Real comfort, visual or physical, is vital to every room. – Anonymous. 

When you begin styling the interiors of your house, it generally means matching the elements to create a good look. It is common for novice designers to consider matching curtains, rolls, shades, and other window treatments in the house. However, when you discuss with experienced designers, you will know that interior design's real essence is mixing and matching the window treatments. Read on to explore the different types and styles of window treatments for your home. 

Is it necessary for all the window shades and blinds to match? 

The first rule of using shades and blinds is there is no rule. Every room in a house is different, and so is the aesthetic appeal of each room. Therefore, you only keep matching blinds when they are in the same room. Otherwise, the decor and vibe of the room should help you decide on the color. If your living room has solid wall colors, soft roman shades will contrast them well.

Similarly, the blinds in your kitchen should match the color and decor elements there. In simple terms, the easiest way to decide on the colors and shades is to understand the room's requirements. If you want your room to adopt a darker look, you can choose dark-colored curtains and blinds. On the other hand, you can pick light shades for your drawing room and kitchen to keep them airy and bright. 

Mix and match curtains and Shades 

The best combination of window treatments is layering the rooms with shades and curtains. Now that you have chosen the blinds and shades for your home, the next step is to add drapes. Experts recommend that the shades you choose match the house's permanent elements, such as flooring, furniture, etc. It will help create a long-lasting look and allow you to experiment with other decorative items once the base window treatment is final. Then you can add drapes to them to make them look unique. 

Some people choose dark color drapes over their light shades to create double insulation and light blockage, while others keep the curtains stationary and use the shadows to bring in and stop the light from entering the room. When you choose the colors of the drapes, ensure that there is no major difference in the color palette. Of course, the color should match the room's color scheme, but a major difference in the fabric and color palette for curtains will create a messy or uneven look. So, you can keep subtle differences but not more. 

Keep the curb appeal in check.

As mentioned before, there are no rules to using window treatments. But a common tradition for every look is to maintain symmetry. Some designers use the same treatment all over the house, while others use the same color palette. No matter your decision, you should keep curb appeal in mind. The whole point of mix and match is to create a unique appearance and maintain the home's curb appeal. 

Final Words 

Whether you are starting from scratch or are a pro in decorating your home, you should understand that mix and match are trending for everything. You can use your creativity to mix different window treatments, decor elements, home styles, etc., to create a unique-looking home for yourself. 

partnered post • cc-licensed image by Katy Warner

Curb appeal is the face your home presents to outsiders. Most homeowners make the mistake of designing their home’s interior, only to forget about the exterior. Sprucing up your curb appeal increases your home’s perceived value and gives visitors an excellent first impression of your home. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to make drastic changes to upgrade your outdoor space. Even the most minor changes can significantly impact your curb appeal. This article will give you a comprehensive guide to boosting your outdoor space and giving your home a facelift.

The first thing that you need to focus on is the area that people will first see when they come closer to your home. For most homeowners, this means the driveway and the front garden. If you want to make the best first impressions, you should go for the best landscaping services. Trained and credible landscaping experts will help you create the garden of your dreams. If curb appeal is what you are going for, there are very few things that will be able to beat the unmatched beauty of great landscaping. 

Upgrade your front door

Your front door is one of the first things guests will notice about your home. You could spice things up by getting a new front door or repainting the one you already have. If you decide to replace your door, consider factors such as budget, style, and safety. You wouldn’t want to get a door that doesn’t provide your home with the much-needed security.

Spruce up your driveway

A clean and neat driveway makes your home look more visually appealing and gives it that much-needed facelift. You could convert that space into a driveway if you have enough room in front of your house for your vehicles. However, it would be wise to notify the local council before undertaking this project.

Repaint your home

The most obvious way to refresh your home is to repaint the entire exterior. It would be best to leave this job to exterior and interior painting professionals in your area instead of trying to do it yourself and ending up with a result that is not up to par. Painting can also help unify the various building materials and cover up years of wear and tear.

Repurpose your garage

Look no further than your garage if you need extra living space and can’t afford an extension project. Repurposing your garage is an easy project that increases the overall value of your home if you end up selling it in the future. You can also turn your garage into anything you want, be it a home office, home cinema, gym, or an extra bedroom to host guests when they sleep over. Ensure you don’t stray too far from the existing theme of your home and hire an architect to help you get the correct proportions of features such as windows.

Change your windows

Your windows have the potential to change the personality of your home. If you don’t want to go through the process of obtaining planning permission, you could alter the shape and size of the window openings before fitting your replacement windows. However, it would be wise to be cautious when replacing windows in a period property as you could easily alter its authentic style. We also suggest you work with a FENSA-registered installer and comply with all building regulations as you undertake this project.

Wrapping up

You don’t have to wait till you are ready to sell your home to upgrade the exterior. A little TLC can go a long way in improving its appearance. After all, who wouldn’t like to return to a beautiful home after a long day at work?

partnered post • cc-licensed image by David Sawyer

If you’re like most people in New York, you probably don’t want to spend a lot of money on making your rental feel like home. After all, it’s not your permanent home, so why bother?

Well, there are a few reasons you should consider making some changes to your rental. For one, it can make your living space more comfortable and inviting. Additionally, it can help you personalize your space and make it feel more like your own. And finally, it can even help you get your security deposit back at the end of your lease. 

With that said, here are some landlord-approved decorating hacks that will make your rental feel like home:

1. Get creative with wall art

One easy way to add personality to your rental is to get creative with wall art. If you're not allowed to paint or put up wallpaper, try hanging large art prints or tapestries using removable adhesive hooks. You can also create an accent wall by hanging a gallery of smaller frames or using washi tape to make a geometric design.

Using smart storage solutions is important if you're living in a small rental. This could include using under-bed storage containers to hang a spice rack in your kitchen. You can keep your space organized and clutter-free by getting creative with storing your things.

2. Install Soundproof windows 

If you're lucky enough to live in New York City, you know that space comes at a premium. Most apartments are small, and many lack any soundproofing whatsoever. This can be a major drag when trying to get some peace or enjoy your favorite tunes without disturbing the neighbors.

Luckily, by installing soundproof windows for your apartment, you’ll be able to keep the peace with your neighbors. Simply search soundproof windows nyc to find reliable service providers who can cater to your needs.  These windows will help reduce noise levels by blocking sound waves.

There are a few different types of soundproof windows on the market, so it's important to research to find the right one for your needs. But in general, soundproof windows are a great way to reduce noise levels in your home and create a more peaceful living environment.

3. Swap out hardware and fixtures

Another simple way to customize your rental is to swap out the standard hardware and fixtures for those you love. This could include anything from replacing the cabinet knobs in your kitchen to adding a new shower head in your bathroom. Just be sure to get permission from your landlord first, and be prepared to put the originals back when you move out.

4. Add certain personal elements 

Adding plants to your home is not only a great way to boost your mood, but it can also help to purify the air. If you're worried about your green thumb, start with easy-to-care-for options like succulents or snake plants. Not only will they thrive with minimal effort, but they'll also add a pop of color and life to any room.

Another of the best ways to make a rental feel like home is to incorporate cozy textiles throughout the space. This could include throwing a fuzzy blanket over your sofa or hanging a tapestry on your wall. You can use fabric to make temporary covers for unsightly furniture or walls.

Conclusion 

Making your rental feel like home doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming. With a little creativity and effort, you can transform your space into a place you love. 

So go ahead and make those changes you've wanted to make. Your home will thank you for it! Soundproof windows are worth the investment if you want to create a more peaceful environment in your rental home. 

partnered post • cc-licensed image by Rena Tom

Do you want to improve or renovate your house but don’t know how to do it? Well, you aren’t alone, as many people want to improve their homes for one or another reason. But rushing into a home improvement process without having a clue of what to expect can cause you much more harm than good. 

Because you might meet certain unforeseen circumstances in this process, which brings a lot of disappointments. Your budget can get disrupted if you don’t plan out things earlier. So, to avoid all these twists and turns, take a look at some important points you should know to make your home improvement process smoother.

• Rent a Storage Unit

When doing a home improvement project, you know that it can be messy and stressful. There's the planning stage, the actual construction work, and then the cleanup afterward. But one way you can make the process a little less hectic is by renting a self-storage unit.

A self-storage unit can be used to store all of the materials and tools you'll need for your project and any extra furniture or belongings you need to clear out of the way. This will free up space in your home so you can focus on the task at hand and also give you a place to keep your belongings safe and sound during the construction process.

So if you're planning a home improvement project, be sure to rent a self-storage unit to make the process a little less stressful. For instance, if you reside in Olympia, you can check out Olympia storage units to keep your belongings organized during the home improvement process.

• Set Realistic Schedule

Making a schedule is a great way to ensure that all of the necessary tasks are completed promptly and efficiently. By sitting down and mapping out your plan, you can avoid any potential roadblocks and make the most of your time and resources.

First, take a look at the scope of your project and break it down into smaller tasks. This will help you estimate the amount of time each task will take. Next, factor in time for breaks and interruptions. Don't forget to also account for unexpected delays, such as bad weather or unforeseen problems.

Once you have a realistic schedule, be sure to add some flexibility to your timeline. This will help you stay on track even if there are some setbacks along the way. You can save time and money by being realistic and flexible with your schedule.

• Plan Your Budget

Home improvement projects can quickly get out of hand if you don't plan ahead and set a budget for yourself. That’s why it’s important to have a budget before making home improvements. According to a report, homeowners spent an average of $7,560 on home improvements. But you can spend even less by doing a few simple steps.

First, you'll need to decide what improvements you want to make. This will give you an idea of what to expect. Next, check out the value of your home. If you're making improvements that will increase the value of your home, you'll need to factor that into your budget. Finally, you'll need to set aside some money for unexpected costs. This is especially important if you're planning on doing any major renovations.

• Choose the Right Contractor

The contractor you hired for your home improvement project can make a big difference. Because making improvements in a home is a big undertaking. So you'll have to do your research to find a contractor who is experienced, reliable, and has a good reputation.

First, you will have to research the contractor's credentials and make sure they are licensed and insured. Then look out for a contractor who is experienced in the type of work you need to be done. Don’t forget to ask around for recommendations and read online reviews before making your final decision.

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential contractors, you will want to get bids from each one. Be sure to ask for a detailed quote that includes the cost of labor and materials and the contractor's fee. Also, make sure you understand the payment schedule and the terms of the contract before you sign anything.

• Know Your Goals

When embarking on a home improvement project, it is important to have a clear understanding of your goals. What are your goals in completing the project? Do you want to increase the value of your home, make it more energy-efficient, or simply make it more comfortable to live in?

Answering these questions will help you to set realistic expectations for the project. It will also help you determine the best way to achieve your goals. For example, if you're looking to increase the value of your home, you'll want to focus on projects that will make it more desirable to potential buyers.

• Inspect the Work Regularly

While home improvement projects can be a great way to add value to your home, they can also be a source of frustration if not done properly. So, remember to inspect the work during the project to ensure that everything is up to your standards. This will ensure that the work is up to your standards and that the job is done correctly. There are a few things you should look for when inspecting the work:

• Check that the workmanship is up to par.
• Be sure that the job is done according to the plans.
• Take pictures of the work as it progresses to inspect the work better.

If you see any problems, be sure to address them with the contractor right away. By doing regular inspections, you can be sure that your home improvement project is proceeding smoothly and efficiently.

Before embarking on a home improvement journey, it is critical to be aware of some vital things. Without them, the project could easily become a nightmare. So, make sure to go through the article to get an overview of some of the most important things to know before starting a home improvement project. With this information in hand, you can confidently start your project and enjoy the process.

partnered post • image from Pexels

You could be a homeowner interested in selling your home at the best price. You might even be a homeowner looking to make a few notable changes to increase the long-term value of your home. Whatever you or your reason may be, incorporating a few upgrades to the exterior of your home can dramatically boost its value and overall appearance.

Sadly, having a high-end-looking home can be tricky, especially if your decorating budget is limited. Fortunately, several effective ways exist to achieve the high-end look you desire, even on a tight budget. So, explore some simple solutions, ranging from a fresh coat of paint and a green landscape to hardwood floors and window treatments. Eventually, you’ll have increased your home’s curb appeal without breaking the bank.

Let’s see some of the easiest and least expensive ways to increase your home’s curb appeal:

1. Do a little clean-up outside

Ensuring your home is as appealing from the outside as it is on the inside is a viable way to entice visitors. Spending time putting away children’s toys, removing junk, and pressure washing porches, sidewalks, and patios will significantly improve the curb appeal. Eliminating clutter, dirt, debris, and personal items you no longer find interest in will reflect well on passersby and those who wish to buy your home.

Pro-Tip: If you reside in a city with vibrant streets filled with beautiful houses (such as Madison, WI), and your home requires a large amount of decluttering, we have news for you. By spending 0.009 seconds on Google, you can find some of the best storage options to store your belongings in safe and reliable facilities. So, look up ‘Madison WI storage units’ and enjoy peace of mind. 

Furthermore, you’ll be surprised at how much an effective outdoor clean-up can do to make your home appear more welcoming at first glance.

2. Try new paint

Painting the entire house may not be within the budget, but even a gallon of paint can instantly transform your home. Choose a brilliant, captivating color for a splash of color or a neutral tone to make the door, trim, and shudders look fresh as new. 

Also, repaint the porch or patio railing to get a new, well-maintained appearance. Indeed, new paint can incredibly boost the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor area.

3. Maintain your lawn

While we’re on the subject of house exteriors, it’s worth noting that lawn care is an essential aspect of enhancing curb appeal. Maintain your lawn by mowing it, pulling weeds, and raking leaves regularly. To avoid brown spots, keep it well-watered. 

Lawn care will not become a massive project if you keep up with it. Do you live somewhere dry where grass has a hard time growing? Consider artificial turf or shrub beds as lawn alternatives.

4. Improve the windows

Not only is the main front door essential, but so are the windows. If you want to improve the look of the space on a budget, you should clean the exterior windows and doors. Aside from the windows, the particles of dust, spider webs, and dirt on window screens are a common sight that can be unappealing. So please ensure that you wipe them. Use a rag to remove the dust and a block of dish soap and warm water solution to clean the screen. 

If you’ve been using the same windows for years, replace them with new ones. Nowadays, windows come in a wide range of styles and sizes, making it easy for you to get some on a budget.

5. Include a seating area

Rather than using the front porches for stockpiling, try turning them into a seating area. You can move some furniture from the back deck to the front or consider purchasing it from a thrift or vintage store. You can also make seats out of various pieces of wood. 

A seating area improves the outer space and makes it more functional and enticing. There’s no need to splurge on new furniture when old ones can be painted to look completely new.

6. Give the mailbox a makeover

A mailbox significantly adds to a home’s curb appeal, and it is critical that your mailbox complements your home and reflects your character. So, when selecting a mailbox, ensure it complements the rest of your home’s decor. To improve the appearance, you can surround it with a flowering garden or paint the wooden post.

7. Flowers, trees, or shrubs are essential

Texture and color can be incorporated into your lawn by adding new shrubs, plants, or flowers. Foliage is an excellent way to impact a small budget significantly. Consult your local garden center to learn about the plants that thrive in your neighborhood, and then work with your established landscaping to bring your space to life. Flowers are also an excellent way to express yourself while improving the house’s curb appeal.

8. Repair your roof

The roof serves as the first line of defense against water damage. Likewise, a worn-out roof can detract buyers from your home’s overall appearance and selling value. So, examine your roof for cracked, peeling, or missing shingles, and repair any damaged patches. If you notice moss buildup on your roof or it is more than 20 years old, you should probably replace the shingles or invest in a new roof before listing your home.

9. Improve or replace outdoor lighting

Upgrading your existing driveway or porch lights with new energy-saving dawn-to-dusk LED light fixtures will give your home a fresh look. Likewise, giving old outdoor light fixtures a facelift is a simple and cost-effective way to update them. Remove the fixtures and repaint them or retouch them with a fresh coat of spray paint to match the color. Besides, inexpensive landscape lighting can create an inviting, friendly nighttime charm, and a well-lit home provides a feeling of security.

Conclusion

Your house exterior is just as crucial as the inside appearance of your home. Ignoring the exterior will make your home appear dull, unkempt, and disorganized from the outside, regardless of how lovely the interior decoration is. So, don’t wait around for someone to tell you how untidy or lousy your home looks from a distance; use these tips to your advantage. With the ways mentioned above, you can make your home look elegant and fantastic on a budget. 

partnered post • image from Pexels

Bathroom remodeling is one of the few renovations that will significantly increase your home’s value. However, remodeling the bathroom can be daunting because you must balance functionality, practicality, and beauty. A bathroom renovation is also time-consuming and costs money. If you are considering taking on a bathroom redo project, here are six tips for an efficient, cost-effective, and incident-free remodeling process. 

1. Set a budget

Transforming your bathroom into your desired style is expensive, and the expenses can add up quickly without a budget. For this reason, it is crucial to conduct extensive research on the local custom building expenses, create a reasonable budget and stick to it. To develop a realistic budget, be sure to consider:

• The amount you are willing to invest
• Whether you will sell your home within a few years
• The parts of the bathroom that are most crucial to you
• Whether you intend to change the plumbed-in material location

Consider consulting your contractor during the budget-making process to ensure your budget caters to all expenses, including the labor costs and materials. Visit this website to get skilled and reliable contractors who will give you a transparent and well-crafted estimate that indicates the cost of each stage of your remodeling project.

2. Pick the type of bathroom

Bathrooms come in various shapes, layouts, and sizes, so before starting your remodeling project, you should evaluate your options to invest in a bathroom type tailored to your needs and pick appropriate finishes. Below are the common types of bathrooms: 

• Standard bathrooms: These bathrooms feature a shower, bath, or both, toilet, and sink, and are designed to cater to the entire family.
• A powder room or a half bath: This is a bathing space that only contains a sink and a toilet. 
• Wet baths: A wet bath is a full bathroom in which the shower is not in separate cubicles or behind the curtain.

3. Choose suitable flooring

Most people opt for solid wood floors as they add character to the bathing area. However, wood is not an ideal bathroom flooring due to the steam and water in these spaces. Be sure to prioritize bathroom floor materials like luxury vinyl plank, vinyl tiles, and porcelain and ceramic tiles that can withstand the rigorous daily use of your bathroom. 

4. Do not overlook bathroom ventilation

A bathroom is vulnerable to dampness, so you should ensure sufficient ventilation. This does not only protect your family from health complications. It also prevents mold growth which could stain your bathroom or cause costly damage. You could ventilate your bathroom using windows and window vents. Alternatively, invest in exhaust fans to ensure adequate airflow in your bathing space.

5. Add more storage space

If you have a small bathroom, adding storage space can enable you to maximize your bathing area’s use and comfort. Consider adding towel hooks and racks, mirror cabinets, in-built linen closets, and floating shelves on your walls to create more space. 

6. Prioritize bathroom lighting

Is your bathroom light very dim or concentrated in a single spot? Are the light fittings outdated? Swap the obsolete lighting with new fixtures to increase visibility in vital areas such as the shower and wet areas. Be sure to avoid harsh, blinding lights to minimize accidents. For late-night relaxing baths, consider installing a dimmer switch to incorporate mood.

Endnote

Creating your dream bathroom does not have to be expensive and stressful. Set a reasonable budget, choose the right bathroom type and flooring, add ventilation and storage and invest in new lighting to create a bathroom that puts a smile on your face every time you look at it. And never overlook making sure even the invisible fittings are high quality – for example, the shower diverter valve and related plumbing are just as important as visible and stylistic choices!

partnered post • image from Pixabay

Upgrade the Exterior

When a prospective buyer looks at pictures of your house online, they might miss the small details like wear and tear on the exterior. To prevent them from being disappointed when they arrive in person, make the necessary changes on the home’s exterior to give it a fresh new look. You may need to install new roofing and siding depending on how aged they look. This could be expensive, so find ways to cut renovation costs. Negotiate with multiple companies to ensure you get the best work for the most affordable price. If you can’t afford to make both upgrades, you could choose to only upgrade one, or pressure wash the siding and roof to remove unwanted stains. Now when you go to take photos of your home, it’ll look clean and stand out from the rest of the homes on the market. 

If a complete exterior makeover is too expensive, the next best step is to repaint it. Having a fresh coat of paint will not only look much better in the pictures, but it’ll make your house look newer than the neighboring houses. Some garage doors have their own designs that shouldn’t be painted over, but if possible, re-painting your garage door could make all the difference in the appearance of your home. Some older garage doors are very loud, so consider installing a new garage door system. If the door itself still looks great, you can find replacement motors that make less noise.

Spruce Up the Landscaping

The exterior of your home will look much better when complemented by a beautiful landscape. Sprucing up the garden with some lively colors will make your home more inviting when people stop for the open house. If there’s not much in your yard currently, you should consider hiring a landscaping company to add some bushes, flowers, and fresh mulch. This could be a project to do on your own if you have the time, but a landscaping company would be able to do it professionally and quickly so you don’t have to worry about having everything ready in time for house showings.

Be Prepared to Move Out

If you’re feeling unsure about all that moving out entails, read our essential guide to the moving process for a few ideas. As far as preparing your current property for sale, you’ll want to move as much as you can out of the house to give it a larger, spacious feel. If you’re still working out the details of moving, be cognizant of the costs. On top of the cost of your new house, you’ll have to pay for a moving truck, moving service, and potential damage to any items during travel. It’s best to pay for moving out of pocket if you have the money, but if you’re tight on cash you could take out a personal loan to cover the expenses. Just make sure you consider these extra costs in addition to your other monthly expenses so you don’t spread yourself too thin. 

Modernize Outdated Looks

You might’ve grown accustomed to a certain style in your home, which might not resonate with buyers. Even if you’ve moved out all of your furniture, there are still some style choices you can modernize. The most noticeable change you could make would be to repaint sections of the house. Typically, garish colors like bright pink or orange walls are a bit extreme for most buyers. Pick more neutral, yet inviting colors like beige, or variations of white to give the space a brighter look. Change up the color of baseboards and other trim sections around the house. If these are looking battered and scratched up from the years, they can be replaced without breaking the bank. You could even install them yourself if you have the tools to measure and cut the wood. 

Another part of the house that could be outdated is the appliances. If the fridge, washing machine, stove, and other essentials are in working order you can get away with leaving them as-is. However, if any of them are older and causing problems, you may need to replace them. At the very least, make sure you have the warranties ready to give to the next owner. 

Hire a Great Photographer

The first impression buyers will have is looking at pictures of your home on their computer screen. Hiring a photographer ensures that you’re getting the best angles and lighting to help your listing stand out from the others. If you have a high quality standalone camera or have a great one built into your phone, you could have a go at it on your own. However, professional photographers have experience with knowing exactly what photos to take in and around the house. The cost of a photographer compared to the overall cost of buying a new house is minimal, so it’s up to you how much you want to spend. 

Get an Inspection

Depending on where you live and the real estate agents involved, getting an inspection is absolutely necessary. Even if it’s legal to forgo an inspection, the buyer’s real estate agent will most likely want to significantly reduce the asking price to account for potential problems with the house. If you want to make moving stress-free, get an inspection to avoid any issues. You want to walk away from your old home satisfied with the selling price so you can feel more financially confident moving into your new home.

partnered post • cc-licensed image by Tony Mariotti

Designing a backyard can seem like a big job, especially working with a large area. Luckily, it's easy to handle if you have a good plan. As a part of your home, the backyard requires the same attention and care as any other part of your house. Treat it as the foundation for all of your future outdoor spaces before you get started on any major renovations. Before working on it, you need to have a clear vision of your ideal outdoor space. Do you want modern or traditional? Do you want a space for entertaining or a place to relax and unwind?

So if you are struggling with what to do with your backyard, here are some easy and inexpensive landscaping ideas to get you started:

Start with a Fresh Canvas

Take a good look at your backyard. What do you like about it? Is it the flowers blooming in the spring? The shady trees that provide relief from the summer sun? The colorful leaves in the fall? That algae-riddled koi pond?

Once you know what to keep and let go of, the possibilities begin to take shape. Now is the time to get rid of what you don't like. Sometimes the best way to get started is with a clean slate. It might be time to start from scratch if your backyard is full of old, faded furniture and overgrown plants. You can find some fantastic deals on patio furniture and plants at your local home improvement store or online. You can transition from a weathered concrete planter to a luxurious marble planter, from a rusted bistro set to a beautiful wicker patio set.

If you're feeling ambitious, you can even replace your old concrete patio with a new stone patio or deck. It will give you a new outdoor space to work with and make your backyard stand out.

Think Multi-Purpose

When landscaping your backyard, it's essential to think about how you want to use the space. Do you want to unwind at home? Do you want a place to entertain your friends and family? Do you want a space for your children to tumble or play? 

Once you know how you want to use your backyard, you can start to design it accordingly. If you want a relaxing place, you might want to add a hammock or an outdoor daybed. Adding a fire pit or a built-in outdoor kitchen is perfect for a friend and family gathering spot.

And if you're landscaping for your kids, add fun elements like a sandbox or a treehouse. Storage benches are also great for hiding away outdoor toys.

Plant a Fruit and Vegetable Garden

Let's get organic! You can skip your endless trips to the grocery store (and save some money) by planting your fruit and vegetable garden. Decide what fruits and vegetables you want to grow. Will it be the crowd-cheering tomatoes or the family-favorite zucchini? Maybe you want to try something new, like goji berries or dragon fruit.

Designing your beds, preparing the soil, and planting seeds or seedlings can be a fun weekend project for the whole family. And there's nothing more satisfying than watching your garden grow and then being able to enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor.

A Pool is All You Need

When the sun mercilessly bakes your skin, and the only relief is a cold glass of lemonade, all you can think about is taking a refreshing dip in the pool. If you're lucky enough to have a pool, take advantage of it! If not, now might be the time to invest in one.

A pool is a great addition to any backyard. It provides a place to cool off on hot summer days, it can be a beautiful focal point, and it can even increase the value of your home. Adding a few simple landscaping features to your pool area can make it stand out. Add potted plants, a few lounge chairs, and a poolside bar.

The Pergola Magic

Have you admired the classic backyard setting of country villas with their elegantly draped fabrics and inviting shade? You can achieve that same look in your backyard with a pergola. A pergola is a garden structure with an open roof of evenly spaced beams. You can find pergolas made of wood, metal, or even PVC. They're relatively easy to assemble and can be customized to fit your backyard space.

Glam up your pergola by adding some fabric drapes or hanging plants. You can even string some fairy lights across the beams for a magical touch.

Find Room for Colors

There's nothing like adding some color to your backyard with the sweet-smelling, vibrant peonies, the delicate lavender, and the beautiful sunflowers. The natural hues of the trees, grass, and flowers can add some life to your space.

And don't forget about adding some color in other ways, too. Consider painting your fence or garden shed, adding some brightly colored outdoor furniture, or even hanging some colorful lanterns. The idea is to draw the eye and add some interest to your backyard. So have fun with it! If you've the time and green thumb, you could even try growing a colorful flower garden.

The Chic Modern Patio

The modern patio is all about clean lines and minimalism. Think sleek outdoor furniture, a simple color scheme, and a few well-placed plants. Shades of subtle gray, white, and black can make your patio pop, and don't forget about the flooring! A modern patio typically features concrete or stone flooring. But if you want something different, you could try using large format tiles or even outdoor carpet.

You’ll want to revitalize the space by incorporating lamp posts, bollards, and string lights. For plants, try using large pots or raised beds. And don't be afraid to experiment with different materials and textures.

Conclusion

There is no limit to what your genius mind stirs up for your backyard landscape. After all, it is your paradise where you can enjoy quality time with family and friends or spend some quiet time. Moreover, you can teleport your backyard to any destination in the world with a few simple changes. So whether you want a classic English garden, a modern patio, or a tropical oasis, the choice is yours.

partnered post • image by Max Vakhtbovych / Pexels

Flooding and unexpected water levels are some of the biggest concerns among homeowners, particularly those with basements. These areas are usually susceptible to flooding during a heavy rainstorm, or the spring defrost. If your basement is not adequately covered, you might end up dealing with water damage or even expensive repairs. Fortunately, you can take a few steps to help reduce or prevent the risk of flooding. Here are some ways to prevent your basement from water and avoid flooding.

1. Seal your basement

One of the best ways to flood-proof your home is to seal the basement. Sealing your basement can help keep water away and guard your home against moisture damage, which can foster flood protection. You may seal up your basement using a commercial sealant or waterproofing layer.

Cover any noticeable openings and cracks in your basement walls and floor, and add fresh covering around the basement doors, windows, and hatchways. However, if your basement walls leak in water, you might need to call a basement waterproofing company like Direct Waterproofing.

2. Clean and maintain your gutters and downspouts

If your home has gutters and downspouts systems, ensure they drain water properly away from your home. Clogged or blocked gutters can result in water overflowing and down the wall of your property, eventually getting into the basement. Clean gutters and properly positioned downspouts will allow the free flow of rain or storm water, preventing it from flooding against your home walls.

Your downspouts should pour water at least three feet from the foundation, but you may need to use a downspout extension or trough to attain this distance. Ensure you direct the water towards the graded lawn to prevent it from flowing back to your outside walls.

3. Install a sump pump

You may need to invest some money in prevention to avoid spending a lot on repairs. Installing an automatic sump pump can help keep water from heavy rainfall away and prevent basement flooding. Sump pumps act as a large floor drain, drawing any water out of your basement or the surrounding foundation and diverting it to a safe place.

Automatic sump pumps will start up automatically should the first one goes off, enhancing efficiency. For instance, a battery-powered sump pump kicks on if the power goes out, making the first one futile.  

4. Inspect and repair walls and foundation cracks

Cracks in your home's foundation can make your basement vulnerable to water leaks. To prevent water damage and basement flooding, regularly inspect the exterior of your foundation, floors, and basement walls. If you notice any cracks in the basement walls or foundation, get them fixed immediately since these cracks can become bigger, leading to basement flooding.

You can fix the cracks yourself, but you must ensure you have the right tools to get a permanent solution. However, if the foundation is beyond your skill or leaking persists, call a professional for help.

endnote

Being a proactive homeowner is the best way to protect your home from significant damage, including flooding, fire damage, or mold growth. As with any other room in your house, you should regularly inspect your basement foundation, floor, and walls. This will help you catch minor fixable issues before they cause flooding in your basement. 

partnered post • image from Pexels

Buying furniture is as much about comfort as it is about the design. Of course, you want it to fit in with your decor and the rest of the room, but you will also want it to be usable and hard-wearing. 

Furniture can be a good investment if you know what to look for. Here, then, are some of the red flags to keep an eye out for for when you are in the market for furniture. 

The maker of the furniture

When considering buying any furniture, take a look at the maker first and do your research if you are unsure. Companies such as the Modern Furniture Company, a leading Bontempi furniture supplier in the UK, are known for luxury pieces. 

It doesn’t matter if the piece is new or used, you can still get a history of the furniture maker and see if they have a reputation for quality. This may mean a little research on your part, but in the long run, it will be worth it. 

What is the suspension like?

You can tell a lot about the quality of furniture by the suspension used to make it. Some types are of lower quality than others or are unsuitable for the purpose they are being used. 

• Webbing uses lengths of material that are woven together. While this can be durable, it is also prone to stretching or ripping if there is too much weight. Webbing can be ok for small pieces such as chairs and barstools but will stretch and sag on larger pieces. 
• Sinuous springs are curved pieces of wire that stretch from one side to the other. They are prone to bending and snapping, so are only useful for chair backs. It is cheap to use and fit so you should consider that it is a poorly built piece of furniture. 
• 8-way hand-tied uses big springs that are tied together with twine. This is a comfortable suspension that can be used in sofas and armchairs. It is also strong and hard-wearing so will last a long time. 
• Pocket coil is the ultimate in suspension. It is used in sofas, chairs and mattresses and uses hundreds of small coils that are all in their own pocket and then sewn together to form one piece. The pocket coil is supportive and comfortable across the whole surface. 

Lightweight can be bad

Although some high-quality furniture will use light metals and other materials, this is usually the exception. Lighter furniture generally means that the materials used are less supportive and not so hard-wearing. 

Whether it is chairs, cushions, or any other type of furniture, you need to check the weight first. If it has a weight to it, then the chances are that high-quality materials were used to create it. 

The lighter the furniture is, the more it may deform or deteriorate over time compared to high-quality items made from strong materials. 

When leather isn’t leather

Many companies will claim that their furniture has leather, but it isn’t the same as real leather. What is often called ‘bonded leather’ is actually leather pulp that is flattened and fixed to a polyurethane backing. 

You can often tell if something is real leather or fake because fake leather has a uniformity to its patterning while real leather doesn’t. You can also find a distinctive smell in real leather that cannot be copied with fake leather. Lastly, real leather will have a coarse suede feel to it. If the back has a fabric feel, then it is fake. 

If you are looking for real leather, then look for terms such as full-grain or top-grain to show it’s real. If you see 100% leather everywhere your body touches, this means that the sides and back are likely bonded leather. 

You need a solid frame

Luxury sofas and chairs are built on a sturdy frame that is designed to withstand all the rigours of use. This is done using the best hardwoods along with blocking at the corners and tight-fitting joins using double doweling. 

It can be hard to spot a sofa or chair with a weak frame, but there is one sign that will show you. Apart from the weight (luxury furniture will be heavy), you can also lift one of the front feet. You want the opposite foot to rise slightly after the one you are holding. This shows minimal flexing. If it takes a while or doesn’t lift at all, then it's flexing too much. 

Conclusion

Looking for quality furniture is worth the additional time it will take. You will want to know that you are buying something that will probably last for many years – and these tips can help you ensure exactly that.

partnered post • cc-licensed image by Jordanhill School