Most Popular Landscaping Trends for 2019

Most Popular Landscaping Trends for 2019

Whether you have a front yard or a back yard – or even both! – you surely understand why taking care of your outdoor space is so vital. This is where you can spend time with your friends and family, organizing parties and enjoying fresh air, and if you put your mind to it and aren’t afraid to invest some money, you’ll be able to keep doing that all year long. However, you first need to come up with an effective landscaping schedule that will keep your exterior cool and appealing. In order to do that, you need to learn a few of the newest trends, so here are some of the hottest landscaping ideas out there.

Pavers and greenery

Getting from point A to point B in your backyard might not always be the easiest thing in the world, especially if you’re trying to protect your grass and keep it fresh for as long as possible. That’s why people all around the world, from Australia to South America, use an easy yet highly effective trick and equip their backyard with pavers and stepping stones. But, if you really want to be trendy, you need to arrange some grass around your pavers or opt for those helpful grass block pavers that really go a long way. This solution is simple, affordable, practical, easy to install, and even easier to maintain, so get as many of these block pavers as you need right away!

Add a water feature

Every outdoor space needs a focal point, and water features are among the most effective and visually appealing focal points in the world. It doesn’t really matter if you opt for a fountain, a waterfall, or a pond – as long as it looks nice and attracts attention, you’re good to go! Keep in mind that all of these ideas need some proper maintenance, so don’t forget to do that regularly, and you’ll be able to enjoy your water feature in the decades to come as well.

Build a pool

Now, if you’re a big fan of water features, none of the ideas mentioned above is going to work for you, but you can always build yourself a proper pool in your backyard. This is one of the best ways to give your exterior area even more purpose and show it the love it deserves, but also do something good for yourself, especially if you’re living in a hot region with lots of sunny days. This is an idea people in Australia use quite a lot, which is why they aren’t afraid to talk to those experienced pool builders from Sydney and let them work their magic. You’re going to end up with a brand new pool before you know it, and your backyard will start looking better than ever straight away!

A corner for gardening

You don’t have to be the biggest fan of cooking in the world to understand why having a tiny garden in a corner of your backyard is so vital. Here, you can grow all those delicious herbs and vegetables you can use in your cooking, but you’ll also give your outdoor space an exciting new feature. Starting a herb garden isn’t as hard as it sounds, and you just need to invest some time and patience – and the results you’re going to get in just a few months are amazing and will surely make your backyard quite special.

Taking care of your garden and showing it some love doesn’t have to be too hard or time-consuming, but you need to stay consistent – come up with a schedule and stick to it week after week, and there’s nothing to worry about!

Guest Contributor, Diana Smith

Decorating with Rugs: the Essentials

Decorating with Rugs: the Essentials

When a room starts to appear dull and boring, replacing a rug might solve the problem. Even though most people see it just as an accessory, the right rug can change the entire feel of the room and set the foundation of the entire design. By playing with its colour, pattern, shape and size, you can add more interest and vibrancy to your space and use the rug to visually tie together various elements, give it a stronger definition and add more warmth and style. Here are several different ways to decorate a room with rugs.

Make Sure to Get the Right Size

It might be tricky to determine the right rug size for your room since in this case, bigger isn’t necessarily better. A rug that is too big can swallow the room and take away from the beauty of your hardwood flooring, and a tiny rug can chop up a room and make it seem disconnected.

The general tip is to pick a rug that is 3 feet smaller in length and width than your room. These bare edges will make the room seem bigger. Dining room rugs should be at least 24 inches wider than the edge of your dining table so the back legs of chairs can stay on the rug even when pulled out to allow your guest to sit. As for runners, they should be about 4 inches narrower and 18 to 24 inches shorter than your hallway, but large enough to have both of your feet on the rug as you pass through.

Use Rugs to Define Areas

Rugs can be a very effective tool in defining spaces, both small studio apartments and large rooms equally well. In smaller spaces, leave a narrow strip of the floor visible to make the room appear bigger and brighter, and in larger rooms, experts’ advice is to have the front legs of your furniture on the rug and the back legs off. It unifies the area without cutting it off form the rest of the room.

You can also use the rug as a focal point and make a strong impact. The trick is to create a contrast by painting your walls in one of the rug accent colours. And, don't think that a rug has to be a rectangle. Sometimes a square, round or oval shape can complement your furniture arrangement better than a classic rectangular one.

Set up a colour scheme

Your rug of choice can be used to set the basis of your colour scheme, or if you introduce it later, it can emphasise and tie in your existing colour scheme. You can use a rug can visually soften the room or add more accent. Bear in mind that achieving balance is the point of good design, so don’t overdo it. If your walls are soft and neutral, go with a bold coloured rug, and vice versa.

Choosing among so many different colours and patterns can be overwhelming, so you might decide to buy your rugs onlinesince there you will usually have a much bigger choice of rugs and more affordable prices. 

Achieve harmony and variety

Rugs add a touch of playfulness and variety to a room, but you need to be careful how you size and position them. If you’re planning on using two rugs, variety will be achieved with different sized rugs. Otherwise, the room will be visually cutin two.

Make sure the two rugs complement each other in style or the final result will be awkward and unpleasant. Too many different styles and patterns will disrupt the harmony. 

Use rugs as decorative tools

Rugs can be great decorative tools if used correctly. For instance, by changing both your pillows and rugs with the changing of seasons, you'll easily transform the room and make it appear trendy and fresh. And if you hang your rug on the wall, you'll have an original focal point.

The bottom line is that anything can work, it all depends on what you find most appealing and what can create the best effect in your home.

Guest Contributor, Lillian Connors

Tips To Keep Your Home Safe From Burglars

Tips To Keep Your Home Safe From Burglars

A home invasion is one of the scariest occurrences that can happen to a homeowner. Even if you’re not at home when the invasion happens, it is still completely terrifying.

If you are at home when it happens, you can forget about sleeping ever again, or at least for a long time. Of the estimated three million burglaries that happen yearly, only around seven percent included a violent altercation. If this isn’t setting your mind at ease, we don’t blame you.

Before you resort to installing a barb wire fence, we’ve got a few tips for keeping your home safe from an invasion. It’s not as hard as you’d think!

Invest In A Security System

Let’s face it, there is no better protection for your home than a security system. Having a security system installed by a professional and reputable company proven to get results will deter any potential burglars from your home.

The firstsecurityservices.com website says that systems come in a variety of packages that are tailored to every budget, so you are able to access home protection that works with your budget. Video surveillance, alarms and lights are all common when it comes to security system installations.

There are also many ways in which to trigger a system, whether it be by cracking a lock, opening a door when the system is armed or breaking a window. Deciding what will work for your family is what is most important.
For example, someone with small children might find a more sensitive security system to be obnoxious. The options are plentiful, and you’ll be able to find one that exists in harmony with your lifestyle.

Keep Expensive Items Out of View

A great start to protection from burglaries is making sure that your home doesn’t show any weaknesses. You can call the local police station to perform a test by walking around your house from the outside to look for such weaknesses.

 A weakness can be anything from faulty locks to visible electronics. If a thief can easily spot a brand new laptop charging on the counter, you might have a problem.

There’s no need to completely change the look of your home just because you fear a burglary, and you’d like to keep expensive items hidden. Take a stroll around the inside of your home and make little changes where it’s convenient for you, such as switching up the charging spot for that laptop!

Stay On Top Of Your Landscape

All trees, grass, shrubbery and other landscaping around the entrances and walkways to your home should be kept short and trimmed. Not only does it give off the appearance of the homeowner consistently being around, but there will be no place for potential burglars to hide.

You could also build a fence! A six foot privacy fence is a great way to deter any sort of nonsense from coming into your yard. That includes raccoons and people who want to steal your things.

Fencing is relatively easy to install yourself, and there are many options available that don’t involve digging or pouring concrete. Also, fencing doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. It can be a wonderful, budget friendly option to significantly lower the chances of a break in. Just make sure you keep your gate locked!

Motion Sensor Lights

An easy home installation to keep your property safe from burglaries are motion sensor lights. Whenever they sense motion, typically from a certain range, the lights will click on.
The great thing about a motion sensor light is that thieves have no idea if the light is a motion sensor light, or if it’s been turned on by someone they thought wasn’t home. They will rarely take the time to hang around and find out.

Keep Your Keys To Yourself

We know it’s hard, but try not to leave a spare key outside. Doing this only gives thieves a really easy way to get into your home. If you need a spare key, keep it in your vehicle, or better yet, a neighbor you trust. Leaving it in a fake rock, on top of the door frame or under the mat is a recipe for disaster.

Speaking of neighbors, they are your best resource for home protection when you go on vacation. Let them know when you’re leaving, how long you’ll be gone and ask them to collect any packages and mail that builds up. Not only are they doing you a favor, they will be warding off burglars by making it look like you’re home!

Always Lock Your Doors

Many people consider their neighborhood safe and leave without locking up. While this may be true, even the safest neighborhoods can have issues with some sort of crime, breaking and entering included.

When you leave your home, lock up every door and window every single time. Burglars tend to be on a time crunch, and they’re looking for a quick way in, especially during the daytime hours. Locking up prevents that possibility. It might seem like common sense, but locked doors prevent many burglaries.

Better Safe Than Sorry

There are many ways, some of them completely obvious, that you can protect your home from potential thieves. It’s not about looking for the bad, but more about setting yourself up for the good.

Taking the first steps to home security might seem a bit ridiculous to anyone who has never had an experience with crime in their neighborhood. It’s important to remember that crime, even in gated, affluent neighborhoods, can pop up. If you’ve taken necessary measures to protect your home and your family, you can prevent burglaries without even knowing it.

At the very least you’ll sleep better at night.

Guest Contributor, Tom Masters

All You Need to Know About an Expert Plumber Service

All You Need to Know About an Expert PlumberService

Call for an expert plumber service is never pre-defined. Plumbing emergencies can happen at any point of time. A good plumber comes into picture when a person finds himself in a pinch of plumbing problems. Numerous advertisements are out there in the market of people claiming to be an excellent plumbing service. Sometimes, those may prove to be misleading ones. Clinging on to a professional plumber requires a bit of research as fixing plumbing complications is tedious. A licensed plumber is the one who possesses sound technical skills as well as knowledge to serve his or her clients efficiently. 

Tips for Choosing the Expert Plumber Service:

License and Legal Documentation:

Every expert plumber service provider must possess an official permit for running his plumbing business. For those who seek a plumber’s assistance should ask for relevant and valid working license conferred by the State Government. No matter whether it is a residential or a commercial plumbing emergency, hiring a professional plumber without a valid working permit should never be entertained. License assures for the compliance of the service being provided by the plumber to be in accordance with the state regulations. 

Experience Accounts for The First Priority:

Out of all the governing factors, experience of the plumber is must. Thus, when a person is in search of an expert plumber, it is important to track for how long the plumber is functional in the market. New plumbing professionals may or may not be able to meet all your plumbing requirements.

On the other hand, an experienced plumber shall evaluate the plumbing requirements of any commercial or residential set-up and customize solutions accordingly. This helps their customers to save on their time and money investment. Warranty of the plumbing service is not an issue whenexperienced personnel is hired. 

Cling More on Recommendations:

While connecting with an expert plumber service provider, it is better to look on for suggestions. Recommendations or referrals give an insight into the best and worst plumbing service providers available near you. Ask family and friends about their recent experience with a professional plumber. Also, jot down all the plumbing issues they faced and the solutions provided by their plumber. Some professional plumber service providers have their Google listings wherein a customer can cross-verify about the past customer feedback and experience. 

24/7 Customer Support Facility:

While choosing an expert plumbing solution service provider, it is essential to check for their 24/7 customer service availability. Water is a crucial resource, and no one can afford wasting water due to erroneous plumbing issues. Plumbing emergencies can arise at any point of time, and hence, a professional plumber should be reachable quickly. Ensure for their quick reachability through text messages, calls or even through their website. Customer service and satisfaction should top their priority list. Finally, they a professional plumbing solution provider should stand high with a technical troubleshooting ability.

Affordability Matters:

There are heaps of expert plumber service providers claiming themselves as highly experienced with a wide array of services. However, it is the customer’s responsibility to take a dig at the pricing of their service of interest. An excellent and professional plumber shall never overcharge for the service above the market price. A professional plumber is the one dedicated towards a quality intact servicing at highly affordable pricing. This benefit in two-ways- the plumbing service provider has an excellent customer retention ratio, and the customers invest low on their money. 

Thus, choosing an expert plumber service provider requires a bit of thorough research on experience, service quality, and affordability. Reliability and trustworthiness of a plumbing solution provider go hand-in-hand with these three characteristics.

 Guest Contributor, Nivi Watson

Senior-Friendly Bathroom: The Essentials

Senior-Friendly Bathroom: The Essentials

For ageing adults, performing basic everyday activities and using facilities, such as the kitchen or the bathroom, is becoming increasingly difficult with each passing day. Not only that but being able to take care of their daily activities safely and effectively can also be compromised by their diminishing health and mobility.

This is especially true when bathrooms are concerned, as they pose one of the highest safety-risks in any home. That’s precisely why people – as they get older – usually opt for a bathroom remodel, aiming to create a safe environment they can later use without any major hindrances. With that in mind, here are some senior-friendly bathroom essentials you should definitely keep in mind.

Replace regular faucets with lever faucets

Stiff joints are one of the things that are sure to welcome us once we get older. With it comes the inability to use your hands properly and, more often than not, it’s followed by light tremors and shakes. That’s why, if you’re remodelling a bathroom for your senior loved one, you should install lever-controlled faucets in order to make things at least a bit easier. These completely eliminate the unnecessary twists and turns that can be quite difficult for the elderly.

Opt for a walk-in shower instead of the bathtub

Next, having to climb into a bathtub in order to take a bath is literally impossible for some elderly. That’s why you should consider installing a walk-in shower so that they can enjoy a warm shower without having to overcome significant difficulties. Additionally, consider adding a sprayer attachment for their showerhead, so that they can detach it and hold it in their hands while showering which will make things much, much easier.

Don’t forget the grab bars and rails

Furthermore, install grab bars and rails throughout their bathroom to introduce an additional level of safety. If you provide them with something they can grab onto every time they feel unsure on their feet, you will make the entire bathroom-using experience far more pleasant. Some of the places you should definitely install these are the shower and the toilet area, but you can add them to other areas as well.

Make sure that the bathroom is light

Having lots of light in any room not only makes the room look nicer but it also makes it much safer to use. That’s why in a modern aged care facility the bathrooms are always well-illuminated and bright. Therefore, aside from the natural light, you should make sure that you introduce plenty of artificial lighting options in your senior’s bathroom to prevent any mishaps and make the bathroom safe to use.

Raise the toilet

Another thing you should consider is installing a raised toilet so that your senior loved one can use it as comfortably as possible. The reason behind this is the fact that seniors usually experience difficulties when having to sit down and get back up, so raising a toilet for just a few inches will make the world of difference.

Don’t forget the non-slip bath mats and rugs

Finally, the bathroom floor can be quite a dangerous place, especially for people whose mobility is somewhat impaired. That’s why you should make sure you cover the bathroom floor with quick-dry non-slip rugs and even cover the inside of the shower with non-slip bath mats. This way you’ll reduce the possibility of accidental slips and falls that can have some quite serious consequences.

Therefore, if you’re ever in the need to redecorate a bathroom for your senior loved one, or you’re simply thinking ahead and you want to create a safe oasis for yourself once you get older, keep these ideas in mind. The bathroom can become quite a dangerous place once you get older so taking steps to make it safer to use is always a good idea.

Guest Contributor, Lillian Connors

5 Ways to Choose the Best Plumbing Company If You Have Blocked Drains

5 Ways to Choose the Best Plumbing Company If You Have Blocked Drains

Blocked drains are one of the biggest problems with any household. Drainage system faltering can get messy and cause huge problems. Having the drain cleaned once in a while is a good option but it gets hard to figure out when exactly the drain might get damaged. For times like these, one needs a good idea about how this entire mess works. Therefore, needs a good plumbing company to sort the mess. There are a lot of plumbing companies out there and it can get a little too tough to choose but here are some ways which can be followed while choosing a plumbing company if one has blocked the drains.  

1. Look for Certifications: To get the best out of the lot one needs to check for quality certification. The certification of the plumbing company is important since it measures the quality of the work of the plumber they will send. Having this part sorted can guarantee a good service since qualified workers delivers quality work. Therefore, looking for certifications is an important job. 

2. Reputation Research: Reputation of any worker is worth of gold so is the case for a plumber or a plumbing company. A researchregarding the reputation of the company will provide a good deal of information and an insight of things. Customer reviews, asking around, ratings on customer services can be a good way of testing the reputation of the company. Better the reputation, better the work on the blocked drains.

3. Look for Specialities: All plumbing companies have a special set of specialities. For example, some of the plumbing companies are commercial and the plumbers work in the generic old-fashioned manner. On the other hand, there are companies that provide high tech work or even eco-friendly work. Once one looks into the specialities of the different companies, it will be easier to select the perfect company as per the need.

4. Warranties and Repair Plans: Warranties and repair plans are important to look for when it comes to any repairing work even for blocked drains. It is clever to look up the companies’ terms and conditions when it comes to repair and warranty because this might come handy later. This can turn out to be cost effective and beneficiary for the future. Having purchased a good plumbing plan can not only help with blocked drains but also with the broken pipes, pump failures, and all other plumbing problems.

5. Do Cost Estimates: After an extensive research, one must look for the perfect plan and plumbing company keeping in mind the cost estimate. Doing the cost estimate will provide the perfect company which one can afford. This factor is important and can plan the perfect budget for the services and make it cost effective with the quality of the service. For the best results out of this plan one should consult at least four to five different plumbing companies before narrowing it down to one. 

Choosing a plumbing company can be a headache at times since there are too many things to look into but if these simple steps and ways are looked into, the work becomes much easier. These ways not only guarantee the solution to the problem of blocked drain also provides the solution with the quality services. The services that the plumbing company will provide will be cost effective. Therefore, the matter to be solved can come with a solution which guarantees warranty, quality, and less of a mess.    

Therefore, opt for the best solution for the blocked drain in case you are looking for the plumber or a plumbing company.

Guest Contributor, Lara Buck 

Importance Of Business Management For Business

Importance Of Business Management For Business

As much as achievements and successes, problems, mistakes and failures are part of every day entrepreneur. And this is normal as long as he and his company are always ready to deal with it all. This is where a key factor comes in: management. There is no idea, however wonderful it may be, to resist the bad execution. Zoe Talent Solutions will give you the various courses based on business management and it is very helpful for the ones, who are ready to gain more knowledge.

Provides an overview of the business:

Building a great business is a task that requires a lot of dedication, intelligence and, of course, management skills. Without the entrepreneur managing the company, the chances of a small problem turning into catastrophe quickly increase as the company grows.

Efficient management, one that is well done integrating all sectors of the company, is able to offer an overview of the business and point to which path it is going. With this information, people capable of making decisions within the company can balance the business and make it resume growth as you will learn from these experts.

It is the foundation for safe planning

Management also impacts the planning of the company. While it is natural for a venture to take some risks to keep growing, these risks can be measured as well as avoided or prevented according to how management influences the planning of the company.

The way you buy raw materials from suppliers, hire services or plan to launch a new product in a new market is affected by the way you run your business. This is not just good decisions but from the management of the cash flow to the people you choose to hire. This whole plan goes directly to the management of the company.

Focus on efficiency and profitability

No  data from your company will be so affected by good management than that with regard to business efficiency. The reason is simple: managing a business does not just mean creating ways to sell more, but also spending less and achieving better results with the same resources.

And in this context good management has a positive impact on all points. Through it it is possible to create working methodologies capable of increasing its profitability through reduction of costs, better use of time and resources. That is, good management will make your company more profitable without having to invest much. It also points the way for investments when they are required.

Company Sustainability

The survival of a business and the consequent transformation of it into a success is completely based on good management. Even great products will succumb to failure if there is no solid basis for managing spending, profits and investments. For this the entrepreneur must take advantage of what technology can offer in the case of management tools, but also look for people and partners able to help you develop the business. Otherwise, the chances of the company existing in the future will be very small.

The business plan is an important management tool. The document can and should be used by entrepreneurs who are structuring the creation of a new business or by entrepreneurs planning new business units. Check out in this article the importance of a business plan and how to do it.

Guest Contributor, Jebby R

How to Safely Store Your Items While Remodeling

How to Safely Store Your Items While Remodeling

Home renovation is a super fun yet hectic time in your life—there are so many people circulating in and out of your home, paint is getting dangerously near to your sofa and dust gets everywhere. So, don’t get surprised if some things get damaged, lost or in need of professional cleaning after you’re finished. But, there’s a way to avoid all of that and safely store your items. Here’s what to do.

Pay special attention to important documents

Do you happen to have a folder, a drawer or a shoebox filled with financial documents, birth certificates and legal papers? Even though most of us do it, keeping these important documents in such an unsafe place can cost you a lot of time and money. Identity theft is not a joke and it actually affects millions of people every year. So, it’s best to store these documents in a safe or a deposit box. This will ensure they are safe and secure until your home returns to its normal state.

Hire professional movers

Moving furniture and other big items out of your house or to another room can be very difficult, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. You can easily bump a corner of your mahogany dining table and damage both the table and the wall. These repairs will cost you more money and time than hiring professional movers. By hiring these guys, you’ll clear out your space in record time, end up with intact furniture and spare your back! 

Hire moving containers

If your entire house is getting a makeover, you have to remove everything from your home. So, unless you’re ready to keep your sofas and beds in the backyard, your safest bet is to hire a moving container. Companies such as Moving Containers are basically a one-stop shop for storage and can provide you with quality containers that will house your things during your renovation. Your items will be close to you at all times and right at your disposal. However, you can also arrange for transport of your moving container in case you don’t have any room to keep it on your property. A truck will transport your full container to a safe depot location and you’ll get it back when your renovation is done. This is the safest way to remove your property because it includes less handling and professional transport.

Use self-storage

If you don’t care whether your furniture is at your disposal during the renovation (or simply can’t keep a container on your property), you can rent a unit in a self-storage facility. You’ll need to hire a moving van for this task, but your furniture and other items will be safe while you renovate. If you choose a reputable storage facility, you can even ensure your property!

Designate a room

If you’re conducting your renovation in stages or if there are certain rooms that are not getting a makeover, you can use that space as storage. The usual areas that end up serving as storage are guest bedrooms or basements, so see if you can spare some space. This method is very cost-effective, but not very practical. The room that’s full of stuff can’t be used at all, so keep that in mind.

Store your things with friends

If you don’t have any room to spare in your home, ask your good friends and neighbors for a few square feet to use as storage. If there’s anyone who can help, make sure to do all the moving work yourself and be swift in removing your things after your renovation is done. Don’t let your things overstay their welcome—it’s rude and unneighborly. A nice thank-you gift is also a great idea.

Install motion sensors

Outdoor lighting is one of the cheapest ways to deter burglars, so you might want to install some motion sensor lights before your reno. This move also sends a message that you know your home is exposed and you’re taking precautions. Plus, when your renovation is finished, you’ll have new and practical motion-activated lighting for future use!

If you pick the right storage option for your things and protect your site like a boss, your renovation will go without any damage to your items. You’ll get to sleep soundly knowing all your precious possessions are safe and ready to make your home even more beautiful once the renovation is over.

 Guest Contributor, Mike Johnston

About the author: Mike Johnston is a home improvement blogger and DIY enthusiast from Sydney. He is a regular writer at Smooth Decorator and Divine Magazine. He has also contributed to numerous lifestyle, real estate and green living blogs. Mike’s goal is to create and share meaningful content that helps and inspires people.

9 TIPS TO BUYING A COUCH

9 TIPS TO BUYING A COUCH

The furniture is featured in the room. When it comes to choosing yours, pay attention to the details. So you avoid unpleasant surprises in the future. If you want to know more tips based on buying a couch, then Sishawa will help you at their best.

1. Do not get carried away by the appearance of the fabric. Good sofa needs to have firm structure and quality foam . The problem is that in the store, we can not see these internal elements.

2. Speaking of foam: The densities of the seat, backrest arms and cushions should be different , as the fatigue is not the same. The seller does not know how to report this? Be suspicious.

3. When the sofa is new, everything looks perfect. But how will it be after a year of use? Before you get a headache, look for companies that offer warranty and, if possible, technical assistance .

4. The difference between a couch to play and a sofa to the living room is the depth of the seat . Want to relax, sleep, watch movies? Sofa deep. Need something more formal like, for example, a waiting room? Lean seat.

5. There is a trick to knowing if the sofa is comfortable specifically for you. Sit on it with your legs crossed one over the other, like "Indian leg" . If you fit in the seat without your knees being out, the piece passed the test.

6. Are there children and pets in your home? Choose models with washable covers. The cotton, linen and twill are the most suitable. Just remember that they should be pre-shrunk. Dark coats disguise dirt better, but fade more. Light-colored coats resist better washing.

7. In the doubt between reforming the old sofa and buying a new one? What it commands is the quality of the structure . Ask the opinion of good upholsterers before disposing of an antique furniture.

8. Sofas of distinct models in the same environment work superbem. If they are from very different times - one more modern, another vintage, for example - better still. Do not be afraid to mix .

9. If you are buying a pouf to support your feet, choose a model of the same height as the sofa seat . The piece will support a tray and also as an extra seat when you need it

Guest Contributor, Sherry K

4 Effective Tips On Turning Your Basement Into A Chic Home Office

4 Effective Tips on Turning Your Basement into a Chic Home Office

The basement has the potential to become the favorite room in your household, instead of forever being that odd damp place you visit occasionally to check the water heater and if the mold is under control. Particularly, your basement has the potential to become the home office you always dreamed of, and skyrocket your at-home career in the process.

The possibilities here are endless, as you will be working with a blank canvas of sorts, a space where you are yet to bring a unique, personal setting to life. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the four key tips that will help you transform your basement into an elegant home office you won’t want to leave.

Inspect the space and make a detailed plan

First things first, you need to establish a foundation for your project based on meticulous research. You will need to conduct a thorough inspection of the available space, and most importantly, determine if there are any hazardous materials or air particles residing here. Typically, this will be mold, but you could also encounter asbestos from cracked walls if your house is old, so be sure to bring in a professional inspector such as Wise Asbestos & Mold Removal.

Next, you will need to brainstorm the layout of your office. Keep in mind that this is not simply a space where you will work – this is a space where you will spend the majority of your day, so it needs to be functional, inspirational, and fully optimized for top productivity.

Make it functional first

When it comes to layouts, there are three key areas you need to consider: the main work and lounge area, the bathroom, and the kitchen. Consider this office space as you would any other, and remember that these auxiliary spaces will prove vital for your productivity throughout the day.

Particularly, you shouldn’t have to go upstairs every time you need to go to the bathroom, so focus on allocating enough space for a small restroom, making sure to introduce the necessary plumbing features. Additionally, consider adding a small kitchen area or even just a mini-fridge to avoid lengthy trips upstairs in the middle of your work.

Pay special attention to lighting

The basement is an inherently dark place, so one of your priorities should be to illuminate the entire area for top productivity and day-long zeal. The basement-office trend has grown widely popular with Australian homeowners, so take note.

In the Land Down Under, homeowners will plan their lighting scheme with the help of an experienced level 2 electrician in Sydney and other remote-work hubs around the country, in order to light the room for minimal eye and mental strain. In the absence of adequate natural lighting, nailing your artificial lighting scheme should be your no.1 priority as well, so be sure to let your electrician in on the project early on.

Introduce your personal flair and brand

Designing a home office is a wonderful opportunity to make the space an extension of your personality, and a setting where your brand’s colors and stories can come to life. To that end, you want to choose a color scheme that will influence your mindset in a positive way, and introduce various decor elements on your desk, the shelves, and the walls that will speak to your heart and mind.

However, refrain from cluttering the space too much, as physical clutter can quickly become emotional stress. Stick with a couple of personal belongings on your desk, add vibrant artwork on the walls to give the room a sense of class, and allocate the rest of the space to storage – you are going to need it.

Transforming a basement into a home office is a unique project that requires careful planning, as there is plenty that can go wrong along the way. With these tips in mind, though, you will have no problem designing a basement office that is clutter free, functional, elegant, and a natural extension of your true self.

Guest Contributor, Chloe Taylor