Tools in Chaos? 5 Tips for Cleaning Your Handyman Mess

September 19, 2015adminDIY Projects, Home Organization TipsDIY projects, home improvement, home organizationLeave a comment

We’ve all been there: you begin to acquire more tools, and over time the workbench area becomes a nightmare of loose screws, random screwdriver fittings, and picture-frame hangers that you couldn’t pair with the right pictures if your life depended on it. This sort of chaos gets in the way when you need to make a quick repair to something around the house. Instead of fighting with it, try these methods of organizing your tools.

Get Rid of the Unnecessary

Start with the basics. Go through your tools and throw out anything you don’t need. There are often components from old projects, leftover cams, and other odds and ends that are taking up space and that will most likely never be used. Toss them out and free up a place to work.

Stackable Storage Bins

The next thing to do is start organizing things into bins, then stacking them atop one another. This helps to save space while still keeping everything easily accessible. The best sort of bins are those with open fronts that allow you to reach in without taking everything from the top, available from places like Quantum Storage. Of course, milk crates are always an option, too.

Get a Pegboard

Hanging a pegboard on your wall gives you plenty of space to hook tools. This way, all of your larger tools are presented in a way that lets you instantly see what you’re looking for without taking up much space. A pegboard can support a lot of weight, so it’s possible to hang drills, lawn tools, and more from it as long as you have the right connectors.

Use a Silverware Tray to Sort out Screws and Nails

Chances are, you’ll have a number of different screw and nail sizes, all with different heads. Separate these tools into separate, smaller containers. Nothing is worse than spending ten minutes looking for the right screw because they’re all in one jumbled mess. It’s better to gather all the tools for a project ahead of time, and doing this helps keep them separate.

Organizing the tools you use often will make life much easier and save a lot of time when those small, day-to-day projects pop up. These are just a few ways of doing so, but there are countless methods to organizing, and some people have even come up with truly ingenious ways to keep themselves sane. As with anything, it’s best to start with baby steps—get a few of your tools organized and work from there.

Guest post courtesy of:

Anica Oaks

Freelance writer and web enthusiast
Read some of my published work on my Google+ page.

How to Make Your Home Office Work for You

September 12, 2015adminHome Improvement Tips, Home Organization Tips, Interior DesignDIY projects, home improvement, home organization, home trends1 Comment

Working from home is the process which keeps evolving. More and more people confirm that it is the best and the most productive way of finishing your daily tasks. Having this in mind, those who decide for this kind of work will definitely have to make some changes in their bedroom or living room in order to create a home office. Here are several things one should do with the home office to make it work for you:

Image Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/nkeppol/5824776984/

Set the territory

Decide where you want to create your home office, and dedicate space to it, separating it from the rest of the house. Use this space for work and work only, and enter it only when duty calls. This way you will be more focused on your work and more efficient in completing your everyday tasks.

Arrange creatively

Your office is a crucial element in reaching success, and therefore boosting your creativity is very important. Invest in better lighting, decorate the walls with inspiring pictures and before you know it, your work will improve in quality and you won’t feel as tired as before. Also, having a picture of your family or pet can be a significant boost in hard times. That little emotional boost can be the difference between hitting the deadline and missing one. Also, add greenery to keep you inspired and happy at all times. Keep in mind not to exaggerate, and make your office look professional all the time.

Increase productivity

This is a key element in creating and improving your home office, and one has to take it seriously. The best home-offices are designed so that everything needed is within arm’s reach. This is definitely something to keep in mind, and apply immediately. Once you have everything you need right next to you, you will start saving time on every task. Seconds will turn into minutes, minutes into hours, and before you know it, you will have a lot more extra time to dedicate to some other tasks. Time is money, literally.

Image Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mkosut/2716945252/

Create a comfort zone

Comfort and free space are two main factors which affect the productivity of a home office. Having this in mind, spend some extra cash and get a more comfortable chair, preferably one with an ottoman for your feet. This will pay off in a long run. Feel free to check interesting In One Projects’s office designs that are being known as one of the best. Also, consider adding a coffee machine and a small table for it. Lamps are a great addition in creating a comfort zone, so make sure you spend some extra time on getting one. Put everything exactly where you want it to be, and enjoy your working hours.

Keep your tech updated

Your best accomplice is your tech, so make sure to keep it up to date and improve it on every occasion. If you are one of those who still hold on to their old gadgets and devices, just because they’re still working, you are doing it wrong. Don’t get over-attached to tech, and replace it whenever you can, with a better and never model. Keeping a step with a technological advancement can be a game changer.

Image Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/lovemaegan/3570583545/

Choose the true colors

Keep your mind refreshed with the right combination of colors. Adding wallpapers is known to be inspiring, especially ones with bright colors reflecting nature. You can also paint the office in different colors, so that it provides additional creativity boost and relaxation.

Stock on supplies

The best thing to do is overstock. One can never have enough pencils, staplers, stamps, printing paper. Instead of leaving your office every now and then, get everything you need and stock it somewhere inside the office, so that the next time you run out of printing paper, you just open a drawer and take a fresh stack.

Author’s Bio: Lana Hawkins is a crafty girl and a food lover from Sydney, Australia. She studies architecture and loves writing about home décor. Most of her free time she loves spending outdoors, with her friends.

Pimp up your Study Space

August 28, 2015adminDIY Projects, Home Improvement Tips, Home Organization TipsDIY projects, home improvement, home organization, home trendsLeave a comment

Instead of being just a place of study and work, the study space in your home can become a truly inspiring environment where you can fully develop your potentials and creativity. The study atmosphere needs to tilt towards relaxed and forthcoming, even playful. In short, a study should include a supple desk space paired with comfortable chair, computer desk, drawer unit, open storage and functional lighting solutions.

Desk Area

The big desk should be the centerpiece of every study. The best position is against the wall so that the occupant is having the window on the opposite side of the hand they use. If the desk lacks in-built drawers, invest a movable drawer unit. They are convenient as their top surface can dub as a small table, or they can be anchored under the desk if their wheels are removed. The computer desk is best positioned in L shape to the work desk, so you can use the same chair to look something up before continuing your project.

Open Storage

Open storage is important as it provides easy access to materials, notes and books that are often used. Wall mounted honeycomb shelves can hold many items that will add a bit of personality to your study. A supple amount of storage means less of a mess and clutter.

If you are making a study for two people you can make a “mirror arrangement”, in which two desk areas will be separated with a cork board on both sides. These are immensely useful for posting up photos, timetables, notes and reminders.
This vertical surface can be complemented with a white peg board for hanging heavier items like a pair of pliers, scissors, plywood saw and a small hammer, whatever is needed for small DIY projects.

Lighting

A recent study has revealed the connection between lighting and creativity. Apparently, keeping the lighting low can help us generate creative ideas, while when we are concentrated on a particular problem, the lighting needs to be adjusted to keep us focused on the spot. Moreover, dim lit spaces make us feel free of constraints and trigger our explorative side. This means that your study has to have adaptable and adjustable lighting solutions, which means ceiling lights and a good task light. Browse online lighting shops to spark some ideas about what kind of table lamps and wall lights can be implemented in your overall study décor.

Colors

corkboard — Image Source: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/10-ways-to-update-decorate-a-cork-board-194875

The study room should be inviting and charged with positive energy to begin with. This should be reflected in the color scheme you will use. Combinations of colors like yellow and white, pink and blue, orange and light green, leave virtually no space for work-related stress to settle in. The good mood of the inspiring morning will linger around through the good part of the day.

Accessories

A complete and functional study can be further upgraded with color-accenting drapes, a natural fiber rug and even a comfortable sofa, for those situations when inspiration is best achieved in prone or supine position.

The point is to avoid the formal and compulsory office look, while investing in designs and furnishings that will motivate your creative side and make the long hours studying come as natural as breathing or listening to music.

9 Best Decorating Tips For Your Nursery

June 2, 2015adminDIY Projects, Home Improvement Tips, Home Organization Tips, Interior Designdecorating, DIY projects, home organization, remodeling tips1 Comment

When it is time to decorate a nursery or create one, most mothers or fathers comes up with many ideas on how to create the best appearance. No matter how you plan to improve the nursery, you should ensure that it serves the purpose. When putting up the nursery, always consider the level of security and practicality.

But once you have put up the nursery, you should now use your imagination to make some improvements. The space in your room should not limit the nursery subdivision into several zones. Each zone should serve a different function. A well organized nursery will save your energy and time. By defining each zone within the nursery, you will have an easier time while furnishing and decorating the space.

Tips on decorating the nursery:

1. Know the Space in Your Room

Start by measuring your room before you start shopping. Its can be painful if you fall in love with a changer, a glider or a crib that will hardly fit in your nursery. To correctly measure the space before purchasing furniture, spread some newspapers on the floor right on the space you will position the furniture. You should also go with the measurements to a store for the designer to assist you in achievement of the best room layout.

2. Plan Ahead

Generally, Nursery shopping is hard for parents mostly if they have no idea about the sex of the child. Therefore, it is important to think of everything before you begin the shopping. Mostly, you will need to specify whether you need a gender specific décor/furniture, whether to mix the furniture with any other furniture that is within your home.

3. Get Inspired

You should make use of blogs and magazines. They provide you with many ideas and pictures you may not have thought of before. This will ensure that you get a range of what you want. Furthermore, it assists you in making of an olioboard, a pinterest or a pinboard that you can use while shopping. However, if you want to stay original, ensure that you don’t stick too much in one design or one concept.

4. Have a Great Starting Point

Sometimes, it is better to concentrate on one element and make it the center of your decoration. For example, you can use a wall paper you have noticed as interesting or use a fabric that will improve the look of your window. Setting up the starting point makes the planning of the entire room easier. It will assist you to remain in line with an overall design tone and color scheme.

5. Paint the Room for a Statement

It is hard to find a rug or a fabric to match the paint in your house than it is to find a paint that will match a rug or fabric. Therefore, while decorating a room select the paint to use last. Stencils, broad stripes and giving your ceiling a new tone can be an easier and inexpensive way of getting a new custom look and without investing in any wallpaper.

6. Use Flair

When your room space is scarce and also you can’t fill the entire room with furniture, try to use flair to fill it. Murals and wall art easily personalize a space and can easily leave their mark regardless the size of your nursery.

7. Add Something Personal

You should add lots of family photos and colorful pictures to the walls of the nursery. Your baby will need something to stimulate them around their changing tables. The baby will like to look at the photos that you have posted on the wall while changing them. Including family photos can make the baby start recognizing some familiar faces.

8. Keep The Decoration Simple

Due to the many gorgeous accessories and nursery furniture, it is easier to over decorate your nursery. Therefore always work to keep it simple. Also decide on the focus of the room early. You can choose an artwork or a piece of furniture. Always think of child friendly things and not childish things. Choose a neutral background. Then mix it with age appropriate accessories. This will reduce the need of redecorating the room after a few years.

9. Think About Safety

When buying a new crib, you should ensure that it meets all the safety standards. The standards ascertain that the crib is deep enough to allow the safety of your baby. To create a safe environment around the crib, position it away from lamps, window heaters, cords and wall decoration. Any furniture that the child can clamber onto should be away from the crib.

This Article is Sponsored By – Nanny Poppinz

Author Bio:

Derek Fraser is an Online Blogger for Nanny Poppinz which provides Nanny Service, Childcare Service, Newborn Specialist, Emergency Nanny Service, After School Nanny, Live in Nanny Services, Part-Full Time Nanny Service etc. You can Follow Him On @derekfraser84.

How to Set up the Perfect Nursery for your Child

May 9, 2015adminDIY Projects, Home Organization Tips, Interior Designbedroom remodeling, color schemes, decorating, DIY projects, home improvement, home trends, paintingLeave a comment

Having a baby is the happiest moment in everyone’s life and everything that is connected to this wonderful event is beautiful. This also includes decorating and setting up a nursery for the upcoming child. It is an exciting decorating project and if it is done right, it will result in the best possible space for your child’s first months and years. So, what exactly does one need to take care of in order to set up the perfect nursery for one’s child?

Theme or no theme?

Many parents decide to go with a certain theme when they are decorating the nursery. Either they want to keep things simple and go with a theme or they are fans of a certain motif that will pervade the new nursery. Most themes are gender-based, with princesses for girls and sports for boys, for example. There are also plenty of nursery themes that are gender neutral and that will work for any child, like animal kingdom or something retro. Other parents choose against a theme and they come up with the design and the “feel” on their own.

Best furniture you can afford

If there is one thing where you will not want to skimp is buying furniture for your nursery. We think there is no need to list everything you will need for your nursery, but we will tell you this – make sure you get the highest-quality furniture you can afford. Try to make it natural and untreated with anything that might harm the baby. We are not saying that you should spend thousands on a bassinette, but do not skimp either. A good idea is also to put in “support” furniture that will not be for the baby itself, like a chair and a coffee table for the parents who spend time in the nursery.

Choosing the color

You have to be very careful when choosing the color for the nursery. Painting services professionals we talked to recommended something mild and calming, as opposed to something very aggressive and exciting. We are talking shades of beige, milder shades of blue and green or even yellow or orange, but making sure the actual shades are airy and easy on the eyes. Some of the colors you will want to avoid in the nursery are red, strong yellows and orange, as well as aggressive shades of pink or purple.

Controlling light and warmth

A baby needs to spend time in warm and comfortable environment with enough light, but not too much. Because of this, most experts will recommend that you enable precise control of lighting in the nursery. For instance, you can put in shades that will allow you to control how much natural light gets in at any given moment. Also, when artificial lighting is in question, it is always a good idea to install dimmers. You should also install air-conditioning and heating that will enable you to finely tune the temperature in the nursery at all times.

Things to Avoid When Decorating Your Home Office

April 21, 2015adminDIY Projects, Home Organization Tips, Interior Designdecorating, home decor, home office, home organization, home trends, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

No matter if you’re a full time stay-at-home employee, or sometimes you just need to finish some extra to do’s at home, everything is easier when you have a home office. That space shouldn’t be just a desk and a chair in an empty room, but it should also increase your productivity and reduce the stress. So you should make it as pleasant as possible. Here we will mention some things you should avoid in the process of creating your home office space.

Failing to Mind Your Surroundings

It is a no-brainer that leaving your boring walls empty will make the impression that you are working in a cubicle. Why don’t you turn them into something more inviting, or even better home-like? Painting the walls in fresh colors will break monotony that drains you every day and the pictures of your family or the other things you love will always put a smile on your face. Same rules apply for the floor. If you can’t move in something bigger, even a small oriental rug can really make a difference.

Uncomfortable Chair

What good would be a good home office without a good, pleasant chair? The answer is – a place of frustration and increased back pain. So, unless you want to feel as comfortable as if you are sitting on the Iron Throne, listen to what we learned from the people who own and operate a Sydney-based company specialized in office furniture. There are five things your chair needs to provide to you: easily adjustable height, enough depth and width to accommodate any user, lumbar support, large enough backrest and, of course, enough padding to be comfortable for sitting for extended periods of time.

Improper Lighting

If your home office has a natural light source, utilize it as much as possible. Natural light reduces the eyestrain. But be aware that you will have to place your monitor in such a way that you avoid irritating glare. When the sun goes down, try to complement your office light, especially if you are casting the shadow over the desk, with another bright desk lamp. It is good for your eyes and your headache.

Style over Substance

Nice furniture is pleasing for the eye, but without a real purpose it only obstructs your everyday activities and annoys you. Be sure that, aside from looking great, your desk and shelves are equipped with enough drawers and cabinet doors to hide away a whole plethora of things you don’t want to see on a regular basis.

Cable Clutter

One of the few things that makes you instantly nervous and gives away an impression of overall sloppiness is the sight of messy wires and cables under your desk. Try not to show them to anyone and, if you must, at least make the cables look tidy, ASAP. Once they start forming knots, the chance is that you will lose your will to even tackle this problem.

As we’ve seen, you don’t have to be a Feng Shui master to make your workplace more inviting and pleasant. All you need is a little bit of will and creativity. Now, transform your room into the best possible home office!

How to get the perfect vanity stand

February 19, 2015adminHome Improvement Tips, Home Organization Tipsbathroom remodeling, DIY projects, home improvement, home organization, home trendsLeave a comment

Photo Credit: Flickr

The clue to a vanity stand is in the name – vanity. It’s all about you! Therefore, your stand should be tailored to your personality, your home décor, and your favourite things.

It’s easy to clutter a vanity stand with unsorted makeup, unwanted items and general junk, making it less of a personal space for you and more of a storage area for your old things. However, this is a problem that’s easily fixable – read on for our tips on how to get a perfect vanity stand.

Choose the right one to begin with

When choosing a vanity stand for your bathroom, you need one that will hold everything you need it to but also one that will fit in with your bathroom’s overall design. It’s going to be the focal point of the room… but hopefully for all the right reasons. Decide on the colour, the style and the size of your vanity stand before doing anything else. Mix textures if you like as this could lead to a very striking look. Don’t be afraid to break tradition, either. For example, not everyone has a basin as part of a vanity stand, and nothing says that it’s a requirement. One thing you should focus your attention on is…

Mirrors and lighting

The mirror is almost certainly going to be the most important part of any vanity stand, so it needs to be in the right place and have enough light available to it. You can take advantage of natural light by placing your stand in a strategic area, or you can use artificial light – many people use a pink light to give a soft pastel tone to the stand, the items on it, and of course the person using them. Usually, people try to avoid overly harsh lights as it will accentuate their flaws in the mirror!

Storage space

If you’ve gathered a lot of make-up, jewelry etc over the years and can’t bear to throw any of it away, it might be time to invest in some new storage solutions. Necklace and earring display stands simultaneously show off your priciest pieces whilst also placing them within easy reach. Things that aren’t as decorative, or are just plain functional instead, can go in the drawers below. Any leftover jewelry, or indeed other small items, can always go in jewelry boxes – this will instantly de-clutter things and add to a minimalist look.

Make-up arrangement

When organizing your makeup, it’s always best to throw away anything that’s too old or no longer needed. Try and downsize if you can – if you have several different bottles of the exact same nail varnish, think about giving some away!

Make sure that makeup you use every day is within the easiest reach. Also, clean up any make-up spills as soon as they happen – some of them stain, and that could prove to be a disaster later on.

There are no hard and fast rules as to what else belongs on a vanity stand – candles, ornaments, you’re free to experiment as much as you like. A vanity stand should be a calming, tidy, pleasant space for you, so be sure to take time out of your day to enjoy it once you’re done!

How To Create A Minimalist Designed Home Space

January 27, 2015adminDIY Projects, Home Improvement Tips, Home Organization Tips, Interior Designdecorating, DIY projects, home decor, home organization, home trends1 Comment

The minimalist look is a design icon and trend that has been around for many, many years; never falling out of fashion, we long been in love with the clean, sleek lines a true minimalist designed home and business can bring.

But we live in an increasingly consumer based society; we buy so much from food to technology, that finding places to put or hide all this stuff in a minimalist design can present a dilemma. But, it is not just about the stuff we accumulate; the fixings used to mount shelves and the like can look huge, ugly and cumbersome in a minimalist design.

But there is hope and help of the horizon; technology and manufacture is moving on at a pace so that now, for those seeking a true minimalist design to their home or business there are now all kinds of fixings, such as glass shelf brackets, that allow for a sleek fixings that complement the room.

But why opt for a minimalist design?

There are many benefits to living in a minimalist designed space and although many of us hanker after this kind of design, it can be hard to achieve but, pushed on by the thought of these benefits, you will continue your pledge to live and work in a less cluttered, freer moving space…

Much less stressful – if nothing else, the absence of clutter around us makes the space less stressful. You will instantly notice that you are less ‘busy’ looking in the space, seeking out shapes and colours. This is because clutter has a habit of drawing the eye to a heap or shape of things; it will attracted to colour and then, the eye and the brain must try and work out ‘what is it?’ With less clutter and cumbersome stuff around, the space is calmer… as are you and so whatever it is you normally do in the space – sleep, eat, socialise or work – you will notice an instant change.
Much more appealing – as humans, we naturally accumulate all kinds of things and we need somewhere to keep these items. Some of these things do not need to be obvious or on display, but some items, more precious to us we may want to see and glass shelving is a fantastic way of showing these items to the best of beauty and ability. But again, with glass shelving in particular, cumbersome, noticeable brackets can instantly remove any minimalist appeal that the space has; after all, who wants a minimalist glass shelf, with huge brackets on the wall?
Easy to clean (and keep clean) – regardless of where you live or where your business premises are, there is a job that is never ending – cleaning! Some people love the satisfaction of cleaning every day but, there are some of us who do it as and when necessary. But, imagine if there was no clutter in the way! Just clean, smooth and clutter free surfaces that take seconds to clean because they can just be wiped over?

How to create the minimalist look

It is not just about chucking out stacks of clutter or hiding it in the cupboard under the stairs so that the next time this is opened the stuff all falls out or you cannot find anything when you want or need it. Minimalism is about living with what we have, accessing it and being able to enjoy a clutter free zone or space. It is not about a home or business being devoid of all personality.

Step 1: start with one room… live with it and see if you like it

Some people start and stop with this one room. They have a space that offers uncluttered space, where the mind, body and soul can rest. And if this is something you like and get along with, you can then extend it to the rest of your home or space.

Step 2: Choosing the right items

A minimalist design is not just about ‘lack of stuff’, it is about creating a design statement with the items you do have. Some people choose to replace all furniture and art work on walls, but some people decide to use the items that they have.

Step 3: you can still accessorise the space!

Many people assume that a minimalist space is devoid of all accessories but this is not the case. You can accessorise but these items need to be carefully chosen, offering clean lines and a non-fussy design. This is why glass shelving makes such an excellent addition to any minimalist design space. The fact they allow light through and bounce around off their surface is perfect for this kind of space.

Step 4: choosing quality over quantity

The essence of minimalist design is that everything is clearly thought about and is there for a reason; shelving is not there for reasons of clutter; they are there to add essential accessories to a room. Furniture is chosen because it offers the look and tone that you want from them; art work is delightful, adding a splash of colour, if that is what you want; it is not just about filling the space of a bare wall.

Step 5: enjoy!

Enjoy your calming, relaxing space… and wonder, as you sit enjoying the serenity, why you never did it before!

Tips To Modernize Your Home

January 20, 2015adminDIY Projects, Home Improvement Tips, Home Organization Tips, Interior Designcolor schemes, DIY projects, energy efficient, home decor, home organization, home trendsLeave a comment

Modernize your home

Photo Credit: Flickr

As modern technology changes our lives, it changes our homes too. At the turn of the twentieth century, closed-off rooms and cramped living spaces were about what the average person could expect. But now we have more solutions to home and design-based problems than we’ve ever had before, and a fabulous modern interior could be right at your fingertips.

Find the look you like

The best thing about modern home design is that there are many different styles to experiment with, styles that can be adapted and individualized. Maybe you’re a lover of the outdoors and want your living room to fade seamlessly into the garden. This can be done by using the same design elements and colors in both, and opening your living room up to the light with open space and large windows. Textures like fur (preferably not real fur), stone and wood can also add to an ‘outside’ effect in an indoor room.

Or – maybe you hate the outdoors, and want a cozy space where you can keep your widescreen television and favorite gadgets. Using soft lighting (pinks, reds) and bringing in lots of comfortable seating space can help you there. Remember, you’re going to be spending a lot of time in your house, as does everyone! It needs to be something you enjoy. Make your favorite things the focal points of any design.

Choose your favorite things

Clutter isn’t going to do a room any favors. Go through your stuff and decide what you really need- don’t be afraid to get rid of anything that just doesn’t work for you. Those hideous pink cushions from your grandma? She’ll forgive you if you throw them away.

Invest in some clever storage solutions

Hidden storage spaces are often the backbone of modern room design. Sliding panels can keep things out of sight, or a piece of furniture with storage space beneath it can be used to store books, DVDs, or anything you like.

Some designers incorporate the storage space right into the room – shelving units in bright colors, a bookcase as the biggest, boldest thing in the room – which is also a perfectly valid design choice; weigh up the options and see what works for you.

Decide on the furniture

Trendy minimalist spaces often use minimalist furniture, but perhaps that’s not for you. Perhaps you want lots of cozy sofas and chairs so you can entertain guests. Well, the two don’t have to be mutually exclusive – minimalism is about the freedom of space. There’s nothing stopping you making a seating area the focal point of a minimalist room.

Try and choose furniture that will last a long time and that can be adapted to any style. Things that can be easily painted to fit in with any color scheme are a good idea too!

Choose your favorite colors

A modern design usually blends the functional with the vibrant. So you can have the metals of your chairs and the textures of your worktops topped off with a bright color, anything you choose – shades of green if you want your room to match your garden, perhaps.

Different colors can open up (or close) your room in different ways. Yellow can make an otherwise drab room feel cheerful; purple, in the right places, can make a room look sophisticated and luxurious. Blue is apparently the best color for productivity, so use it for an office or study!

But keep green in mind

Sustainability is a big issue right now. Therefore, designers are making choices to save on energy and money – did you know there’s a house made entirely out of recycled materials? – and using natural resources instead. Open plan houses with lots of windows to bring in the light use a lot less electricity. Solar power and wind power are being used as the main source of energy for some houses. This extends to the garden as well – people are creating vegetable patches to provide food for themselves, and doing away with wasteful patio heaters and outdoor lights that eat up electricity.

A modern home, done right, will always be a modern home – ideally it should be easy to update whenever an update is needed. But it should also be an open, useful, sustainable space, tailored to fit in with the likes, dislikes, and personality of the person living in it. That’s you!

Guest Post By:

Jelena Djurdjevic is a business woman, mom and wife. She is currently staying at home due to a great reason, her family. In her free time she loves blogging about home design.

Tips To Organize Your Garage

October 17, 2014adminDIY Projects, Home Improvement Tips, Home Maintenance, Home Organization TipsDIY projects, home improvement, home organization1 Comment

From Grunge to Garagemahal

The American Dream used to be a car in every garage. Nowadays, most homeowners just dream about being able to fit their car in the garage. No matter the size of garage, the amount of junk, tools and extras always outweighs the available space. But with a weekend of elbow grease and a little planning – and yes, some elimination – even the most cluttered garage can once again be a safe haven for the family truckster.

You’re gonna get dirty

Even the most fastidious homeowner can neglect the garage. It’s just a catchall and doesn’t rank up there with the foyer or the modern kitchen. Blowing debris, mud tracked in from the kids, and dog hair from the family pet all add up to one heck of a messy place when it comes time to clean.

Pick a nice sunny weekend and empty the garage. Don’t just pull the lawnmower out. Gut it. Pull the lawn chairs down off the wall. Take the recycling bins to the back yard. This is the time to employ the “10 second rule.” As you grab an item, give yourself 10 seconds to have a valid reason for keeping it. If there’s no good reason then it goes in the trash pile or the sell pile. If it’s not there for a reason, it doesn’t stay. More than likely you’ll be saying goodbye to the newspapers you have kept for the last few years as kindling for the backyard burn pit you never built. And the toddler swing and kiddie bike should go on the sell pile considering your youngest just went on his first date.

Make it empty and survey your space.

Once the garage is empty, swept and de-webbed on the walls, you can make a map of where your treasures will actually live. Now is the time to consider putting in a work bench and corner off a work space. Check the walls for the most logical place to hang yard implements and bins for athletic and outdoor equipment. If you have a furnace and water heater in the garage, make a safe zone around the appliances. Do this especially if your home is newer so you do not void the home warranty.

Use a tape measure and notebook paper and lay out a schematic of the garage floor plan. When placing the car in the picture, make sure to leave room for properly opening the doors without scraping the wall, lawnmower or second car. Make the bicycle corral easily accessible for the kids so mom and dad don’t have to constantly be moving a car every time junior wants to ride around the block.

Time to invest

Hammering up a couple nails to hold the rake and shovel is old school and frowned upon in the reorganization world. Plan on investing a bit of money to get the most bang for your cleanup buck. Adjustable snap-lock hanger systems, plastic or metal shelving units, and a component-based work bench and storage cabinet system allow the garage owner to configure the space to their desired needs. Reorganization kits and supplies take into account that the center of the garage is for a car. But the walls can, and should be, utilized from the ground to the ceiling.

If you install it, they will come

Have a plan and stick to the plan when it comes time to re-fill the garage. Mount your fittings and hang the tools. Install the work bench and go ahead and fill the drawers and organize your tools. Having the component and letting it be a catch-all for organizing at a later date puts you right back at square one. Shelving units do no good still in the box propped up in the corner. Build them and fill them.

An organized garage is a helpful tool for any homeowner. And an organized homeowner is a happy one. Clutter gone.

Is your garage in need of some remodeling and renovation? Contact us today for a free estimate!

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