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Mike Johnston

How to Give Your Property a Facelift by Choosing the Right Siding Replacement

January 12, 2022
Mike Johnston
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If you want to increase the curb value of your home and give your property a facelift, you should consider choosing the right siding replacement. It is very simple really. The value of a property is directly proportional to its beauty and attractiveness in the minds of potential buyers. If you do your job right, it is possible that you will be able to get just what you need and want for your house. 

Apart from that, a neat and clean look will make you feel ‘right at home’ so to speak. You can change the siding of your home if it has become old and worn out. Alternatively, you can do it just to change the look of your property. In any case, you will need to go through various options regarding colors and choice of material before you decide what is ideal for your home. Let us see how you too can give your home a much-needed facelift by selecting the ideal siding for it:

Select the right materials

Many, if not most siding related products are designed in such a way that they strongly mimic real wood siding. Yes, original wood siding is also available, but it is not as long-lasting as the many different siding materials currently in vogue today. Add to that the fact that real wood is now very expensive. However, a veritable plethora of siding materials can replicate the look and feel of real cedar siding. Some of the more common siding options include the following:  

siding
Photo by Zac Gudakov on Unsplash 

Vinyl

This is arguably one of the single most common materials available today for the external décor of your home. It is a low-cost long-life option consisting of polymer-based plastics. It is available in many different sizes, thicknesses, and qualities. There are lots of colors and textures available. The cost comes to around $9-10 or so per square foot which makes it quite affordable. Apart from that, vinyl also allows a lot of insulation behind it. It is rot proof and many contractors also offer insect repellent vinyl sidings. However, it won’t last more than 10-15 years and it is seldom fireproof. 

Composite board

This is a very eco-friendly form of siding and it is manufactured from recycled wood pulp. The different sides of the wood are heavily compressed and then stuck with powerful adhesives. Composite is available in just about any color you like. In fact, if it is available in a paint store, you are likely to find it with your composite siding vendor as well.

 If the paint starts to chip, just repaint it all over again instead of swapping the whole thing. It is quite easy to install and can be treated with insect repellent. However, it is not only not fireproof but quite combustible as well. If you live in a rain prone area it might not be suitable because the wood can swell and burst. 

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Photo by Rendy Novantino on Unsplash 

Aluminum

This is also a very common type of siding and it is widely available in many different designs and colors. This siding is built to last. Even if you don’t spend much on maintaining it, you can rest assured that it will easily last for decades.  It can also handle inclement weather such as violent thunderstorms, snow, and hail. If you feel that it is looking under the weather, you can simply have it repainted. If an area becomes chipped or dented, you can easily repair it or even replace the affected section with a new one without any difficulty. 

It is considered to be one of the most fireproof sidings around, which makes it very safe. Since it is painted after installation, you can change the color once you check a sample piece or two and go for something you really like. However, it is expensive and there are not as many designs or textures available as various other kinds of siding systems. 

Conclusion

There are many siding options for your consideration. You will have to research the various options till you find something that is just right for your home and the weather conditions in your area. Good luck!

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The Finest Selection: Infinity Pool Luxury Homes in Croatia

December 24, 2021
Mike Johnston
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Croatia’s lovely sceneries along the coast, with the largest archipelago the largest in the Adriatic Sea which includes a plethora of islands, has made it one of the world’s most beautiful countries in Europe. The picturesque landscape, rich biodiversity, and genuine culture have made Dalmatia and Istria both, appealing vacation destinations and new attractive real estate hotspots. If the spectacular beach vista is a must-have for your new luxury home, see some of the most magnificent residences with infinity pools on the Adriatic coast with views of the sea.

An infinity pool minimalist design villa on an island

Island Brač is home to one of Croatia’s most popular properties at the moment. If you like the luxury waterfront construction styles, the natural materials, cutting-edge design, and distinctive indoor plants this villa will entice you into falling in love at first sight. The glass walls are a lovely touch, but the stunning outdoor deck with a huge infinity swimming pool and spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea is the real deal-stopper. 

With a stunning position of the infinity pool that emphasizes the magic sky reflection, this avant-garde mansion creates an impression of eternal summer. The floor heating throughout the house and 120 sqm parking lot are some of the villa’s highlights. The spacious outdoor dining area with a double-sided plain design fireplace is ideal for hosting families and guests. 

infinity

Seven bedroom seafront villa with private beach

This luxury designer house is perched on a hill above the beach and is only 8 kilometers from Dubrovnik’s historic center. The whole property is isolated from the traffic and the chaotic everyday life, with a panoramic view of the seashore accessible to your eyes from every room. 

The beautiful house’s infinity pool is concealed from the view of passers-by, and a couple of steps beneath your property will take you to the beach if you wish to swim in the sea. This is the villa with a private boat dock and its own beach entrance. It also features a grand sauna, a private gym, and floor heating. This home boasts a stunning location for the long, leisurely mornings or summer evening gatherings with its spanning seaside patio.

infinity

A stunning villa with an infinity pool in the backyard

This modern house is located in a peaceful and one of the most attractive regions in Croatia, the Istrian Peninsula. With some of the most luxurious cities in Croatia, Istria is famous for its wine culture, and authentic gastronomy. The property is completely fenced, which adds to the classic appearance. It complements the genuine stone architecture on the exterior of the home. With an infinity pool in the backyard, its own indoor spa and mooring, a wide hot tub, laundry room, and more, this resort has everything you need for a pampering living. 

The villa has seven bedrooms, is spread over 180 square meters, and offers an open view of the landscape from nearly every corner. The spacious living space leads to the great front patio, which features a long infinity pool with a hot tub just above the thickly forested Mediterranean trees. Swimming in an infinity-edge pool gives you the sensation of flying through lush rainforest. 

Discover more about Croatia’s most magnificent properties for less than 2.000.000€ and why some of them might be a superb investment possibility, all from the comfort of your own home!

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Improve the Look of Your Home: 5 Tips to Renovate the Exterior of Your House

November 30, 2021
Mike Johnston
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Are you looking for strategies to keep your house fresh as it is inside? Would you like to make your house more attractive and have your neighbors drop their jaws? If so, you have to read out a few of the house recommendations to accomplish the task properly. You may be amazed how a little improvement may have a huge effect. Not all upgrades of the home exterior will require you to break the bank.

Beautify your front door                                                                                               

Let’s begin with your home’s front door. Usually, the door is the first thing your eyes gravitate to when you glance at the house front. Suppose your home is facing the street, the doorway is the priority you want to make your curb appeal more energetic. You need not substitute your door to boost esthetics, contrary to widespread opinion (unless you want to, of course).

By covering it up in a fresh paint coat, you may simply touch it up. Try to paint a hue that offers a friendly contrast to the side color of your house. For instance, if the siding of your home is bright, paint a dark shade of the entrance to offer a balance for your eyes. You also can switch the hardware off by substituting a modern door handle for a fresh coat. Another good idea could be installing new flooring that would best match the front door. 

your house
Photo by Francesca Tosolini on Unsplash 

Replacing the siding

Maybe you’re sick with the vinyl siding you’re currently looking at. Perhaps to improve the exterior, you wish to replace it with another material. First, you want to check the vinyl siding to see if it was placed incorrectly. Things like mold growth, water damage, holes, rodents, and many more concerns could be the issues behind the look of your siding.

There are several revealing signals to those of you who are considering replacing your vinyl siding. When you see the siding begin to distort, the first indicator is their availability to sunlight may be extreme or an enormous amount of heat, such as adjacent to a grill. If evidence of mold is present or the color of the vinyl starts to decay in certain spots, you should also replace the siding by applying the service of professionals. Remember that discoloration makes your whole house seem much older than it is.

Apply window shutters

Did you ever think your windows missed something? Perhaps it feels like a bit of definition is missing? If so, add shutters to your windows to make them pop a little longer. This might aid to increase the excitement and comfort of your appeal for curbing. The shutters can be painted to fit the emphasis on the door frame, window frame, roof trim, etc.

You’ll want to use a color like painting your front door to contrast the color of your siding. Thus, when people drive past your property, shutters are definitive. Also, make sure that mattress disposal services will quickly arrive so there is nothing blocking the front door. If you are worried that they might block the sun and your flowers might be negatively affected, you can use LED grow lights that can substitute sunlight and help your flowers thrive.  

Photo by Zac Gudakov on Unsplash 

Repair damaged sewer line

Soil movement is a common cause of broken urban tap links. A sewage line is damaged when individuals dig in their backyard (move the dirt). This can be tough to mend because correcting one end usually implies digging the other.

You don’t have to replace the whole sewage line; the work is done for you by mending the afflicted portion. In addition, repair of the sewer line could be complex work and professionals should be the best choice. Once you repair the sewer line, build a small garden or instead build a treehouse, you can be creative in many ways since there are a lot of things to do with your backyard. 

It’s time for a new roof

With an outdated roof, your home might look older and potentially damage your moisture. You want new architectural shingles to replace an existing roof. There are more dimensions to architectural roofs than traditional asphalt bars. They are meant to help reflect UV rays so that your house is also cooler.

When you think of all the things you need to do to improve the look of your home, you might think there is too much work involved. You may feel overwhelmed and decide to give it up. However, you must know there are other options for you to get the home of your dreams. One of these options would be to build a custom home. This would be a project where you work directly with the home builders to design, plan, and select every single detail regarding your new home.

Conclusion

When you asked us how to get the most out of your external renovation, we would respond that we are concentrating on one region of your home with a certain objective in mind. To beautify your home, you do not have to get crazy with costly remodeling. 

Some thorough thinking can help you pick the most useful adjustments and you should first focus on those areas. We are certain that the advice in this post will allow you to ace your house refurbishment game!

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Common Injuries That Can Happen When Renovating a House

November 30, 2021
Mike Johnston
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Putting sweat equity into a recent house that you purchased can make all the difference to your bottom line. Depending on the project, a contractor can cost thousands of dollars. Common pitfalls that house flippers run into when renovating a property is sticking to the original budget. One way to give yourself more of a financial cushion when renovating a house is to do some or all of the work yourself. While HGTV makes real estate look like rainbows and butterflies, if not. Things can happen while on the job. Renovating a house can be a huge and daunting project. Even the most experienced house flippers and homebuyers sometimes injure themselves while fixing things up. Today, we will review the most common injuries that can happen when renovating a house and how to avoid them.

Thrown-out back

Outside of flipping houses, a thrown-out back is one of the most common back injuries out there. When renovating a house, you are required to put your body in different and challenging positions. The more flexible you are, the less likely you are to get injured. Unfortunately, not all of us are born with naturally limber bodies. People that renovate houses oftentimes throw out their backs when lifting heavy objects. Typically, it is not always the weight that is the downfall. The awkward shapes and sizes of different objects can throw people off. They approach these objects in an awkward fashion and forget the basics. “Lift with your knees, not your back” goes out the window.

At some point, a home renovator will likely pick up something large and heavy, such as a toilet. sometimes, the object doesn’t need to be moved very far. Other times, you will need to carry a toilet up three flights of stairs. Now, do you see why throwing your back out is pretty easy to do when renovating a house? There are a few ways to avoid this common injury when house flipping. The goal is to be proactive. To start, stretch before you begin renovating the property. the looser that your body is, the less likely you are to throw your back out. If your back is already feeling stiff, visit your local chiropractor. Most home renovation projects are on a time crunch. To avoid turning stiffness into a full-blown injury, treat your body with chiropractic care.

injuries
Image by rawpixel.com 

Bruised fingers

Your fingers are some of the most vulnerable extremities on your body when flipping houses. Think about it. How close are you to hitting your finger each time you swing that hammer? Bruising a finger is one of the most common injuries that happens every day on home renovation job sites. No matter how many times you’ve swung a hammer in the past, if you are not paying attention, you might miss the nail. It can happen in a split second. Oftentimes, this event occurs when there is a lot going on around that person. Job sites get extremely busy. It’s easy to lose focus and accidentally bruise your finger with a hammer. If you bruise your finger badly, you may be out of commission for a few days. What are some things that you can do to avoid this from happening?

First off, wear gloves. Naturally, a glove softens the blow of any blunt object. Make sure that the gloves are not too loose, to avoid anything getting tangled. Gloves also help with avoiding blisters if you are planning on using a hammer consistently throughout the day. Another way to avoid bruising your fingers is to take things slow. Take a deep breath, and know that there is no rush. Go at a pace that makes you comfortable to avoid injuries in the future.

Image by rawpixel.com 

Pulled shoulder

Shoulders are extremely delicate areas of the body. This is especially true when moving objects around and over your head. Along with lifting heavy objects, a home renovation requires you to move things above your head and shift them around constantly. For example, you may be installing shelving or kitchen cabinets. Both of these items require you to hold things above your head for long periods of time. These motions make your shoulders extremely vulnerable. If you make the wrong move too fast, you can tweak or pull a ligament in your shoulder area.

To avoid injuring yourself in this part of your body, stretching is also key here. Start your day off slow and do not lift anything above your head that is too heavy until you are warmed up. You can warm up your arms by doing small exercises or stretches before getting started. An injured shoulder can be the end of your home renovation project. Do your best to warm up this part of your body before lifting things that are too heavy.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, injuries will continue to happen during home renovations. However, there is a lot that we can do to keep our bodies in shape, warmed up, and loose. Movement is key before putting our bodies in difficult positions and lifting heavy objects. Slow and steady wins the race. Although your home renovation project is likely on a sharp deadline, don’t forget to warm up slowly before going full speed ahead during your house flip.

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4 Benefits of Hiring a Contractor to Fix a Hurricane-Damaged House

October 13, 2021
Mike Johnston
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With extensive knowledge of the ins and outs of renovation, hiring a contractor comes with many perks. Not only are they the point of contact for the owner of the project but for the other teams on site. One of their main functions is increasing communication while decreasing confusion in the process. However, those are not the only benefits to trusting a contractor with your project. 

Contractors are experts at fixing issues with properties. If you find yourself trying to sell a hurricane-damaged house, there’s most likely a ton of work to be done. Not every renovation is possible to complete by doing it yourself. Here, we outline several benefits that come along with hiring a contractor to fix a house damaged by a hurricane.

1) Material Cost

In most cases, anyone will tell you that it is the labor and not the materials that will cost the most. However, in a large project with water damage from a hurricane, the cost of materials can add up fast. For instance, running a gas line can start at $12 per linear foot. Unfortunately, it fails to take into account a few things key points:

  • Type of gas line (and how much)
  • Additional appliances being installed 
  • Splitting the meter if necessary

This is a small sample of what projects containing gas lines can entail. Your contractor will review the details of the project and can negotiate better pricing on your behalf.

contractors
Image by rawpixel.com 

2) Sub-Contracting

This will be a large part of what your contractor will perform. After all, they can not do the entire job by themselves. For instance, if the roof is caved in from water damage, you may need to bring in a roofer to handle that part of the renovation. Your contractor will allocate work to the proper people.

By subcontracting, you are assured that the different aspects of the project are being managed, and in turn, someone is managing them. The general contractor should review any safety tips required to know before starting the job. Moreover, you can trust that someone will be available to give a breakdown of the current progress.

3) Money Management

As previously mentioned costs can quickly escalate if those watching the process are not paying attention. Watching the money is another important part of what your contractor will deal with. A project will grind to a halt if materials and labor are not paid for. 

However, when needed supplies and people do not arrive, it is also their job to find out why. Consistent delays can cause a large renovation to come in over budget and keeping the project on track is part of the job as well. 

Photo by Blue Bird from Pexels 

4) Project Management

The world of a contractor in any industry is a tiny one. The longer they have been in the field the stronger their connections to necessary people and materials will be. Contractors work with only the most reliable of teams and will steer clear of any who tend to over promise and under deliver. 

Large renovations due to hurricane damage require a ton of coordination between different technicians. Various portions will need to pass county inspection and delays will slow projects down. Your contractor will help coordinate the inspection with the sub-contractor to minimize project time. 

County inspectors do not work for contractors. They work for their respective counties. Hiring a contractor on a large renovation project will be one of the best decisions anyone can make. Properties that suffer from hurricane damage or flood damage are no joke. With so many moving parts, it is important the person overseeing the project understands who should be taking care of what.

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4 Creative Lighting Fixture Designs for the Kitchen

August 20, 2021
Mike Johnston
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Lights are an integral part of any home. Apart from illuminating the kitchen, lighting fixtures influence the décor of a home tremendously. Granted, getting the most appropriate lighting fixture design for your kitchen can be challenging. There are thousands of options available today. However, there are certain designs that stand out among the rest that you should consider. Check out these 4 creative lighting fixture designs for your next kitchen. 

Rattan Pendants

Pendants, also called drops, have been around for years. You will see many we buy houses companies on television continuing to add these to properties they renovate. They come in different shapes and materials, and there are many ways to use them. For instance, you can hang them either as single lamps or in multiples depending on the amount of space you have. A good design that you should consider trying out is the rattan and bamboo pendant design. Especially if you are a nature enthusiast, rattan pendants can assist you to bring nature into your kitchen.

To make the most of them, consider combining different shapes and sizes. You can also spray-paint them to match your walls or cabinets. Furthermore, you can use them to create amazing shapes and patterns across your ceiling to give your kitchen more style.

designs
Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels 

Industrial Flush Mounts

If you want to achieve a brighter and more spacious room, then flush mounts could be exactly what you need. As ambient indoor lights, they spread light throughout the room while taking the least space possible. In addition, industrial fixtures can bring a professional, yet warm look into your kitchen.

If your space is not very tight, you should consider semi-flush mounts. These are usually suspended just enough to form amazing shadow patterns across the ceiling. Thankfully, reclaimed industrial metal always compliments other metallic installations and utensils in home spaces. 

Retro Track Lights

Track lights are multiple lights dispensed from a single bar. You can hang them above the kitchen counter or use them as spotlights that spread light around the room. Retro track lights usually bring some sort of “studio” character into a room. They can also give your kitchen a hybrid look by fusing different timelines, making your kitchen more inviting.

Retro track lights are available in a wide range of designs and materials, ranging from wood bars to refurbished pipes. This means that you can get creative with them to bring out your style. For example, you add a coat of brass or gold to them to give them the perfect rustic look.

Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels 

LED Lighting Strips

LED lights often come in unique designs that can complement whatever type of kitchen you have. If yours is a modern kitchen, then you can use LED fixtures to create a utopian feel. LEDs are energy-efficient and can be installed in the smallest of spaces. You can have LED strips installed under shelves, the countertop, and inside your cabinet and false ceiling, just to say the least.

This home DIY project can be a great one to get the kids involved with, depending on how extensive your plans are. You can keep it simple by adding a few strips around your house. The best thing about LEDs is that you can change their light color to suit your mood. If you have a minimalist kitchen design, then LED lights could be the space savers you need. Check out this stunning LED-lit kitchen Image 

If you’ve been looking for amazing lighting designs to revolutionize your kitchen, consider these designs. These options are designed to upgrade your kitchen from a traditional look to a fun space that you can enjoy.

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Backyard Patio Designs That Will Blow Your Mind

June 24, 2021
Mike Johnston
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A modern patio is a gorgeous addition to every backyard. It creates an ideal space that is aesthetically appealing to spend time with family and friends. Your home is unique in various dimensions. Therefore, you should get the best patio designs that reflect your high-end personal style. 

After 2020, outside space is highly valued when it comes to real estate values. If your future is to sell your house fast, investing in a new backyard patio will help. For homeowners that have never taken on a project like this before, it can be tough to know where to begin. Here, we will review various backyard patio options that you can consider adding to your house.

Adding pavers

Paver patio designs are slightly expensive, but their material needs little maintenance. The installation also tends to take longer compared to other options. According to experts, a professional team can take approximately 3 to 5 days to install paver patios.

The more significant part about this option is that it needs a lot of preparation workup before the whole thing is laid down. First, the dirt and subsoil grass are removed. The excavation might be intense in some areas, but it will be leveled up uniformly using gravel. After the whole construction process is done, it is better to cover your patio with a waterproof seal to ensure it lasts long.

Paver patios are usually made up of clay bricks, concrete, and natural stones. Different sizes, patterns, textures, and colors of concrete options are used. The patio can be used immediately after the construction process is done.

If you walk across it even during the installation, no damages will be reported. On a more positive note, the paver patio is not affected by any intense weather conditions. They can’t contract and crack like other options during the winter months.

Photo by Collov Home Design on Unsplash 

Brick patios

Brick patio design typically has hanging lights, a mobile fire pit, and a pergola. This classic option has a broad appeal due to the use of traditional materials in its installation. Many color options of bricks ranging from black, gray, brown, buff, tan, pink to cream can be used. Bricks used to make brick patios are the same building materials you see in some walking paths. They are thin and durable. Placement can be adapted to the following patterns;

  •  45-Degree Herringbone
  •  90-Degree Herringbone
  •  Boxed Basketweave
  •  Combination Stack/Running Bond
  •  Double Basketweave
  •  Running Bond
  •  Single Basketweave
  •  Stacked Bond

Brick patios react badly to cold climates; therefore, they can crack after a while. Some grass and weeds can also grow through it. Fortunately, there are maintenance hacks such as occasional washing with hydrogen peroxide or vinegar. Powerful cleaning of the brick patios keeps it sparkling clean and always looking new.

Flagstone patios

The Flagstone patio design is excellent, with a wooden bench and a fire pit. Thick stone slabs of about 1 to 3 inches are used to install the Flagstone patios. The fittings of Flagstone Patios create irregular shapes giving your deck an appearance of its kind. In addition, the same patio design has a natural charm that everyone can get in love with while navigating through satisfaction.

Its drawback is only based on the uneven terrain, but that can be managed by getting used to it. Finally, flagstone patio design can suit any environment; therefore, you don’t have to worry about the general outlook of the Flagstone Patio design on your home landscape.

Conclusion

Everyone loves and adores the outdoor space enriched with some fresh air, calmness, and tranquility. An attractive courtyard also leaves your home looking beautiful. Turn your backyard into an extraordinary lounging area with the best modern patio designs discussed above. All ideas deserve proper patio decorating for blissful exterior living space.

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Fun Home DIY Projects for Your Kids

May 19, 2021
Mike Johnston
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As adults, we now have to be quite innovative, artistic, and imaginative to bust the boredom kids have from staying at home all the time. There is nothing like good craft projects to help them learn new skills and stop being bored all the time. Besides, there’s so much satisfaction and looking at something and saying I made that with my own hands. 

If you do it right, they will be talking about that project they did back in 2021 and how they remember spending time with you. You’ll hear the pride in their voice as they talk about the home project they completed with their mom or dad. You may even get the attention of your neighbors or local home buyers that are browsing properties. Here are some of our favorite and easy home DIY projects that you can create for your kids to enjoy.

Outdoor Furniture

When feeling stuck inside, having outside furniture to relax on can make you feel great. You can create something from scratch, or find some old furniture to refinish and spruce up. Paint a table or a bench. Make a decorative stool from an old wood stump. Finish with a few layers of clear coat varnish to make the paintings last, or you can even mix a clear epoxy coat and pour it over the artistic efforts. Imagine what a fresh coat of colorful paint can do to an old wooden chair or what would happen if you gave your children creative license to paint the furniture with cool colors and beautiful pictures.

After it is all finished, you can add embellishments, such as ornamental hardware, or paint the details to the outside surfaces of the furniture. There are all kinds of crafty things you can do to outdoor furniture. You have to think of it to find fun projects that you can all enjoy.

projects Photo by Gary Barnes from Pexels

Make a Sandbox

A sandbox can be a fantastic addition to your existing play space for your kids. You can add borders in a rectangular or round area of your yard. Consider adding soft river sounds to make a fun place for the kids to play outdoors, where they can really feel the benefits of relaxing outdoor activities. Ask the kids to help hammer the boards of a wood frame together and then embed it in the yard. From there, you simply add sand and your kids are ready to enjoy their own personal miniature beach at home.

Create a Tree Swing

Find a big tree and an excellent sturdy branch with plenty of clearance underneath to start this project. You have several options when deciding on what type of swing you want to add. For example, you can add a big tire with rope, or make a rectangular seat that hangs from the branch. 

Hardware stores have hanging supplies that you can purchase for these types of tree swings. You can involve your kids in the entire process, from purchasing the needed items to handing you the ropes. Knowing that they were a part of the creation of such a fun project will make it even more sentimental to them.

Photo by Anthony Duran on Unsplash 

Wildlife Feeders

Research what local birds and other small animals inhabit your area. Some places commonly have deer, fox, and other smaller mammals that roam around. You can create a feeder or birdhouse and hang it from a patio or a tree. This can be an educational experience because it gives the kids an opportunity to observe the local wildlife right from the inside of your home.

 

There are a ton of home DIY projects that you can do with the kids. Consider which would be the best fit for your children and your home. At the end of the day, you will have an exciting home accessory and a conversational piece for the family for years to come.

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4 Trendy & Unique Kitchen Layouts

April 19, 2021
Mike Johnston
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Getting the proper layout for your kitchen is the most crucial thing in ensuring a practical and functional kitchen area. Whether you are operating in a small cramped kitchen or a large, expensive one, creative kitchen layouts are important in ensuring that you get the most of this room. In the kitchen, there is a lot more than just the arrangement of furniture and cabinets. Ergonomics is another critical factor—ensuring there is enough space for movements, having the right heights, ease of use, and appliance placement are essential to your room’s enjoyment.

Although your house floor plan will determine the layout for your kitchen, you can easily customize and optimize the room to look more comfortable. A newly redone kitchen can increase the resale value of a home. If you plan to sell your home later on, improving your kitchen’s layout is a worthwhile investment. Here are the top four unique kitchen layouts that will not only add value to your home, but will also increase its appearance.

layouts Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash 

1. L-Shaped kitchen layouts

This layout tops this list as it helps you solve the problem of optimally utilizing the corner spaces. It’s also an intelligent design in case you have a limited kitchen space. The versatile L-shaped kitchen features countertops on two walls that meet at a perpendicular angle. The length of the L legs can be as long as you want them to be. But it’s recommended that you keep them between 12 and 15 feet to ensure that space is used efficiently.

This layout is also better in eliminating traffic in the kitchen—the kitchen won’t become like a street because the shape automatically eliminates the possibility. Besides, with this renovation, you can add more work zones or dining space.

layouts Photo by Jessica Lewis from Pexels

2. Horseshoe kitchen design

This layout is also referred to as a U-shape kitchen layout. It features three walls of cabinets, along with storage sections for appliances. In the modern days, this layout has gradually graduated into an L-Shaped layout but with an island. The U-shaped kitchen layout is preferable because it allows traffic in the kitchen without congestion.

layouts Photo by Ralph (Ravi) Kayden on Unsplash 

3. Kitchen with an island

The island kitchen layout is a trendy layout owing to the fact that it offers ample working space at the center of the kitchen. The island incorporates the cooking surface and can also be used as the food preparation area. While you may require a large enough space to leave an island in the middle of your room, the island is a great way to minimize traffic and congestion.

layouts Photo by Jason Briscoe on Unsplash 

4. The peninsula kitchen

This layout is closely related to the island kitchen incorporating a countertop jutting out of the wall or cabinetry. This is an excellent way of creating more space where you have limited kitchen space to allow for an island. This area can be used for preparing food, taking meals, and other essential kitchen chores. The most durable and easy-to-clean countertops are made from quartz material. Kitchen countertops with quartz material are popular in Austin and a great choice for busy families.

 

With urban house sizes and spaces shrinking every day, you want to make the most out of every inch at your disposal, especially in the kitchen. This is why going for the most creative kitchen layouts is paramount. Having the best kitchen layout doesn’t have to cost an arm or a leg. The above ideas will help you to turn odd into bespoke with the minimum cost possible. Choose one of the kitchen layouts above to kick-start your modern kitchen layouts that stands out.

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13 Multifunctional Furniture Pieces To Make The Most Of Your Home

January 15, 2021
Mike Johnston
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You could live in a small apartment or in a large house, but space is always something you can get more out of if you are strategic in your choice of furniture. Instead of choosing items that serve one purpose only, go for furniture that works harder for you and that brings multifunctionality to your home without sacrificing style. 

 

Here are a few examples of types of furniture that accomplish more than one purpose: 

1. Entrance bench with storage

Make furniture work for you right from the entrance to your home. Add an entrance bench with storage capabilities in this area. The shelf or cubbies below can host the shoes you’re planning on wearing regularly. Find a wheeled one so you can easily move it around and even hide it inside a hallway closet if you’re looking to amp up the space.

Photo provided by STORAGECafé

2. Mirror with built-in hooks

Your entryway could also benefit from another dual-function item: a mirror that comes with hooks. You can check your hairstyle before leaving the home and also hang up your coat in the same spot!

3. Triple-purpose couch

Couch by day, bed by night, and with an additional bookshelf to add some much-needed extra storage. What item could spell multifunctionality better than this one? Feel free to mark down your calendar because you already have a bed for your next guests!

4. Coffee table and dining room table (two in one)

An instant dining room table or a versatile coffee table? You can pick the name, but this adjustable-height item can work as two separate pieces of furniture. Use it as a coffee table primarily and let it transform into a dining room table when you have guests over.

5. Vintage trunk side table

Shop the thrift stores for a vintage trunk with character that can be a great addition to your living room aesthetic. Besides, the trunk can also offer hidden storage for blankets and extra throws while hosting decorations or books on top. Who said functionality and style can’t come together?

6. Ottoman storage

An ottoman provides extra seating in your living room, but there’s more to it. Most ottomans come with extra storage. You can keep your extra magazines inside of it, for example. Also, if you’re in a crunch for space, use the ottoman as a coffee table if the surface is sturdy enough. 

7. Window bench with cubbies

You can get excellent use of the space under a window if you place a cushioned bench with cubby-holes there. They can hold magazines and books or they can be home to your child’s toys. You can use them to create a sunny reading nook where you can take in the natural light. 

8. Fold-out desk with wall-mounted shelf

For many of us, having a work desk at home became a necessity in 2020. Why not use one that folds out and provides the necessary storage space for your office essentials and more? Pick a fold-out desk that comes with a built-in shelf where all your files and pens can have a home. There’s also room for reference books or the occasional item of décor your home needs to feel cozy.

9. Murphy bed

The functionality of the Murphy bed can’t be beat, but when you add a built-in shelving unit above the bed you get so much more! The shelves framing the bed will allow for ample storage room for your essentials, whether you have an impressive book collection or you’re looking to incorporate your bedroom essentials into the décor. For maximum utility, make sure to get a Murphy bed that also offers closet capabilities when you fold it up. 

Photo provided by STORAGECafé

10. Mirror with storage ladder

There never seems to be enough space to hang everything, so a dual-purpose mirror is exactly what you need. Place it on the floor and use the ladder at the back to store blankets that you’re not using or other small items that need a temporary home such as scarves or other accessories. 

11. Wheeled kitchen island

There isn’t much a kitchen island can’t do for you, especially when it’s on wheels! Use the surface as a cooking station, while the top drawers are the perfect places to keep smaller kitchen utensils. The lower built-in cabinets can host all manner of kitchen appliances and accessories that you frequently use. The beauty of this item is that you can move it out of the way if you have guests and you could use that extra space.

12. Bathroom bench with storage

Add a cushioned bench in your bathroom close to the shower, in an area that rarely sees practical use. The drawer beneath is the perfect spot to store toiletries and towels. This is a perfect addition, especially if your bathroom lacks the cabinets needed for all the products you regularly use there. Make sure the cushion above the bench can withstand the moisture in the room.

13. Green lawn seat

Your outdoor space can also benefit from smart setups that bring more than one use for you. If you’ve always wanted a bench and a planter but space isn’t on your side, there’s a solution that helps you avoid that problem. You can have both: Add two planters and connect them with a plank to create that much-desired bench. Now you can smell the roses while you take a rest in your new favorite outdoor spot!

Declutter and store extra stuff away from home

A lot of times, home storage solutions do not suffice when it comes to accommodating all your household items. In that case, you can turn to self storage to help you keep seasonal clothing, hobby gear, home appliances, holiday decorations or even some furniture so that you can enjoy a clutter-free life. If you live in a place where the climate is humid, such as Florida or Texas, make sure to consider a unit with a climate-controlled environment to protect your sensitive items. Climate-controlled storage units in Miami, for example, are easy to find and are relatively inexpensive, so that turning to storage away from home won’t hurt your household budget much, all while giving you more room to breathe at home.

 

Did we help you find the multipurpose furniture you were looking for? Let us know in the comments section below.

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