Whether you’re selling your home soon or just want your house to look prettier than that of your neighbours, you need to think about curb appeal. Curb appeal, as you’ve probably guessed, is all about how your home looks from the curb. There are various ways to step up your curb appeal game and make sure that your home looks absolutely stunning. For instance, you might want to think about sprucing up your garden, or you could focus on the windows of your home instead. Either of these options could make your home look terrific, but if you really want your home to shine, you should take this advice.

Add Some Lightning

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A lot of people think that exterior lighting should only be used for festive reasons and this is simply not true. You can use exterior lighting anytime you want to add a little more to your home, and there are a variety of ways to do this. For instance, you can add some spotlights to your garden and draw attention to unique features. Do you have a sculpture in your front yard? If so, a spotlight or two shining on it will ensure that it stands out as the centrepiece of your home design.

You can also think about adding some lights around the windows of your home. Remember, the windows are perhaps the most interesting part of your property’s exterior and as such are the feature that passers-by and neighbours will find their eyeliner drawn to. Adding some lighting around the window frame can make sure that your windows glow beautifully through the day and the night.

Create Texture

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You can make sure your home has texture and a unique look with siding. Home siding is a brilliant aesthetic choice, and it can even add value onto the property. This isn’t a job that you can complete yourself, but if you check out a site like https://jdhostetter.com, you will be able to find the service you need. They can make sure that your home looks incredible and allow you to create the exact exterior home design that you want. Not every homeowner will pay attention to siding, and that means that it can be a brilliant way to give you a unique aesthetic advantage.

Add Some Colour

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You might also want to think about adding colour to your home design. There are a few different ways to do this. But we suggest, you start by thinking about replacing your old front door. While the amount of work you can usually complete on the outside of your home is limited, you can change up the door, adding a royal red entrance to your property or even a sky blue.

Or, if you don’t want to make such a drastic change, you can think about adding some tropical plants to your home garden. These will look beautiful, and if you check out a site like https://www.thespruce.com, you’ll see that plenty of tropical plants can grown in a variety of environments.

Take this advice, and you’ll easily be able to make sure your home stands out and looks stunning.

We’re beginning to understand more and more about what we need to be happy, calm individuals. In an ever chaotic world, one of these things is making sure that we have a relaxing space to unwind after a long day. More and more people are adopting the philosophy of minimalism, which has the tagline of ‘less is more.’ Instead of having a bedroom that’s full of belongings and loudness, our spirits will be better served by calming decor and practices. Below, we take a look at how you can turn your own bedroom into a minimalist haven.

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Get Rid of Clutter

To begin with, you’ll want to go through your bedroom and get rid of anything that doesn’t need to be there. We’re all guilty of hoarding more stuff than necessary. We buy one thing, then another, and before we know it, we have more items in our home than we know what to do with. If our bedrooms are overloaded with material items that we just don’t need, then it’ll be hard to enter into the relaxing headspace we need for a full night’s rest. So get rid of the junk: you’ll feel liberated afterwards!

Focus on the Essentials

It’s easy to get bogged down with taking care of all the things that’ll make your bedroom look great. But remember, a good bedroom takes care of the essentials first, and then builds out from there. As such, you’ll want to focus on the bed and lighting; the things that are conducive to rest, basically. Check out the best mattress provider, and make sure that your lighting isn’t too harsh. You want to create a calming atmosphere where you can unwind with a book, as well as get a great night’s rest.

Limit the Tech

A busy mind is the enemy of rest. And there’s nothing that keeps our minds as busy as technology! While it might be tempting to lose yourself in your smartphone from the comfort of your bed, it’s important to remember that you’ll be undoing all of the good work that lying down is supposed to do! It may sound bold, but a ‘no tech’ policy in the bedroom will do wonders for your state of mind, and in the process create a calming, relaxing bedroom. At the very least, make a vow not to use your technology too much before you go to bed; leave a minimum of two hours. You’ll feel and sleep much better if you do!

Peaceful Vibes

You can add a few extras to your room to in order to make it extra peaceful. Things like candles, incense, sweet scents, and more will all up for the comfort levels. Works of art are encouraged, too. Having a clean, organised bedroom, one filled with items that feed the senses is key to creating a relaxing, minimalist bedroom. Make the changes, and you’ll soon find that your home is working for your state of mind, and not against it. In a week, you’ll wonder how you ever lived any differently!

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Have you become a bit fed up with your home? Do you no longer enjoy spending time in it? If so, this could simply be because your home is in need of some TLC. Our properties all need maintaining, and after time, there are some areas that will need addressing more than others. However, it can be difficult to know where to start or what to prioritise. With that in mind, read on to discover some of the key signs that your house is in need of some TLC.

• Gurgling noises are coming from your drains – If you can hear sounds coming from your fixtures and pipes, which you don’t usually hear, then this is a sign that there is something wrong with your drains. This is especially the case when gurgling noises are combined with a toilet that is taking longer than usual to flush or sinks that aren’t clearing as quickly as usual. This gurgling sound will usually indicate that you have clogged drains. It is better to deal with this issue now, rather than waiting until you have a complete blockage on your hands. Not only could the latter scenario cost you more money, but also it could result in your bathroom floor being covered with toilet water and being out of use for a few days – not a situation anyone wants to experience.
• Worn countertops – If you hate the thought of preparing dinner in the evening, it may not be that you have fallen out with cooking, it could be that you have fallen out of love with your kitchen. One of the main reasons for this is worn countertops. Countertops, after all, are a good indication regarding the level of wear and tear in your kitchen, and in your house altogether. Over time, they can become worn to a dull appearance, burnt, and chipped. Replacing your countertops with a durable and high quality option is advised, as this will add further aesthetic appeal to your property while also boosting the value of it if you ever do decide to sell.
• Clutter – This is a major problem in a lot of homes. If you have a lot of clutter in your house, you are never going to enjoy spending time in it. This is because clutter creates chaos, which makes it impossible to relax or even think straight. Now is the time to tackle it. You should tackle each room, one-by-one, arranging all of your belongings into three categories: must keep, nice to keep, and don’t need. Anything in the latter category should be thrown away immediately. Anything in the first category should be kept and allocated a place in the room. You then need to deal with the items that would be nice to keep. Keep anything that you can find a space for, and get rid of anything you can’t place anywhere. And, by space, we mean in a drawer or on display, not simply piling things in the corner of a room. This will help you to make sure that you have the adequate amount of things for the size of your home. In order to maintain this level of organisation, you must then follow the one in, one out rule. So, whenever you purchase something new, you need to get rid of something you have in your home already to accommodate it.
• Mould and mildew – If you have mildew and mould in your home, you definitely need to act as quickly as possible. Not only does it look unpleasant, but also it can cause health risks to anyone living in the property. You may be wondering why your property has been attacked with mould and mildew. Both are indicators that you have too much moisture in your property. You will usually find mildew and mould in the kitchen and bathroom, but they can both appear in any room. So, the first thing you need to do is buy an appropriate cleaner to tackle the problem. Once you have done this, assess the ventilation in the room where the mould has formed. Consider opening a window or turning on a fan when these rooms are particularly humid so you can stop the mould and mildew from forming again.
• Water damage – This is another clear sign that your property is in need of TLC. Water damage accumulates over time, which is why it is vital to deal with the issue as soon as you notice it, otherwise you could end up with an extremely expensive repair bill on your hands. There are a number of signs that indicate you could have water damage, such as stained ceilings, running water when no one is using it, and a spongy feeling underneath your floor tiles. Your water damage could be an indicator that your roof is damaged or that you have leaky pipes. Either way, you need to get the professionals in as soon as possible to rectify the issue.
• Your carpets look dirty and dull – If you simply cannot breathe life into your carpets anymore; it’s time for an upgrade. Of course, you could give professional carpet cleaning a try before you give up altogether. Nonetheless, carpet doesn’t last a lifetime, and so it may be a good idea to consider something a bit more long lasting, such as hardwood flooring or tiled flooring. This can add a modern and stylish touch to your property while also being a lot easier to maintain.

If you have noticed any of the signs that have been mentioned above, it is important to take the steps to rectify the issues. By doing this, you are sure to fall in love with your property all over again. Your house will be much more enjoyable to be in, and you don’t need to worry about the issue getting worse and costing you even more money later down the line. You could save yourself a fortune!

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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.

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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?