19 June 2020

Ways to Bring Luxurious Travel to Your Home

Photo by Anna Demianenko on Unsplash

It is hard for most people to deny a luxurious vacation, whether it is to a beach in Aruba or a ski lodge in Switzerland. However, living in 2020, it is hard to know if these luxurious vacations will be able to be achieved with the infamous COVID-19 virus and travel restrictions guarding everyone away from the vacation of their dreams.

Even if travel restrictions get lifted in time to go on vacation, a luxurious vacation is not always the easiest thing to afford. If you are unable to go on a luxurious vacation but still want to experience one, the following are plenty of ways you bring a luxurious vacation right to your home.

Get a Bed That Fits the Part

One of the best parts of going on a luxurious vacation is the feeling of sleeping in the beds that feel like a cloud. If you do not want to miss out on this part of a luxurious vacation, get a mattress that provides the best support for you to be able to sleep like a baby. You will want to be able to sleep long hours and wake up feeling refreshed, so do not be afraid to invest a little in this part.

Once you have your dream bed, if you really want the full hotel resort experience, get white silk sheets to put on your bed. You can even go the extra mile and order white silk robes to wear, just like the one's hotels provide for you. If your room fits the luxurious travel feeling, it will make your staycation experience infinitely better.

Plan Out Fancy Meals

Photo by Martin Castro on Unsplash

Another major perk of going on vacation, whether the vacation is fancy or not, is the ability to try new food in new places. If you are a foodie and thrive on traveling for food, do not fear, because you can quickly bring new food right to your home. If you find yourself talented in the kitchen, plan out new recipes to try ahead of time and stock up on ingredients before you start your staycation.

A trip to your local grocery store is not always the most luxurious experience, so try to get everything you need before in order to avoid ruining the feeling of your fancy staycation. If you are not as food-savvy, you can utilize websites that send you every ingredient you need in recipes you handpick, or you can try new restaurants in your town that you have never gone to.

Photo by Thomas Rehehäuser on Unsplash

Let People Help You Out

Going on vacations in resorts is a stress-free area, and not having to clean your own room probably helps relieve that stress. If you are too worried about vacuuming every day and cleaning every surface three times a week, you might have a harder time relaxing on your staycation. Before the week starts, you can personally deep clean the house or hire a local housekeeping service to clean your home while you finish things up at work.

Having someone else do it for you often relieves a lot of stress, and you will most likely be able to go longer without going crazy about cleaning if you know your house was just professionally cleaned. You can also hire a landscaping company to professionally cut your grass and get rid of weeds outside to make you feel happy about how your home looks while you are trying to get the most out of your staycation.

Explore Your Town

Adding on to the list of vacation perks is the ability to explore a new town. If you are staying at home, you might be sad that you will not be able to roam a new city; however, you might be surprised at what you can find in your own hometown. Walk around as you have never seen the streets in your life, and take a chance on those stores you have never stepped into. This part is all about your attitude, and if you want to reach your adventurous side, let yourself explore new parts of town.

You can also go to a new park, go on a hike on a new trail, or ask friends and family what their favorite thing to do is. There are always plenty of new things and activities to try; you might just need a little luxurious staycation to find these things.

Photo by Robert Bye on Unsplash

Forget About Work and School

Along with worrying about having a clean house, work and school are more things that only cause you to worry more. If you want the full vacation experience at home, take time off work, school, and other daily responsibilities you would have to leave behind if you were leaving the area. You can respond to emails and calls if you have to, but do not let work take over your life when you are supposed to be on "vacation." Turn off the computer and allow yourself to take a step away from working consistently.

This can also allow you to feel refreshed when you inevitably have to go back to your normal daily life, as you were able to have a quick break from it. You should also be able to quit worrying about time and let yourself completely relax. If you are caught up in your head, you will not be able to feel that luxurious vacation feeling.

How to Create a Light and Bright Kitchen in Your Home

The kitchen is, for many families and households, the heart of the home. In many dwellings the kitchen doubles as a dining space. That means it's not only the area where you prepare life-sustaining meals, but it's also the area wherein you entertain, catch up with family, and break bread. Thus, it's important that you invest in your kitchen and make it a light, bright, friendly space for you and everyone else in your household to enjoy. If you want to know how to remodel your kitchen to make it light and bright, keep reading for some great tips.

Consult the professionals to lay out the basics of your kitchen.


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If you really want to remodel your kitchen the right way, you should consult the advice of a professional in the kitchen design field. Looking up those who specialize in kitchen remodeling in Denver will help you find someone local who will be just as invested in your new kitchen as you are. A Denver kitchen remodeling team will not only bring professionalism in the world of kitchen design and interior design but they will also understand the unique needs of those who live in the Mile High City with regards to altitude. The kitchen remodeling team will also understand exactly how to design your kitchen in a way that suits you, so you know you won't just be choosing a one-size-fits-all sample kitchen off a showroom floor.

Choose finishes that will lighten up your kitchen space.

Even if you yourself are not an interior designer, you can work with your chosen contractors to select kitchen cabinets that are in a color that will lighten up your whole space, such as a light pine or birch, or even a wood treated with a white finish. The contractors will also walk you through choosing a countertop finish that will give your kitchen renovation a bright, sleek feel. Choose finishes that will reflect the natural daylight in your kitchen, or even consider adding a mirror or two to create even more of that reflection. You can even break up a dark wood floor with a brightly-colored kitchen island that doubles as additional prep space or an area for a small group to dine together.

Use natural light to your advantage.

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Throughout your kitchen, taking advantage of your existing natural light will help make your kitchen into your dream kitchen. Sunlight is the kind of light that is actually incredibly important to your mental health and can help aid seasonal affective disorder. In addition to the health benefits, sunlight will make the entirety of your kitchen look larger and brighter, and thus, more welcoming for both you and your guests. Even if you only have one window, you can complement the natural light with mirrors and with sheer or no curtains that allow the maximum amount of light into your kitchen remodel project.

Make sure key areas are well-lit.

Sunlight and light, in general, is incredibly important in the kitchen, not only because it helps your kitchen appear lighter and larger, but also because it helps illuminate key areas in your kitchen for safety. If you have children or live with someone with a disability, this is especially important, as there are sharp knives, hot stoves, and dangerous kitchen appliances that can be harmful if not handled in daylight or under fluorescent lights. To aid this issue, make sure you install full spectrum lighting in your kitchen, paying special attention to install lamps under cabinetry where one may handle knives and above the stove where heat elements can rise to dangerously high temperatures.

Historic Brick Exteriors: To Paint Or Not to Paint

Photo by Georgy Rudakov on Unsplash

The paint job of a historic home is one of the key components that characterize the elegant antiquity of the residence. The painting of brick exteriors is even more unique, as brick has a particular charm when it comes to home design. Whether you are aiming to renovate your home to achieve a specific aesthetic or to simply add another layer of protection to the bricks encompassing your house, you might consider a new coat of paint.

The wear and tear due to constant exposure to elements, such as heavy rain, may cause the brick exterior to appear worn and damaged, even early on its lifespan. (This might be something you, as a homeowner in Boston, are familiar with.) Painting the brick may be one of the first options you consider to resolve this matter; however, there are many factors to take into account. To assist you in deciding whether you should paint the brick exterior of your home, here are a few points to consider, and the possible benefits and disadvantages of each.

What to Consider Before You Decide to Paint Brick

First, understand that brick is often chosen as a building material due to its natural, beautiful coloring and its exceptional durability. Generally, brick is not a material that is intended to be painted. However, if you decide to go this route, you should know that caring for the painted surface requires a long-term, detailed maintenance plan. The Brick Industry Association suggests replacing paint on brick exteriors every 3-5-years.

The quality of your brick exterior should directly influence your decision to paint it as well. For example, brick that is suffering from chipping, molding, or is otherwise deteriorating should not be considered for painting. Instead, surfaces in this condition should be repaired or otherwise cared for before painting ever becomes an option.

You must also understand how the paint will affect the physical and structural integrity of the brick exterior. When you add a coat of paint onto exterior brick, the pores become filled and blocked, which can exacerbate existing issues with the brick. This is a big problem because it forces water to seep into the mortar, and from there, into the brick. With much of the surface area blocked off due to the paint layer, the moisture is then trapped, unable to evaporate from the brick. This holding of moisture is normally what leads to the paint chipping off.

Lastly, consider the effort it will take to remove the paint from the brick if you ever decide that you no longer wish to maintain that aesthetic. Removing paint from brick is a painstaking task, one that requires several hours, or even days, to complete. You cannot merely sandblast or power-wash the surface. Instead, it would be best if you used a paint-stripping solution. Removing paint from brick must only be done with expert help to avoid damaging the brick’s surface with the chemicals comprising the solution. 

Disadvantages of Painting the Brick Exterior of Your Home

Truthfully, there are not many disadvantages to painting the brick exterior of your home. The disadvantages primarily concern the requirement of more frequent quality checks for your home, not necessarily a significantly increased workload as far as home maintenance.  Keep these things in mind as you consider painting your brick exterior:

  • You cannot go back to a bare brick exterior. Once you have committed to painting brick, there is no going back. The moment you apply a new coat of paint on a brick exterior, you must always replenish that paint for the remainder of the home’s lifetime to maintain the structural integrity and quality of the brick. 
  • You will need to clean the exterior of your home more often. This is a double-edged sword because painted brick is easier to clean. However, dirt and other buildup show up much more clearly. This may mean you have to clean more often, so your home does not become covered in dirt, debris, and mildew over time. 

That said, you can always find a high-quality, affordable company to take care of maintaining your painted brick surfaces.

The Advantages of Painting Your Home’s Brick Exterior

Though there are a few minor drawbacks to painting the brick exterior of your home, the benefits far outweigh any potential negative consequences. For some, painting a home’s exterior is one way of customizing the building and owning its aesthetic. This is especially important in historic homes since you must maintain its integrity over time without allowing the exterior to become dull and drab.
When you decide to paint your brick exterior, the benefits include:

  • The exterior will be better protected from the elements. As long as you maintain a regular maintenance schedule that includes the replacement of aging coats of paint and regular cleaning, a coat of paint will improve its resistance to the elements. This is because it acts as a sealant, defending against the effects of seasonal changes. 
  • Your home’s curb appeal will be significantly improved. Whether you intend for your home to be yours forever, or you eventually wish to sell it, the curb appeal and value of your home can be enhanced by adding a layer of paint. (This is especially true for dark colors such as slate gray, or sharp, modern colors like white.)

Once you decide to move forward with painting the brick exterior of your historic home, the best option for exterior house painting in Boston is Catchlight Painting. Whether you need a new coat added, or an old coat stripped for renovation, you can depend on Catchlight’s 25+ years of experience restoring and painting many of the Boston area’s historic homes.

14 June 2020

Why Choose White Shaker Cabinets for Your Kitchen?

The Shakers were well-known for their outstanding woodworking skills, craftsmanship, and simple yet attractive design. Shaker cabinets, modeled after these early masterpieces, remain very popular today. The style is timeless and works with many different kitchen configurations and schemes. White shaker cabinets, specifically, are one of the most versatile choices on the market.

Why Shaker Cabinets? The Shakers believed in simplicity in life, devotion, and a strong work ethic, and relayed this through their design. High-quality Shaker cabinets today stay true to this original vision. These cabinets transcend trends. They have survived the test of time, satisfying both fans of modern kitchens, as well as those of a more classic style. Sleek lines and basic trims complement today’s cutting-edge kitchens. High-tech appliances, avant-garde artwork, and modern, eccentric accents mesh well with Shaker cabinets. With a clean slate to work with, customers can add stylish futuristic touches to their kitchens while still retaining that solid Shaker look.


Another benefit to these cabinets is they are generally more affordable than many other styles of cabinetry. As a result, you can funnel those savings into other areas of kitchen updates or redesign. You can put together the kitchen of your dreams at a lower price without sacrificing quality.

Shaker cabinets consist of clean lines and geometric trim. This design can help to add to the visual effect of height and depth in the kitchen, as long lines create a sense of extended space. The simple appearance and style of Shaker cabinets fit well with any combination of counters, appliances, and accents. Additionally, you can experiment with different grains, materials, and handles: all while maintaining the proven foundation of the Shaker look.

Why Go With White Cabinets? White is the most popular color for kitchen cabinets, and for good reason. Many modern kitchens are open and airy, and color choice can enhance, or diminish, this appearance. White cabinetry contributes to a spacious feel. It gives a clean, fresh look, and provides a neutral backdrop for any creative aspirations you have in mind. Simple kitchens are stylish, and white cabinets can help you achieve that goal.

White cabinets can also make a kitchen brighter and lighter while providing the illusion of space and roominess. As cabinets last a long time, they will continue to complement any appliances – no matter the color or style – that you buy in the future.

White Shaker Cabinets: Your Best Choice The combination of the exceptional quality of materials and design found in Shaker cabinets with the color white will prove to be a winner. Timeless and versatile, these cabinets will subtly bring your kitchen to life. If you are looking for cabinetry that will stand the test of time, as well as fads in kitchen design, white Shaker cabinets are a trusted option. When people are on the lookout for specific cabinets, many will want a style that is sleek, attractive, functional, and sturdy. White Shaker kitchen cabinets check all of these boxes, and will for years to come.

5 Steps to Prevent Storm Damage to Your Home

With summer on the horizon, your thoughts may be drawn to having time off work, enjoying the sunshine or maybe going on a vacation, however, with summer thunderstorms to take into account, it’s crucial that you do everything you can to ensure your home is safe and protected.

Image by Sergio Cerrato from Pixabay 

Heavy rains and strong winds can cause extensive damage to your property, so here are five steps to prevent storm damage to your home and outsmart Mother Nature.

Inspect the Foundation

If you notice any cracks or gaps in the foundation of your property, this increases the chance of water seeping into your home during severe weather. No one wants to deal with major water damage, so repairing any cracks you spot or calling a professional to help is key. Also, make sure that your doors and windows are sealed, as they are other areas of the home where water could sneak in.

Clean Your Gutters

While cleaning your downspouts and gutters may not be the most exciting task, soggy leaves and dirt can accumulate and cause havoc to your home should a storm strike. This is because they can stop water from running off your roof during severe weather. If water starts to build up, it may settle around your roof, which can cause extensive water damage to your property. Cleaning and repairing your gutters should be at the top of your list to keep your home safe and secure from a storm.

Check Your Back Yard

For preventing storm maintenance, one of the best things you can do is to inspect your back yard for diseased or dead trees. When severe weather strikes, trees that are diseased, hollowed or dead may not be able to stand up against strong winds. The last thing you want is for a tree to fall and crash into your home, so while most home insurance policies cover falling trees, it’s advisable to get rid of unsafe trees so no one is put in danger.

Inspect Your Roof

Your roof needs to be maintained and inspected at least once a year. Keeping a close eye on the condition of your roof will help you identify any issues before they turn into major problems. Keeping your roof in good condition can also save you money on your home insurance. If you don’t feel comfortable tackling your roof alone, it’s best to hire a professional.

Watch the Weather

Many homeowners make the mistake of failing to act before severe weather strikes. So you can be confident that you’ve taken the correct precautionary measures, it’s important to keep an eye on the weather forecast. If a storm is heading your way, try and find out how your community reacts to weather emergencies and follow suit.

Create a Checklist

After a storm has hit your area, your first step should be to inspect your home for damage. Creating a damage checklist and going around the interior and exterior of your property will help you identify what action needs to be taken.

If a storm is predicted, it’s important that you take all the precautionary measures listed above to reduce the risk of damage to your property.