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How to Avoid a Costly Plumbing Disaster

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PlumberCaring for your home’s plumbing system is essential to preventing floods and other disasters. Many homeowners fail to clean their pipes regularly and others are not sure how to care for their plumbing system. If you want to avoid a costly plumbing disaster, you need to know how to prevent issues from happening. Here are some great tips to help you get started in caring for your home’s plumbing system.

Throw it Away

Too many people use the garbage disposal like a garbage can. Instead of overusing your garbage disposal and letting all your food bits go down the drain, throw them in the trash. Never dump grease down the drain because it will gradually clog up the pipe. Use a drain cover on your shower to reduce the amount of hair and other things that could go down the drain. Preventing clogs from hair and food particles is one of the easier things a homeowner can do to keep a plumbing system working.

Clean the Drain

How often do you find yourself cleaning out your drain? If you aren’t cleaning the drains with basic baking soda and vinegar at least once a month, grease, soap, hair, and other things will start to build up in the drainage system. It helps to clean out the drains at least once a month to keep pipes flowing. Chemical drain cleaners can work effectively on tough clogs and do a great job at keeping the drains clean. Just know that harsh chemicals can erode the pipes in older homes. Hiring a professional at least once a year to perform hydro-jetting services is a great way to keep the pipes nice and clean.

Fix the Issues

No matter how new your home is, there are some common plumbing issues that everyone needs to watch out for. An overflowing toilet is a concern that can cause serious water damage. Use a toilet plunger to help move the blockage out of the toilet line. A toilet auger can work effectively if the plunger is unable to fix the clog. Hire a professional if you are still unable to get the toilet to flush properly. If you have a simple issue like a leaky faucet or an odd-sounding dishwasher or disposal, have them repaired. These little odd noises and issues are usually the warning signs of serious problems. Repairing a small problem early on will help you avoid flooding and other serious disasters.

Inspect the Pipes

The cold winter weather can take its toll on many plumbing systems so it’s important to insulate your pipes. Always insulate pipes that are in areas where it is difficult for the heating system to supply hot air. Garages, crawl spaces, and basements tend to have the majority of issues especially burst pipes. Keep a slow drip on one of your faucets in the winter so water is always moving through the line. Open doors to rooms that do not have heater outlets so the pipes can stay warmer. If you have a pipe leaking, contact a professional plumbing agency to come and replace it.

This article was written by Dillon Pentz, a home renovator, freelance blogger and DIY enthusiast. Dillon hopes to give people helpful information on home projects and recommends contacting a professional like those at Southern Plumbing for your plumbing issues.

4 Home Renovation Projects You Can Tackle This Summer

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Summer is the best time to tackle home renovation and DIY projects. Some DIY projects will focus on maximizing your space or updating current spaces, and some projects will add to Backyard renovationyour property value. Below is a list of great ideas for DIY projects that you can tackle before the end of the summer.

Increase Your Energy Efficiency

  • Summer is the perfect time to invest in projects that will improve your energy efficiency. You can do this in multiple ways:
  •  Insulate – You can insulate your attic, basement, hot water pipes, and hot water heaters.
  •  Replace Doors and Windows – If your doors and windows are old or not properly sealed they will allow in cold drafts or warm air that will decrease your energy efficiency.
  • Replace Appliances – Replacing your washer, dryer, refrigerator, and heating and cooling units with energy efficient models will create upfront costs, but will save you money in the long run. These are only a few of the energy efficient appliance swaps you can make for your home.
  • Create More Shade -When you plant trees or bushes, add awnings or heat resistant shades, blinds, curtains, or screens. You will stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Landscaping and Gardening

The spring and summer months are the best time to add more landscaping or redesign your current landscaping. If you have been wanting to expand your garden, or dig a new one, summer is the best time to do it. It is also a good time to plant new greenery or install the rock garden or rock pathway you have always wanted.

You could also add areas in your front and back yard where your family can spend more time outside enjoying a swimming pool, volleyball net, playhouse, or tree house.

Clean Exterior Elements

During the summer you can brighten the exterior of your home by pressure washing the sides, the patio, the porch, and the decks. If your home is brick, you can fix cracks by tuck-pointing and doing general maintenance.

Summer is also a good time to repaint and refinish the exterior of your home, to replace window siding and shutters, and add external elements like window boxes.

Repurpose Your Attic or Basement

Basement converted to a gym_White PlainsIf you have a basement or attic that you use as a storage space, the summer is a great time to repurpose the space. While you may still need to use the space, you can add organizational tools and accessories and which may help downsize your need for storage.

Once you have reorganized your space consider if there are any other ways you can repurpose the space. If you would like to create a play room for the kids, an art studio, an office space, a rec room, a home gym, or a guest bedroom, start by insulating the space and finishing the floors.

All of the home renovations above will show the pride you take in your home. If you select a DIY renovation or two to take on each summer you will have a well-maintained home that will keep its property value and look beautiful from the inside out.

The author, Russel Hartline, is a home renovator and freelance blogger with years of experience with home and DIY projects. He hopes to inspire readers to take on new projects and currently recommends buying bulkhead material from a professional for your projects.

If you need assistance with any of these projects and you live in the Westchester, New York area, give us a call!  We’ll come out and provide you with a free in home estimate! Gary B.

How to Choose a Suitable Material for New Home Floors

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We’ve all seen and heard it before: finding a suitable material for new home floors can be really daunting with all the products and materials you can choose from. Most homeowners are often wondering what exactly is the best choice and what are the things one should consider when deciding which material would go well with his or her new home.

There are several things you need to know to be able to choose a suitable material for your new home floors. First of these things to know to make an informed choice is to know what are the flooring materials to choose from.

wood based flooring

http://freshome.com/

First are the wood-based products:

 ●     Laminate Flooring. Laminate is one of the more popular flooring choices available. Some key characteristics like affordability, durability and variety make it a suitable material for new home floors. It’s a few layers of wood veneer with a highly detailed image of the material it tries to mimic – it can either be stone or wood and its also more resistant to moisture compared to typical woods.

 ●     Engineered Hardwood. As the name implies, it is still hardwood, at least in part. While engineered hardwood is still mostly hardwood, the boards or planks are reinforced to make it more stable – less prone to cupping, expansion and contraction and more resistant to water and moisture.

 wood based flooring options

http://www.home-style-choices.com/

 ●     Solid Hardwood. As the name implies this is pure hardwood flooring that adds value to the home. While it may cost more and may have a few changes from one season to another, solid hardwood is exceptionally warm and beautiful. They come in a great variety from the traditional oak and pine to the more exotic materials like tiger wood and teak. Given proper care however, solid hardwood flooring will more than likely outlast our lifetime.

 ●     Bamboo Flooring. Bamboo is a wood-based flooring material, however, bamboo is not a plant nor a tree but a grass that grows in most temperate parts of the world. It has various uses and while it may look fragile, it actually ranks high in the Janka Hardness Scale, above more common hardwoods.

 ●     Cork. Known for its versatility and durability, cork is also a wood-based flooring material though it is not sourced from timber but the bark of a live cork-oak tree. Like bamboo, it is hypoallergenic. It has a naturally occurring substance known as suberin that resists insects and decay.

 Then, there are the natural stones like marble, granite, travertine and slate.

stone flooring

http://www.homeharmonizing.com/

●     Granite. Granite is said to be one of the hardest materials around and is ranked second to diamonds. It comes in beautiful shades like blacks, greys, reds and even purples.

●     Marble. Smooth and versatile, marble has been used in sculptures and buildings even in the olden times because of its luxury and beauty. It may be used with a smoothened, glossy surface like most common marble flooring or with rough pores, naturally occurring in travertine tiles, which is closely related to marble.

●     Slate. While it may not have the equally regal appearance of both granite and marble, slate is also a popular favorite among natural stones because of its strong traction and non-slip surface properties.

Other versatile flooring choices are ceramic and porcelain tiles, carpets and carpet tiles. Vinyl comes in different forms like sheet, tiles and planks. If you want to be a little kinder to the environment then you might want to try linoleum flooring. Genuine linoleums are made from linseed oil and other natural materials.

Now that you’ve been acquainted with your choices, its time to think about the things you need to consider:

laminate flooring

http://www.buzzle.com/

1.    The property. If you’re renting, starting out or just plan to stay in that home for a certain number of years, then consider the material for your new home. Since floors can be costly, be sure to choose your materials well and where you can reap the benefits for the long-term. While natural stone and solid hardwood would add a significant amount to the property, also consider the location and size of the property as they help determine   property values. If you are in a home where you intend only to stay for a certain period of time, then consider cheaper alternatives like vinyl or laminate.

2.    The location. Consider the room in your new home where you plan to install a specific flooring material. Hardwoods or natural stone might work well in the living room, kitchen or dining area but they are not exactly the top choice for bedrooms or bathrooms (at least for hardwood). Cork is well suited for bedrooms, home offices and studies. On-, above-, or below-ground installation will determine which material is most suitable for your new home.

carpeting

http://home.howstuffworks.com/

3.    Style and lifestyle. There are a variety of flooring materials and, keep in mind that, each variety offers even more variety. Be sure to check out all the possible options you have as well as all the resources you can get your hands on. Also be mindful of the activities you intend to have in each area of your new home as traffic is a great factor for choosing how much wear and tear the floors in your new home can take.   

4.    Numbers. By this we mean calculating the area as well as the installation costs for each supplier and contractor who can offer a quote so you can be assured that you are getting the best value for your money. Speaking of best value, also check out forums and product reviews for the products that have made it in your shortlist.

Your floors will play a great part in having lots of good times at home either with friends and family or by yourself. The most suitable material has to be something that meets your budget, reflects your style and something that will keep up with your lifestyle so make sure you look at all the possible places for best ideas and deals.

About the Author

Bryan Vu is a home improvement blogger and community outreach associate for BuildDirect, a leading flooring and building materials provider online.

15 Blogs with Creative Ways to Reuse and Recycle Outgrown Nursery Furniture

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cribThe saying that that time flies is especially true when it relates to your children growing up. No matter how much you want them to, kids don’t stay in the baby stage forever, and before you know it you’ll find yourself with a slew of baby items that your toddler has outgrown. Once your child is no longer in the baby stage you’ll have to find something to do with all of these things, from changing tables to cribs to  other various odds and ends. Instead of tossing them, consider reusing and repurposing outgrown nursery items. These 15 blogs will show you how.

Changing Table

Changing tables don’t have to be used solely for that purpose. In fact, you can repurpose them into everything from drink carts for parties to craft stations for the kids. With the help of these five blog entries you’ll be able to repurpose your changing table into something you can continue to use.

Crib

You were likely over the moon excited about the prospect of becoming a parent when you bought your first crib, however, once your child has moved past the crib stage you have to find something to do with this now unnecessary piece of furniture. Many cribs can’t be re-sold due to changes in the models and because of evolving safety standards, so what do you do with it? Take a look at these five blog posts to find out how to transform your child’s crib into something new.

  • Repurposing Old Items to Save Money There are several ideas on this post you can use to transform your crib into a functional piece of furniture.
  • The Other Three Benches Revealed! Take a look at the pictures of how this blogger took a crib and turned it into a one-of-a-kind bench.
  • Repurposed Cot This blogger couldn’t stand the idea of completely changing the crib into something else, so she made it into a desk that can be turned back into a crib if the need arises.
  • Crib to Chalkboard Easel Tutorial Take the headboard and footboard of a crib, paint it, then hinge it together to make a chalkboard easel.
  • $2 Magazine Rack! By using the frame that holds the box spring and mattresses you can make an inexpensive magazine rack.

Odds and Ends            

When you have kids you quickly find that there are all sorts of odds and ends that your kids outgrow over time. Take a look at these five blog articles to learn how to transform just about everything into something new and useful again, from an old high chair to a child’s play set and even some old dresser drawers.

Kaitlyn Johnson is a regular contributor for newborncare.com. She loves writing articles on baby care & parenting influences. Kindly check out the recent published article “http://www.newborncare.com/blog/15-blogs-with-creative-ways-to-reuse-and-recycle-outgrown-nursery-furniture/“.

Living With Less

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Living with lessModern American society is materialistic. People are frequently judged not only by the things they own, but by their ability to buy more things. Simply put, we as a society like stuff.

Unfortunately, that’s not always healthy. TV and other media are full of stories of homes that are so full of material possessions that they are practically uninhabitable. Most people aren’t this far gone but could certainly stand to live with less than what they think they need. A challenging economy has led people to compromise over what they should and shouldn’t own, and many younger Americans are now living minimalist lifestyles.

Maybe you don’t need to get rid of all of your possessions and live in a tiny studio apartment, but you would probably enjoy a little less clutter. Here are some tips to help you live with less.

Get Rid of Your Desktop Computer

Computers have developed from their roots as a tool for programmers, accountants, writers and gamers to all-purpose media centers. People watch their favorite TV shows, read the news and chat with family and friends from computers. Technology has advanced to the point that even the most powerful devices come in book-sized, portable laptops. If you have a decent laptop, you don’t need anything else. If you have a desktop PC, consider trading it in for a laptop. You’ll save space and you might even find that you can use the laptop to replace your TV as well.

Use Minimal Furniture

You would be surprised at how little furniture you need if you live alone in a small apartment. Many people who live in studio apartments get by with a special unit that doubles as a window seat and a bed. All it takes is a roll-up mattress and some bedding. Add some compartments for storage and it could be all the furniture you need. Floor cushions also make for great places to sit if you have company. When it comes to furniture, plan large purchases around practical, daily demands, and find cheap, easy-to-store solutions for special occasions, like when family visits or friends come over.

Keep Minimal Clothing and Linens

When it comes to clothes, all you really need are seven versatile outfits, a hooded coat and some gloves. Keep a pair of sneakers, a pair of dress shoes and a pair of boots to make sure you have appropriate footwear for any occasion.

Your bathroom linen should consist of a few towels, a couple of washcloths and two kitchen towels. Consider keeping just enough linen so that you store as few pieces as possible. Have one set of sheets for your bed and one towel for your use, plus one or two guest towels. This will not only save space, it will force you to develop good laundry habits as well: you’ll have to wash your towel and hang it back up the moment it’s dirty instead of letting it sit around in a hamper while you use a spare one.

These are just a few tips that can help you enjoy a more minimalist lifestyle. If you’re still not convinced that you should live with less, consider the benefits that this lifestyle provides. Living with fewer possessions is less stressful, makes a home easier to clean and makes packing for moves much easier. Above all else, it will teach you to appreciate the things that you have and help you understand that it is entirely possible to live without giving into society’s materialism.

This article was contributed by Mike Gordon, recent college grad, tech nerd, and minimalist in the making. If you’re looking to de-clutter your life but aren’t quite ready to part with your possessions for good, Mike suggests to go and find self storage near your place of residence.

5 Creative Ways to Set a Mood in Your House

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Clean KitchenSetting a mood in your home or business is a great way to help friends or customers feel welcomed in your abode or commercial space. From adding colors in specific areas to brighten the atmosphere to arranging the furniture in your living room to help increase the energy flow through your house, there are many ways you can set a mood that will be beneficial to you and your visitors.

So if you are looking for a change of atmosphere in your home, here are a few ways you can set a mood in your house to make it feel like a home to everyone.

Focus on Feng Shui

Feng Shui, or ‘wind-water’, is an ancient Chinese practice that involves positioning objects, furniture, and even whole buildings to influence the flow of energy, or chi, through a specific structure. While its effectiveness has been debated, many supporters believe that modeling your rooms with feng shui in mind is a wonderful way to set a supportive and flowing mood through your house.

To design your rooms in the fashion of feng shui, imagine that the energy in your home is water, and think about how well it would flow through the rooms. If the water would flow circuitously through the rooms, pleasantly splashing everything it touched, then your feng shui is in line. If the water would be blocked immediately, or simply rush out the back door, you may want to do some reorganizing to help the flow of energy.

Colors on the Wall

Another fantastic way of setting a mood in your home is by adding specific colors that increase positive energy. But before you go splashing paint on your walls, think of how different colors affect individuals.

Red is known to affect mood strongly, but can also cause tension and irritability. Black may be slimming in clothing, but it induces sadness or temporary depression for some. Instead, add decorations that include greens, blues, and yellow: all colors that appear frequently in nature. Visitors coming in contact with these colors will immediately feel welcomed and nurtured.

Wood Looks Good

If you have space for decorations or sculptures in your home, consider adding a few to serve as a focal point or conversation piece, or simply to be icons that your visitors can admire as they traipse through your halls. But don’t just throw in whatever you see: think about how the materials of the sculptures will change the ambiance of the room.

While metal sculptures may look smooth and sleek, they add an unnecessarily cold feeling to any room and can end up making the space uninviting. Clay sculptures also demonstrate mastery of the trade by the artist, but have a worn look that can increase fatigue amongst the people in your home. Push these aside and opt for wood sculptures instead. Wood sculptures can carry the same smooth texture as metal ones, yet emit a warm natural feel that leaves admirers feeling comfortable and happy.

Set the Mood at Home

Setting a mood in your house is important if you want to create a positive air for your friends and guests. Try these simple steps to add a wonderful ambiance and have a house that truly feels like a home.

The author, Anthony Lepore, is a retired interior decorator, DIY aficionado and freelance blogger. Mr. Lepore has years of experience designing homes and gardens, and hopes to inspire readers to take on new home projects. He is currently working on a review of different types of outdoor accommodations and music for business.

Simple Hot Tub Troubleshooting Tips

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Hot TubIf you have a hot tub in your home or elsewhere, learning some simple troubleshooting and repair skills could go a long way in helping you save both time and money. Most of the costly repair works performed on machinery and electrical appliances could easily be avoided by conducting simple and regular maintenance work. It is important to learn what you should do in case you experience any form of ineffectiveness on your hot tub cover, water leakage, heating hitches as well as clogged and dirty filters. Below are some of the common problems you are likely to encounter with your spa and how best to troubleshoot them.

Hot tub taking too long to heat

In case of any heating problems, the first place to check should be the filters. Clogged and dirty filters can be ineffective when it comes to the clearing of impurities and this will eventually mean that the heating cycle is reduced due to poor filtration. You can solve the filter problems by carrying out a simple cleaning procedure or replace the aging filters with new and effective filter cartridges. If you replace them, make sure that the selected cartridges are of high quality for maximized effectiveness. It is advisable that any hot tub parts you buy for replacing the old ones should be branded as this will help guarantee durability, effectiveness and reliability. If the problem doesn’t end after checking the filters, look at the thermostat or the cover insulation.

Poor water quality

Your hot tub water should be clear and clean. However, it is possible to experience a situation where the water looks cloudy. This could be as a result of chemical imbalance or dysfunctional filters. Check the chemical levels and add the necessary ones to either adjust the PH up or downwards. You should avoid the usage of excess amounts of chemicals as this could cause rashes and skin allergies.

When the hot tub is not heating at all

Apart from slow or poor hot tub heating problem, it is possible to experience a situation whereby the water is not heating at all. This could be caused by factors such as poor insulation, or simply the thermostat being off. You should check these two and if the power is turned on, make sure that the motor is functioning. If all your troubleshooting efforts fail, call in a professional.

Frequent damage to the filters

A spa can easily bring you stress especially if it requires frequent filter replacement. If you clean your filters regularly and they do not serve you as they should and for a prolonged period of time, it could be that they are of low quality. You should consider replacing the existing parts with new ones, but make sure that that the new ones have advanced features to help enhance the filtration process.

These and many other simple repair and troubleshooting procedures will help reduce breakdown rate and thus save you money and time. Your hot tub should not cause stress. Don’t be in a rush to call a repair professional before checking out the different components as aforementioned.

Author About:

Jacqueline Mya is the author of this article who loves to write on Hot Tub Service Raleigh. If you would like to find out more information about Hot Tub Service Raleigh you could go to risingsunpools.com. Here I found some helpful information while writing this article.

If you own a hot tub and are experiencing problems, we hope you find this article helpful! ~Gary B.

Tips For Staying Cool This Summer

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summer diy projects

Homeowners who enjoy taking care of minor DIY projects around the house are often stymied in the summer. For families who take an active role in their homes upkeep, summer brings along with it an intense heat that can be difficult to manage.  However, there are solutions to this issue that have been designed by others with similar concerns. With the following tips in mind, homeowners who want to work on some light home improvement projects no longer have to give up because of the heat.

Find Those Pulse Points

This is a straightforward solution that can be immediate relief for individuals. It revolves around the idea of cooling down your “pulse points”. These are areas where the heart beat can be felt as the blood is being pumped throughout the body. For example, the wrists are one such area that should be continuously cooled.

Why the pulse points? These are areas that have a significant impact on the heating and cooling of the body because of how close the blood runs to the surface. By cooling down these specific areas, the chances of persevering through the intense heat increases tenfold. How does one go about cooling these pulse points? Chill your pulse points by running cold water over your wrist for a minute or so. This is a simple solution to a conundrum that tends to perplex and frustrate many home owners and can be repeated as often as necessary.

Wear Light Clothing

The worst decision to ever make while working in the heat is to wear darker shades. The sun gets absorbed more readily by these colors and intensifies the heat. The best course of action is to put on lighter cotton clothing with a more tropical feel. Essentially, the goal should be to wear lighter colors that are made for the heat. These colors will not attract the sun and ensure the body is kept cool.

Stay Hydrated

It sounds obvious but it is frequently overlooked by homeowners working on home improvement projects. Water is a must in these situations as the body is losing fluid constantly through sweat. If the body starts showing signs of dehydration, the heat will worsen the situation. The body will not be able to produce an adequate amount of sweat to cool the body down.

Cool water can help provide short and long term relief. Make sure to drink plenty of water but make sure you don’t flush out all the electrolytes in your system. Snacking on some fruit or veggies during the day should help.

Implementing These Solutions

The solutions listed in this piece are easy to follow and should be implemented by all homeowners working on DIY projects in the heat. Home improvement is already a difficult task and the heat of the summer only makes it harder. If you’ll be working outside this summer, make sure to stay cool!

Guest author Jasmine Bosworth enjoys staying cool while taking care of pesky home projects. In hopes of making the interior of her home more comfortable this summer, she is currently pursuing a complete home window replacement with help from local contractors. 

5 Ways to Spice up Your Home Decor

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pillow
www.topanien.com

Are you bored with the look of the rooms in your home?  Would you like to spice things up a bit?  Here are some simple tips to update the look of anyone room in your home even if you’re working with a tight budget.

1. Put some decorative pillows in the rooms

Decorative pillows are a great way to express your personality and add a little something special to any room in your home.  Be adventurous!  Try different colors, textures and patterns. If the pillows you fell in love with at the department store don’t quite thrill you when you get them home, simply return them and try again.  Most department stores have great sales on decorative pillows making them a terrific choice for updating any room in your home.

2. Change the paintings on the walls

If your old paintings have been hanging on the walls for years, then it is high time you change them with some new ones! The walls of your home are a wonderful place where you can express your personality and show off your imagination.

3. Be a little eccentric

Try to be a little more unconventional when it comes to home decoration and interior design. Interior design trends are constantly changing so don’t worry too much about adhering to any strict rules.

For example, try to mix modern art with more traditional furnishing and decorations. One idea is to put a modern flat screen TV in a living room that is furnished in a classical style and add a couple of paintings with floral motives around the TV to create the necessary balance.

4. Stickers here, stickers there, stickers everywhere

The easiest way to hide an ugly spot on the walls without painting the whole wall is to use some decorative wall stickers. This is not only very easy and effort-free, but it is also inexpensive. Decorative stickers are the perfect way to make your home different, especially if you want to add an artistic and more urban touch here and there.

5. Change the night lamp

Your bedroom is one of the most intimate and important places in your home. Something as simple as changing your night lights can make the room more comfortable and bring a sense of piece and calmness.

Author Bio: July Minor is blogger and writer that loves home improvement. She owns a small company that provides one off cleaning Belgravia in London, UK. July loves to spend her free time sharing her decorating ideas with her readers.

How to Turn Your House into an Elegant Home

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Organize Your Home With DeclutteringCreating a beautiful and timeless look in a home shouldn’t require a herculean amount of effort if a few basic principles are followed. There are many ways to dress up a room, but none will be as aesthetically pleasing or serene as including a timeless design in a home. If you want to achieve an elegant look to your room or home, here are some tips to follow:

Minimize the Excess Clutter

If you have a small space, you may have rooms that do double duty, but keeping the room uncluttered and free of unnecessary objects is a way to ensure the space does not become overwhelming. If your office doubles as a spare guest room, then a good way to ensure elegance is to use an armoire or cabinet that doubles as your desk space to keep unwanted papers and clutter out of sight when a guest is using the room.

Choose a Focal Point

Whether it’s an original or vintage piece of art or a stunning mirror, each room in your home should have a focal point. A fireplace, fountain, or large portrait will set the tone of the room and give you the ability to decorate around your focal point.

Choose a Color Scheme

Your color scheme is a reflection of who you are as well as your tastes. If you’re attempting to create serenity and elegance, a muted or lighter shade may be the key to achieving this look. However, if you’re more interested in bolder colors with a slight flare for the dramatic, a darker color is the way to go. Additionally, once you’ve chosen a color scheme, all of the furnishings in the room should adhere to this scheme.

Keep It Neat and Tidy

Modern KitchenNothing can ruin an elegant home faster than uncleanliness and disarray. If you’re not the neatest person in the world, a slight investment in weekly housekeeping, or cajoling your children into helping you keep up with the clutter, may be necessary. Cleanliness is one of the main keys to giving off an air of sophistication in your home. Keeping your counter tops clear, your bookshelves dusted, and your windows sparkling shows that you have pride in your home and enjoy keeping it well maintained.

Keep Cords and Wires Out of Sight

Much like keeping your home neat and tidy, keeping unsightly cords out of the way is a must. There are many ways to do this and a visit to your local home-improvement store could easily elicit some ideas that are inexpensive and easy to do. You may want to invest in a power strip to concentrate all power cords in one area, and mask this with a potted plant or side table.

Consider Cohesiveness

If the inside of your home is a calm oasis, the outside of your home should reflect those same inviting qualities. Invest a weekend into trimming the hedges, cutting the grass, painting the siding, or planting shrubs and flowers. Creating a unique theme between the inside and outside of your house can be a great way to add balance to your home. The inside of your home is where you’re going to spend most of your time—but creating an overall picture of elegance starts from the curb.

This article was written by Kevin Law, a freelance blogger and retired home contractor. When Kevin doesn’t have his hands dirty in a home renovation project, he hopes to provide helpful insight into DIY home projects, and is currently looking into adding a fixture from Fathom Fountains.

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