Spring Cleaning: For the Dogs

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The birds are chirping and the bugs in your newly-landscaped yard are multiplying; Spring is here! And with spring comes spring cleaning. Pets can be sensitive to harsh cleaners. If you have resident animals, check out these recommendations from Rover.com to keep them safe while you’re cleaning.

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a safe alternative to heavy chemicals because it breaks down quickly to water and oxygen. This solution is great for germ killing, so kitchen and bathroom countertops are an excellent place to utilize it. Try the ratio of 25% hydrogen peroxide to 70% white vinegar with a bit of water.

Borax

Bleach is harmful to humans and pets--thankfully, borax is a great alternative. Borax is a mineral perfect for cleaning tough stains out of fabric. Mix a half cup of borax with two tablespoons each of salt and borax for a heavy-duty carpet-stain remover. For laundry-stain remover, replace bleach with borax.

Baking soda and white vinegar 

Incredibly versatile and safe for your family, four-legged members included, baking soda and vinegar make an effective cleaner. If you desire a foaming cleanser, simply mix baking soda with lemon juice. To make a deodorizing cleaner, sprinkle baking soda on your carpet, leave it for five minutes, then vacuum it up. For more in-depth information about safely cleaning your carpets (accidents happen…) try this.

Wood floors can be difficult to clean but white vinegar is up for the challenge. Dilute a half cup of vinegar with one gallon of water to create a cleanser fit for countertops, sinks, etc. If you’re opposed to the smell of vinegar add lemon juice to the mix.

You likely already have these products in your home; if not, they’re easily accessible and inexpensive. We wish you a happy and safe season of warmth!

The Top 3 Mistakes to Avoid When Landscaping Your Yard

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Now that the summer is coming, you will have more of a reason to redesign and landscape your backyard. Warm and sunny days give you a chance to brighten up your lawn and plant new flowers.
Do you find that you don't know how to make your gardens and yard look great? Do you often feel like you have done the wrong thing when landscaping your backyard? If so, you might want to avoid the following mistakes when redesigning your garden.

Keep reading to learn about the top mistakes you should avoid in your garden designs.

Having a large lawn because of tradition

If other people have large, green lawns spanning the entirety of their yards, that doesn’t mean you need to follow the trend. Many people seem to think that this is the common theme meant to be found in every backyard. However, this is not so.

In fact, the large, green lawn is a relatively new phenomenon to landscape design. If you only have so much space in your yard, be aware that a lawn is not your only option.

A lack of color in the autumn

One thing that many miss is the need to keep your garden and yard bright and colorful throughout the Autumn season. Many seem to focus more on the Spring and Summer which leaves the Fall free of flowers and greenery.

To avoid this, be sure to plant some bushes, trees, or flowers in the last months of the year.

You forget about the need for functionality in landscape design

Many people are more concerned about the esthetics and look of their gardens and yards leaving the need for safety, security, and general functionality behind. This means that people may have too many knick knacks including brick walkways and statues in their gardens. Visitors especially children may trip over a knick knack or badly placed brick. To improve safety in your backyard, remove an excess of statues and think about the functionality in your garden design. After removing an excess of knick knacks, think about installing just a simple contemporary water fountain to give your home a great outdoor look.

We hope you will be more prepared to redesign your outdoors by reading this list of mistakes to avoid when landscaping. Be sure to keep your yard functional, colorful in every season, and avoid the large lawn if you want to do more with your space.

Home Repairs: What to DIY and What to Save for The Professionals

Have a list of home improvement projects, but you’re fretting about paying a professional to get them done?

While it can be tempting to save a few dollars by doing the projects yourself (DIY), the reality is that trying to tackle a complicated home improvement project or appliance repair can actually end up damaging your appliances or causing bigger problems in your home. This ends up costing you way more money, and aggravation, than if you had hired a pro from the start.

DIY is best saved for easy, safe projects:

Leaky Faucet – if your kitchen or bathroom faucets are leaking, the cause is often a worn ring. Taking the faucet apart and replacing the ring is usually pretty easy.

Other causes could be worn-out caulking, or the faucet becoming loose from use.

In all of these cases, a DIY fix is faster and more cost effective than hiring a plumber. It’s also a safe project because if the DIY fix doesn’t work, and the faucet continues to leak, you know there’s a bigger problem and can simply shut the water off to that area and call a plumber for help. There is very little risk of damage to your pipes or plumbing.

Tile Floors – Need new flooring in your bathroom, kitchen, living room or elsewhere in your home?

Putting in tile floors is fairly uncomplicated. Making cuts can become a bit daunting, but if your room doesn’t have a lot of angles, tiling the floor is pretty simple, and poses almost no risks of damage to your home.

Painting – a survey of homeowners found that painting was the most hated home improvement task.

While few people like painting, paying a professional painter can be expensive.

If you can tolerate the taping and edging, you’ll save a bundle by painting your rooms by yourself.

If you want to take on these smaller jobs, that’s totally doable. More complicated jobs, like electrical or appliance repair, on the other hand, can be complicated and dangerous:

Water Heater
Your water heating system is one place where you don’t want to test your DIY skills, especially if you have a gas water heater.

Your water heating system is called into action multiple times every day. Most of us move into homes that come equipped with a water heating system, and we don’t think much about it until the day that we turn the tap and find no hot water.

Water heating systems can break down for several reasons:

Flue Misalignment or Breakage – When the flue of your water heating system is misaligned, broken, or not connected securely, it can cause a carbon monoxide leak. Unfortunately, this problem is common with DIY water heater repair, and it can be deadly.

Pressure Relief Valve Problems - One of the most dangerous, and common, DIY water heater fixes is to modify the pressure relief valve. This valve is responsible for letting out the pressure built up while your system is heating your water.

If this valve isn’t functioning properly, or has been modified improperly, it can lead to an explosion.

Never modify the pressure relief valve alone. This is usually a quick, cost-effective fix for a water heating system professional, and not at all worth the potential life-threatening explosion and fire risk of doing the job yourself.

Electrical and Wiring Problems – water heaters are built to last between 8 – 10 years. Usually, the wiring and electrical components break down first. If your water heater is still fairly young, it’s worth the small investment to hire a professional to fix the wiring.

Electrical issues in a water heating system can be complicated. Do not attempt to fix them alone because there is a huge risk of electrocution, irreparable damage to the water heater, and fire.

Gas Heater
Gas heat is an energy efficient way to keep your home warm.

When something goes wrong with a gas heater, it’s time to call in a professional.

If your furnace isn’t heating up, is cycling on and off constantly, is noisy, or won’t turn on because the pilot light won’t stay lit, you need to call in a gas heater repair expert.

Why not just fix the problem yourself?

Gas is dangerous. Even the smallest gas leak causes fire and explosion risk. Plus, gas leaks can make you and your family very sick.

It is never worth putting your family and home in danger by trying to save a few dollars with a DIY repair. Gas heater servicing by a professional usually costs very little, and you benefit by knowing that all connections are secured and there will be no dangerous leaks.

Dishwasher Repair
Dishwasher problems, such as water not draining, not enough hot water during the washing cycle, or leaks are pretty common.

Some fixes are complicated, while others can be fairly simple.

But, before trying to fix your dishwasher alone, you should know that small mistakes can cause huge problems.

For example, trying to repair your dishwasher when it is not draining can seem like a simple fix. Often, DIY methods only work for a few washes.

Why?

Because deeper inside the plumbing, there are bigger problems.

One of the most common is that DIY methods push clogs deeper into the pipes. This causes pressure buildup, which leads to burst pipes. One broken pipe is all it takes to flood your home and cause damage to your floor, walls, and cabinets.

Flooding also increases fire risk.

The main advantage to hiring professional to fix your dishwasher is that they have the tools, and experience, to fix the problem correctly the first time. They can also discover clogs early, and remove them up before they cause flooding.

Ovens and Stoves

Next to a water heater, ovens and stoves are the most dangerous to DIY repair.

Why?

Your oven is a lot more intricate than you might think.

Because we use our stoves and ovens every day, it’s easy to take for granted just how much is going on behind the scenes:

• Thermostat
• Gas pipes or electrical wiring
• Valves and fuses

These can be damaged unintentionally even during a fairly straight forward repair when done by a non-professional.

If you have a gas stove, do not attempt to fix it yourself.

Even the smallest amount of leakage can cause serious fire hazards. You can call the fire service to test, but they cannot test your stove every day. Daily use can knock fuses, valves, and pipes out of place. If you have not had a professional do the job, you risk causing a gas leak.

Gas stoves and other appliances are the number 1 cause of house fires in the United States. In Australia, cooking appliances, heating systems, and electrical equipment make up 3 of the top 4 causes of house fires.

Please call in a professional before you attempt any appliance repair.

Delicious Decisions – 10 Steps Toward Creating a Successful Restaurant

You have a passion for food and you want to share it by serving up the best there is on offer. Your dream to share tasteful dishes and tantalising flavours all boils down to culinary success in the restaurant business. And let’s face it, we live in a fast-paced society where eating out is a big part of life these days. But how do you make your restaurant stand out over the rest of the crowd?

Your restaurant is going to be a reflection of you and you should plan and set goals.
You need to make decisions on everything from lighting to signage and even as important as where to keep everything cold. Taking the stress out of this big decision, take a look at options such as Butler Equipment commercial refrigeration when deciding on your commercial kitchen catering needs. But as always in business, there’s plenty more to consider.

Concept

One of the early steps involves creating your restaurant master plan.
What do you want the overall feel of your restaurant to be? Think about things including the menu, the type of service you want to provide, the direction you want your restaurant to take over time. Try to delve into the mind of your guests as they will ultimately play a big part in how your restaurant concept will play out.

Location

When it comes to running a successful restaurant, location is paramount.
Making this decision will depend on a number of factors including your target customer base (upper market, families, young couples, etc.), if you’re up against competitors or the only restaurant of its kind, budget and what will meet your business needs.

Have a business plan

You will be making lots of plans for your restaurant venture but the most important one of all is creating a business plan. This will help create a structure and clarify the direction of your company support as you grow, manage and develop your restaurant.

Budget

While money isn’t always everything, you need to ensure you have a budget.
Why? Overspend and you could find yourself in trouble. Don’t spend enough and you might find you aren’t meeting the needs of your customers.

Menu

Possibly one of the most important aspects to consider is your menu.
Your menu choices will say a lot about you as a business and ultimately bring your customers in. Keep it simple where possible, keeping in mind what type of restaurant you’re developing when deciding on dishes. Review your menu over time and revise if you find particular meals aren’t selling. Another option is to have seasonal menus that change over a set time period.

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The right staff

These are the faces on the phone and the floor representing you.
Always pick staff that you feel are the right fit for your concept. You don’t want rude or forgetful people as the face of your business. Look for the talent that fits your business ideal and ensure all team members are trained to fit your business model.

The look and feel of your restaurant

What kind of atmosphere do you want to serve up to your customers?
First impressions are lasting ones and you want to impress from the minute people walk in the door. Consider comfort, signage, décor, staff, accessibility, the list is endless. You also want the visible look to be a reflection of you and the message you want to portray to your customers.

What is your standout secret?

What do you have that the next restaurant doesn’t?
Will you have a particular item on the menu that makes you stand out? Any restaurant can serve drinks, meals and a tasty dessert, but in order to stamp your mark on the restaurant scene, you need to find a tempting morsel to sell to your customers. Think secret sauces, new recipes or it could be as simple as the atmosphere.

Marketing

How do you want people to find out about your restaurant?
How you market your business needs to be effective. Consider aspects such as advertising, social media, word of mouth and the impact they will have in marketing your business.

Feedback

Always welcome feedback, both good and bad.
You want to hear what you’re doing right but also what is going wrong so you can improve on it. Embrace your customers as they are what keep you in business.

Running a restaurant isn’t easy but with a little patience and planning, you have the potential to set yourself up for success.

Tips for Creating a Safe and Stylish Bathroom on a Budget

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Creating a safe bathroom to suit the entire family can be challenging. With little ones running around and the needs of aging parents, it can be hard to know where to start. Fortunately, there are many modern bathroom designs and DIY projects that allow you to create a safe and stylish bathroom without breaking the bank.

Non-Slip Features
If your goal is to make your bathroom safer, non-slip mats can be used at the bottom of any bathtub or shower. Wooden models or silicon rock mats are a chic alternative to traditional bath matts. If you are unable to find a mat that fits your bathroom aesthetic, you can create your own out of any non-slip material.

Bathtub Safety
With safety in mind, consider a walk-in bathtub. These are ideal for family members with mobility issues because they grant those with disabilities the freedom to bathe on their own. It is common knowledge that many senior citizens end up in the emergency room every year due to bathing related accidents. However, this is not just an issue affecting seniors. Bathtub accidents affect around 235,000 people of all ages per year. With this information in mind, investing in a mobility aid is not a bad idea. Walk-in bathtubs can be an important part of fostering a sense of independence and dignity for many people. Many walk-in bathtub companies offer hundreds of unique designs fit for bathrooms of any size and suit any style. These tubs can be designed to include a built-in shower option and eliminate the danger of bathing for senior citizens. They can even be designed to accommodate wheelchairs or other mobility devices. Since walk-in bathtubs average a depth of 2 and-a-half feet, they can create a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere. Tubs can even be created with jacuzzi jets for extra luxury and relaxation. For those with unique health concerns, tubs can be equipped with built-in medical alert systems, so bathers can call for help should the need arise. This feature gives many users the peace of mind they lack when using traditional bathtubs.

Adding Your Style
A safe bathroom doesn’t have to be a drab one. Fun and creative DIY projects can help you to infuse your personal style into any bathroom. House plants can also be used to bring the outdoors in and create a relaxing ambience. A new lighting fixture can give an old, worn-out bathroom new life. An interesting chandelier or antique lamp might be just the ticket to reinventing your bathroom.

6 Quick and Creative Clutter Hacks to Help You Organize your Home

Let's face it, clutter is a natural companion to having kids.

No matter how much of a clean-freak you might be, it's practically impossible to make sure that everything stays organized 24/7, particularly when your home isn't as spacious as you'd like. If you want the feel of a brand new home like the ones offered by Vision One Homes, without actually re-designing your entire home, then keep reading to see how you can banish the majority of that everyday mess and create that clean, new-home feel.

Sometimes, all it takes to clear up the jumble of books and toys is a little creativity, and some DIY sessions with your miniature interior designers.

Here, we're going to take a look at just a few simple ways that you can upgrade your home storage solutions (without breaking the bank).

1. Use Rain Gutters to Catch Knowledge
Ever thought about using a couple of cheap rain gutters in your house? The answer is probably "no", but you might be surprised at how cute this hack actually looks! A rain gutter can make a perfect bookshelf for kids, so long as you file down any sharp edges.

You can get these nifty DIY items in a range of different colors to match your child's room décor, and once they're installed, you can ask your kid to help you organize all of his or her favorite books into the perfect little display. You should end up with something like this:

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2. Banish Dangerous Cords with Toilet Paper Rolls
Okay, so toilet paper rolls might not seem like the most glamorous organization tool, but they can actually look pretty stylish if you get your kids to help you stick on some decoupage paper and extra embellishments.

To help make the prettiest cord organizers around, ask your kids to design their own for their bedroom, and you can craft the ones that you use downstairs. The result should look a little like this:

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3. Organize Drawers with Cereal Boxes
Speaking of cheap and crafty ways to organize your home, how about using a few old cereal boxes to clear out the clutter in your drawers? All you need to do is save your used cereal boxes, cut them in half, and cover them with some colorful paper.

Then, you can slot your boxes into your drawers to help you divide up some crucial space between magazines, documents, and other bits and pieces.

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4. Turn a Picture Frame into a Dry-Erase Board
Need something to help you remember the billions of mommy-tasks you have to do each day?
How about an incredibly fashionable dry-erase board, that you can make at home?

All you need to do is frame a scrap of pretty fabric or paper, and hang the resulting item in a high-traffic area. You can use a dry-erase marker to jot down any notes you need to remember, and it'll clean off perfectly.

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5. Use Velcro to Organize Teddies
Make sure that dearest teddy is always on hand- but off the floor with a little bit of Velcro. All you need to do is attach one side of the strip to a wall or door in your kids' bedroom, and attach the other (softer) side to the back of the teddy.

Instant organization, and your kids can have their favorite animals watching over them while they snooze.

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6. Use Magnetic Spice Pots!
Want to make sure you're always ready to craft the perfect after-school snack?

Stop worrying about where you're going to place all your pots of spice and flavor, and simply stick them on the fridge instead! If you can't get your hands on some magnetic containers, you can simply use light-weight plastic ones and glue a cheap magnet to the bottom.

These magnetic pots will attach easily to your fridge, keeping them out of the way when you're cooking.

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These are just a few ideas to get you started.  Check out this article on organizing your laundry room for even more ideas on getting the most out of the space you have; or go to visiononehomes.com.au and visit their blog for even more information on setting up your home.

Lighting Fixtures that Serve Best with These 3 Kitchen Styles

When you’re redesigning your kitchen, you want to make sure that it’s in a style that you will enjoy for at least the next half decade. If you redesign your kitchen only to dislike the backsplash, hardware, or light fixtures six months later, you will blow your budget and view the kitchen as a stressor, not as a place to prepare good food and sip espresso in the early mornings before you take off for the office.

If you’re in the process of deciding what to do with your kitchen but aren’t sure in which direction to head, read on about the three kitchen styles below!

The Traditional Kitchen
HGTV writes that the traditional kitchen is a mixture of French and English design. Mary Broerman, interior designer and owner of the MDB Design Group in Altadena, says that the “traditional kitchen design style is ‘warm and classic.’”

What is most powerful about the traditional kitchen is that it is a mixture of other designs, including colonial, rustic and country. Painting the cabinetry in warm colors and replacing the hardware with copper fixtures will make the kitchen feel warm and inviting. The kitchen will become a place for family and friends to congregate where everyone will dine on delicious breakfasts and talk over airy pastries.

But as you no doubt are already aware, a kitchen is not complete without appliances and light fixtures. For the traditional kitchen, going the steel appliance route would look out of place. Instead, opt for matte appliances in warm colors, like butterscotch yellow or eggshell. When it comes to the light fixtures, you will want focused pendant lighting that won’t distract from the theme of the kitchen but that will light it nicely. The Nora Lighting brand sold by Lumens retailers will complement the design of the kitchen and will light the main surfaces for a fully functional food prep and dining space.

The Old-World Kitchen
Old World design celebrates big, dark and ornate fixtures. Beautifully carved woods and leaded glass windows will bring your kitchen the old-world character it deserves. Marble countertops and richly designed tile backsplashes will make the space dynamic and provide the kitchen with a strong yet elegant look. Stainless steel appliance finishes work well in this space, combining old world aesthetics with new world functionality.

When it comes to the light fixtures, the bigger, the better. Consider hanging a chandelier or a large iron or dark wood hanging box light above the island or food prep station. For the flooring, use beautiful solid oak wood or cream-colored tile to provide a stark contrast between the cabinetry and flooring.

The Modern Kitchen
Perhaps the most popular of kitchen styles, the modern kitchen is all about clean, smooth surfaces, stainless steel appliances and a light feel punched with bright pops of color.

The kitchen should be light in color, this includes the cabinetry, countertops and in some instances, the flooring. However, the color of your flooring depends on how bright the kitchen is naturally. Does your kitchen have large windows that allow for lots of natural light, or is it positioned at the back of the house where it rarely sees the sunshine?

If it’s a naturally bright kitchen, think about laying down dark tiled flooring to provide a color contrast that will really bring vibrancy to the space.

To keep the space from feeling sterile, the DIY Network suggests installing under-cabinet lighting to help accentuate the wall space between the cabinetry and counter tops. Similar to the traditional and old style kitchen themes, use hanging lights that offer fully functional task lighting. Make sure the fixtures complement the space while also standing out; consider going with brightly colored fixtures in red, yellow or teal.

You use your kitchen every day. Whether it’s to heat up leftovers in the microwave or to make pasta from scratch, you occupy the space. Make the kitchen better part of your home by designing it to fit your tastes.

Top 5 Trends in Home Security

The continuing evolution of cloud-based and wireless technologies has paved the way for amazing advancements in home security. These new developments are providing home owners with more convenient ways to monitor, secure and control everything from surveillance cameras and alarms to door locks and outdoor lighting with the quick touch of a button.

Many of the home security trends we are seeing in 2017 are largely centered on home automation technology, which has become increasingly streamlined for a more user-friendly experience.
Today’s “smart home” inventions have raised the bar substantially, offering greater flexibility to safeguard and monitor your home from any location. On another positive note: security systems featuring automated technology are becoming more and more affordable, and some predict that in the next five years, more than 75 percent of American households will be automated in some way.

Here are five of the biggest trends to look out for in the coming year.

Video alarm verification
Many home security systems have closed circuit recording that allows you to watch real time footage, as well as past events by searching the video recording. One of the new trends in home surveillance is cameras that are equipped with video alarm verification, which sends a short, 30-second video clip to your phone or tablet when suspicious movement is detected. Using the Internet, you can instantly download the video as well as pictures taken from the suspicious event.

Cloud-based technology
Smart residential security systems are increasingly using cloud-based services for storing pictures, music, video and other data. Why? Cloud–based technology can more efficiently handle complex processing (with fewer software glitches), giving homeowners a user-friendly platform for monitoring their home or smart devices remotely through their smart phone. Cloud storage sends your continuous or event-based video to remote servers, and can be viewed on-demand.  We are also seeing security system touchpads being replaced with a gateway or hub controlled through the cloud.

Security integration
Any good security system offers components that work together seamlessly and can be controlled depending on user preference. For instance, you can program your front door to unlock if the smoke alarm is triggered, or have a camera start recording when motion is detected. Many of the new security systems are using cloud-to-cloud communication to integrate components with an assortment of other “smart” devices that use Wi Fi and are either cloud-based or operated to support Amazon’s Echo. This cloud to cloud integration may help prevent the frustration felt by many consumers who are forced to use several smart phone apps to control their home security and automation features.

Wireless cameras with 2-way communication
Voice control technology has ushered in a new wave of smart home innovations that allow you to secure your home and control appliances, doors and devices with a single verbal command. This year, homeowners were treated to wireless security cameras featuring two-way communication, which allows you to remotely talk through the camera with the touch of a button.  If motion is detected by the camera, your smartphone app sends you an alert allowing you to talk to – and potentially scare off -- a possible intruder. This may be an effective first line of defense against robberies and theft.

Smart home gadgets
Just 10 year ago, the notion of having an intelligent abode seemed like a scene straight from The Jetsons. Nowadays, you can create and customize a smart home with connected devices that help you cook dinner, wake up, turn off the lights and control temperature based on your specific needs. Or you can go for a smart home system that is fully automated.

Here are some of the coolest gadgets that can make your pad just a wee bit smarter:

• The LG Instaview Refrigerator with Internet cameras lets you remotely view your fridge to see if you’re out of milk, order groceries and send messages to loved ones. This smart fridge runs Windows and WebOS and is compatible with Amazon Alexa. 
• Find out if a burglar is trying to break into your home with Cognitive Systems’ Aura, which detects disruptions in household signals and Wi-Fi caused by a person’s body. The device sends you an immediate alert if something appears to be amiss. 
• Plug any device or appliance into the WeMo Insight Switch and you’ve suddenly got an intelligent device that can be controlled via your smartphone.

Four Tips to Create a Beautifully Accessible Garden for Disabled Seniors

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About 40 percent of people over the age of 65 have at least one disability, according to the United States Census Bureau, with about 15.7 million of these people suffering from mobility issues.  Many feel confined, forced to stay home, eventually succumbing to feelings of isolation. This sort of pervasive isolation later in life can trigger bouts of depression and sadness.

Thankfully, gardens can be therapeutic, with horticulture therapy being used in different forms of rehabilitation. Even though indoor and outdoor plants share similar elements, the unique outdoor setting of a garden has a unique effect. The garden setting inadvertently honors our primal baselines, as we are creatures that evolved in an environment intrinsic to nature. There is research proposing that there is an automatic, even subconscious reaction to nature.

These therapeutic gardens offer sensory stimulation to dementia patients. In a randomized controlled study, even the sites of murals depicting nature accompanied by natural sounds have been noted to reduce discomfort.

Many gardens tend to be inaccessible to those with mobility aids. However, there are certain things that your family or your assisted living facility can do to ensure that it is accessible to everyone.

1. The Layout of the Garden Install several seats in the garden, under shaded areas. Gardens can be stimulating, with shady areas tempering the possibility for over-stimulation. If you have a large lawn, make sure that corners and headways have a curvature instead of straight lines. This will make it more accessible to those with mobility aids. Not only that, but this will help with maintenance, as you will not be required to maintain hard corners with specialized pruning tools. Instead of a pond that can pose a potential danger, use a low maintenance water feature to bring the visual interest of a pond without the heavy maintenance.
2. Have Several Quiet Spaces Throughout the Garden Some people who are experiencing cognitive impairments may need the occasional quiet time to recollect. Designated quiet areas will ensure that everyone stays comfortable during an excursion. These areas should be shaded, with simple landscaping and away from working areas and potential sources of sound.
3. Install Kneelers The aging population may not feel comfortable bending for an extended period. Kneelers are ground-level beds that are raised. 
4. Make Tools Accessible Keep tools in a consistent location to help everyone remember where they go. This could be a designated shed for hand tools and garden materials. Use brightly colored tape to help misplaced tools, with long handled tools helping to ensure that no one overexerts themselves.

If you are creating a community garden for the public, use a survey to decipher what the community wants and needs. A survey can help to ensure that the garden is accessible. Encourage the community to visit the garden by showing your willingness to adopt to disabled visitors.

How to Save Money on Your Kitchen Renovation

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and revamping this room can make your home function better, feel better, and fetch a much higher price when it comes time to sell down the road. Kitchen renovations are one of the most popular undertakings for homeowners across the country, and it’s easy to understand why; a properly renovated kitchen can increase your home’s value by thousands upon thousands of dollars. The right renovations can also tailor your kitchen to your family’s needs, making your house work for you in the way you need it to.

Decide a Budget

As with any large expense in life, proper budgeting is essential. You’ll be amazed—and frustrated—by how quickly the expenses can add up for your kitchen renovation. The average cost for a high-end kitchen remodel comes in at a whopping $80,000, and while the true cost varies depending on your desired renovations, be prepared to spend a great deal, and be realistic about how much you can afford.  For most homeowners, a kitchen renovation is completed with thoughts of resale in mind. If you plan on selling your home within the next few years, you’ll only want to invest as much in your kitchen as you’ll recoup when you do sell your home. If you plan on staying in your home for a long time, you may be willing to spend a bit more to ensure your family receives the functionality and comfort they need. As you create your budget, be sure to plan out where exactly the money will be going. Will you spend the majority of your budget on new cabinets? Perhaps you’re in need of new energy efficient appliances from Energy Star—those will take a serious chunk out of your total spending allowance. As you detail your budget allotments, be sure to set aside a good portion to handle the unexpected tasks and reworks that inevitably arise during a remodel or renovation.

List Out Your Priorities

It’s important to understand just which renovations are non-negotiable, and determine those that may be nixed if your budget becomes strained. Are you more interested in improving the functionality of your space? You may be able to forgo that pretty backsplash behind the stove. Perhaps you’re on the hunt for style; you may find your appliances are still in good condition and don’t require replacing quite yet.

Prepare to Dine

With your kitchen in shambles, you’ll need to make a plan for dining. This may seem silly, but it’s important to consider the fact that you’ll have no stove or oven to work with. Your family may find themselves eating out more, ordering delivery, or sticking to microwavable meals. Make sure you have a dining plan in place. As eating out often can get expensive, you’ll need to plan for this cost during the budgeting stage.

Learn How to DIY

While you can’t handle an entire kitchen renovation on your own, it’s important to do the work where you can. Taking on some of the renovation and demolition tasks yourself can save you thousands of dollars. Don’t hire professional help when your own two hands are able to do what you need done. You don't have to spend a fortune on building materials. Without proper planning, DIY renovations can end up being more costly than expected due to material costs. Luckily, with the right amount of time and strategy on your side, you can get discounted materials and save money. Find Lowe's coupon codes and save a bundle on building essentials for your kitchen renovation. From cabinetry to sinks and hardware, learning how to shop for discounted materials will prove to cut costs significantly.

If you’ve decided to renovate your kitchen, there’s plenty of prep work to complete before you begin knocking down walls and taking down cabinetry. Keep these features in mind and transform your kitchen into a modern oasis.

So Your Kitchen Is Flooded. Now What?

We can’t say for sure what the worst homeowner nightmare would be, but we’re pretty sure a flooded kitchen holds a firm position somewhere at the top of the list. When water isn’t where it’s supposed to be (like when it forms a swimming pool on your kitchen tile), it can cause serious damage. And the tricky thing with water damage is that some of it can be unseen. Water can seep into cracks and crevices undetected, causing a buildup of mold and other severe problems.

When you’re faced with a flooded kitchen, you’ll undoubtedly feel overwhelmed. What damage is being done? What can you do to stop it? What should you do first? Read on to find out.

Stop the Flooding

The obvious first step is to stop the water from doing any more damage. Find the source of the leak, and stop it. If a pipe has burst, turn off your main water valve. If the leak is near your sink, you may be able to find a knob near the pipes. If all else fails, you can typically call a plumber, describe your situation, and have them help you figure out how to turn off the water.

Think of Safety

If you see sparks or smell gas, turn off the electricity in the flooded room. (This can be done at your main breaker.) Next, call the fire department immediately, and leave your home.

Call a Disaster Relief Company

A flooded kitchen is one project you should not tackle on your own. Mold can grow in as little as 24 hours, which means you want the water in your kitchen cleaned thoroughly by someone who knows what to do. Removing the water yourself, patting the area dry, and leaving a fan on the floor for a few days is not a sufficient treatment for a flooded kitchen. Water can seep into unseen places, and you can end up dealing with major damage down the road.

You need the help of a disaster relief company, which will handle all the cleanup, gather evidence, get estimates, and deal with the insurance adjuster for you. Not only that, but they may be able to negotiate to get you the most claims money possible. And if you need to rebuild or restore, the disaster relief company will know how to do that.

Call Your Insurance Provider

Tell your insurance company about the flood so they can get their process moving. Don’t wait too long, or you could affect the outcome of your claim. Ask questions: Is the damage in your kitchen covered? Will the insurance company reimburse you for takeout food if your kitchen is temporarily unusable? Will there be extra costs?

Initial Damage Control

You’ll want to have a water damage restoration company do the main cleanup, but take stock of your furniture, books, and more to see what you can save. Don’t leave books in wet places because their colors can bleed. Move furniture and other items to dry places, and let them air out. But only do this after the damage has been documented properly by the disaster relief company and/or insurance company. If an item looks like it is destroyed, ask the disaster relief company for advice. Make sure to file appropriate claims with the insurance company for anything that has been destroyed.

Restoration

If your kitchen has been badly damaged, you’ll need to begin a restoration process. The insurance company should tell you how much money you’ll receive, and once they do, you can begin working with a restoration company to restore, remodel, or even upgrade your kitchen.

That sinking feeling you felt when you first saw the flood in your kitchen? You can quickly replace it with relief — as long as you act fast, and get the right team on your side.

Deborah Lamberton is the general manager for New Life Restoration, a 24/7 disaster cleanup company that offers fire & smoke, water & storm damage, mold remediation and more.

The Best Ways to Create a Family-Friendly Kitchen

When we have children, the kitchen is often a room we don’t think about childproofing. We just assume that the children won’t need to go in the kitchen so it’s not something we need to worry about. While this may be true of babies and very young children, as they get older, it’s fun having them in the kitchen and involving them in cooking and baking. Your kitchen can easily become the heart of your home, and a place where you spend time having fun as a family. Generally, you just need to make a few small changes to turn your existing kitchen into a safe, family-friendly space.

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Safety

In any family home, safety is, of course, the most important thing. Especially in the kitchen where there can be a lot of danger. Think very carefully about your storage. Keep any sharp knives and utensils out of reach or locked away, but also keep anything particularly heavy such as large pots and pans out of reach. Cupboard locks are a great investment. However you choose to make your kitchen safe, do regular reviews as children are growing and learning all of the time.

Keep it Tidy

Another way to keep your kitchen both safe and welcoming is to keep it tidy. Make sure that everything has a home and that you keep on top of any chores. Give older children their own responsibilities and involve them.

Color

Make it colorful. Light, bright colors can help to create a fun, friendly atmosphere. Why not let your children help you chose a color scheme? They love being involved and feeling like their opinions matter.

Fun

The very best way to make children feel at home and welcome in any room is to add some fun. Hang their artwork on the fridge or even frame some for the walls. Get them a window box and let them have their own mini herb garden. Cover your fridge with fun magnets they can play with. Open your kitchen up to your children, let them in, and then watch them thrive as they discover new skills and explore new sides of their growing personalities.

Height

If you want your children to be able to get involved in cooking and preparing meals from a young age, you need to think about height. If your sink and work surfaces are too high, consider keeping a stool or step close to hand so they can get involved whenever they want. Even if it’s just to watch.

Seating

Having a seating area in your kitchen is a great way to make it a more social space. We all lead busy and hectic lives so often meal times are the only chance we get to sit and speak to our families. Having a seating area means you can do more than just eat together. The children can sit doing their homework or talking to you while you cook. Even a small breakfast bar can be a great asset.

If your kitchen needs a full overhaul to either help make it safe or update your style, get in touch with a kitchen remodeling Toronto company who can help you get started today.

An Informed Look at Bathroom Lighting

Sometimes overlooked until the last minute, this very important part of bathroom design requires careful thought. Inadequate lighting can make your everyday chores more difficult. However, a  boost of confidence is but one reward when that guy or gal in the mirror is cast in a flattering light each morning!

Let’s talk about some concepts that will help make your renovation a brilliant success.

Adding Light in Layers

First, we want to divide bathroom lighting into 4 categories: ambient, vanity, accent, and decorative. These categories are sometimes called “layers” as each serves a purpose, though their functions usually overlap. Don’t worry, it’s actually quite simple.

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Ambient lighting could also be called general purpose lighting. A surface mounted fixture or a series of recessed lights are most common. You’ll want to ensure that no dark or shadowy areas detract from the cheery atmosphere.

You have an ever growing number of beautiful fixtures to choose from. Many designers now recommend pendant lights or even small chandeliers for bathrooms. These  disperse the light evenly and add a touch of elegance. You’ll get plenty of ideas not only on lighting but for all your fixtures by browsing through SmartStyle Bathrooms online showroom here.

For something out of the ordinary, you might consider cove lighting. A string of lights, like a tiny rope, hidden behind a crown moulding. The moulding is placed down from the ceiling a bit so the light spills over into the room. You can a choose from a wide variety of colours and brightness to perfectly complement the rest of the room. This could fall into the decorative category as it may not be the main source of light for the room.

Whatever the label, this will create a warm glow around the perimeter of the room and gives a classy, modern look.

Don’t forget the shower! In all too many homes, the shower area is not lit and unless there is plenty of ambient light, it will be a dark area. Just make sure any fixture slated for use in a shower enclosure is rated for the damp environment.

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Vanity lighting is one of the key elements of successful bathroom design. Shaving, putting on makeup, hairstyling, and many other activities require plenty of light.

Vanity lights placed above the mirror may cast shadows over the face and make everything more tedious. Even multiple bulbs often don’t always solve the problem.

The new preferred method: a sconce on each side of the mirror, placed at about eye level will very nicely do the job. Because light comes from two directions, shadows are virtually eliminated. This method creates a flattering, even light over the face.

You could even add a matching fixture above the mirror if you wanted. This will give a more traditional look and make things a bit brighter as well. You will want to put lower wattage bulbs in the top fixture to avoid the shadowing problem stated above. Also, choose fixtures that won’t extend past or overhang onto the mirror, as that will cause a glaring reflection of the bulb.

Accent lighting and Decorative lighting add the finishing touches to a thoughtful design. A small recessed light can focus on and accentuate beautiful features in your bathroom. A picture or piece of artwork can be highlighted. Or perhaps the beautiful tile work or carefully chosen fixtures.

Cove lighting, mentioned above, is another common decorative lighting element. It works well as under counter lighting or to outline other features of the room.

You will want to coordinate fixtures, tile selection, wallpaper or other decorative elements so that they complement one another. A touch of style will make your bathroom transcend the ordinary and allow you to really make a statement.

Practical Considerations

The next step is to decide on some practical matters. For example, have you considered dimmers for your vanity lighting or what wattage the bulbs should be? You might enjoy reading this article in Forbes magazine that goes into depth on some of these details.

Not only can dimmers be used to create atmosphere, but can allow a very welcome adjustment for tired eyes late at night. When choosing bulbs, a crisp white is regarded as the best colour for vanity lighting as it accurately shows skin tones.

If you have ever been in a room where you had to try three or four switches to find the right one, you will appreciate the importance of switch placement. Make sure to place them so that they are in easy reach when needed. If done correctly, the use of each switch should be fairly obvious. Of course, it’s also a nice idea to have the exhaust fan and various lighting features on separate switches.

Putting It All Together

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Incorporating all these points into your remodel is not easy. Try not to get discouraged, just take it a step at a time. Many others have successfully worked through their projects and you can too! Here is a way to look at the whole project broken down into three simple steps.

A little forethought and perhaps some help to refine your design will put you well on the way to creating an oasis in your home that you’ll be proud of for years to come.

Considerations when buying a house

Are you moving? There are a few things to consider before you get your own home. From the moment you find the property of your dreams until you receive the keys and start living in it, there are some steps you should follow. Buying a house is the best option to invest your money, but it's important to know all the legal details.

The first thing you should care about is mortgage preapproval. The lender will need your personal information for this process, proof of income, and implement a detailed credit report. This doesn't mean that you will automatically receive a loan, but you are qualified to get one. That will make it easier for you to buy a house, because the seller will have less reservations to accept your offer.

The next step is to find your perfect home. There are many attributes that make a property something extraordinary. The location is one of these. It's very important the proximity to the place of work, a good neighbourhood, quality schools in the area, or being close to hospital and shopping centre. The right price is important too. An affordable price is the first thing that homebuyers need, especially first-time buyers.

A house is a long term investment, it needs to adapt itself to the future. Maybe you don't know what you'll do in a few years, but your house must be ready for anything. It might be properly maintained and the key areas must be renovated. Some updates will add more value in case you want to re-sell your home.

Once you find the perfect house, you put in a purchase offer. A real estate agent could help you with that. After a little bit of negotiation, and if the seller accepts the offer, you can contact your lender to start the mortgage approval process. If everything works properly... Congratulations, you'll have your own house!

4 Tips for Attracting more Buyers to your Home

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One of the most anxiety-inducing times in life is sure to be when you have a house for sale. You may be extremely stressed about getting it sold in the least amount of time while working to get the price you want for it. It can be extremely challenging to find the right buyer that is willing to pay the amount you’re asking for your property.

It’s ideal to know some tips that will allow you to have the most success with the least difficulty when it comes to getting your property sold. Being aware of tips that will allow you to attract more buyers to your home is certain to be helpful.

Tip #1: Hire a professional

The key to helping you get the results you want when you’re in the midst of this real estate process is to enlist the services of a real estate agent.  A Leduc Realtor can help you get a good buyer if you live in the Leduc area. A Realtor in your city can assist you in this too. This individual has the knowledge and expertise that can be extremely useful when it comes to finding the ideal person to buy your home. One of the most important things a service like Corona Del Mar real estate can do for you is list your property on the multiple listing service (MLS). Real estate agents have access to this website and having your home on there can increase the chances of finding the right buyer quickly. Additionally, helping you to set the right price to get your home sold faster and to assist with the final closing when it does sell are all things you agent can do for you.

Tip #2: Making minor improvements

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make your home look instantly better. Doing some simple things can drastically improve the look of it and attract potentially multiple people that may be interested in making this purchase.

Listed below are some minor things you can do that may render big results:

1. Look for areas that need touch up paint. Over time, the exterior of your property can really begin to show its age. This can be seen by paint peeling off that can decrease the appearance of your home. Be sure to look for these areas and make the necessary touchups.
2. Add new décor items to make it more attractive. One thing you can do is to pick up some new pictures, rugs or pillows that instantly alter the drab appearance of any home. When you live there day after day, you may become accustomed to seeing the same things that truly need a change. A good place to start is in the kitchen area.

Tip #3: Encourage a bidding war

Of course, the amount of time you wish to get your home sold in will make a huge difference in the price you intend to list it at to start. If you’re in a huge rush to make this happen, you may want to start a bidding war.

This is much more likely to happen when the price is low enough to capture the interest of several buyers that wish to bid against each other. This method is certain to peak the amount of curiosity in your home and allow you to get it sold fast.

Tip #4: Don’t neglect curb appeal

It’s easy to put your focus on the inside of the home, but the first thing individuals will see when entering your property is your lawn. Be sure to put some time and effort into making it as inviting as possible.

You can hire an individual to mow the yard for a reasonable price if you’re too busy to do so. Studies show that the average cost for this service is $35-$40, but will depend on the size of your lawn and where you live.

The benefits of making your home as attractive as possible will include getting it sold in the shortest amount of time. This is exactly what most sellers want to accomplish and can be hard to do unless the right moves are made rather than the wrong ones. Be sure to use the tips listed above to get optimal results when it comes to finding the right buyer and closing on your home quickly!

Why You Shouldn’t Repair Your Oven by Yourself

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Lots of us see ourselves as DIY (do it yourself) experts. Thanks to the internet, it has become a lot easier to fix things for yourself. You can find parts online for very cheap prices, and YouTube is filled with tutorial videos on how to fix any problem that you come across. Furthermore, many of us enjoy tinkering, seeing it as a weekend hobby.

However, there are certain things that you should only ask a specialist to repair. One of those is the electric oven. Very few of us know how ovens operate and are very familiar with electrical work at the same time. As a result, if your electric oven breaks down, it is important that you search for a qualified oven repair specialist. Doing it yourself and making even the smallest mistake could not only make things worse, it could actually be very dangerous to yourself and your property.

Always Hire a Professional

It cannot be emphasized enough that it is vital that you hire a professional. Working with electricity is very serious, and just because you have unplugged something, does not mean that the danger is gone. If you have an appliance, be that an oven or anything else, that runs on electricity, you need to leave it alone.

If you do decide to fix your oven yourself, you have a big chance of actually making the problem worse – if you’re lucky. If you’re unlucky, you could electrocute yourself (yes, even if you have unplugged the appliance) and set your house on fire. If you were lucky, and all you did was make the problem worse, you will quickly find that the cost of repairing it is likely to exceed the cost of buying a new appliance altogether. Because you are dealing with electrical conduits and circuits, even putting a bit too much pressure on a certain element can completely destroy the entire machine. It simply isn’t worth it, no matter how easy the tutorial videos make it look.

Finding a Professional Service

Luckily for you, finding an oven repair specialist is very easy. Again, thanks to the internet, it should only take you a few minutes to find someone. Do make sure, however, that you perform a bit of research to make sure that the company you end up going with is professional, reputable, and guarantees their work.

A good repair specialist will have their own website with details about their qualifications, certifications, and insurance, as well as their prices. It is likely that they have also listed consumer reviews on their website. However, try to find external reviews as well, as these are more likely to be objective. There are various consumer review websites dedicated specifically to helping you find these types of professionals. Spend some time looking through these sites to see the experiences other people have had before booking in your own repair.

For the small expense of hiring a professional, which really isn’t much more expensive than paying for new parts, you will have the peace of mind of knowing that things will work properly again.

Which Material Is Best For Your Stone Patio DIY Project?

In the past, the options for a stone patio were limited to natural materials or whatever was mined in your area. Thanks to the modern marvels of technology and distribution, choosing the right stone for your patio can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether it is a small project or one that will cover all your green space, making the right choice is about more than just aesthetics.

A stone patio is not just a weekend project; it can be a huge investment, and one that may affect things like your yard drainage, the value of your home and the maintenance that you’ll have to perform. It’s a big decision, so make sure you know which materials are best for your area, landscaping, and your climate, so you aren’t disappointed.

Flagstone

A natural stone, Flagstone is one of the most common types of stone patio materials. It comes in many colors including blue, red and slate. The appeal of a Flagstone patio is in its traditional and elegant appearance. Providing a very earthy feel, it makes any outdoor area look upscale.

Flagstone is an excellent material for someone who is looking for a more “natural”-looking patio. It doesn’t have a defined shape, so each stone comes in different shapes and colors, which adds variation and texture.

The biggest disadvantage to using Flagstone is that it is difficult to work with unless you are a professional, and it needs a little more expertise than a weekend do-it-yourselfer might possess. It is also more expensive than some other options. Being more susceptible to splitting and erosion makes it a more delicate material and less hardy for areas that experience freeze and thaw cycles or large amounts of precipitation.

When laying a flagstone patio, drainage is the key to ensuring that it lasts a long time. So, if you are going to use it, it’s best to have the help of a designer to ensure that you are laying it correctly to provide good water flow.

Another disadvantage of flagstone is that it absorbs heat from the sun. If you want to use it around pools or for areas that are primarily in the sun, it becomes hot to the touch and can cause headaches for both little and big feet.

Brick

Clay brick is one of the oldest and most traditional brick patios material there is. It is a highly malleable aesthetic material that matches almost any type of backyard and house, from traditional to contemporary.

One of the advantages of using brick is that it is highly resistant to fading and it’s easy to work with. Having straight edges and consistency in sizing, it makes an excellent patio material for the newbie do-it-yourselfer. If you want to get creative, it is also a great material to make different patterns and put your own personality and spin on your patio’s flair.

Cheaper than flagstone, you have the option of buying new brick clay or repurposing old. Ironically, recycled clay can be more expensive, but it has a greater color variation and more “old world” charm. The other advantage that brick clay has is that it is excellent for freeze-thaw locations and it provides excellent drainage, which keeps it looking beautiful over the long term.

Patio pavers

Patio pavers come in many varieties and materials. They can be made from clay, stone, recycled plastic, or even concrete. Made out of very hardy materials, they will last a long time in almost any climate if laid correctly.

The biggest advantage to patio pavers is that they’re an excellent option for beginner do-it-yourselfers. A cheaper alternative to many other patio materials, depending on which one you choose, they can also have a very aesthetically pleasant appearance.

Gravel

Gravel is one of the most natural looks that you can have for a patio, and it’s also the easiest to install. Good for any climate, it provides excellent water drainage and requires little to no expertise. Coming in many shapes, sizes and colors, it is practically maintenance-free. With no need to worry about splitting, chipping or being misplaced, it also helps to stave off any weed growth. As it’s also a very inexpensive patio material, even a novice can’t go wrong.

The right type of patio material for your project depends on your level of expertise, the climate you live in and your own aesthetic taste. Whichever you choose, a nice patio gives you more space to enjoy the great outdoors.

Tricks To Dress Up Your Cabinets

Most people have cabinets strategically placed around their home to house things like knick knacks or for extra storage. Although they are utilitarian, there is no reason why your bookcase or cabinet can’t be an extension of a room's decor. If you have a bookcase, it is reasonable to dress it up to make it more like a piece of artwork than a series of shelves with stuff on it.

There are several ways that you can decorate a cabinet, but one critical thing to remember is that it has to have character and flow. Whether you decide to go with all white figures or you want to mix in some metal, the key is to have a pattern and a theme and stick to it. These are the best ways to dress up any cabinet in your home.

Mix it up

The first thing that a cabinet maker would tell you to consider when you are dressing up a cabinet is where it is located in your home, but don’t let that overtake its function. For example, if you have a cabinet that is in your pantry then you are going to want to put pantry items in it for function. But mixing in old advertising signs or  adding a mixer or other small appliances will break up the monotony and make it appealing to the eye.

In the same instance, if it is in a study, you are going to want to use it for books. But rows and rows of books are monotonous and unentertaining. Mix in some opera glasses, a mantle clock, or an old-fashioned radio to jazz it up and make it eye-catching. Otherwise, it is nothing but a sea of book titles without character.

Add some lighting

Every cabinet should have interesting pieces that “pop.” The way to make those things you treasure most meet someone’s eye is by spotlighting them -- literally. Using track lighting or lamps to showcase the most eye-catching things in your cabinet will add intrigue and depth. It will draw the viewer’s eye toward the essential components and then let them see the rest afterward.

Vary different heights and shapes

There is nothing more boring than a cabinet full of the same items. If you want to dress up a cabinet, make sure to vary the objects by height and shape. You would be surprised at how much moving things around and organizing them in varying patterns can make a difference on your cabinet decor.

Using vases, cylinders or even domes can add texture and make the eyes see more creativity in the cabinet. If you want to use it more functionally, then use different types of baskets and storage bins to hide those things that aren’t so magnificent. The key is to make it stylish, but you don’t want to lose its original purpose, which was to organize your home and give you extra space to store your things.

Add lighting

Nothing is outstanding or dressy about a cabinet that is so dark that it drowns out all the things contained within it. If you have a dark wood cabinet in an area of the house with very little light, illuminating the cabinet is an excellent way to add beauty to the things displayed.

Things like rope lights can adhere to the top of the shelves or even adhesive battery-powered lights can do the trick. The key is to dress it up and make sure that people can see it. Otherwise, it isn’t worth putting any time into something that no one can see anyway.

Vary colors

If you want your items to stand out, make sure to vary the color scheme. If you are going to use just one color, then stick to your resolve. But if you want to vary colors, then make sure not to set the same colors next to each other. Otherwise, it will look all blocky and disjointed.

Cabinets are very helpful  for storing your books, pantry items, or even your family heirlooms. But just because they are functional, that doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish too. Make sure that if a cabinet is taking up space in your house right out in the open, you take care to dress it up and make it part of the decor by hiding those things you don’t want people to see and showcasing the things that you do.

How Selling your Home Via an Online Estate Agent Can Save You Time and Money

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There are a lot of options available when it comes to selling your home. One particular method that’s becoming increasingly popular is the use of online estate agents. Their main selling point is their cost-saving benefits compared to traditional high-street estate agencies. So, how much could you save by going through an online agency and is it worthwhile?

Are online estate agents really cheaper?

When you sell your property, you obviously want to make sure you’re getting the best price. Traditional estate agents used to be the only option available and while they’ve always taken a cut of the final selling price, the costs used to be much more affordable than they are now.

The fees charged by estate agents have gradually increased over the years and now sellers face thousands of pounds’ worth of fees. So, it’s unsurprising sellers are looking for alternative, cheaper options and that’s where online estate agents come in.

Unlike offline agencies, online estate agents charge a set fee, rather than a percentage of the selling fee. This fee does usually need to be paid upfront, but it’s a fraction of the cost that offline estate agents charge.

There aren’t as many fees included with online estate agents either. So, if you’re looking to benefit from the expertise of an agent, without paying extortionate fees, an online agency is definitely recommended.

Helping you to sell your home quickly

Another advantage of choosing an online estate agent is they are typically more driven to sell the property quickly. So, if you’re looking to save time and want a quick sale, an online agent such as Hatched is the better option.

Traditional estate agencies aren’t concerned with selling the home quickly as the more they can get for the property, the more money they’ll make. This means they won’t necessarily get you the best price either and the home could be stuck on the market for months, if not years.

Overall, online estate agents do save time and money and sellers also have a lot more flexibility. For example, you can choose to do your own viewings if you’d prefer and you’re given a lot more control over the process than you are with a high-street agency. So, if you’re looking to sell your property, you might want to consider looking into an online estate agent.