• 4 Home Improvement Ideas to Enhance Your Home’s Aesthetics

    Pexels-photo-5799093

    Home improvement and renovations are a fabulous way to add value to your property’s structural and cosmetic appeal. By improving your property’s structure, you are enhancing the aesthetics of your home, street, and neighborhood. After all, well-maintained and enchanting neighborhoods are created by devoted homeowners who prioritize property upkeep. 

    Real estate is subject to deterioration and depreciation, and both these factors reduce the overall market value of your home. But you can maintain and increase market value with strategic and cosmetic enhancements that upgrade the utility and aesthetics of your property. For instance, constructing a basement or a swimming pool works wonders, or you can boost market value with a well-maintained lawn. 

    Keep reading to explore some incredible home improvement ideas to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property. 

    1. Mission: Decluttering Everything 

    Your primary mission, should you choose to accept it, is to declutter every item that you no longer use or find useful. In the words of the wise Mary Kondo, declutter everything that doesn’t spark joy in your heart. All households carry the clutter of hideous heirlooms, inherited sentimental belongings, broken appliances, discarded furniture, and unwanted clothing. 

    Decluttering these items will create space to organize your home, bring in new furniture and fixtures, and repurpose rooms. Is your attic currently functioning as a storeroom for old furniture, appliances, and unwanted belongings? Consider looking into a nearby storage facility to repurpose the attic into a home office or a fitness studio. 

    The internet can help you in this endeavor! Suppose you live in Corpus Christi, Texas, and are looking for a temperature-controlled storage unit to store artwork and wooden furniture. In that case, use the search query ‘storage units Corpus Christi’ to find the most relevant results. The keywords matter while searching for reliable and high-ranking businesses on Google. 

    It’s wise to explore credentials and sift through customer reviews to understand the experiences of other Corpus Christi residents. Once you’ve exhausted all means of online research, you can head over to the facility and inspect security protocols. Renting a nearby storage unit is more practical and efficient than converting precious residential square footage into storage space. 

    You can also hold a yard sale by rounding up all the belongings you no longer wish to keep. Think about selling that old refrigerator, your preschooler’s old toys and furniture, and unwanted clothing items. You can put the money you raise towards repainting the walls or installing a deck.

    2. Transform the Floor Plan 

    Do you want to undertake a major renovation that transforms your home’s floor plan and cosmetic outlook? If yes, consider changing the floor plan to create new living spaces or alter the existing rooms. There are several ways to modify the floor plan, but it involves significant dismantling and hiring a licensed contractor. 

    You can transform the floor plan by merging two living spaces to create a more spacious and airier room. For instance, you can join the living room and the dining space into a larger room to eat and lounge. Merging two rooms will improve heating and cooling efficiency and give your home an open and inviting aesthetic outlook. 

    Suppose you want to add more space to your kitchen with a large walk-in pantry and breakfast nook. In that case, you can alter the kitchen floor plan and create two more sections. However, you will have to sacrifice indoor or outdoor space to achieve this. Many homeowners prefer open kitchen floor plans with walk-in pantries, breakfast stations, and small herb gardens. 

    Here’s another fabulous idea: transform the attic floor plan to create a home office and a study area for the kids. There are millions of ideas you can explore to add value and living spaces to your property. Connect with your inner architecture and focus on creating spaces that elevate your life quality.

    3. Construct a Basement 

    Constructing a basement can work wonders at boosting market value and enhancing your property’s structural and functional appeal. Even if you don’t want to sell, a basement will give you more rooms and living spaces to improve life quality. 

    For instance, the basement can function as an office for your home-based startup. Or you can use it to open a yoga studio and hold sessions in a noise-free and ambient environment. A basement will allow you to cash in on the rental potential of your property by listing it on Airbnb. 

    The basement can also house an extensive home entertainment system, a gaming room, and a mantuary for entertaining guests. Possibilities are endless, but constructing a basement involves hiring a construction team and undertaking a home renovations loan.

    4. Repaint the Walls 

    Behold the easiest and most affordable home improvement idea to enhance the aesthetic appeal: repaint the walls! It’s natural for the walls to become dusty and unappealing with time, especially the exterior walls that absorb debris. Repainting the walls is the perfect idea to recreate the color palette of your exterior and interior spaces. 

    This idea encourages you to channel your inner Picasso and experiment with the colors you’d like to see in your environment. We recommend extensive research to find colors that align with your home’s architectural appeal and the neighborhood. You can also examine the Pantone colors of the year and architectural color trends to find the trendiest combinations.

    Don’t hold yourself back from experimenting and trying out colors that you adore.

    Final Thoughts 

    Aesthetics and cosmetic appeal matter significantly. But not more than the utility and functionality of your house. We advise prioritizing home improvement ideas that enhance your property’s functionality and aesthetic appeal. For instance, transforming the kitchen floor plan will make it more functional, storage-efficient, spacious, and lively. 

    It’s wise to plan your budget before you start exploring ideas. You can look into home improvement loan products to finance extensive renovations that will elevate your life quality.

    partnered post • client image from Pexels

  • Three Ways to Refresh Your Home Décor With Yarn

    Screen Shot 2020-02-20 at 10.22.03 AM

    Whether you’ve lived in the same home for decades, or just moved in to a brand-new house, your interior décor speaks volumes about you. It suggests your sense of what is beautiful by how you arrange colours and shapes, and your sense of order by how well you optimize for open space. Guests will get a feel for your personality from any item you display, so every new edition is worth thinking through.

    One way to be unique and pave your own stylistic lane is to accent your home with custom pieces in yarn. The projects you choose should be made from a sturdy acrylic yarn that will stand up to heavy use over the long term. The yarn should also come in the colours that go best with your existing furniture. That way, the pieces can become integral parts of the ambiance and gain character as your relationships with them deepen. Red Heart is one brand that comes to mind that fits the bill. Check the link to buy Red Heart yarn online and read up on what the manufacturer has to offer.

    Without further ado, here are three ideas to jumpstart your home décor with yarn.

    A Knitted Blanket

    What better way to zhuzh up a living room than to add a splash of colour to the couch with a warm and fuzzy blanket? Just make sure to pick a pattern that complements the couch’s design. Here are a handful of crowd-pleasers for potential pairings:

    • Pinstripes
    • Ripples or waves
    • Chevron
    • Cables

    The contrast is especially effective on monochromatic couches, but will work well so long as you choose your colours carefully. Don’t be afraid to go bold with it. Use this colour coordinator to come up with breathtaking combinations.

    Yarn Wall Art

    Showcasing your kids’ creativity is a great way to show them you’re proud and encourage them to keep sharing their ideas with the world. Find fun crochet or knitting tutorials online that suit their likes and abilities and have a weekend craft day together. Before buying supplies, have the kids try out a single crochet stitch and a garter stitch to see which one they find easier.

    There is plenty of joy to be had from making memories and adorning your walls with them to cherish each and every day. Take advantage of the loads of free patterns online suitable for the whole family.

    Crochet Baskets

    An easy way to free up space and be fashionably tidy is to use crochet baskets for storage around the home. Use them for slippers next to your recliner for easy access, or for the pile of remotes that came with your state-of-the-art entertainment system.

    Baskets are also perfect projects for beginners because you can repeat single crochet stitches all the way through. If you’re looking for an artistic outlet that engages as much as it does away with stress, crochet could be just the thing for you. 

    Regardless of how much time you’ve spent in your home, a fresh new look is never more than a few careful adjustments away. Summon your inner interior designer and let yarn be the missing link between your home’s current aesthetic and how fabulous you think it can be.

    partnered post • client image

  • Yard Design Ideas for Small Spaces

    1029954331_2491f735be_c

    Your backyard serves as an extension of your home. When the weather allows, it is a place you can retreat to for relaxation, fun, and entertainment. For properties with smaller yards,  the idea of turning it into an outdoor oasis seems impossible. The space seems too small to create anything worth enjoying. Contrary to popular belief, however, there are lots of things you can do with a small backyard. Here are some yard design ideas for small spaces: 

    Create Separate Spaces

    One way to make your yard more functional and appear larger is to divide it up into separate spaces. You might have a patio which would be used for sitting, cooking, and entertainment, a grassy area for the children and pets to run around and play in, and a designated area for a small garden in another corner.

    Install an Outdoor Kitchen

    Adding an outdoor kitchen to your backyard not only adds aesthetic appeal, but it can also help to boost the overall value of your property. If you enjoy preparing meals outdoors or entertaining during warmer weather, an outdoor kitchen can be very instrumental in helping you to enjoy your yard even further. Don’t let the limited space stop you, as there plenty of outdoor kitchen ideas for small spaces outdoor kitchen ideas for small spaces you can draw inspiration from. You can use a portion of your patio and lounge area to install a small stove, a mini-fridge, and a kitchen island. 

    Go Minimal But Comfortable with Furniture

    To truly enjoy your backyard, you need comfortable furniture. While your outdoor space may be small, there are plenty of options when selecting furniture. Instead of a full-sized patio set, you could swing for a small bistro table and a few comfy chairs with cushions. If you feel comfortable, you could ditch the table and chair concept altogether and instead invest in large pillows and bean bags to set up when you’re ready to kick back and relax or share a meal outdoors. Don’t have the room for a firepit? You can always go for a tabletop fire pit instead which can still provide some heat during those chilly nights.

    Another small outdoor furniture item with a big impact is the patio heater. In many parts of the world, outdoor spaces become much less useful in fall and winter; turn that around with one of these, and use your yard for dining and entertaining even when the weather changes! It can be hard to choose the right one for your space, though, so check this useful guide to choosing the best patio heater first at https://www.globosurfer.com/best-patio-heaters.

    Use Planters Instead of a Garden

    Do you like the idea of having fresh fruits, veggies, plants, and flowers growing in your yard? While you may not have much space or a lot of soil to create a traditional garden, that doesn’t mean you have to forego the produce or greenery altogether. Instead, incorporate it into your yard’s layout and decor with the help of planters. A few potted flowers and plants strategically placed on stairs or hung from awnings can liven the space up. A box garden is also easy to build and maintain as well. 

    String Lights for Safety and Ambiance

    A well-lit backyard is ideal for safety and is a great way to set the mood and keep the party going long after the sun goes down. Installing too many outdoor lamps or landscape lighting features can clutter your backyard making it look even smaller. Instead, purchase string lights and hang them from walls, pillars, awnings, and other tall structures. They come in an array of colors and levels of brightness to compliment the rest of your yard’s decor. 

    Finish With Statement-Making Decor

    No outdoor living space is complete without decor to give it more of a home vibe. Just as you would if you were renovating in other parts of your home, think about color schemes and/or themes you’re going for in the yard. Then, do some shopping to find neat items to personalize your space. For instance, you might want to invest in tiles for your patio, cushions for your yard chairs, vases and sculptures for your tables, and water features like tabletop fountains for your tables. 

    When you watch home improvement shows or look at home magazines it can be easy to assume that your small yard can never be transformed into the outdoor sanctuaries that you dream about. While it will take some creativity, compromise, and effort, the reality is that there are plenty of ways to create an extension of your home that can be enjoyed all year long. Hopefully, some of the above-mentioned ideas have given you some inspiration to turn your small yard into a space you can’t wait to relax, have fun, and entertain in. 

    brought to you by our site supporters • cc-licensed photo by Jeff Sandquist

  • Lighting Options for Your Home

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

    When you’re looking to spruce up your home, lighting is one of
    the easiest ways to give the space a new feel while keeping it
    consistent with your current theme or décor. Lighting is a
    relatively easy fix and most of the items can be found online in
    places such as LEDRopelightsandmore
    or in most retail stores, which means you’ll be able to simply
    make use of the new appliances without a lot of work.

    When you’ve decided you’d like to upgrade your
    lighting    , you’ll need to decide what kind of theme you’re
    looking for and what kind of space you’re dealing with so you can
    most effectively use the room you’ve got for the best lighting
    possible.

    Keep in mind that you can really change the ambience of a room
    simply by switching out the colors of the bulbs you’re using or
    adding in splashes of colors through lamps or rope lights. They
    make light bulbs in pretty much every color imaginable ranging
    from soft pinks for a romantic bedroom atmosphere or bright blues
    for something a bit more fun and wild.

    In most cases these bulbs can be used in the lamps and lighting
    houses you’ve already got, which means you won’t need to purchase
    anything else to get the benefits. Even fluorescent black lights
    can be placed in most traditional fluorescent housings, meaning
    you can save money just by buying the black light bulbs.

    Rope lights are a great way add a little bit of ambient lighting
    to a room quite easily. The best part about using rope lights is
    that they’re designed in such a way that they can be easily
    hidden behind furniture or on the corners of a room, keeping them
    out of sight while still emanating quite a bit of light. These
    are probably the easiest lighting pieces to install as oftentimes
    they’ll only need a few tacks or wall hooks to be used
    effectively.


    Chandeliers     are a classic lighting prop and for good reason.
    They add a lot of light to any room and they have such a great
    look to them that they work with pretty much every theme or décor
    you could possibly imagine. They add a ton of class to any space
    and the best part is that because they’re meant to be center
    pieces, the light flows around the housing, meaning you can light
    an entire room with just one furnishing.

    Contrary to popular belief chandeliers are becoming easier and
    easier to install and most of them can be hooked into the
    existing wiring that’s already in the roof.

    Another very easy lighting idea that is simple to implement is
    simply using what you’ve already got and using it creatively. One
    of the best ways to control the lighting in any room is to use
    sheers or lamp coverings as they’ll allow the light to filter
    through the fabric in different consistencies depending on the
    thickness and color of the material. If you add this in with one
    of the aforementioned colored light bulbs you’ll see that your
    entire room will look quite different.

    Lighting is probably the easiest way to upgrade or spruce up any
    room in the house and it’s really quite easy to implement. It
    doesn’t take a lot to change some of the lighting options in your
    room and you’ll see a huge difference that will be sure to keep
    you happy.

  • Mendota Mantels in St. Paul, Minnesota

    Center_2_high

    Each Mendota mantel – made from antique reclaimed old-growth timbers and "rescued wood" – is unique, and uniquely beautiful. The wood has been salvaged from old barns, mills and warehouses, most built from the mid 19th to early 20th century, and each piece is sculpted with hand tools. Custom carving – like this piece by Jock Holman, on a rescued beam from a Norwegian ship – is available, although much of their work simply celebrates the natural grain and shape of the wood without any additional decoration. They describe the provenance of their materials thus:

    Antique Reclaimed timber mantels are recycled beams that have
    been salvaged from old buildings. They have an estimated age of 300 to
    800+ years. They are antiques. They grew from old growth forests that
    flourished in America through the 1930’s – forests that are now mostly
    gone.

    Our reclaimed timbers were milled into beams in the
    late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to become mills,
    factories, warehouses, and barns – buildings now being demolished.

    Unlike water-salvaged timbers, our Reclaimed timbers have been air-aging for over 100 years. This slow air-drying enhances color, beauty and character.

    Most importantly, air-dried timbers are more stable and much less
    likely to twist or check (crack). Reclaimed antique timbers are a
    limited resource.

    Our ‘Rescued’
    timber mantels are milled from present day trees that have been
    discarded. They are most often logs from urban tree services, storm
    blown trees, or ‘ends’ from logging operations.

    The artisans at Mendota are comfortable working in the Craftsman / Mission Revival style, as in this piece by Dan Guion, just as much as doing much more contemporary-styled work like this backlit mantel made from heart pine reclaimed from Wabasha’s Big Jo Flour Mill. Check out a gallery of their work.