miscellaneous

• Make your bedroom more luxurious than any five star hotel room

  

  Note: this is a guest post and consideration was received for its publication. photo: CC-licensed image by Jeanne Michelle Smith

  Let’s face it; we all want to live the life
  of luxury and that’s why we constantly dream of winning the lottery and
  escaping to a faraway island. In addition, whenever we plan holidays we always
  consider the luxury and relaxation elements of the trips. But, why do we have
  to get away to experience luxury? You can have luxury
  right in your own home and the cost implications aren’t huge. Here’s how
  you can make your home more luxurious than any five star hotel:

  • Save yourself time by installing a dishwasher: The best thing about a holiday is that somebody else does all the
    chores and this leaves you free to relax. By getting a dishwasher you can
    eliminate at least one banal task, giving you more time to relax and enjoy your
    time away from the office.
  • Upgrade your bed and mattress: One of
    the most notable things about a five star hotel is the comfort of the bed. It
    is almost impossible to have a bad sleep in a posh hotel and this is something
    that you can easily emulate in your own home by upgrading your bed and
    mattress. Four-poster
    beds really exemplify style and luxury and look great in any home (as long
    as you have the ceiling height). If this interests you, then visit Retford
    Pine to see what is on offer for what price.
  • Add candles and mood lighting to get the right vibe: Holidays and breaks are all about relaxation and nothing relaxes
    people more than scented candles. Used in the right place and at the right
    time, candles can improve both the smell and look of any home. They can not
    only add freshness but they can change the mood of any room too; particularly
    if you’re snuggled on the sofa watching a good film.

  Five star hotels really are luxurious but they
  are simply unaffordable on a regular basis. Upgrading your home gradually,
  however, is much more affordable and sustainable. So, use your money wisely and
  you can live in comparable luxury in no time! All of the above suggestions are
  great ideas but feel free to add your own and move at your own pace. Everybody
  sees luxury differently, so make sure that what you do is right for you and
  your family. You really can be enjoying your own luxurious home in no time-
  you’ll never have to go away again.

• Seasonal Maintenance Tasks Around The House

  

  Note: this is a guest post and consideration was received for its publication. photo: CC-licensed image by Charlie Vinz

  Perhaps you’ve been in your home for many
  years and you’ve just realised you can no longer put off all those essential
  repairs you’ve tried to ignore since you moved in. Maybe you’ve just moved in
  and discovered your dream home is a little rough around the edges. Or maybe
  you’re looking to sell or let and there’s a few glaring problems that you can’t
  sell as “rustic” to potential buyers.

  Whatever stage you’re at in the property
  ladder, it’s always good practice to keep your home in top condition from January
  to December – and to that end, there’s a host of easy but effective checks and
  preparations you can perform throughout the year that can help prevent a lot of
  unnecessary work later on. Alternatively, if you’re a DIY novice who’d prefer a
  professional appraisal and expert work – or if you just don’t have the time –
  you could choose to go with a home maintenance service such as The Handy People
  who will supply trained handymen to fix all kinds of problems around the house.

  Spring

  The varying weather can take its toll on a
  poorly maintained house. Spring is the time to check and repair any cracks
  in the walls or ceilings, perhaps caused by winter ice, which can let in
  rain during spring showers or summer thunderstorms.

  Summer

  Watch out for humidity, which can lead to
  damp and structural damage – consider using a dehumidifier to keep the air in
  cellars, garages and bathrooms dry. But the good weather makes summer a great
  opportunity to air out rooms, give carpets and rugs a good clean, and inspect
  the exterior of the house and garden for any small jobs that need doing.

  Autumn

  It’s time to check the heating – check your
  central heating is operating correctly, and be sure to bleed radiators so heat
  can circulate properly throughout the house before the cold sets in. Because
  the cold weather plays havoc with plumbing, take the time to check
  your pipes and taps to ensure the whole system works as it should.

  Winter

  When winter rolls around, be sure to wipe
  down cold windows where condensation forms – excessive water can quickly lead
  to damp on walls and rotting wood.

  Using electric heaters and fireplaces can
  keep our homes cosy and warm in winter, but it sharply increases the risk of
  fires. Now’s the time to check the batteries in your smoke alarm and make sure
  you and your family know what to do if the worst happens – it could save your
  life.

• Make your living room a place for all the family

  

  It is important to remember that your house has to be practical and functional as well as stylish and luxurious. Above all else, your house should be a family home. There are a number of ways that you can make your home more family oriented, here are just a couple:

  • Ensure that there are family photos on display: Nobody wants to feel like an alien in their own home and achieving a sense of belonging is essential if you’re trying to create family cohesion. To make sure everyone feels at home in their own home, have family photos on display. You should be proud of your family, be sure to show them off with all the pride and prominence they deserve.
  • Don’t buy products based on style alone; make sure they have comfort value: Yes, stylish items can look beautiful but sometimes they are not practical. If you don’t buy practical items then it may discourage your family from using the room and teenagers in particular may skulk off into their own rooms rather than using the family room.
  • Create a room all the family will enjoy: Each room in your home should have something for everyone. For this reason, you cannot build the family room around the tastes of one particular family member. Remember that everyone has to feel comfortable. Yes, your room should be stylish, but it should not be off putting. Sofas and rugs are made for people to sit on- they’re not just art!
  • Centre the room around your television: Although people often do not want to admit it, most of us spend a lot of our family time in front of the Satellite TV. Instead of shunning this, embrace it and make it family time. Try making your television into a home cinema so your family can sit and watch movies together. When doing this, make sure that you use your television to its full potential by adding a backlight to enhance the atmosphere. Try checking out Northern Robotic Systems for ideas.

  Your family really are the most important thing in your life; and they always will be. For this reason it is important that your house is a home and is somewhere that everyone wants to be. Converting your living room into a de facto family room will help achieve this in an instant so try some of the above tips today! 

  partnered post • photo: CC-licensed image by Chunky Salsa

• Why you should consider adding a pet to your family

  

  Note: this is a guest post and consideration was received for its publication. photo: CC-licensed image by Adam Yoblon

  Home really is a place for all the family! No
  matter what the scale and size of your family, you should consider getting a pet, and here’s why:

  • Pets are loving companions: This may
    sound a little cliché, but a pet can be an incredibly good friend. When you get
    a pet they are the first person that you see on a morning and the last person
    you see on a night. Above all else, all a pet wants is love and attention so they
    will never be far away. If you’re looking for extra love and care in your life
    then a pet really is the answer- nobody can ignore a wagging tail a pet is
    almost guaranteed to make you glow.
  • They bring structure and routine to your life: If you are a workaholic then you may need to force yourself to have
    a break every once in a while. Pets are ideal if you want to add some extra
    structure in your life. In some ways, pets are similar to children and they
    crave structure in the exact same way. This set structure can feed into your
    own life and can be highly useful if you struggle with over-committing to
    work.
  • Some pets can be great for exercise and weight loss: If you buy a mobile animal such as a dog or a horse then they will
    need regular exercise. If you exercise with them by either riding them or
    walking them then you will be in great shape in no time. It is amazing how many
    calories you burn walking or riding and taking a pet with you makes the
    experience much more interesting and keeps you committed!  

   You should always consider what pet is
  right for you. Dogs and cats are still the number one pet choice in the UK but both
  of these take a lot of care and attention.
  If you’re not sure that you have the time for this then consider a pet that
  needs less in terms of maintenance. Fish require minimum
  care and attention and their tank can also make a lovely decorative
  feature. Consider getting a feature fish tank for your home as this can make
  your home look like a tropical paradise. If this sounds like an idea that you’d
  be interested in, then visit Fish-Fish-Fish.com
  for more ideas.

• Screwdrivers and Drills: Essential Tools For Every Toolbox

  

  Note: this is a guest post and consideration was received for its publication. photo: CC-licensed image by Lachlan Donald

  It pays to be prepared. Even the best
  organised DIY fan knows the pain of planning out a long weekend of work to put
  up those shelves you always wanted, finally fix the squeaky door, and give the
  wall a fresh lick of paint – only to discover at 6pm on a Sunday evening that
  vital piece of equipment you thought you had is missing, and all the shops are
  closed. There’s no way around it – you just have to be better prepared next
  time and make sure you have absolutely everything you might need ready for use.
  But it’s easier than you might think to be prepared for almost any construction
  task – simply pick up a large screwdriver set and a versatile combi hammer
  drill, and you’ll be prepared for almost any job.

  Screwdriver Set

  Whether you’re assembling flatpack
  furniture or just opening the battery compartment on the remote control, having
  the right screwdriver for the job can mean the difference between a quick
  disassembly and the horror of a stripped screw that will never come out.
  Luckily, you don’t need to purchase and store a dozen different screwdrivers to
  get by – a simple screwdriver set, containing a handle and an array of bits, is
  all you need for the majority of jobs.

  Though there can be a bewildering
  array of screw bits available, you only need a handful to cope with almost
  any home DIY task. Flathead screws are still common in older constructions,
  while Philips and pozidrives screws are almost ubiquitous for modern DIY work.
  If you work with electronics or computers, it can be handy to be prepared for
  star-shaped Torx screws too.

  Combi Hammer Drill

  As the name suggests, a combi hammer drill
  is a versatile piece of equipment that can handle almost any DIY drilling
  around the house. Use them with a drill bit for wood or metal and the high
  torque motor punches holes effortlessly for construction projects or affixing
  objects to walls. Switch down to a lower torque, and they function just as
  effectively for taking the effort out of driving screws with the press of a
  button – especially ideal for tight spaces where a manual screwdriver might be
  awkward to turn. Plus, with a hammer function, they provide the sheer force
  required to drill the toughest of materials like concrete or masonry –
  impossible with any other type of drill. You can pick between a corded or
  cordless drill depending on your preferences – Anglia
  Tool Centre offer a range of cordless drills for freedom from dangling wires
  when working.

• Renovate your kitchen and dining area in order to make your home look truly stunning

  

  One room that can add value to your house is your kitchen. Most people who go on house viewings have the kitchen as a ‘make or break’ room. Even if you’re not looking at selling your house you should still consider renovating your kitchen area because, as well as adding value, it can make your home look truly stunning. Here are some great ideas on how you can make your kitchen area look beautiful:

  • Upgrade your appliances: Although this is a costly upgrade it is one that is well worth making. New, shiny appliances can make your kitchen area look stunning and new gadgets can look cool as well as being functional. Brushed steel and silver look clean and modern and really can make your kitchen sparkle. As well as this, new appliances can help improve your food too. Making tea and serving any guests can be impossible if you have a dodgy oven that won’t stay at temperature, and new appliances will help solve this problem.

  • Consider the use of your workspace: In the kitchen area, convenience often overshadows style and elegance. If you’re going for the luxury look then it is wise to think practically. The worst thing that you can do in your kitchen is clutter your workspace with unnecessary items. Keep it clean and simple; if you keep the number of objects on your workspace to a minimum then your kitchen will look bigger, cleaner and brighter.

  • Get new cupboards: New cupboards can really make your kitchen sparkle. Cupboard doors take a lot of knocks and because of this they become chipped and cracked. New cupboard doors will make it look as though you have a brand new kitchen at minimum cost. As well as new doors, consider quality door handles like the ones offered by Handle Store.

  A well planned and refurbished kitchen area can really make your house look great. Whether this renovation is done to increase your family time or the value of your home then make sure that you do it well. Once it is complete you should get your friends and family around for a dinner party as soon as possible! If you’re renovating then you should always show it off; there’s no better feeling than having other people tell you how beautiful your home is.

  partnered post • CC-licensed image by Grant McLean

• Four Ways to Make Your Bedroom Feel Cosier

  

  Note: this is a guest post and consideration was received for its publication. photo: CC-licensed image by Tracie Lee

  As the colder months approach, you might want to consider making your bedroom feel a little cosier, so here are some ideas for switching things up to get ready for autumn and winter…

  Invest in new carpets or rugs

  There’s nothing worse than stepping onto cold, wooden flooring on an early winter’s morning. Investing in a plush, fluffy new carpet will feel luxurious underfoot and will help make the bedroom feel cosier as a whole. If you can’t afford to carpet the whole of your bedroom, then a few rugs should do the trick. Try to pick one made out of a soft, cosy material; the thicker and more plush it is, the better. 

  Stock up on candles

  There’s nothing cosier than candle light, so having a stash of your favourite scented candles ready for those cold winter evenings is a good idea. Lavender and other calming scents work well in the bedroom as they can help you wind down and relax before dropping off to sleep. Have a few burning around the room if you’re in bed reading, and if you’re lucky enough to have an open fire in the room, be sure to light it.

  Replace your bedding

  Swapping your light summer duvet for a thicker one will ensure you’re always kept toasty on the colder winter nights. A throw or blanket and some scatter cushions in soft fabrics will also help to make the room feel cosier, as well as keeping it looking great.  If your mattress is feeling a little old and tired, then you should probably invest in a new one for winter. Muscles are more likely to stiffen up when your body’s cold, so you need a mattress that isn’t going to cause you any aches and pains. If you think you might need a new one, make sure you get the best deal available as mattresses can be expensive. Start by visiting local retailers and then look online on websites like And So to Bed to compare prices.

  Decorate with family photos

  There’s something cosy and homely about having photos of your nearest and dearest dotted around your room. Have prints made of your favourite photographs and go shopping for some decorative picture frames to house them in. You could hang them on the walls or have some standing on your bedside table. Alternatively, for a more personal touch, you could even create a collage.

• Getting More Out of Small Spaces

  

  Note: this is a guest post and consideration was received for its
  publication. Creative commons licensed photograph by Jeremy Levine
  design.

  Compared to other markets, finding spacious and affordable
  housing in Denver isn’t that difficult. Still, there are a
  lot of benefits to living in a smaller space. Financially
  speaking, smaller spaces are cheaper. They also force you to
  evaluate not just what you already own but things you think you
  might want to own—which keeps you from spending money on space
  suckers on a whim (another financial boon).

  How smaller spaces are cheaper:

  • Smaller spaces simply cost less across the board than larger
    spaces.
  • A small home is cheaper to insure.
  • Smaller spaces are easier to heat and cool, so your HVAC
    system doesn’t need to work so hard or use as much power.
  • Smaller spaces are easier to light properly (and natural
    light goes further within them) so your electric bill will be
    lower.

  You can see why it’s financially beneficial to go smaller,
  especially when you’re concerned about your financial health.

  At the same time, it’s understandable that you’re attached to the
  things that you’ve collected. You worked hard to bring those
  collections together. You’re proud of them. You don’t necessarily
  want to give them away or sell them or toss them out. So what do
  you do?

  1. Figure Out Some Creative Storage Options

  We’ve talked about how to
  make the most of the space in your bedroom. Apply these same
  concepts to the rest of your house. You’ll be amazed at how many
  things can double as storage containers (and artfully so at
  that)!

  2. Store Things Off Site

  Do you really need to keep your Christmas decorations on hand all
  year round? Do you really need to keep every single book, movie,
  vase, art print, tchotchke, etc within sight at all times? Do you
  really need your winter clothing to be taking up space in your
  closet in the summer? These are examples of things that can all
  be stored off site in a storage unit. Storage units have come a
  long way from the dank holes they used to be a decade ago. Now
  they are affordable, secure and most are even climate controlled
  (check
  unclebobs.com for deals in your area). This is important for
  an area like Denver, where we get all of the seasons and they are
  all intense.

  Either way, you are probably going to have to
  pare down, at least a little bit. Go through your home and
  look at everything you own. Consider each item carefully. If you
  haven’t used it in the last twelve months and it doesn’t have
  significant sentimental value, you can probably get rid of it and
  not miss it too much.

  Instead of simply tossing out the things you decide not to keep,
  though, why not sell them? Put them up for sale online. Have a
  yard sale. Use the proceeds from the sale to finance your storage
  unit and a few of the artful storage containers we talked about
  at the beginning of this article.

  The truth is that living a comfortable lifestyle doesn’t require
  lots of space or lots of things. If you’re creative you can make
  a small space feel and function the same way as a large space.

• Tips on How to Light Up Your Living Room

  

  From time to time, we allow a company or craftsperson we know and trust to place a sponsored post here at Hewn and Hammered. This particular piece is from Bunning's Warehouse, a dependable supplier of lighting for a wide variety of residential projects.

  Lighting is a very important element when it comes to creating the atmosphere of a room. Here are some tips to assist you light up your living room.

  Planning and preparation is a big ingredient when it comes to a successful project. Some people decorate a room and only late in the piece, do they think of lighting, but if you can have it in the equation at the beginning, it will assist you greatly. Not just in terms of fixtures, but in terms of having an electrician set up the wiring to accommodate your needs.

  Your lighting needs are going to be contingent on how you use the room. This will be determined by things such as the amount of people in your family, their age and the way you entertain. As the living room is a room that requires versatility so too, the lighting in the room will need to be able to fulfill a variety of functions. So bear this in mind.

  As opposed to pendant lighting which a lot of people have traditionally gone for, wall lighting will make the room rich in light. This is great in terms of making the room very friendly and warm as well as creating an atmosphere which is conducive to entertaining.

  If there are things in the room such as a piece of art that you would like to draw attention to, don’t be afraid to highlight it or them with a spot light. Strategically placed spot lights can create a very powerful affect.

  As can lamp shades, which apart from providing light can help contribute to the aesthetic of the room. High quality lamp shades can be very expensive so pick one that is within your budget. The same applies to chandeliers which will add depth to the room. Certain pieces can become the centre piece of the whole room and depending on the atmosphere you want to create, this could be one way to go.

  If there are times when you don’t want all of the light on, you may rely on some smaller more subtle plug-in or task lights. A table lamp work wells for this scenario and be very effective. Something that people fail to remember is to avoid placing a lighting fixture next to a wall. If you don’t, you will find that much of the light will be wasted.

  Feel free to utilize as many different types as you need. Blend task and ambient light as well as lamps to form the combination you are looking for in order to create that right feel for the room.

  Remember that installing a dimmer provides you with instant flexibility and is great if you would like some mood lighting.

  While you may be blending different types of lighting, you need to be sure that the theme you are working on creating is consistent. All of the fixtures need to be in-sync with each other. If you are doing it yourself and without a decorator, make sure you keep this in mind.

  Another great way to add some color to an otherwise bland room – or, alternately, to complement a very colorful theme that you already have – is to use custom-sized perspex sheets from Simply Plastics. Often overlooked, these sturdy and archival plastics – which are really more like glass in that they don't fog, bow or deform over time – can be used as window inserts or in a wide range of other places to add a splash of bright color. They come in a wide range of colors, transparency/opacity levels, and can even be pre-cut to almost any size you can imagine.

  You shouldn’t be afraid to experiment and change things up. Trial-and-error is a sound way to find the successful living room lighting combination you are looking for.

  sposored post • image by acrylic online

• infographic: repair vs. replace

  

  Our friend Adria Saracino at PartSelect recently constructed this useful infographic to help you decide "what to do with your broken appliance – repair or replace" (click the link for the full interactive infographic)?

  I can attest to its usefulness; I recently had a problem with my previously-excellent Kenmore dishwasher. This wonderful device, which has made my life so easy for 3 years now, suddenly decided that it was finished cleaning dishes on the top rack. It deigned – although I worried that this might be temporary – to clean dishes on the bottom, but not the top. After a $120 Sears service call, all was fixed: it was a matter of mineral deposits from hard water clogging up the nozzles, nothing a quick acid treatment couldn't fix.

  However, many times we don't have the luxury of paying $100+ for a service call when a new appliance might be only twice or three times that cost. Who knows how long the fix would last – would it be worth paying a third of the cost of a new appliance for 1 year or service, when for the full price you could have something that would work a minimum of three – and ideally close to a decade?

  This chart can help you answer these questions and more!