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Make Your Windows Contrasting With Designer Plantation Shutters

The Modern world is all about customization’s and modifications. This is quite evident from the designs of several utility articles that are being used by people in their day to day lives. One such prominent combination of elegant design and utility features are Plantation Shutters that are available in the markets for windows. These shutters have gained immense popularity in the recent years, and these are gradually replacing the conventional coverings of the windows. Their higher demands in the markets are making the manufacturers bring shutters in several distinguished designs with amazing features.

plantation shutters

Benefits of installing Plantation Shutters in homes

There are ample numbers of convincing reasons that move people to choose Plantation shutters for their windows, rather than other materials to cover. These distinguished reasons are as follows:

  • They are considered to be the most elegant and designer coverings for the windows, which fulfill all the basic criteria of excellent quality standards.
  • They provide higher standards of privacy in comparison to the normal window covers.
  • Their maintenance is simple and low costing.
  • These types of shutters are available in the markets at the most affordable and genuine prices which are much less when we compare it with the benefits which the customers receive in return.
  • Since these Plantation Shutters are made from excellent quality of wood, they are much more durable and long lasting.
  • They provide higher levels of safety and protection for the residents of the house.
  • They can be customized as per the individual requirements of the distinguished families, and are ideal to fit within their constraints of budget and space.
  • They are ideal to fit within every corner of the house such as kitchen windows, living room windows, bedroom windows etc.
  • Plantation Shutters are a replacement to the traditional shutters, because they have wider louvers in comparison to the conventional ones, and hence are more useful.

plantation-shutters

Guidelines to be followed while installing Plantation Shutters in the home

Although there are numerous vendors available in the markets claiming to provide amazing quality of Plantation shutters for the windows. But the outcomes are not always in favor of the customers, and often turn out to be different from the expectations. Hence, it is very important for a potential customer, to keep a few things in mind before getting the Plantation shutters installed. These key points are as follows:

  • It is very important to determine the exact size and dimension of the shutters in accordance to the window frames where they need to be installed.
  • It is equally important to make a proper selection of the hardware or the material for the shutters, which could resist air, dust particles and sun light.
  • The design and style of the Plantation shutter is another important fact that should be considered before making any choice. The chosen design should match with the existing designs of the window frames, and should look contrasting.
  • The colour of the shutter should be chosen by keeping all the internal and external factors in mind. These factors include changing weather conditions, wall colors of the interiors and exteriors of the house etc.
  • Finding skilled technicians for fitting the Plantation shutters is another challenging task which is often faced by the clients. It is important to choose a technician who possesses all the mandatory technical expertise of the field.
  • A firm market research with the reviews of customer feedbacks often helps in filtering the best quality of products and services, from the available crowds. 

Hence, if chosen in the right manner these Plantation Shutters can prove to be the true investments for a family which can surely uplift their standards of living.

Author Bio: I am Molly Crowe, a professional writer and blogger share guide about home improvement ideas, interior design, and home remodelling giving expert advice, information and tips.

 

 

Install the Security Roller Shutters in Your Home to Ensure Perfect Domestic Safety

The need to protect you from the weather and unwanted intruders demands the requirement of a secured shutter. The modern and contemporary style of the roller shutters has an aesthetic and pleasing look. They add a significant and long-term value to the benefits of your home. The materials that are used are undoubtedly of high quality. There are different varieties of security roller shutters that are available in the online portals, and you can choose from different colors, shapes and designs that fit well into every type of window.

security roller shutters

What are the basic features of security roller shutters?

  • The security shutters offer a tremendous defense system along with an effective visual deterrent. It is an overall protection and security from potential home break-ins. The automatic locking system of the roller shutter proves to be the perfect barrier against any type of intrusions forcibly inside the house.
  • The roller shutters are made with a thick wall of insulation that helps to keep out the scorching heat during summers. The best part is that, you can save a lot on your energy bills if you install the security roller shutters, as they provide enough insulation both during the summers and winters.

Roller Shutters Melbourne

They restrain any invasion to your privacy, and also provide complete noise insulation:

  • The modern way to manufacture the shutters includes laboratory testing for noise transmission. The noise transmission is reduced up to 50% through the window. The shutters are insulated and so it gives ultimate protection from noise like traffic, airplanes, dogs and other unwanted noises. The materials that are used to manufacture the shutters being of high quality will never rattle in high winds or rain and hail. The aluminium is tough therefore protects the home from the branches that fall from trees. The flying debris due to strong winds and broken glass due to storms are prevented to damage the house.
  • The roller shutters are quality tested and so one will not face any problem with the installation. Instead the house is protected from the deadliest heat damage that is bushfires. Thus they do not fail to maintain their integrity and is operable even at the peak levels of exposure.
  • The modern day roller shutters are a security for the household against sun and the harmful UV rays. The interiors and the furnishings of the house are protected from the UV exposure. If the security roller shutters are made of durable items, then they can also enhance the resale value of your home, to a great extent.

Security-shutters-for-windows

What is automatic roller shutter?

  • Those shutters that are fixed with electric motor are known as automatic roller shutters. They are different and are easy to use and much more comfortable as compared to the other shutters.
  • The doors and the windows can be opened and closed just with the touch of a button. You can do this even from a distance and when set they can automatically open and close at specified times following the temperatures.
  • The motor is placed on the head of the shutter so that it cannot be seen. The motors do not produce any noise thus operates in a quiet and discreet manner.
  • You can find various options while choosing from control types. The controls are of various types like the master control, group control and these security roller shutters are available as both wire control and wireless varieties.

The light is controlled and adjusted as desired. The control is in your hands and if set will operate automatically. The homes that have theatres are highly benefited with these automatic roller shutters. The quality is incomparable hence it is very much needed in premises with high risks.

How to Make the Most Out of Your Small Bathroom

how to make the most out of a small bathroom

They say good things come in small packages. This is often true for well decorated and functional bathrooms. What you need to ask yourself is: Is this true for my bathroom? There are many different tricks of making your small bathroom appear bigger, either through some illusions or by compromising with yourself and downsizing some elements. Here are some of the best ways of enlarging your bathroom on the budget and making it more comfortable.

Soft Color Schemes

Colors are the best way of playing tricks. If you use too dark colors, the space becomes smaller and tighter, but if you opt for soft, neutral and pastel hues your bathroom will open up. Repaint the walls in some soft hues of pink, beige, blue or green, but if you still want some details to pop and refresh your bathroom, add some bold colored towels, shelves, hooks and other accessories.

Ditch the Big Sinkbathroom sink

Big vanity sinks, with lots of compartments, sure look great and can offer plenty of storage, but in the small bathroom these only close up the space. You should think twice before choosing the sink, and in order to save up some space and visually enlarge the bathroom you should opt for pedestal or wall-mounted sinks. Both of these alternatives can look gorgeous if you choose the right design, and according to experienced plumber from Guildford, these are much easier to maintain and can easily be installed in corners of your bathroom.

Big Mirrors

Another handy illusion of creating a bigger space is done with mirrors. It is logical that your bathroom will have a mirror, but for a better illusion you will need a big one. For a wider look of the space, you should buy a mirror as big as possible and it should be flat. Additionally, you can choose a framed mirror and introduce more depth in your bathroom.

Opt for Smaller Fixtures

Generally, you cannot place something that is huge into a small place. And even though a bathtub can fit into your bathroom, think about it first. Do you really need it? Also, big sinks that look like bathtubs are elegant and spacious, but once again, you probably do not need all that sink space. So, choose your fixtures wisely; if you do not spend too much time in the bathroom, than you will probably be satisfied with just a comfy shower, small sink and a toilet. Use the rest of the space for other appliances and decorations that will open up the space and make your bathroom more enjoyable and clean.

bathroom fixtures

Hang Spice Racks

Placing bulky storage in a small bathroom can only cause clutter. To open up the space you should find alternative storages, such as spice racks, for example. These narrow but useful racks are suitable for storing practically anything in your bathroom. You can hang a couple of them besides the shower and store all the lotions and shampoos; you can place them above the sink and always have your hair and beauty products at hand; or even place them in cabinets for clearing more clutter out of the bathroom surfaces. Possibilities are endless with these handy racks, and you can even color code or decorate them to fit the rest of the design.

You do not have to feel claustrophobic as soon as you enter your bathroom. Make it airy and spacious with these simple tricks, and you will enjoy your daily routines and grooming even more.

Design a Beautiful Wine Cellar for Your Home

design a beautiful wine cellar

Nothing speaks of extravagance and luxury of a home more than its wine cellar. Reasons behind this are numerous and they are all equally persuading. First and foremost, you get your own supply of wine composed of your own handpicked vintages. Second, you get something to boast about to your household visitors and last, but not the least important, it significantly boosts your home’s property value. Even though having a wine cellar seems so alluring, making this dream come to life is far from easy and most people wouldn’t even know where to start. For this reason alone, here are some tips and tricks.

Room Selection

There is no law against putting your wine cellar anywhere in the house, but it is most practical if you find the coolest and most humid place in your home to fit this purpose.

wine cellar

As you can see, you will first have to learn how to store wine, since knowing how to enjoy it is obviously not enough on its own. On the contrary, maintenance alone in terms of cooling units and adequate insulation will on their own cost an arm and a leg. This is why most people go with the basement in the first place.

Additional Construction

Regardless of how adequate your room may seem; you will have to put in some additional effort to transform it into a genuine wine cellar. First you will have to install studs, soffits and add some rough in refrigeration to the room. Now, this can be quite expensive as a construction, but if you have a contractor friend and you help out when it comes to rough works, all of this can cost next to nothing. After all, the materials alone are quite cheap, so your only major expense will be in case of adding refrigeration. When you finish with these initial layers, you can do the insulation and cover the walls up.

Furnishing Your Cellar

Here, you will have the chance to express your inner designer since furnishing your room the proper way requires a lot of finesse. You will first have to choose suitable wine cupboards and here you can go for anything from vintage (pun intended) to contemporary.

wine cellar cupboards

After this, you can dedicate yourself to details such as cellar doors, flooring and ceiling. Just remember that you will bring people in for your wine exhibits, so you cannot afford to be reckless with its design. Finally, you can dedicate some time to choosing the perfect lighting system, but for the sake of your wine make sure to turn it off as soon as you leave the room. In fact, it might even be a good long term investment to get a motion sensor controlled system.

Supplying the Cellar

Finally, we come to the fun part. After all of the hard work is done, all you need to do is properly stock your newly built cellar. Some may believe that when you come to this point, everything works out on its own, but it is quite far from truth. The entire success of your cellar depends on how much are you willing to spend on wine, and by the time you get here your budget will probably already be stretched thin.

wine cellar wine

However, in a recent conversation with people behind successful bottle shops from Sydney it came to our attention that you don’t have to stock your cellar at once. This can be a gradual process (ever spanning over the course of several years) which can be quite light on your wallet.

As you can see, there are countless reasons why your home desperately needs a wine cellar and not a single reason against it. Sure, designing a wine cellar may be a bit more difficult that simply redecorating your living room, but it is also more rewarding. Although some believe that this luxury must cost an arm and a leg, it all depends on three things. How much are you willing to do on your own. How much are you willing to invest in the decoration itself and of course, how significant parts of your budget are you going to allocate to stocking it with wine.

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+.

Home Improvement: 7 Home Renovations to Consider for this Summer

home renovations

Some renovations can be completed year-round. Others are more affordable or convenient if you do them in the right season. Here are just a few ideas for great summertime home remodeling projects.

1. Light-Colored Roof

Heat is absorbed through dark colors, and this includes your roof. Warmer temperatures can travel right through your exterior walls and into your home. Replace your black tiles with white ones to reflect sunlight and keep your bricks from overheating.

2. Different Windows

If you’re tired of the morning light always hitting your windows in a blinding way, consider a shopping trip to somewhere like the Fischer Window and Door Store. New frames or glass might be just what you need to stop the glare. As a bonus, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh breezes from non-rusty, non-sticking windows.

3. New Driveway

It can be tricky to lay asphalt in the winter when everything is icy and frozen. If you want to repair or replace your driveway, do so during the summer months when the weather won’t be working against you.

4. Customized Deck

Relax in the sunshine on a brand-new, custom-built deck. It’s the season for it, so contractors and material suppliers should have plenty of deals to choose from, and you can take your time and build it right thanks to the increased number of daylight hours.

5. Sunroom

A sunroom is a great way to enjoy the outdoors without suffering all the bugs and humidity brought on by direct sunlight. Screens and windows can protect you from the worst of it without sacrificing your view outside. What’s more, you can convert your sunroom into a winter room when the weather changes!

6. Solar Power

You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on home renovations to be more eco-friendly. All it takes is a few photovoltaic panels on your roof to harness the sunlight of long summer days and improve your home’s sustainability with clean energy.

7. Fresh Landscaping

This is another task that can be almost impossible in cold weather. If you’ve been itching for your yard to thaw so you can mow your grass, plant a garden or sculpt your hedges, now is the time to make your visions a reality.

These are just a few ways to breathe new life into your home during the summer months. Whether you’re planning a full-scale renovation or just a few small changes to stave off the worst of the heat, a new season is a great time for change.

 

Smart Solutions for Garden Rainwater Storage

rainwater collection

There’s no denying the fact that owning a garden is a true blessing, but one that comes with certain responsibilities. Along with all the hard work needed for keeping it functional and presentable, it can require substantial funds and any savings that can be made without jeopardizing any important features should be taken into serious considerations, particularly if they provide long term effects. One of the biggest savings that can be made surely is maximizing the use of rainwater on the expense of tap one. Storage is the biggest concerns here and these smart solutions will make it both possible and convenient.

Initial concerns

rainwater collection barrelBefore you choose the most convenient storage solution, think about where you will be using the collected rainwater. If you plan to use a central container which will hold all the collected rainwater in one place, you will need to make sure that all your downpipes are connected and that the all rainwater ends up in one place. On the other hand, if you want to have rainwater on several locations, then a centralized collection system would be inadequate and several individual outlets would be a more convenient solution. Also, check online or at your local authorities whether you are entitled to a rebate for using rainwater.

Garbage bin

Let us start with the simplest and the cheapest possible solution that uses what everyone probably already has in their gardens, a garbage bin. Even if you do not own one, buying it at the local store will not cost much. Naturally, it needs to be watertight so check it thoroughly for any cracks or holes and fix them if needed. All you need more are rubber washers, a faucet, a suitable hose and a hose clamp. Attach the faucet close to the bottom of the bin using the washers and the hose clamp. Drill the hole on the top of the bin, cover it with fabric that will keep the residue and dirt out and place it under the matching downpipe.

Plastic containers

Using a second-hand plastic container is another affordable and efficient rainwater storage solution. They come in so many different shapes and sizes that everyone should be able to find a suitable one for their terrain specifics and needs. However, there is one important consideration. When you are in the process of choosing a suitable plastic container, make sure you opt for a food grade one. This guarantees that the rainwater collected will not change if stored for a long time and you will be able to use it whenever and wherever. The preparation and connection principle is similar to the garbage bin one explained in the previous paragraph.

Go pro

On the other hand, if you prefer professional approach and want to have the highest quality solution that will probably outlive you, modular baffled Rainwater_harvesting_tankcartage tanks deserve the top spot on the list of smart solutions. Made of lightweight shock and corrosion resistant polyethylene, they come in various sizes and capacities and are equipped with a scale that enables you to know level of liquid contained at all times. They are easy install and maintain and can even be linked together if a higher capacity is eventually needed. The same goes for one of those larger sprayers, which you can use both for storage and different spraying application.

Rain barrels

This is probably the first solution that comes to mind of the majority of people. And, this is not surprising, given the easiness of setup and use. Metal and plastic ones are equally used, the former being sturdier and more convenient for static use and the latter ones more practical for relocation. The biggest limitation is their capacity which is fairly easy to fill, but if you do not require too much rainwater on a regular basis everything else works to their advantage.

As you can see, there is rainwater storage solution for any requirement. Dedicate enough time to initial consideration and you will surely end up with the most convenient and long term affordable solution for you garden.

 

 

 

Tips To Add Good Feng Shui To Your Home

Most of us are familiar with the concepts of Feng Shui, but what does it really mean and how can it benefit you and your home?

The infographic below will explain and give you ideas of how to incorporate this principles of Feng Shui into your home!

Feng Shui for the Home - Infographic

Courtesy of:  http://www.halfprice.com.au/roller-shutters

Looking for Extra Storage Space? – Build a Backyard Cabin!

backyard cabin

No matter how much space in your household you have, there always seems to be some missing in order to squeeze in all the things you have recently purchased. What you should do is think about creating some extra storage space by building a cabin in your backyard. It is budget friendly too so you will not have to waste lots of money on it and in no time you will have the perfect place where you can store all your belongings that seem to take up quite a lot of space in the house.

Choose the location

Think about the perfect corner of your backyard to place the cabin. Consider the rest of the space you would like to have for other activities and do not place it in the center of it as it will not be functional at all. Pick out the right spot in the middle of a grass covered area and place your new project away from home.

backyard cabin size

Think about the size

Be rational when it comes to deciding what size your backyard cabin will be like. Do not overdo it, as you will create the opposite of what you need. You need to store extra items, not create a new house and stuff it with new things you are about to buy. You only need one room used for storing, do not question yourself about including a separate bathroom or other stuff. Remember, it is only a storage cabin. You will have to place your excess stuff out there and the only other thing you will need is rubbish removal. Be reasonable when dividing into “need” and “don’t need” piles.

backyard cabin plans

Off we go

Once you have made clear where and what you want your backyard cabin to be, lay out the concrete foundation pillars. Put main beams up and add subflooring. Frame up the walls. Do not forget to leave the openings for windows. You will definitely need to have some natural light coming into your new cabin to get that perfect combination of wood, greenery and sun all around it. If you are not a pro at construction works, choose a flat roof plan. It is easy to create so do not worry about doing it right by yourself. You will just need to provide two extra pillars on one of the sides just to make sure that you will provide drainage. Nail off the wall sheathings. Once you have sheathed the walls you will only need to put the doors and windows up and you are good to go!

Include your friends

Creating a backyard cabin can be a fun experience to include your family or friends. You will speed up the building and have some quality time together, so think about whom to call to bond over construction works.

Creating a backyard cabin is easier than you might actually think and it will give you the much needed extra storage space. Construct it with your friends at a perfect spot in your backyard surrounded with greenery and in no time you will have the place to put all your additional belongings!

 

How to Choose Bathroom Fixtures

Bathroom Makeover Ideas

Research shows that people spend an average of one and half years of their lives inside their bathrooms, men and women alike (for different purposes though). Whether it’s showering, grooming or obeying the fickle laws of Mother Nature, we all need our private time inside our restrooms. Which is why it makes sense to invest some time and care into making sure that this most private of all rooms is well equipped to handle one’s needs. Bathroom fixtures are the items that you’ll regularly come into contact with, so it’s best to choose them wisely and carefully integrate them into your design plans. Luckily, most bathrooms only require the following fixtures in order to be fully operational:

Showers

bathroom showerIf you’re the kind of person who prefers washing on the go, showers are a great choice. They’re often quite easy to install and don’t usually take up as much space as a bathtub. They also tend to consume less water by virtue of you spending less time inside them. Of course, there are a number of choices you’ll have to make when it comes to your showering experience. Some shower unites deliver water directly through the ceiling or the wall, eliminating showerheads altogether. Others focus on providing you with multiple types of experiences. You no longer only have the option of regulating water temperature, but also its intensity and even color. In this regard some showers are veritable art installations, with lighting and even music that can turn your average showering session into a true treat for the senses. A mélange of the newest designs and hi-tech is truly amazing.

Bathtubs

If you prefer spending your time encased in water rather than sprinkling it over your body, bathtubs can be a wonderful opportunity for rest and relaxation. Just like with showers, there are a myriad bathtub designs to choose from, from alcoves to drop-ins to whirlpool baths. Common building materials include acrylic, composite, gel-coated fiberglass and porcelain. But it’s the additional features that can drastically affect comfort levels. Simply fitting your bathtub with items like foot stops, grab bars and a backrest can make all the difference in the world. Picking the right one isn’t always easy though, so don’t be afraid to consult with a professional before you make your call.

Sinks

bathroom fixtures sinkThe sink is a focal point of the bathroom, yet it often receives the least notice of all main fixtures. Most people simply opt for a china white sink with or without a cabinet underneath, in shapes ranging from rectangular to oval. But there is also the option of going with the more modern-looking glass sink, which can be dropped in and undermounted, or installed with an integrated glass top. Pedestal style sinks can also save up a lot of space inside a bathroom, which is worth considering if you don’t have that much room to begin with. They can also serve as an inspiration for all sorts of innovative design ideas that will enrich your bathroom’s color palette and diversify its look.

 

Toilets

Toilets are available in a wide array of styles and colors, which can often seem almost maddening at first sight. But, like with all fixtures, it’s a good idea to make your choice based on the comfort level you’d like to experience while also taking into account the overall style of the bathroom itself. A goofy looking toilet might not fit in all that well with a vintage noir aesthetic, for example. You should also think about height. Toilets that are 16 to 18 inches high are most comfortable for adults, but households with children might want to buy ones that are several inches lower than that. Prices can also vary a lot, with many people failing to account for the additional expenses brought on by the installation process. Toilets are quite tricky to install and require a high degree of expertise in working with porcelain. That’s why you should always secure the services of a trustworthy craftsman and ask for his opinion before purchasing the toilet of your dreams.

Showerheads/Faucets

bathroom showerFinally, the items that disperse water into your bathroom might actually be the most important of all. Just one leaky faucet can lead to over 1,600 gallons of wasted water per year, racking up costs and causing unnecessary damage to the environment. Which is why you should always invest in good quality showerheads and faucets, and go with the eco-friendly, low-flow option whenever possible. Many showerheads, for example, are designed with great care to save water without sacrificing performance or causing a poor showering experience. So, if you have older faucets or showerheads, think about replacing them with newer models that are also much less prone to leakage.

That concludes my short guide on indispensable bathroom fixtures and how to choose the right ones for you. Of course, there are many more accessories you may want to include in order to have a more complete bathroom, from towel rails to soap dispensers and extra storage cabinets. But having your basic fixtures in place will make for a comfortable environment that you can use and enjoy right away.

 

Stylish Designs For Cat Lovers-Infographic

If you have cats in your home, you realize they actually run the home and you’re merely a guest!  You are no longer the King of your Castle…the cats are!  Here are some ideas to add functional items for kitty while maintaining a stylish look for their (your) home.
Stylish design for classy cats
Stylish design for classy cats by Terrys Fabrics.

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