How to inject some style into your bedroom

When it comes to creating a modern and practical sleeping space, you don’t need to spend a fortune on following the latest trend or an over the top color scheme. Remember that primarily your bedroom is a place to relax and unwind in, not to mention that you use it for sleeping, so make sure that the space reflects your personality and makes you feel comfortable. If you get this balance right, you will be rewarded with a room that is both modern and minimalistic. So if you are looking for inspiration, or are unsure to know where is a good place to start, then check out these tips to find out how to inject some much-needed style into one of the most important rooms of the house.

Simple elegance

When it comes to your bedroom, forget fancy wallpaper; all you need is few coats of a neutral color paint to give your room a simple and modern look and feel. You want to keep your bedroom light and fresh, and it should be both welcoming and airy for yourself and your partner. Neutral paints are an ideal choice for homeowners who are looking to create a space that is both modern yet inviting. From pale grays or cream tones, use these colors sparingly to create a look that is both relaxing and effortlessly chic.

Complementary accessories

Unlike in other rooms of your house or apartment, your bedroom should be kept free from clutter and unnecessary accessories – as this can create a sense of misbalance. You may also want to consider the furniture that you have in your bedroom currently – are you sleeping well? Does it provide your back with adequate support? If you are looking to replace your old bedroom furniture for a more contemporary look and feel, Modern Digs bedroom suites offer a range of elegant and practical options for your boudoir. You should also limit the amount of gadgets in technology that is on show in your room too – as this can disrupt sleep patterns. Once you have sorted these principal elements, now’s the time to consider adding a few complementary accessories such as candles, soft throws and a few scattered cushions to provide an element of luxury to your space. Now you can lie back, relax and enjoy your stylish and comfortable room.

Lighting

Last but not least, it’s essential that you have the right lighting in your bedroom. Soft, subtle tones will make your room a space in which you want to unwind and spend time hidden away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, while harsh lighting or using a light bulb that is too dark will make your space feel threatening and unwelcoming. Consider changing your overhead bulbs for an energy saving option, and choose lamps that offer warmer shades of light.

Making a few small changes to your color scheme, lighting and accessories can inject some much-needed style and elegance into one of the most important rooms of your house. So why not give your bedroom a much-needed makeover?

What Your Home Is Missing

Your home is special to you and you take pride in the effort you put in each day. It’s likely that you work really hard to upkeep it and make it look nice because you care. That doesn’t mean you’re perfect, because no one is.

There are a few aspects that your home should have to bring it to another level. Don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone and adapt changes that’ll spruce up your house even more. You may not even know what’s missing because you haven’t done enough research to see what other homeowners are installing and improving upon. See what your home is missing.

Color

Spice up your space by adding color to your home, both inside and outside. Color will liven up your home and instantly catch your eye when you enter the house. It’s the same challenge you find when trying to build a wardrobe that isn’t all black and white. Hang colorful paintings, place pillows and paint your walls. Don’t be afraid to have the room come alive and express character to the observer. Take inventory on each of your rooms and make note of where it’s possible to include more color.

Look of Luxury

Luxury is a sense of style, it doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune. Be mindful of the colors and textures you use to make your home look more expensive. Purchase light fixtures and furniture that resemble pricy items. It’s all about your presentation and how you decorate your home. Hang your curtains high, throw down area rugs and switch out lamp shades. Use matching containers for storage and replace old hardware. Get creative and shop around, instead of breaking the bank with expensive items that you don’t need.

Swimming Pool

What you’re missing is a swimming pool. Search around to buy florida homes, because they probably come with a pool. Houses in warmer climates get more use out of a swimming pool and you’ll probably enjoy living in warmer temperatures. If you’re not ready to move, then install a swimming pool in your backyard. It’ll be fun to have when you’re entertaining or wanting to cool off on hot summer day. Take care of it and learn how to properly clean your pool to keep it looking nice and brand new.

Kitchen & Bath Updates

If you have old bathrooms and an old kitchen, it’s time to enhance their appearance with upgrades. Updating your kitchen and baths isn’t only nice for your sake, but will help you sell your home faster once you have it on the market. These are projects that’ll give you a return on your investment and make the time and money spent well worth it. Do your research and find examples of homes that resemble the look you’re going for, so you can show your designer.

Conclusion

Your job’s never done when decorating a house. You’re always changing, updating and rearranging to make it look right. This is what your home is missing.

How to Replace Old Tiles in Your Home

Tiles can be one of the most durable kinds of flooring. They last for years and are easy to clean. But if you find yourself at the point that the tiling in your home could use a facelift, luckily replacing them is simple enough that you can do it on your own. So whether you’re looking to replace a beat-up floor, change the pattern, or just want to try new flooring, we’ve put together an easy step-by-step guide to get you on the right track.

Tools and Materials

Before you get started tearing up your floor, it is important to make sure that you have all the necessary tools to complete the task. Doing this will ensure that you don’t get halfway through and then realize you have to run to the store to pick up more materials. You are going to want:

- A scoring tool          
- Tile spacers
- Grout saw
- Metal straightedge
- Level
- Hammer
- Trowel
- Grout bag
- Grout
- Safety glasses
- Mortar
- Tile clippers

Finally, you need the ceramic tiles you will be laying. If you are covering a large area, it is a good idea to look into purchasing wholesale tiles. It might be the best value for your project. Once you have all the necessary materials, you can finally begin.

Replacing Your Tile Flooring

Step 1: Clearing the Room 
Make sure that you empty the room of any furniture that might get in the way of your project. This also includes lamps and even shelves on the walls that restrict your movement. If you're going to be working around a sink or toilet, the water to your house should be turned off before removing these fixtures.

Step 2: Removing Tiles
Once it’s cleared, you can start tearing up the tiles. This is the easy part of the job. If none are broken lightly hit one with a hammer by a wall to start lifting them. Be careful of any sharp edges.

Step 3: Prepping the Underlayment
Once all the tiles are off the floor and disposed of, it’s time to access the underlayment. This is a sheet of plywood that is commonly placed underneath tiling. Occasionally tiles are attached directly to a concrete floor, but this is rare. If the underlayment is damaged it needs to be replaced before continuing on. If it is in good condition, it’s time to clear off any debris. Sweep thoroughly for dirt and small tile pieces. You also should remove any extra nails that you come across.

Step 4: Prepping for the Tiles
Once you're sure that the floor is in good condition, mix thin set mortar in a bucket to the recommendations of the brand. Create reference points before spreading the mortar with the thin side of the trowel in 3ft x 3ft patches. Then comb the mortar with the toothed side of the trowel to ensure an even application. Any excess can be removed and re-added to the bucket.

Step 5: Laying the Tiles
Use your references when lying the first tile, often along a wall or in the corner of the room is best. Pressing the tiles and gently twisting them ensure the best set. Place a tile spacer at the edges of the first tile and lay the second one next to it. Continue on like this. Upon finishing a section use a level and rubber mallet to level the tiles.

Step 6: Continuing 
Gently remove any excess mortar you find. Make adjustments as you go to ensure that the tiles are straight.

Step 7: Cutting Tiles
In tight corners or rooms that are not true rectangles, it will be necessary to cut tiles to make them fit. It these cases make a mark of the line on the tile and then make a relief cut along that line. Break off the pieces with tile clippers before smoothing down the edges with aluminium sandpaper. At this point, you lay the tiles just like the rest.

Step 8: Filling the spaces
Once all the tiles are down, let it sit undisturbed for 24 hours. After this time has elapsed you can mix the grout according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Remove the tile spacers before applying the grout in the spaces between the tiles. Remove as much excess as possible and then let it dry for 20 minutes. At this point you can use a sponge to clean the grout off of the tiles. It takes around 72 hours for the grout to be fully set. After three weeks you can also seal it for more protection.

Making Your Home Ready for Your Retirement

As you approach your retirement, you will be thinking about all those things that you want to do. Maybe go fishing more often, or start going out to social clubs. These things are vital to keeping your mind and body active once you retire, however, you will also need to think about making your home easy to use and navigate for when you get older. Here are a few ideas to help you prepare your home for your retirement.

What Are the Challenges?

Firstly, you need to decide if you are staying where you are. If you are thinking about selling up and buying somewhere else, then you should check out sites such as Homes In Meridian before you move to see what houses are available. In your current home, take a look around your home and see where you might be able to improve the access for the future. If there becomes the need for a wheelchair, can you access the house? By adding ramps and making doorways wider, you can make your home more accessible. Plus, if you start to do these things now, you won’t have to wait for them to be done when you need them.

Adding Rails

If you are starting to struggle with walking, then adding bars that you can hold onto are extremely useful. By adding a few beforehand, you are helping to keep your home accessible and safe for you and your partner. The best places to add bars is in the bathroom by the toilet and bath, upstairs if there is none there already, and outside by the front and rear doors.

Making Your Shower Safe

If you currently have a bath, then you might want to consider changing it for a shower or a tub that you can sit in. These showers and tubs are far safer for those with movement problems, and they prevent falls and slipping. If possible, you should have a walk-in shower, as they provide the best safety as there is no ledge to walk over. By adding rails and putting down a tiled floor that has a gripped surface, you can minimize slipping and also make showering much easier.

Adjusting the Toilets

As people get older, they may start to have issues sitting and standing from the toilet, one way that you can help with this, is to have a taller toilet fitted. They raise the height so that you don’t have to sit so low down. If you also add grab bars to the walls at the side of the toilet, you will make sitting and standing much easier. Adding taller toilets isn’t a big job, and you can easily get someone to fit them for you. They are usually available at most hardware stores.

By thinking of these things in advance, you are helping to make your retirement easier and planning for the future. It will also help you if you suffer an injury, so you are not struggling while you recover.

5 Ways to Create a Focal Point in the Home

Do you want to create a beautiful home that will impress your guests? If so, you will need to incorporate striking items into your décor. To help you find the perfect objects for your interior design, we are providing the five ways to create a focal point in the home.

1. A Graphic Rug

Have you decorated your home in neutral colors? Add a little color and personality to your décor with a bold graphic rug, which will complement your color scheme. Pick a block color that will tie in with your palette while grabbing your guests’ attention.

2. An Exquisite Chandelier

A traditional or contemporary chandelier can add a touch of refinement to a room. You can trust it will capture your guests’ eyes from the moment they step inside a living space. Glass elements within a chandelier can also beautifully complement the light, so it is a delicate, romantic light fitting that will suit almost any color scheme and theme.

3. Statement Accessories

Strike up a conversation by incorporating statement accessories into your home. For example, a quirky sculpture will add a little curiosity into your home’s design. A one-of-a-kind rock salt lamp will also add a little natural beauty to your property, which will become a conversation starter.

4. Layer Your Interior

Have you noticed how a beautiful scarf can add a touch of sophistication to a t-shirt and jeans? Well, the same rule can apply to your interior design, too. Adding layers to your property can add a splash of sophistication to your décor, which will stand out in its own right. For example, a luxury rug can create a cozy, plush home style, whilst a soft throw can create an inviting space you will be proud to call your home. Simply pick a color or pattern that will stand apart from your furniture and fittings.

5. Perfectly Position a Large Storage Item

Large storage doesn’t have to be solely functional. The right item can become a beautiful focal point within the home. For example, a large armoire can become the central point in a room. Arrange the seating on either side of the large piece of furniture to add instant balance, and flank the furniture with identical artwork to add symmetry into a living area.

6. Any Eye-Catching Mural

Allow a photo to do all the hard work by incorporating an eye-catching mural into your interior design. To do so, create a feature wall with an oversized image, as it can add style and drama to a space. Simply pick an image that highlights both your personality and interior style.

7. A Striking Mirror

Do you want to add a little wow factor to your home? All it might take is a striking mirror, which will make a statement in any room. Not only that, but it can reflect both natural and artificial light, while emphasizing space within the room. Select a quirky design that will contrast with your décor, so you can add a little fun and texture to your property.

Creating Your Dream Home in Four Easy Steps

Making a home is one of life’s greatest pursuits. Your home is, after all, your sanctuary. It is where you go to when you need to escape, it is where you relax, it is where you and your family grow. Being committed to making your house into the home of your dreams is a perfect endeavor for everyone. Making your house your dream home is how you can carve out your own piece of the world.

1. Find the Perfect House

The first step to creating your dream home is to find your dream house. When choosing your house, you will need to make sure that it is structurally sound, in a neighborhood you like, and has the space you need. Don’t limit yourself to where you grew up, either. There are so many neighborhoods, cities, and even states that you can make your home in. Miami, for instance, has the sun, the beaches, and the community life that is perfect for everyone – all that is left is finding the house you can build a life in. Once you have found it, you will need to contact credit union mortgage loans. Once the deed is signed over, you can start building your new house into your dream home.

2. Cosmetic Upgrades

The ideal house is one that doesn’t require extensive renovation, and as such only needs a few cosmetic upgrades. This means making the flooring, walls, lighting and other fixtures work for you and your style. Consider these aspects of your home as the canvas. Furniture and decorations are the focus, yes, but having a uniform look for the walls, floors, and fixtures can make your entire home feel cohesive.

3. Decorate

Once you have your canvas set, it is time to decorate. A good way to decorate so that your home is eclectic, unique, and perfect for you is to only buy the base furniture at once. Base furniture are the bare bones needed for comfort. It means buying the beds, the couches, and the dressers, but leaving smaller decorative furnishings for later. The more patience you have for finding the perfect pieces, the better your home will look. As a bonus, each one of the smaller, more decorative pieces will come with beautiful and cherished memories.

4. Landscape

A mistake when creating your dream home is to neglect the exterior. Curb appeal is the pride and joy a person has in their home, reflected for their neighbors to see. The backyard, however, is your own private oasis. Plan your garden out so that it fits you. This could mean a vegetable garden, or a flower garden, or even no plants at all, but a lovely porch with outdoor furnishings.

Creating your dream home means taking the time, effort, and energy to decorate it. It means creating memories inside the home and filling the building with life and warmth. Your home is your lifelong project, take pride and care when you curate it.