Getting The Most Bang For Your Buck With A Smaller Home!

This post is provided by Katherine Smith.

If the home within your price range has a lot less square footage than what you are used to, you will need to find ways to improvise. While you can always decide to downsize, you do not have to completely. Learn ways in which you can utilize every square foot of space and take advantage of using empty space to find a comfortable place to live. Here are just a few ways to get the most out of your overall budget with a smaller home.

Adding Cabinets

One way to take advantage of your smaller space is to create more room within a room. Built-in cabinetry is one way to do this. Take a look at your kitchen area. Do you still have a lot of room from the top of your cabinets to the ceiling? If so, you may want to see about having new cabinets installed. Cabinets today take advantage of every square inch of space. You can also customize cabinets to fit your needs. Some add-ons include:

*Drawer organizers
*Double cutlery dividers
*Lift up units for more counter space
*Drawers within drawers
*Canned good storage additions
*Walled spice racks
*Built-in appliances
*Drawer peg systems for better organizing
*Built-in layered pull out drawers to utilize corner cabinet space
*Cabinet pullout spaces

Do not let a small kitchen in a nice home, defer you from making a purchase offer. Ask the professionals at Berkshire Hathaway to help you find the exact Santa Monica Real Estate property that you are looking for. In addition, sit down with a kitchen or home designer to go over space and budget options that will help make your kitchen a more workable area and less cluttered.

Building Up

With many prime real estate locations, lot size can be a big issue. You may have found your dream home property, but still need more square footage in order to make the land work for you. In some cases, you may be able to build up. Depending on your overall budget, consider placing an addition onto your new home by utilizing attic space or adding on from an upstairs area. You will have to talk with your contractor to see if it is a possibility and also check with the city to see about ordinances and building code approval.

How Decor Can Make A Room Look Bigger

When you have a small space to work with and have utilized every square foot for a living area, try altering the appearance of a room. Here are a few suggestions:

*Pull furniture away from walls to give of an appearance of more space.
*Make your ceiling a darker color.
*Apply crown molding half way up the wall to separate two differently painted wall spaces.
*Place shelving units near the top of the ceiling.
*Use striped furniture or rugs to create an elongated look within a room.
*Utilize mirrors and glass to decorate rooms with smaller square footage.
*Use textured wallpaper on the ceiling for a more elevated appearance.
*Paint walls a very light color and follow up with light carpeting or flooring.

Stick to larger items for decorative pieces such as plants or vases. Avoid a lot of small furniture items and knickknacks that may overcrowd your small space.

Converting Garage And Outbuilding Space

Do you have an attached garage to your home? Consider using this space as an extra living area. Depending on the size, you could easy add another bedroom and bathroom to this particular section. If you have a large garden shed or sunroom, take advantage of these areas for workable living spaces. An outbuilding can be turned into a small den or home office if there is heat and electrical access. 

Making use of every small space in your home is important. Utilizing a few methods and tweaking your budget can turn your home into a comfortable living area that you will love!

What to look for in a good mattress!

This article is provided by James G. M.

Choosing the right mattress can seem like a daunting task with so many different types of materials to choose from as well as firmness and brand. It can be even harder if you are someone who is suffering from bad back pain, neck pain, sore muscles or fatigue.

Here is a guide that will help you choose the perfect mattress suited for your needs.

Research

Talking to a physical therapist or a chiropractor is a good place to start before going any further with your search. They can give you a proper insight into what is best for body, especially if you are asking a chiropractor. If you are someone with chronic back pain you would not want to increase your discomfort by making a wrong decision.

Keep in mind that these people can only give you good pointers and are not mattress experts.

Watch out for gimmicks

Many mattress companies will market their mattresses as “medically approved” or “orthopedic” even though there is no such organization that would officially certify a mattress as such. 

Types of mattresses

There are plenty of mattresses to choose from, here are the kinds that you can pick from and a few details that will help you make a decision.

Innerspring mattresses

These fall under the category of a traditional mattress. They are most widely made and used. These kinds of mattresses have several layers of metal coils that create the support of the mattress. The metal coils are generally encased to prolong the quality and longevity of the mattress and provide comfort. 

Coil count varies but generally speaking the higher the count the more even support and pressure relief. These types of mattresses are safe go-to because they provide even support and a good bounce which can be a helpful thing if you’re someone that might have issues getting up from the bed

Memory foam mattress

Over the last decade or so, memory foam has become a very popular choice and rightfully so. These adaptable mattresses offer great support and are usually recommended for people suffering from bad lower back pain. Since the memory foam is heat sensitive, it will contour and mold to your body relieving pressure points and give your body even support no matter if you are a side sleeper or someone that prefers to sleep on their stomach or back.

The only drawback is low breathability and heat-trapping. This can be a problem for someone that might be sensitive to changes in temperature during sleep but it can also be a major plus for people with bad circulation.

Memory foam has minimal bounce meaning that if you are sleeping next to someone you would not notice much movement should they toss and turn at night. 

Latex foam mattresses

Latex mattresses are, in many ways, similar in to memory foam ones but with a minor difference. They are more breathable and do not hold any heat. They offer great support and a relaxing, cooling effect. Latex is also, generally, firmer and, since it is a natural and scarce material, more expensive.

Hybrid mattresses 

Just as the name suggests, hybrid mattresses are a blend of two types, usually a mix of latex and memory foam. Combined to bring great comfort and cooling effect of the latex foam with the support and pressure relief of memory foam.

Another common hybrid is a combo of latex/memory foam and springs. These hybrids will be the choice of people who do not like the feeling of “sinking in”.

Adjustable beds

These high-end mattresses are sleeping luxury-embodied, with the best known brand being the Sleep Number. They are designed to allow you to change the elevation, position, shape, and the best of them, even the temperature of the sleeping surface. This kind of versatility allows you to create your own optimal sleeping conditions for better breathing, blood flow and reduced back pain.

They are combination of ultra tough and practically indestructible air chambers, enclosed into layers of latex and memory foam. It is the air chambers that allow them to be “adjustable”.

Air mattresses 

Airbed or inflatable mattresses use air chambers that are similar to the metal coils of an innerspring mattress. Long gone are the times when and “air mattress” would be a synonym for a lilo that you would take to a beach or pool. Over the last two decades, they have evolved into mattresses that many people use as their main beds.

The best of the air mattresses can provide just as much support as a regular mattress. Keep in mind that air beds vary in quality and not every brand or make will offer the same results.

It is possible to find anything from an inexpensive air mattress to a high end model that is close to a traditional mattress. 

The great benefit of an inflatable mattress is that it is very easy to customize and adjust to your needs and the needs of the person sleeping next to you since both sides are adjustable.

If you are someone that suffers from bad back pain this is a good choice of blow up bed since you will be able to adjust the firmness. Some nights it might feel better to have a firmer mattress and other nights a more “cushiony”, softer bed. Another good thing to keep in mind is that these types of mattresses are usually in the lower price range so they are a good option if you are looking for a new bed but also have a limited budget.

Test run

When picking out a mattress in the store see if you can lay down on it for at least 10 to 15 minutes and if you are shopping with a partner have them lay down as well and compare opinions. Since this is a big purchase it is best to have a feel for the mattress and see how your body responds to it before making the final decision.

Final tips

Ask your retailers about the guarantee before you buy the mattress and make sure you fully understand all the terms and conditions such as whether you are paying for transportation, if you can get your money back or an exchange should you not feel completely happy with the mattress. 

All of these things are very important and should be taken into consideration when you are ready to make a final decision. 

Keep your mattress protected from stains as this will void your warranty. A good quality mattress should have a minimum 10 year warranty which gives you plenty of years of carefree sleep. 

How to add some life to your windows!

This article is provided by Cyril.

Imagine what a house without windows would be like? Well, it would be nothing more than a dark box without any light or air. Windows are important because they provide ventilation to your home. They also add a spark in the beauty of the home nowadays as there are different types of designs available for them. A well-designed window adds some glamour and beauty to your house but you could up the ante a bit more by choosing the right curtain for your windows.

Curtains add glamour to the windows

A curtain can be of many types; generally it is a piece of cloth that is used to cover doors and windows to block the view or obscure light. Curtains often come in various colors and with different types of designs like vintage floral curtains, solid color curtains etc and they really are an essential part of the home decor. They not only add beauty but also provide comfort by blocking extra light and sunrays. Colorful and stylish curtains have always been held in high regard. They were meant to flaunt the taste of the home owner. Curtains always added extra beauty and glamour to a home and over the years, that role has not changed.

Old is the new trend

Trends keep changing regularly and trends of today become obsolete tomorrow. But with wide range of designs in the category of vintage floral curtains, you would definitely agree that old can sometimes make a comeback and become a classic. It takes the beauty of your house to a new level. In addition to the curtains, in order to decorate your house completely you would also need proper furniture, a trendy wall-clock and other knick knacks, but not to worry, thanks to the internet, you can have all your decor items delivered to your doorstep in no time. Most of these websites even have very attractive return and refund policies, so even if a piece of furniture looks out of place, you can always have it replaced.

Some tips for better decoration

The most important thing about decoration is synchronicity, even if you are opting for contrast, there needs to be a method to it so choose a few pieces of decor as your focal point and decorate around it. If everything in a room is eye-catching, then the room will be chaotic. A simple design tip is getting a few attractive pieces and making sure the rest is subtle and neutral.

Highendcurtain is a good choice if you are interested in more vintage floral curtains or other unique curtains.

Six Ways To Beautify Your Yard!

This post is provided by Alyssa.

If you are longing for a beautiful backyard, but do not have the means to hire a professional landscaper to do the work, that is ok. Upgrading your patio or deck, adding landscaping in the yard are actually quite simple if you are willing to put in a little sweat and some time. Take a look at these six tips to beautify and improve your backyard. 

Hang a hammock

There is nothing more relaxing than a gently swinging hammock in the backyard- plus sleeping in a hammock is good for your health. Sleeping in a hammock provides a healthier nights sleep and is used in the treatment of acid reflux, sleep apnea, arthritis, autism and for stress reduction. If you do not have trees to hang the hammock, a pergola or other two-post stand will work perfectly. Get ready to enjoy your new favorite place to relax!

Add a deck

Decks will not only boost outdoor living space, they also act as an asset when you sell your home at a fraction of the cost of adding a fully enclosed living area. Make your yard more beautiful and transform it into the perfect place to host barbecues with a well-built deck. Whether you plan to do it yourself or search for deck contractors in Rochester NY or wherever you live, it is vital to choose the best decking material for your lifestyle, budget and climate. 

Plant a flowerbed

A wonderful alternative to grass is planting beautiful flowerbeds in your yard. Bright, lush flowers can act as gorgeous centerpieces that add charm to any yard instantly. Consider low maintenance perennials so you do not have to plant new flowers every year. Some good options include daylily, coral-bells and black-eyed Susan.

Add seating areas

Furniture can be an investment for the backyard, but the right seating can transform your yard from ho-hum to fabulous. From porch swings to build-in seating solutions to benches to chaise lounges, having a variety of seating options will make your back yard beautiful and cozy- and provide plenty of places for guests to sit next time you invite everyone over for hamburgers. 

Protect your plants

Mulch not only reduces weeds around plants and shrub, it also can polish your home’s exterior. Make a blah backyard look bolder by using mulch as an accent. Not only does mulch make your lawn healthier, the right color of mulch also complements your homes exterior. Dark colored mulch can contrast with flowers and enhance the theme of your landscape. Do not forget to mulch around your trees too.

Put up some lattice

Lattice provides privacy and it will create a hidden sanctuary in your backyard. Some crisscross lattice is an attractive way to hide any unsightly areas of your yard. Use it to hide air conditioners, trash bins or anything else you want out of plain sight.

It does not have to be tough or time-consuming to beautify your yard. Use these simple ideas and tips to help you love and enjoy your yard more, bump up its value and become the perfect yard for hosting friends and family. 

5 Ways To Manage Your Home At Work!

This post is provided by Ryan Tyson.

Do you ever wish you could magically turn off the light you accidentally left on before heading to work or check to make sure that the door is locked? Well, you may not have the magic to do those things, but with smart technology, you can “magically” do it from your smartphone. In fact, there are lots of things you can now do to manage your home while at work. Here are the top five.

Smart Lights

Everyone has left a light on accidentally and wished he or she could turn it off, and with smart lights, you can. Smart lights, like many other smart technologies, come in varying formats. You can find systems that allow you to control single switches, a set of plugs, or even an entire home. It depends on how much of your home lighting you want to control when you are away. For whole home systems, look at Hue by Philips; this system allows you to control everything from color to brightness, and it lets you switch the lights on and off. 

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats are ideal for programming and keeping you cool and warm at different times of day, and you control them from your smartphone. But did you know that they also work hard to keep your HVAC system running smoothly? When you use a manual thermostat, you tend to adjust the temperature more often and thus make your furnace work harder. But with a smart thermostat, you maintain a more constant temperature and thus do not create problems for your HVAC unit.

Smart Water

One of the worst things that can happen to you as a homeowner is to be away from home when a pipe bursts or someone has accidentally left a faucet running. Within a short time of being gone, you can flood a room- or, worse, even your entire house. But with smart water systems such as Flo, you are immediately notified of water running, and you can turn the water off to your home while sitting at work.

Security Cameras

If you are away from home often, you might want to consider a security camera system to help you monitor your house. These systems come in a variety of styles, from wireless to wired, and they allow you to monitor one location or every room in your home. They are easy to install, and newer models have coordinating apps that allow you to check and view cameras from your smartphone. 

Remote Locks

Many manufacturers are producing house locks that are remotely controlled via smartphones. They allow you to lock and unlock your door with a touch of a button on your phone. Some, such as Kwikset, take that a step further by syncing with your security alarm systems, notifying you when kids come and go, and allowing people such as housekeepers access during a particular window on a certain day. Once you get these five magical smart technologies working in your home, you will wonder why you have not had them all along- they are that great!

Top Tips When Designing Your Perfect Kitchen!

This post is provided by Thomas.

Anyone with an iota of interior design knowledge will tell you that the kitchen is one of the most important areas of the home. It is no longer simply where the spoons and pan reside. Since this area of the home has taken a more important role in the scheme of things, then it needs to look like it. You need to take some time to appreciate this and think about designing your kitchen impeccably. If you are unsure about what type of style kitchen you would like then I would recommend hiring a professional kitchen specialist who can guide you.

Here are a few tips that will give you the kitchen you have always craved.

Think about function

While the aesthetics of a kitchen are hugely important, so are the functional aspects. It beats logic to build a sprawling kitchen that does not serve its purpose. You are always advised to brainstorm plans and isolate the ones that fit into a functional as well as the aesthetic kitchen.

Always have a place for space

The kitchen hates clutter. When you are moving around hot pans and electricity connection, the last thing you want is to trip and upset the balance. While this could create a mess, the biggest risk is to the lives of those around. To avoid clutter, create room in places such as the area below the ceiling and on the walls. Fill up these places with deep cabinets that allow for lots of storage.

Lighting is crucial

The kitchen packs quite a bit of stuff, so it is expected that there will be a level of darkness in there. It therefore, follows that your overhead lighting needs to suffice. You can get creative with this, ensuring that there is some taste to what the people see. A good idea would be to install under-cabinet lights as they will always add a functional as well as aesthetic edge to things.

Four Reasons You Need A Luxury Outdoor Kitchen And How To Accomplish This Goal!

This post is provided by Katherine Smith.

Goal

As the warm weather continues, you may want to find a way to make the most of it. Of course, if you like being outside, you should consider cooking outdoors. One of the most effective ways to make this happen is by having an outdoor kitchen. There are lots of reasons you need this luxury in your life, here are just a few.

Reason #1: Cooking outside

If you live in a climate that can get a bit on the hot side during the summer months, you may actually prefer not turning the oven in your kitchen on at all. This can allow your home to remain fresh and avoid you having to pay a ton of money for your electric costs to keep it cool.

When you look at luxury outdoor kitchens, you can picture yourself cooking most anything you want outside. Being an in-home chef has become a very common hobby these days so taking your culinary creations outdoors in warm weather has become more and more popular with home design. 

Of course, you may prefer to keep things simple and have a burger cooked on the grill or a few hot dogs on the side. Adding some vegetables lets you get the most nutrition possible out of your meals and still cook them all outside.

The key to making this happen will depend on choosing the perfect grill and other design accessories that are a necessity. You may want to consider creating a fire pit that enhances the atmosphere and makes your space more fun in the process.

Reason #2: Entertaining your guests

It is nice to have folks over that can share in your good fortune and enjoy your lovely backyard. You could add some ambient lighting and nice music to allow this to make for a relaxing evening at home. Who does not love gazing at the stars and enjoying some laid-back music from time-to-time? Add a wine refrigerator to your outdoor kitchen, or maybe even a beer tap and you have an impromptu party ready to happen. These can make any evening one that is much more special.

Reason #3: Increase home appeal

Many prospective buyers will love the added perk of having a luxury outdoor space. While it may not add to the value, it can make it sell quicker. 

Studies indicate the average cost of building an outside kitchen is $8,627. This is a small price to pay for such a great addition to your home.

Reason #4: Fewer smells inside

You may love cooking but simply despise how it causes your home to smell like grilled food for hours. Have you ever put bacon and sausage on the griddle? If so, you know this smell linger for a long time in your kitchen.

However, when you have an outside place to cook, you would not have to worry about this, and you may enjoy moving the smells outdoors for a change. This will allow your home to smell better and can allow you not to have to be exposed to the fumes that accumulate using a grill in the house.

The benefits of working to make your life as enjoyable as possible will mean a higher-quality of life for you and your family. One of the things you can do to make this a reality is an outside luxurious kitchen that offers you a world of potential when it comes to both eating and entertaining your guests. Not to mention, making the most out of your property is always a great idea!

Get To Know Your Chandeliers!

A chandelier always adds that extra bit of drama and elegance to your drawing room or the hallway, but they can be a costly affair nonetheless. Therefore, before you start buying these hanging electric candleholders, it is imperative that you at least get to know them first.

Tiered Chandeliers

Just as the name suggests, these are the ones that are made up of multiple tiers. The size of the chandelier itself depends on the number of tiers it has and that in turn should depend on the size of the room or the entryway where you plan to hang it. A three-tier chandelier is the standard size in most cases. If you are worried about whether or not it would fit the style of your interior decoration, rest assured that they come in all kinds of style and the very make of these chandeliers are such that they can be customized to fit in with most styles.

Contemporary (Modern) Chandeliers

If you have designed your home in a modern style and you think that chandeliers would not fit in with the look, you are wrong. In addition to a wide range of other types of chandeliers, Sputnik Chandeliers also have an excellent collection of modern chandeliers that range from being conservative-modern to downright futuristic. Some of the models look nothing like the candleholders which we are used to seeing. It is more about the shapes and designs here than the detailing.

Rustic

Chandeliers can be designed to resemble various shapes that remind us of the old country days and sit in perfectly if you have a rustic or country styled home. Common design choices for rustic chandeliers include antlers, horns and tree branches.

Crystal Chandeliers

One of the more expensive options, a chandelier made out of real crystals can be glorious when combined with the right lighting. As it reflects all light in the room, this is the chandelier you want if you are going for the romantic and enchanting look.

Traditional Chandeliers

Chandeliers can be tiered but they do not always have to be. Traditionally styled chandeliers can be identified by the typical scrolling or filigree detailing which they sport. Perfect for a home office or even the drawing room, if you do not mind the formal look.

Mini Chandeliers

If you ever thought about putting a chandelier in your bathroom or bedroom, these should be on the top of your list. In particularly big houses with massive rooms, mini chandeliers can also serve to augment the giant crystal piece that is hanging from the middle of your roof. Although there are other variations, most of them consist primarily of beautiful reflective glass.

Transitional Chandeliers

When you are not yet ready to make that jump onto ultra-modern designs yet, transitional chandeliers are probably what you are looking for. They retain most of the design language found in traditional chandeliers, but also add a few dashes of modern design ideas. The best thing about them is that they go with more or less all kinds of home.

The Drum Chandeliers

Bordered by lampshades, the chandelier resembles a drum. However, if all the individual lights have lampshades of their own instead of just one large lampshade that covers the entire chandelier, it looks like multiple drum lights are hanging from your roof. It is quite similar to pendant lighting in many ways, but not quite the same.

A piece of advice would be to go chandelier shopping with a neutral mindset. You may never know what style will suit your interior décor until you actually lay your eyes upon the right chandelier.

Top 5 Housewarming Gifts To Give When Decorations Would Not Do!

This post is provided by Katherine Smith.

Housewarmings and housewarming gifts have been around since houses were first built and people moved into them. However, if you think about it, some gifts just end up sitting in the closet or being stuffed in the attic because the person had other ideas for their home and your decorations just did not fit into their decorating plans. Luckily, there are other uncommon gifts out there for housewarming gifts that do not involve decorations. With that in mind, read on below for a few of the top housewarming gifts to give when decorations just would not do.

Give The Gift Of Food

A housewarming gift should say congratulations and welcome to your new home. Giving the gift of food in the form of housewarming gift baskets could be just what your friends are looking for. Think about it, no one has time to cook when they are moving and unpacking. The forks may be in the bedroom and the plates somehow ended up in the attic. If you know your friend’s taste, then giving them a food gift basket could be the perfect thing for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and maybe even a few snacks along the way. Everyone loves food and they can reuse the gorgeous basket later on down the line.

Coffee Table Book

While it could be considered a decoration, most people would love to have a coffee table book and they are truly coming back into style. If you know a lot about your friends, then this will be an easy one for you. Some examples of great coffee table books are cookbooks, a book filled with memories of themselves and their children, or even a travel guide to the places they want to go or have been.

Fresh Flowers Galore

There is nothing like fresh flowers to make a new home feel welcoming. A vase of fresh flowers in the middle of the dining room table will complement the food gift basket you gave them quite nicely. Choose your friend's favorite colors, add a bottle of wine to the mix, and your housewarming gift is complete!

Make An Offer To Help

Sometimes offering to help out can be the best housewarming gift there is. Offer to come over and cook one night or to help your friends unpack their possessions. Even put in an offer to take the kids for the night, so your friends can finish unpacking and have a night to themselves. You might be surprised at how quickly they take you up on your offer.

Kitchen Needs

Anyone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen will appreciate anything to do with small appliances or even spice racks. Find out what your friends like and give them something they can use for the kitchen. It is not a decoration and can be used whenever they feel foodie.

These are just a few of the best housewarming gifts for friends that are moving into a new home. Remember, decorating is in the eye of the beholder and what you think would be perfect in your friend’s home might not seem perfect to them. From offering your time to housewarming gift baskets, these things will make the top of anyone’s housewarming gift list.

How does vinyl cladding compare with other siding materials?

This post is provided by Jesse Hughes.

Vinyl is one of the most popular materials for external cladding on homes, for a variety of reasons. If you are considering doing some renovations on your house with vinyl siding, you will want to take a few things into account before making your final choice. 

Cost

Here is where most people find vinyl to be the best choice. It is one of the most inexpensive options for exterior cladding.

At only a few dollars per square foot (compared to maybe $10 sq. ft. you would pay for brick), this type of cladding can work with just about anyone's renovation budget. Because it is easy to install, you can also save a lot on the overall project if you do it yourself. We will get to installation issues in a moment.

Durability

Compared to most other cladding options, this is where vinyl comes in last. It is insect-proof, which makes it better than wood, but it does not stand up well over time, especially if you have kids who are likely to knock toys or tools against the house. It does not take much to dent, scratch or even split a piece of vinyl. While, not too difficult to repair, not everyone wants to take on extra chores this way. 

Impact damage aside, it also fades significantly in the sun and will become more brittle when exposed to temperature changes (such as in areas with very cold winters and hot summers).

Even though this can be a serious concern, many people tend to balance this out with the low cost. After a few year and possible damage, it is not unreasonable to simply re-side the house for a fresh new look. 

Ease Of Installation

Again, consider this a checkmark in the positive column. Vinyl siding is lightweight and easy to manage for installation. You can cut pieces without special tools, and the required supplies are easy to buy at any home improvement store. For a handy homeowner, you may even be able to reside your home as a summer DIY project. 

Even if you do not do the work yourself, the speed at which vinyl can be installed will make it a short job for the contractor. That means the mess of construction does not last very long, and you pay less in time for the project. 

Color Options

Due to the widespread demand for vinyl cladding, manufacturers have created a huge palette of colors. Depending on the brand you choose, you may have an entire rainbow of color choices. Granted, the material color can not be changed once the siding is up, you can technically paint over vinyl if you want to update the shade. The right kind of paint is not as easy to find as typical exterior paint but the option is there. 

Overall, vinyl does come in strongly on most points, which is why it is so popular among homeowners. If it does not suit you, there is always a number of other options like stone, brick, wood or manufactured siding boards that may fit the bill better.