Category: For the Home

Your home is where you spend more of your time, so you want to ensure it’s a space you love. There are a few reasons your house might not feel quite like yours, and it’s essential to take some steps to make it as cozy and welcoming as possible. Perhaps you live in a rented place – this can make it hard to forget you’re living in someone else’s home. You have only recently moved somewhere and are yet to make your mark. No matter why you haven’t, making your house feel like a home isn’t necessarily as difficult as you might think. Here we have put together some top tips to make your house feel more like a home. 

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How To Make Your House Feel More Like A Home

Add some homemade touches

One of the first things you can do to make your house feel like a home is to add some homemade touches. It’s the unique and individual things that can add your personal touch and differentiate it from other houses. You can make crochet and knitted items, paintings, and other crafts. If you want to learn how to make some items for your home, you can look up things such as How To Tie A Square Knot For Your Macrame Projects, to create beautiful pieces to hang on the wall.

Find quick fixes to your decor

If you live in a rented place or can’t afford to re-do a room such as your kitchen or bathroom, it’s a good idea to look into some quick fixes. One example could be if you don’t like your cabinets, you could change to new door handles or repaint them instead of buying new ones. You also could add some adhesive covering which is an easy way to transform the look of a surface without having to pay too much. It can make it look like it’s marble or wooden or has a different color effect for switching up a space and making it look like your own place.

Don’t underestimate your accessories

Accessories are an ideal way to make a house a home, transforming them into something cozy and beautiful. You can add many accessories, from sofa throws and cushions to candles, reed diffusers, and room sprays. Focusing on making your home smell nice transforms its look and ambiance. You can also add little trinkets and items that relate to your life and memories to add a personal touch.

Put photos on the walls 

Photos on the wall are a great way to make your home look and feel more personalized. Hang up pictures that make you happy such as ones from family weddings or on holiday. If you are in a rental, you don’t need to worry about not being able to hang photos up on the wall as you can use things such as wall strips which can easily be stuck up and peeled off when you move. As a rule of thumb, it’s better to opt for oversized photos rather than smaller ones, as they can add more of a luxurious vibe.

Use the right lighting to Make Your House Feel More Like A Home

Lighting can impact your house feel like a home. If you have harsh spotlights, it can make it feel cold and uninspiring. Instead, opt for different lighting levels, such as lamps, feature lights, or fairy lights. These make it less harsh and help to highlight areas of the room. If you have an armchair near a bookcase, a floor lamp is an ideal addition to pull the space together and make it feel cozier. Fairy lights are a beautiful addition to drape around a shelf, photo frame, or bed headboard.

Think about the colors you decorate with

There is a lot of science about color and how it can impact how you feel regarding a space. Colors such as red can increase your stress levels, whereas green and white can make you feel less stressed. If you don’t want to paint an entire room one color, you could opt for three white or neutral-looking walls and one feature wall. It could be painted or have wallpaper on it and can instantly transform the space. Also, consider color when furnishing or adding accessories and how they will work with your decor.

Choose comfortable furniture

When choosing furniture for your home, consider the appearance and feel. Too many times, people choose their furniture based on its aesthetics without looking into how comfortable and practical it is. When picking a sofa, find one that is well-made but soft and comfortable with space to curl your feet up or add a footstool. The same goes when you’re choosing a mattress, armchair, or new bed frame. Always look at reviews and be sure to try plenty in a shop rather than buying online.

Recap: Make Your House Feel More Like A Home

These are a few ways to make your house a home in no time at all. It’s surprising just how easy it is to transform a house from a place with four walls to somewhere that feels like a relaxing haven you can’t wait to get back home to. Many changes don’t require you to spend a lot of money but can impact how your house feels. By adding in things such as cozy accessories and finding a color scheme that is warm and inviting, you can pull everything together and make it feel like home.

Have you recently made some changes to your house to help it feel more like home? If so, what have you done? Let us know your tips in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!

Homes that look brand new look more welcoming and appear expensive too. Newer-looking homes tend to be more sought-after by homebuyers. While older houses aren’t particularly energy efficient, they are eco-friendly compared to building new houses. On top of that, new homes are more expensive. So, the best of both worlds is making an older house look new. So, if you’re looking to boost property value, here are some ways to do so!

How to Make Your House Look Brand New

Painting

When you’re working towards making your house look brand new, one of the best and most affordable options would be painting. It could go for your interior, exterior, and even your furniture. Plus, you can make your house a home by doing this. Pay attention to undertones when choosing a color for your walls (or anything else).

Medium tones can produce the opposite effect you’re looking for. Using the same undertones will also help you avoid painting a choppy strip down the center of your room. Choosing a color can make or break a room, and the right paint can make your home look cleaner. A light, neutral color can be the perfect solution for small spaces, while a bright accent can help a room look bigger.

Replacing or updating hardware

Adding a new piece of hardware to a room is a great way to freshen up the look of your home. For as little as $10 or less, you can find a set of drawer handles or doorknobs. The old cabinet knobs and drawer pulls get loose and squeak.

The best thing to do is to replace the old hardware with a new set that is stylish and durable. And for a fraction of the cost, you can install your new pieces in a day. If you aren’t ready to replace your entire cabinet hardware, try painting the existing knobs and pulls instead. It doesn’t need knobs because you can also include light fixtures and faucets.

Change the siding to Make Your House Look Brand New

The siding of your house is an essential part of the exterior. It protects the walls and the windows from weather damage while giving your home a finished look. It is a part of the aesthetics of your house and is the first thing people see. If you want to learn more about siding and why new siding can help make your home look brand new, you’ll understand why it’s needed. Just make sure to read up on resources and do not DIY this.

Modernizing

Some houses have an outdated appearance, whether it’s the architectural features or the color palette used. You can modernize the interior or exterior of your home, giving you many options. Consider painting the outside of your home or the decor inside your house.

Power washing

Power washing the exterior of your house can keep it looking fresh and clean. It’s a good idea to get your home power washed before you paint it. Power washing will ensure the new paint will stay in good condition for longer. The exterior of your home is up against the elements, so it’s going to deal with grime and dirt. It’s not a good look for your house, so you’ll need to give it a good power wash. Brand-new homes look clean and are stain-free; this is why power washing can be a great way to make your house look brand new. 

Recap: Make Your House Look Brand New

Making your house look brand new doesn’t have to be difficult. You can choose one task at a time and make all the difference. Which task would you start with?

In our ever-shrinking world, it’s no surprise that the longing for more room to roam is growing. We’re all crammed into tiny apartments and homes, and there’s barely enough room to breathe, never mind move around. Everyone is talking about this issue lately, with people calling for more spacious living conditions both in the city and the suburbs. So what’s driving this need for more space? And what can be done to address it?

Why We Want Room to Roam

One of the primary drivers is a need for privacy and separation. In today’s busy world, it’s hard finding time to relax and be alone with your thoughts. With people in ever-closer proximity, the longing for a separate space that’s all yours is growing stronger. It might come in the form of a home office or study area or just a room where you can escape from everything else going on around you.

Another factor is affordability. Many people cannot afford large homes anymore, especially ones with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. The prices are out of reach for most households, even those with reasonable incomes. It has led to an increased demand for smaller spaces that are still livable and practical.

Finally, the need for extra storage space pushes many people to seek out more room. Clutter can seriously impact our mental and physical well-being, but keeping things organized is hard in cramped spaces. It further contributes to the growing demand for larger living areas with more rooms and closets to store items.

So what solutions exist for those looking for more space? 

How to Find Room to Roam

1. Home extensions or renovations

Home extensions or renovations are often the most expensive option, but it’s worth considering if you can afford it and have enough land space. Building a separate room for a study or office or adding a second story to your house could make all the difference.

You could also consider building a garage or converting an existing one into a living space. If you decide to build one, contact a reputable garage builder and follow all necessary building codes.

2. Declutter

Decluttering is an often-overlooked solution. Your home may appear cramped and small, but it can feel more spacious if you get rid of clutter. To start your decluttering process, focus on one room at a time and sort out items you don’t need or use. Then, hold a yard sale, donate items to charity, or sell them online.

3. Invest in multi-functioning furniture

Multi-functioning furniture can help maximize the space in your home. For example, an ottoman with storage space inside or a bed frame with drawers underneath can save you from needing separate pieces for each purpose. Investing in specialized furniture can also open up floor and wall space, making your room look larger. 

4. Utilize vertical space

Using walls and shelving will help you maximize the vertical space in your home. Wall shelves or hanging organizers can free up floor space while still providing storage for items that don’t need to be easily accessed. You can also consider using ladder shelves, which take up less room than traditional bookcases but still offer plenty of storage. 

Recap: Room to Roam

Finding ways to make more space in your home doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult. Various creative solutions can help transform a cramped area into a spacious, welcoming sanctuary. So if you’re feeling squeezed for room, try out one of these ideas – you may find that all you needed was a little more room to roam. 

Did you know that there are pests in almost every home in the United States? In fact, according to the National Pest Management Association, over 42 percent of homes have a problem with some type of pest. While most people think of insects when they hear the word “pest,” these creatures can also include spiders, rodents, and even birds. If you’re having a problem with pests in your home, read this blog post. It will discuss common household pests and how to get rid of them.

Your Common Household Pests

There are many different types of pests that can infest your home. The most common include:

Ants

These small, hard-working creatures are attracted to food and moisture. They can enter your home through cracks in the foundation or windowsills. Once inside, they will build their nests and begin to reproduce.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are one of the most feared pests. They are dirty and carry diseases. They can enter your home through cracks in the foundation or doors and windows that are not sealed properly. Once inside, they will hide in dark, humid places like kitchens and bathrooms.

Spiders

Spiders are common household pests that can be both dangerous and harmless. The most common type of spider in the United States is the black widow. These spiders are not aggressive, but their bite can be deadly. Other types of spiders, such as the brown recluse, are more aggressive, and their bites can cause serious health problems.

Rodents

Rodents, such as mice and rats, are attracted to food and shelter. They can enter your home through cracks in the foundation or holes in walls. Once inside, they will build their nests and begin to reproduce. Rodents can carry diseases and contaminate food.

Birds

Birds, such as pigeons and sparrows, are attracted to open spaces where they can build their nests. They can enter your home through open windows or doors. Once inside, they will roost in attics or on top of cabinets. Birds can also carry diseases.

Getting Rid of Your Common Household Pests

Now that you know what types of pests are common in households, you’re probably wondering how to get rid of them. Of course, the best way to get rid of pests is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. Here are some tips:

• Seal cracks and holes in the foundation and around windows and doors.
• Keep food sealed and stored properly.
• Eliminate moisture sources, such as leaks and standing water.
• Keep your home clean and clutter-free.
• Take your garbage out regularly.
• Set up traps or use bait to catch pests.

If you have a pest problem, click here for professionals that will help you get rid of them. Professionals know how to correctly identify the type of pest and treat it accordingly. They also have access to products that are not available to consumers.

Final Thoughts: Common Household Pests

Pests can be a nuisance and even dangerous. But with a little knowledge and preventative measures, you can keep them out of your home.

You live a busy life taking care of your kids, being the best you can be at work, and hitting the gym so you can stay fit, so the last thing you want to have to do is spend a lot of time on chores. Having a low-maintenance home can be life-changing.

Housework is not many people’s favorite thing, but it is necessary if you want to have a clean and tidy home that you and your family can really relax in, so what can you do to make chores more bearable?

You could use these hacks to make your home as low-maintenance as possible so you can spend as little time as possible on chores and still have and clean and comfortable home.

How to Hack Your Way to a Low-Maintenance Home

Wave goodbye to carpets

Carpets may feel nice underfoot, and they might look good in any home, but they are a lot of effort. You need to vacuum them regularly and shampoo them periodically to keep them looking their best, if someone spills food or drink on them, then scrubbing the stains out can be a nightmare to say the least. So, if you are serious about running a more low-maintenance home, getting rid of carpets and replacing them with wooden or tiled floors, which can be quickly swept and mopped clean, is a no-brainer.

Make your roof metal

Next time you need to replace the roof, opt for a metal option instead of slates and shingles. Why? Because metal roofs are better at withstanding the elements, less likely to get holes in them, and can last for 50 years or more with the proper care, which means you can spend much less time patching up the roof and much less money calling in professional roofers to make repairs. Your home will look great and be low-effort when you have a metal roof in place.

Upgrade your windows 

Windows are often a major headache in the home. Theta re very good at attracting dust and dirt, and you need to keep them clean if you want to be able to have a nice view of the outdoors, and not feel embarrassed when the neighbors see how dusty they have become.

Installing new windows, like the ones on this website, which have between the glass blinds, is a good way to do this because they eliminate the need to dust down exterior blinds and window treatments, and when combined with a robotic window cleaner, that makes for a much less stressful life when it comes to keeping windows clean, at least.

Opt for leather couches for a Low-Maintenance Home

Leather couches are far better for homes with children and pets. Unlike other fabrics, leather can be wiped clean, and this means it is much less likely to end up stained and in need of a complicated cleaning process to get it looking its best. Leather is also much better at repelling pet smells and other odors than more porous fabrics which can tap bad smells in and leave you spending a whole lot of time on cleaning them up.

Add some siding

Siding your home is a great way to increase its curb appeal and add value to your property; it is also one of the most low-maintenance ways to protect your home’s exterior too. Siding is great withstanding the elements and will ensure that your home looks just as good a decade from now as it does on the day you have it installed. All you will need to do is jetwash it once or twice a year, whereas other options might need to be painted and cleaned much more often.

Decorate with washable paint

Decorating with washable paint and/or wallpaper is a no-brainer, especially if you have pets or children who have sticky hands and paws and a love of drawing on the walls! You will be able to simply wipe them clean so that they look as good as new, whereas if you opt for non-washable decor choices, you might have to repaint or hang a new wallpaper when the kids get out of hand.

Declutter

The less stuff you have, the less time you will need to spend dusting, cleaning, tidying, and putting away the things in your home, so if you want low maintenance, less is more.

Recap: Low-Maintenance Home

By making a few changes to your home now, you can save yourself a considerable amount of time in the future by making your home as low-maintenance as possible, and that means you will be able to spend less time cleaning and more time on the things that really matter!