Tips

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!

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!

Did you realize a bit of sprucing up can help to sell your home more quickly? Spend wisely. You’re selling up so you’ll never personally benefit from the improvements you make.

Before you splash out the cash, you need to know your home renovations will have the desired effect. Here are the top five interior design tips that are likely to help you achieve that crucial sale.

1. Interior Design Tips for Kitchens

Potential buyers often see the kitchen as the most important room in the house.

You don’t need to always rip out the old to make a good impression. The frames of kitchen cabinets and cupboards may be solid. They may benefit from new doors, handles, and knobs.

You could also give cupboards a fresh coat of paint in a neutral color. You should also consider fitting a new shiny stainless steel faucet. That can give the sink a real lift. Upgrading countertops could help too.

2. Bathroom Improvements

Like the kitchen, a bathroom is a key selling point in your home. It may look a bit tired but there are some small things you could do to give it a bit of a boost.

Replace any discolored sealant around the shower, bathtub or toilets areas. Brighten up tiled walls with some fresh grouting. Repaint outdated tiles and hang one or two pieces of art to tie in with your new tile color.

Add a colorful rug and always declutter. Replace old mirrors and fixtures to give the bathroom a fresher feel.

3. A Fresh Coat of Paint

Giving the inside of your home a fresh lick of paint is one of the most cost-effective improvements you can make. Repainting lightens rooms, hides any defects and makes your home feel crisp and clean straightaway.

Neutral shades are good color choices but seek the advice of the professionals too. Find out here about the best way to compare realtors.

4. Smarten up the Entrance

First impressions matter so ensure your home looks its best from the moment a buyer walks in. Repaint the front door, and place some potted plants just inside, along with an umbrella stand.

Remember to replace your doormat too. These small things show you’re a person who has cared about your home. Spend some time on a deep clean. It’s surprising how often a dirty home can put a buyer off.

5. Fix Up the Flooring

Flooring can make a big impact on potential buyers. Replacing those areas that have become worn can be one of the least expensive improvements you can make.

A fresh carpet can give the impression that the house has been well maintained. Concentrate on upgrading floors in public areas like kitchens and living rooms. Go for less-costly carpets or perhaps a kilim rug for the bedrooms.

A Better Chance of a Sale

Our interior design tips can go a long way to help to get your house sold. It’s often not how much you spend that matters but the way in which you spend your hard-earned cash that counts.

Continue reading our ‘Tips’ section for useful advice in more related articles.

The world is changing rapidly because of the advancement in technology. This change is influencing every sector including the educational sector. The difference between how formal education was carried out two decades ago and how it is carried out now is clear. This is why you cannot compare the services of a professional thesis writer now to the services of those in the 80s. The world has changed a lot since then and one of the most impact technological advancement is the internet. Google is one of the key companies that drove the internet to global adoption. Some of its tech developments can be used efficiently in the classroom as well.

How Can Google Apps Be Used Effectively In The Classroom?

1. Explore The Internet With Google Chrome

Whether you’re in the classroom or you’re busy writing a thesis for yourself or someone else, Google Chrome helps you get direct access to a pool of resources on the internet. It is the most popular browser in the world and it is used by millions of people around the globe. Google Chrome is typically pre-installed on Android devices but you may need to update it from time to time. If you’re a teacher, you can show your students how to quickly search for information using Google Chrome.

2 Google Docs And Google Drive

These are two useful apps by the tech giant. Google Docs is a writing app that allows you to type, edit, and save crucial content on the cloud. You can grant your students access to a particular document you’re working on so that they can see the edits you make as soon as you make them. Google docs can be used to type an entire dissertation and there will be no fear of losing your content as everything is saved on the cloud. Google docs usually work with Google drive. You can decide to save documents from Google Docs on your device or on the drive.

3. Google Hangouts And Google Plus

These apps are excellent for promoting communication outside the classroom. Learning doesn’t have to stop when school closes, it can continue with an app like Google Hangouts. If you’re a teacher, you can create a bond with your students or fellow teachers using an app like this. Ph.D. students can also use Google Hangouts to interact and share ideas with other Ph.D. students when they are planning a dissertation. Google Plus is also efficient in helping you content with like minds around the world.

4. Google Slides And Google Drawings

Google Slides is perfect for creating slideshows for a more interactive learning experience. If there is a topic that requires a lot of visual content, you can use the Google Slides app to make the presentation more interesting and engaging. Google Drawings allows you to create the perfect images. You don’t need to pay for expensive images or use already existing images with an app like Google Drawings. Whether the visual aids are for your thesis or for a classroom project, Google Drawings will help you get what you want.

5. Google Forms

Google Forms allow you to keep track of information about your students or your projects. If you’re a teacher who is interested in keeping tabs on the progress of individual students, Google Forms might be just what you need. It makes creating forms easy.

There are many other Google Apps that can be used in the classroom either by students or by teachers. Before you can use any of the Google Apps, you will be required to have a Google account which is typically attached to an email address. Don’t worry, the account is free. With these apps, your thesis writing or teaching will be easier and faster. Professionals on Thesisrush.com claim to use these apps for their projects as well.

 

 

The increasing popularity of home improvement is not surprising. After all, not only does it allow homeowners to improve and personalize their properties, but it can also result in higher values as well as equity too. No matter the scope of the project, however, the tasks that they often entail can be as stressful as they are involving. And if left unchecked, the costs can spiral out of control and put more than a sizeable dent in the bank. To this end, here are a few top tips to stay within the allotted budget for your home improvement project.

1. Keep your options open

Equipment, materials, and tasks like a deck removal are unavoidable expenses that you will undoubtedly have to deal with when tackling a home improvement project. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t keep your expenditure to a minimum. So before you make any purchases, it pays to keep your options open. In this way, not only are you far more likely to find cheaper alternatives, but you’ll be surprised at how much you will be able to save in the process too.

1. Always do your research

While not exactly as exciting as performing the jobs associated with a home improvement project, research is a crucial step that no homeowner should overlook. Tedious as the task might appear to be, time invested in it now will not only provide insight into the feasibility of the project, but it can also help you avoid potentially costly mistakes that will be expensive to rectify.

1. Focus on one task at a time

One of the reasons why home improvement is often associated with high costs and expenditure is that many homeowners often make the mistake of taking on too many tasks at a time. Not only does this leave us more susceptible to mistakes and push the project back but it can also make our expenses spiral out of control too. As such, it makes sense to focus on one job at a time as doing so will help us keep the budget under control better.

1. Refurbish instead of replacing

While many of us would rather buy everything brand new, it just isn’t an economical approach with a home improvement project. From the tools and materials needed to things like furniture and fixtures, it’s always good standard practice to try and refurbish instead of replacing whenever possible. Time-consuming as this might be, it can go a long way, especially when working with a tight budget.

It may not be easy to do a home improvement project on the cheap, but it certainly isn’t impossible to stay within a reasonable budget. With these tips, not only will you be able to avoid errors and mistakes that will take more time and resources to rectify, but you’re also maximizing your chances of keeping your expenses low to stay well within the allotted budget for the tasks at hand.

If you want to learn more about our blog, please click here.

 

People feel amazed when seeing large houses. They might even think that only wealthy people can afford to buy a large luxury house. Although there are benefits that come with a huge home, you might also love residing in a small place. These are some reasons why you would be better off when you choose to live in a small house.

It is easy to maintain

The problem with a huge house is that it is not easy to maintain. You will take time cleaning the place and also spend a lot of money on repair issues. You would rather be in a small home where you can quickly maintain the area. When you do not always have enough time to clean, you will not be a fan of a large house.

It is less expensive

Apart from the fact that spacious lots and houses are expensive, they also come with high taxes, heating and cooling fees, electric bills and insurance costs. You can evade them by opting to live in a small house. You can cut your expenses by half if you choose a little place to reside in.

You will not worry about your possessions

It is a psychological fact that once we have lots of possessions, we start to become fearful of losing them. However, if you have a small house with fewer possessions, to begin with, it will be easier for you to sleep at night. You have nothing much to lose unlike when you have a large property with many items inside.

Less environmental impact

When you have a big house, it requires more materials to build than a small one. There are more resources necessary to get things done. You would rather have a small home where you only need to use a few construction materials to finish the job.

You have more time to do other things

When you have a small house, you will not need to spend a lot of time cleaning. You can finish sweeping the floor and dusting off surfaces in a few minutes. You can have more time with the people you love or to relax during the holidays. However, if you still find the place difficult to maintain and you do not have enough time to tidy things up, you can choose to hire house clean out services. Let these experts do the job and reduce your burden.

Encourage family bonding

You think that it is an exaggerated story when you hear about people living in a huge house and they barely see each other. It is true in many instances though considering the number of rooms and facilities present in the house. When you have a small house, you can easily find your loved ones. There are not a lot of places for people to chill out. Hence, you can spend more time bonding with each other.

Given these reasons, it might be reasonable for you to choose a small house. You can still pursue a large dream house later, but a small one will suffice for now.

If you want to learn more about our blog, please click here.

If you’re interested in learning how to use alcohol ink in order to create fun, creative backgrounds for your art projects such as stamping or card making, it’s well worth continuing reading to discover a few useful alcohol ink tips and techniques, which you may find useful!

7 Alcohol ink tips and techniques:

1. Consider purchasing an alcohol ink kit which features a few complementary colors

If you’re unsure of which colors will complement each other, simply opt to purchase an alcohol ink kit which boasts a few shades which have been found to work well together. If you don’t want to rely on trial and error in order to choose the right shades of ink, you simply can’t go wrong opting to purchase an alcohol ink kit, which boasts several high-quality shades.

2. Invest in a good quality alcohol blending solution

It’s well worth investing in a decent alcohol blending solution as you’ll be able to use it to lighten your colors and to clean any spilt alcohol ink off your clothes and hands.

3. Purchase a felt applicator

The best way to mix your alcohol ink is to use a felt applicator, which will allow you to seamlessly blend multiple colors into a new shade.

4. Test your skills out on non-porous surfaces first

While it’s possible to use alcohol ink on porous surfaces, until you’ll confident using alcohol ink, you’ll be far better off practicing your skills on non-porous surfaces such as glossy paper, glass, metal or ceramics. Once you’ve mastered the art of using alcohol ink to decorate non-porous surfaces, you’ll be able to experiment with using alcohol ink in order to decorate porous surfaces such as wood!

5. Use your felt applicator to create a marble inspired background

You may want to use a felt applicator in order to create a marbled effect, which could be suitable for card making or scrapbooking. To create a marble background simply apply your ink directly to the surface which you’re looking to decorate before dabbing the ink which you’ve squirted out around your surface. Until the entire surface which you’re working with has been dabbed with ink.

6. Use a straw to move the ink on your surface around

Alternatively, you may want to try moving the ink on your surface around by blowing through a straw directly onto the ink which you’re looking to create art with!

7. Consider using a stamp in order to create professional looking results

If you’re looking to achieve professional looking results, it’s well worth purchasing or creating a few stamps, which you can use to decorate a variety of materials. Simply squirt alcohol ink directly onto your chosen stamp, before using a felt applicator to evenly spread your alcohol ink over your desired stamp. Once your stamp is sufficiently coated in ink, quickly apply your stamp to your surface, in order to create a clear stamp.

So if you’re looking forward to testing out the tips and techniques listed above, it’s well worth coming up with a brand new creative project which will allow you to practice your inking skills.

If you find creating DIY crafts relaxing and love the thrill of completing DIY projects, continue reading to discover a variety of fun, easy DIY crafts that you may be interested in completing.

Easy DIY Crafts:

1. Tie-dye mugs, cups and plates

If you want to give a new lease on life to your old, white mugs, cups and plates, you may want to consider using tie-dye to turn each mug, cup, and plate that you want to transform into a unique, work of art.

If you’re interested you can use your favorite nail polishes as dyes. Simply fill up a bucket with warm water and pour your chosen nail polish into your bucket of hot water. Just make sure to hold your nail polish under the water as you don’t want your nail polish to sit on the surface as your water and need your nail polish to mix into your water.

Then use a toothpick to mix your nail polish into your hot water, before dipping your mug, cup or plate into the water. Once you remove your piece, let it dry properly. If you want your piece to feature more than one color, simply let it dry before repeating the process above with a new bucket of water and nail polish color.

Whether you’d love to personalize your own coffee cup or you’re looking to DIY a thoughtful gift for a loved one, it’s well worth experimenting with nail polish as a tye dye ingredient.

2. Create a decorative frame for your flat screen television

If you’d like to be able to disguise your television when you’re not using it, it’s well worth measuring your flat screen television in order to create a frame for your television, which will make your television look like a piece of art, rather than an eyesore.

If you’re interested in using your DIY skills to build a custom-made frame for your television, just be sure to make your frame 1cm bigger than your television, so that it will comfortably fit inside its new frame, without incurring any scratches.

3. Give an old chaise or ottoman a new lease on life with brand new fabric

Instead of simply throwing out a chaise or ottoman which has faded or ripped fabric, you’ll easily be able to give your piece of furniture a new lease on life by reupholstering your item with an attractive, eye-catching fabric. If in doubt, you can’t go wrong opting for a luxurious velvet fabric in a dark hue such as navy or burgundy or opting for a classic floral print.

4. Sew your own cushion covers

If you don’t have the skills necessary in order to reupholster a chaise or an ottoman, you may want to work on your sewing skills by creating brand new cushion covers. That way you’ll be able to change your sofa’s cushion covers on a regular basis, which will change the look of your lounge, for a small cost. If you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a new sofa, it’s really worth creating an assortment of varying cushion overs.

So if you’re keen to complete a DIY project this weekend, you can’t go wrong choosing any of the four simple DIY projects which are listed above.