Best tricks for repairing your own roof

Roofs have to be checked every once in a while. Whether we’re talking about minor or bigger damage, it is necessary to react quickly and make sure that your roof is in a solid condition. In the end, you don’t need any leaks, do you?

Although you should never undertake replacement by yourself, it is still possible to do smaller maintenance and repairs. Here are some tips that will help you do just that.

Detecting the issue

Ideally, you should check your roof every year at the end of the summer. Make sure there are no issues whatsoever prior to the rainy season.

Now, keep in mind that the extent of required repairs can vary. Sometimes, you will just have to replace several shingles. In other cases, you might have to deal with some serious problem. It all depends. The best thing you can do is try to check the roof and see if you can deal with the issue at hand. If you think that you can’t manage it, perhaps it’s better to call a professional roofing company to help you out. Here you can find 15 ways to choose the right roofing company without spending huge amounts of money.

While saving money can be a great thing, you also shouldn’t make the issue much bigger than it actually is.

Changing the shingles

Shingle replacement is perhaps one of the simplest, easiest things to deal with. Even if you don’t have any experience with the problem, you will likely be able to do it. However, you will have to be cautious: if we’re talking about a few localized shingles, this is something you can easily handle. But don’t try to patch the whole roof.

First and foremost, you will have to find shingles that match those you previously had. Make sure to find ones with the same color and design. If they’re not, it will be easily noticeable and your roof will start looking shabby.

Besides the shingles that are missing, you will also have to check the surrounding area. If nearby shingles are showing signs of deterioration, if they are loose, you will have to change them as well. Best way to do it is by combining strong adhesives and nails.

Partial replacement of roof

In some cases, you will have to remove the whole section of the roof and get new shingles to cover them. Sometimes, you will be forced to get a new type of shingles all together making the whole process that much tiresome.

Homeowners have to consider several things during this though. First thing is that you can have one layer of shingles. If there are two of them, you will have to remove both before you start working on the section. Once you do it, the new section will be combined with other areas of the roof. This could lead to new problems and it might start looking a bit odd.

Still, although all of this might take some time, it is much better than remove the whole roof. Keep in mind that removing a section of the roof might be a bit harder than removing just a few shingles but it will save you a lot of money.

Fixing your flashing

Besides shingles, flashing is often causing some issues. This section is very important because bad flashing can cause lots of issues. Luckily for you, it is relatively easy to replace flashing. They are placed around chimney and skylights as well as any other area that requires an additional layer of protection. They are used for tricky areas where traditional shingles cannot help.

Damage to flashing is usually very easy to detect. In fact, you don’t have to notice leaks in order to establish that flashing is faulty. Once you do, you can go to your local store and get some new materials for replacement. Unlike shingles, where you have to pay attention to color and design, flashing doesn’t affect esthetics as much so you will have some leeway there.

Author’s bio: Do It Right Roofing is a Vancouver based roofing company. It offers residential and commercial roofing projects in Greater Vancouver and have over a decade of experience in fixing roofs for their customers.

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How to Maximize the Use of Your Space

If you’ve looked around your home and wondered how on earth you’re going to survive another year with all your stuff packed inside of it, you’re not alone. As creatures that tend to settle in one spot for at least a short duration of time, we also tend to collect a lot of things.

They may be necessary like your cooking pots, memorable like your limited edition Taylor Swift jacket, or miscellaneous like the pile of magazines that you don’t need but just aren’t sure if you can get rid of yet. Whatever they are, if you’re not quite ready to purge your hoard of items, it’s definitely time to shape up your space so it’s still livable despite everything you’ve accumulated.

Get Organized

Are you serious about cleaning up the house? Then your first step to turning it around is getting organized. While this may seem like the most tedious step in maximizing the use of your storage space, it’s really the foundation that everything else depends on.

So make lists, sort objects, and map out your ultimate vision. Then enlist the help of your family and friends--especially those who have a knack for organization. They can help this step go more quickly, and they’ll be there to make sure the things you really don’t need go in the bin, get recycled, or get donated to a thrift store rather than bulking up your home.

Use Shelving

You may be excited to go out and buy woven baskets, plastic tubs, and metal bins to keep all your belongings out of sight, but these can end up adding to the restriction on your space rather than consolidating it.

Instead, look into building shelving and other storage directly into your existing home. This can allow you to use more of the vertical space in your home and cut down on the extra space needed for movable or freestanding structures like bins and armoires.

Build Compact Structures

In much the same way that Dome Technology uses dome structures to maximize storage space for soybean crops, you can build compact structures that are easy to access while still containing an impressive amount of items and folding away nicely into a cupboard or corner.

These can be especially useful in a kitchen space with extra appliances like a toaster, grill, or griddle that usually take up counter space.

Invest in Dual Functionality

Another fantastic way to maximize the space in your home is by creating or investing in items that take on one or more jobs. Maybe those window seats you wanted to build could serve as storage for the kids’ toys or the thick blankets you only use during the winter.

When making new purchases, do some research to see whether those items come in a compact form or one with a dual function. Keep in mind that paring down your belongings can take time, so you may find a dual functioning item that means you can retire several old items that handled the job jointly before.

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Home Repairs You Should Definitely Not Do Yourself

When it comes to home renewal projects that you discover during the course of fall cleaning, there are many that you can do on your own. It’s fairly easy to replace shingles on a roof. It’s fairly easy to clean downspouts. It’s fairly easy to replace filters of various sorts. And it’s fairly simple to inspect your home’s heating system.

Your ability to do these tasks quickly and well might embolden you to think that equipped with a good monkey wrench, a reliable hammer, a few power tools, and enough screws and nails, you can do anything.  

However, there are many things that you should not do on your own, things that are either delicate and can get worse if you mess them up, things that require specialized tools that you can’t rent, things that require years of knowledge and experience, and things that are dangerous to do.

Two of the biggest things that you should not do on your own are plumbing and electrical problems.

Why You Should Not Do Your Own Plumbing  

When you see a leak in the ceiling and you suspect it’s a pipe that you can simply fix with your tools, don’t reach for a monkey wrench, call a professional service like Benjamin Franklin Plumbing.  

While you do have to pay more for hiring an experienced professional than making plumbing modifications on your own, chances are that it will cost you a lot if you make mistakes because you don’t know what you’re doing.  

Sometimes, too, plumbing can be dangerous. For instance, if you are re-routing your sewer pipes, then you’ll need a blowtorch. If you’ve never used one before in your life, you could be at risk for serious injury.

A plumber will make sure that your plumbing systems work and that your pipes will stop leaking and that all the changes made are up to code.  

Natural Gas and Sewer Lines

You will definitely need a plumber if you have natural gas problems and other gas leaks. Messing up can result in an instant explosion that could cause you injury or death, or that could destroy your house. Call a plumber that’s certified in natural gas repairs.

Another thing that you should not do on your own is work on unclogging sewer lines. First of all, they are very difficult to access. But, even if you do find a way to access them, you will need to use highly-specialized, expensive machinery to get the job done properly.  

Why You Should Not Do Your Own Electrical Issues

If you have some electrical problems that baffle you, it might seem that all you have to do is look up the solution on Google and then implement it. Nut it’s better to call an electrician than expose yourself to a fatal electric shock.

While it’s easy enough to replace switches, repair light fittings, replace flexible cords connected to outlets, fit plugs to a flexible cord, and replace fuse wires, you should first turn off all power to the house and make sure that conductors are not live. Other than these types of minor repairs, you should call in a professional.  

The worst electrical mistakes homeowners make fall into two categories:

1. An immediate injury. Since the electrical system is complicated, you could make a small error and electrocute yourself. 
2. Setting up a future disaster. You could make the repairs without any shock, but make an electrical mistake that could later result in a house fire.  

In closing, then, while there is much that you can do on your own in your house by simply consulting a manual or looking it up on the internet, there are some things that you should avoid doing even if you think you know how. These two things are usually in the area of plumbing and electrical repairs. If you don’t know what you’re doing because you’ve never done it before, you could make a mistake that will cost you more in the long run. Sometimes, too, you could even endanger yourself or others around you, especially if you’re working with tools you’re unfamiliar with or with electrical systems or power tools.

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How to choose the best Oak Wood Flooring services

Are you thinking of the best ways to floor your house? If so, you might want to think of the best ways to achieve your goal.

There are many ways one can finish the floors of their houses. As much as it seems basic, choosing the type of floor material to finish a house is one of the most important thinks for home owners.

Even so, it is still not very easy selecting wood type. There are several varieties and styles. This makes it quite a task if you are not sure of what to look for. It is not just about the color that brings light to your home. It is all about quality.

There is the traditional solid hardwood and engineered hardwood. It is important that you understand the best choice for the house you want to live in.

Services like GoHaus European Oak wood flooring offer the best way out for anyone who is not sure about the options they have. It is a service worth considering when looking for Oak wood flooring services.

Using the internet

Internet technology has simply made things easy today in all fields. Getting the best oak wood flooring services has never been easier. Options in color and species for engineered hardwood flooring are easy to find online, you can usually order samples to compare to room decorations and color matching.

This puts you at a better position to order samples from different sources. As you try them out, you will be able to find the best one that matches your needs. And that should be the perfect selection.

Modern world is fully dependant on the internet so it only makes sense that you should only search the internet for any information. The world is shifting from physical shops to online shopping.

What makes online experience most sorted is the ease of selection from wide varieties. You can be able to go through what is offered from the comfort of your house and let your choice be delivered.

Online channels provide quite easy and cheap access to Oak wood flooring services. There is no service provider that does not have a website today. It just makes it so easy to find them.

Recommendations from experts

If you are not very sure you will make the right choice, simply get advice from experts. Even the contractor that is working on your house should know the best finishes. That way you avoid going through the vetting process.

When it comes to marketing, nothing works better than a word of mouth from other customers. However best a company’s ads are made, reviews from customers can either make it worth or destroy everything. Customers trust more in what other customers say than what a company says about themselves.

It is all about getting first hand information from experience. After all consumer are at a better position to give review.

Getting a good service provider is important for a perfect home finish. The ideas shared here should give you a starting point.

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Putting in a Fence

You’ve had it. You really love your home and how the open yard allows your kids to run back and forth with their friends, but the perks of letting the neighbors have free access to your yard have started to take a toll.

Maybe this is you. Your reasons for wanting a fence might not be the mainstream need for better privacy or keeping dogs from taking care of their business in your yard, but it’s still valid. With the decision to build a fence, it’s important to hit a few key points so all ends well for you and your relationship with the neighborhood.

Plan for your Property

Putting in a fence requires some steps that might feel like red tape, but once you’ve handled them, you can get down to the real work. One of the first things you’ll want to do if you haven’t already is check your property boundaries so your fence isn’t placed inaccurately.

It’s also a good idea to talk to your neighbors and let them know what you’re planning. You want to be sure your fence isn’t blocking their views or something similar. Neighbors can be tricky to work with but do your best to work with them and be transparent.

The next bit of planning is the part you’ll enjoy. Size up your yard and decide the mechanics of your fence. Will it enclose the whole property or just the backyard? Will you use a different material in the front for curb appeal? How high should your fence reach and what regulations are there regarding fences in your community?

Materials

Along with those mechanics, you now get to get into the particulars of building your fence. There are all sorts of paths to take here. You can purchase prefabricated sections or construct your own, and there are plenty of material types to choose from.

You can repurpose Challenger Pallet wood pallets; invest in a pretty pine, cedar, or redwood; or go simple and durable with vinyl panels. Take into account that wood might need to be stained to withstand the weather and a painted fence may need routine touch-ups.

Paneled sections are usually between six and eight feet in length, so consider where to plant posts, especially as you may need to use concrete to place them. You should also have at least two ways to enter the enclosed area, so making sure your fence will remain sturdy with a gate in place is important.

Extra Hands

If you’re planning to do all the manual labor yourself, reach out to your friends and family to help out, especially those with construction experience. The more hands you have to help, the quicker the work will go.

At this point in the process, putting up the fence yourself may seem like more work than you had thought it would be, and in this case, it’s completely okay to hire a professional to take care of it for you.

Upkeep

Hopefully, you thought about the maintenance your fence will need when you were choosing materials, but use this as a reminder that different materials will require different upkeep. You may need to restain seasonally or repaint yearly.

Be aware of the durability of your fence as well and plan for repairs due to weather damage or wear and tear over the years.

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Home Projects During the Fall

Why do home owners come up with all these projects during the fall? Well, fall is the perfect time to clean summer's mess. Since it comes before winter, it's also the best time to prepare the house for the cold season ahead. Maximize this precious time for renovation and maintenance projects.

Roof Repairs or Replacements

Inspect your roof and see if there are replacements or repairs that need to be done. While this falls under the category of home maintenance, it still makes for an excellent project because it'll increase the resale value of your home. You can start by fixing loose shingles and replacing the missing ones so you're sure that you and your family will stay dry come snowfall. Ice will enter the house through gaps or leaks in the roof.

Keep the Downsprouts and Gutters Clean

It's a bit daunting to do but it has to be done. Inspect and clean the gutters and downsprouts during the fall. This simple task will keep ice dams from happening during the winter. Cleaning it is quite easy, all you have to do is get rid of debris, twigs, and leaves that block the drainage. Get some water to flush everything out, see if there are leakages, check the joints and adjust the tightness of the brackets if need be.

Replace Home Furnace Filters

Filters are rated to be replaced every 90 days and this is something that a lot of home owners are not aware of. Furnace filters get clogged because of the dust in our homes and fur from our pets. Now before you head out to the nearest big box department store, look at the size of the furnace filter so you purchase the right one. A reputable online supplier such as Your Filter Connection carries hundreds of different furnace filter sizes and different efficiencies. A word of caution is to make sure you buy a filter that is rated to work with your HVAC system. Installing a hospital grade air filter could actually cause your furnace and air conditioning unit damage if it does not have a strong enough motor to push through denser filters.

Clean the Fireplace

One way to ensure that the fireplace will operate safely is through proper inspection. If you're using the fireplace during the cold days you need to clean it at least once every 365 days to avoid chimney fires. If you intend to do the cleaning and maintenance by yourself, it's best to have a professional do the initial inspection.

Inspect the Heat System

Speaking of the fireplace, it is also crucial that you inspect your house's heat system in preparation for the winter season. Address issues immediately and ensure that it can perform at its best so you won't be spending thousands of dollars on repairs in the future. Older models of heat systems that use gas are less efficient than newer units.

Albeit known for being the season for applie-picking, fall is also the best time to roll up those sleeves and get your hands dirty with home improvement projects. It's the perfect blend of hot and cold, plus the colors outside make it hard to resist working outdoors.

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5 Reasons to Add a Shed to Your Property

You’ve got a beautiful home with a beautiful yard, but it’s not always easy to take care of, which means its curb appeal isn’t exactly telling about its true state.

With stressful deadlines and work leaving home projects piling up, your yard is the one that takes the brunt of the neglect; and while that tradeoff can’t be remedied immediately, there may be a solution that your home is ready for: a shed. If you have a decent sized yard and no shed, here are five reasons it’s time for you to finally put one in.

You Can Avoid Clutter

Your yard becomes the catchall for anything that doesn’t belong in the house. You have probably tried to keep everything in one place, organizing it as best you can so you can find each thing when you’re looking for it later, but items in the garage becomes items along the side of your home spilling into both the front and back yards.

In this case, a shed is an ideal solution. It can become a catchall that hides away ongoing projects, leaving your yard looking sharp and welcoming to your family and visitors.

You’ll Have More Storage

Becoming a homeowner means investing in a lot of maintenance tools and equipment that you probably didn’t anticipate purchasing. A shed functions as a great place to organize and store these things so they are easy to find the next time you need them.

It doesn’t have to be restricted to your lawn mower and hedge shears either. Store skis during the summer and during the winter, you can store bikes and tubes for floating the river.

You’ll Have Easy Access to Equipment

If instead of employing yard services like yardmasterservices.com your children are taking care of the yard work or you’re paying the neighbor’s boy to do it, having a shed gives your workers easy access to the tools they need.

They won’t have to pick through projects in the garage, move things so you can’t find them, or be dissuaded from their chores because of any extra work just getting ready to start working.

You Can Make Tools Last Longer

A major selling point for investing in a shed is protecting your tools, equipment, and other belongings that are too big or too dirty to score a place inside the house.

You’ll not only keep them safe from being stolen or taken without your permission, but they’ll be sheltered from the elements, preventing rusting and weathering that could mean replacing them sooner rather than later. It’s also a good idea to keep them out of sight of your children during regular play time so your children don’t get hurt and your tools aren’t damaged either.

You’ll Have a Designated Work Area

With so many projects going on, it can be hard to find a place to work that’s safe and quiet. Kids are always playing in the yard or riding bikes down the driveway, and working in the garage means moving the cars elsewhere.

Building a shed gives you a space where you can work without disrupting normal life activities, and if it’s time to close up shop for the day and you’re not quite finished, you don’t have to clean up everything just to get it out again later.

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How to overcome the biggest lighting mistakes that blight houses

It’s widely regarded as one of the easiest ways to make a room look larger, yet if one casts their eye around homes around the country it will soon start to become clear that far too many people make mistakes with their lighting.

A well-lit room can be transformational, yet one in the opposite group can be completely devalued. As such, to ensure that you don’t fall into the latter category, let’s now take a look at some of the most common lighting mistakes that are made and help to make sure that you don’t commit them.

Mistake #1 – The fixture isn’t the right size

Fortunately, this first mistake can be easily rectified. In other words, it doesn’t relate to any form of technical knowledge, and it’s simply about appreciating what size light fixture you should be purchasing to match the rest of your room. If you have invested in something like Pagazzi ceiling lights, only to realize later down the line that they just aren’t proportionate to everything else in the room, it’s a complete waste to your space.

For example, if you have a gigantic dining room table and hang a small ceiling light over the top, it stands to reason that it’s going to border on the ridiculous. At the same time, a huge ceiling light over a tiny table will have the same effect. If we were to hone in on chandeliers, a common rule is making sure that they are a foot smaller than the table’s width.

Mistake #2 - Forgetting about the shadow effect

Another common mistake is forgetting about the shadows that lighting creates. For example, in the case of a kitchen, if the lights sit above the edge of the counter, a shadow will be created over the counter when you start to work on there. It’s in cases like this where you need to test exactly how the light reacts, as well as considering alternative means of lighting (such as under cabinet ones).

Mistake #3 – You ignore dimmer switches

Dimmer switches seem to have a bad name in some sources, which is surprising when you consider their power. This is one tool that you really should be looking to tap into the advantages of. They allow you to set the tone for an occasion, or even your mood. For example, having a room full of light for a quiet dinner is hardly appropriate – and is something that a dimmer can rectify pretty quickly.

Mistake #4 – You don’t consider the energy-factor

Finally, you might have installed the perfect lighting system and be completely happy with the end result. However, at the same time, it costs a fortune to run.

Nowadays, there is no excuse for spending a fortune on lighting upkeep. LED bulbs are now readily available and don’t have the prohibitive price tags that they once did. The energy savings here can be fantastic, although it’s worth mentioning that not all types of lighting is going to be suitable for this.

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The Five Cs of Hygge Decor: Clutter-Free, Canvas, Cotton, Candles, and Comfort

The trend of Hygge (pronounced "hue-geh") is becoming more and more popular these days. More than strictly a home decor trend, Hygge represents the Danish way of life: joyous, carefree, and serene. This cozy way of living life includes a few key decor aspects designed to help you feel truly at home in your home. Each one of the five Cs — clutter-free, canvas, cotton, candles, and comfort — all represent an important aspect of Hygge decor.

Clutter-Free Surroundings

While Hygge decor is far from blank and soulless, it should never feel cluttered. Clutter will add to your stress levels, and the objective of Hygge is to provide a feeling of serenity and comfort.

If your beginning decor feels cluttered, start by clearing it up before you do anything else. Adding Hygge decor on top of clutter will only create more chaos and make you feel overwhelmed. The further down to the “bare bones” of the room you can get, the more successful you will be. Remember, you can always add more items later if the room feels too empty to you.

Canvas and Visual Textures

The usual color schemes used in Hygge are neutral palettes, with visual interest being provided by textures rather than loud colors. This allows even subtle textures to be noticed and appreciated.

An easy way to add visual texture is by selecting artwork with rich canvas rather than glossy prints. You can add a deeper level of meaning to your Hygge decor by using a custom canvas art service such as Canvas Vows to create your own personalized canvas art, using the words or photos that mean the most to you.

Another way you can incorporate visual textures into your decor is through three-dimensional decorations, such as a vase filled with fresh flowers or delicate tree branches, or a hand-carved wooden bowl of fresh fruit. Natural textures are best for Hygge as they provide a connection to the balance of the natural world.

Cotton and Textures You Can Feel

In order to embrace the carefree and cozy lifestyle of Hygge, you need to feel snug and secure. Surrounding yourself with natural textures not only adds to the aspect of visual interest, but provides you with the important key feeling of comfort.

Decorate your seating and nooks with fluffy pillows and soft blankets, and consider a thick area rug for hard flooring. Choose fabrics that are a solid color rather than printed, and don’t be afraid to mix and match smooth cotton with chunky knits. If it’s something you would love to curl up in on a rainy afternoon, it belongs in your Hygge decor.

Try to stay with textures and materials that you enjoy, and avoid any that are itchy or uncomfortable.

Candles and Warm Glows

One aspect of Danish culture and the Hygge lifestyle includes cuddling with loved ones by the fireplace. As lovely as fireplaces are, unfortunately not all homes have them.

Not to worry, though! You can still embrace the warm radiance by utilizing candles in your decor. The soft, warm glow of candlelight provides a feeling of relaxation and romance that simply cannot be replaced with artificial light. You can light your favorite jar candles, decorate with candle lanterns, or even place candles in a (fire-safe) faux fireplace.

You can embrace Hygge decor a step further by replacing harsh, bright lights with strands of fairy lights. Using these lights provides a twinkling glow and offers a feeling of warmth and joy.

Comfort – The Hygge Atmosphere

The final C represents the atmosphere and overall objective of the Hygge lifestyle: comfort.

The calming neutral color scheme, the taking the time to notice textures, the soothing lighting — it all contributes to the feeling of comfort and ease you experience in your home.

In order to fully appreciate the atmosphere of your Hygge decor, spend some time embracing the lifestyle it represents.

So, enjoy your new surroundings. Throw on a soft robe or some yoga pants and kick off your shoes. Invite a few friends or family members over to catch up and reminisce. Curl up with a good book and a warm cup of tea. Who knows, with any luck, your decor will just be the first part of your life to become carefree and comfortable.

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10 Ideas for Your Kitchen Makeover

The two questions to ask when thinking about renovating your kitchen are 'why' and 'how.' These questions will prompt you to look for answers, which, in turn, will cause you to reflect on a wide number of things from your opinion about aesthetics to the type of functionality you’re seeking.

By researching remodeling ideas and designs and by looking at plenty of photos online, you’ll get a fairly good idea about how to add the type of style and function you want. Take your time, of course, as it's never a good idea to make quick decisions when planning a kitchen makeover. Give yourself time to get inspired and to change your mind.

Here are 10 ideas to consider:

1. In your quest for answers, you should read blogs on home improvement and visit websites like Gilmans Kitchen and Bath to get a deeper appreciation for the many design options available.
2. One theme you’ll come across quite often are suggestions for choosing eco-friendly ideas. Until recent times, there was not much awareness about health hazards like volatile organic compounds, or VOC. These are organic chemicals that create high vapor pressure even at ordinary room temperature and can cause lung irritation. The use of the wrong paints and coats designed to beautify your kitchen may introduce VOC into your cooking space.
3. You can make your food preparation area more attractive and functional by adding some subway tile backsplash.
4. Don’t be in a hurry to replace your kitchen cabinets because they look old. If your cabinets are spacious and made of beautiful wood, you may not need to replace them to get a new look. You can save an enormous amount of money by simply adding a coat of fresh paint. Usually, neutral tones work best, as they create a clean look. With the right choice of paint, no one will even know that your cabinets aren’t new unless you tell them.
5. When you walk into a modern kitchen, one of the things that jump out at you is the kitchen island. It’s warm, welcoming, and attractive, and it also adds utilitarian value. Islands are useful for meal-prep, for storing things, and for seating. Even if you have a small kitchen, there's probably an island that will work for you.
6. Space is always a good thing in any room and one way to increase kitchen space while also improving storage is by adding shelves. They won’t take up as much room as upper cabinets, will make it convenient to store things, and will create the illusion that your kitchen is larger.
7. Gorgeous countertops can add flair to your kitchen. Granite countertops, for instance, will give your kitchen a focal point and create a sleek, modern look-and-feel.
8. If you haven’t bought new appliances for some time, you’ll be surprised at how much kitchen technology has improved. Modern appliances are not only far more attractive than what was available only a few short years ago, but far more energy-efficient, too. Your dishwasher will save more water and your range and microwave will give you perfect heat without the extra cost. All you need are a few black stainless-steel kitchen appliances to give your kitchen a futuristic appearance.
9. Convert unused areas of your kitchen into usable space. If your kitchen has an empty corner, you can convert it into a nook, a place for quick snacks or enjoying a cup of tea or coffee. Accessorizing nooks can be as simple as adding a bench and a few plump cushions.
10. It’s worth spending the money to create an eco-friendly floor that does not have toxic materials like formaldehyde. Although organic bamboo is actually a grass, it looks like wood and comes in attractive tiles.

In conclusion, think of these ten ideas as idea starters. It’s easy enough to get carried away and just focus on what looks good, but you’ll find it helpful to also consider the value of research, eco-awareness, and energy-saving appliances, among other things, when it comes to designing your dream kitchen.

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Jarvie candlesticks & Frank Lloyd Wright metalwork

Our old friend Russ Billington dropped a note to alert us to a sale of important A&C metalwork:

My old friend John Armstrong at Fair Oak Workshop has unearthed some interesting stock from his collection and is offering them for sale at 1973 prices. The Jarvie Candlesticks can be found here, and the Frank Lloyd Wright is here.

Small Decorations that Can Make a Big Difference in Your Room

When working on the layout of a room, an interior designer has to take multiple factors into consideration. Whether working on a bathroom or a television room, you need to figure out how you can strike a balance between form and function. While comfort is undoubtedly an important aspect of any room in which you spend time, the aesthetics of the room and how the individual elements work together can be thought of as equally important. Your bedroom is where you sleep and maybe even work, which is why the way you decorate this personal space is crucial.

There is no denying the importance of the furniture in your bedroom. Mattress store shopping to find a mattress that fits your bedroom and is comfortable to lay on is obviously part of the process, but there are a number of other pieces you can incorporate to help bring your bedroom to life.

Furniture plays a big role in how a room looks but, after careful inspection, you may realize that there are plenty of smaller details that help put a room together,too. This article will dive into some of the ways you can decorate your room to make it a more pleasant place to be.

A Soothing Scent

When decorating your bedroom, it can be easy to focus on the big pieces you need to fill the room. A mattress to sleep on, a desk to work at, and an armoire for your clothes are all critical pieces you will need, but there is a lot more you can add to improve the room.

Incorporating more senses can enhance a room, making it more interesting and unique. What your bedroom looks like is important but paying attention to how it smells is also vital. A soothing and light scent that is not too overwhelming can truly tie a room together and make it that much more inviting. While heavier scents work well in larger rooms, like the television room or kitchen, stick to lighter scents, such as pine, mint, or chamomile, for the close quarters of your bedroom. Candles, incense, or oil diffusers with lighter scents add better accents to the room without giving you or your guests a headache.

A Hint of Nature

Another way you can decorate your bedroom is to add nature to it. Simply being in the presence of nature can boost your mood. Studies have shown how effective moving to greener urban areas or taking nature walks are for improving people’s mental health. Studies have shown that green plants can reduce stress, increase vitality, and put people in happier moods, simply by being nearby.

If you wish to add some color to your room and experience these calming effects, look into purchasing some small green plants you can place on your desk, by your nightstand, or anywhere else where you can easily see them. If you are concerned about not having enough direct sunlight in your bedroom, plants like the dracaena and the bromeliad both look great and can survive in the shade. If you do not want to worry about any kind of maintenance, some stores even sell fake plants that look real.

While introducing plants to your room can have soothing mental effects, it is also a very easy and cost-effective way to add a pop of color to your room. Your room will look and feel fresher immediately.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, decorating your room can feel like an overwhelming and stressful task. Since you may spend a good amount of time in your room sleeping or working, you want to make sure the room is comfortable but also reflects your personal style. Thinking about the smaller design decisions, such as what color to paint the walls, which accessories to include, or how to arrange everything can be just as important as the actual furniture pieces you choose to put in the room.

Aiming for a layout that looks and feels nice is important, which is why you cannot ignore the small details that can complete a room. Ultimately, this may require some more creative thinking but finding the right elements to enhance your bedroom will be worth money and effort.

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3 Steps to a Landscape to Be Proud of

Your house becomes a home when it's somewhere you can be proud of, somewhere that you delight in bringing visitors to, rather than just a four-walled shelter for you and your family. That's why embarking on a program of property renovation and refurbishment can be the best thing that you ever do, and it can even cover its own cost by adding value to your home. To make the most of a renovation project, however, you should concentrate on the outside of your home as well as what's inside, so with that in mind here are three simple steps that can help you obtain a landscape to be proud of.

Turning a Lame Lawn into a Laudable Lawn

The crowning glory of any exterior landscaping should be the garden, and at the heart of that is the lawn. A great looking lawn is a place where you'll enjoy relaxing with the ones you love, watching the clouds float by, but a sad and tired lawn can show your whole property in the wrong light. If the look of your lawn is getting you down, you should call in specialists in lawn grading and leveling. They'll be able to repair, reseed, or rejuvenate your lawn so that it's in the best condition ever, and that's a great starting point for a landscaping renovation.

Add a Soothing Water Feature

Whether you're busy raising a family, working, or even if you're now retired, the pace of modern life can be frenetic, so we all need a place we can call our own where we can simply let the day's worries drift away. A well-kept garden landscape is the perfect place to do this, especially if it includes a water feature. They come in all shapes and sizes, from garden ponds to waterfalls and fountains, and so there's one to suit every budget. It has long been known that the sound of running water is calming, so waterfalls in particular can be soothing, as the creators of Zen gardens have known for centuries.

Adopt a Greener Approach

A perfect landscape should be green in more ways than one. We all see the effects of man-made climate change around us, which is why it's essential to do all we can to reduce our carbon footprint. One way to do this is to make our property as eco-friendly and energy efficient as possible. Externally, this can be done by installing solar powered lighting, and using water butts to collect rainwater that can then be recycled and used to water your lawn and plants. In this way, you'll not only be transforming your landscape, but you could be helping to transform the environment for generations to come.

Your garden is the first thing that visitors to your property will see. When you have a well-kept or newly renovated lawn, beautiful water touches, and other elements such as high-quality paving stones or pathways, you'll be creating a perfect impression from the very first moment. It can cost less than you think, and of course you can use a landscape rejuvenation project to install greener garden solutions too.

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Sustainable Tips for Your Home

With record temperatures all over the world in 2018, it is more important than ever to reduce your carbon footprint. Expert scientists have put their finger on global warming as the reason for sweltering heat throughout Asia, Europe, and the United States, and when you consider there are wildfires raging in the Arctic Circle in August 2018, you can no longer deny what environmentalists have claimed for years. Is your house sustainable? Does it reduce your carbon footprint? Here are some tips you can implement to ensure it does; otherwise, the entire planet is in danger.

Insulate Your Abode 

Keep your indoor air in and the outdoor air out by insulating your ceiling, floors, and walls. Your home should be wrapped in a protective bubble, if you will, to ensure that your air conditioning and heating units run minimally throughout the summer and winter. When properly insulated, outside air cannot make its way into your home to either cool or heat the indoor environment, and this keeps the inside temperature set. An added benefit is lower utility bills alongside a reduced carbon footprint. 

Don’t forget about your doors or windows, either. Make certain they are properly sealed and that you install new double-paned windows if you currently have single-paned units. If you cannot afford to replace your windows, and even if you do upgrade them, redo your interior with thermal-backed curtains that block the sun’s rays and outdoor heat or cold. In the winter, open the drapes during the day to let the sun’s warmth in, and then close them at night to trap the heat.

Renovate Your Kitchen

If you’re tired of your outdated kitchen, now is the perfect time to renovate it. Purchase all new energy-efficient appliances and don’t stop there. Get a new energy-efficient washer and drying, too. Upgrade your flooring and countertops to natural materials that are sustainably farmed. When you are ready for another upgrade, these materials can be recycled rather than tossed in a landfill, which is where parquet, Formica, and other manmade materials end up. 

Don’t stop with the indoors. Redo your backyard space to include an outdoor kitchen. If you live in an area with enough solar energy, you can cook outside in a solar oven. You can also grill outdoors, which keeps the kitchen heat outside and gives your AC a break during the summer. Invest in outdoor appliances that utilize solar energy or other alternative fueling methods. You’ll find you love cooking outdoors as much as indoors and you’ll notice a difference in your utility bills.

Redo Your Landscape 

Consider ripping out that expensive lawn and redoing your landscape with drought-resistant, indigenous plant life. You should always use native plants no matter where you live, because they thrive in their environment and are easier to keep alive with minimal water waste. Have your home’s indoor and outdoor plumbing redone to trap gray water and push it outdoors to water your plants. You can also set up a rainwater collection system and use solar energy to make the water safe for consumption.

Realize the Benefits

Alongside the money you will save on your utility bills if you implement the above, your Washington DC homeowners insurance, or your homeowners insurance wherever you live, might just reduce your premiums after your renovation. Some insurance companies encourage their policyholders to go green, and you could also save money at tax time depending on current state and federal credits. Yes, the renovation will cost you money, but you’ll get that cost back over time.

Record-breaking heat waves that are claiming lives. Wildfires all over the planet, including in Sweden of all places. Concrete melting in Europe. Think global warming doesn’t exist? Think again. It does and it’s hazards are becoming more and more prominent every day. Do your part and upgrade your home to make it more sustainable.

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Know Why a Pool's Design Should Complement the Architecture of the House

This pool was designed to match the clean, simple lines of the house. Note how it appears to be an extension of the house with matching levels. The pool filtration system and pumps were located under the pool at the end furthest from the house to minimize noise around the patio areas.

A pool's design is an extension of the house's external features. Revisions on planning regulations and technological advancements allow pools to be constructed along the boundaries of buildings and properties. This means good news for home owners, especially those who plan on boosting the value of their property so they can sell it for a higher price in the future. Local real estate agents would agree that properties with pools can be sold at high prices compared to those without.

Another reason why installing a pool is highly recommended is because this gives you a beautiful centerpiece for the garden. It can be a focal point for fun and entertaining activities for friends and family. The best part is it's not just there for display, you can actually use it especially during those hot summer days.

If You Fail to Plan, You Plan to Fail

Fact: the pool's design can make or break the deal. If you had any miscommunication with your landscape artist or architect, you will have to deal with an eyesore, instead of enjoying the pool that you can take a dip in when need be. It's crucial to plan ahead before installing a pool so you can identify what size you'll be getting, where to put it, what materials to use, and how it can complement the design of your home.

Not only that, some pool filtration equipment that's essential in keeping the pool clean can be unsightly. Since aesthetics is key, it's crucial to come up with creative ways to hide the filtration system when planning the pool's design. In the planning it's also important to identify where to get the materials from. For example, some pumps tend to be noisy and break easily that's why it's only fitting to purchase from reliable retailers like Mr. Pool Man.

Complementary Design

We can't stress this enough: the pool's design has to complement the exteriors of the house and there's a good reason why. If the house has a modern feel to it, the pool should be designed in such a way that it blends with architecture. This can include tiles, furniture, and clean lines that will suit the modern vibe of the house. If it were designed to look traditional or old school, it would feel that there's an imbalance or that there's something off. Your house guests will feel that, and so will the future buyers making it even more difficult to sell your house.

Let Creativity Flow

You may not be aware of it yet, but the pool will function as everyone's entertainment and relaxation area. The pool has to look like it can be a source of fun and peace of mind because if it only stresses you out, then it's pointless to have it installed.

This is where the pool landscape artist comes in. They have the artistic perspective that's needed when coming up with a design that will blend perfectly with the aesthetics of your house. They know how to design a pool that will serve as the hub for relaxation, entertainment, and socialization. All those filters and pumps won't be that much of an issue because these artists can come up with different creative ways to hide them. If you wish to add your own personal touch to the design, all you have to do is collaborate with them.

But do check out work that the artist has done for other people before engaging someone for such an important task as designing a new pool. As the famous swimming pool artist David Hockney once said, “It is very good advice to believe only what an artist does, rather than what he says about his work.”

The house and the pool needs to have a harmonious relationship especially when it comes to the design. Designs that complement each other will give you peace of mind.

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Space Optimisation Tips For This Summer

With August coming up shortly, many are the ones who want to rebuild or optimise their garden or outdoor space. This is naturally a hard mission to accomplish, especially if you're not an experienced designer or simply because you don't have a big budget planned for such renovation. In order to reshape your outdoor space, analysing which pieces are still working in your current picture is the starting point, unless you're going after a complete renovation. Let's break down 4 tips in order for you to achieve great results when it comes to space optimisation and general outdoor planning.

Number One: Small Spaces Are Easy To Organise

If you have a small garden, this may sound weird to you: given the fact that you don't have a big space, placing all your pieces of furniture in order to create more space or simply because you want to give them a cleaner look could be hard. By simply following a process known as "the central progression" you can overcome this obstacle: place your table/your bulkiest piece of furniture in the centre and everything else around it, in order to have more space for you and your guest to move. This could be a great starting point for optimising your outdoor space, especially since it naturally creates more space.

Number Two: Accessories And Decorations

If there's a simple tip everyone can follow when it comes to decoration, it is "don't exaggerate." No one, in fact, is expecting you to build a glass fountain in the middle of your small garden, so don't over complicate your life and just place something that truly describes who you are (framed pictures, for example, are a great hint) in order to create an "outside living room."

Number Three: Buying New Furniture

If your furniture is old or simply not so good looking, before changing it you should follow two simple steps:

• Plan your budget. Regardless of the fact that you're going after this kind of outdoor living furniture, deciding the amount of money that you want to invest is possibly the most important thing.

• Once again, don't exaggerate. If you are planning on inviting 2/3 friends once every two weeks, let's be real: you don't need any fancy looking piece of design. With that being said, the pieces don't have to be cheap looking, so try to get the best of both worlds.

Number Four: Lights

Is there anything better than having a small soiree between you and your friends after the sunset? Maybe with some chilled drinks talking about the most random stuff that happened to you during the week? I don't think so. In order to do so, especially when it gets dark, you must have a proper lighting system. This doesn't have to be expensive, but practical and stylish. That's why my personal advice would be relying on LEDs, especially since you can get them for cheap on Amazon nowadays.

 

About the Author

Vicky Layton is a fashion designer, running enthusiast and occasional model. Fashion is and will always be her passion and she also loves sports. She is currently doing an internship but would love to open her own showroom soon.

 

 

 

 

 

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Luxury, Real estate Market, Beats the Crisis

The luxury marketplace is the part of the real estate market concerning properties approximately highly valued from one to 20 million AED. This very broad range consists of the highest quality properties which can be found in the marketplace. Research carried out on the average price tag of the houses that belong to this particular segment over a long-term period (10 to 20 years) explain that they're in a position to improve their worth more than the houses of the popular segment (i.e., the properties below a million AED). This feature makes them a fascinating property for people looking a safe and secure way to make investments.

Why Luxurious Properties Can Maintain Their Worth

The crucial reason why high-end properties maintain their worth better as compared to normal properties is that the particular offer of most of these properties is fixed with regards to the demand from customers and the demand is usually created by worldwide clients who make up quite a steady base. This helps to ensure that luxurious properties are not too difficult to promote. The buying price of most of these properties should, first of all, reflect their high quality and quality ought to be the first facet to be deemed by the buyer. The standard of a property can be established by many aspects, and they have to be carefully examined before choosing: the place is just about the first because the rest of the aspects are usually resultant to the particular location.

What is High Quality?

Allow me to provide you with a couple of good examples. A property of 10 rooms with a backyard, swimming pool area and so forth in an exceptional position overlooking the marine obviously hasn't exactly the same worth as the same property built in a remote hot place not even close to the ocean and from the city center. But no one (probably) would make a luxury property somewhere which seems like a desert. A condo of 3 bedrooms with frescoes in any palace way back to XVII millennium in hypothesis may have around the same price of a 10 bedrooms condo in the periphery, but exactly what can you prefer as a financial commitment? XVII millennium castles are uncommon, and they are usually located only in the famous cities. This allows that they'll still maintain their worth. What exactly I mean is that the finest properties have been in the best places: the historic centers of the cities, the hillsides, the ocean and the off-road resorts.

More About the Price Tag

A price covers anything from 1, and 20 million AED in Dubai may seem too broad. The truth is, the low end of this particular assortment is impacted by the popularity of the marketplace more than the top end. The typical price tag demanded by the buyers who flick through the specific global sites is about 3 million. On the other side, you can ask the reason why we put a top limit on the cost of this particular segment. This is because properties above a decided price (that is roughly fixed at 20 million) are exclusive pieces that get rid of the essential manifestation of a good investment asset: to be valuable.

What Stats Say

As one example of the way the prime property or home market is doing work well in this time period of ongoing crisis, we can consider the stats of the sites specialized in promoting luxurious properties in Dubai. Facts state that the pursuit of this sort of properties has raised by 2% within the last year and that one of the most active customers come from nations around the world such as Portugal, Spain, and the UK. Exactly what does it necessarily mean? Quite simple: the rich people from the nations around the world most impacted by the economic crisis are searching for safe and sound investment in another country.

Important Questions You Should Ask Before You Start Searching for Luxury Property or Home

Deciding Where you can Buy

When you start to check out the real estate market for higher properties, take into account that beachfront properties are likely to be the costliest that you run into. So many people are keen on traveling all over the world so they can make the most of estates, holiday villas, and properties with stunning sights of perfect beach locations. You can easily understand why such houses are extremely popular; having the ability to wake up every morning to a window looking over the course of water isn't a thing most people find to do. Because of this, while you start a search to keep the spending plan in your mind while selecting a location or contact www.luxuryproperty.com for free consultancy before taking any decision.

Deciding When you should Buy

Another significant idea to bear in mind while purchasing a luxury house is the growing season in which you buy it. A lot of luxurious houses are placed in perfect locations for example on seashores and along coastlines. While houses in these types of locations will tend to be higher priced as compared to properties in normal locations, the time of the season in which the houses are bought will considerably impact their selling prices. For instance, if you are planning to buy luxury property in Dubai, you'll likely spend a lot more cash in case you try to purchase the house during the summertime than if you try during the springtime or the autumn months.

Is Your Perfect Home Worth the Cost?

You shouldn't sign a contract to a property till you have had the house thoroughly checked by a property evaluator with considerable knowledge of that specific kind of high-end property. The thought of not purchasing a house without having it evaluated first is typical among people purchasing a regular house they want to live in, for example, properties and condominiums that retail for well within the million-dollar tag.

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Start Saving Money Today Around the Home

If you're like many people you spend money without giving much thought to how you might do better. That is until you come to the end of the month and you have nothing left over for personal enjoyment. Luckily, there are literally hundreds of ways you can start saving money today without making any huge sacrifices.

Pest Control

You may not think that pest control can save you money. However, if you have a termite or carpenter ant problem chances are what you see is only the half of it. Generally, you won't see them until they have done considerable structural damage which can result in thousands of dollars in repairs. Thankfully, regardless of your location on the map, there are companies that specialize in the safe and effective removal of insects and rodents. If you live in Central Ohio, begin by checking the listings for pest control in Columbus Ohio to find a service which can rid your home of these pests and save you money in the long run.

Lose the Brand Names

Food shopping can consume a large portion of your leftover cash.  In most cases, the generic brands work just as well as the higher priced brand names. The only difference is that brand names spend a lot of money on their publicity campaign and have fancy, eye-catching labels. If you're a bit squeamish about switching over all at once, try a couple each shopping trip. Within a year, you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner.

Utility Bills

If you have extremely high utility bills, you're consuming too much energy. A few simple changes like turning off the lights, timing your showers, installing a programmable thermostat, lowering the heat and raising the air conditioning and washing your clothes in cold water will help you work those bills down to a reasonable monthly payment. Regular maintenance of your heating and cooling system including changing out the filters every few months will also help you to save more and keep your equipment performing at its best.

Cable Television 

Television is something that most people enjoy. However, do you really need access to 200 to 300 channels? Chances are you don't even know how many you have. Contact your service provider and switch to a lower plan that has the channels you like and eliminates the ones you don't watch. If your cable company also offers internet and phone services you can also check to see if bundling the services together will save you more money.

Check for Coupons

Take advantage of 24/7 access to the internet and check for coupons before you buy anything. This can include things like dining out at your favorite restaurant, shopping for electronics and clothing, lawn care, pest control, pet grooming, and haircuts. Almost anything you need is on sale somewhere.

Buy Second Hand

If you are in the market for a table and chair set or a lawn mower check the local paper or websites like Craigslist to see if someone has something in good condition that they no longer need.

Pay in Advance

Some companies such as insurance agencies offer a discount if you pay 6 months or the entire year in advance. Before paying your next bill contact the company to see if they have any incentive programs for early payments.

Take Care of Your Health

Make annual visits to the doctor and the dentist for everyone. This will help you avoid costly expenses for progressed illnesses and cavities turned root canal that would otherwise not get to that level.

Keeping more of your hard-earned money should be the goal of everyone. Afterall, you work all week so that when your time off arrives you can kick back and spend time on the things you really enjoy. The good news is that it doesn't take long to turn around from penniless to funds available.

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Designing and Building your own Eco Home

Have you ever considered designing or building your own eco home? It may be much more within your grasp than you may think. When looking to design and build an eco-home (or simply make your current home more environmentally friendly) there are a multitude of features which are not only easy to install but can help save the environment and save you money in the long run!

The four must-have features of an Eco-Home:

• Solar Panels are widely recognised now as the perfect way to provide electrical energy to your home. They produce 0 emissions, can be fitted to almost any home and the best bit? They can save you upwards of £8,000 over the course 20 years!

• As an alternative to traditional boilers wood burners are a great alternative. The wood used is renewable, carbon neutral as a fuel source and dependable.

• Underfloor heating (not just for expensive hotels and spas!) when installed and used correctly it is one of the most efficient ways to heat your home and can increase energy efficiency by up to 40%.

• The easiest introduction, smart technology. It’s possibly the easiest way to keep track of your spending and your energy usage and some people have recorded savings of around £200 from simply being more aware of their energy usage.

 

For more information on how to design and build your own eco-home, have a look at the infographic below…

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Making The Most of Your Space

From the smallest of studio flats to family homes which need just that bit more room (perhaps to make way for a new member!) there are a whole host of tips and tricks you can implement to help maximise your living space. Why not try our top three tips?

1. Low ceilings and limited storage space? Think vertical and try using floor to wall shelving or utilising the space above cabinets and room above doors for shelves and storage. Not only does this add places for you to store or your bits and bobs but helps to draw the eye upwards and create the illusion of height. Just make sure if you’re doing it yourself you use good quality materials and tools!
2. Double-duty solutions are key, for everything! Your bed? There’s space under that mattress, Your dining room table? It’s also a perfect desk space and the area that’s collecting dust under your coffee table? A great bookshelf alternative…
3. The most important tip is to have a really good de-clutter! Maximise space in any home by getting rid of those objects you don’t need. Every time you place your hands on an object ask yourself, ‘Do I really need this?’. (most of the time it will probably be a no!) If you do feel the need for a decorative piece go for some wall art or a mirror as this will add your own little touch of personality but also helps to create the illusion of a bigger room.

If you’re after more tips and tricks, have a little look at the infographic below…

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