Derek Lotts, Author at Smooth Decorator

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Home Improvement

DIY House Upgrades that Make Sense

February 24, 2020

No matter how big or how old your house is, investing some time and money into it is a must. This is the only way to make it look nice and appealing, as well as boost its value. These upgrades don’t have to be too big or too expensive, but they need to make a lot of sense in the long run. That means you have to think long and hard before you decide what you’re going to do because lots of home improvement projects seem like great ideas at first, but actually turn out to be a waste of your time. Talk to your family, consult a few experts, and find out what’s going to work for your home the most. If you still lack ideas, here are a few suggestions that might suit you more than you could’ve imagined.

Boost your storage potential

It doesn’t matter how many people live in your home, chances are you’ll eventually run out of space. This goes for living and maneuvering space, but for storage space as well. And unless you want to turn your home into a warehouse, you need to come up with some new storage solutions as soon as possible. This means decluttering your possessions first, but also making the most of literally every inch of free space. Think about building those wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling shelves that could help you maximize all the space you have. Also, don’t be afraid to check out professional storage solutions that might be perfect for your garage or your pantry.

Finish your basement and your attic

This is a great idea for all those families that are struggling with space but still, haven’t done anything about it. Exploring your basement and your attic, and making these spaces actually livable might take some time and money, but it’s an investment that goes a really long way. These areas can be turned into anything from guest bedrooms and man caves to studies, home offices and even rooms for your children. Of course, you’ll have to make sure these areas are actually in great shape and fix the walls and the floors before you move in. You can opt for hardwood floors, but also other materials such as vinyl, laminate, cork, and even bamboo that will give your basement and your attic comfort and coziness. Finally, furnish and decorate these spaces so that they match the rest of your home, and you can start using them straight away!

Replace your doors and windows

This is one of the oldest tricks in the book, but still one of the most sensible and effective home upgrades in the world. According to professionals from an experienced replacement windows company, changing your doors and windows is a must if you live in an old home that hasn’t been renovated in a while, or in case you’ve just bought a fixer-upper. Start with those protective internal doors that can improve the safety of your home, reduce outside noises, and save you tons of space. When it comes to windows, be sure to insist on those double-glazed windows that save you tons of energy and, consequently, a ton of money all year long.

Design a home office

If you work from home or have your own company, working from home is one of those things that make your life a lot easier. Instead of wasting time and energy commuting, you can work in your pajamas and get more work done in less time. But, in order to do that, you’re going to need a proper home office where you can focus and concentrate on your work. In addition to basements and attics, you can design a home office in your spare bedroom or by utilizing the space under your stairs. This is something people do quite often today, and the truth is that turning this space into an office isn’t hard at all. You just need a comfortable office chair that prevents injuries and back pain, as well as a spacious desk and some storage space, and you’re good to go!

Upgrading your home from time to time might not be easy, but it’s simply necessary if you want to make your home visually appealing and comfortable. Just find the ideas that suit you the most and start exploring them asap.

Home Improvement

5 Smart and Budget Friendly Winter Home Maintenance Tips

December 27, 2019

Derek Lotts

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Maintaining your home properly during the winter months can save you a lot of money on repairs in the long run. Most of the things that are necessary you can do yourself, but even if you have to hire a service to help you, the investment will soon pay itself back. There isn’t a lot of effort required on your part but it can make a significant difference between a cold nightmare and cozy winter nights.

Insulate your home

Let’s get the bigger investments out of the way at the very beginning. Spending more money on insulating your walls and water pipes might seem too expensive and not at all a budget-friendly solution, but it’s quite the opposite. With proper insulation, warmth will be trapped indoors for longer and you’ll be able to save money on heating. Also, insulated pipes are a smart investment since you’ll be protecting them from freezing and breaking, which will prevent major discomfort and additional expenses on repairs and replacement.

Replace the filters regularly

During winter, you will use your furnace more often, which means that the filters will get dirty a lot faster. In order to avoid damage and stuffy air, make sure to replace your furnace filters every once in a while. Also, you can clean your regular filters with green cleaning agent and tap water yourself. On the similar note, consider installing the best air purifier for mold, so that you can prevent winter moisture and humidity from damaging your home.

Source: tandthomes.co

Keep the outdoors winter-proof

Let’s not forget about your outdoor furniture and garden tools. If you don’t take care of these appropriately, they can get damaged so badly that you’ll have to replace all of them as soon as spring comes. This is not a cheap replacement either, so make sure to store all your outdoor furniture and tools in the garage where they won’t get wet, frozen and rusty. In case you don’t have a garage, think about covering these with waterproof sheets and similar. The same goes for any kind of machines that you might own, but remember to drain them of oil before doing anything else.

Remember to clean up

As soon as the snow falls or ice starts to form, make sure to get your shovels and other winter equipment out to deal with this, as this is one of the main ways to winterize your home. Removing the snow away from your home as well as ice dams that might form will significantly minimize any potential danger to the proper maintenance of your home. Also, don’t forget to clear every vent and pipe from snow and ice in order to avoid unwanted mishaps that would cost you a lot of money later on.

Source: treesurgerycostadelsol.com

Prevent ice formation

Apart from raking the roof and clearing out your vents and pipes from snow and ice, you should pay attention to your exterior water sources. In that respect, make sure to turn off all the faucets outdoors and drain the garden hoses. Also, it’s essential to turn off the garden watering system. Ice can form on the tree branches in your yard as well, so make sure to prune these and remove any ice and snow as soon as it shows up to be completely safe.

Before you find yourself in an unfavorable situation, make sure to check whether everything is fully prepared for winter months. This means checking whether all water and heating systems are in a working order as well as stocking up on the necessary winter essentials and tools. Also, establish a regular cleaning routine so that your gutters are always free of leaves, sticks and snow buildup. Of course, direct the water downpour away from your house’s foundation. With just a little bit of your time every day, winter will be nice, comfortable, story-like and most importantly, free of all unforeseen expenses and repairs.

Inspiration

Common Problems When Moving Homes and How to Avoid Them

October 7, 2019

Derek Lotts

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Moving home to a different place is a huge source of anxiety, panic, and exhausting activities that never seem to end. Moving your household to another part of the town is stressful enough, not to mention interstate moves, where odds increase for your items to get damaged, misplaced, and spoiled in bad weather, or you to face extra costs due to delays and professional movers’ incompetence. With so many things to take care of, there are many opportunities for something to go wrong. Here’s a list of common problems you may encounter and ways to avoid them.

Having no place to stay

Don’t start a relocation process unless you have arranged your family lodgings until the new home is ready for you to move in. Failing to find a home for a few days leaves you with the additional stress of not knowing where to stay once your items reach the destination. A hotel might be a solution but, then you’re in a hurry to get down with the move to avoid paying for hotel rooms. Hurrying things up inevitably leads to mistakes, and you might do something otherwise if you had your plan worked out. Visit your new locality beforehand and book suitable lodgings for your family so you can oversee the move without thinking how much a room costs for every day of delay.

Image source: shutterstock/Andrey Popov

Hiring undependable movers

While some problems may stem from your inexperience or negligence, there are also some external ones you can’t directly control. You hire the realtor and the movers hoping to get a professional service, and yet some of them are looking to make quick money off their clients, either disappearing with your deposit or change the arrangements so you’re forced to play by their rules. While this scenario isn’t your fault, you can avoid it with a bit of research. When looking up moving services in your area, make sure to read their customer reviews. Check out their social media profiles and feedback telling whether common people like you were happy with dealing with them. Seeing how they deal with their customer queries and complaints can help you decide which companies are honest and which ones to avoid.

Damaged or lost property

Negligence during transport and insufficient protection are among the main concerns by people looking to move their furniture and property. Apart from getting broken, crushed, bent, or squashed, items are sometimes misplaced or even stolen. To prevent this from happening, try to find a packing and moving service that reassures to handle your items with care. One way to make sure your items are safe is to choose shipping container transport, as an upgrade from s simple truck service. The shipping company will deliver an empty 20’ or 40’ shipping container to your address, together with packing blankets and ties for securing your goods. These moving containers are modified with tie rails and points so your goods can be secured and protected during transit. Another perk of choosing a shipping container is the flexibility of transport as you can arrange it to be hauled by either road or railway.

Lack of scheduling

Overwhelmed with their own schedules, many homeowners only contact a moving company a day or two before the scheduled moving date. Not only does this cause immense stress and pressure of getting everything done at the last minute, but there are chances that most removal companies will be booked weeks in advance, so they will have neither staff nor vehicles to spare. In a slightly better scenario, you’ll be left to choose among the last ones on your list, risking to hire undependable services (see number 2). Remember to contact and book services you need well in advance, even a month earlier or two wouldn’t be out of line. People often underestimate the scale of the job and time required to pack, so they end up with their schedules wildly extended.

Unfavourable weather

While a few raindrops on a moving day won’t cause much harm, a violent hailstorm may run your plans completely. Hauling large metal appliances in a thunderstorm isn’t the smartest move, and neither is risking your electronics to get soaked in torrential rain. Luckily, even if the weather forecast turns wrong, and instead of a nice sunny day you have raining cats and dogs, the heavy rain can easily turn down into a drizzle so you can proceed. However, make sure all the helpers you hired wear appropriate clothes and sturdy boots, as well as to have all your items wrapped in nylon covers to keep them dry whom both the rains and wet ground.

A smooth home moving experience can be carried out with a bit of thought and consideration. While there are some factors you can’t control, much of the problems can be prevented with careful planning. Unless you have someone whose first-hand experience you can use, make sure to take some advice from these five tips.

Home Improvement

Eco-Friendly Home: Why You Should Consider Having One

August 23, 2019

Derek Lotts

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You’ve probably noticed the rising popularity of topics dealing with sustainable homes, ways to achieve that sustainability, and reasons why you should make your home green. The truth is, the consequences of global warming are already visible, and they are getting worse every year. Our effect on the environment is still too negative, and even though there are efforts to reduce that effect, it’s still not enough. With that in mind, here are some of the main reasons why having an eco-friendly home is more important than ever before.

Energy savings

One of the most important qualities of eco-friendly homes is the fact that they consume less energy. This is beneficial because it both protects the environment and saves you some money. There are many different ways in which you can make your home consume less energy. For example, by insulating your home well, you’d use less energy on cooling and heating your home.
Or, you could opt for energy-efficient appliances in the kitchen which do cost a bit more initially. However, this is one of the most important eco-friendly kitchen tips you should take into account since these appliances can save you a lot of money in the long run. Finally, some eco-friendly homes have their own source of renewable energy, like wind turbines or solar panels, so you’d be paying for less energy in general.

Many companies, for example, produce quality solar systems that can help you generate your own energy and thus, not be as affected by the utility rate increases that might happen in the future. Moreover, solar systems are not hard to maintain, so the only thing that requires a bit more work is installing them properly – but there are professionals who can help you with that. It’s really one of the best ways to bring your home to the future. So, if you’re serious about doing your part in the preservation of the environment, using solar power is the way to go.

Environmental impact

Due to the fact that eco-friendly houses use less energy, they also release less harmful gasses that affect the environment. Next, by using sustainable materials when building your home, you’re not using anything that would take nature a long time to replace, as most of such materials are actually recycled. Additionally, by installing water-saving fixtures, for example, you are using less water, which is becoming a scarce resource as well. Also, most newer models of appliances and fixtures have energy-saving features, which can again help preserve the environment. Finally, if you adjust your habits to the home you have and recycle your waste – paper, plastic, metal, etc. – you would add to the preservation of the environment as well. You can also opt for using public transport or riding a bike on a sunny day – there would be fewer cars on the streets, and riding a bike is better for your health too.

Health benefits

Building an eco-friendly home is not great just for the environment and your wallet but for your health as well. For example, eco-friendly materials don’t have any harmful chemicals in them, which naturally means that they are safer. Moreover, building companies that use eco-friendly building techniques also avoid using harmful plastics, paints, and other environmental pollutants that could harm your health too. Many of them usually contain carcinogens, so they are definitely something you want to avoid. Additionally, your indoor environment, in general, can affect your health, so everything from lighting to the quality of air matters. For example, comfortable temperatures – due to good insulation and quality heating appliances – can affect your mood and make you less prone to infections and illnesses. Next, clean air due to the good ventilation system and no harmful emissions can help you de-stress and reduce depression. Moreover, a good ventilation system can also reduce symptoms of cardiovascular disease. Also, good insulation, clean air, and proper heating/cooling of your home can all reduce the humidity inside your home, which can prevent respiratory problems. Finally, saving energy on lighting during the day – by letting in more natural light – can again affect your mood and boost your energy levels.

Making your home eco-friendly has more than a few benefits. It can help you save money on utility bills, and it can reduce your carbon footprint. Moreover, eco-friendly materials, building techniques, and home environment can all affect your health. All in all, preserving the environment is more important today than ever before, and doing so can only improve your lifestyle. So, if you’re considering building a new home, buying one, or remodeling the one you have, you should definitely think about going green.

Dress Your Kitchen in Scandinavian Style

July 30, 2019

Derek Lotts

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If you want to ask anyone for advice on how to decorate your home, pick someone from Scandinavia. Scandinavians really know a thing or two about relaxing, minimalist yet hyper-functional spaces. And what better place to try out your Scandi design than in your kitchen where functionality is the focus? Trendy, sleek and relaxing, this style is both elegant and casual, both industrial and natural. So, if you want to achieve an attractive kitchen design, here’s how to give the Scandinavian style a shot.

Go light

Scandinavian spaces are usually characterized by excessive use of white. All these light neutrals are very calming, especially when put in the busiest room in the house and serve as a perfect backdrop for all your accessories. Your safest bet when it comes to a good color palette is to go white with a few touches of gray and beige. A few splashes of green from your foliage will nicely break the monotony yet still look perfectly natural and relaxing.

Introduce textures

The Scandinavian style might look a little bare at first glance, but it’s actually very comfortable thanks to all the textures that inhabit the space. So, make sure to fill your space with different textures, even those that are usually not found in a traditional kitchen. Think rugs, faux fur, tasseled cushions and woven baskets. This will give your space a very laid back vibe and a welcoming feel not many kitchens have.

Fill it with wood and copper

Many people think that wood in the kitchen looks outdated and boring, but it doesn’t have to! Scandinavian style is anything but outdated and boring, as a matter of fact. If you choose light wood and surround it with a variety of different finishes, you’ll achieve a very interesting look. For instance, think light beech cabinets, black granite countertops and copper fixtures like faucets and sinks. Finish the look with some attractive kitchenware and you’re done. You can find a gorgeous-looking charcuterie board for sale that has a very rustic and unique look. It will serve as a centerpiece of your kitchen without standing out too much, plus it will be the eye-candy of every party you host!

Choose wood flooring

Any kitchen looks more welcoming and warm with wooden floors, especially the one dressed in Scandinavian style. Wooden floors are very practical and durable which are two key components to every Scandi space. If you can’t choose wood, ceramic tiles or stone flags are also a viable choice and both are very easy to maintain.

Bright appliances and furniture

Many true Scandinavian spaces are shrouded in white floor-to-ceiling, so you might want to do something that will break the monotony. The best way to add a pop of color to your space is with some interesting appliances. A super cute retro Smeg fridge in pastels color or a vibrant coffee maker will introduce color to your kitchen without going overboard. You can also liven up your furniture by adding some Scandinavian-inspired cushions and fabrics to it. Think Baltic stripes in blue or Lapland cornflower stripes in pink or yellow. This will be a little more out there but still fit into your overall design.

Choose open shelving

Scandinavians love pottery and crockery and any other pieces that look eclectic and vintage, especially those with quirky motifs and symmetrical patterns. These are a great way to add some personality to your kitchen, so choose open shelving to display your collection.

Interesting lighting

There’s nothing trendier than having hanging lighting in your kitchen right now, even in Scandinavian-inspired kitchens. Luckily, you can find these hanging pendants in all imaginable sizes, shapes and colors, so you’ll certainly get something that fits your Scandi aesthetics. If you want to stray from the standard, an interesting floor lamp in the corner will do the trick.

Add some art

Wall art is highly encouraged in any Scandinavian space, but it looks especially interesting in the kitchen. No matter if you opt for a gallery wall or choose just one larger piece, make sure to go with simple frames and monochrome color palette that will add character to the space without disturbing the minimalist image.

Once you’re finished with your kitchen remodel, you’ll enjoy your space like never before. Scandi design is welcoming and simple yet whimsical and warm. Try it out yourself and you’ll fall in love instantly.

Interior Décor

Why You Should Not DIY: Risk of Asbestos Removal

July 12, 2019

Derek Lotts

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In order to make sure that your home is asbestos-free, you shouldn’t by any means try to tackle this serious issue yourself. Doing so can create even more damage and is not advisable. If you’re suspecting that there might be asbestos present in your home and are thinking of dealing with this problem yourself, read this before you have any asbestos-containing materials in your home removed or repaired.

What is asbestos?

A naturally occurring mineral, asbestos is present in rocks and soil. It has long and strong fibers and it’s often praised due to its heat-resistant properties, which is why it’s been used in the past as a construction material for insulation of residential and commercial buildings. Identifiable only under a microscope, asbestos is different from any other material – it’s indestructible and does not decompose or decay. In addition to being heatproof, asbestos is also resistant to water and chemicals. Although most of the products nowadays do not contain this mineral, asbestos is still present in older homes and buildings.

Where is asbestos found?

A majority of houses built before the 1980s were constructed using materials that contain asbestos due to its insulating and fire-resistant properties. That means that there were some common products that contained asbestos and may still be present in older homes. Floor and ceiling tiles as well as the adhesive used to install them might have contained asbestos, and sanding or scraping them during the removal may release fibers into the air which can be health-hazardous. Most products available on the market today do not contain asbestos, and if they do, they’re required to be labeled as such in order to prevent inhalation of this mineral.

What is the impact of asbestos on our health?

Asbestos exposure leads to an increased risk of developing a number of serious diseases such as lung cancer. People who work with asbestos and who are frequently exposed to high levels of this mineral are at higher risk of getting asbestosis, and in case the person inhaling asbestos is a smoker, the risk of developing lung cancer is even higher. Consequently, breathing high levels of asbestos fibers leads to a reduction in the respiratory function and as such, can often be fatal. A majority of people are exposed to asbestos in their everyday lives. However, exposure to smaller concentrations of asbestos will not cause you to develop these serious health problems.

What measures can you take to prevent health issues?

If you’re suspecting that there are asbestos-containing materials in your living space, consult with a professional first to make sure whether asbestos is actually present in your home. Since the biggest issue with asbestos is actually breathing it in, materials that may contain asbestos aren’t necessarily deemed to be health hazardous. If those materials are intact and aren’t damaged in any way, asbestos won’t pose any health risks to you and your household. Asbestos is only health hazardous when tiny fibers of this mineral become airborne, which could happen during renovations or remodeling. The best thing to do is to call in a professional who is trained to handle asbestos. They will take samples and repair or remove it, so you can rest assured that everything is done properly.

Why should you opt for professional asbestos removal?

While some homeowners are eager to DIY everything to save some money, asbestos removal is a risky DIY project. Whether the repair is minor or major, it still presents an issue that should only be tackled by an asbestos-trained professional. Improper handling of asbestos by an untrained professional is dangerous since it may create a health hazard where none existed before handling the asbestos-containing materials. While repair is a cheaper way to eliminate asbestos, it can make the removal process more difficult in later stages. Even though removal is more complex, if the asbestos damage is so big it’s irreparable, it may be the only option you have in order to remove any health risks asbestos may pose for your home.

Although not health hazardous when left intact, asbestos can lead to serious health issues when asbestos fibers are released from damaged materials. If after a professional asbestos inspection your home turns out to be contaminated with asbestos, hire a corrective-action contractor who will handle asbestos safely, eliminating the potential health risks that come with the presence of asbestos.

Christmas Garden Decoration Ideas for a Festive Front Yard

December 18, 2018

Derek Lotts

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Christmas is just around the corner, and it’s high time to prepare your home for the upcoming festivities. Since your front yard is the first thing everyone will notice when they come to visit, it can serve you as the ideal spot to show off your décor skills and inspire everyone to get into the Christmas spirit. In order to help you make your front yard absolutely festive in no time, we have singled out our top garden decoration tips for you to try out. Let’s spread the holiday cheer.

Fairytale vibes with Christmas lights

First things first, Christmas lights represent a great and easy way to add a magical touch to your outdoor décor. You can start by illuminating the walkway to the front door with multicoloured floodlights. Additionally, if you want to achieve the wow effect, you can hang solar-powered led Christmas lights on your trees which accumulate power during the day to create a romantic holiday atmosphere in the evening. On top of that, if you want your home to become the talk of the town, you can invest in remote-controlled laser lights which could enhance the look of your entire outdoor decor arrangement with a soothing ambient flare.

Have fun with front door ornaments

This Christmas you should try to express your creative side with front door ornaments. For example, instead of simply hanging your usual decoration, you can opt for a special faux wreath, add tiny pines to it and sprinkle it with fake snow for a beautiful statement piece. Alternatively, you can take a different route and design a nice garland by combining Holly, Spruce, Eucalyptus, various foliage and tie it all together with a red and green ribbon. Another easy way to style up your front entrance and brighten up everyone’s day is to switch your boring welcoming matt with one that has a funny Christmassy motif on it. Don’t forget to add a personal touch to the decor by hanging a classy banner over the door frame with your family’s name on it.

A luxurious Christmas tree

Planting a fir tree in your front yard is a great idea since you can use it as a nice decor piece for many years to come. In order to make the tree more visible, you should go for fabulous electric candles that can shine in different patterns and colours. What’s best, they are usually controlled via an App. Furthermore, when one fir is not enough, you can find a couple of gorgeous pots and plant a few trees inside for an evergreen front yard look. As far as Christmas tree ornaments are concerned, feel free to experiment and hang small plush toys, candy, pinecones or even framed family photographs. Lastly, if you are bored of your regular star tree topper, go for an unexpected item like the Harry Potter sorting hat, or something geeky like a Death Star replica.

Create your very own Christmas theme

Last but not least, it’s time to transform your front yard into an enchanting scene with Christmas theme ideas. If you’re more into a traditional style, you can build a couple of snowmen, place plaques on them with heartfelt messages and cover the space around them with large gift boxes. However, if you want to express your humoristic side, you can place sitting rattan reindeer next to Santa’s sleigh and hang an “Out of Order” sign on it for a funny sketch. Finally, you can even get a light-up polar bear set to complete your Christmas theme and warm up everyone’s hearts with this magical decor idea.

As you can see, it doesn’t take much effort to create a winter wonderland in your front yard for the upcoming holidays. All you need to do is to follow your decor checklist, don’t be afraid to express your creative side and add your personal touch to the design. We wish you a Merry Christmas!

Thanksgiving Home Decoration Ideas to Inspire

November 16, 2018

Derek Lotts

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Fall is the time for cozy clothes, soft accessories, and of course, lots of pumpkins in many forms and sizes. Even though fall is usually not considered a very cheerful season, you can liven it up with seasonal decorations, lots of tasty food, and good company – all of which can make a perfect Thanksgiving. So, if you’re preparing for this holiday, here are some home decorations that might inspire you and help you make your home more welcoming, comfortable, and stylish.

Door wreath

A beautiful door wreath is one of those décor pieces that never go out of style. Plus, since it hangs at the entrance to your home, it gives you a great opportunity to leave a good impression. This is why you should pick a door wreath that both matches the season and the message you want to send. So, you can opt for a simple wreath with brightly colored leaves and pumpkins incorporated in it, or you can choose something a bit more complex. For instance, there are many gorgeous wreaths with ribbons, sunflowers, red berries, and wooden welcome signs. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong with a stylish door wreath.

Doormat

Just like door wreaths, doormats are also an essential part of your entrance décor. They are simple, they are practical, and with so many different choices on the market, you are bound to find one that would fit your home. If you want to emphasize the beauty of fall, choose a durable doormat with brightly colored seasonal motives. After all, there aren’t many better ways to welcome your Thanksgiving guests than with a gorgeous welcome mat that might even become a great conversation starter.

Scented candles

There’s nothing like a pumpkin-infused scented candle to set the perfect atmosphere for Thanksgiving. After all, it’s not just about what you can see – you should engage all your senses if you want to truly emphasize the seasonal spirit. Scented candles are perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere, they can last for a while, and you can never have too many of them. As your candles’ scent fills out the room, the Thanksgiving dinner might become the second best-smelling thing that evening.

Artificial foliage table arrangement

If you want to emphasize not just the scent of the candles but their calming appearance as well, consider making your scented candles a part of a beautiful artificial foliage table arrangement. This décor piece is very versatile, which means that you can place it pretty much anywhere. So, you can use it as your dinner table centerpiece, an accent on the coffee table, or you can even turn it into a gift for your guests. Either way, it’s bound to draw attention.

Throws and pillows

Nothing says fall better than soft throws and pillows. Plus, besides being practical, they can also add to the sense of style of your home. They provide you with a great opportunity to spice up your interior with some patterns and textures. Or, you can take the party outside for a change of pace and warm up the atmosphere with faux-fur or wool throws. Moreover, since the colder weather is not going away any time soon, soft blankets and pillows are perfect for both fall and winter – and perhaps the first part of spring as well. In other words, cherish your comfy accessories, as they will surely come in handy more than once.

Dressing up your home for Thanksgiving – and the whole colorful season – does not have to be difficult. Even smaller details like scented candles and a few pillows can make a big difference. Therefore, think about the things you look forward to when it comes to fall, add decorations that would emphasize those things, and your home will be ready for the best Thanksgiving celebration ever.

The Multiple Benefits of Green Home Improvements

September 25, 2018

Derek Lotts

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Green home improvements have become one of the most popular remodelling projects on the design scene. Whether it comes to renovating the interior, installing new features or even decorating your space, it seems that green reigns supreme. There are actually more than a few excellent reasons why eco-friendly and sustainable improvements are the most sought-after on the market.

A positive impact on the environment

Let’s start from the most obvious benefit of green home improvements – preserving the environment. Making your home greener can actually contribute to the environment preservation in a variety of ways. You can help reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by going green and installing a renewable energy system in your home. For instance, an Energy Star home produces 2000 kg of greenhouse gases less than a regular home. You can also relieve pressure on finite resources by reducing your water consumption and using recycled or salvaged materials for your home improvements. Consequently, implementing sustainably sourced natural materials and reused materials also contributes to reducing waste. All of these benefits can make a valuable contribution to the environment preservation, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.

Numerous opportunities for increased savings

A great number of homeowners opt for green improvements because they can help them increase their savings in the long run. For instance, energy efficiency is one of the most important aspects of a green home that can help you reduce your energy bill. You can boost your home’s energy efficiency by installing a solar system, introducing Energy Star-certified appliances, installing energy efficient windows or switching to energy-saving lighting, such as LEDs. You can reduce your electricity bill substantially or even completely if you break off from the regular electrical grid.
Furthermore, you can also save money on your water bill by installing water-saving features. From low-flow toilets and faucets to water-saving outdoor irrigation systems, there are plenty of ways to conserve water in your home.
Finally, green homes are also more durable due to the use of high-quality materials, appliances and other features. This reduced the need for frequent repairs or replacements, which provides you with another opportunity to increase your savings.

A higher return on investment

Many would argue that green improvements are more expensive than the regular ones. Although this is generally true, they are actually an investment worth making and they will pay for themselves. Green improvements offer a high return on investment, enabling homeowners to recoup their initial costs. In addition, there are numerous grants and incentives for homeowners who decide to go green, especially on a larger scale. For instance, when it comes to solar panel finance, you can find a program that will provide you with 100 percent financing without any down payments. Furthermore, some states and utility companies may even pay you or provide you with some discounts in terms of your bills for the excess energy you generate and return to the grid. Thus, you can easily find a financing option that will help you pay for your green home.

A healthier and more comfortable home

Improving your home through green remodelling projects will also prove you with a healthier and more comfortable space. Sustainable materials and green solutions aren’t treated with toxic chemicals, which means that they can’t pollute your indoor air through the process of off-gassing. For instance, you can use VOC-free paint and products to give your interior a fresh, healthy look. Furthermore, eco-friendly homes feature a lot of greenery, including potted plants, green walls and roofs, vertical gardens and outdoor green surfaces. Since plants act as natural air purifiers, they can help you increase your indoor air quality.
Green homes are also thermally more comfortable because of their high-quality insulation. Homeowners pay special attention to the insulation of their homes to prevent air leakage and energy wastage. This provides them with air-tighter homes and a more stable indoor temperature, which create a cosier, more comfortable home environment.

Increased home value

Owing to a range of benefits that green home improvements offer, they are typically the most profitable ones on the market. Green homes are among the most popular types of property in real estate and a great number of buyers would rather pay more for them. Thus, going green will not only provide you with the aforementioned benefits, but it will also increase the value of your home on the market. If you ever decide to sell your home, you’ll be able to recoup your initial investment.

Thus, when remodelling your home, you should go with some of the most profitable eco-friendly improvements. For instance, replacing your old windows with new, energy efficient ones will provide you with up to 70 per cent ROI. Proper insulation is another profitable green improvement that you should consider. Installing a smart thermostat or an eco-friendly water heater will also attract prospective buyers. Finally, if you decide to go solar, you may increase the value of your home by even $18,000.

Green improvements will provide you with numerous benefits, including a healthier and more comfortable home, increased property value and numerous savings opportunities. On top of all that, they will also help you make a valuable contribution to the environment preservation.

The Ultimate Man Cave for the Sophisticated Modern Man

August 24, 2018

Derek Lotts

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The man cave is a room or an area designed and specially reserved for a man to be in a solitary condition away from the rest of the household. Every guy dreams of having such a place where he can get away, kick back, put his feet up, relax and just do whatever he wants. If properly designed, the man cave can replace your local sports bar and become a favorite hanging place for you and all your friends to gather around.

For many men, this is the most important area in the entire household as it serves as a place to chill, watch sports, entertain and spend time with friends. This is the room with a bar, cinema armchairs, pool table, sports signs and memorabilia, darts, poker table, arcade games etc. and it is usually located in the basement or attic. More than often, in the man cave you can see exposed bricks, rustic timber and DIY furniture like kegs turned into coffee tables or bar stools. However, being that it is 2018 and modern men are getting more and more sophisticated, it is possible to have a classy and stylish yet still masculine retreat in your home.

Furniture

Masculine spaces get their appeal from large elements, like big comfy sofas, wooden floors or focal-point walls. In effort to declutter and hide all the unnecessary accessories, you should install cabinets, closets and a lot of storage room, which will preserve the clean and simple look that this room needs. When it comes to the furniture, chances are you have already realized this – soft and delicate furniture with curvy silhouettes looks feminine. Therefore, you can never go wrong with a classy comfortable leather sofa in the middle of the room. As this is a place of gathering, make sure you have enough sitting space for everybody, and this is where you go sophisticated, as you can put spacy leather armchairs with a place to put your feet up instead of lazy bags or DIY stools.

Décor

Yes, nothing will yell manliness more than exposed bricks, but why not going a step further and installing a stone wall that will, in combination with a beautiful leather sofa, be the focal point in your man cave. Straight lines, sturdy materials and a simple look; just keep away from the fussiness which will completely ruin the mood. According to Gentleman Style Zone Magazine, man cave decor is all about emphasizing manhood culture.

Colors

Slate gray, dark green or chocolate brown colors will give this space the character and vintage vibe that will add to the manliness that you seek. Just stay away from the prints and outdated wallpapers to continue with this classy, simple and stylish theme.

Equipment and entertainment

For the most of the guys, the man cave is an entertaining hub and the modern man cave means modern entertainment. A pool table, arcade games and pinball machines are, respectably, a piece of history. A nice and big 3D smart TV accompanied with a video setup (blu-ray player, DVD library, etc.) are essential pieces of equipment in this kind of space, since this is the spot in a house to watch sport games or an action movies marathon with your friends. After the screen, you should equip the room with the latest surround system which will definitely complete the feeling and look of the modern man cave that you seek. A smart remote controller with an ability to control everything from TV and stereo system to air conditioner is the obvious choice here and a great way to show off your latest technology. Imagine dimming the lights, turning the TV on and putting the stereo on cinema mode by the click of only a few buttons as you prepare to watch a movie or a sports game with your friends.

In conclusion, the man cave will always have the same function and serve as a space meant for men to retreat and have the freedom to do whatever is on their minds, and with a few changes, you and your friends can upgrade from chilling dudes to sophisticated and modern men enjoying their leisure time.

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Derek Lotts

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