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Creating a Home Office that will Turn Work into Pleasure

November 11, 2016adminDIY Projects, Home Improvement Tips, Home Organization TipsDIY projects, home improvement, home office, home organization, home trendsLeave a comment

Avoiding the stress of the morning commute and traffic jam, eating more homemade meals, staying in your pajamas all day – working from home has hundreds of advantages. But, having the power to design your working space as you wish must be the greatest perk of them all. From wall colour and carpeting to stationery – it’s all up to you so here are a few ideas on how to set up your home office to be as stimulative and productive as possible.

Set clear boundaries

As in war, in creating a home office you need to divide in order to conquer. If possible, use a spare room as an office space and make sure that that’s its only purpose. Pulling out a home office/guest room combo might be the best solution since guest rooms are not frequently used. If you don’t have the luxury and your home office is actually a corner in your living room, bedroom, or hallway, then try to separate it as much as possible. Corners make the perfect spots but you can improvise by building walls out of shelves or even curtains.

Remove all distractions

Once you pick a spot for your home office, you need to think thoroughly about what you’re going to keep in it. A computer and other gadgets you use for work are fine, but avoid putting a big screen TV or game consoles in your working space. Even office clutter such as printers and files can be distracting so make sure you put them away, as well. Another good idea is to install a coffee making station somewhere in the room – so you won’t have to go to the kitchen for a refill and be tempted to procrastinate.

Take good care of your back

Working from home means sitting a lot so it’s a good idea to invest in a high-quality chair to support your back. You’ll want an ergonomic chair but make sure it suits your body dimensions and the tasks you’re performing each day, advise the guys behind Ideal Furniture. The optimal seat is about one-quarter of the body height, but that depends on your proportions. Your computer screen should be at eye level or a little bit below and your feet should rest firmly on the floor. Don’t take this for granted and your spine will be thankful.

Light it properly

Numerous studies showed that natural light has a huge impact on the worker’s productivity – it’s connected to our circadian rhythm and the fact that exposure to light turns on our internal clocks. If you’re lucky enough to have a spare room for your office then you’ll probably have a nice window where you can position your desk. Otherwise, investing in lamps is a must. Focused lighting can serve as an addition to daylight, or it can light up your whole office. Table or floor lamp – it’s up to you, just make sure it has a nice glow and an interesting design to keep you inspired.

Make it personal

After all, it is your working space so you’ll want it to have your name and taste written all over it. Use the colours you find soothing, but energizing, but don’t leave the walls empty. You’ll need some storage space so cabinets and shelves are a must. Besides, hanging motivational posters or photos of your friends and family can help you keep going, too. Greenery is always a nice addition and will help you breathe cleaner air while you work. Also, remove all excessive clutter since it can distract you. For starters, opt for a laptop instead of a big desktop computer to maximize your space.

Creating a home office can be a lot of fun as long as you’re not doing it as an excuse to procrastinate. Finish your tasks and then start tinkering – soon you’ll create a place where you’ll actually fall in love with your job.

5 Easy Ways To Breathe Some New Life Into Your Home

November 9, 2016adminDIY Projects, Home Improvement TipsDIY projects, home decor, home trends, interior designLeave a comment

You’ve probably grown tired of how your house looks and feels after years of living in it, but probably don’t have the time or the finances to embark on a complete renovation. Fortunately, there are numerous things you can do around the house and ways to embellish the existing furniture without having to pay a contractor and most of them can be accomplished during the weekend. Just make sure you don’t get carried away and try to go overboard with your work, just because something is old does not mean it needs to be fixed.

1. Do a thorough clean up

You might not realize this, but a clean house always has that fresh scent to it. This is accomplished simply by keeping it clean, as most cleaning products have a great smell, especially those for cleaning wood. Grab the mop and with some elbow-grease, your home will smell good and feel even better. Just make sure to pay extra attention to baseboards, light switches, and door frames. These are often overlooked when cleaning the house, but can all be cleaned easily with a simple damp cloth.

2. Move the furniture around

This may seem counterintuitive, but simply rearranging the furniture can add much-needed vigor to your home. For living rooms, try to add a small coffee table between the couches, this adds a level of intimacy when you have guests and when it comes to bedrooms, keep it simple with only the bare essentials including a decent bed, a few night-tables, and light fixtures. If you’re still unsatisfied after moving everything, then try adding artwork such as painting and sculptures around the house.

3. Add some greenery

People often update their living spaces due to seasonal and changes in weather. If you’re one of those people, then you might consider getting a plant. Whether it’s a bouquet of flowers fresh from the market or a simple room plant, greenery adds life and much-needed freshness to a room, especially during the summer. If taking care of a plant seems too much of a hassle for you or you need something more permanent, then you might consider getting an artificial plant. They might not be the real thing, but require very little attention and last for a long time.

4. Apply a fresh coat of paint

If you’ve ever looked at a room and realized it feels a little dated or worn out, then you’d be surprised what a fresh coat of paint can do. Adding a new color to a room can bring out the existing features that may have been overpowered by the old paint scheme. Most people can manage doing some light painting, but when it comes to doing paint job on the entire house, Painters Sydney recommend you contact the experts, as it requires a lot of precision and not everybody is comfortable or skillful enough with using a roller or a paintbrush.

5. Change the lighting

Lighting is what gives a room ambiance and atmosphere. Adding lamps and candles makes space feel warmer and cozier and white light may be excellent for reading, but it’s hard on the eyes after a while. Changing window treatments can be a neat way of controlling the amount of light getting into the house. Use thick curtains to block most of the light and add intimacy or use thin, transparent ones to add life and freshness during the summer.

A room can seem a little boring and flat after living in for some time, but adding different textures, cleaning it up a bit and adding different colors and textures can spring it right back to life in no time. Invest in plants and artwork if you wish to add more color or get a lamp and play with window treatments to change the amount of light coming into the room. Adding life to your home doesn’t necessarily include hiring a contractor, but have in mind that you can’t do everything by yourself.

Author Bio:

Ian Pearson is a a DIY and tech enthusiast from Sydney, trying to accomplish himself in blogging. Sydney Painters are among the firms he got to know and work with.

How to Use Mirrors for More Light and Style

November 7, 2016adminHome Decor, Interior Designdecorating, DIY projects, home decor, home trends, interior designLeave a comment

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

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

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

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

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 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

November 4, 2016adminHome Improvement Tips, Kitchen Remodeling, kitchen renovationshome remodeling, home trends, kitchen remodeling, kitchensLeave a comment

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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

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Carpets: A Source of Pollution in Our Homes?

November 2, 2016adminHome Maintenance, infographicDIY projects, health, home maintenance, infographicLeave a comment

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.

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?

October 31, 2016adminBasement renovation, Home Improvement Tips, Home Maintenancebasement, basement renovation, home improvement, home maintenance, home remodelingLeave a comment

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.

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.

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

October 28, 2016adminHolidays, infographicHolidays, infographicLeave a comment

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 by Terrys Fabrics.

Global Energy Efficiency – Infographic

October 28, 2016adminEnergy Efficiency, infographicenergy efficient, infographicLeave a comment

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 Energy Efficiency by Fuel Fighter.

New Home Owner? 5 Ways to Winterize Your Home

October 26, 2016adminHome Improvement Tips, Home Maintenance, Winter Tipshome improvement, home maintenance, winterLeave a comment

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.

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.

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

October 24, 2016adminDIY Projects, Green Living, infographicDIY projects, green living, infographicLeave a comment

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 by The Rug Seller

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