Category Archives: Home and functionality

There aren’t many rooms in our homes that go through as much as our bathrooms go through on a daily basis. When you bear in mind that you, your partner and your children all probably use the same bathroom, it’s little wonder that all too often the place looks like a bomb has hit it! Everyone has a different preference for bathroom products, so this can lead to an abundance of shampoos and body treatments lying about the place, on top of sponges, hair brushes, and towels. Add onto that the fact that water can easily get EVERYWHERE even during a regular shower, and keeping your bathroom clean and chic can often be a bit of a challenge. All of us want to bathe somewhere that is both hygienic and relaxing to look at, so here are some ideas on how you can keep your family bathroom in tip top condition.

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Take care of your tiles

Chances are that you have tiles somewhere in your family bathroom. Whether they are on your floor, in your shower or on the wall behind your sink (or in all three places!), you can guarantee that they make up an important part of your bathroom. Tiles are great for a bathroom due to their waterproof composition, but this doesn’t mean that they are totally indestructible. Just like with any other material, wear and tear can start to take its toll after a while, and your tiles can easily become chipped, cracked or discolored. That’s no reason to think that all is gone, however, and you need to lay down a completely fresh set of tiles. Find a company who specialize in tile repair and see if they can come and save your current tiles. A little bit of regrouting and a few replacements can go a long way!

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Air it out

Bathrooms are notoriously humid places; and while this cannot be avoided, there are steps you can take to minimize the negative effects of such humidity. Steam that hangs in the air can lead to condensation, which in turn can produce mold and all in all, creates a pretty unhygienic atmosphere in your family bathroom. Make sure you have a window in your bathroom that you can open in summer, as fresh air will do wonders for clearing away condensation. If this isn’t an option for you, or if you live somewhere particularly cold, get an extractor fan installed so you can keep the air circulating whatever the weather.
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Invest in smart storage options  

There’s nothing that kills a chic bathroom aesthetic like rubber ducks and oozing shampoo bottles lying all over the floor. Use waterproof baskets inside your shower to store all the products you need within easy reach, and encourage your family to use them too! As far as towels go, install a couple of rails so you can hang the towels out to dry – or, if a lack of space is an issue, roll them up into sausages and pop them in racks or baskets on the floor. With a little bit of TLC, you can soon have your bathroom looking as good as new.

You’ve dusted the furniture, swept and mopped the floor, vacuumed the carpets and squirted anti-bacterial spray all over the house in a valiant effort to keep your family safe from bacteria. However, before you rest and have your much deserved celebratory drink, make sure you haven’t missed a few tiny nooks where germs could be hiding.

The TV Remote

We never stop to think about where the remote has travelled every time it was misplaced. The floor, or between the cushions. It has been handled by anyone who has stayed home sick and been coughed and sneezed on. It has been put in the mouths of young children. If you have a pet, perhaps it has spent time in their mouths too. Everyone in the house has handled it in sickness and health.

Every once in a while you should wipe the remote down with an antibacterial towel. Even if you have everyone wash their hands before handling the remote, it’s better to err on the side of caution.

The Kitchen Sink

This is another high traffic area that you might not think about, even if you only have a compact kitchen sink. Just because you’re washing things whenever the sink is used, doesn’t mean the sink is clean after you’re done with it. Food particles left over from dirty dishes or plates left to soak can serve as a breeding ground for E. Coli and salmonella. Clean the sink by washing it with a solution of bleach and water once a day, then letting it run down the drain. Don’t forget to clean the plug, and around the faucet.

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Can openers

There are quite a few kitchen utensils that come into contact with a lot of food before they’re properly washed. Can openers are complicated because the food can get caught in their blades, which makes them very tough to get completely clean. The best solution is to wash them after every use to prevent the dirt from building up. However, if it has been a while, then soak the can opener in a solution of soap, warm water, and disinfectant. This kind of deep cleaning should also be applied to kitchen knives, rubber spatulas, and food storage containers. A good germ killing soak to try with your kitchen utensils consists of four cups of warm water, 25 drops of tea tree oil, 25 drops of lavender oil and 2 cups of hydrogen peroxide in a large tub or sink basin. Let utensils soak for 1 hour, then rinse clean.

The Bath Tub

Yet another area that may seem clean but might not be. Bathtubs and showers may be dirty because the water tends to get trapped in the pipes, and bacteria thrives in this environment. The water you’re using to clean yourself may not be as clean as you would hope. To eliminate bacteria in your bathroom, disinfect the tub with bleach and bathroom cleaner after you’ve finished showering, then pat it dry with a clean towel.

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When it is your turn to buy a property for the first time, there is no doubt that it can be more than a little nerve wracking. After all, this is one of the largest purchases you are ever likely to make, and you really want to be sure that everything goes to plan and as smoothly as possible. Otherwise, you never know what the negative consequences might be. It is worth trying to keep a lid on your stress during such times as these, although that is not always that easy. However, the more you understand about the process, the better off you will be in that regard, and that’s where this article comes in. Let’s take a look at three of the most important concerns for the anyone buying a home for the first time. Getting to grips with these is bound to put you in a good position.

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Location
Whether you are buying in order to let the property out, or because you yourself are to move home, location is important. It is so important, in fact, that it is often cited as the most important quality of any property – hence the famous saying within real estate. However, just knowing that is not much help. You need to know what it is about the location that is important or useful. Above all, you need a location that is in a good position in regards to things like public amenities and services, and useful things like transport links. If you are to live in the property, it goes without saying that you also want to ensure that the location is somewhere you are happy living. All of these concerns need considering early on in the process, as they make a big difference.

Mortgage
Probably the part that most people dread the most, there is likewise no doubt that the mortgage needs a lot of careful consideration. Truly, it is worth doing your research and getting to know mortgages as well as you can before even thinking of buying a house. This is not the kind of loan you want to rush into. One particularly good idea is to use a mortgage calculator with amortization included, so that you can really work out what you are likely to have to repay. It is also worth remembering that mortgages differ in terms of how they are repaid, and what the interest rate is like. Both fixed and variable rates have their pros and their cons, so make sure you know the difference before you get started.

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Chains

As a mom, you want to make sure that your home is a safe, comfortable place where you can relax and enjoy family life. If you’ve got problems that are preventing you from creating a heavenly haven, it’s always wise to act swiftly. When it comes to common bugbears, time usually makes the situation worse, rather than better. Here are some common issues, and how to get rid of them. Your home will be a secure, relaxing sanctuary in no time!

Damp

Damp patches should always set alarm bells ringing. Damp is a sign of excess moisture in the walls. It can also indicate problems with the roof. If you notice darker patches on the walls or ceilings, it’s best to call in the professionals and have them take a look. Damp tends to get worse with time, and it can cause long-term damage. If you have children or you suffer from asthma, it’s particularly important to try and find a solution. Moisture can make symptoms of asthma worse.

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Pests

Has your home been invaded by rats or have you spotted cockroaches in the kitchen? Have you been itching at night or have you noticed mosquitoes in the backyard? Pests can be a nightmare. They’re not only unpleasant to live with. They can also cause extensive damage to your property. If you’re worried about pests, look out for warning signs, like scrabbling noises, droppings, and new openings in the walls. Some pests can pose a risk to your health, so it’s advisable to seek expert help as soon as possible. Enlisting the help of mosquito control experts, for example, will enable to enjoy your garden without any worries.

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Dust
Does your home seem to attract dust? Does it seem to become dusty even when you’ve only just vacuumed? If you live near a road, you have an old house, or you own pets, you may be susceptible to dust. Vacuum frequently, and invest in an air purifier. Wash bedding and towels at least once a week, and try and confine pets to downstairs rooms. Groom them daily to prevent excess molting. After you’ve vacuumed, dust down furniture, and sweep slate and tiled floors. If you have pets, and they shed a lot of fur, it may be worth spending more on a vacuum that is specially designed to remove fur. You may find that an everyday cleaner doesn’t cut the mustard.

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Are you a mom who wishes her home was a heavenly, harmless haven? If we looked closely, most of us would probably find hazards lurking in our homes. Hopefully, these tips will help you identify issues, and find appropriate solutions. If you notice warning signs like animal droppings or damp patches, act now. The longer you leave it, the higher the risk of damage. Sometimes, it’s possible to take steps to resolve problems yourself. However, in some instances, such as tackling damp or dealing with a pest infestation, you’ll need expert help. Search for local firms online, read reviews, and ask around for recommendations.

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If you’re a mom, you spend so much time taking care of your kids’ needs that it can be difficult to find the time to take care of all those household chores that are vital if you want to keep your home clean and attractive. Fortunately, there are lots of little tricks you can use to squeeze in some much-needed cleaning and get your home looking good in record time.

Here are some simple cleaning hacks for keeping your home clean as a busy mom:

Get into a Routine

Write a list of all the chores that need doing and then create a roster so that you know what you are going to be doing and when you will be doing it. Your roster should not just include household chores, but also errands and events outside the home, to ensure that you can fit everything in.

Invest in the Best Cleaning Tools

If you can afford it, you might want to invest in time-saving cleaning tools like the best carpet steam cleaner you can afford or even a robot vacuum, as this will cut the amount of time you need to spend on cleaning significantly, and in the case of a robot vacuum, it will remove the need to carry out that one task at all!

Remove Clutter as You Clean

As you clean a particular area, also make efforts to pick up and put away any clutter, not only will this improve the look of your home, but it will also help you to clean more efficiently as there will be less stuff to get in the way.

Use Vinegar

White vinegar is one of the most effective cleaning substances out there. Not only is it completely natural and toxin free, but it also gets rid of dirt and grime like nothing else, which means you can spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying life.

Use Your Vacuum More

Instead of wasting your time with dusters and brooms, use your vacuum! You can use your vacuum cleaner on everything from your curtains and mirrors to hardwood floors and even your outside space; you just have to ensure that you are using the right attachments and settings for each job.

Use Lint Rollers

If you have pets, or your home tends to get very dusty, buy a few lint rollers and leave them in the most affected rooms, that way, you can quickly remove any debris without having to put yourself out too much.

Use Toothpaste

Toothpaste is great at removing pen and crayon stains if your kids have unleashed their inner Picasso’s on your wall. You can eliminate these kinds of stains very quickly with toothpaste, so you won’t need to waste a lot of time on the task.

Toothbrushes are also great for cleaning and will get into any nooks and crannies much more efficiently than a cloth.

These tips are simple and effective, but if all else fails, you could always take a look at your finances and see if you could afford to hire a cleaner to do it all for you!

Are you looking to make your home a more inviting place for family and guests? Would you like to have people over more frequently, or for longer periods of time? Then it is important that you make your house as welcoming as possible. To find out how you can do this successfully, read on for some advice.

A welcoming hallway

Step one is to tackle the mess in that hallway. No one wants to have to step over a pile of smelly shoes, dirty coats, and last week’s mail to get into the rest of your house.

Not only does this create a very real physical barrier for people. But it also creates a kind of mental barrier as well. It is like you are blocking them out. This can certainly put people off stepping inside your home for a quick chat over coffee. Or for a longer visit so make sure you get this organized as a matter of priority.

To get this sorted all you need to do is get a bin or basket or two, for mail and junk mail; to go into. Use a one touch policy to deal with it, and you will find it so much easier to stay organized.

You also need to installed some shoe and coats rack. Although apart from a maximum of two pairs, everyone shoes should be stored upstairs in their closets.

Get rid of smells

Something that is vital in making your home a more welcoming place is measuring that it smells good at all times. The problem is that we can get so used to smells in our own environment that we no longer notice them.

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Unfortunately, though, our guests will. That means your husband’s stinky slippers, the dog, or that fish you had for dinner last night, may not bother you, but they still need to be dealt with.

To do this, you have several options. First, you can use an air freshening plug, which you put into an electric socket. This will disperse regular spray of your chosen fragrance into the air. Or you could use a scented candle or even a manual room spray. These are particularly useful in the bathrooms.

Comfortable interiors

Something else that may be subconsciously causing people to bypass your place is how comfortable your interior is. Having a warm and welcoming home to invite people into is an essential way of ensuring a steady stream of guests and visitors.

To achieve this make sure you have enough seats for the guest that you are asking in. There is nothing worse that having to stand, or sit on the floor in someone else’s home.

Also, attempt to make the room you entertain in, attractive and cozy with additions like lined curtains, rugs, and a fireplace. Don’t worry, though, you don’t have to start renovating your home to get this effect, just install an electric fireplace instead. You can read some electric fireplace insert reviews, by clicking the link. These will give you a better idea of what you will need to do to achieve this.

Refreshments

Another way of making you home an inviting place for guests is to always make sure that you are stocked on up refreshments to offer people when they call.

This often helps to create a positive experience. Which will also encourage them to call again the next time Especially they are something homemade such as these cookies.

Have you lived in your home for years? Or have you recently moved into an old house in need of some TLC? If your interiors are dated, and the outside of the house needs attention, it’s time to get your thinking cap on, and start planning how to bring your home into the 21st century. You don’t need to revamp the entire house or bring about some kind of TV-worthy makeover. You can tackle jobs step by step, get friends and family to muck in, and achieve incredible results without spending a fortune. Here are some ideas to get you thinking.

Revamping the exterior

Take a good look at your house next time you pull up in the driveway. If you were looking around your house as a potential buyer, what would grab your attention? Would it be chipped paintwork or a drab front door? Would it be an overgrown garden or tatty fence posts? If so, it’s time to make some changes. Replace damaged siding or corroded cladding. Give the door a lick of paint and varnish the woodwork on door and window frames. Mow the lawn, and spend an hour clearing out the flower beds and filling the planters. If you have a white or colored house, consider refreshing the paintwork. If you’re feeling ambitious, this is a job you may want to take on yourself. If you don’t have time or you’re not keen on heights, call in the professionals. Give the porch a good clean, and make it look homely by adding a small table and chairs or some potted olive or bay trees. Jetwash the driveway, and wipe down the garage doors. You’ll be amazed at the difference even minor changes can make.

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Updating your home security

You don’t want to spend time and money renovating your home for somebody to break in and steal your worldly goods. Home security is an issue we should all bear in mind. Even if you think you live in an affluent neighborhood where crime rates are low, your home may still be at risk. These days, there are all kinds of gadgets and gizmos you can buy to protect your home. It’s also possible to link your security systems to your smartphone so you can keep an eye on your house, even when you’re not there.

It’s always better to try and prevent theft than to pick up the pieces after it has happened. Deterrents like CCTV cameras, burglar alarms, and dogs are incredibly effective, and you may also wish to consider adding internal cameras and sensor-operated lighting. If you can make it difficult for a thief to get into your home, they’re much less likely to try.

If you buy a new system, investigate whether it’s compatible with your phone or tablet. Often, you can download an app, which enables you to alter the settings remotely.

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Investing in renewable energy sources

Today, many of us are looking for ways to save money on energy bills, make our homes more energy-efficient, and do our bit for the environment. One way of modernizing your home is to invest in renewable energy sources. These methods of generating electricity tend to be cleaner, and they can also save you a lot of money. If you’re lucky enough to live in an area where the sun shines throughout the year, it may be worth giving solar energy a thought. Solar power uses sunlight to produce energy. You have solar panels fitted on your roof, or in an area of the garden, and after the initial investment, your bills will fall dramatically. In some cases, funding is available for solar energy, so search online. If you’re not eligible, check out prices sourced from Electrical Connection.

Another option is wind energy. Wind power may not always be the best choice, as you need a lot of wind to generate the electricity needed to power a home. If you live in the middle of a city, for example, this isn’t going to work. If you live by the coast or your house is located on high ground, wind energy may be an option.

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Ground-breaking gadgets to buy now

Technology is advancing at the speed of light, and there are new innovations coming to light all the time. If you’re keen to create a state of the art home with all the mod cons, here are some gadgets that may spark your interest.

Wireless, integrated entertainment

Did you know that you can dim the lights, out your party playlist on or start a movie at the touch of a button? Thanks to wireless technology, and the ability to create integrated systems, you can do almost anything using your phone or a universal control pad. You can even set programs to record when you’re not at home or turn the heating on to make sure the living room is warm for when your guests arrive. You can put a relaxing soundtrack on while you’re enjoying a hot bath, or get the party started outside if you’re hosting a barbecue.

If you’re looking for a new TV or sound system, you’ll be spoiled for choice. These days, you can link tablets, phones, consoles, and sound systems to your smart TV, giving you scope to do everything you need instantly without moving a muscle.

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Kitchen paraphernalia

Kitchen tech is all the rage when it comes to designing cutting-edge homes. Fancy a latte when you get up in the morning or a smoothie when you get home? No problem. With the latest coffee machines, blenders, and food processors, you can enjoy the taste of shop-bought products for a fraction of the price in the comfort of your own home. If you’re a gadget fan, take a look through magazines and do some research online. You can order everything from milk frothers and fruit cutters to devices that are designed to produce flawless poached eggs every time.

If you’re fitting a new kitchen, you can add on all kinds of features, and incorporate game-changing additions like counters that can charge your phone and appliances that work when you speak to them. In this day and age, almost anything is possible!

Image courtesy of https://pixabay.com/en/coffee-machine-portafilter-brewing-802057/

Interior trends that will transform your home

You’ve invested in the tech, you’ve got the gadgets, and your home looks great from the outside. So now, it’s time to focus on your interiors. The beauty of interior design is that there are always diverse trends out there. Everyone is different, and there’s bound to be something that appeals to you. You can take elements of different styles and themes and mix them together or be bold with a single trend. It’s completely up to you. If you’re searching for inspiration, here are some likely headline-grabbers for 2017.

Green

Last year, gray and yellow had a moment, and this year, it’s all about green. Go bright in light spaces like kitchens, garden rooms, and living rooms, or keep things muted in the bedroom. Green is a refreshing, revitalizing shade, which can bring life to a room. If you’re not keen on covering the walls with luminous green paint, go for accents instead. You can use storage tins, photo frames, and vases to add color in the kitchen, for example.

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Butterflies

Butterflies are all the rage this year, and there are hundreds of different ways you can incorporate them into your design plans. Go for something simple like printed cushions in the living room or curtains in the bedrooms. If you’re after a more dramatic look, opt for patterned wallpaper.

Clashing prints

If you’re a fan of the laid-back, lived-in look, this is the trend for you. Mix prints and textures, to create a welcoming, homely vibe in bedrooms and snugs. Florals tend to work well in summer while Ikat print is an excellent year-round option. If you’re keen to embrace this trend without creating rooms that are too busy, combine plain, light walls with touches of color. Add printed cushions to bed linen with a different pattern and finish with a statement rug, for example.

Texture

It’s becoming increasingly popular to try and incorporate a range of textures in interior design. For a cool retro-style living room, for example, combine a velvet covered armchair with woolen cushions, a faux fur rug, and textured wallpaper. In the bedroom, mix cotton bedlinen with a satin bedspread and matching cushions and velvet curtains. Layer different textures on top of each other to create a cozy vibe in winter. Scatter cushions on the sofa, and drape blankets and throws over the arms to make an inviting space to curl up with a good book.

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Are you embarking on a renovation project? Or are you keen to upgrade your dated, tired-looking home? If you’re aiming to bring your home into the 21st century, hopefully, this guide has given you some ideas and inspiration. Think about modernizing the exterior and refreshing your interiors, as well as investing in the latest technology. Search online for inspiration, and see what others have done. Inject your own sense of style, and don’t be afraid to mix and match modern with vintage or clash colors and prints.

When it comes to moving house, moms are on the ball. They understand how important a decision it can be, as well as how badly things go wrong. New homes need to be convenient, close to schools, within walking distance of the shops, plus have all of the amenities a modern family expects.

But according to Jeff Martel, a real estate expert based in Idaho, what moms are looking for in homes has changed over the last few years. They’re no longer looking for homes with the largest square footage and the biggest yard. Instead, he says, they value configuration more and prefer open plan living and dining spaces, rather than separate, closed off rooms.

Fewer Formal Spaces

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As Martel points out, many modern moms now work from home. As a result, they want an office that overlooks the rest of the house. In traditional builds, this sort of thing just wasn’t possible. But moms can supervise while they work, thanks to the new “nook” trend. A nook is essentially a small office, or alcove, jutting off from the main living area. It’s a part of the space but separated subtly by the layout.

Moms say that these new types of offices are essential for keeping kids in their line of sight.

Cheaper Accommodation

With family finances stretched, moms are also looking for cheaper accommodation. The only problem is, how to find it without compromising on safety and quality? The problem with many more affordable homes is that they come with serious problems, like faulty electrics, moldy walls, and dangerous neighborhoods.

Donut Rock City

Manufactured homes offer a solution. Because they are made off site, they often end up being far cheaper than regular brick and mortar homes. What’s more, they’re also much cheaper per square foot and can be set up anywhere with the right permit. Even large families can benefit, thanks to the fact that many pre-fabs are large, coming with up to five bedrooms and separate spaces for the kids.

An Open Plan Kitchen

Moms need space to do the household chores, and so, according to Martel, many women are looking for open plan kitchens that double as laundry rooms. Gone are the days when women did the housework in a separate utility room. Now, Martel says, that function has been incorporated into the kitchen area, allowing for yet more open plan living. Everything happens in the kitchen, he says. And with the growing popularity of islands, the kitchen is now a space being used for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Moms Want A Mud Room

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It’s no secret that kids make a lot of mess, especially when it’s muddy outside in the winter. As a result, Martel sees more and more demand for so-called “mud rooms.” These are areas where kids can take off their shoes and boots, without dragging more dirt into the house.

Storage Space: Lots Of It

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Finally, moms are looking for homes with lots of built-in storage. They want attics, space under the stairs and bedrooms with inbuilt storage features. Dressing rooms are in big demand too.