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The festive season is the time when your home is most likely to become attractive to criminals. Burglars know that you’ll probably have lots of high-value items ready for Christmas, and so now is the best time to start taking home security seriously. Considering that, there are some essential tips below that you need to use as soon as possible. While nobody wants to think about unwanted guests in their homes, those who overlook this issue are the ones most likely to become victims. So, pay attention and put a plan in place after reading this post.

Installing a motion-sensor alarm system

Before you do anything else, it makes sense to update your home alarm system if you haven’t done for so the last few years. That only applies to people who own their properties, and not those who rent. For the best results, you’ll need to invest in something that uses motion sensors. Those devices will ensure the alarm triggers if someone manages to get inside your house. There are also sensors you can fit on windows and doors that will cause an alarm to sound if someone tries to mess around with them. That should help to protect your family and ensure your home is always safe whether you’re in the living room or out visiting friends. Also, do yourself a favor and pay for professional installation so you know the alarm works as it should.

Adding some external CCTV cameras

CCTV is a wise move if you want to get some evidence when criminals try to break into your home. The footage from your cameras could help law enforcement officers to identify the suspect and secure a conviction according to Safewise. You just need to check with your local authority to ensure you aren’t breaking any laws. In some states, homeowners aren’t allowed to use external CCTV that points away from their front door. If it’s possible to see your neighbors house in the footage; you could get into trouble.

Using the latest smart-home technology

There is a LOT of smart home technology out there at the moment that could help to keep your property safe and secure. You just need to take a look at the market and work out which devices will provide the most benefits. Companies like Suddenlink Communications offer the most advanced systems, and so you just need to consider all your options before making an inquiry. In most instances, that tech enables you to monitor every aspect of your house while you are on the move. All you need is a reliable internet connection, and you should never have to worry about criminals again.

You now have to put some of those ideas into practice and create a plan for securing your home. When all’s said and done, you can’t put a price on keeping your family safe. Also, if a burglary occurs, your kids might become frightened about staying in the house, and that’s something you never want to happen. So, don’t wait until it’s too late and someone has already broken into your property. Instead, take decisive action ahead of time and turn your situation around. Good luck!

It’s not every day that you buy a brand new kitchen for your home. It’s quite a big commitment too. Your kitchen might be out of action for a couple of weeks while everything is being installed. Some people move out altogether as the noise from ripping out the old kitchen can be a bit much. But when it’s all finished, and you’re preparing your first meal, you’ll know it was all worth it. So what’s on your shopping list for your kitchen renovation?

The Oven

There are two main choices for your oven in the kitchen. Whichever you choose, a professional has to install it. Electric isn’t very popular because in the past food would take too long to cook. The early fan assisted ovens didn’t always help with printed cooking times being wrong by up to twenty minutes in some cases. These days, technology has moved on. The humble electric oven looks good, works well, and is a good alternative to gas.

The Hob

Again, the battle between electric and gas continues. Of course, there is nothing quite like the instant heat and result from having a gas burner. They are more dangerous though. If the gas blows out, you need to be certain there is a failsafe mechanism to stop the supply. As for electric hobs? Select one that lights up instantly so you know it’s on. You need a fair amount of power behind you to heat quickly too.

The Worktops

There are several choices for worktops in the kitchen. The most cost-effective choice is a laminated board. These can wear quicker than other choices, and it is down to the installer to make sure the finish doesn’t look poor quality. Solid wood is another choice, but the seals can sometimes make it look like laminate.

Luxury kitchen designs. Image Credit

Granite or quartz is incredibly attractive, and when used in the sink area, it can be visually stunning. Granite is the perfect material for the kitchen, offering thermal protection and toughness. You should look out for more information on this material and see where it can be applied in your kitchen.

The Cabinets

The design of your kitchen cabinets is often the first thing people notice. Cabinets also have a practical use for storage and ideally, you want a durable long-lasting finish. There are several different designs you can choose from, but for a timeless design, opt for shaker kitchen cabinets. These are very versatile and add a clean yet stylish look to any home.

The Flooring

Hygiene is essential in the kitchen. A hard floor might see off any dropped plate, but it is much easier to keep germ free and clean. You might choose a laminate, vinyl, tile, or even slate surface. Some are more hardwearing than others. It’s important to consider how you use your kitchen before making a decision on the flooring. If you’re a spiller go for a tougher surface.

Many of us use our kitchens for dining too. Make sure the floor you choose can handle the movement of chairs across the surface. Scratches and scuffs can make the floor look dirty. Even if it isn’t actually dirty, it can be off-putting when you’re preparing food. The safest way to clean your floor is with steam. However, there are times when some chemical intervention might be required. Ensure the floor you choose can be cleaned the way you want it to be.

The Extractor Hood

The humble extractor has changed a lot over the years. They are now smaller and angled more acutely to become quite an attractive feature of any kitchen. Look for variable speed fans and adequate lighting to keep your kitchen area safe. They now come in black as well as steel. This means you have more choice when it comes to designing a kitchen style you can fall in love with. Finally, consider if you want to move your hob. This might require external building works to install a newly situated extractor hood that vents outside.

The Sink

There are many different styles of sink. The Belfast has been considered the Rolls Royce of sinks for a long time. But different dietary and cultural requirements usually require us to have a one-and-a-half or double sink set up in the kitchen. This is very practical for rinsing and cleaning.

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You might add an insinkerator type product to reduce the risk of clogged drains from food particles. These don’t add a huge amount to your kitchen bill, but there is likely to be a separate installation charge. When you’re selecting the taps for the kitchen, it might be worth getting a stretch or extending hose style. Don’t forget to add a boiling water tap for an instant hot drink whenever you need one. No waiting for kettles to boil!

The Fridge

Fridges come in all shapes and sizes. You might say the bigger, the better, but you have to remember you only have so much space. Instead of buying huge, consider your needs. Do you want a chilled water dispenser or an ice dispenser? Maybe you prefer chipped ice to cubes? Do you need more freezer space than refrigerator space? Check out several models before making your decision.

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The Table and Chairs

If you are dining in the kitchen, it’s important to pick a dining set that suits the space and the position in the kitchen. Cooking accidents can damage a fine wooden table or chair. Keep the eating area well away from the hot area. This is essential if you have children. Your interior design choices might also influence the style of your table. Round, rectangular or square? The choice is yours. Of course, you might prefer a breakfast bar for more casual dining in the kitchen.

The Gadgets and Gizmos

No kitchen is complete without a wealth of gadgets and gizmos. These are usually electrical appliances that make your job a lot easier, quicker, and more convenient. One of the most popular is the slow cooker or crockpot. Lifestyles today demand that we spend less time in the kitchen and more time juggling quality family time with careers. A slow cooker offers all you a hot meal when you’re ready to take it. You can prep it all at breakfast time, then eat sometime in the evening when it is convenient for you. What’s on your kitchen wish list?

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When it comes to bathroom design, many of us focus all of our attention on the big features: the style and size of the bathtub, whether to have a freestanding shower or not, what kind of basin to have and whether to have cabinets placed above it with large mirrors or no mirrors at all. It’s not surprising that smaller touches fall by the wayside. However, once you’ve settled on the major parts of your bathroom design or renovation, make sure that you have a good mull over the smaller details. These are the things that will bring your bathroom together. Here are a few areas to think about.

Colour Scheme

Before you start filling your bathroom with extras and toiletries, you’re going to need to choose a colour scheme. While you may want to keep the majority of your home pretty neutral with magnolia or white walls, the bathroom is a space where you can generally afford to be a little more out there with your colour choices. Why? Well, you don’t have furniture such as sofas, tables, or chairs that you’re going to have to match in. Generally, bathroom fittings are silver or white, which makes them pretty compatible with any colour that you may choose. Because the space is small, you can also redecorate regularly, which means if you’re not feeling your chosen colour after a couple of months, it’s going to be very easy to make changes. Traditional colours span the blue and green section. Softer tones such as aqua, baby blue, coastal blue, mint, and duck egg blue are often a hit. Or you could keep things simple with cream and white or black and white. If you fancy something a little brighter and bolder, why not consider cherry red and white?

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Toilet Seats

Sure, toilet seats may well serve a basic and practical purpose. But what’s to say that they can’t form a notable part of your decor? Opt for a seat that matches the colour of your walls or other accessories, such as toothbrush holders and soap dishes. The more things that tie into your intended colour scheme, the better. Alternatively, you could keep things natural with a wooden seat. Now consider added extras, such as slow-close seats. Don’t forget to measure your current seat before replacing it too. This will help you to avoid disappointment should you fit a seat that then proves too small or excessively large. Opt for Check out the range available to you at Home Spa Select!

Bath Mats

Whether you have a bath, a shower, or both, you should invest in a bath mat. This is a relatively small piece of material that you step onto when you get out of the water. It will absorb any moisture, meaning that you’re less likely to experience slips or trips when exiting the room. They also come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colours. As mentioned above, try to fit this accessory into your existing colour scheme. This will help to bring the room together and create a sense of consistency in the design.

These are just a few extras that go into your bathroom, there are plenty more to consider. Just always keep one thing in mind: your aesthetic. Try to ensure that everything fits into the look you’re going for!

The bedroom is the most important room in the house. The reason? Because sleep is the most important thing you can do every single day! It helps us to heal, and it helps us to remember all the best bits of each day. When you’re styling your bedroom, you definitely want to be promoting good quality sleep. That doesn’t mean the space can’t look good at the same time!

Bed

If you’re in the room to sleep, then you want an exquisite bed. Four-poster might seem a little extravagant, but there is a lot to be said for a modern twist on this classic. You can pick any color of wood that you like and choose intricately turned posts for that touch of elegance. You might even dress the posts with sashes or voiles.

Supported sleeping can bring more comfort. Photo Credit

Nothing says comfort like a high-quality mattress. While it might not make up any part of the decor or styling, it is perhaps the single most important item in the room. Some mattresses, like memory foam mattresses, hold the body in a comfortable position all night long. You can find out more at Mattresslife.com about how this works. Innerspring and latex mattresses aren’t as popular, but that doesn’t mean one of these won’t serve you well. Read up on the comfort levels you might be able to achieve with each type of mattress.

Dressing the bed itself is easy. Simply choose your pallet color for the room and find a bedspread that offers this color in abundance. Alternatively, pick a pure white, and dress the bed space with cushions and throws in your accent color. The bedroom is one of the easiest rooms to dress up, down, or differently for every season.

Drapes And Curtains

Drapes or curtains are essential for the bedroom. They offer maximum privacy so you can dress, undress, and enjoy being in bed without anyone on the street seeing you. But curtains can do much more than that. Firstly, they can add a big, bold splash of color to help you style the room in your favorite tone. Secondly, they can shut out all daylight. This is especially useful if you have to work shifts.

Simple and elegant for any season. Photo Credit

Bedside Cabinets

Part of the style of your room will be determined by the cabinets you choose. You might choose something contemporary like a mirrored chest of drawers. This helps lighten and brighten the room. Or you might choose something in an antique wood, complete with turned legs and brass drawer handles. Don’t forget you can dress the top of the cabinets too. You might add a runner in your accent color. Maybe there will be a few reading books? Why not add a vase of beautiful flowers too?

Flooring

Hardwood floors in the bedroom might be the stuff of dreams for many of us. Of course, there are plenty of affordable alternatives that can emulate the look of the real thing. It’s worth considering something wood-like in the bedroom. After all, in the summer, things can get much hotter. If you want a room for all seasons, consider a hardwood floor over a carpet. These tend to be easier to keep clean and reduce allergens too.

Of course, carpeting is soft and luxurious under a pair of bare feet. It’s warmer for the winter, and it can even be nice just to sit down or lay down on the floor when you’re having a lazy afternoon. Underlay is essential for that extra squishy sensation. Pick a thicker pile for softness. Alternatively, go with the hardwood or tile. Then you can add soft rugs as required. They’re easy to swap out when you’re ready for a color change too. Patterns or plain?

Find a style with a color to accent. Photo Credit

Closets

Freestanding closets or wardrobes are ideal when you need a little extra storage. They can be produced from any wood you like. Deep grains or fine grains? The choice is yours. Then, of course, the depth of stain might make a difference too. Built-in closets can be altered to suit your tastes. Simply change the door handle, or swap the doors out altogether. You can paint them, add decals, or even cover them in fabric to achieve the look you want.

Lighting

We spend most of our time in the bedroom with our eyes closed, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore your lighting choices. A chandelier would bring a touch of luxury to any bedroom. There are many different styles to choose from. You might select something contemporary that provides plenty of shape and structure to the room. Maybe a backlit false wall would offer a nice effect? You could then choose any color light you liked for a soft haze around your panel.

Dressing Table

What bedroom is complete without an elegant dressing table. You might be trying to achieve an eclectic look for the bedroom. This means the bedside cabinets, closets and dressing table would be different shapes, styles and colors. Of course, if you want them all to match, you don’t necessarily have to order them from the same store. Simply pick a color theme to connect them. You can achieve this easily with runners. Perhaps you would prefer to paint them all?

The position of your dressing table is really important. You need it to be situated close to the power points. It would be a good idea to have it in a window, so you have plenty of natural light to fall on your face. Add a gorgeous tilting mirror, and you’re ready to do your hair and makeup every morning. Add a clipped holder for your hair drier, and a dainty pot for your cosmetic brushes. Perfect.

Bedrooms rarely change from season to season, although the bedding and quilt weight might be altered. Fortunately, bedroom colors are really easy to change in a hurry! Can you style your bedroom for every season?