Four Simple But Stylish Luxury Apartment Decorating Ideas!

This post is provided by Hailey Balzam.

Once you have made the decision to move to that urban oasis retreat, you need to turn it into a home as soon as possible. How can you blend contemporary with that relaxing home feeling in order to not feel like a stranger in the big city?  

Creating A Minimalist Vibe In A Modern Residence

A minimalist and simple room or apartment in general can create a sense of calmness and make anyone feel comfortable once they enter the room. The key concept of creating a minimalist vibe is to declutter the space and keep only the essentials to achieve a stress-free atmosphere in your luxury apartment. 

Using neutral colors throughout the apartment can really compliment all the extra space that you have created and open up the rooms. Applying tans and shades of gray can accent certain areas and the furniture you have in the room. 

Space planning is the key in pulling off the decorating minimalist plan of your luxury apartment. It is important to make sure all the furniture that is functional fits while taking advantage of any space for storage. 

Using Textures And Accessories

Having neutral colors in your house can create a relaxed vibe. However, you do not want to walk in the house and feel like you want to immediately snooze. Adding colorful textures and other accessories can really liven up a room and give it positive energy. 

Accessories can very easily liven up a room. Bright pillows, curtains, lampshades, rugs, or even a nice piece of artwork can change a room in seconds. Most luxury apartments have higher ceilings, so some nice curtains hung real high and puddling on the ground can really transform the look of a room. 

A good example can be found at http://ownatlantic.com, where they have big windows that look out over West Midtown in Atlanta. These windows can be covered with beautiful curtains which have the ability to determine the whole vibe of a room. 

Understanding Wall Space

While we can add different colors to the walls for a base coat of natural hues, understanding how the walls can be used to create positive energy is a real talent. There are a number of things you can do to either calm the eye or make sure their attention is grabbed. 

Creating pattern of lines meeting in one point can create a real sense of organization which further results in a sense of relaxation. A linear layout with the sofas against the wall and everything going in the same direction can create a chic and modern feel. 

It is important to align all paintings and TVs in the same direction. Finding the right painting can change a visitor’s opinion of your place while also stimulating conversation.

Taking Advantage Of Lighting

Some decorators argue that lighting is everything when fixing up or remodeling a new home. It is one of the most economical and easiest things you can change or apply to make a room more inviting. 

Natural and softer bulbs are more inviting than the cold bright light found in work offices. Brighter blue lights can act like an alarm clock and lower melatonin levels which can harm your sleep. 

Also, using natural lighting throughout the home is one of the best ways to liven up the house and increase the amount of sunlight one gets throughout the day. Increasing the amount of sunlight can help one sleep and feel better and also increase the energy level.

Adding skylights in the house or even positioning mirrors in specific locations can help increase natural lighting, create an illusion of larger space and chill out the vibe of your home. 

Jason Briggs is an influencer marketing pro with brownboxbranding.com who is passionate about building authentic relationships and helping businesses connect with their ideal online audience. He keeps his finger on the pulse of the ever-evolving digital marketing world by writing on the latest marketing advancements and focuses on developing customized blogger outreach plans based on industry and competition.

Considering Pest Control When Designing Your New Home!

This post is provided by Katherine Smith.

Are you getting ready to build your home from the ground up? There are countless things to keep in mind and consider as you plan and set up the design options for your new place. One thing that may not be on your list of priorities when configuring design and architecture is pest invasion. The last thing you want crawling into your home is a pesky bug or rodent from nearby. Consider your neighborhood. Has there been a history with pest problems before? Are you building in a rural area? If so, you may want to take some preliminary precautions before you build and design. Here are just a few helpful tips.

Reconsider Building On A Slab

Are you getting ready to plan your foundation? Many homes have a basement foundation which allows extreme structural support for your new home. Not all areas of the state can accommodate a basement foundation, for several reasons including the clay soil which makes it difficult to build on and the high water tables in many low-lying areas. If you will have a slab foundation, make sure that precautions are taken during the design process to prevent small insects and critters from coming in. This could be through insulated trim and making sure there are screens and screen doors throughout the home. If a basement is an option, it gives you a better chance of keeping pesky rodents and other invaders at bay. Contact a reputable pest control services company to come out and inspect your property prior to your build. It could save you hundreds of dollars on termite or ant infestation that could destroy your new home as well as its contents, very quickly.

Do Not Skimp On Insulation

When sitting down with your building contractor, be sure to include high quality insulation within your home’s interior. This would not affect interior decorating or design and will reduce the risk of pests getting inside your home and destroying your carpet, flooring and furniture. Some suggestions include:

*Insulated panels in the basement or crawlspace as well as walls prior to final construction.

*Blown-in cellulose insulation to trap warm air in and keep cold air out.

*Rolled or batt insulation in the attic and crawlspace to insulate and thwart winged intruders like bats and birds as well as four legged rodents and insects.

Insulation protects your home’s interior contents by stabilizing temperatures and reducing condensation buildup on the inside. Moist environments destroy home decor and also attract certain types of insects such as centipedes and some beetles.

Avoid Using Repurposed Materials

A cutting-edge design trend is to repurpose hard wood and other structural materials from a tear-down or previous residence. While this is a great way to give new life to old materials and give your home more character, use caution. Insects such as termites, bed bugs and powder post beetles are just a few of the invaders that can find their way to your new home. Even a small egg left behind could turn into a full infestation in days or weeks- and also spread throughout your entire home. Be vigilant and thoroughly inspect any used materials that will be used in your home. This could save you money in the long run in regards to exterminating a bothersome insect infestation.

Apply New Weatherproofing

Even though your home is likely very airtight due to new construction, consider adding additional weatherproofing to control a possible pest problem. Rodents, bats, insects and other small critters can easily squeeze through the tiniest of spaces within your home or crawlspace to reach a warm environment. In the meantime they can tear up wallpaper, wainscoting and affect the drywall in your newly designed home. If you are worried about a possible infestation, consider hiring a pro to come out and:

*Apply foam trim around doors, windows and any visible gaps or crevices.

*Add insulation to your garage door and areas between the foundation of your garage and the structure.

*Install spray foam insulation in between the door and window jambs.

Weatherproofing your home is especially effective in the late summer and fall months when some pests choose to look for warmer territory.

The best way to keep your new property looking its best is to keep uninvited critters outside where they belong. Calling a pest control specialist now to inspect your property will help detect any issues and give you some helpful tips to keep your home vermin free for years to come. 

Saving Money On The Big Move!

This post is provided by Katherine Smith.

It does not matter if you are moving down the street or across town, you can save money on your move and make the endeavor cheaper than you might have thought. The key to making sure that your move is more cost effective, less hectic, and less stressful is to make sure that you are organized before the move, staying organized throughout the process, and make sure that your attitude remains one that is positive.

There are quite a few ways to save money on your moving expenses. Some of them are pretty blatant, while others, not so much. Here are a few that might help you keep some of your hard earned money in your wallet and a tip or two to make the move easier.

Moving Companies

Moving companies, such as Allied Van Lines, typically base what they charge on things like the number and type of vehicles that will be used for the move and the weight of what is being moved. This means that the perfect time to get rid of your unused items is right before the move. By doing this and making the load lighter, you can actually end up with a bit more money in your wallet. Getting rid of things you no longer need or want is a great thing to do whether or not you use a full service moving company or you choose to move the DIY way.

Pro Tip: One of the things you can do to downsize your home and move is to give your old hand me downs and appliances you no longer need to some of your family members. If that is not what you want to do, you can consider donating them to charity and getting a tax deduction for them. Alternatively, you might consider selling them on Craigslist, eBay, or even just having a good old-fashioned yard sale. If you do sell the items, you can put that money toward the cost of the move.

Boxes

Why would anyone pay for something that they can easily get for free? If you know you will be moving in the near future, start collecting and saving boxes now. If you happen to order from any online warehouse clubs- such as Boxed.com, they send your orders in boxes that are excellent for a move. You might also be able to get boxes from a variety of local businesses such as offices (copy paper boxes), grocery stores, drugstores, and liquor stores. All that it takes is you asking for them.

Pro Tip: If you do happen to hire professional movers for the packing part of the job, they might require that your valuables be packed in boxes sold by them. You can avoid this by packing your own stuff, or at least your fragile and valuable items, before the move.

Other Packing Supplies

If you do decide to pack all of your own stuff, you need to ensure that you pack them well so that they would not be damaged or break. Most people use things like bubble wrap and those little white foam peanuts to pack things in, but this can get expensive quickly. Instead, you can wrap your items in old newspapers, comforters, sheets, blankets, and towels.

Pro Tip: When it comes to packing things that are in drawers, you do not need to empty them. Simply wrap them in plastic wrap (like the cling wrap used for leftovers). You will be able to see what is in the drawers, save space in the truck, and save on packing materials.

Off Season Moves

You can also save a bit of money on your move by moving during the off season. This is the months between September and the end of May. Moving rates are typically lower then. This is because people with children who are school aged tend to try to move during the summer months when school is out.

Pro Tip: You can save money during the peak moving season by scheduling your move during the week as opposed to on the weekends. However, to save the most amount of money possible, try moving during the off season AND in the middle of the week. That being said, moving is the same as anything else, if the demand is high for a specific date, prices might be higher regardless of the season or day of the week. 

5 Stylish Home Office Features!

This post is provided by Jason Tilton.

Home offices are the most requested “special” room addition to homes being remodeled and built today. With more people beginning to telecommute and work from home, it makes sense to include a place within your home where you can work privately and efficiently, without interruptions or the intrusion of home life. And while you do not need to create a commercial office design within your own home, there are several attributes of traditional office design that can help make you feel more productive while in your office. These attributes do not have to come at the cost of style, however; it is possible to create stylish home office designs that will make you look forward to going to work each day. These five examples can help you get started.

Hardwood Floors

Nothing adds value to your home like hardwood flooring. Hardwood is elegant, easy to clean and maintain, and instantly dresses up any area of the home. Ripping out old carpeting and installing hardwood in your home office can instantly make it feel more professional and more like a workplace than a converted bedroom or storage space. Best of all, with new engineered hardwood flooring, you can install wood anywhere in your home, including below grade which means that you can get that beautiful hardwood look even in a converted basement area. 

To really up the style of your home office, consider inlaying a second color of hardwood as a border around the room. You can outline your desk area or just the perimeter; either way a two-tone hardwood floor can really set your home office apart.

Lighting

No matter what type of work you do in your home office, good lighting is crucial to your success. Many commercial office spaces are beginning to include more natural light in the office design, as studies have shown that the inclusion of natural light not only lowers energy bills, but also increases worker happiness and productivity as well.

Make sure that your home office has plenty of natural light to begin with. Consider enlarging any existing windows, and invest in window treatments that can give you the privacy you need without blocking any of the light. If you entertain clients frequently in your home office, a large picture window behind your desk can be a stylish and impressive feature in the room.

Next, add strategic task-oriented light sources at your work area. These can be as subtle as recessed lights installed from your coffered ceiling just above your desk, or as decorative as some handblown glass pendants suspended over a work table. Whichever route you choose to add additional light, make sure that it is focused on your work area, and that when the light is on, that it helps to define the space, setting it apart from the rest of the room for maximum impact.

Built-In Furnishings

The best part about designing a home office is being able to create something that is uniquely suited to your work, your lifestyle, and your personal taste. Built-in furnishings within the room allow you to get those features in a way that is not only functional but very stylish at the same time.

Bookcases are a traditional office addition, with many people choosing to build them into the room, rather than simply placing them there. This creates an impressive display and sets the tone for the rest of the space.

Next, consider your desk area and how you could create workstation that caters to all of your needs. Maybe you have shelving attached to the desk and extending upward against a wall. Or perhaps you have a desk that is built into a corner of the room to create an L shape that allows you to have multiple devices running at the same time, all of them in easy reach. By building your furnishings into the room, you create a powerful image within the space that will not only make you feel more at home there, but that will impress visitors as well.

Conversation Area

Whether you entertain clients on a regular basis, or you just want to create a comfortable space within your home office, a conversation area is a great addition. Including a couple of comfortable chairs with a table and rug and some amish decors to define the space can not only create a stylish addition to the room, but can add a sense of welcome and comfort at the same time. 

Conversation areas should invite intimacy, so be sure to angle the seats toward one another and set them apart from the main work space within the room. Now when you have clients or friends drop by, they will feel instantly welcomed and at home within your office.

Wall Treatments

While the walls in a commercial office may be plain, the sky is the limit when it comes to what you can do within your home office. To create a place that you want to go to everyday, consider trying out some different wall treatments in the space.

Consider a bold accent wall color behind your desk to liven up the space. Or, consider using a different material to create your accent wall, such as dry stack stone tiles or reclaimed wood. You can also change up your walls frequently with the help of vinyl wall decals, which peel off easily without harming the paint behind, so you can change out the decorations whenever you choose.

Create A Better Home Office

You spend a lot of time within your home office everyday, so make it a place you want to visit by including some stylish features. Use these five features as a starting point to creating the perfect design of your own.

2017 Home Interior Design Trends Are Sure To Last Well into 2018!

Your home is your castle and it should look like an oasis. You should walk through the front or garage-access door after a hard day’s work and breathe a wonderful sigh of relief. Imagine this: You walk in, put your stuff down, and take a moment to look around, in love with what you see evening after evening. When everyone rang in 2017, they rang in a year filled with fun and classic interior design trends, and the best thing is, these trends will last for years to come.

Soft Yet Sophisticated

The harsh and cutting lines of contemporary and modern looks are long gone, as are pastels as you know them. Some of the most popular furniture pieces for 2017 are rounded, not squared. This does not make them feminine, however, so bachelors need not worry. Rather, the rounding gives the furniture more of a retro feel- a flash back to the 1960s, which is fun, admittedly. The interior colors also take you back a few decades to pastels that are dusty and sage, rather than powdery. No more baby blue or mint green.

For those who prefer a darker interior, black and natural metals are making a huge comeback. Many necessities and decorative pieces are showing up finished in black or in natural brass and copper. This includes table and floor lamps. “Moody” is the theme here, as people seek to step away from bright and airy and more toward dark and sophisticated. Dark gray and blue walls, even just accent walls, are huge. If you prefer more color, choose darker jewel tones, such as fuchsia, green, teal, or even a deep, deep blush pink.

Additional Steps Away From Contemporary And Modern

Simple and bare are also gone. Minimalist is a bad word in 2017. People are once again seeking living spaces that are not only functional but also luxurious. Barely there interior design is being replaced with functional pieces that everyone can enjoy. This includes plenty of furniture for sitting and tables to rest things on. Clutter might not be considered good for feng shui, but people want living spaces they can enjoy to the fullest, and this includes having every luxury- absolutely every luxury- and necessity you need.

Think Local And Natural

One interior design trend in 2017 has been gaining momentum over the last few years, and that is “buy local.” Many people are disgruntled with imported goods. This is not only bad for the U.S. economy it also puts smaller, local shops out of business. Spending your money locally boosts your community and helps you feel better. You walk in and see furniture and décor made by local artisans, maybe even people you know. Do not forget to go local with other necessities as well, such as family heating and cooling maintenance and repair.

Natural is also a huge trend, and it should be. Despite inaccurate statements from the 2017 presidential administration, global warming is real and recent studies show that if people continue to ignore the problem, there is only a 5% chance of avoiding disaster by century’s end. No more plastic or other man-made materials when it comes to interior design in 2017. Rather, natural material that can be replanted to avoid deforestation or made from recycled materials is hot, including plywood and canvas.

These are just some of the many exciting interior design trends for 2017 that are sure to last for years to come. The beauty of interior design is you do not have to follow any trend if you do not like it. Your interior space is yours and yours alone, so you should take your ideas to an interior designer and turn them into your reality. The designer may be able to combine your thoughts with the latest trends that you adore, such as a teal accent wall in your living room yet dusty blue and green accent pillows on your furniture.

Four Critical Pieces You Need For Enjoying Your Home!

This post is provided by Katherine Smith.

Working to have the best living space possible can help you enjoy your daily life. This means investing time in decorating and upgrading your property by adding new things to it. Making an effort to do this is sure to help you get the results you desire and a more attractive home in the process. There are certain items you will want to have that are important for daily use. Here are some things you may want to have in your home.

Perfect mattress

There is nothing better for your health and well-being than getting adequate rest each night. This can allow you to be prepared and ready to face the challenges of the day.

Regardless of where you live, it may be a good idea to visit your local mattress store to assist you in looking at a variety of mattresses. They will help you find the one that offers the most comfort for your body and can help guarantee a good night’s rest.

The Mayo Clinic states an adult should aim to get at least seven hours of sleep per night to feel well.

Modern appliances

The key to making your life easier may rest in having the most up-to-date appliances in your home. Do you have a refrigerator that stays cool enough and offers you the option of ready-made ice?

What about a self-cleaning stove that does all the cleaning work for you? These are things you will need to have if you want a life that is less stressful and easier to manage.

Taking time to try and purchase appliances that are of the highest quality and will work to get the job done fast is one thing you will want to do. Be sure to look for energy efficient options that can help you save money on energy costs!

Living room furniture

The key to making your home feel as comfortable as you would like is by purchasing the right furniture. Having couch, chairs and matching recliners is certain to help you feel better about your living space.

This will provide you with a place to relax after a hard day at work. Some things you will want to consider when purchasing the ideal living room set is the pattern and fabric of the set you select.

If you have a large family, you will want to consider how challenging it may be to keep your living room set clean. It may be a good idea to have any fabric you select coated with a stain resistant product. This is typically offered by most stores and makes clean ups a breeze.

Entertainment center

You may enjoy watching television a great deal and want to find the best place to put this item. One thing you can do is invest in a quality entertainment center.

Finding an attractive entertainment center can be achieved by looking at a variety of furniture stores. Locating one that matches your other furniture can assist with making your decorating efforts pay off significantly for you.

Having a home you will love and enjoy is sure to be the key to a happier and healthier life. You can make this possible by investing your time and energy into choosing the right items for decorating your home. Be sure to visit local stores in your area that can help you select the ideal things to achieve the goals you want today!

Choosing The Right Floor For Your Home!

This post is provided by Megan Reece.

When it comes to redecorating and renovating your home most people opt straight for the paintbrush, or head to the store in search of furniture that will bring the room back to life. Whilst both of these are important, have you ever considered how much of a difference your floor can actually make? The very foundation/base of your home is the floor and yet it is so often overlooked. Today, we have teamed up with Luxury Flooring to tell you why renovating your home should literally start from the bottom! 

As mentioned earlier, the floor is the foundation of your home and when it comes to pairing with your interiors and furnishings it can really set the tone for how you may choose to build upon it. Of course we are not insinuating that your flooring must match the decor of your home but it can help towards a theme, for example if you are looking to stick with neutral colors such as beige and magnolia then these can be paired with deep wooden floorboards, but if you are looking at a grey color scheme then perhaps you could head towards a more pale/whitewashed floor. 

One of the most important things that you will have to consider when choosing your flooring is what budget you will have to play around with. Do not get us wrong it would be absolutely wonderful if money was no object and everyone could buy whatever they wanted, but unfortunately life does not work that way! The first thing you need to do when it comes to working out the cost of flooring is determine how much you will actually need, once you have the measurements done then comes the fun part; choosing the material that you want! There are so many types of flooring available on the market, all with different price tags but what it really comes down to is personal preference, in the end you are paying for quality and longevity within your home. 

With budget crossed off there is another important aspect to factor into your decision, what kind of traffic will be walking on your floor? No we do not mean transport! Foot traffic, for example, how busy is your home? Where will the flooring be installed? If you are looking at somewhere like the hallway or lounge and kitchen area then it is likely to get busy because these are the places that we walk in and out of more often than others. If this is the case then it may be worth your while investing in more durable materials like hardwood flooring or perhaps laminate, heck if you feel like getting real fancy then why not throw some tiles into the mix? If you are considering giving your bedroom a bit of a facelift then you can play around with softer materials as they would not face such a heavy footfall. 

Whilst looking at the traffic of your floor it is also a good idea to consider the type of home that you are living in. Are you a bachelor with the world at your feet (literally)? Or do you run a tight ship family home with little ones and pets running riot? Although they are small they can cause a bit of damage given half the chance- of which I am sure many parents can vouch for! This is when you have to look at things like the guarantee that is offered with different floors and the ability to sand and refinish should any damage occur. The most family-friendly floors in our opinions are bamboo (also eco-friendly), laminate, wood floors and even vinyl. 

So with these all in mind you should have all the information that you need when it comes to considering new flooring. Now take it and run with it, there is more to life than carpets!

Things You May Not Have Thought About for Your Bathroom Remodel!

This post is provided by Katherine Smith.

So, your bathroom need a makeover? Bathroom renovations are among some of the most popular home improvement projects. Whether you are looking to enhance functionality, bring it up to modern times, or increase the overall value of your home, there are some important things you need to consider. You are going to be investing a lot of money into this project and knowing what to expect is ideal.

Plumbing

When you are thinking about your dream bathroom, the last thing on your mind is the plumbing. Though you might be more focused on tile color and bathtub type, it is important to think about your plumbing. This is especially true for those who have older bathrooms. Issues with ejector pumps (Check out most common ejector pump problems and their solutions here), improper sewage flow, old and rusted pipes, dry rot, mold, and water damage are all a real possibility when you start to tear down those bathroom walls. Plumbing problems are not the only thing you will need to consider when it comes to a bathroom remodel. You will also need to think about your design choices in relation to your plumbing. For instance, a walk-in bath would require more plumbing than a traditional bathtub.

Design

Bathroom remodeling costs can quickly get out of hand, so make sure that you are careful when choosing your design. While things like paint and bath fixtures can be changed out for a reasonable price, when you get into changes that involve structural work it is not as simple or affordable. Go to showrooms to get ideas, check out boards on Pinterest, and lastly make choices that you love and would not get tired of in a few years.

Lighting

You need proper lighting in your bathroom at all times. Whether you are shaving, taking a bath, using the restroom, or applying makeup, you want to make sure that you have the right lighting to do it in. Some suggestions for lighting might include installing task lighting that would illuminate areas of your bathroom where you need the most light. Another option is installing dimmer lights so that you can adjust the lighting as you see fit. You might prefer dim lights while bathing but bright lights when washing your face in the morning.

Cabinets and Storage

Storage is important in a bathroom if the space allows for it. As you think of ideas for storage make sure that you are not only thinking of style but functionality as well. Recessed, built-in shelves for instance can help you save space in the bathroom while providing ample storage for toiletries. Under sink storage is also great for keeping bathroom cleaners and larger necessities that would not fit on the shelves.

Safety

Safety is probably not something you thought about in your bathroom remodel but it is vitally important. With water being present often in the bathroom, the chance of accident is higher. Installing grab bars and shower seats are great not only for those with a disability but to help keep those who use the bathroom safe. Here is a bonus, installing a shower seat can provide a great place to sit when shaving your legs.

Bathroom remodels are a great way to enhance the overall look and feel of your home and accommodate your lifestyle. When you are ready to design the bathroom of your dreams, be sure that you keep all of the above factors in mind. It also helps to work with an expert remodeling company to ensure that the project is completed without a hitch.

Modern Dining Room Design Ideas For 2017!

This post is provided by Jesse Hughes.

In modern homes, family meals are often eaten in the kitchen, with the dining room reserved for special occasions. 

The dining room should be a unique room, one that says something about you. A space that dinner guests can admire. What can you do to make your dining room stand out? How can you put a personal or family stamp on it?

Let us take a look at some fresh design tips for 2017 to help create a stand out dining room. The good news is that these ideas are all affordable. You would not need a huge budget at your disposal.

Make a feature of your dining table.

A well-chosen dining table can be an excellent talking point in your home. 

Here are a few points to remember when you are choosing the right table for your dining room;

-Large, distressed wooden dining tables work well in a rustically styled home.

-If your dining room is traditional, you may want to search for an antique carved table that adds individuality.

-A modern dining room benefits from a table made of materials such as glass and metal. Concentrate on simple designs and clean lines.

You can often get a great deal on previously owned tables. Especially the case if you are looking for a table that has a little wear and tear, to give it an authentically distressed look, see some fine examples here.

Think about dressing the walls.

The use of wallpaper can transform a bland dining space into something special. Ornately designed wallpaper can give warmth and a feeling of grandeur or add a touch of vintage style to your dining room. Try bright blues or yellows to give a natural and airy feel to a more modern style.

Mix and match your dining chairs.

Traditionally, dining chairs matched. That is no longer the case. Having a set of six different chairs is a fun and quirky way of stamping your own style onto your dining room décor. 

Use mirrors to their full effect.

Mirrors are a welcome addition if you have a dining room that is of limited size. Mirrors create a feeling of space. Stick to using a mirror as a feature, on one wall of the room. Locating it opposite a window can create the effect of extra light.

Bring plants into the equation.

Plants do not just add a natural feel to the decoration in your dining room; they are also good for the atmosphere and the people in the room. 

Plants process carbon dioxide to create oxygen which is released into around them. This is just one of the health benefits you can get from having plants in your home. A unique indoor plant can also serve as a great talking point around the dinner table. 

All of these dining room ideas can bring a whole new lease of life to your home. Why not put one or more of them to use, in making your dining room a special place to eat. 

Things You Should Know About Pest Prevention And Extermination!

This post is provided by Jesse Hughes.

Pests in your home- what you need to know. 

Having pests in your property is not just an inconvenience; it can also result in a lot of damage, and it can even cause health problems for people living in your home. You should do everything you possibly can to prevent pests from invading your home. And, if you do encounter a pest problem, it is important that you make sure it is dealt with as soon as possible. 

If you do not take action immediately, the problem is only likely to get worse, and you can end up dealing with thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to your property. So, what can you do to stop pests invading your home, and why is it so important to get rid of them if they do appear?

Tips for preventing a pest invasion. 

There is always a chance that pests will get into your home; but you can make it more difficult for them to do so. 

1. Block all gaps and cracks in the exterior walls of your property. It is easy for pests to gain access through them if you do not do this. 

2. Do not leave any water pooling next to the exterior of your property. Pests such as termites are attracted to damp areas. 

3. Keep around a one foot gap between your home and any bushes or shrubs that are planted around it. Pests can gain easy access from bushes which are planted closer. 

4. Do not leave garbage uncollected and make sure the interior of your home is kept clean. Things such as food scraps can be enticing for pests. 

5. Spread diatomaceous earth around your property, inside and out. It has an adverse effect on the exoskeletons of insects, and causes them to die. 

6. Have a pest control inspection carried out on a regular basis; click here for more information. 

All of these tips can help you prevents pests from entering your home, but what if they are already there?

Why you need to deal with pests quickly?

As soon as you suspect that you have a problem with pests, you need to take action. There are two main reasons for this; damage and health issues. Pests such as rats can chew through the wiring in your property, which can in turn lead to a fire breaking out. Termites are known for chewing through the wooden structures of properties, causing major structural damage. These are just two examples of damage that can be caused by pests. 

If anyone living in your home has a reduced immune system, or suffers from an illness which causes breathing difficulties, it is highly likely that they will be adversely affected by pest urine and feces.

You can see how important it is to get rid of pests as quickly as possible. It is possible to use eco-friendly methods to try and do this, including the diatomaceous earth we have already mentioned, and a soap flake and water solution which can be sprayed on insects. If you have any issues dealing with a pest problem you should call in the professionals; do not just leave the situation to chance. 

6 Quick Tips For Decorating Small Spaces!

This post is provided by Clarissa. 

Maximizing the space you have is ideal when you have home that may feature smaller rooms. You want others to get the sense that your house is roomy and inviting. There are a few ways you can optimize your space for comfortable living.

1. Purchase Furniture That Has Multiple Uses

Buy furniture that has ways for you to store your items. Having a large piece of furniture with multiple uses will eliminate the need for you to buy additional pieces. You will also be able to cut down on the amount of clutter in your home. Storage space within furniture is great for families with children who may need places to store playthings.

2. Use Mirrors To Create The Illusion Of More Space

If you want to make a room feel more spacious, purchase some mirrors. Your home will be reflected in multiple places which provides viewers with the feeling that you have more area in your home. Decorating with mirrors can also complement other aspects of your home tying together your style.

3. Instead Of A Sofa Opt For A Settee

You want your living room to be a welcoming place, but you do not want one piece of furniture to dominate the space. Instead of purchasing a large sofa go for a settee. It will still seat more than one person while still leaving room for you and your guests to stretch their legs. 

4. Do Not Hang Curtains Directly Above The Windows

Hang your curtains as high as your space allows. Rather than placing curtain rods directly above the windows, install them closer to where the wall meets the ceiling. Doing so creates the illusion of a higher ceiling and forms cleaner lines that are more appealing to the eye.

5. Select Appliances That Are Not Boring

By picking retro appliances and/or ones that are not your average black, white or stainless steel, you add a touch of intrigue to a small space This could include convection ovens and other small countertop appliances as well. Adding a pop of color or something that is more unexpected has the ability to make people see more than just the fact that your space is small.

6. Use Whatever Space You Have Under The Stairs

Maximize the space you have available to you and declutter what is out in the open by using the space under the stairway as added storage. Installing coat hooks or small cubbies for shoes will give you a spot to designate for items that may end up being thrown on the floor. 

These easy steps will have you on your way toward creating the sense that your home is larger than it is in reality. Guests will feel at home in your space as they take note of the decluttered and decorative touches throughout.