Tag: Home

Categories
For the Home Home How To

5 Ways to Give Your Home Some Vintage Charm

If you feel that your home lacks something essential and doesn’t quite offer the charm and character you’re looking for, now is the time to do something about it. Updating your space can be daunting if you don’t know where to start. Luckily, there are many ways to add more vintage charm and style to your home.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Vintage Charm
Source

How to Give Your Home Some Vintage Charm

Choose Vintage Artwork

One of the best and easiest ways to deliver more vintage charm inside your home is by hanging vintage artwork. Landscape paintings and things like that can help. However, it’s up to you what you choose and how you interpret the word vintage within the context of the art. There are not any right or wrong answers here.

Make Use of the Original Features

If you live in an old home that has seen many changes and renovations over the years and decades, you might want to think about stripping things back a bit. Using the home’s original features, you can deliver on that authenticity factor and utilize the home’s underlying vintage charm.

Go Back to Basics

Going back to basics and not worrying too much about small details can be a big help. Focus on the things that truly matter and strip back the layers. By doing so, you create a home interior that feels classy and charming. It’s a strategy you might want to consider if you’re looking to keep things clean and simple.

Choose Furniture with a Vintage Spin

Pick out a couple of new vintage-inspired furniture pieces for your home to add vintage charm. At independent retailers like A Cottage in the City, you can find a wide range of furniture pieces that are heavily influenced by vintage aesthetics. 

Go Antique Hunting

If you don’t want to buy new furniture with a vintage spin, look for original pieces instead. You can find pieces from the design period of your choice. There are so many great antique stores and websites out there that you can browse and search through to find the ideal pieces for your home.

Give Your Home Some Vintage Charm

There’s no shortage of ways to bring some of that warmth and vintage charm into your home. If you’re unsure where to start, make the most of these ideas. Just make sure you put a personal twist on the tips you implement.

Categories
For the Home Home

What To Do When Your Home Offer Is Rejected

Setting out on the adventure of buying a home is exciting but also nerve-racking. Then comes the time to put in the offer, sit back, and wait to hear from the owner. What do you do when the offer is rejected?

Offer Is Rejected, Home Offer Is Rejected

First, don’t be too hard on yourself.

There are plenty of reasons for rejection, and even seemingly perfect offers can end up getting pitched. Here is a quick rundown of why some offers are rejected and steps to take afterward.

For starters, we’re in a hot market — as you probably already know. Generally, in a hot market with rapid sales, a buyer has an increased probability of seeing his or her offer rejected as sellers see an increased number of bids. Receiving a negative response to your offer can stem from many issues. Was the amount of earnest money or the bid too low? Was there a competing offer with a higher down payment or even a cash offer?

All these financial issues and more could have factored into the seller’s decision. It could also be something so simple as the owners decided to remain in the house for personal reasons or you asked for too many contingencies. Having such conditions is good because it shows seriousness. However, having too many contingencies may put more responsibility on the seller than he or she is willing to accept.

The first course of action is to understand why the offer was declined.

Follow up with the real estate agents involved or ask an expert to review the bid.

Next, draft a counteroffer if one was not provided with the rejection.

If the sale was not made contingent with another offer, you can possibly seal the deal with a counter. It’s advised to seek the help of an agent for this part of the process, as well. Be sure to work with an agent who understands seller interests and is going to have your back. Aside from counteroffering, there are a few other steps.

Ensure your finances are in top shape to better compete with other offers. You can also seek new construction.

While the price may be higher than pre-existing homes, the process for buying new construction can be simpler and you might not have to face rejection after rejection. As you continue your journey, remember to keep in touch with an agent, stay informed, and don’t compromise too much. It’s better to miss out on a home than to agree to terms with which you are not comfortable, or pay more than you can reasonably afford.

While the market is currently wild, finding a place to call home is not impossible. It’s important to stay positive and to keep looking. If you can’t seem to find any luck, there are experts available to help get you on the right path. For further information on what to do when an offer is rejected, please see the accompanying resource.


Infographic Provided by Marketplace Homes

Author Bio: Ian Hall is Vice President of Marketing for Marketplace Homes, a national brokerage and property management company. He specializes in real estate functions, such as buying and selling homes, with a particular interest in new construction homes and SFR investments.

Categories
For the Home Home Outside Fun

Should You Install a Pool – or Buy a Hot Tub Instead? Pros and Cons

Swimming pools and hot tubs can both bring a sense of luxury to a home. They’re both great for having a soak in the summer, but which one is worth installing? Ultimately, it depends on your goals and the available space, but whether you should install a pool or hot tub also depends on a few other factors. This post explains the reasons for considering each one.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Install a Pool, Install a Pool or hot tub
Source

Why install a pool?

Pools are ideal for avid swimmers – you can stay fit by practicing your lengths at home. On a hot summer’s day, they’re also great for lounging around in, and they can make a great party piece.

Kids love swimming pools, and while some parents worry about safety concerns, there are various measures you can take to make a pool safer when not in use.

Pools come in all shapes and sizes. You can work with pool installation companies to find the right shape for your backyard. One surprising aspect is that you can even build an indoor pool by converting your basement.

You may not get as much use out of an outdoor pool if you live in a cooler climate unless you’re willing to spend extra on a heated pool. Of course, indoor pools can also solve this issue but can be more expensive to build if you need to make other structural changes.

One important thing to remember: if you move to a new home, you can’t take your pool with you. A pool is generally only worth investing in if you plan on staying in your home long-term. However, it could add value to your home. Inflatable pools are an exception to this, and they’re also a great budget option.

Install a Pool, install a pool or hot tub, install a hot tub
Source

Why buy a hot tub?

You cannot swim in a hot tub, but you can spend plenty of time relaxing. These water features are built specifically for lounging in, so bear this in mind. Like a pool, they can be great party pieces. Or you can use them to relax alone after a hard day’s work.

Hot tubs are smaller than pools, and you may find that they’re better suited for a smaller space. You can also take a hot tub with you if you move to a new home.

While you can get a hot tub installed as a permanent feature, portable hot tubs are more popular. You should still note that transporting them may not always be easy, especially if it’s a large hot tub.

There are various models to explore. While you can invest in some large and expensive hot tubs, there are also cheaper inflatable options if you’re on a tight budget. 

Both – or neither?

If you’ve got the money, there’s nothing to stop you from buying both. You could even build a swim spa, which is a combination of the two. It’s important to note that a swim spa can be expensive, of course.

Of course, there are instances where you may want to avoid both. Pools and hot tubs both require a lot of maintenance – even the cheaper inflatable options. Make sure that the usage you get out of them is worth the upkeep and maintenance.

While many people like the idea of a pool or hot tub, some people soon regret these purchases. The regret sets in when they realize the amount of work needed to keep them safe and hygienic. Make sure you’re prepared to keep them maintained and consider everything before you install a pool or hot tub. 

Categories
For the Home Home Parenting

4 of the Best Reasons You Should Consider a Changing Table For Your Baby’s Nursery

Before my oldest was born, everyone told me I wouldn’t need a changing table. People said I’d never use it, and I’d change his diaper wherever I was in the house. Because of this, I didn’t plan to get one. I needed a dresser, though, and my cousin told me she knew someone giving one away for free. The dresser was perfect for the theme of my son’s nursery, and it had a changing table on top. Since the changing table was already there, I bought a changing pad and a cover for it, and it ended up being the best decision for my baby’s nursery.

The changing table quickly became a place of high use. I took Sylas there for every diaper change because it was easier than having diapers and wipes lying around the house. Plus, if I needed to change his clothes, they were all right there.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Changing Table For Your Baby's Nursery

Why You Should Consider a Changing Table For Your Baby’s Nursery

You Can Focus On Your Baby More

The best part about the changing table was all of the other time we spent there. After bathtime, I’d lay my son down, lotion him up, get him dressed, and do anything else we needed to do. I found that using the changing table helped me focus on him more. I took my time getting him ready, enjoying the baby scents and the time spent caring for my perfect little man.

We’d spend time playing together as he lay there looking up at me. I’d tickle him, talk to him, point out some of the things around his nursery. He’d smile, coo, giggle, and look around, taking in his nursery. It was also one of my favorite places to take pictures of him because I could always get him to smile.

While you can get by without a changing table, these memories were some of my favorite ones from when my son was a baby. I loved that time because it gave me a chance to have no distractions as I cared for him. He could lay out comfortably while I got him ready and talked to him. Plus, we had everything we needed within reach, from diapers and wipes to lotion, fingernail clippers, and other necessities.

You Don’t Have to Bend Over or Sit on the Floor

When you have a newborn, you’ll change diapers at least every two hours. Constantly bending over or sitting on the floor to change the diaper can take a toll on your back. Even if you aren’t worried about back pain, it’s still easier to do things efficiently when they are at your height.

You Can Use it For Storage

Babies require many products for their care, and you don’t want them all over the house. When diapers, wipes, lotions, creams, and other products get strewn around, it’s hard to use them during diaper changes. You’ll have to keep stopping to find the next thing you need, leaving your baby waiting.

If you have a changing table, you can keep all baby care items in one place. Some changing tables are attached to dressers, while others have shelving underneath. Determine which items you need to store and choose your changing table based on your needs.

Changing Tables Tie the Nursery Together

Sometimes your baby’s nursery needs a little something more to pull it all together. You can often find a changing table that matches your baby’s crib and other furniture. Some cribs come with a changing table attached, helping save space and help with functionality.

Consider a Changing Table For Your Baby’s Nursery

If you don’t have a changing table or don’t know if you need one, consider the little moments when making your decisions. Not everyone uses them, but they can be an opportunity for bonding with your new baby.

Categories
For the Home Home How To

4 Easy Ways To Make Your Driveway More Welcoming

When it comes to having people visit your home, the first thing they see is the front of your house. The front of your home says a lot about who you are and the way you live. It gives your guests an instant first impression of you, which is why it’s essential to make your driveway more welcoming. There are several small things you can do to improve your driveaway, as well as some more expensive options.

Make Your Driveway More Welcoming
Source

How to Make Your Driveway More Welcoming

Add Plants

Plants are a great way to add some character to the front of your house. They can be affordable and make an instant difference. Depending on the type of plants you buy, they can add color and give your home some personality. Consider what plants your neighbors use and try matching or adding something similar that will enhance the look of both your properties. For some inspiration, Pinterest can be a great place to browse as well as Instagram.

Spray The Moss Off Your Brickwork 

Over the winter months, you will be amazed at how much dirt your driveway can accumulate. You can remove all the dirt and make your driveway look pristine by using a pressure washer. Take a before and after photo, as you will be surprised at the difference a pressure washer will make. When cleaning the bricks, try to scrub the crevices to eliminate buildup. If you notice your driveway has damage, it could be worth considering a concrete driveway repair to make your home as appealing as possible.

Add Some Lighting To Your Driveway 

Lighting is essential whenever you want to enhance your home, whether it be your bedroom, bathroom, yard, or driveway. By adding lighting or being creative with the lighting options you already have, you can add dimension to your driveway. By using solar lighting, you can light up a pathway to your front door, or you could use spotlighting to help people when they are at your front door – plus spotlighting is a useful burglar deterrent.  

Clean Up Your Borders 

If you have greenery in your front garden, make sure it’s landscaped and trimmed down. If you aren’t regularly cutting it down, it can become overgrown and look very messy. When trimming your borders, this could be a great chance to add new plants or remove any old plants that have died over the winter months. You can clean up your borders yourself, but if don’t have time, or you have a big front yard, you can always hire a gardener to do it for you. 

Make Your Driveway More Welcoming

What tips do you have to make your driveway more welcoming? Will you be following any of the tips above? Leave a comment and let us know.

Categories
Adulting For the Home Home Parenting

4 Positive Ways to Prepare Your Child for Relocation

Moving is one of the most stressful events that a family will ever go through. Kids are usually more affected by relocation than adults and feel like they’ve lost their sense of home and security. Getting ready for relocation can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming with these ways to prepare your child for relocation.

Prepare Your Child for Relocation
SOURCE

How to Prepare Your Child for Relocation

1. Tell Them Right Away

The first step to prepare your child for relocation is to tell them as soon as possible. You don’t want to give the impression that they aren’t considered when making big decisions, but it can help ease anxiety if they know what’s happening early on. Also, don’t make this a secret from your child. If someone asks them where they will attend school or if your family is moving because of work, be honest and upfront about what’s happening in their lives.

2. Allow Them to Voice Their Concerns and Fears

Moving is a big step, and there are lots of changes that could be on the horizon. Kids may have concerns about their school life or friendships that they need to talk through. Having these worries doesn’t mean that they aren’t excited about the move. Instead, it just means that this change will affect them in different ways than it does you.

Asking questions is not only natural but also essential when preparing your child for relocation. However, when you listen to your child and allow them to express everything that’s going through their heads and help them navigate through all the initial emotions, they’ll warm up to the idea much quicker!

3. Make Them Excited About the New Neighborhood

Planning fun activities to do around the new neighborhood can help your child get excited about their move. The more comfortable they are with where they’re moving, the less anxious and scared they will feel. If you and your child are happy with how everything is going, that means that it was a good decision. Additionally, taking time to explore the new area can help your child feel more at home.

4. Give Them Some Control Over the Situation

Giving your child some control over the situation can help them feel more comfortable and excited about their upcoming move. You can do this by allowing them to choose their new room’s decor, decide on some furniture or even help pack for the day https://www.imsrelocation.com/ arrives. When they feel like they had a say, it allows them to see that everything will be alright.

Prepare Your Child for Relocation

Take time to prepare for relocation so that both of you can look forward to it together! Moving is an exciting experience because it means starting fresh somewhere new, but only if everyone gets ready for it in advance.

By using the above tips, you can help your child prepare for relocation as smoothly as possible. Moving is an exciting experience that everyone will benefit from if everyone is prepared to make it a success!

Categories
For the Home Home How To Parenting

2 Easy Ways to Put Together a Budget Nursery for Your Baby

Having a child is expensive, and there’s no getting around that. However, there are many ways to save money on some essentials while still offering your child a comfortable, healthy life. You don’t need to go cheap, but there are many ways to stay frugal so that you can maintain your financial situation. Learning the best ways to put together a budget nursery can make all the difference right from the start.

Budget Nursery for Your Baby
Source

How to Put Together a Budget Nursery for Your Baby

Use Hand-Me-Down Items

Hand-me-down items are common for the baby’s nursery because you really only need them for a few years. Your baby will grow up faster than you think, and those items you bought for your baby are going to be useless. So if you’re spending a lot of money on something like a crib, remember that your baby won’t need it for long.

So when you become a parent, put your pride aside and accept when people offer you hand-me-down items. Using these items is a great way to save money, and you can get some fantastic deals. Some people give out baby items for free, or you can find ads on websites that offer free baby items that are still in perfect condition.

Buy it All From One Place

One of the best ways to save money is to buy all of your baby-related items from one store. Since you’re likely to have it delivered, many stores offer free delivery or they’ll add in some discounts and bonuses. Taking advantage of these benefits is a brilliant way to ensure that all of your items arrive on time. Plus, you get to save money since you’re not paying for multiple deliveries.

Check out stores such as Foryourlittleone that offer a complete selection of baby-related items and furniture. With a massive selection like this, you can get baby car seats that you’d typically need to buy from a specialist vendor. It’s convenient, inexpensive, and can help save a considerable amount of money.

Making a Budget Nursery for Your Baby

While having a child is expensive, there are many great ways to stay on a budget. Do you have any other tips? Leave a comment and let us know, we’d love to hear them!

Categories
Adulting For the Home Home

4 Important Things to Consider When Looking for Your Next Home

Looking for Your Next Home

Looking for your next home signals the beginning of a new chapter in your life, but it’s no easy task. With so many properties to look at, you might become overwhelmed by the choices available. Here are some factors to consider when deciding on what you want from your new home:

Looking for Your Next Home
Source

Things to Consider When Looking for Your Next Home

Type of Property

Deciding on the type of home you hope to move to is an excellent way to narrow down your choices. Without a clear idea about the kind of property you want can make your search take a lot longer and more stressful. Thinking about the style of property that will best suit your family is a critical decision.

Do you want to look for apartments near me so that you can enjoy the convenience of apartment living? Or maybe you want a large house with lots of outside space. Once you have thought about your family’s lifestyle and the type of property that will best suit the way you live, it will be so much easier to find the right home.

The Right Location

Location is everything when choosing a home, as it is one aspect of your new home that you cannot change. Finding the perfect home is especially essential when you have kids to consider. Looking for a property in a family-friendly area with good schools and lots of amenities will make family life so much easier. Drawing up a shortlist of family-friendly locations is a great way to start narrowing down your options. Once you have your shortlist, researching each of these areas in more detail will help you decide on the best place to live.

Focus on Size

Size is a significant consideration for many people when choosing a new home. If your home is too small, it can make family life stressful and impact your quality of life. However, living in a too-big home can create issues regarding increased running costs and maintenance. Thinking about how much space your family needs is the best way to choose a home that is comfortable to live in without overspending.

Turn-Key Property or Fixer-Upper?

Choosing a property that requires some work is an excellent way to get a better home for less money. However, taking on a renovation project is not something that everyone enjoys. Thinking about whether you want the challenge of fixing up a property to transform it into your dream home or whether you want a home you can move straight into is an important consideration.

Looking for Your Next Home

When searching for your new home, there are many things to consider, but thinking carefully about what you want from your new property before you even start looking is a great way to secure a home that perfectly suits your needs.

Categories
For the Home Home How To

3 Easy Ways To Make Your Bed Extra Cozy

Your bed likely isn’t as comfortable as it could be, even if it is comfy enough. Most of us have basic beds with just a mattress cover and sheets. We don’t often think about how the materials make us feel, just as long as we’re warm. But being warm in bed isn’t hard to do, and you can easily keep your body temperature high enough to be content and cozy. However, we need to consider the whole bed, not just what you cover it with but what you could put on it to make it more than just a basic bed. Here are three ways to make your bed extra cozy.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Make Your Bed Extra Cozy
Source

How to Make Your Bed Extra Cozy

Why cotton and not wool?

If you want to fall asleep without trouble, you shouldn’t be too warm. Our body temperature needs to drop for the body’s sleep routine to kick in. With this being the case, avoid using wool bedding. Instead, opt for cotton, which will help regulate your body temperature.

Plus, cotton is more versatile and more affordable. Consider the best kind of cotton, such as Merino Cotton and Egyptian cotton. The thread count should be between 800 and 1200 so that it’s soft enough to avoid creasing and becoming rigid when washed. Anything lower than 800 will be too coarse, and above 1200 will be a little too fragile.

Eco-friendly bedding

Everyone agrees that global warming affects the planet, and we need to prevent it from worsening. The way you can help is to change the way you think about what you buy. Instead of choosing synthetic sheets, you should consider cotton, wool, or even bamboo sheets. Bamboo sheets are very soft and still durable, unlike what you see in cotton and wool. This plant-based material is rigid at first, but after it has been threaded and treated, it becomes very flexible and luxurious. 

More on top 

Don’t just consider how you cover your bed or pillows, but also think about what you could put on top of the bed. Can you put a smaller pillow to plug any gaps? Maybe you can put a throw on the bed to give your feet some extra warmth should they pop out from the bottom by accident? Consider using an Oxford pillowcase for supporting pillows as these have extra material, providing you with more comfort.

You can also consider a bolster pillow for your arms, feet, or neck. A bolster pillow can help improve your lumbar spine health if you feel the need to sleep facing up.

Make Your Bed Extra Cozy

These are just a few ways to make your bed more comfortable without busting the wallet or purse strings. Consider investing in wool or cotton at first for your bedding, but bamboo if you want something luxurious and more modern.

Categories
Adulting Decor For the Home Home

6 Easy Ways To Make Your Bathroom Feel Luxurious

The bathroom is a functional space in most homes, but many of us dream of having it be a space with a touch of luxury. Whether you’re inspired by the bathroom in your favorite hotel or you want more luxury in your life, these ideas can help make your bathroom feel luxurious.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Make Your Bathroom Feel Luxurious
Source

How to Make Your Bathroom Feel Luxurious

Upgrade The Fixtures And Fittings

Depending on your budget, you can upgrade the fixtures in your bathroom. If you have more to spend, then something like smart toilets by Trone or free-standing tubs instantly add a touch of glamour to the bathroom. 

If you’re on a tighter budget, then you can make more affordable upgrades, like swapping handles on any drawers or cabinets for something that looks more expensive. Consider switching out your old mirror for something new and larger to add some luxury. 

Tile Diagonally

Diagonal tiling, rather than tiling vertically or horizontally, looks more expensive. It makes the bathroom look larger too, which is essential if it’s a cramped room. Diagonal tiles make the bathroom feel more custom and unique. You could also cover a whole wall in tile, from floor to ceiling, to add more sparkle and dimension to an otherwise flat surface. 

Choosing the right materials is essential, but how you use those materials is just as important. Adding tile only to a small area doesn’t show off the materials to its best advantage. Tiling can be expensive, but you could tackle it yourself to save some money.

Use Large Light Fixtures

One good trick to make your bathroom feel fancy is to use a large-scale light fixture, like a flush-mount chandelier. These make a big impact but don’t take up too much of the room’s space. Remember that open space can be the biggest luxury.

Use Plants to Make Your Bathroom Feel Luxurious

Lush plants in attractive planters can help draw the eye where you want it in the bathroom, making the space feel a little larger. The bathroom might not seem like the most obvious place to keep plants, but some plants thrive in a humid environment. Try aloe vera, ferns, or orchids.

Upgrade Your Containers

Buy yourself a bathroom accessory set that has a matching soap dispenser and toothbrush holder. Don’t forget the rest of your toiletries, though. Pour your products, like your shampoo, body wash, and lotion, into beautiful glass containers. Getting rid of your plastic containers and opting for something beautiful will instantly make your bathroom feel more luxe and thought-out. Nobody will know your toiletries are cheap if you keep them in gorgeous containers, either.

Upgrade Your Towels

On a similar line, upgrade your towels. Throw out any that have seen better days and buy some new ones. Look for towels with some luxury details, such as embroidered edges, ribbon trim, and monogramming. Choose plush options too. Turkish towels are a great option, as they dry quickly but have a luxe, lightweight feel. These towels will look better hanging up in your bathroom and will be nicer to use too.

Make Your Bathroom Feel Luxurious 

It can be easy to make your bathroom feel luxurious. If you aren’t doing a full bathroom makeover, implement one of these tips at a time. Do you have any other ways to make your bathroom feel luxurious? Leave a comment and let us know!