Skipping Stone Design

Skipping Stone Design

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How do you make your home more attractive?

Home staging is very popular these days. Many people decide to improve their house decor before selling it. By ‘home staging’ we mean the upgrading – literally ‘staging’ – of real estate. This method has some basic rules and doesn’t require significant investments, at least not more than 5% of the selling price, so that everyone can benefit from it.

Make your house interesting

Start by remedying all those little ailments in the home that you no longer pay attention to: the cupboard door hanging on half-past six, the tile that has cracked, the electric wire that lives its own life. What is more: remember to clean the house from head to toe. Clutter, dust and grease stains have nothing attractive at all. If the walls need to be refreshed, it has to be done, but use neutral colours such as white or, even better, beige. Your personal taste must be ignored.

Make the interior impersonal

The overall idea of home staging is that the buyer is given the freedom to introduce themselves in your interior. That is the reason why you should make your interior as impersonal as possible. Put family photos in a box, as well as all kinds of collections and personal items. In addition, you must clean up. It is difficult to see the potential of a room if you can struggle between the cocktail chair and the low table with difficulty.

Make more space

Incidentally, furniture that is too large tends to eat centimetres and make a room appear smaller than it actually is. Emptying a place, even partially, will reveal small and large defects. In this case, you hide it as much as possible and use tricks that are as cheap as possible to hide this small ‘suffering’, on the condition that it remains as neutral as possible. All kinds of plaids, pillows and frames are your allies.

First impression matters

If your furniture is no longer the youngest, don’t hesitate to paint it. The same applies to a dated tile. You don’t have to ensure the sustainability of the place, but make it attractive for a first glance. Try to look at your interior through the eyes of an outsider. The good thing about home staging is that these straightforward rules are not only applicable when you are about to move, but that they also do wonders when it comes to falling in love again with your walls.

Remember about the garden

When home staging, you must also remember about your garden! A few rules also apply to this area. The border or the fence are the first things to see when visitors arrive. If these are scots and crooked and perhaps have seen better days, you have to tackle them.

The devil is in the details

Mow your grass, water the plants and don’t hesitate to plant some new flowers here and there. Also remember to maintain the trees and shrubs, especially if your future buyer is not a family of Tarzan! Don’t forget the letterbox and the bell. Also, make sure that the shed and the garage are cleaned up. These are huge selling points; you must do everything to make the buyer aware of this. Also remember to collect the slide, swing and sandpit in a corner so that they do not give the idea to flood the whole.

Replace the garden furniture, change the cushions on it and throw a beautiful tablecloth in cheerful colours over the old, shaved table. Finally, you can possibly use string lights, but be careful not to turn it into a branch of the fair! If you want to be inspired by beautiful houses, visit the Real estate in Sea Pines SC.

Conclusion

As you can see, many various things can be improved before selling your house. With home staging, you can sell your house even twice faster! We hope that our tips will help you during this critical time in your life.

 

Smart Home Upgrades to Make My Home Stand Out and Sell Fast

Let’s be honest: selling a house is not an easy or relaxing task. There are so many things that are completely out of your control that it has probably made you feel some anxiety. Plus, if you’re a first-time home seller, you may be surprised to find out about some costs with selling your house that you were not expecting at all. The good news is that as far as the unexpected costs go, all you have to do is a bit of research, and you’ll be in the know. Now, while you can’t take control of absolutely every single aspect of selling, there are some things that you can do to help it sell faster. Let’s find out what those are.

Light It Up

Light has always been a very important aspect for home buyers, since everyone wants plenty of natural light around. Perhaps Dracula’s the only exception to this rule. Regardless of whether your place gets plenty of sunlight or not, there is something that you can do to get not just more light, but better light. Make sure to start off by replacing all light bulbs with LEDs, and after you’re done with that, have a system installed that allows all lights to be controlled with a smart phone or a tablet. This will instantly make your house more environmentally and consumer-friendly.

First Impressions

First impressions are everything, and nothing has a bigger impact on that first impression than the exterior of a house, known as the curb appeal. Hopefully, you’ve already taken care of the obvious bits, such as cleaning up the yard and re-painting the fence, but there’s something more that you can do to make your home even sexier to potential buyers. There are video doorbells, which can be connected to pretty much any device. They don’t only allow you to see who’s at the front door, but thanks to them, you can also speak to that individual.

While we’re talking front doors, consider installing a smart door lock as well. A digital keypad is great because it can be programmed to give access to certain people at certain times (like when you have guests over). They can also be unlocked remotely, like when the owner is on vacation.

Thermostat

Smart thermostats are a true treasure for a house. They ensure added comfort by allowing individuals to control the temperature of the place, but they also make the house more environmentally-friendly, because they come with features that allow homeowners to program a certain temperature for a certain day. This works beautifully for when someone is on vacation and doesn’t want to their home to be cold when they return.

Speak Up

There is a great deal of systems that are voice-activated, and which can be used for security systems, speakers and smart lighting. Consider installing a system like this if you wish to impress potential buyers and maybe even convince them to purchase the house.

Speakers Everywhere

Music has always been an important part of humans’ lives, but lately, it has become even more so. With that in mind, consider getting an entertainment system for the place you’re trying to sell. This will make it a breeze for individuals to listen to anything they want regardless of where they are located in the house, which is why it will look quite good for those considering to purchase the house.

Thanks to these lovely smart systems or devices, your house will become that much more tempting for potential buyers. With that in mind, consider adding at least one of these to your place, if you want to sell it as fast as possible.

 

The 10 Best Space-Saving Appliances Every Small Kitchen Owner Needs

Fact: did you know that the average size of American kitchens has only increased by 80 feet within the last 50 years? Although this is a cause for celebration, most of us would agree that we could make do with a little more counter space in the kitchen department.

That being said, it’s pretty pricey to uproot your family to a new home for the sake of a larger kitchen. Need a handy kitchen appliance but crunched for space in your tiny kitchen? Discover the best space saving appliances for small kitchens here!

1. Nespresso Pixie Espresso Maker

Can we just say that the Nespresso Pixie Espresso Maker in Aluminum EN125S is practically the king of all kitchen countertop appliances? Like most pod coffee makers, the Nespresso Pixie is a little on the more expensive side.

But with all of the money that you’ll save from making coffee at home, we’re sure that this espresso maker will pay for itself in no time. It gets better: the reason why it’s received such high ratings is that it’s one of the tiniest pod coffee machines out there. So, if you’re cramped for space in your kitchen, this appliance won’t take up much room at all.

At 12.8 inches deep, 4.3 inches wide, and 9.3 inches high, the aptly-named Nespresso Pixie Espresso Maker can be easily slid next to any other appliances on your kitchen counter. That means that any spare nook or cranny will do the trick. Another thing that sets this espresso maker apart is that it’s very speedy too!

2. Instant Pot Multi-Cooker

Let’s talk about the Instant Pot DUO60 7-in-1 6 Quart Multi-Cooker. If you’ve already been seeing this all over your health and wellness social media feeds, then you’re not alone. The most surprising part is that it’s not as expensive as you’d think.

In fact, you can typically get this useful multi-cooker for less than $100 online. Don’t have any spare counter space for an Instant Pot? Try storing this gem inside of your kitchen cabinet instead.

For those who aren’t exactly sure how a multi-cooker works, allow us to enlighten you. Basically, the Instant Pot Duo uses a special pressure cooking method to make sure that your food is thoroughly cooked. Plus, you can even use it as a slow cooker too.

This is crazy: you can fill up your Instant Pot with a whopping six quarts of whatever you want too. You can buy the Instant Pot in several different sizes as well, including a 3-quart alternative that is two inches smaller in terms of diameter. What a cute concept!

3. Sharp Microwave

Guess what? No tiny kitchen is truly complete without the Sharp SMC0710BB/BW Microwave. Even though no microwave can avoid taking up space, the Sharp Microwaves does the trick without getting in your way.

That’s because it’s one of the tiniest microwaves you can find. Another perk of the Sharp Microwave is that it’s extremely good at defrosting frozen meals. With a 700-watt output, the Sharp Microwave will take a little longer to heat things up for you.

However, we promise that the wait will be worth it. At 13 inches deep, 17 inches wide, and 10 inches high you might become too obsessed with this microwave to even notice how much time has passed. Try it and see for yourself!

4. Panasonic Toaster Oven

News flash: the Panasonic FlashXpress NB-G110P is one of the most efficient toaster ovens on the market. Even though it’s larger than a regular toaster, it’s still mini enough to be dwarfed by your microwave.

Not only that, but a toaster over can do way more than a regular microwave anyway. Don’t believe us? The Panasonic Toaster Oven can do almost anything, including:

  • Broiling hamburgers
  • Baking cookies
  • Heating leftover food

Are a huge fan of making pizza for dinnertime? With the Panasonic Toaster Oven, you can become a pizza pro in seconds. Bonus points for baking muffins inside of this thing too!

5. Cuisinart Food Processor

At just under $200, the Cuisinart Prep 11 Plus DLC-2011CHBY Food Processor is really built to last for a lifetime. Why on earth would anyone pay that much for a food processor? The answer is simple.

This particular food processor can do anything from chopping up nuts to grinding nut butter. Also, you can easily dice veggies and puree them into a soup-like texture. Have a dinner party to prepare for?

Then there’s no harm in pulling out your Cuisinart Prep’s 11-cup container to make a gigantic batch of whatever your family craves. As if that’s not enough, you can also grate cheese and chop onions with this handy tool. Is there anything this food processor can’t do?

6. BlueStar Burner Range

To be quite honest, not all of us have over $3,100 laying around to invest in a compact refrigerator. However, if you’re lucky enough to have that kind of money on your credit card, then we highly recommend that you pick up the BlueStar 24-Inch Culinary Series Sealed Burner Range.

Ever wanted to feel like a professional chef in your tiny kitchen? Now you can. Made out of stainless steel, this baby has four burners that can get up to 21,000 British thermal units (for those that don’t know, that’s flaming hot).

In addition, you can choose to burn propane fuel or natural gas with your BlueStar Burner Range. Plus, it comes with special simmer and searing burners to take your culinary skills to the next level. How can you beat that?

7. Bosch Integrated Dishwasher

There’s a big reason why so many magazines suggest the Bosch Fully Integrated Dishwasher for small kitchens everywhere. Think about it: this high-powered dishwasher can clean up to nine place settings at once. Also, it has four distinct different wash cycles.

Do you only have a few dinner dishes to clean up? Try using the sustainable half-load setting on your Bosch Integrated Dishwasher. With a flawless stainless steel or customized panel on the front, you can add this dishwasher to your household for less than $1,000!

8. Vitamix 5200 Blender

Let’s be honest. The Vitamix 5200 Blender is anything but your ordinary countertop appliance. Once you receive this high-quality blender, you’ll actually want it to take up more countertop space.

That’s because it’s so handy, you’ll practically never want to put it away. From smoothies to purees, this incredible mixer is the ultimate tool for smoothie-lovers everywhere. Even though Vitamix no longer produces space saving blenders, the 5200 model is the slimmest one that’s still available.

Although some say that it’s a little too tall to fit beneath your kitchen cabinets, it’s definitely worth putting this beauty on display. With the Vitamix 5200 Blender on your counter, your tiny kitchen will go from small to cute!

9.  Liebherr 24-Inch Refrigerator

Although it’s not technically in the countertop appliances category, the Liebherr 24-Inch Counter Depth Bottom Freezer Refrigerator is still a must-have for any kitchen. Once you take a look at its super sleek design, you’ll see why it costs more than $3,200 to put one in your kitchen.

But if you can afford it, the Liebherr Refrigerator will end up paying for itself. That’s because it stands at almost 80 inches tall and has a capacity of 13-cubic-feet. What does this mean?

No more worrying about squeezing all of your groceries into your mini-fridge ever again. Plus, it’s Energy Star-certified, meaning you’re doing your part to take care of the environment. With separate cooling settings for the refrigerator and the freezer, your food should be cooler than a cucumber!

10. Cuisinart Hand Mixer

When it comes to small kitchen appliances, the Cuisinart Power Advantage HM-50 Hand Mixer is probably one of the tiniest ones that you can get. As a mini portable blender, you can’t go wrong with bringing this with you on vacation too.

Want to make a little bit of pesto? Luckily, your culinary dreams can come true with this micro hand mixer. Now, the hardest part will be deciding what to mix!

Are you in the market for portable countertop ice makers? Not only is this a great way to save room in your freezer, but it’s also super convenient!

Space Saving Appliances = Less Hassle

What’s the bottom line? When you have a small kitchen on your hands, buying space saving appliances can result in less hassle and more free time.

Need help choosing the perfect micro refrigerator? What about a compact dishwasher? With our list of mini appliances, your tiny kitchen will seem bigger in no time!

Craving more home decor tips? Check out our blog!

2019’s Most Fabulous Living Room Makeover Ideas: 7 Easy Ways to Brighten Up Your Boring Space

Did you know that 28.1% of Americans have stated that the living room is their most valued room in a home?

If you’re a part of this statistic and love to relax in your living room, we’re sure you want it to look as stylish and cozy as possible.

And that might mean that it’s time for you to plan a living room makeover!

If so, we have seven ideas that will certainly give you plenty of inspiration. Keep reading!

1. Decorate With Local Art

You don’t always have to shop at big art and decor stores in order to find awe-inspiring pieces for your living room.

Check if there are any small stores or even special markets where you can buy local furniture and art. They’ll certainly be unique!

2. Make the Curtains the Star of the Room

Your curtains are one of the most visible pieces in your whole living room. So why not choose the most stylish ones you can find?

Even if the rest of the decoration is very neutral, you can certainly make a statement with the right curtain patterns, colors, and materials.

3. Mix Fabrics

When you think about the different fabrics you’ll have around your living room, your first instinct is probably to find matching ones.

But you don’t have to do that!

A mixture of fabrics that have the same vibe can end up matching just as good, or even better, as traditional fabric combinations.

4. Let the Natural Light In

If your budget and location of your home allow it, turning a living room wall into floor-to-ceiling glass doors can completely change the entire ambiance of the room.

Plus, natural light is way better for you than the artificial kind!

5. Think Further Than Sofas

Sitting is most likely what you and your family do the most in your living room and right now you probably do it on a sofa.

However, there are many more sitting options that are just as comfy as your sofa. Ottomans and floor cushions are two awesome examples.

6. Create Space

Do you always feel like your living room isn’t quite as spacious as you wish it was?

Well, perhaps your color and decoration choices aren’t helping.

Going for light wall colors, multi-functional living room furniture and well-placed lamps and mirrors can make a huge difference.

7. Turn It Into Your Own Museum

If you love art, this idea will make for the living room of your dreams.

It’s quite simple: all you need to do is go art shopping and then hang all the paintings in one single wall. And there you have it, a mini-museum inside your own home!

Start Planning Your Living Room Makeover Today!

Giving your living room an upgrade doesn’t have to break the bank: changing some small details can make the world of a difference in how unique and comfortable this room is.

So decide what you’d like to change and how much money you can spend, and start planning your living room makeover.

We’re sure you’ll end up with the living room of your dreams!

If you enjoyed this article, make sure to further explore our blog and read more on all things home decor!

Why It’s Important to Have Routine Pest Inspections

Household pests are a common problem. Bedbugs, moths, termites, mice, and fruit flies are just a few common pests.

You might consider these to be nuisances, but they can do a lot of damage to your home if you pretend that they don’t exist. Pest inspections are a way to help you identify and get rid of these pests before they become a major problem.

How can pest inspections help your home and your family? Read on to find out.

1. Protect You and Your Family

The main reason why you want to have a pest inspection is to make sure that you don’t have pests inside the home.

Pests can get into your cabinets and contaminate your food. The worst part is that you probably don’t even know it. That is until it becomes very obvious that you have pests lurking in your pantry.

Pest inspections will help you identify when you have pests in the pantry and protect the health of your family.

2. DIY Doesn’t Always Work

You might be tempted to do pest control yourself. The issue with that is that you’re not trained to look for certain types of pests and how to make sure they disappear.

You may be able to spot when termites are doing major damage to the wood

Plus, your schedule is probably packed with other things to do. It would be all too easy to let something like pest inspections slide.

You’re much better off calling a pest control company and having them handle the inspection and treatment.

3. Protect Your Wallet

There are bugs that will eat just about anything. Old documents, family photos, and hard to replace items. Bedbugs can live in mattresses. Some bugs like to live inside the walls.

If you have an issue with bugs and pests, you’re going to have to replace these items. Some of them can’t be replaced.

To make matter worse, your homeowner’s insurance may not cover pest issues, so those replacement and repair costs may be out of pocket.

4. Maintain Home Value

It’s well-known that termites can cause major damage to your home’s structure. Once that’s compromised, you’re in for major repairs.

If you’re planning on selling your home, you will have to come way down on the listing price because the buyer will want to have those issues repaired. Either way, it will cost you a lot of money.

5. Sleep Better at Night

Have you ever tried to sleep after seeing a bug or mouse before you shut out the lights? It’s pretty creepy, and it can impact your sleep.

You want to make sure that you have pest inspections to deal with these issues so you can get a good night’s sleep every night.

Regular Pest Inspections Are Worth It

What’s your health and home worth to you? They’re worth an awful lot to you, and you want to do everything you can to protect yourself and your family.

Regular pest inspections will make sure that your home’s structural integrity is intact. They’ll also ensure that your family is healthy, and your food isn’t full of critters.

Do you want more tips to maintain a healthy home? Check out the articles in the Health and Lifestyle sections of our blog for more articles.

What Type of Paving Should You Choose for Your Driveway?

Your choice of paving for your driveway is a very important decision and one you’ll have to deal with for years to come. The type of paving you choose will have a direct impact on your house’s exterior appearance and will also impact its value and how attractive it will be to prospective buyers.

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Choosing the wrong type could also cost you more in maintenance depending on how you intend to use your driveway and the weather conditions. This is why you can’t make this decision haphazardly and you have to know the pros and cons of each paving option, so you can make the best choice for you. Here’s a rundown of a few popular options and what they have to offer.

Asphalt

Asphalt is one of the most popular paving options and it does have its benefits. For one, it is easily the cheapest of all options. However, it’s not necessarily the most aesthetically pleasing. While an asphalt driveway will look great when new, it can start to slowly fade after a while. But this can be fixed with asphalt resurfacing.

Asphalt is also a very flexible surface and a great choice if you’re going to be doing some dirty work on the driveway, like mechanic jobs, for instance. However, it is not the most durable option, and you may have to do many repairs if you’re living in an extreme climate.

Concrete

Concrete can be a great option for many reasons. One of the reasons why concrete is so popular as a building material and on public roads is because of how durable and long-lasting it is. A properly installed and maintained concrete driveway can easily last as long as 40 years. Most concrete mixes used for driveways also allow rainwater to permeate through the surface, which limits runoff and allows for groundwater recharge.

It’s also a very sustainable material, looks great, and can handle heavy-duty usage. One of the only downsides with concrete is that it can be prone to cracking. However, this can be solved by using sealers. Sealers can limit damage if you’re dealing with a very damp climate or if you often have to use de-icing agents. Contraction joints also allow cracking to be confined to specific areas, which will allow you to save on repair costs.

Pavers

Pavers are also a very popular option that you can consider. The thing that stands out the most about pavers is their appearance. Pavers will instantly add curb appeal to your property and come in many shapes, sizes, and colors.

Pavers joints are also permeable, which allows rainwater to seep through to the ground. The only issue with pavers is that they tend to be expensive. Another issue is that it can be difficult to find the exact type of paver you had installed in case you have to make repairs, so you may not get a uniform look if you need to replace one or a few pavers.

Conclusion

Now that you know a bit more about major paving options, you’ll be able to make a better decision. Make sure to take your local climate, budget, and potential resale value into consideration when picking any option.

 

11 Benefits of Aluminum Siding for Your Home

Aluminum siding can be a great asset to your home. It is available in many colors and patterns, insulates your home well, and is pretty easy to maintain.

Plus it can give your home an attractive finished look, especially with some of today’s new color options contrasted with the right trim.

So if you’re interested in learning about the benefits of aluminum siding for homes, keep reading!

11 Benefits of Aluminum Siding

1. It is a good value. It is relatively inexpensive, low-maintenance, and long-lasting. Aluminum siding can last at least 40 years.

Aluminum house siding costs around $126-252 per 100 square feet, with an average installation cost of $270-486 for the same coverage amount. For an average house, this comes to under $4,000.

2. It’s easy to maintain.  A good washing about once a year and repainting every 10-15 years should take care of it.

3. Aluminum siding repels water and resists rust–both of which contribute to its overall durability.

4. Aluminum house siding comes in many attractive colors and contrasts well with various types of trim. Whereas aluminum siding used to come only in lighter colors, there are now darker ones as well.

Aluminum siding is available in a variety of patterns and textures, and it can be placed either vertically or horizontally on your home.

5. Unlike wood, aluminum siding is insect-proof on the outside. And, although insects can get into the wood underneath, the aluminum exterior is a deterrent.

6. Aluminum siding is also fire-resistant. It will not feed fires like other types of siding can do, and it will not burn or melt (only char).

7. Aluminum siding can be very energy-efficient. On its own, any type of siding only insulates your home to a limited extent but once insulation has been added to the back of aluminum siding the R-value increases significantly.

8. Aluminum house siding is completely recyclable! Not only does it last a long time, it never needs to be taken to a landfill.

9. Aluminum siding can be painted. More and more paints are available for aluminum siding specifically, and it only needs to be repainted every 5-10 years.

10. Aluminum siding doesn’t rot as wood does. Nor is it subject to tears as vinyl siding can be. It does, however, dent.

11. Aluminum siding is lightweight and relatively easy to install as a DIY project.

Aluminum Vs Vinyl Siding

Each of these two materials has its pros and cons. Since we’ve discussed the pros of aluminum siding, let’s look at how those contrast with those of vinyl siding.

the two types of siding are roughly comparable in price, although vinyl has a wider price range. Vinyl is said to be a bit less expensive and to insulate better (though both types benefit from added insulation).

Vinyl siding is not prone to dents, as aluminum is–although it can melt. While vinyl siding is fire-retardant, it does not offer quite the level of fire resistance aluminum does.

In short, the two types of siding are roughly equivalent in value. However,- we prefer the look and qualities of aluminum siding.

Where to Buy Aluminum Siding

Aluminum siding is available at most home supply businesses and national chains. It is also available through many independent contractors.

If you’re looking for aluminum siding in southern Ontario, check out The Trough Man in the Kitchener-Waterloo area.

Have We Covered It All?

We hope we’ve told you all you need to know about aluminum siding and its benefits. We certainly appreciate its durability, especially when maintained well.

We also like its smooth look and ability to be painted–which allows the look to be refreshed from time to time. This is good, too, since aluminum can last the better part of a person’s lifetime. Talk about cost-effective!

So be sure to keep aluminum siding in mind if you decide that your home needs to be re-sided at some point. Just give your local siding contractor a call!

11 Unforgettable Wall Decoration Tips to Liven Up Your Decor

Whether you just moved into a new place or are looking to redecorate, what you do with your walls affects the whole feel of the house. For example, if your wall is looking a tad bare, it makes the whole house feel plain and boring.

However, it’s not like college or high school where you can just throw up posters of your favorite movies or music. You’re an adult now, you need real decorations.

But what is real wall decoration? How can you use this giant display area in a creative, aesthetically pleasing, and appropriate way?

Well, you’ve got questions and we’ve got answers.

Keep reading for 11 excellent wall decoration ideas!

Unforgettable Wall Decoration Tips

Creating unforgettable wall decorations isn’t as difficult as it might sound. Just keep aesthetics in mind and perhaps ask a few trustworthy friends for their opinions as you’re designing.

However, remember that it’s your home you’re decorating! If you love the wall decoration you put up and others don’t care for it, decide how important their opinion is. You need to live in a space that expresses who you are, what you like, and what makes you happy!

Now, buckle-in for our top 11 tips!

1. Add Plants

First, you should look at adding plants into your decor. We’re not saying your wall needs to feel like a jungle, but some nice plantlife can really spruce up a “dead zone” on your wall.

Additionally, plants don’t just add an element of design into your home, they also come with many other benefits. For example,  plant life in the home has been shown to improve mood and productivity. They also help to reduce stress and anxiety.

Start to add by adding a few plants here and there, maybe even some bigger ones in the corner. Then, if you like the way plants feel in your home, you can start adding more!

2. A Wall Full of Books

One of the most impressive things you can see when walking into a house is a wall full of books. If you have a bare wall you need to decorate, install built-in bookshelves or large traditional bookshelves.

Then, start filling them with all the books you own. It’s oddly satisfying staring at an endless array of book spines on your wall.

If you already have quite a few books, this should be pretty easy. However, don’t bankrupt yourself buying books just to fill the space!

3. Hanging Mirrors

Next, if you’re looking for wall decoration ideas and don’t possess enough books to justify a wall of them, consider some decorative mirrors.

There are infinite mirror options out there, and most of them aren’t as expensive as you think. For example, there are sets of round mirrors that come in a myriad of sizes that you can arrange however you like.

Alternatively, you can spend a little more money and go for a large-scale, well-framed mirror for the centerpiece of the wall. It all depends on the look and feel you’re going for (and your budget).

4. Real of Faux Bricks

One thing most people underestimate while looking at wall decoration is just how much warmth a wall of bricks can add to a room. For example, a large room with bare walls can be magnificently accented with real or faux bricks.

After you’ve laid the bricks down, you can paint them whatever color you like. Keeping with the color of the room will keep it muted, yet still, show off the added texture. However, leaving the bricks raw and natural or painting them another color will highlight them even more.

5. Art Gallery

If you appreciate art or are an artist yourself, why not use one of your empty walls as a gallery?

While it may not adhere to classical wall decoration, a wall full of back-to-back art brings a lot of life and interest into your home. You can, of course, design it more classically, or you can go completely eccentric. That’s the beauty of owning your own space!

6. Venetian Plasters

If you’re looking for something a little extra, you should consider using Venetian plasters. This specialized paint is designed to create the illusion of depth and texture. However, because it is simply painted, it goes on quickly and easily.

You can get a Venetian plaster in a multitude of colors and faux textures. It’s a great way to add character and/or class to any room.

7. Add Minimalistic Shelves

We talked about a wall full of books earlier, now we’re going to go in a different direction. Minimalism is taking the world by storm, as we’re encouraging people to use less, buy less, and waste less.

However, you can also use minimalism as a fantastic base of wall decoration. Creating a wall full of built-in or floating shelves minimally decorated can add a lot of aesthetic appeal to a home. However, in this scenario, it’s a good idea to color-pop with your decor to really liven things up!

8. Large-Scale Art

Another great wall decoration option is using large-scale art. This can include tapestries, large-prints, large canvases, or even a mural.

If you’re an artist, this is the time to get creative. Figure out what colors and images would look amazing up there and get to work!

9. Board and Batten

If you’re looking for simple and elegant texture, consider adding board and batten to your walls. They work well to separate the upper and lower sections of a wall while creating depth and texture.

You can accentuate different sections by painting the board and batten a different color than the upper wall.

10.Hang Up Bikes or Other Big Objects

Another great way to make a large wall fell full and less boring is by hanging up big objects, such as bicycles, skis, snowboards, or other sports equipment.

However, you’re not solely limited to sports paraphernalia. You could also hang giant letters or sayings, flags, or other interests such as hunting weapons, etc.

11. Be Creative

Finally, we want to put a heavy emphasis on creativity. This is your home, your space! Do what makes you happy!

Use this as an opportunity to express yourself as creatively and artistically as you can. Go with an idea you think might be awesome, even if it’s untraditional or obscure.

Good Luck

Whatever type of wall decoration you choose, remember, nothing’s permanent! If you don’t like it, change it! There are so many options out there, you could even try something different in each room or change it up every couple of months.

Just remember to have fun and for more lifestyle inspiration, check out the rest of our articles!

Five easy ways to upgrade your outdoor space

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, it makes sense that you’re going to want your yard looking great. Are you proud of your lawn? Do you regularly entertain guests? It’s time to start thinking about ways that you can upgrade your outdoor space for the better. Here are five to help you get started.

DIY decking

Stunning decking designs are more than just a few planks of wood thrown together. However, you’ll probably find it easier than you think to get a great-looking wooden feature set up in your back yard.

You could purchase finished and unfinished wood wholesale to build a corner space for your BBQ. You may even want to portion off a section of your lawn for decking plants. The choice is yours, but don’t be afraid to go DIY.

Outdoor lighting

Whether it’s August or December, outdoor lighting can do a lot for your lawn. Think about installing hanging lanterns or lights from a power source to add a little sparkle to your yard.

Why not set up solar-power torches to light your pathways? These will power up during the day and activate after dusk, meaning that you’ll get full beams after dark. Outdoor lighting really helps to add to the atmosphere if you’re entertaining guests.

Creative concrete

If there’s one thing you’re going to rely on when upgrading your yard or home exterior, it’s concrete. Concrete is amazingly versatile and can be both practical and aesthetic support for many different projects and ideas.

Make sure to use flowable fill concrete for creative paving, patio designs, and even driveway upgrades. This concrete is ready-mixed and a breeze to lay out without the need for vibration. If you’re upgrading or insulating the outside of your property, you’re going to need a lot of ready-mix to go. Be sure to stock up.

Outdoor comfort

A lot of outdoor furniture is built in plastic and metal. While much of this is weather-resistant, it’s not necessarily going to be very comfy. A modern twist on garden furniture is to throw in cushions, padding, pillows and more.

Why shouldn’t you feel comfortable in your own back yard? Set up hammocks, chairs with removable cushions, rocking chairs, beanbags and more. Sure, you won’t be able to leave them out in the rain, but you’ll be thankful for a soft seat when you’re sat out in the sunshine.

Bring your kitchen outside

Plenty of us have BBQs set up in our back yards. But what about full kitchens? An excellent idea for al fresco entertainers, an outdoor kitchen will let you cook and serve a wide variety of dishes for guests in the cool evening air.

You could go for a simple grill-and-patio system. If you’re really feeling adventurous, you might want to set up a covered kitchen suite, complete with mini-fridge, workstation, wood-burning oven and range hood. You’d be surprised how affordable outdoor kitchens can be, so don’t be too put off by the money aspect.

 

How to Install a Fence: A Guide on Everything You Should Know and Do

A home without a fence seems too open and not as homey. A home with an old fence that’s falling apart seems unkept. So, no matter which one of these two situations you’re in, it’s time to install a new fence.

And if installed correctly, your new fence can transform your home in so many ways. With so many materials available to choose from, you can create any style imaginable. So, what are you waiting for?

Not sure how to install a fence? That’s not a problem! We’re here to help you along the way.

Continue reading below for our guide on everything you should know and do when installing a new fence!

Knowing When It’s Time

The first thing you should know is how to tell when it’s time. This step is only needed for those with a preexisting fence. If you don’t already have a fence in place, then continue on to the next step.

A good tip to follow is that if 20% or more of your old fence needs repairs, then it might be more beneficial to replace it. In other circumstances, although it might be cheaper to repair a fence, it’s very time consuming and might even take long then removing it and installing a new one.

The last way that you should know it’s time to replace a fence is when you’re ready for a different material. Don’t feel tied down to your old wooden fence if a new aluminum one would match your home better. Learn more now and make the switch!

Choosing the Right Material

The next step is to choose the right material. So, how do you know what material is the right material? First, you should know all of the fence material options available to you.

You should then decide on which one you like best and which one compliments your home the best.

Wood

Wood fences added charm and warmth to a home. You’ll get more of a cottage feel with this material. Wood fences can be a lot of work, but if properly maintained, they’ll last you for around 20 years.

Vinyl

Vinyl fences add much beauty to a home. You’ll get more of a clean feel with this material. Vinyl fences require little to no maintenance and come in several different styles.

Chain Link

Chain link fences add optimal protection for pets and children in your home. You’ll get more of a plain feel with this fence, but you can add vines or ivy to give it more aesthetics. Chain link fences require little maintenance and are cheaper than other materials.

Aluminum

Aluminum fences add customization and attractiveness to your home. You’ll get more of a customized feel because you can paint them any color you’d like. They’re easy to clean and resist rust well.

Greenery

Another option that you have is greenery fences, which add sustainability to your home. You’ll get more of a natural feel with this fence, but it’s more of a barrier than an actual fence. Made from shrubs, hedges, evergreens, or trees, a greenery fence brings charm and beauty to your home.

Planning Ahead

Once you choose your material, you’ll need to plan ahead for the installation. You’ll need to contact your local authorities to see if there are any codes to follow or permits to gather before installing the fence. If there are any limits on the fence, you’ll need to know them beforehand.

You’ll also need to know exactly where your property line is and how you want to position your fence. Plan ahead for where you want your gates placed and determine the amount of fencing you’ll need after all of your measurements. The last thing that you need to plan ahead for is the location of any utility pipes.

You won’t want to accidentally hit one of these when installing your new fence.

Taking the Measurements

Measure the entire length of the fence. Use spray paint and chalk lines as a guide. You should plan for a fence post to be installed every 6 to 8 feet. Whichever length you decide, just be sure to remain consistent.

For example, if you start placing post every 6 feet, be sure to keep it every 6 feet. Don’t install two posts 6 feet apart and another two 8 feet apart.

Positioning the Post and Attaching the Pannels

Now, grab yourself a post hole digger and dig a hole that’s about 33% as deep as the posts are tall. You’ll also need to add in a few more inches for gravel. And be sure to dig below the frost line if you’re located in a colder climate.

Then pour about 3 to 4 inches of gravel into the holes, which will allow for proper drainage. Now pour in 6 to 8 inches of concrete and position the posts in the middle of the holes. Be sure to level the concrete out and allow for it to dry and cure, which may take a couple of days.

Once the concrete sets, you can attach the panels. Be sure to grab your claw hammers or power drills to make this step as smooth as possible. And remember that if you’re installing a chain link, aluminum, or vinyl fence, use deck screws rather than nails.

Attaching pickets is just as easy to install as the pannels are. You’ll attach the pickets to the railings using your claw hammers or power drills.

Making the Final Touches

Now it’s time to make the final touches. If your posts require post caps, then now is the time to install them. Place the caps on the posts and tap them slightly with a rubber mallet to fit them into place.

After this is complete, you’ll then need to treat or stain the fence if it’s wood. This is your first step on your journey to properly maintaining your fence. Other than that, you’re good to go!

Learning How to Install a Fence Is Easy!

If you weren’t sure how to install a fence before, we hope you do now. Learning how to do it is easy when you follow our guide!

Interested in more DIY topics? Keep checking back with us frequently for more!