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Lucas Bergman

5 Easy Steps to Plantation Shutters Care and Maintenance

January 11, 2019
Lucas Bergman
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Apart from being incredibly stylish, shutters are among the most practical ways to protect your windows and yourself. Say goodbye to tangled curtains and tedious processes of taking them off, washing them and then having to hang them up again. Not only are shutters easy to use, but they also protect your windows from stains and various cooking smells. Many people are reluctant to embark on the adventure of buying shutters due to ignorance on how easy the maintenance process actually is. This is where we come in to make your life easier and persuade you to make the right choice.

Dusting slats

In order to keep them tidy, you just need to dust the louvres or panels using a microfibre cloth or even a feather duster. Just manipulate the position of the slats to flat and you’ll be able to reach both sides well. It’s important to keep your shutters away from water, especially if they’re made of wood as this is not the best combination. You can also use tiny vacuum cleaners instead of cloths if it’s more your cup of tea.

Wiping more serious stains

The amount of dust or dirt on your shutters depends greatly on the room you put them in. They can catch more dust if they’re in a room with a fireplace or even become greasy if placed in a kitchen. Regardless of how careful you are, grease gathers on surfaces simply via air and there’s nothing you can do about it. Luckily, the cleaning process doesn’t get any more complicated than dusting. Simply use a damp, not wet, cloth and wipe the surfaces.

Opening and closing

It’s important to obey the instructions in order to keep your shutters functional. Never pull the panels open by using the rod for tilting. It can cause serious damage. Instead, tilt the louvres and use the stile to tug them open. There are some variations on the matter. For instance, archtop shutters can close only in the up position. If you try to close them otherwise, they will break. However, if you stick to the instructions, there should be no harm done.

Tightening and loosening louvres

Louvres can become loose over time and they may not be able to stay in the position you’d want them in. This surely isn’t the time to call for outside help. You just need an appropriate screwdriver to tighten shutter panels on both sides and your shutters will be as good as new. You can also loosen them in case they are too difficult to move.

Paint scratches

The probability of the paint getting scratched is very high, unfortunately, especially if there is a lot of human interaction in the close proximity of the shutters in the room. It simply happens sometimes, but it’s nothing to stress too much about. It is a custom to get some extra paint during the installation of the shutters, if this is not offered, you can and should always ask for extra paint in case scratches occur. After that, you just need a small foam brush and a bit of paint to mask it and it will be undetectable.

Basically, this is all you need to know about the maintenance. You must admit it’s super smooth. Of course, there’s always a chance of a malfunction that requires a bit more savvy and tools other than a screwdriver, but that’s when professional help comes in, just like with anything else in the house. So, go ahead and take that leap of buying shutters, you’ll get rid of tedious chores and be able to enrich your room design, as well.

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Fireplace: Centerpiece of Your Home

November 13, 2018
Lucas Bergman
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There used to be a time when the ability to bring fire indoors was the height of luxury and comfortable living. Our expectations are much higher now, but some of that wonder and excitement can still be a part of your day-to-day life if you incorporate a fireplace into your living quarters.

In fact, if it’s chosen with care and incorporated into a home while maintaining a clear vision of style – a fireplace can become a centerpiece of the home and attract the attention of your guests and visitors.

An abundance of styles

Recently, there have been many great developments in the technology needed to install and maintain a fireplace. At the same time, the materials that make its surroundings have also improved greatly. All of this has given a sense of freedom when it comes to designing a fireplace and the room it’s in. The key thing is to set a budget for home renovations and try to stick to it. That will help you to renovate your home and add additions like this one.

For a long time, they have been considered to be something rustic and old-fashioned. That misconception has had its effect on the style that was available to fireplace owners. Now, there are no such limitations and a fireplace could be as slick and modern as the rest of your home.

A natural look

As we said, there’s something natural and even primal in staring into a fire in the comfort of your own home. Many designers feel the need to mimic this look in the design of the fireplace itself. This is best accomplished by using brick and concrete and keeping the fireplace simple and even bare in its design.

Manufactured brick and stone could also be used to this effect and for the most part, no one can tell the difference. Constructing a fireplace in this way is also less costly, since there’s less material to be used.

A floor fireplace

Thanks to the advancement in the exhaustion technology, a fireplace could be placed in a more daring and bold manner. A fireplace inside the floor allows for a more striking design for the whole room. It works well with traditional wood in natural and bright tones, while still working with a modern tone as well.

For instance, patches of all black furniture have the tendency to pop in this surrounding which means you can focus on leather and other more lavish design details without being afraid that it may look over the top.

Squared shapes all around

For a while, it was quite unusual to see a perfect square shape in a fireplace. It seemed kind of strange and all fireplace designers opted for something a bit more traditional and more natural looking. However, squared fireplaces are making a comeback and they are usually placed in modern and vibrant looking rooms.

For the most part, these rooms also embrace squares and other artificial shapes and designs in the furniture and doors and windows as well. Bright colors and vibrant artwork could also add to the central position a fireplace holds in such a room.

Outdoor fireplaces

In the end, a fireplace could also find its place on a well-designed patio. Patios are becoming more extravagant and complex in their design and fire pits are being replaced with something more elegant and more expensive.

One of the most common features of this design is a fireplace that fits in with the outdoor swimming pool, usually reflecting in it and adding to the overall atmosphere. It creates an intimate look even when it comes with lavish details.

A fireplace can be a centerpiece of the room it’s based in. The design of the room overall should take the fireplace into account and work around it.

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Designing the Ultimate Video Game Rooms

August 10, 2018
Lucas Bergman
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An essential and very important part of your overall gaming experience is the space you spend your time in. Creating a comfortable, unique, exciting and relaxing environment at the same time can be a difficult and demanding task, but it’s a must when we are talking about video game rooms.

The Space

Choosing the right space in your home to set up a game room in is one of the most important things you’ll need to consider, as dimensions and the shape of a room will have a big impact on your options and limitations while creating the game room of your dreams. Basements and attics are the most popular locations that people choose, thanks to their functionality, privacy and seclusion, sound insulation and usually a large space.

Comfort

Comfort is a priority! As you and your guests will spend a lot of time in this space, sometimes even a whole night, comfort is of curtail importance. Forget about the edge of a bed, wooden chairs or stools as a sitting option, stretching your budget and investing in special ergonomically created PC chairs with lumbar support, lazy bags or cosy sofa will not be a mistake. Additional comfort can be provided with memory foam cushions or gaming keyboards created especially for usage for a long period of time.

Hardware

The general idea and main point of every game room is entertainment, and when we are talking about video games there is a big industry devoted just to consoles running them. Investing in the most modern and performance-wise most quality consoles is pretty important, as they will be the focal point of your room and the reason you and your friends got together in the first place. Of course, placing a big screen TV with surround sound system will serve as an extension to your console and complete the gaming experience. As most of the video games have no actual usage without the internet, a strong and fast connection is required. But why stop there? Depending on the space of the room and your budget, you can add other cool sources of entertainment like pinball and arcade machines, ping pong table, darts, a poker table or even a pool.

Decoration

You can additionally emphasize the atmosphere and overall experience of your gaming room by decorating it in a carefully chosen theme. Having your walls painted with a popular game, space craft, military vehicle or a fantasy movie imagery would do the job. Showcasing collectables and memorabilia and providing your room with quirky furniture is a great idea as well.

Cool items

Equip your space with cool and very useful items like especially made gaming router that will provide a much needed strong and reliable connection, convenient CD storage where you can showcase all your games, a cable organizer which is essential in rooms with this number of electronic devices and a smart remote that will control everything from the air conditioner to the TV and sound system. Installing a sound shaker in chairs and sofa that vibrates according to the sound will have a strong, impressive and unique effect as well.

Having this kind of a room with no mini fridge and some storage for all your refreshments and snacks is a sin, as game nights are unthinkable without them. More than often, the mini fridge will be the most important part of equipment in your gaming room.

Air conditioner

Having a room full of people with this number of electronic devices running can sometimes lead to unbearable heat, and as mentioned before, comfort is a priority. You need a cool environment to fully enjoy the atmosphere of your gaming room. Installing an air conditioner is essential as it will protect your hardware from overheating as well, and as these devices are usually pretty expensive you would want to avoid damaging them.

Lighting

Equipping the space with controllable LED color lights is a great idea, since this trick can transform your whole room with a click of a button or a scroll of a wheel. It’s impressive how lighting can affect the whole atmosphere and be transcendent to the mood.  

 

 

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Going Green: Power Your Home with Renewable Energy Systems

June 12, 2018
Lucas Bergman
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Implementing simple green changes to your home is easy and most of us don’t think twice when it comes to installing LED lights or a dual-flush toilet. However, when it comes to going green on a larger scale, such as switching to a renewable energy system, we start thinking about our finances. Yet, we fail to see that even though such an upgrade might require more money initially, it actually offers a high return on investment. Furthermore, you have different systems at your disposal, so you can find one that meets your needs.

Wind Turbines

Although wind turbines aren’t the most common solution for residential areas, wind-generated energy is actually more stable than solar energy. With an appropriately sized turbine, you can meet most or all of your household’s energy needs. Some of the disadvantages of wind turbines are their somewhat unappealing look and noise. However, nowadays, you can find small turbines appropriate for residential use. Nonetheless, before opting for this energy source, make sure that there aren’t any local regulations that prohibit it.

wind turbines
Image Source: econews.com.au

Geothermal energy systems

Geothermal systems are another source of clean, renewable energy generated by earth’s heat. Although this type of system may have a small environmental footprint while being developed, it’s actually quite eco-friendly as it can reduce your home’s carbon footprint significantly by eliminating the need for electricity used for heating or cooling your home. This system consists of geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) that use 25 to 50 percent less energy than regular HVAC systems. Furthermore, the equipment produces no noise and requires little space, so it can easily fit in any home design. If you opt for this type of renewable energy system, make sure to check your property’s geological,
spatial and hydrological characteristics that will determine what kind of system you need.

Solar energy systems

Solar panels are one of the most popular and commonly used renewable energy systems that can boost your home value substantially. Depending on your energy needs, a few square feet of solar panels can be enough. Due to their aesthetic appeal, solar panels work well with modern home designs. They can be placed either on your roof or in your backyard. However, the main disadvantage of a solar system is that it produces energy only when the sun is up. Nonetheless, you can now find solar batteries that can store your excess energy which you can then use when there’s no sun.

home solar panels
Image Source: thegreenage.co.uk

There’s another possible solution if you want to go with solar energy. Solar shingles are becoming more and more popular as they feature a subtler design than solar panels. These are actually photovoltaic roof tiles that are installed instead of regular shingles. Since they resemble regular roof shingles, they can even blend with a more traditional home design. The initial installation may amount to even $20,000, but around 350 shingles can slash your electricity bill by up to 60 percent. In addition, you may find federal, state or local tax incentives that can reduce the cost of installation.

However, if you’re not in a financial situation to go with an entire solar system, you have other options available. For instance, you can go with a solar water heating system to heat your home and water. Solar water heaters are more affordable than solar panels and easier to install. In addition, they can cut your gas or electricity consumption, increasing your savings in the long run. Solar air conditioning is another possible solution that uses solar power to cool down your home. You can actually combine these two systems as they both use hot water.

Hydropower systems

A hydropower system generates energy from a flowing water source. Of course, this type of energy system is available only to homeowners who have such a source on their property. Thus, if you’re one of the lucky few, you should definitely invest in a micro hydro generator because even a small stream can generate steady and clean energy and cover your needs at a price significantly lower than wind or solar.

Renewable energy systems may require a sizeable investment upon installation, but they are a profitable home improvement that will boost your home’s value and increase your savings in the long run.

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The Top Ten Eco-Friendly Features for Modern Luxury Homes

May 8, 2018
Lucas Bergman
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Luxury homes are often not very eco-friendly. They take over a large amount of land, produce a lot of CO2 and require huge amounts of energy to stay warm, cool and functioning. However, there are home features that can make any luxury home more energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly.

Opt for locally sourced materials

Before huge cargo ships took over our seas, sourcing local materials was the norm. Even though shipping makes other materials much more available, it came with a big environmental cost. So, if you want your luxurious home to help keep pollution at bay, you can opt for architectural solutions that involve the use of locally-harvested wood from wood farms, as well local stone and clay that can be transported to your building site quickly and easily.

Good insulation and air-tightness

Large luxury homes tend to waste a lot of energy through air leaks, drafts and uncontrolled airflow (sometimes even up to 30% of home’s heat). However, new air-tightness solutions and better insulation can keep your energy loss at a minimum while keeping the optimal indoor temperature.

Energy-efficient windows

Utilizing double- or triple-glazed windows is another great way to further reduce heat loss and eliminate cold spots at home. These windows make every home energy-efficient while providing the interior with plenty of natural light.

Green roofs and walls

Green roofs are nothing new in architecture, but today, there are new technologies and trends that are making them appropriate not only for rural, but urban environments too. They are very practical, efficient and aesthetically pleasing roofing options that can help reduce energy consumption and prevent the “heat island” effect in cities. Additionally, living walls, both in the interior and exterior, can help regulate air quality and serve as an interesting design feature.

Solar power

Opting for renewable energy sources is becoming more and more popular and many companies try to perfect their designs and technologies to make the best use of the natural resources. Aside from the “passive” design, installing solar panels can also help homeowners harness the energy of the sun and use it throughout their homes. When combined with batteries, solar panels can make homes almost completely energy independent. Additionally, they can be an elegant and modern exterior decor element, especially in contemporary-designed homes.

Natural heating and cooling

Just like solar, geothermal energy can also be used in luxury homes. It can be utilized for heating and cooling while keeping the home’s environmental footprint relatively small. This allows the building and designing extremely luxurious and aesthetically pleasing homes without any feeling of guilt.

Eco-friendly swimming pools

Swimming pools were never synonymous with eco-friendliness and sustainability. They are perceived to be very wasteful, especially in areas prone to frequent droughts, and they require many chemicals to stay clean and energy to stay warm. However, today there is a way to keep your swimming pool without creating a huge water and energy waste. There are pools that use solar panels for heating, have amazing heat retention properties and even natural plants to keep them clean. Plants not only keep natural pools clean and free of chemicals, but they also attract local wildlife!

LEDs instead of traditional bulbs

In the last twenty years, lighting experienced many radical changes, mostly due to advancements in LED technology. LED light bulbs are much more energy efficient and have a longer lifespan, which reduces waste and energy spent on constant bulb demand.

Tech integration

The integration of smart tech is another practical and effective way to make your home more luxurious and sustainable. Gadgets that help manage lighting, heating, cooling and irrigation can all reduce total energy consumption and remote-control options allow owners to have control over their home even when they are away.

Smart gardens

Gardens have always been a great way to improve the look of the property and provide the owner with a private place for some outdoor relaxation. However, some gardens require a lot of irrigation, fertilizing and tending to in order to look good. But, if you opt for local plants and greenery resistant to droughts, you can greatly reduce water demands. Additionally, planting vegetables and fruit can be as good for the Earth as it is good for you and your family.

Eco-friendliness doesn’t have to involve living a life devoid of luxury. By utilizing these green features into your home, you can enjoy all the luxury and help keep the environment healthy and free of pollution.

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Light Up Your Rooms: Choosing the Perfect Light Fixture

April 20, 2018
Lucas Bergman
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Lighting is often overlooked when it comes to essential interior design elements, but it is vital to the overall ambiance of a space. In fact, lighting is just as important as furniture, wallpaper and paint. Besides helping you see and perform tasks in your home better, the type and position of the light fixture affect the colors in the room, and the fixture itself can serve as a decorative piece. While natural light still is the best choice (windows, doors, and skylights), it is still limited to one part of the day, and it is impossible for it to access every space. Fortunately, these days, it is possible to find light fixtures to fit any room, regardless of its décor and style.

Know the three types of lighting

Bedroom with different types of lighting

The trick for creating the perfect atmosphere in any room is layered lighting. Here are the three layers you need to know about:

  • General or ambient lighting is the ceiling fixture which makes up to 75% of the light in the room. In larger rooms, there is a need for several ceiling lights.
  • Task lighting helps accomplish specific tasks (e.g., reading a book or preparing food).
  • Accent lighting serves as a decorative element by enhancing certain features of the room (e.g. artwork, bookshelves, decorative trim).

Your guide to lighting: Room by room

Every room has a different ambiance and function. Therefore, every room requires different lighting solutions. The foyer is the perfect room to go grand with the lighting fixture. Install an oversized, single-light fixture or a large statement chandelier. For a small, dark space, use a full-length mirror to double the amount of light. General lighting in the living room is usually provided by a modern or a traditionally ornate chandelier, but you can also use several big pendants. Wall sconces will help you create a theatre-style atmosphere, and you can use accent lights to draw attention to artwork or bookshelves. As for task lights, you can spotlight the entertainment area with LED tape lights and place a floor/table lamp near the reading chair.

Living room lighting

Functional lighting is the key in the kitchen. A striking ceiling fixture will provide ambient light, but you will also need task lighting for specific areas (e.g. mini lights for the kitchen cabinets) and accent lights in the form of pendants above the kitchen island. The dining room lighting depends on the shape of the table. For long, rectangular tables choose multiple pendants or linear chandeliers. For round tables, go with mini chandeliers or staggered pendants. Task lights are the most important in the bathroom, and the lighting around the mirror is the most essential here – bathroom sconces and vanity lights are the best choices. Depending on the size of your bathroom, you might need more than one ambient fixture (e.g. one in the center of the room and the other above the bathtub). Bedroom lighting needs to create a relaxing atmosphere. Don’t place the general fixture above the bed to avoid glare. It would be useful to have dimmers to be able to control the light intensity. If you have a reading nook, use a table/floor lamp or a pendant to provide adequate light for reading.

Lighting fixtures as style statements

Two lights over the table

Finally, lighting fixtures need to fit into the overall style of the room. It is not the same if your home is decorated in Mid-century modern or vintage fashion. So here are the most frequent interior design approaches and fixtures that fit them best:

Arts and crafts: Fixtures made of thick and solid materials, usually of rectangular shape.
Contemporary: Clean, uncluttered lines, complete absence of ornamentation.
Country: Rough-hewn woods, heavily textured surfaces and natural forged metals.
Traditional: Elegant, gentle curves and restrained ornamentation.
Transitional: Earth-tone finishes, traditional lines, light ornaments.
Scandinavian: Simplistic, often bell-shaped pendants in neutral or metallic hues.

Oscar de la Renta said that the most important thing is “perfect lighting at all times”, and he couldn’t be more right. Take these tips and use them to create the home you deserve.

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Make Your Home Exotic with Delightful Moroccan Style

March 27, 2018
Lucas Bergman
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Decorating your live-in place to vibe the sentiment, history, culture and a period you feel most connected to is one of the best ways to approach your home design. If you’ve recently been to Morocco, you’ve probably fallen in love with every moment of it. The freedom of mind, letting go of perfection ideals, playing with everything surrounding you and enjoying the product of your experimentation is what Moroccan style is all about. Now, if you’ve decided to bring a little bit of Morocco into your home, read through the tips below to get the latest designer scoop on what works best for a Moroccan-inspired home:

Statement flamboyant colors and intricate detailing

 

Photo source: Houzz.com

For the best Moroccan vibe, laying out earthly tones as a base for layers of textures, patterns and strong accents that come later is the perfect start. Forget all about balance, matching fabrics and colors when using Morocco as your inspo: this country’s style is about unintentional uniqueness, mixing potentially impossible design elements into a cohesive structure and staying true to your own sentiment. As Moroccan homes are all truly individual, you’ll almost never find two homes that are alike. Along with flamboyant colors, ceiling to floor intricate, alluring detailing is yet another Moroccan feature. Doors, the stairs, floors or cabinets – there’s no limit to where you can find this explosion of detailing and color.

Tiles that tell a story

Photo source: mimarinteriors.com

Nothing about Moroccan styles is about playing it safe, and a true testament to this charming carelessness is the fact both floors and walls are usually covered in tiles with intricate patterns and embellishments. Use an entire area of your home such as the kitchen, lounge or the dining room and build the look around it: dramatic tiles with interesting textures are the perfect way to start your Morocco adventure.

Photo source: Pinterest.com

Rugs with a personality

In Moroccan design, rugs aren’t only used for the floor but as statement wall décor, as well; the patterns are either dramatic or very subtle, and the colors are bold. Certain types of rugs, i.e. particular patterns have a cultural meaning and are used in various local celebrations like weddings and similar. Check out Moroccan history before you choose the patterns for your home.

Moroccan arches for Islamic inspiration

One of the most beautiful, breathtaking features of Moroccan interiors is definitely the Moroccan arch, also known as the horseshoe arch. Known as Moorish arches in some areas, are archetypal of Islamic architecture and are either lobed, rounded or pointed. Built this way, they are giving a very lavish touch to every typical Moroccan house. You could build a few in your home, as a true statement to your Moroccan enchantment.

Photo source: Pinterest.com

Ottomans and cushions

Predominantly an Islamic country, Morocco draws a lot of its cultural and architectural influence from Arabic countries. One of those, for sure, is the obsession with bold ottomans, small couch cushions and large floor cushions that are both decoration and the place to rest your feet. Choose fabrics with raised embroidery to stay on point.

Moroccan Riad as freedom

Interior courtyards, similar to Indian and Arabic yard concepts are an inevitable element in traditional Moroccan design. Although a traditional riad (riad arab. = garden) had a fountain as its centerpiece, modern riads are likely to have indoor ponds, play areas or swimming pools. As Morocco is a country largely inhabited by Muslims, a Riad is a great gathering spot for women, giving them freedom and privacy. If you’ve got enough space in your home, build a Riad for a true Morocco vibe.

Photo source: Pinterest.com

Build your Moroccan-inspired home to remind you of this beautiful, colorful culture with incredibly rich history and tradition. Include fragrances like nutmeg, cinnamon, saffron or other exotic spices as a finishing touch to link the mind to Moroccan bazaars the moment you walk in. Good luck designing!

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How To Take Care Of Your Lawn In Autumn

September 1, 2017
Lucas Bergman
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Autumn is actually a great time for the growth of lawn. In the condition of remaining summer warmth and higher rainfall, it will be a perfect chance for your lawns to be well again after experiencing the extreme hot of the summer. Previous brown lawns start to grow again and turn into its original green. Therefore, this time is really appropriate for you to prepare and keep your lawn from the extreme weather of the next season-winter.
If you intend to do this in the coming autumn, let consider our following tips. They will be certainly useful for you.

autumn

              Via: shutterstock.com

Watering

Paying attention to the irritation is one of the most important things when preparing your lawns for the coming autumn. Unlike in the summer, your lawn doesn’t need too much water in autumn time. Despite that, you should also not stop watering suddenly. It will be best to keep the irritation at a minimum level during the winter in case your area doesn’t get a minimum rainfall of 1 inch a week.

Mowing

mowing

Via: shutterstock.com

It is also crucial for you to mow your lawn frequently during the autumn. This will surely keep your lawn in good shape. Nonetheless, remember to adjust your blade height in order not to cut your lawn too short.
Then, in the late autumn, you should mow off the cool-season grasses at 2½ inches and about 1½ to 2 inches for the warm-season ones. It is also quite vital to remain your lawn in autumn.

Seed your lawn

Conventionally, the temperature of soil in autumn will reach around 550F. In fact, autumn and winter are a great time for turf roots thrive; it is really a good time to seed.
The inexpensive seed often has weed seeds, such as hollow husk annual rye-grass seed, which usually dies when the first frost comes. As a result, purchase the high price one will be a great choice because of its good resistance to drought, insects, and disease. After planting your seed, water it properly every day to help it grow.
The usual time for grass seed to grow is about 10-20 days.

Fertilize before the first frost

fertilize

Via: shutterstock.com

Fertilize the lawn is at the top of important things you should do in the autumn; however, avoid using the old fertilizer. You should use the type of mineral one which contains a high amount of phosphorous and potassium instead of the organic one.
There are two elements, which play important roles in your autumn lawn growth:
Phosphorus (P): stimulates the development of grass as well as increases its hardiness in the winter that helps your grass suffer from a stressful environment. With the support of phosphorus, it will minimize the chances of getting disease for the grass.
Potassium (K): reduces the process of transpiring from the blades; therefore, your grass does not need too much water if it gets enough potassium. This element can make the blades stronger helping to recover your grass after suffering from heavy foot. It also helps grass bear the very cold time in the winter.
Supply your lawns with needed nutrients will help them cope well with the frosty condition of winter and remain their green. They can also strongly fight against the usual fungal diseases.

Aerate

Aerate your lawns during the fall is another important thing. There are many kinds of aerator on the market, which include plug and punch varieties. No matter which one will you choose, just use it. The process of aerating can certainly help the lawn roots absorb enough water and air as well as fertilizer.

Keep leaves controlled

It is certain that the leaves from the trees around and in your yard shed down frequently during the autumn. They will fall and remain on the grassed unless you control. You may think that there’s no need to worry about this; however, this is a potential factor killing your grass. In which, mildew and foster mold growth can lead to many lawn diseases. Consequently, rake the fall leaves and keep them away from your grass.

Weed control

weed control

Via: shutterstock.com

It’s time for you to fight against broadleaf weeds such as dandelions if they nearly cover your lawn. Just like other plants, weed can absorb energy strongly throughout the fall. They take up anything coming their way, even weed killers. Let using herbicide now; then weeds will definitely not come back in the upcoming spring.
Before using, read the package label carefully. It’s suggested by most of the herbicide manufacturers that you should apply weed killer in the period of early to mid of autumn. This is the time when the temperature in the daytime remains above 600F.
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Author Bio: Richard Clayton is an owner of a gardening blog. He loves gardening and lawn care. He can spend all of his free time taking care of his garden and discuss gardening experiences with his friends, who have the same hobby as he. His website (My Greenery Life) is a playground for people, where they can discuss everything about lawn care, DIY gardening and critter control topics.

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Smart Tricks and Tips for Your Tiny Apartment

August 22, 2017
Lucas Bergman
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Living in a tiny apartment is tough, especially when your decor choices are limited by landlord laws and rental rules. And just because your home looks like a box that doesn’t mean you have to neglect the decor. There are so many decorating ideas on the Internet that will make your home look bigger, brighter and airier.

And unless you are a proud owner of a big country house or penthouse, or you just enjoy living in clutter, it’s time to make some changes and learn how to decorate your tiny apartment. Let these ideas, tricks, and tips that I gathered for you inspire you to make the space you were dreaming of.

Think Vertically

When decorating, most homeowners concentrate too much on what can be easily seen, making space look cluttered and smaller. It is very important to use the height of the ceiling if you want to maximize the proportions and elongate the space. You can do that by installing shelves or other storage solutions right to the ceiling or by refreshing the room with soft sheer curtains that go from the ceiling to the floor.

Choose the Furniture Wisely

Your small space needs smaller scale pieces and open storage units, so I advise you to go for minimal furniture. The multi-function designs are always a great choice for this type of spaces. If you want to have a larger scale furniture, such as a triple seater sofa, that’s fine, but make sure that you have enough space to move around it.

Get Smart about Storage

In order to make your space look functional and clean, you need to maximize your space by adding extra storage. As I said before, you need to purchase multi-functional and space-saving furniture, like ottomans, tables with drawers, folding chairs, etc. Sofas that transform into beds are ideal for homes that don’t have bedrooms. Think about using the space under the bed, cabinets, drawers, etc.

Play with Colours and Prints

The truth is that you can easily make your tiny space appear bigger with mirror, but this trick can date your space really quickly. So, you’d better play with colors and prints. When mixing and matching prints and colors, it is important to keep within same color palette. Choose small in scale prints as they calm the eyes. If you want to add some dark colors in your home decor, keep it lower to the ground.

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Give Your Home a Fresh Look This Spring

March 27, 2017
Lucas Bergman
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As we leave winter behind, we seek to remove its gloomy cloak and replace it with a more colorful and lightweight mantle that will invite invigorating and refreshing feelings into our homes. Spring cleaning is an old ritual we practice at the beginning of this season, but is removing dust and de-cluttering the living room truly enough to fill our homes with much needed optimism? Not really. Fortunately, there are ways for spring to spring into our interiors, without having to spend too much money or invest too much time. Here are some of them.

A Splash of Color

Painting the walls has always been the easiest way to make a change in your interior design. You would be surprised how something simple as changing the color or refreshing the existing shade can breathe new life into a space. White is always a safe way to go, but you can also “spring up” your walls with pastels like pale pink, serene blue, green, lavender, pale yellow, etc.

Say Hello to “Greenery”

Speaking of colors, we can’t help but mention Pantone’s optimistic color of the year – Greenery. It is a zesty yellowish green that is described by Pantone’s think-tank, as nature’s neutral. A color that symbolizes renewal and spring itself should find its place in your decorating efforts. If you consider it too bright to use on the walls, you can introduce it through accent pieces, such as a green sofa, chair or artwork.

Maximizing the Light

This is the season when the sun shines bright, but not too bright; when it keeps us warm, but not too warm. It seems to be the best time to invite it into our homes, right? Ditching heavy drapes and deciding on sheer curtains (or no curtains whatsoever) is one of the ways to do that. You can use a little trick to maximize the amount of light – place mirrors opposite to light sources (fixtures and windows), so they reflect light and make the space look brighter and bigger.

Go Bold or Go Home

If you were holding back on using bold colors and large patterns this winter, now is the time to let all that outside. Treat your home with boldly-colored area rugs, bed covers and throw pillows. Include some interesting patterns, such as flowers, leaves, woodland animals, fruits (pineapple, anyone?), etc.

Floral Details

Floral is a pattern for itself, when it comes to spring decoration. It brings joy and happiness into our homes, and, if we use it right, an extra dose of stylishness. If you’re not afraid of too feminine a décor, you can introduce floral with a shabby-chic wallpaper, but if you want to tone it down, you can try with simple details, such as patterned cushions or bed-sheets. Adding a welcoming floral-wreath to your front door wouldn’t be a mistake either.

Introduce the Original Greenery

Pantone’s Greenery may be cool, but it will never be as cool as the shade of green that has inspired it. That’s right, we’re talking about the green we see outside, in our parks, forests and gardens. Sounds like a perfect excuse to turn your home into a jungle filled with Ferns, Palm Trees, Aloe Veras, Dracaenas, Philodendrons and other potted plants. Arrange plants of various heights, to create a stronger visual impact.

Breathe-in the Spring

Did you know that our sense of smell can largely impact how we feel and how we perceive visual images? So, if you want your house to look spring-ready, maybe you should make it feel spring-ready as well. Kill two birds with one stone, and induce new scents with a vase filled with aromatic lilac, or add decorative scented candles with floral or citrus fragrances.

Winter is over, so don’t you think it’s time to notify your home about it? Remove heavy-duty fabrics, vanquish deep dark shades, and set the tone for the loveliest season of all.

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Smooth Decorator is a website dedicated to our little sanctuaries from the hustle and bustle of the outside world – to our homes, sweet homes. We believe that the foundation of a quality life needs to be set right there, in the place where we first dream things up, and that only when we organized our homes can we hope to organize the rest of our everyday existence.

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