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Keep Your Garden Pest-Free Without Toxic Chemicals

March 1, 2014adminlawn and gardenDIY projects, garden, green living, home trends, landscapingLeave a comment

Tips to keep your yard pest free in a natural way

A lush and serene garden is the natural centre of energy for your yard. It not only gives a fresh start to your day but also fills you with a relaxing feeling when you come home from work in the evening. Pests and bugs are notorious for being a menace to yards. It is often quite frustrating to see your garden, which is being nurtured by your love and care, getting trampled by those nasty rats, insects and other bugs. And the toxic chemicals in the bug and pest repellents are surely not the means to keep the garden in a healthy state for long. Organic gardening products are much more effective in warding off pests and keeping your garden safe and healthy. Here are a few tips to keep your yard pest free in a natural way.

Try Scented Traps

A wonderful way to get rid of the insects and bugs is to lure them by something they can’t resist. Insects are usually attracted to mating scents which generate biological indication in them. The traps, usually called pheromones traps, are an effective way to remove the insects from your garden. The pheromones traps are in the shape of a basket and contain a sticky substance inside them which makes the bugs get trapped inside the basket. They contain mating scents, which makes the insects come into the trap and then get stuck there. Always remember to keep these traps on the fence of the garden as these scents attract insects which make them collect at one point, so if that point would be the middle of the garden, then the insects could wreck havoc in the midst of garden itself.

Floating Row Covers

The bedcover of the garden is covered by opaque objects which are light in weight and are usually known as floating row covers. You have these available in the market in the form of rolls so that you do not fall short of these while covering your garden. And the good news is that they are not too expensive as well. Nothing passes through this cover other than water and sunlight. Mostly pests, insects, birds and other garden destroying creatures are kept strictly at a distance as they cannot pass through the floating row covers in any manner. If you are worried about the growth of your plants, take heart, as these row covers do not hinder the growth of plants. While growing up, plants simply push these covers and stem up, as they are too soft to cause any obstruction.

Row Covers To Protect Your Kitchen Vegetation

If you have cultivated a luscious kitchen garden in your house which has grown abundant in beets, carrots, broccoli, spinach and similar vegetables, then guard against flying insects which are merely looking for an opportunity to sit on these vegetables and lay eggs on them. This condition would surely result into the production of multiple insects and bugs and the consequences could be petrifying for the vegetation of your garden. Put up row covers, which are mainly used to protect seedlings, and keep these menacing creatures away from the plants.

Guard Your Plants By Using Cloche

The young plants and miniature beds of seeds could be protected effectively by using cloche; which is actually a sort of a greenhouse for plants. It is very powerful in keeping the unwanted animals, pests and other insects from harming the plants and devastating the garden. Plants which have been newly planted and are still very vulnerable to external sources could be very well kept in proper condition by the help of cloche. You have to open the cloche on days which are relatively warm and water it frequently to maintain the efficiency. Cloche helps the plants establish firm roots into the ground and this strength helps the plants to keep pests away from destroying them. It is actually the best guard since there is no requirement of electronic repellents as well in this case. So you need not worry that during watering, the pests might creep into the plants.

Colorful and Sticky Traps

These kinds of traps usually come with a sticky substance inside the trap basket and also have a peculiar kind of color. The color of the trap is actually the main factor which draws the insects and bugs towards the trap. Once they get into it, the insects get stuck with no way out. Hang the sticky traps according to the height of your plants, which would be about three to five feet. This kind of trap is very effective in catching beetles, snails and many such creepy insects.

Author Bio:

Bernard Naylor is a Passionate Blogger and Writer. He likes blogging about Home & Garden, Health & Fitness, Online strategies that are related to SEO, Content, PPC & Lead generation.

Top 2014 home decor trend: Personalized design

February 27, 2014adminDIY Projects, Home Improvement TipsDIY projects, home remodeling, home trends, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

Interior design is in a constant state of transformation, and this year homeowners are taking control of their home decor. The “keeping up with the Joneses” mentality is giving ground to the desire for personalized design that reflects the exact needs and design aesthetic of the residents. In 2014, more people will actively embrace the role of designer in order to create a home that is truly one of a kind.

“We’re at a fascinating point in the evolution of the interior design process. Interior design professionals once ruled the roost, but that’s all changed with design TV, blogs and the Internet,” says Elaine Griffin, New York interior designer and author of “Design Rules.” “Clients today are well educated and have taken back the power. They’re so knowledgeable that they’re doing it themselves.”

Assuming the role of designer doesn’t have to be intimidating. Griffin offers a few expert tips for taking your home design into your own hands and creating a custom space that’s perfectly personalized:

* Research and check twice
Taking the time to properly research and educate yourself is important so you get beautiful results without unwanted surprises. “You want to know what your options are in terms of price, value, quality, design and style,” says Griffin. “What’s returnable? What’s not? Sometimes custom means you buy it, you own it. Do your research.” Griffin also suggests being cautious when measuring. “Always measure twice, buy once,” she says. “That’s the first place where DIYers fall short. You only have one option when you’re going custom – just right. Scaled drawings should be involved.”

* Customize visible features
Griffin suggests investing in highly visible features of your home. “Like in the bathroom, you can focus on something that’s focal-point-worthy, like the KOHLER Artifacts faucet collection. It’s a piece that just belongs to you,” she says. Artifacts collection allows you to create a custom faucet by choosing from a variety of spouts, handles and finishes for a look that’s all your own.

Window treatments and lamp shades are other highly visible features of the home that are too often ignored. Updating these features can instantly breathe new personality into a room. “Lamp shades deliver great bang for the buck; remember you always want to take the lamp with you when shopping,” Griffin suggests.

* Customize color
“It’s all about the customization of color,” says Griffin. “It’s not just about a color palette for personality, it’s about having that shade that no one else has.” Numerous paint manufacturers offer technology that allows you to provide a fabric swatch or other color sample and they’ll recommend a custom hue for you.

* Salvage and tell
Using salvaged materials in a renovation isn’t only green, it’s also a chance to incorporate your family’s history. “When you’re remodeling, always look for pieces to salvage: timbers from old floors, side tables, etc,” says Griffin. “We’ve always loved our heirlooms, but now we’re looking at recycled and salvaged stuff in a different light. We have a green eco-conscious, so we want to save what we can.”

* Don’t overlook the ceiling
“The ceiling is the second biggest real estate after the floor – don’t neglect it!” stresses Griffin. “Especially in small or awkward spaces – like the foyer, powder room, stair hall – do something sexy with your ceiling. Add a striking color, install wallpaper, add beams.”

When it comes to customized design, the sky is the limit. Expect 2014 to be the year when homeowners take charge and create spaces that truly speak to them from a functional and design perspective. With these expert tips, the one-of-a-kind results will be nothing short of magazine-worthy.

New Home Builders Offer Modern Remodeling Ideas

February 11, 2014adminArchitecture, home remodelingbathroom remodeling, energy efficient, green living, home remodeling, home trends, kitchen remodeling3 Comments

When you want a change in scenery, you don’t have to look for a new home builder. Modern home builders encourage you to give your current dwelling a mid-century-inspired makeover that simplifies the space and makes it more functional.

About Modern Home Design

Modern Kitchen and Open Floor Plan New Home Builders — Designed by Reworks Architecture

Modern homes are all about form and function. Modern home design refers to the time when the style was created in the 1920s to 1950s. The style uses clean lines, natural materials, acrylics and polished metals. Modern home builders construct this style of home with large windows, unadorned interiors, exposed beams, neutral colors and open spaces. The outdoor spaces also seamlessly transition inside.

Famous modern architects include:

Frank Lloyd Wright: Falling Water in Mill Run, Penn.
Frank Gehry: Guggenheim Museum in New York City
I.M. Pei: Glass pyramid entrance to the Le Grand Louvre museum in Paris, France

An Open Floor Plan

One of the quintessential aspects of a modern home is an open floor plan. For a home remodel, this may mean tearing down a non-load-bearing wall or a wall that doesn’t have essential elements in it, like plumbing or ductwork. Walls that homeowners commonly remove are the ones between a family room and living room, a kitchen and dining room, a hallway and den, or a kitchen and family room. The best walls to take down are those in the spaces that you’re willing to share.

Ideas for a Modern Kitchen

Cabinets: Reface or replace cabinets so they’re plain, smooth and flat. Forego the cabinet fixtures or use ones that are simple. Go with a neutral color. Feel free to use glass cabinet fronts or simply take the doors off the frames.
Kitchen islands: If you have the space, give yourself room to work and a place for friends to sit. Instead of having a range and cover, install a stainless steel cook top in the island and a matching free-standing range hood.
Layout: The look of a kitchen doesn’t mean anything if the layout doesn’t make your life simpler. Think about things like how easy it will be to get a heavy pot of water from the sink to the stove, where you want to store frequently used ingredients and if you want to eat in the kitchen.

Ideas for a Modern Bathroom

Glass shower enclosure: A clear glass shower enclosure will make the bathroom look bigger and give it a spa-like feel.
Designed by Reworks Architecture
Abundant lighting: A bathroom retreat shouldn’t feel like a cave. Use skylights, frosted windows, large mirrors, cove lighting coming out of cabinetry and shelves, and recessed lights.
Sinks: Consider free-standing sinks with the plumbing in the wall or in a sleek floating cabinet.
Toilets: There is no reason to have to look at a toilet tank. Modern bathrooms commonly just have a lid, seat and bowl; the tank is in the wall.

Modern Lighting Ideas

Modern homes love the sun. During a remodel, make it a point to maximize the natural light that comes into a space by enlarging windows, adding extra windows, installing a sliding door to the outside or adding a skylight. Then use lighting fixtures to functionally and artistically compliment nature.

Use pendant lights over dining tables or kitchen islands to add color or visual interest to a space. Large arching floor lamps double as art and task lighting over a couch, bed, desk, armchair or table are both modern and functional. Or, go more compact with a stylish arm lamp. Give the space a boost of light at night with recessed lights or track lights with a dimmer switch.

Modern Sustainable Living Elements

Modern home builders construct with the health of the environment in mind, and you can too. Here are some ways that you can update your home and help the planet:

Use sustainable, reclaimed or recyclable building materials.
Install products and appliances that save water and energy.
Shop for locally sourced products.
Tighten the building envelope of your home to save energy.
If appropriate, install solar technologies like rooftop solar panels or solar water heating systems.
Avoid products with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), lead, PVC and mercury.

While it was born in the early 1900s, modern home designs have staying power that will remain popular and have powerful curb appeal well past the 21^st century.

Courtesy of George Hale, owner of H. Hudson Homes, a Portland new home builder that focuses on cutting-edge design and sustainability. When it comes to purchasing new modern homes, buyers can rely on H. Hudson Home’s wealth of expertise in construction and modern building practices.

Using Metals for Sleeker Architectural Design

February 6, 2014adminArchitecturearchitecture, home trendsLeave a comment

What are Modern Ways Architects Can Utilize Metals for Sleek Aesthetics?

Architects use stainless steel, chrome, and aluminum for sleek aesthetics. Aluminum is used in many modern downtown storefront looks, as well as in other sleek and sculpted looks. Cast aluminum can be used to create forms that steel cannot compare to. Although aluminum sometimes gets a bad rap for being a cheap metal, its aesthetic value cannot be underestimated. Aluminum is not a strong metal; for structural strength it is a poor choice. But aesthetic-wise, aluminum is a sleek winner.

How Can Metals Be Used Structurally?

Metals can be used structurally in architecture throughout many different facets. Buildings can be framed in metal rather than wood. The framing is done using steel I-beams or studs of stamp, galvanized steel. It is commonplace to use metal sheeting and various metal substrates for walls, doors, and other parts of the structure. Some structural designs require metals even in wood construction, such as the straps and brackets used for securing wood frames in walls and doorways.

Are Metals Only For Accents?

Metals are versatile depending on the design–metals can go from performing behind-the scenes roles in architecture to becoming the main attraction! It’s nearly impossible to state that metals are only for accents. They are a necessity in building structures; without the use of metals, wooden structures cannot meet standard building codes. Metals are a valuable resource and a necessary construction material.

Can Metals Be Used for Function?

Metals can be used for function; functional purposes may vary from home siding to the inner structure of a building. Metals are also commonly used in kitchen designs, garage doors, and building framing.

What Are Great Areas and Purposes for Metals?

Ideal areas and purposes for metals in architecture include both aesthetics and function. Varied types of metals can be used for artistic designs while strong metals can be used to hold it all together. Roofing, structure, and kitchen design are all great areas for metals; their purposes are mainly to add flair and style as well as durability to a design.

What Types of Metals Are Used for Structuring?

Steel is generally used for structuring. Steel is an alloy that consists of a blend of iron, carbon, and trace amounts of other minerals. Steel is a very strong and durable construction material; it is the main metal used for structuring. The oldest use for steel is rebar in concrete. Concrete cannot be poured for walls or even for strong flooring without a built-in, steel skeleton. Corrugated tin roofing is also used in structuring.

What Types of Metals Are Used for Aesthetics?

Aesthetic accenting is much more diverse in types of metals used. Sometimes rusty, corrugated roofing is used for trendy coffee shops or edgy boutiques. Copper roof accents show up in high-dollar neighborhoods and businesses as status symbols. Some religious centers and government buildings even use gold domes for show. Chains are used in some roofing designs to allow the water to flow down without a gutter to enclose it. Stainless steel, aluminum, and sometimes tin are used for aesthetic accents as well.

This article was provided by Chase Roberts, home and garden expert and design consultant. If you’re interested in a selection of metals for construction, Chase recommends you click here.

Top Flooring Trends for 2014

January 29, 2014adminDIY Projects, Green Living, Home Improvement TipsDIY projects, flooring, green living, home trendsLeave a comment

Happy New Year Home Improvers!

After the holidays, most of us home improvement enthusiasts will be busily planning our property to do list for the coming year. But for homeowners that want to keep up with and introduce the latest trends to the home before their neighbours, what does the near future have in store for our flooring?

We have compiled the hottest flooring trends for 2014 so get creative this year and craft a stylish and striking home in the process.

Reclaimed Barrels and Wood

When it comes to flooring 2014, it is all about sustainability and nothing says eco-friendly like using reclaimed and reconditioned barrels as your floor covering. Each barrel has been fully recycled with the markings of old wine names and distant vineyards creating a bespoke vintage finale to your newly decorated living space or kitchen area.

Reclaimed wood is also a beautiful hardwood trend to take advantage of and, this trend in particular, is certain to last from this season to the next.

Non-Toxic Cork

Eclectic Kitchen by Fremont Kitchen & Bath Designers Project Partners Design

Another highly sustainable option is the non-toxic cork, in spite of many of us thinking of cork as a material reserved for pinboards and traditional bottle stoppers. This type of flooring is derived directly from the cork oak tree, which cultivates easily and can be harvested continually without damaging the environment or yield.

The cork is treated using eco-conscious materials and methods and, despite not being homeowners’ first choice for flooring in previous years, cork flooring has some excellent qualities that are certain to put this green material in high demand during the next year. Cork is a great insulator and even has a level of soundproofing that many flooring products lack. In addition to this, cork flooring is truly beautiful and is great for homes where individuals suffer from allergies due to its hypoallergenic nature.

Bamboo

Contemporary Kitchen by Pittsburgh General Contractors frankovitchjm

Looking for a wooden floor covering with a difference? Then bamboo flooring may just be the trend for you! Bamboo is available in a horizontal, vertical or strand woven application, which provides a hardened finish for high traffic areas. The highly engineered stand woven flooring is actually twice as durable as traditional bamboo flooring. In addition to this, bamboo flooring is available in a range of stunning finishes, from natural blonde tones to black and chocolate colours. Avoid installing bamboo in moisture-prone rooms, this type of wood is particularly porous and will expand in the face of high humidity.

Polished Concrete

Polished concrete has been a firm favourite on the interior design scene for the past few years and 2014 sees this firm and fashionable favourite return. Polished concrete flooring offers the perfect cocktail of durability and style to transform any room in your home. Concrete is also an extremely versatile material and polished flooring is available in a number of decorative finishes.

Due to its popularity in recent years, polished concrete has become quite expensive, installation is also costly as it requires specially skilled tradespeople to achieve the seamless look this type of flooring is renowned for.

This post was written by Brittany Thorley from Readymix Concrete. She is an avid home improvement blogger and actively shares her expertise on flooring and other home improvement topics.

10 Big Space-Saving Ideas for Small Kitchens

January 22, 2014adminHome Improvement Tips, Kitchen Remodelinghome improvement, home trends, kitchen remodeling, kitchens, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

Just because you don’t have room in your kitchen for a six-burner stove, double-bowl sink or Sub-Zero fridge, it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice function or style. Here are 10 ways to max out space in your kitchen, from chic small-scale appliances to innovative storage options and details that make all the difference. We hope at least one of them inspires you.

Amy Sklar Design Inc

1. Small but mighty appliances. Revamped vintage appliances, like the stove shown here (a 21-inch vintage O’Keefe and Merritt), and vintage-look ones, like this fridge (from Elmira Stove Works), can be found in smaller sizes that don’t sacrifice style. High-end makers like Bertazzoni and Viking also make small-space models, so even serious cooks can find something that fits the space and works hard.

2. Single-bowl sink. Simply going with a single rather than double bowl for the sink can save you a foot or more of counter space. Small-scale single-bowl sinks come in all styles — a farmhouse style like the one shown here still feels capacious.

Best & Company

3. Undermount sink. If you really want to save every possible inch, go with a small, single-bowl, undermount sink. You’ll eke out a smidgen more workspace on the counter beside the sink, because the edges of the sink will be concealed.Stove: 24 inches, Bertazzoni; sink: Blanco

Stephanie Sabbe

4. Wall-mounted storage. Have a slender bit of blank wall? Don’t just hang up a calendar or artwork — make the most of the available space by mounting rows of racks on the wall from floor to ceiling. Drape towels over a bar, use S-hooks to hang kitchen tools and install a magnetic knife rack.

Rebekah Zaveloff | KitchenLab

The same idea works equally well for pots and pans — don’t stop at one row; use all of the space you have! And notice that in both of these photos, the homeowners painted the storage wall black (chalk paint would be nice too), which makes the arrangement feel more intentional and hides scuff marks.

Actual-Size Architecture

5. MacGyver-style island. Instead of lining up everything galley style, try opening up the room and putting all of the necessities in a compact all-in-one island. The custom island shown here contains a sink, a stove, a range, prep space, storage for pots and pans, knives, spices and garbage. As if that weren’t enough, the opposite side has space for a few people to perch on stools.

nkba.org

6. Pullout pantry. No room for a proper pantry? A slim pullout one can be tucked into the tightest spaces, and even items way at the back are easily accessible.

post Architecture

7. Minimalist hardware. It may seem like a small thing, but in a really narrow galley kitchen, it’s easy to knock into bulky knobs and handles. Keep things looking and feeling sleek by choosing slender, minimalist pulls. High-gloss cabinets and proper lighting also help open up the tight kitchen here.

emma delon

8. Cabinets to the ceiling. Why stop a foot short when you can take the cabinets all the way up? Even if you can’t easily access what’s in the top cupboards, in a small space it’s still worth having the storage option. Having ceiling-height cabinets also helps visually expand the space.

contemporary kitchen Contemporary Kitchen

9. No door. Removing the kitchen door is so easy and helps a small room feel much larger. Better still, have the opening widened or a wall removed. Opening up the kitchen is about more than style — having extra space to move around in will help keep two cooks from bumping into each other quite so much.

10. Make paring back an art form. Keep the best and ditch the rest. Keep only the best knives, your favorite set of glasses, the most adorable teakettle, the most frequently used kitchen tools and so on. Be ruthless about purging clutter. And it wouldn’t hurt to choose clear glass and acrylic for the items you keep on display — transparent items make a room feel more spacious.

Article courtesy of Houzz.com, By:

Laura Gaskill

I’m a Houzz Contributor, and the blogger behind Lolalina… More

What Countertop Material is Right for your Kitchen?

December 27, 2013adminHome Improvement Tips, Kitchen Remodelinghome improvement, home trends, kitchen remodeling, kitchensLeave a comment

The Workbench Life: Home

Comparing Countertop Materials

By Mindy Pantiel for The Workbench Life

Good looks play a major role in selecting kitchen countertop materials. But when you consider that the average counter endures hot pots, greasy foods, sharp knives and wine spills on a daily basis, durability and maintenance are essential factors, as well. To help you decide what countertop material is right for your kitchen, here’s a guide to some of the most popular options.

Laminate

Thanks to advances in printing technology, today’s laminates mimic stone, metal or wood with ease. Made with layers of paper and melamine resin, laminate kitchen countertop options are highly affordable and stain resistant, but can be damaged by sharp knives and hot pots. In general, the thicker the product, the more long-lasting it will be. Cost: $22–$52

Solid surfaces

Solid surfaces, such as Corian and Staron, also imitate the look of stone, but have the advantage of being colored throughout, so scratches can be sanded away. That said, solid surfaces do scratch easily, but the colors don’t fade with age and there are design options that resemble glass or concrete. Cost: $70–130

Granite

Often considered timeless and elegant, natural granite comes in literally thousands of colors. Heat and scratch resistant, it will repel stains when properly sealed, but is among the most expensive kitchen countertop options and is costly to transport. Cost: $95–225

Marble

“As long as it’s sealed and well-cared-for, marble is a beautiful surface — especially in a traditional kitchen,” says Certified Kitchen Designer Patti Weaver of Creative Design Solutions in Niwot, Colorado. Marble is a porous countertop material and requires regular maintenance and resealing for food safety. Available in white, black, gray, green and pink, it’s another classic material that never goes out of style. Cost: $127–$250

Engineered stone

Formed from quartz and a binder, engineered stones, such as Caesarstone and Silestone, have nonporous surfaces, making them more stain resistant than natural stone, but not necessarily less expensive. “While granite can definitely bring a unique pop of color to a room, I’ve been moving toward more environmentally friendly alternatives like Cambria,” says Weaver. “It’s a great granite look-alike, and it’s made in Minnesota.” Cost: $105–$187

Ceramic tile

Budget-friendly ceramic tile comes in a variety of colors, shapes, textures and sizes, making it easy to coordinate with different design styles. While resistant to heat, scratches, stains and moisture, the tiles can chip or crack, and the grout requires routine cleaning to prevent stains and mildew. Cost: $23–$124

Wood

Nothing warms up a kitchen like wood, and a practical butcher block is an ideal surface for chopping food without dulling your knives. Over time, the long-lasting countertop material also develops a beautiful patina. Properly sealed, wood countertops are sanitary for chopping meat, but they are vulnerable to moisture, heat, acid and stains, so routine maintenance is essential. Cost: $32–$200

Concrete

If you are looking for a good looking complement to other countertop materials like wood and stone, durable, heat-resistant concrete might be the answer. An extremely versatile material, concrete can be tinted and sculpted for maximum design possibilities. On the downside, it requires sealing and regular maintenance to combat stains and water. It’s also extremely heavy. Cost: $75–200

Green alternatives

A number of environmentally friendly options are available on the market. A blend of bamboo, recycled paper and wood fiber EcoTop offers good looks at a reasonable $35 a square foot. Another eco-conscious offering, Fuez, is a mix of glass, fly ash, stones and shells that is more durable than marble but needs to be sealed upon installation. Made from 60–80 percent recycled materials, it is manufactured in Portland using 100 percent wind energy. Cost: $80

Like this article? Get more by following us @WorkbenchLife or friending us on Facebook at The Workbench Life.

Mindy Pantiel frequently writes about home-related repair for design and architecture magazines.

Feng Shui for the Home

December 17, 2013adminHome Improvement Tipsdecorating, DIY projects, health, home trendsLeave a comment

When we’re in the process of renovating a room or our entire house, the motivation is usually aesthetics and function. However, another thought that might be worth pondering when you’re improving on a room is how will these changes make me feel and how will it affect my life outside my home. The idea that our immediate surroundings are connected to our human experiences is the center principle on which Feng Shui is based on.

Feng Shui which literally translates to “wind-water”, originated over 3,500 years in China. It was originally used to designate the placement and orientation of predominantly spiritually significant objects, like tombs. Since then, millions of people all over the world have used the principles from Feng Shui to organize their home and work space in a way that is designed to invite more positive and prosperous energy into your life.

With a practice that is as old as Feng Shui is, it can be a bit overwhelming for beginners.Thankfully, this infographic below by Soothing Company, offers a helpful blueprint for employing this Western style of Feng Shui, which does not rely on compass directions. All you have to do to use the chart below, is to align the lower portion of the plan with the wall of the front door of your house. Check it out below!

Great Interior Design and Home Decoration Articles

December 17, 2013adminHome Improvement Tipscolor schemes, decorating, DIY projects, home trendsLeave a comment

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Go Green in 2014

December 9, 2013adminGreen Livingenergy efficient, green living, home trendsLeave a comment

With the economy going topsy-turvy, each household has to rethink its budget to be able to fit into the current economic scenario comfortably. The rising costs, increased expenses, and unsure jobs are the main reasons for the tensions and increased blood pressure for most of the people. With such a mindset, home improvement is the last thing you would want to think of. Add to this the growing environmental concerns, you might as well sit in your box forever. 2014 is the year when we need to start concentrating on budgeting and green living, owing to the fact that the economy and environment are both in dire emergency now. The home improvement tips for the year too center on being pocket-friendly and environment friendly. Here are a few home improvement tips that cater to both these criteria-

CFL Lights- You might have heard this before but is is well worth the repetition. CFL bulbs may cost you more for the moment but being energy efficient, they cut down on your electricity bills significantly. Also, they are more environment friendly than ordinary bulbs.

Neem as insect repellent- You can easily replace the expensive, chemical insect repellents with this all-natural solution. Either you can get neem capsules from the pharmacy to place them in the cupboards, or, if possible, you can simply use neem leaves to keep insects away.

Indoor plants- This is one of the simplest solutions to many problems. Indoor plants have great decorative value, they come in cheap, and they pose no threats to the environment. In fact, having the right indoor plants can keep away many diseases, can purify air, and can add to the general feel-good factor of the home.

Double-glazed windows- These may not be the cheapest option but they would definitely bring down your gas and electricity bills. You would recover from the cost of refurbishing your windows within a year, by saving the same amount from the utility bills.

Get a solar cooker- If you get enough sunlight, you shouldn’t miss on this. Solar cookers are easy to get now and the food cooked is equally delicious. The added benefit is that you don’t waste any gas!

Washer and dryer combo- Instead of having separate washer and dryer, try getting a combo. These are cheaper, they consume less energy, and you are saved from doing extra chores.

Plant trees that give shade in summers- If you are blessed with a nice front garden, make full use of it and plan carefully trees that would give you shade in the summers. This way in summers, you would spend less on the air conditioner bills.

Plant native plants- We all do love fancy flowers and ornamental plants. However, these are more costly to maintain and require more water. It is best to plant trees and plants that are native to your area. If you can manage, you can also plant various herbs and fruit or vegetable bearing plants.

Cleaning supplies- You’d be surprised to know that how efficient are baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice, when it comes to cleaning. You can easily switch a number of cleaning supplies with these. Not only are these cheaper, but they are absolutely harmless for your skin and the environment.

Along with these, you always have the basics to adhere to- switch of unused lights, use dimmers, close the taps properly, minimize loss of heat, shut down laptop at night etc. Rather than losing out heart because of the escalating prices, find alternative ways for home improvement. Weather it is energy consumption, household storage solutions, or going green, you’ll always find eco-friendly, economic ways.

Author Bio: Evelyn Kelly is a professional writer. She wants to share her professional experience with her audience. And she regularly write Guest post about Storage services and also cover various other topics related to home, interior decoration, and household storage etc. She loves to spend her time with family and friends.

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