Lenny

Building your own home?

Congratulations! It’s no easy or affordable route, but it can lead to a design specifically catered to your family and needs. 

If you’re building your dream house, one of the first details to work on is a theme. A good choice is to go for a Nordic look. The aesthetic existed since post-World War II, but it received a recent popularity spike due to a lot of reasons.

Chief among this is their clean, defined lines, chic minimalism, and the airy feel. With that, it isn’t that difficult to see why a lot of people want a Scandinavian feel to their interior design. In this guide, you’ll learn how to re-create this style in your home.

Read on and learn more!

1. Choose Subdued Colors

Defining any design style will start with your color choice. It will function as a backdrop for the rest of the design, helping bring each element together. With the right color option, you will make all of these cohesive.

Most people compare the Nordic look to mid-century modern. It’s noticeable since the former tend to borrow a lot of details from the latter. The main difference between the two is their choice of color palettes.

Mid-century modern living spaces will often have dark, rich colors. As for Scandinavian interiors, it will focus on making everything have a bright, light, and airy feel. To achieve the latter, you’ll need to choose more subdued colors.

It means you need to stick to pastel colors and make it neutral-heavy. Icy blues or Millennial Pink are great hues if you’d like to add more vibrant colors.

2. Pick Furniture with Form and Function

Scandinavian furniture pieces have a distinct style: beautiful shapes and simple lines. Take note, Nordic people put high regard to comfort and function. That means they’re unlikely to make furniture with inconvenient designs.

The best part is that the furniture is still beautiful. For example, they’ll design the chairs to be comfortable while sliding easily under tables. It will have the perfect height for sitting and maintain a simple, artful form.

If you’re interested in shopping for Nordic furniture, try this modern furniture showroom.

3. Add Warmth Using Accents

A major difference between Nordic design and most other minimalist spaces is the amount of comfort. The latter often have this stark, cold feeling for their interiors. As for Scandinavian spaces, they’re intended to exude warmth.

Nordic countries have this concept called “hygge.” It’s pronounced as “hoo-gah,” meaning comfort in Danish. It’s a major principle used in most Northern European interior designs.

Your textile choice also determines how comfortable a room is. That means you’ll need to add a lot of pillows and blankets. To top everything off, you’ll need a plush throw rug.

4. Use Organic Patterns

Another recognizable feature of Scandinavian style is their penchant for botanical and organic designs. Often, it will have simple plant forms that come in a lot of different colors. Always keep in mind that the plant designs should only have simple lines.

An alternative way to achieve a Nordic design is to feature characters. You can go for a doodle-y, whimsical, and fun design instead. The number of interesting patterns you can use from Scandinavian art can make a drab room look quirky and fun.

5. Try a Wood and Metal Finish

Scandinavian interior design will always use natural elements as the cornerstone of its design concept. The objective is to make your living spaces look more organic. This isn’t limited to the flooring or walls—it also applies to furniture and other fixtures.

A Nordic house will often have a wooden coffee table and chairs. But a newer trend in this style is to combine wooden elements in the room then use metallic finishes. For example, you can use copper sconces and brass pendants to a wooden ceiling.

Doing this will add some glimmer and make the entire room look shiny. To pair with reclaimed wooden flooring, you need to get a stainless chair leg. A good alternative is to use a silver-colored rug.

6. Pick the Right Flooring

To achieve a Scandinavian-themed flooring, you’ll need light hardwood material. It doesn’t matter whether it’s its natural color or it’s painted in subdued hues. You don’t need to stick to pale brown wood colors like pine to achieve the right Scandinavian flooring feel.

You can also try using laminated light flooring. With this, your room can look more spacious and brighter. You’ll achieve this while maintaining a clean and inviting atmosphere.

You can apply this type of flooring in the bathroom with the use of heating tiles underfoot. It’s important especially during the cold winter season. Either way, it’s going to help make your feet feel great despite the weather.

7. Go with Low-Hanging Lights

The Nordic design will often have low-hanging lights that can come with a lot of different styles. But keep in mind that simplicity is always the centerpiece of this theme. In some cases, a cluster of lights can hang low together, but it’s always better to have a singular light instead.

The light color also matters since it can help enhance the cozy feeling. Avoid using pale white since it will make the room gray and boring. Go for warmer light colors to give the room more accent.

Try a Nordic Look Today!

It isn’t easy, achieving a true Nordic look for your home. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do your best to exude its warm, inviting atmosphere. Use the tips above and get started with your Nordic interior design efforts.

Don’t hesitate, and start working toward this goal. You can start with furniture and work toward replacing your current flooring and walls to fit this design theme.

Did you find this guide helpful? If so, we encourage you to read more of our posts within the same category.

Building a new home is an exciting event. Many people save for decades before building their first house. It’s a great investment, and it’s the place where you’ll raise your family.

It’s also very expensive. Especially when the builder suggests items that will make your home even more luxurious. But these features don’t come cheap. 

This article takes a look at builder upgrades to avoid in order to save money on construction costs. Keep reading to learn DIY home upgrades that you can do yourself at a fraction of the price.

1. Cabinet Hardware

High quality hardware in your home is an easier way to make your cabinets look amazing. Few things class up the look of a kitchen or bathrooms as quickly as door pulls, etc.

Fortunately, cabinet hardware requires zero skill to install. All it takes is a screwdriver and a little time. 

This is an area of home construction where you can save money in the short term, and then make the upgrade down the line when you have the funds to invest in something a little fancier.

Basic, inexpensive hardware will still look good. So there’s no shame in saving a few bucks now. The key is to focus on buying what you need, and then indulging in upgrade bling when finances aren’t as tight.

Hardwood flooring is a another DIY project that will save you money when you’re ready to renovate. Check out this link to learn everything you need to know.

2. Kitchen Appliances

When you’re building a new home, it’s easy to get distracted by all the fancy appliances at your local home improvement super store.

There’s never been a better time to find amazing products with mind-blowing features. Advances in technology have truly taken kitchen appliances to the next level. And yet this is also an area where you can cut costs by investing in more budget-friendly appliances rather than top of line options.

Try to resist being seduced by all the shiny toys and cool features. Stick with what you need. Save your money.

Keep your eyes on the fact that appliances are designed to do simple tasks like keep your food cold and wash your dishes. Everything else is unnecessary and expensive.

That space age washer and dryer combo at Home Depot might be calling to you, but you’ll spend a fraction of that amount on a set that will do the same job without putting a strain on your bank account.

Fancy appliances are fun, but so is saving money. So be smart and stay focused on cutting costs rather than buying toys.

3. Interior Paint

Everything a building contractor implements costs you money. And yet not every job on a new house requires the skills of a construction professional.

Painting the interior of your home is one of those tasks. Painting is relatively easy and fun. Thus you really don’t need to hire a professional crew or invest in a top quality paint when starting out.

This is actually a fairly simply DIY job. All you need is a few supplies and the willingness to invest your own sweat equity. And don’t feel pressured into buying expensive paint when a moderately-priced product will look great.

Even if you don’t want to do the job yourself, you can save money by selecting an economical brand of paint, and then simply upgrade to something you like better at some point in the future.

4. Lighting

Lighting is another area of your home where you can save money now and worry about upgrades later.

Again, it’s easy to find yourself dazzled by all the amazing light fixtures at your local super store. There’s literally no limit to the amount of money you can spend. 

The problem is, those dazzling light fixtures tend to be expensive. And yet they add very little to your quality of life. They might add visual appeal to a room, but the cost-benefit ratio is rather low.

Lights can easily be upgraded. You don’t need a professional to do the job, so start with basic fixtures, then do the upgrade yourself once the cheap versions have lost their luster.

5. Fixtures

Other fixtures you might want to upgrade at a later date include ceiling fans and bathroom fixtures such as faucets. 

Many people make the mistake of sinking lots of cash into items that they don’t really need, which could have easily been upgraded long after the construction of their home.

Luxury bathroom fixtures certainly help make a home look amazing, and yet you shouldn’t be afraid to start small and work your way up when you’re better able to afford it.

6. Countertops

There’s no denying that gorgeous countertops in your bathrooms and kitchen can add aesthetic beauty and increase the value of your home. In fact, this is one of the top ways realtors suggest boosting the price of a house when you’re preparing to put it on the market.

And yet this is another opportunity to save money at the time of construction. You might love the look of marble or granite, but starting with a more affordable material might be the better option.

7. Landscaping

Now let’s discuss landscaping. You might want your lawn to look perfect the minute you move into your new home, but you can save money by taking your time and doing the work yourself.

Landscaping professionals are great at what they do, but there’s no reason to hire a pro when you can handle this DIY job yourself. After all, you’ll be able to take pride in getting your hands dirty and turning your yard into the kind of colorful paradise you’ve always dreamed of.

Expensive Builder Upgrades to Avoid

Building a home is exciting yet expensive. That’s why learning ways to save money on construction costs is so important. This list of builder upgrades to avoid will help you save money while building your dream home.

If you found this article informative, be sure to check out the rest of our website for more home improvement tips.

A home isn’t just a place to rest and sleep. It’s a place to enjoy, live in and make cherished memories. As homes and properties age, they can suffer from certain forms of both functional and aesthetic decay, leaving them less than desirable places in which to live. Whether you intend to stay in your current home or sell it in the near future, keeping your home in pristine condition is a worthwhile and necessary endeavor.

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All too often, people consider only the inside of the home when renovating or remodeling. However, curb appeal matters in many ways and often just as much as interior renovations, so taking care of your home’s exterior and lawn deserves the utmost attention.

Let’s examine some renovations outside of the home that can add real value to any property.

Paint or Re-Side the Home

A new coat of paint or re-siding an aging property can add an immense amount of value to the home. For homes that still have siding that’s structurally sound, a new coat of paint is often the best bang for your buck, adding thousands of dollars of value virtually overnight. For an even simpler yet valuable project, consider re-painting the front door: a nicely-painted front door can add real curb appeal and can make your home more desirable when on the market.

Re-siding the home is considerably more expensive but often necessary for homes that are several decades old. A fresh color and new siding will also help protect the structural elements of the home from weathering, which can otherwise create repair costs that exponentially grow over time.

Invest in Borders and Framing

Your lawn and green spaces provide a safe haven of beauty throughout most of the year, but improvements can always be made to improve its aesthetics. One of the easiest ways in which to do this is to add borders and framing of some sort to various segments of the lawn. This can consist of stone walls along sloped areas and the perimeter of the property, or walkways made from stone or rock gardens that break up the monotony of the yard while adding beauty (to learn about these ideas and more, see here).

Fencing is another form of framing that can add appeal to properties and increase value. Many families value privacy, as a fenced-in yard can create an additional feeling of isolation and peace when enjoying your outdoor areas.

Build a New Deck

One of the most cost-effective outdoor improvements home owners can make, building a deck or patio provides functional and aesthetic benefits to your outdoor areas. Generally speaking, home owners can expect to recoup approximately 85 percent of the deck’s building costs when it comes time to sell, and sometimes, even more.

As such, renovating your back yard with a functional addition that provides a social setting for families and guests, adding thousands in property value, simply makes sense.

Improve the Driveway

Last but certainly not least, the driveway and parking space available on your property can affect its overall value. Driveways come in many forms – concrete driveways are the most popular, but also the most expensive. For those who currently have a gravel driveway, investing in resurfacing and/or a fresh load of gravel can improve the property value if you plan on selling soon. Additionally, carving out an extra outdoor space or two for parking can further improve property value, while adding functionality to the property.

While the interior of the home often gets attention, your outdoor spaces deserve focus too. These four projects range in terms of cost and benefit but can all enhance your property value and provide benefits for the remainder of your time in the home.

Do you hear that dripping sound?

That’s the sound of money going down the drain. One leaking faucet wastes about 3 liters of water a day. Expect about 20 dollars added to your monthly water bill and that’s just for one drippy faucet!

If you fancy yourself as a DIY person, you can take care of small problems like a clogged faucet or a wonky shower head. But some plumbing repair jobs require a professional’s touch. Attempting to patch them yourself can lead to bigger problems later on.

Here are some common plumbing issues and tips on when to call the plumbing cavalry.

Drips and Leaks

If you haven’t experienced this before then your plumbing must have been blessed by the gods.

Dripping shower heads, leaky pipes, and faucets are common plumbing headaches for homeowners. Not only is the “plip-plop” sound of dripping water a form of mental torture, but leaks also hurt both your wallet and Mother Nature.

Fortunately, a basic leak is one of the easiest plumbing concerns to solve. Usually, a quick trip to the hardware store to find a replacement spout or tightening some joints is enough.

But if the faucet continues to leak, the cause might be an old or worn-out washer. While it’s possible to replace it yourself, it’s very easy to botch the job if you don’t have the right tools. Calling a plumbing service is a quick and easy solution.

Professional plumbers can also take care of more serious leaks. These include massive leaks from a burst water line or problems with your water pressure.

A Clogged Faucet, Toilet or Drain

You’ll need to brandish, once again, your trusty plunger or drain snake. It’s icky and not something to look forward to, but it’s a hero’s job. You’ll have to face the dreaded hair fiend or the monster known as Number Two.

Arm yourself with magical potions such as baking soda, vinegar, or drain cleaners. After a couple of pumps and a bit of elbow grease, the quest should end with a satisfying conclusion.

But if your quest fails, the problem might be backed-up sewage or a deep obstruction. These obstacles are too tough for a novice adventurer like yourself. Further attempts to release the clog may damage your pipes.

If you’re faced with this situation, seek aid from the experts.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure is a frustrating problem to have. Every time you take a shower, you’re praying for more water before your eyes burn out from the soap. The most common cause is gunk build up in the faucet or showerhead.

The remedy is to clean out the gunk. You can remove the faucet or showerhead and clean it with a mixture of vinegar and dishwashing liquid. Then you simply have to screw it back on. Or if your faucet or showerhead is old, you can buy and install a new one.

But if that doesn’t fix things, the problem might be more serious. It could be due to a leak in the system from a fractured or eroded pipe. Consult a licensed professional for assessment and repairs.

The Pipes Are Calling

When the pipes call for our attention, we should deal with them immediately to prevent further issues down the line. Small problems like a clogged faucet or a leaky shower head are easy to handle by ourselves. But if your basic troubleshooting doesn’t work, call a professional right away.

For more articles like this, feel free to browse this site.

Our homes are fortresses of solitude and safety. They are our asylums.

However, most criminals have no problem violating the sanctity of our homes. If given the right opportunity, they will enter our homes, rob us,  or even harm us.

While it may not happen in your lifetime, there will always be a risk of being confronted with intruders or coming home to find your home burglarized.

However, there are ways to decrease the odds of ever experiencing such an event. There are ways to secure your home in a way that deters people will ill intentions from ever coming near it.

Keep reading for our top five tips on how to make your home as secure as possible!

Tips for a Secure Home

There hundreds of things you can do to make your home more secure. However, we’ve narrowed it down to the five we find most important. If the safety and sanctity of your home are important to you, these items are a must!

1. Install a Security System

First and foremost, your home needs a security system. This not only deters most burglars, but it also alerts police to any suspicious activity. This can literally be a life-saver in a worst-case scenario.

Your security system can be as basic or as top-of-the-line as you want. We recommend alarms on the doors and windows, cameras at the front and back of the house, and motion-activated floodlights at a minimum. 

2. Always Appear Home

Next, realize that an occupied home is often a secure home in the eyes of criminals. Most burglars don’t want a confrontation. Why would they?

Therefore, if you can make it appear as though someone is always home, your home will be less likely to be targeted. You can achieve this by leaving on a few lights, the television, or by keeping a car parked in plain sight. 

This is especially important when you go on vacation. We recommend having a friend or relative house sit for you if you’re going to be gone for more than a few days.

3. Keep the Doors and Windows Locked

To keep your home secure when empty or occupied, it’s a good habit to keep all of the doors and windows locked. 

Windows on the ground floor are obviously more of a danger than higher windows. However, burglars have been known to target higher windows for this very reason. We recommend keeping all windows locked.

4. Install a Quality Fence and Gates

Another great way to keep your home secure is by putting up a tall fence with secure gates. Most burglars see fences as an extra hurdle to cross (both literally and figuratively).

You don’t need to make your yard look like a fortress, but we suggest using more than just a small chainlink fence. You can even get creative with various forms of materials, a sliding gate, and more. The key is giving your home an extra layer of security.

5. Maximize Landscape Visibility

Lastly, you want to remove any opportunity for a burglar or criminal to hide on your property. Maximizing your visibility throughout your landscape is essential for a secure home. 

This includes plenty of lighting and removal of major hiding places. 

Don’t Take Any Risks

Once your home has been broken into, it feels different. You lose that feeling of safety and security. Whether you were there for the intrusion or not, once it happens, you will always feel a little vulnerable, even violated.

Instead, start taking steps today to make your home as secure as possible!

For more tips on taking care of your home and family, take a look through some of our other articles!