5 Cost-Effective Updates That Will Transform Your Tired Kitchen

Kitchens are one of, if not the, hardest working rooms in the house so it is unsurprising that they can quickly become tired and dated. New research has found that over a quarter of us are looking to update our kitchens in 2019, but investing in a brand new kitchen can be costly. Thankfully, there are some updates you can make whilst sticking to a budget.

If you look to avoid anything that is too extreme, then you can easily make your kitchen feel brand new with just a few small changes. Here are 5 top-tips for updating your tired kitchen on a budget.

Walls and Splashbacks

New and fresh wall tiles can instantly update the look of your kitchen, whilst also making a statement. Subway, or metro, tiles are a classic shape, but instead of laying them lengthways why not try them in a herringbone or vertical pattern for a more contemporary look?

Tiles now come in a wide range of finishes, shapes and materials, so make sure to have a look at a number of different examples to find one that you like. Patterned tiles are also a great way of adding a splash of character into your kitchen, which traditionally is usually full of hard edges and straight lines. Mix and match the colours to create random designs or stripes for a truly bespoke look.

Open Shelving

Open shelving is a great way to show off collections of pretty glasses and plates or even to bring in the addition of greenery with herbs and spices. Before you start, be sure to work out what you want to have on display so that you can consider the height of the shelves and the weight which they can withstand. A lot of kitchens have sleek, glossy cabinets, so think about adding open shelves that are made from natural wood to soften your kitchen and add warmth to the room.

Freshen Up Sinks And Worktops

Updating your worktops will have a huge impact on the feel and look of your kitchen, so this can be done as a standalone project for a fraction of the price of a full renovation.

These days, there is a huge choice available and you can now mix materials to create the look you want. Even the most ordinary fixtures in your kitchen can be updated, so let 2019 be the year that you let your sink shine. From multi-functional taps to double sinks and different finishes to funky materials, there is something for every style.

Clear Away The Clutter

Perhaps the biggest way to make a difference to your kitchen, getting rid of clutter with have a lasting effect on both your mind and your wallet. Before you start, you need to make your mind as to whether you are going to be ruthless and throw things out, or recycle or donate items which you no longer need. To make it easier, be sure to break the job into smaller parts and tackle it one cupboard at a time.

Keeping surfaces clutter free will make the whole room appear sleeker and bigger whilst also maximising the potential workspace. Things such as pan lid organisers and over-the-door spice racks will really help you stay organised, so think about how you are going to use the space and organise it accordingly.

Liven Up Your Scheme With Accessories

Accessories and fresh pieces of furniture will instantly brighten up your kitchen and you can choose a theme which can bring the whole look together. Display some selected items on open shelves and think about re-organising your worktops so that you only have your favourite things on show. If you have a dresser, then this is the perfect opportunity to show off neat stacks of cups, tea sets and glassware.

When it comes to furniture, choosing contemporary and stylish pieces will add a much bigger statement to your kitchen. Kitchen dining sets are the perfect way to add a piece of your personality to the room whilst also being extremely stylish. You could also look at adding a mirrored splashback behind your cooker or using fabrics to add splashes of colour.

 

Safety First: 5 Things to Think About Before Remodeling

The time has come for the big renovation! While you’re probably deep in planning the new look of your house, there are some other things you should keep in mind. Safety! Some people opt for moving out while the renovations take place.  Ohers choose to stay at home and navigate the new circumstances in the best way possible. But a construction site is a place where a lot of dangers creep if you haven’t eliminated them on time. Here are 5 things to think about before remodeling to ensure the safety for yourself and your family.

Make It Well Lit

A lot of times accidents could have been prevented if only someone knew what they were stepping on or walking into. So to make sure none of such things can happen at your place, make the whole construction site well lit. This means installing lighting at night all around the place. Think: where are you usually walking coming home, or taking the garbage out? What about going to the garage or backyard to fetch something? The terrain can be bumpy, or there might be nails on the ground. By installing good lighting you’ll be able to see where you’re walking and avoid anything that can do you harm. Apart from that, good lighting is always a plus when it comes to potential burglars breaking into the house. The fewer shadows – the less chance for someone to hide.

Keep the Tools Away

Good construction workers will try their best to not leave anything behind, but mishaps can occur here and there, and this is especially dangerous if there are kids in the house. Children love toys, and above all, they are curious beings who love everything that looks like it could be used as a toy – so a tool poses a real threat, as it can seem interesting enough so they want to play with it. Tell the contractors to not leave power tools at your place overnight – or at least not plugged in and within reach, if it’s too much of a hassle to bring them and take them away every day.

If jobs are large and happening all over the place, a good idea is to have a tool gathering at the end of the day. If the tools are definitely staying at your place overnight, ask the workers to collect them and put them in one designated, secure place out of reach of the little ones. The workers themselves will benefit from this as there will be no issues over who left what where, but the more important thing is, no child will find a tool somewhere on the site and wonder what the button does.

Keep the Construction Site Isolated

This is an even better idea to prevent children and pets from rummaging around the rubble.  This will prevent them from accidentally hurting themselves, or running into a worker. Isolate the construction site by installing temporary barriers systems, or temporary fencing. These portable fence panels will prevent little ones from stepping onto the area where they might get hurt.  They also signal to everyone else that the area is shielded for public safety. Safeguarding the site, but also passersby, this is an ideal solution for ensuring safety, but also because it can be easily removed once the work is done.

Change Your Family’s Habits

This will require some planning and talking. What are the areas being renovated, what do you use them for, and how do you plan to replace them? Make sure everyone is on the same page and knows what they should be doing. You will obviously have to get used to changing the way you use your home and teach your children to follow in your footsteps. Sometimes this means teaching your spouse not to cut corners! If the remodel is focusing on an area you use every day, work together with the contractor to set up alternative areas that will fulfill your needs while the work is being done. Hopefilly, of it is a bathroom, you have anther to use. If it’s the kitchen, set up a temporary kitchen in an extra room, or a garage.

Make sure you always, always use it for everything you usually use your kitchen for. That means no going to the old kitchen to grab some tools! If you’re relaxed about it, kids will follow, and that’s the last thing you want them to do while the renovation is underway. Help them remember to stay out of areas where the work is being done. Lock the doors, put up physical barriers we’ve mentioned, or add signs if they can read.

Know the Dangers of Unfinished Areas

Even when the tools are stored safely, and there are no workers around, unfinished work area has a lot of potential hazards – especially to children, but also adults who are unaware that some things are off or malfunctioning. For example, sometimes the room looks done, but the wall socket covers are off. You most definitely don’t want your child examining this. And if there’s nothing that might physically hurt you, there can be things full of dirt and bacteria, or just being plain unsafe. When safety features are missing, the area is a hazard. Prevent unwanted situations by staying away from unfinished areas, and teaching children to do the same.

Renovating can be a daunting task, even when it’s the contractors doing all the work. And of course, it especially rings true when you’re on the site, trying to lead your life as usual. But if you take into account all the safety measures and mostly keep away, it gets a little easier. So take care, and have a lovely new home!

What You Need to Know Before Downsizing Your Home

Are you one of the growing number of people thinking about downsizing your home? Though moving into a smaller house sounds like an exciting endeavor, it is also a logical choice for most, especially money-wise. Despite its potentials, moving into a smaller space can be overwhelming, so knowing a few things beforehand can save you a headache.

For that purpose, we have set out a list of must-knows for all those who plan to live in a smaller square footage.

Know How Much Space You Actually Need

Downsizing is a great concept but it is important to stay realistic about it. In a moment of inspiration, you might want to get rid of all your things and belongings, but you should think about it clearly. For the new small house to become your new home, it ought to satisfy your needs and wishes, at least the most important ones.

Even after you have thought about how much space you need, sticking to an exact number of square footage might not be possible. Different homes will have different layouts, so be prepared that there may be a range of footage you ought to consider so as to meet your immediate needs.

Also, if you aren’t living alone, you need to find the compromise for all family members.

Decluttering Is the Hardest Part

You can start decluttering right away, like getting rid of magazines that keep piling up. However, you can start decluttering for real only after you have established the dominant aspects of your lifestyle you want to keep in your new home.

If you are afraid you might begin decluttering and never finish, create a list first. The list should contain the things you own and later on, you can update it with information on the new items you will need for your new home. Label every item with keep, donate, give to a friend/family, or sell. You can use sticky notes as additional visual aids to place on your belongings and each colour can reflect a particular category.

Downsize Your Appliances to Suit Your Small Home

Not every piece of furniture will have a place in your new smaller living arrangement, but another feature can make it more functional. You might want to replace a double door fridge freezer model for something not as overbearing. Also, consider getting compact washer and dryer, as they are designed to blend in. Though they will take on smaller laundry loads than the full-size ones, they will save quite a lot of living space.

An Organized Storage Room Saves Space

Although you might be a highly organized person, there will always be some knick-knacks that you need to keep but have nowhere to put. This is especially obvious when there is no extra space in your home.
A storage room can be a lifesaver in this respect as long as you maximize the space use. It is important to keep that space organized, so make sure that all the items, like your tools and your stock of home appliance supplies are easily stored and reached when you need them.

Clutter-Free and Smart Storage

Once you have got rid of most of your clutter, you will feel oddly liberated. But the trick is to keep up the good work and keep your home clutter-free. Each belonging should have its own place and you should make a habit of putting things away.

Moreover, a smaller space will inspire smart storage ideas. Try to combine them with your furniture, like under your living room sofa and bed. You can also hang some shelves and pots from the walls, both as a storage and a decoration idea. The important thing is to not go overboard, by creating only as much storage as you need and not closing up the space.

Use Color and Light to Your Advantage

Apart from the furniture and appliances in proper sizes, you can also use colors and light to give the illusion of more room and make the space airier. Light colors of walls and furniture can make a room look bigger even when there is a limited source of natural light. In addition, good lighting and mirrors can open up and brighten up the space.

Less Stuff, More Freedom

It might seem hard to go small, but it will give you the freedom you just can’t have in a large space. The financial factor is the most noticeable one, as having some extra cash can give you more opportunity to go out and about.

Also, a smaller home can mean moving into the heart of the city, consequently shortening your commute but also shortening the distance between you and the events happening downtown.

Taking a step towards being a small homeowner can be challenging but if you know all the facts, there is no reason to fear it. Free yourself from the stuff you don’t need and you will be able to have more room for things that matter as well as more time to actually enjoy them. By using functional pieces and light, you will make the space work even better than you might have believed it ever could.

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Water Heater Repair

4 Signs You Need Major Water Heater Repair

4 Signs You Need Major Water Heater Repair
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If your water heater is acting funny or if you’ve noticed anything different about it, you might need major water heater repair. These are signs that you should look for!

Sediment in Your Water

Sediment in your water can be cause for concern because it should be filtered out through the hot water heater. If there is any sediment in your water, parts of your water heater might not be working. Your hot water heater may also be malfunctioning causing the sediment to form in the first place. If you see sediment, it can be a huge signal that something is wrong with your hot water heater.

Water That’s Not Clear

If the water coming out of your hot water tap is not clear, you might need to contact plumbing services to get help. When your water isn’t clear, it can mean many different things, but it might be associated with your hot water heater. There are many things you’ll have to look at if your water isn’t clear so it’s best to call a professional to figure out what the actual problem with the water is.

An Odor that Comes from Your Heater

Your water shouldn’t smell bad! If the water has a rotten egg smell, it might have too much sulfur in it that the water heater isn’t properly filtering. If it has more of a metallic smell, that could be a problem with iron in your water. No matter what odor is coming from your water, it’s probably not a good thing. Make sure you talk with a plumbing professional to get help if you smell something wrong with your water.

Water that Isn’t Hot

If your water isn’t heating up, it could signal a big problem with your hot water heater. If your hot water heater suddenly stops working, it can make it difficult for you to live. You’ll need to adjust the temperature so that you can make sure it’s not something wrong with the thermostat. If that doesn’t work, you should always call a plumbing professional to learn whether you need major water heater repair.

Any of these could be signs of minor issues, too. Keep in mind that just because you have a sign of a major water heater problem doesn’t mean that you do have a major water heater problem. If you do have a problem, it’s important to get it fixed as quickly as possible.

4 Great Design Ideas for Your Office

4 Great Design Ideas for Your Office

4 Great Design Ideas for Your Office
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If you’ve recently relocated to a new building you may be stuck for renovation ideas to bring the space to life. Your main considerations should be the practicality, comfort and aesthetics when it comes to designing your office. You could be working with a blank canvas or you might need to breathe some life into an old, tried room. Either way, there are plenty of ways you can create something amazing that works for your business. Read on for the best design ideas for your office:

 Open Plan

 Gone are the days of stuffy restricted offices where you’re expected to work behind your divider wall with no communication with the outside world. Open plan offices have become increasingly popular, aiming to open up the space. It transforms the room into an environment with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. This has also helps with collaboration between departments, consequently improving employee morale. It’s been found that employees work better and far more effectively with an open plan office. If you still need a place for meetings with clients, then you can always create a separate space specifically for this purpose.

Decoration for The Office

Keep the room light and bright by using light or neutral colours, with the only other dominant colour being that of your brand. Using light colours will also mean that your room has a timeless look and won’t ever be outdated. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to mix textures and patterns to add some depth and bring the room to life.

In addition, having artwork across the walls is not only visually pleasing, but it shows you have a happy and fun workplace. You can dot artwork around the office or even have a dedicated wall. Using artwork that’s relevant to your business is the perfect way to finish off your office design; this could be company statistics, achievements or employee work.

Let in Plenty of Light

 If you’ve moved to a high-rise building in the city centre, then you may be lucky enough to have panoramic views across the office. Make the most of these by allowing as much light in as possible, taking a look at the best types of blinds that will allow you to filter light. This way you can have complete control over the natural light in the office. This will also allow for privacy when you need it.

If you’re working in an office with limited windows or in a home office, then try not to have any bulky furniture in the way that will block some of the light. You can even install some daylight lightbulbs in areas where they may be little light to make it brighter and more inviting.

Add Some Greenery

Office plants aren’t just for decoration, they are also beneficial to employee’s health. Plants are proven to remove harmful chemicals from the air, giving the room a cleaner, less compact feel. They’re also wonderful to look at – and they don’t even need to be hard work. There are plenty of low maintenance plants including succulents, spider plants, snake plant and even aloe vera that look wonderful in the office but require very little attention. You’ll find this means employees take less sickness days, are less stressed and boosts productivity.

How Will You Design Your Office?

 The way you design your office can have a monumental impact on the business. Consider the best layout that will allow for optimum productivity, which may include switching to an open plan office. You could even compile a short survey for existing employees.  If you’re moving consider asking what changes they’d like to see in the office plan.