the temporary relief. Moreover, these products can give rise to various health issues. If you want to address the root of the problem, you have to take another approach.

The culprit

It is advisable to first check the plumbing system and search for leaks and cracks. Even the tiniest fissures and crevices can cause severe damage over time and damp the walls. Repairing and sealing them should allow you to keep the basement dry, and a waterproof paint coat or sealant usually does the trick. Bear in mind, though, that the orientation of the terrain around the house could also cause rainwater puddles.

Also, if you have a water trap under the floor drain, there is a possibility that water evaporated and sewer gas came up through the drain. To combat this menace, you can pour the cooking oil down the drain. Furthermore, another source of the problem could be the ventilation system. The remedy for this situation is regular maintenance. So, sweep the vents and ducts annually and enjoy air which is odorless and pure.

How to Combat the Annoying Basement Smells and Odor?

War on clutter

The foul smells could also originate from the piled-up dirt or malodorous objects. Basements are often used as storages, and spaces that accommodate hoarding habits. Hence, it helps to de-clutter the space and get rid of items you do not really need, those that are only collecting dust and nasty smells. And it goes without saying that objects beyond repair have no place in your environment. Clothes that have been stored for a long time, upholstered furniture, and floor coverings should be washed and dried if you want to keep them.

Remember that it pays off to have tools ready in the store. Find the best air purifier for mold, which should be able to remove the very source of mildew and mold. Or, you can take advantage of homemade solutions, like undiluted vinegar or a mixture of water and bleach. Apply them to the trouble spots and just do a bit of scrubbing. Another DIY option is to use baking soda every few months to soak in the odor. So, choose your weapons and do not stop until the vile stench is dispelled from your home for good.

Home, savory home

It is of the utmost importance to identify the source of the smell and treat it accordingly. Odors and other nuisances thrive in a certain kind of interior climate, predominantly in spaces that have problems with moisture and dust accumulation. So, wash and dry furniture and clothes thoroughly, and do away with the clutter. Conduct maintenance on a regular basis, and check the plumbing installations. Learn how to eradicate the smells and odors and continue using the space without any discomfort.

This article was written by Zoe Clark. Zoe is an environmentalist, home decorator and DIY enthusiast. When not obsessing about designing perfect homes, she is spending time with her family.

How To Be The Scariest House On The Street This Halloween

Most people think that Halloween is all about the kids.  We think it’s time to turn the tables and have a little scary fun!

This infographic will give you some great idea’s on how to scare your kids this Halloween!  It’s all in good fun 🙂  Enjoy!
How to scare your kids this Halloween
How to scare your kids this Halloween by Terrys Fabrics.

Global Energy Efficiency – Infographic

In recent years, managing and reducing energy usage has become a top goal of governments around the world.  It is evident that our planet’s natural resources are running out, and if we are to sustain a global economy and care for our planet, then we all need to be more energy-efficient. This will mean less money will be spent by home-owners, businesses, schools, etc., and enable the money saved to be spent on other import things, such as education, housing and healthcare.

Along with the potential cost saving and benefits for the economy, energy efficiency benefits the planet and our quality of life. Almost 200 hundred countries have signed The Paris Agreement and put targets and time-frames in place to help lower their energy consumption.

This infographic shows some of these targets, what they actually mean and how well the countries are doing in the fight against global warming. The infographic also offers some handy tips on how you can reduce your energy usage in your home and do your bit to make a conscious effort to lower your carbon footprint.

If you want to know what the UK has done, and is doing, to overcome energy consumption there is information included in the infographic too. Political agendas and government plans can be complex, so we’ve attempted to cut through the jargon to help you understand the importance of us all becoming more energy efficient to help save our precious planet.
”Global
Global Energy Efficiency by Fuel Fighter.

New Home Owner? 5 Ways to Winterize Your Home

The winter season is known as a time when harsh weather arrives in most locations. From high winds to heavy snowfall, the weather can wreak havoc on a residential building. To winterize your property and keep it safe, there are a few important steps to take.

New Home Owner? 5 Ways to Winterize Your Home

Ventilate Your Home’s Attic

Add fans in the attic and install a vent to allow cool air to circulate in the space, which will prevent ice dams from forming on the roof. The attic influences the temperature of the roofing materials and will reduce the risk of damage if it’s kept at a moderate temperature.

Cut Tree Branches

Raccoons, squirrels, and small critters often look for shelter on residential properties during the winter season. Prevent the animals from making a home on your roof by cutting back tree branches that provide access to the building. This will also protect the home from damage when heavy storms arrive, which can cause the branches to have contact with the roof.

5 Ways to Winterize Your Home

Seal Drafts on the Walls

Drafts can cause cool air to come into the home and will also allow heat to escape due to holes that have formed in the siding or walls of the building. Caulk the drafts to seal the cracks or holes to reduce your energy usage and keep your home comfortable.

Repair Your HVAC System

It’s important to ensure that your HVAC system is working well to ensure that it will heat your home during the winter months. Hire a professional like Doctor Fix-It to inspect the system and make any repairs that may be necessary. This will reduce the risk of the unit breaking in the middle of the night or during a snowstorm when you’re in need of heat.

Replace Missing Shingles or Tiles

One of the most common problems during the winter season are leaks that can develop in the wet climate. You can prevent water damage by replacing missing shingles or tiles on the roof. Hire a professional to inspect the structure and secure new materials with roofing cement that is applied onto the roof deck.

When you want to winterize your home and prepare it for the cold season ahead, there are several ways to get your property ready. By taking the right steps, you can feel comfortable spending plenty of time indoors and reduce the risk of damage to your home.

Upcycling Your Rug – Infographic

Creating something new out of something old or unwanted, referred to as Creative Reuse or Upcycling continues to gain popularity as people become more aware of unnecessary waste and the impact the waste has on the environment.

With so many places, such as Pinterest, available for inspirational ideas for upcycling here at The Rug Seller we delved into the minds of others, so to speak, and were amazed by the ingenuity of others. The infographic showcases some marvelous ideas for transforming old rugs into wonderful new things.

From fashion accessories to items for your pet and your home, there are so many options and ideas it makes no sense to simply discard an unwanted rug into the rubbish bin when you can make good use of it. Furthermore, reusing it means that it won’t be taken to landfill sites which is a great way to do your bit to help save the planet.

So, if you’re thinking of giving a rug a new lease of life take a look at the infographic below and be inspired to get creative. You’ve nothing to lose and potentially a lot to gain. Who knows you may even be inspired to think of other items around your home that you can upcycle and re-purpose rather than throw away.
 Upcycling Your Rug Infographic
Upcycling Your Rug Infographic by The Rug Seller

Big Challenges of Renovating an Old House – And How to Beat Them

house-renovation

There are two possible reasons for undertaking a venture such as this one: either you have finally made the decision to spruce up your old house and give it a new shine or you’ve decided to purchase a fixer upper. Whatever the reason, it seems as you have a great challenge ahead of you. While old houses do hold a certain type of charm to them, they’re also known to be quite demanding when it comes to renovations. Major remodeling projects can consume a fair amount of time and money, but they can also use up all your energy and patience as well. This being said, this simple guideline will take you through some of the biggest challenges and difficulties that might occur and offer you handy solutions on how to tackle them.

Challenge No.1 – Moisture

One of the biggest challenges that people face when undergoing a renovation of an old residence is the moisture build up. Presence of moisture is not only an unpleasant occurrence because of its appearance and scent, but also because it can cause some major issues later on. High humidity levels in the house can greatly damage the electronic appliances, create big structural issues, attract mould and insects and most importantly – damage your health. The best way to fix this problem is to find where it originated and seal the potential leak and control the humidity in the house with proper ventilation or even

how-to-take-care-of-your-house-pipes

installing a control humidifier.

Challenge No.2 – Electricity and Plumbing

Depending on how old the house is, it might be possible that the electrical and plumbing systems which were installed in the time it was built are now outdated. It also might be the case that the wiring and piping have deteriorated over the years and that they aren’t safe to use. This can lead to all kinds of fire and water related disasters. If you wish to avoid possible floods or combustions, it’d be wise to check the circuits, wiring and the pipes, fix any cracks you find or even replace everything with new installations. Replacing everything with new plumbing and electrical systems might be a costly investment, but nevertheless a wise one.

Challenge No.3 – Pests

Another common problem in old homes are various pest infestations. These tedious little creatures are known to find shelter in abandoned houses or homes that were uninhabited for a long period of time. A thorough inspection of the home will give you a clear insight whether the house is populated with rodents or perhaps insects such as ants, termites, cockroaches and other uninvited guests. If the home you’re remodeling has a dark attic, there even might be a possibility of some bats lurking by. And while some of these pests present just an unpleasant sight, don’t underestimate their ability to create a lot of damage around the household. Pest control services should be one of the priorities in big remodeling projects, regardless of how old the house actually is.

single-story-house

Challenge No.4 – Cracks in The Foundation

Keeping in mind the age of your house, it’s good to consider the state of the foundation. If it so happens that a house suffers certain cracks or faults in its foundation, it could cause some major structural issues. In some countries, people are obligated to make a detailed inspection of their home before moving in, so they’d be sure that the residence is safe to live in. That’s exactly why building inspection Sydney is one of the priority steps of all Sydneysiders who decide to purchase a new home or start remodeling their old one.

It’s important to keep in mind that these types of renovation projects almost never go without a decent amount of trouble and it’s best to be prepared for what awaits you. Although they require a lot of work, once you finally finish the project, you’ll be able to indulge in the savoury fruits of your labour. You can surely expect a few bumps in the road, but nothing that can’t be overpassed.

 

 

5 Reasons to Enhance the Exterior of Your Home This Autumn

5 Reasons to Enhance the Exterior of Your Home This Autumn

Summer gets all of the credit when it comes to the outdoors, and it’s no big surprise: everyone wants to soak up the sunshine as much as possible while it lasts. And, while some take the first falling leaf as a sign that it’s time to retreat indoors, you’re still on the outside looking in.

That’s because you know that your home needs a bit of a sprucing-up this fall before it’s too cold to get any work done on the exterior of your house. You’ve had your summer fun, so add one or more of the following five projects to your list so that your place looks its best — and so that you can relax when everyone else tackles home-update projects when the warmer weather returns.

  1. Repaint Your Front Door: One of the easiest ways to boost your home’s curb appeal and make a statement at the same time is to brush a fresh coat of paint onto your front door. You can pull some of fall’s most traditional hues — like red, orange, goldenrod or brown — to make your door both new and seasonally appropriate.

    If you’re feeling in a particular mood to paint, you can also brush a coat onto your home’s shutters. The result will be more uniform and even more fall-friendly if your colors match the changing of the season.

  2. Update Your Hardware: It’s amazing what a difference a little metal can make. Try it out on your own home by updating your home’s numbers, as well as your doorknobs, kick plates, etc. If you’re unsure which metallic finish goes best with your home’s exterior, buy a few from the store, hold them up and see which stands out just enough.

    You can even take time to update the hardware on your mailbox. And if you’re feeling extra ambitious, combine tips one and two: repaint your mailbox and give it a new set of numbers. You’ll be amazed at what a difference that makes to the overall look of your home.

  3. Take Care of Your Plants: Summer’s flowers are probably starting to wilt. The hedges might be a bit overgrown, too. And, while it might seem like the perfect opportunity to let Mother Nature step in to take care of your garden, you should make a point to clean up your beds on your own.

    Depending on whether your plants are one-time or annual bloomers, you will need to either pull them up or trim them back for winter. Overgrown hedges will have to go, too. In completing this task, you’ll see that the entire front of your home looks cleaner and clearer. In other words, all eyes will be on the work that you’ve put in to spruce up your home’s exterior.

  4. Upgrade Your Garage: It’s not often that the garage door gets any attention when it comes to DIY projects, and why would it? It’s just there to open and close when your drive your car in and out, right?

Think again.

Your garage door can make more of a statement than it is right now if you choose to replace it with something with a bit more character. A rustic wooden door, for example, will give your home more of a custom, country feel. You might even find that a new garage door will save you on heating costs because they provide more effective insulation. There’s not much better than an upgrade that improves both function and looks.

  1. Add Outdoor Lighting: It’s no surprise that the sun begins to set a bit earlier when fall rolls around. Take advantage of the earlier nights by installing landscape lighting that highlights, for example, the pathway to your front door, the biggest tree in your yard or the curvature of your garden beds.

    The best news here is that you don’t have to install a complicated wiring system or rely on battery after battery to power your lighting system. Instead, you can purchase solar lights or another low-voltage option that requires little input from you to shed just the right amount of mood lighting.

5 Reasons to Enhance the Exterior of Your Home This Autumn

Fall In Love With Your Home

No matter which project(s) you decide to tackle, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll be pleased with the end result. And, with colder weather coming, you’ll be looking even more forward to driving up, seeing the refreshed façade of your house, and heading inside for a warm night with the ones you love.  

Guest post by:

Kacey MyaKacey is a lifestyle blogger for The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts.

https://twitter.com/kacey_mya

https://www.pinterest.com/kaceymya/

https://www.instagram.com/thedriftercollective/

 

 

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