Home & Interiors

4 Luxury Home Upgrades You NeedPic Credit: Unsplash

4 Luxury Home Upgrades You Need

There are plenty of things you need to check before buying a home, but what about things to add when you’re buying one? Luxury home upgrades are a way to transform your home into a dream home. They can be anything from adding a pool or upgrading the kitchen to building a backyard garden. 

Plus, these home upgrades are not just limited to a certain budget. There are many ways to upgrade your home without spending a fortune. So, if you’re looking to increase the value of your home and make a worthy investment without breaking the bank, then here is everything you need to know.

Landscape Design

A garden is a perfect way to bring natural beauty into your living space. It’s one of the upgrades that bring luxury to your home that you may have never known you needed. It comes in a variety of styles, too, and it’s all going to be up to you on how you want your property to be landscaped. Some upgrades you need can include:

• Outdoor furniture
• Outdoor Lighting
• Outdoor fireplace

Having been through this recently I can honestly say one of the best investments for us was our garden space. It adds an extra space for our busy house. You can really make this space anything you want it to be from an oasis for your morning coffee, to a kids play area to an entertainment space. The possibilities are endless.

Renovate Your Bathroom

The bathroom is the most important room in your home. It is where you spend a lot of time, and it is also the place where you can relax. However, if you have an outdated or dingy bathroom, it can affect your mood, and it could affect the property value too. Fortunately, there are many ways to renovate your bathroom without spending a fortune on new fixtures and appliances. 

Plus, depending on what you’re after, you can easily do it yourself or hire a contractor, such as a local electrician. Installing a new tub, shower, and sink can be pricey. But it’s worth it when you see the transformation that comes with it. It really was one of the  luxury home upgrades we didn’t hold back on. There is nothing more relaxing that chilling in a bath reading a book. 

Brand New Window Treatments

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Every home needs a good window treatment, and these come in a variety of different sizes. They are designed to make sure that rooms are more comfortable, efficient, and beautiful. There are many different types of window treatments available on the market today, but the most popular ones include:

• Blinds: They come in a variety of colours and patterns, and they can be opened or closed depending on your preference.
• Curtains: Curtains come in many different shapes, sizes, and colours and can be customized with different fabric options.
• Shutters: Shutters can be found in many different styles including wooden window shutters or metal shutters with a variety of colour options for customization. We choose white shutters for the front of our house when we got our new window and can honestly say I love them. We got so many compliments on how well they look and how elegant they are. Not to much mention practical for living in a housing estate. It gives us great privacy. 

Plus, you could take it a step further by getting motorised window treatments and using your home assistant to open them at set schedules. Now, that is peak  when it comes to luxury home upgrades!

Note: This is a collaborative post

Create Long-Term Value for Your Home by Investing in a House Extension

Your home is not just a place to live; it is an investment that can appreciate in value over time. If you’re looking to increase the value of your property while enhancing its functionality, investing in a house extension is a strategic move. A well-planned extension can not only provide you with additional living space but also create long-term value for your home. In this article, we will explore the benefits of investing in a house extension.

Increased Square Footage

One of the most obvious benefits of a house extension is the increase in square footage. By expanding the footprint of your home, you create additional living space that can be utilized in a variety of ways. Whether you need extra bedrooms, a home office, a playroom, or a larger living area, a house extension can provide the solution. The added square footage not only improves your day-to-day living but also enhances the value of your property.

Enhanced Functionality

Investing in a house extension allows you to tailor your home to meet your specific needs and lifestyle. The extra space can be designed and utilized in a way that complements your family’s requirements. A house extension enables you to create dedicated areas for various activities, such as a spacious kitchen for cooking and entertaining, a private home office for remote work, or a luxurious master suite for relaxation. By enhancing the functionality of your home, you not only improve your quality of life but also make it more appealing to potential buyers in the future.

Customization and Personalization

A house extension offers an opportunity for customization and personalization. You have the freedom to design and choose the layout, finishes, and architectural details that align with your taste and preferences. This level of personalization allows you to create a unique living space that reflects your style and meets your specific requirements. By investing in a house extension, you can differentiate your home from others on the market and increase its value through the added customization.

Increased Property Value

One of the most significant advantages of investing in a house extension is the potential to increase the value of your property. Adding extra living space, especially in the form of a dormer loft extension, can significantly boost the market value of your home. The loft space, often underutilized or used for storage, can be transformed into valuable living space through a dormer loft conversion. This addition not only expands the usable square footage but also enhances the overall appeal and functionality of your home, resulting in increased property value.

Stay in Your Desired Location

When you invest in a house extension, you can stay in the location you love and avoid the need to uproot your life and search for a new home. Moving to a new area often involves numerous adjustments, such as finding new schools, establishing new social connections, and adjusting to a different neighborhood. By investing in your current home, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of your preferred location while enhancing the value and livability of your property.

Avoid Moving Expenses

Moving to a new home involves significant expenses, including real estate agent fees, legal fees, stamp duty, and removal costs. By choosing to invest in a house extension, you avoid these expenses altogether. Instead, you can allocate your funds towards improving your existing property and creating a space that aligns perfectly with your vision. This cost-saving aspect makes investing in a house extension a financially prudent decision.

Adaptability to Changing Needs

A house extension provides adaptability to cater to your changing needs over time. As your family grows or your lifestyle evolves, you may require different living spaces. A dormer loft conversion, for example, can accommodate growing families by providing additional bedrooms or living areas. However, as children grow older and move out, the loft space can be repurposed for other needs, such as a home office or a relaxation area. The flexibility offered by a house extension allows you to adapt your living spaces to suit your evolving lifestyle, ensuring your home remains relevant and valuable for years to come.

Energy Efficiency Improvements

Investing in a house extension also presents an opportunity to improve the energy efficiency of your home. By incorporating energy-efficient materials, insulation, and modern heating and cooling systems, you can reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills. Energy-efficient features are highly valued in the real estate market, and potential buyers will recognize the long-term cost savings associated with an energy-efficient home. This, in turn, enhances the value of your property.

In conclusion, investing in a house extension, can create long-term value for your home. With increased square footage, enhanced functionality, customization options, and the potential to increase property value, a house extension is a strategic move that benefits you both in the present and in the future. By staying in your desired location, avoiding moving expenses, adapting to changing needs, and improving energy efficiency, you are investing in the long-term potential of your home. Embrace the opportunity to invest in a house extension and create a living space that adds value to your property and enhances your lifestyle.

Note: This is a collaborative post 

Small Space, Big Impact: Unleashing the Hidden Potential of Your Home with Clever Furniture Choices

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Imagine living spaces that don’t become frustrating places full of clutter but instead serve as havens of efficiency, comfort and style – something few urbanites are used to since more room comes at a premium price.

But fear not: here we share secrets for turning any diminutive dwelling into a majestic sanctuary through strategic furniture selection – an adventure which promises to leave you inspired with happier surroundings!

Understanding The Challenges Associated With Small Living Spaces

Small living spaces present unique challenges. Their walls become smaller with every purchase made, leaving homeowners searching for space. Furniture needs become apparent as household belongings multiply – however necessity creates opportunities! A bit of creativity can turn even small rooms into works of beauty with functionality and elegance in equal measures.

Selecting Furniture for Small Spaces

At the heart of good interior design is selecting the right furniture! Finding pieces that meet the scale of your space and work harmoniously is critical.  Like orchestrating an unforgettable concert; your articles of furniture must be chosen to meld harmoniously with one another for maximum impact, their sizes complementing both the other items of furniture and the size of the space itself!

 Multifunctional furniture options will amaze and dazzle; seek multipurpose solutions like tables that effortlessly fold away or ottomans with hidden storage.  These marvels can transform an otherwise cramped home into open spaces full of possibilities and potential opportunities!

Creative Storage Solutions

Ah, the timeless battle against clutter! But do not despair: salvation lies within ingenious storage solutions. There is so much space you can use for storage – you just need to keep an eye out for it so you can transform those unused spaces of your house to make them look good and finally have a practical purpose!

Welcome vertical space as it unlocks the hidden potential in your humble abode: book shelves can serve as protectors for treasured tomes while floating shelves provide even more space while also providing a magical way to add style to a bedroom or living room.

Another extra storage option includes beds which open up to reveal drawers, and therefore offer sweet promises of order among chaos!

Design Tips for Small Spaces

With just one flick and an eye for aesthetics, you can transform any minuscule area into an aesthetic delight. For example, you can both brighten your home and make it seem much bigger than it is with the use of strategic bright lighting.  

You can even achieve this effect just by painting your wall the right color – as according to interior design experts Tanya Peters and Renee Struthers, ‘A light wall color will allow the natural light to move around the space, creating the illusion that the space is larger’. Trust the experts!

Mirrors can also help visually exaggerate the size of your interior as they can create an illusion of spaciousness by reflecting light and making the room feel more spacious than it actually is.  It might require some strategic placement but it’s a great hack for improving the look of your home.

Minimalism: Celebrating Simplicity in Small Spaces

Another solution to dealing with a home that feels too crowded is minimalism, as it offers us the ability to declutter small spaces while simultaneously clearing away physical and mental burdens that weigh us down. Adopt the philosophy that less is more and free your living area of clutter with furniture with clean lines and subtle designs that serve multiple functions while making its own statement. Remember, each piece should serve a distinct function. 

Focus on keeping open spaces to create an ambience of calm. Surround yourself with natural materials and neutral tones for additional serenity and grounding effects. By adopting minimalism into your small space, you can craft an environment which rejuvenates the mind, nurtures the soul, and offers deep satisfaction of peace and contentment.

Extend Your Living Space Outdoors

Explore your outdoor living space options! Even tiny homes can find comfort in nature’s embrace; its fresh air and sunshine rejuvenating bodies and souls alike. Invest in compact outdoor furniture designed to blend naturally into nature – or something neutral like rattan garden furniture to provide comfortable seating area options!

Take advantage of vertical space by hanging planters or wall-mounted shelves; use dual purpose pieces; incorporate nature-inspired elements for increased functionality, or bring nature indoors – you’re bound to create an oasis that blurs indoor/outdoor boundaries! Step outdoors, take a deep breath, and witness all that small space transformation has in store!

Conclusion

While a cramped home might be overwhelming, you can employ various strategies to make it as grand as a mansion. By strategically selecting furniture, judiciously using space and more, small dwellings can fulfill their potential. So step boldly into this realm of small space transformation and let your creativity soar! Your home holds infinite opportunities waiting to be discovered and taken advantage of!

Note: This is a collaborative post

When it comes to designing our homes, we’ll usually focus on the areas we use the most and that we can see. This could be living areas, bedrooms, and kitchens, for example. However, it might be that there are hidden gems lurking in the underused spaces in your home that, with some creative thinking, could be turned into very useful areas indeed. Read on to find out what you might need to look for and consider when you’re transforming your home’s underused spaces.

Your Basement 

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Not every home has a basement, but if you do have one, you should really make the most of this space. Very often, a basement is only used for storage or perhaps as a place to do laundry, but it can be so much more than that if you think about it.

One thing a basement can turn into is a home office, for example. If you thought you would have to move, work in your bedroom, or install an expensive garden room because you’re working remotely now, work with your basement first. Turning this into a home office can be ideal as it’s part of the house, but it’s still separate enough to help you with your work-life balance. Or what about an entertainment zone? You could make the basement into an ideal relaxing space complete with bar, games station, and TV area.

Your Attic 

Much like with your basement, most people only use their attics for storage, and even then, they don’t go up there very often – it’s just a place to put things and forget about them. This is such a shame as there is usually a lot of space in the attic; although the ceiling height might be low in parts, the space the room takes up will be the entire area of a floor in your house. That’s a lot of space to waste. 

You can convert your attic into another room, like a bedroom, for example. If there is enough space, you could turn this into a full suite, complete with a bathroom and perhaps a study or dressing room too. It’s a good idea to get some legal advice from good solicitors if you want to go down this route, and there will be various rules in place when it comes to adding to your home. 

Nooks And Crannies 

Look around your home as carefully as possible, and you’ll start to notice plenty of underused spaces in your property. With some creativity, many of these can be used to enhance your home and make it even more usable. Of course, you don’t want to take every available space and make it into something because your home will start to get too full and cluttered, but taking some of them and using them wisely is an excellent idea. 

You could, for example, take an underused corner of a room and turn it into a lovely, cosy reading nook complete with a comfy chair, table, lamp, and some bookshelves. Or perhaps you want to use one small nook to create the ideal pet area that doesn’t encroach on the rest of the room.

Note: This is a collaborative post

One of the things that you are going to need to do when you own a home is take care of it. Too many people don’t bother trying to keep their home in the best possible condition, but this is going to cause you no end of problems. The more issues that you allow to build, the more problems that you are going to have to deal with, leaving you more stressed out than ever. The good news is that there are some pretty basic things that you can do in order to take care of your home properly, and we are going to be talking about them in this article. Keep reading down below if you would like to find out more about this.

Clean

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First, you need to make sure that you are keeping your home as clean as you can. We know that this can feel like an impossible task, especially when you have kids running around, but there are a few little tips that you can use to make it a little easier. First, you can get your kids involved in the clean up if they are old enough. We know that some parents don’t believe in getting their kids to clean up after themselves, but it’s teaching them a valuable lesson as well as helping you out. When they are finished playing with their toys, let them know that it’s tidying up time, and help them to put away their items. Eventually, they should get used to doing this.

As well as this, you want to make sure that you are cleaning up as you go so that it doesn’t become a mountain that you need to tackle. This can feel like the hardest thing in the world to do at the moment, but the future version of yourself is going to thank you for doing it in the moment. It takes seconds or minutes to do in the moment, but if you let it build up, it could take hours in a few days.

Repair

When you notice that something needs repairing, it can feel like the end of the world. If you don’t have the money for a fix then you feel guilty for not getting it fixed right away, and you are constantly worried that it’s only going to get worse. It’s true that you should worry about the latter, but don’t let it take over your life. If you can fix the problem yourself then we recommend doing this as it’s going to be cheaper than hiring someone to come out and take care of it for you. However, there are going to be some fixes that you won’t be able to sort, and you will need to hire a company to come and sort it.

The important thing to remember is that if you do have the time and money to get the problem sorted, you should. Don’t put it off because it’s not a big issue right now, because you have no idea when it’s going to become a big issue. The longer it’s left, the longer it has to develop, and this can be a nightmare that costs you an arm and a leg.

Organize

If you’re taking care of your home then you want to keep it nice and organized. You don’t want to have things thrown all over the place, or have piles of items because you have nowhere for them to go. It’s worth decluttering your home every now and then to make sure that you only have items that you actually want or need. The problem with clutter is that it can easily become a hazard if you are not careful, with people tripping over things, injuring themselves or something just generally getting in the way.

The best way to declutter is to start at one end of the house, and then work your way through room by room. This way, you won’t miss anything, and you will be able to get rid of whatever you don’t need.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you are going to need to do when it comes to taking care of your home. Ideally, you should have been doing these things long before now, but if you haven’t been then there is no time like the present. We know that sometimes it’s a little difficult to keep up with everything that needs doing, but you’ve got this. We wish you the very best of luck, and hope that you manage to take care of your home properly going forward.

Note: This is a collaborative post

Welcome to the ultimate guide for making your backyard into an alluring oasis for entertaining! Your outdoor space should not merely serve as a site for gardening and relaxing; rather it should become the venue of incredible memories with family and friends.

Your backyard supplies endless entertainment options! In this blog post, we will outline four valuable strategies that can transform your outdoor area into an entertainment hotspot!

1. Add Attractive Seating Areas

Your backyard seating arrangements form the cornerstone of an enjoyable outdoor entertaining space. Now is the time for creativity; no more basic lawn chairs and picnic tables!

Pic Credit: Pexels

Try creating cozy nooks using outdoor sofas adorned with comfortable cushions topped by plush throws for an authentic boho aesthetic or mix and match different seating types such as wooden benches, colorful chairs and hammocks for an unconventional approach.

Add Some Shade Too

Shade options like folding arm outdoor awnings can add an elegant touch to seating areas by incorporating them in your backyard design plan. Not only can they offer shelter from the elements, they add sophisticated style as well! 

You can choose from multiple colors and patterns for the perfect addition to existing decor! Imagine sipping cocktails under an eye-catching awning as the sun streams down – that would genuinely be backyard bliss!

2. Set the Right Atmosphere With Creative Lighting

Lighting plays an integral role in setting an inviting ambiance in your backyard, setting the mood and adding a special glow. Get creative when selecting lighting solutions; your backyard could even become an enchanted forest at night!

Creative Lighting Ideas

String lights make an efficacious means of adding warmth and glow; try hanging them from trees, pergolas, or awnings as an extravagant yet whimsical embellishment option; lanterns, candles, or fire pits may also come in handy to brighten this outdoor haven!

Add something memorable and eye-catching to your lighting game with features like fairy light curtains, chandeliers, or colorful LED light fixtures in order to elevate it further. Not only can these eye-catching options provide illumination; they are also stunning visual focal points which add drama and flair to outdoor spaces like your backyard! Just imagine soft warm lights illuminating shadowy corners creating magical environments sure to leave guests speechless!

3. Enhance Your Outdoor Kitchen and Bar Experience

Food is at the core of every gathering, so what better way to impress guests than with an outdoor kitchen and bar? Say goodbye to having to run between home and backyard to obtain drinks and snacks; now your backyard can become an idyllic culinary spot where you can prepare delicious dishes while socializing with guests!

How to Create an Outdoor Bar and Kitchen

Spend your hard-earned cash wisely by purchasing an outdoor grill, mini fridge and countertop space explicitly designed to prepare and serve food. Make it more eye-catching by including pizza oven, smoker or teppanyaki grill for additional appeal in your outdoor kitchen/bar space.

Add an outdoor bar area complete with sink, cocktail station and storage for drinks/glassware; create the ideal setting to entertain friends & family while sharing stories under the stars – be that grill master or cocktail enthusiast!

4. Bring The Outdoors In With Landscaping And Decoration

Landscape design and decoration can take any backyard to new levels of brilliance. From small patios to expansive gardens, landscaping and decor are effective tools that elevate outdoor spaces to new levels of splendor and harmony.

Start by adding natural elements like plants, flowers and trees which bring serenity and tranquility – choose blooming varieties to ensure there’s always something beautiful around!

Add charm and variety to your backyard by including decorative accents like outdoor sculptures, wind chimes or water features into its design. Playful touches like using vintage bikes as planters or swing sets is also fun; while colorful outdoor rugs, pillows and throws provide both color and comfort when seating areas need seating areas! When it comes to landscaping and decor projects – let your creativity run free.

Conclusion

Converting your backyard into an entertainment oasis involves more than creating beautiful space: it consists in making lasting memories with family and friends. Through creativity, planning, and effort you can turn it into an inviting atmosphere where laughter, joy, and relaxation are always within reach.

Note: This is a collaborative post

As a parent, you want your home to be a safe and welcoming place for your children. Turning your house into a kid-friendly home can make your daily routine easier and more enjoyable for you and your kids. Here are some tips to help you create a child-friendly space in your home.

Create A Designated Play Area

Giving your children a space to play and explore without worrying about breaking fragile items is important. A designated play area can be a separate room or a corner of a larger room. Consider adding a soft rug or carpeting, toy storage bins, and child-sized furniture.

Encourage Play Outside 

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Consider what features you could add to your backyard or courtyard to make it an enjoyable area to hang out in if you want to encourage kids to spend more time in the garden. For example, your kids would spend hours playing in a Wendy hut or tree house. In addition, they would play in a sandpit, climbing wall, swing, and trampoline.

Why not turn a blank fence into a huge blackboard for the youngsters to play games like hangman or noughts and crosses on if space is at a premium? This simple project can be completed quickly if you have an afternoon to spare, some treated wood, and blackboard paint.

Rounded Furniture

Use furniture with rounded, soft edges to reduce accidents caused by sharp edges. Avoid sharp edges, such as couches, tables, and coffee tables. If you have furniture with sharp edges in your home, consider edge protectors to reduce accidents.

Objects That Don’t Tip

The youngest children and babies play on furniture. This could entail pulling and gripping, which, if done incorrectly, could cause a heavy piece of furniture to topple over. Fortunately, many anti-tipping systems can hold heavy furniture firmly in place.

Make Storage Accessible To Kids

Ensure children can easily access their toys and games using open shelving or baskets. This will encourage them to be more independent and tidy up after themselves.

Children’s Paint

Let’s face it; children can scribble and spill on walls, which causes a mess. Fortunately, most home improvement stores have washable interior paints, an excellent remedy for such accidents. 

Flooring And Area Rugs

Children spill things. We advise installing hardwood and vinyl flooring in your home for easy maintenance. For your living areas, consider area rugs as well. This will give your kids a more comfortable place to sit and play while on the floor.

Add A Porch 

A porch can be a great addition to a child-friendly home, providing a safe and enclosed outdoor space for kids to play. However, the cost of building a porch can vary depending on the size and the type of materials used. 

In addition to creating a kid-friendly home, involving your children in the process is important. Ask for their input and let them help choose colours, fabrics, and furniture. This will help them feel like they have a stake in their environment and encourage them to take care of their space.

Choose Furniture With Fixed Cushions 

The majority of kids enjoy playing active and pretend games. These games frequently include moving furniture around the house to make their thoughts come to life. Pushing and rearrangement of furniture is not exactly a good idea, even if it can be entertaining and exciting for the little ones. Not only may moving furniture harm individual pieces, but it could also put children in danger. 

Choose furniture with fixed cushions. Although they can be large and heavy, they are a safer alternative for families with young children. This is because they are too heavy for them to move around. Furthermore, since fixed-cushion furniture is more comfortable, children will play on it rather than move it around.

Make A Place Where They Can Relax 

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Children are constantly moving and have active minds. Children gain from being encouraged to relax, read, or look at a picture book, just like adults. Get a pair of beanbags, place them in an empty nook or corner of the house, and add a small bookshelf. This will create a designated area for kids to do this. Another straightforward yet efficient alternative is adding a couple of floor cushions and picture rails to a corner of their bedroom to display books. 

Keep Adults Out

Everyone wins when kids have space to build with Legos, create with craft supplies, paint, and sketch. This keeps all that creative energy in one place. The right storage is essential to designing a successful room for kids only. Cleaning up is simple with a cube unit with separate boxes for craft supplies, toys, blocks, dress-ups, and other items.

Take Advantage Of Their Creations

Kids want to share their things with others. Even though retaining every sketch or daub is impossible, selecting a few masterpieces and putting them on display in a sturdy frame is a great idea. Since most artwork can fit in these frames, you may change the decor frequently. A piece of thread with wooden pegs can also be hung in a child’s room, playroom, or a communal area. Children enjoy seeing their work displayed. Many inventive display choices are available, so there is something to fit any interior design aesthetic.

Bring The Outside Indoors 

Why not assign your child the duty of caring for the plant in their bedroom even though you may have a few house plants distributed about? Going to a garden centre and choosing a plant and pot together can turn it into an experience. Get a cheap clay container that your kid can paint or decorate if you want to keep costs down.

Turning your house into a kid-friendly home doesn’t have to be a major renovation project. Instead, by making a few simple changes, you can create a safe and welcoming environment for your children. This will encourage them to learn, explore, and grow.

Note: This is a collaborative post

Creating a garden that is eco-friendly is a great way to support the environment and create a beautiful outdoor space that benefits both you and the planet. One of the most important aspects of an eco-friendly garden is efficient water use, and one way to achieve this is by putting in a slimline water tank.

Pic Credit: Unsplash

Water tanks are containers that collect and store rainwater to use later. By installing water tanks, you can reduce your reliance on municipal water supplies, which can be both costly and damaging to the environment. Not only that, but collecting rainwater can help to reduce runoff, which can lead to erosion and water pollution.

When creating an environmentally friendly garden, it is important to choose plants that are suitable for your climate and soil conditions. Native plants are usually the best choice, as they are already adapted to local conditions and require less water and fertilizer than non-native species. Additionally, native plants help to support local wildlife and promote biodiversity. 

Another key factor in creating an eco-friendly garden is reducing your use of pesticides and fertilizers. These chemicals can harm beneficial insects and pollinators, as well as contaminate local water sources. Instead, think about using natural pest control methods, such as planting companion plants and crop rotation. You can also use compost and other natural materials to make your own organic fertilizer.

As well as using rainwater collected in water tanks, there are plenty of other ways to reduce the amount of water you use in your garden. For example, mulching around plants can help to retain moisture in the soil, while using a drip irrigation system can deliver water directly to the roots of the plants, reducing waste. You can also use water-efficient gardening techniques, such as xeriscaping, which involves planting species that are tolerant of drought conditions and need little or even no watering.

When designing your sustainable garden, think about adding features that support local wildlife. For example, putting in bird feeders, bird baths, and native flowering plants can attract a range of bird species to your garden. Installing a bee hotel or planting a pollinator garden can also  support bees and other pollinators that are essential for the health of ecosystems and food production.

Finally, when maintaining your garden, be sure to practice sustainable gardening techniques. This could include using hand tools instead of gas or electric powered equipment, composting waste from your yard, and reducing your use of plastic and other non-recyclable or single-use materials. By practicing sustainable gardening, you can reduce your environmental impact and help to create a healthier planet for many generations to come.

In conclusion, creating an eco-friendly garden is a great way to support the environment and create a beautiful outdoor space to enjoy with your friends and family. Not only will your garden benefit the planet, but it will also provide a peaceful and rejuvenating space for you and your loved ones to enjoy. 

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Bathroom renovations add value to your home, they give you an upgraded sense of comfort and style, and if you’re smart about it, you can add a lot of functionality without having to take out a second mortgage. 

If you’re looking to make some changes to your bathroom, but don’t know where to start, we’ve got you. These tips will not only help improve the function of your bathroom, but they will add a touch of that spa experience too!

Style vs. Functionality 

We recommend staying away from design trends that will not stand the test of time. It’s always hard to predict where our aesthetic preferences will go, but we’re pretty sure a carpet in the bathroom, 1970s style, never had a practical component. 

Instead, where possible, opt for solutions that combine the style and function of bathrooms. And if you do go for style only, go for the inexpensive details you can easily replace when you decide you want something a little different. 

The ‘Miracle’ of the 2-inch Drain Pipe 

Many modern bathrooms clog regularly, which can get incredibly annoying. With this very small (potentially DIY, if you’re up for it) improvement, functionality will increase plenty: 

Replace your drain pipes with 2-inch diameter varieties. Most use PVC pipes that are only 1.5 inches, which clog super easily, particularly if you have a big family sharing a single bathroom. The cost difference is approximately nothing, which makes this upgrade a no-brainer. 

Low Flush Toilet 

According to the EPA, the average low-flush toilet can save up to 13,000 gallons of water per year. For those of you who are concerned about the environment and your monthly bills, this is a big win. 

Low-flow toilets have a bit of a bad reputation. That’s because the 1990s vintage was terrible in terms of performance. These days, however, they’re just as efficient as the ‘normal’ varieties. Just be aware that high-pressure versions are a little bit louder. 

Think About Ventilation 

Bathrooms are the most humid rooms in the house, for obvious reasons. Condensation on windows, tiles, and mirrors can lead to expensive issues in the long term. And if you develop mould, that’s not good for your health. 

Ventilation is therefore an important component of a healthy and low-maintenance bathroom. We recommend investing in a bathroom vent fan; don’t skimp on the cost, as the cheap varieties are nowhere near as effective, and can even be a potential fire risk. 

Say Goodbye to Your Bathtub 

Ask yourself an honest question: how often do you really use your bathtub? And even when you want to have a relaxing candle-lit bath after a rough day at work, something (or someone!) tends to get in the way.  

Instead, consider a bathtub-to-shower conversion. There are several benefits: 

• Increased safety. The bathroom can be the most dangerous room in the house, with the CDC recording over 20 million injuries per year. 
• More space. Bathtubs do not use space efficiently. Not only that, showers that use clear doors can also give the impression of more space, resulting in a roomier feel overall. 

• Accessibility. If you’re planning for life in your later years, shower rooms are far more accessible and will make it easier for you to get clean. 

Hidden Tanks 

Toilets aren’t exactly stylish, no matter the type you purchase. You can, however, make this essential bathroom component a little more aesthetically pleasing by hiding the tank inside the wall. This will not only improve the overall look and feel of your bathroom, but it will also save a fair amount of space. 

Note: ensure that the setup still allows for routine maintenance. You don’t want a leak to develop, only to find that there is no way of accessing the water tank without causing significant damage. 

Ultimate Luxury: Rainfall Shower Heads 

We don’t know about you, but we love that luxury 5-star hotel spa feeling. And why not bring that into your home for a fraction of the price? This is how you do it: rainfall shower heads. 

Just imagine yourself disappearing into a tropical getaway, with the gentle drip of a waterfall above you. It’s a huge pro to any bathroom, and the plus point is that it’s quite inexpensive. 

Heated Flooring 

Our final tip may not be attainable depending on your budget, but if you can swing it, heated flooring will cause a revolution of style and comfort in your bathroom. They require a bit of an up-front investment, but the cost won’t be as high as you may imagine. Get a few quotes and you will be pleasantly surprised. In the long term, it’s also a more efficient way to heat the room.

 In terms of comfort, it’s no contest. You won’t get the problem of stepping on cold tiles after your morning shower, and it will make the getting ready process far more comfortable overall. 

Just remember: put most of your money into function, as this is where you’ll get the most value. The details are for styles that change yearly, as these can be swapped easily and for little money. 

5 Kitchen Features You Need to Implement to Make Your Mornings Better

The freedom to add many kitchen features can help you be more productive during the mornings. It’s a time when cooking takes a lot of energy and effort, especially when you have work or school. 

If you increase functionality and accessibility in your kitchen, you can have more productive mornings. Having a great kitchen also ensure you have a positive and stress-free start to your day. 

Even if you’re someone who sleeps late, having a stress-free and productive morning routine is crucial. To help you out, we’ve made a list of kitchen features you can implement to make your mornings better. 

If you live in a town like Northampton, you can add these features to your kitchen by hiring a specialist. 

Let’s get started!

Have an Organised Storage Space

To lower the time spent making breakfast every day, you need to make everything easily accessible. We recommend investing in a clever storage system because it helps to eliminate clutter while making it easier to find items.

A smart storage system should have cabinets for dishes, pots, pans and other utensils. You should also have space to easily find fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients.

Having a smart and organised storage space makes it easier for your to tidy up your kitchen before and after cooking. Additionally, having cabinets, drawers, and other organisers makes it more convenient to find items in the kitchen.

Invest in Multipurpose Kitchen Islands

Multipurpose kitchen islands have grown in popularity over the years and could be the perfect inclusion for your kitchen. These areas are the heart of the kitchen and provide versatility. 

You can use a kitchen island to make meals while allowing others to sit and interact with you, making it a social area. It’s the perfect choice for those who want to juggle the responsibility of cooking and talking to family and friends simultaneously. 

They also provide extra storage space you can use to make your breakfast more quickly. Overall, these kitchen islands carry out the purpose of being a breakfast table while cooking and can make your mornings more active and exciting.

Provide Proper Kitchen Seating

If you have a large kitchen, we highly recommend trying banquette seating on the side. While breakfast might not be the time for a lot of conversation, socialising can help improve your mood and plan a schedule for that day. 

Proper kitchen seating is ideal if you have family or regularly host guests for sleepovers. This addition makes your kitchen a conversation-friendly place for long relaxed breakfast meals. 

It also makes your home more welcoming and comfortable if you add soft and cosy furniture. Having a relaxing conversation area in the kitchen can make your morning more exciting with your family and friends.

Use Modern Appliances

Having modern and reliable appliances plays a crucial role to make the cooking process smoother in your kitchen. If you’re looking to create your breakfast quicker, we highly recommend purchasing appliances that can assist you in making meals. 

The ability to make your breakfast quickly can reduce the amount of stress that comes in the morning. Some modern appliances you can consider buying include a digital fridge, blenders for smoothies, programmable ovens and more. 

These appliances in your kitchen ensure that you can get your breakfast ready with a few taps. However, prepare your ingredients and cut them if required at night to make your next morning more easy-going.

Have a Modular Lighting System

If you prefer waking up before the sun rises, you should consider having a modular lighting system in your kitchen. However, many people underestimate the power a well-designed lighting system and don’t have one at their home.

Good lighting can have many underlying benefits and works wonders for your mood and productivity in the morning. You should try using a combination of cool primary lights and warm ambient lighting to optimise your kitchen. 

It helps you to start the morning in the right way and helps you focus better when you’re cooking a delicious breakfast. We recommend consulting a kitchen specialist if you want to implement modular lights in your kitchen. 

To Sum Up

This sums up our suggestions for kitchen features that can improve your mornings. You can implement these features whether you’re looking to build a new kitchen or upgrade your existing one. 

These simple kitchen upgrades can help bring a more modern feel to your space that caters to your needs. It can also play a massive role in making your mornings more productive and enjoyable. 

Now, go ahead and work towards bringing these beneficial changes to your kitchen space. It can help start your day right, building the foundation of living a healthy and productive life. 

Note: This is a collaborative post