How To Work Your Smart Technology Into Your Home Decor!

This post is provided by Ryan Tyson.

Technology makes our lives easier every day, and by following a few design rules, they can even help liven up our homes! When you think of gadgets like smart thermostats, elegant and trendy (décor-wise) may not be the first qualities that come to mind. Thankfully, installing a new device on your wall or incorporating other technology into your home does not have to come at the expense of exquisite style. Follow these tips to incorporate smart technology into your home’s design.

Reorganize to Highlight Your New Technology

Some technology requires that you make space or reorganize a room. For example, if you get a device that projects information onto a wall, you will need to rearrange things so that the projection will work. You could settle for a blank wall, but there is another option: create a frame around the projection space using simple decorations such as frames and shelves. Arranging the room in this way will give it a unique, practical feeling and create the space needed for the new gadget.

Another option is to feature the technology as an art piece. Many items come in minimal colors and simple, fluid shapes. If you have a modern kitchen or living room, these devices can stand on their own as tasteful and interesting centerpieces.

Go Minimal With Hands-Free Technology

In some cases, the technology informs what design changes are needed to capitalize on your home’s current style. For example, with some hands-free technology (such as wireless sound systems), you can forgo ugly bundles of cables and wall mounts. If a desk or side table is in place to hide all those wires, you can upgrade some appliances to wireless and freely reorganize with no strings attached.

Look for Pieces That Complement Your Existing Space

Thankfully, many engineers know that form is as important as function when it comes to interior design. Self-watering flower pots, smart lights, and even smart shower heads come in an array of looks, meaning you can find one that goes with your existing style. Many smart baby monitors, for instance, are round and have fun, playful designs to fit in with other infant décor. When shopping for smart appliances, consider items that will go with what you already have in place.

Get Creative With Your Wall Space

Many smart technologies, like a security system or smart thermostat installation, will need to find a place on your walls. You can work with these items by incorporating them into a gallery of wall art, or you can add a shelf to house other pieces around the wall-hanging gadgets. A wall shelf can even be used to highlight the new technology while featuring other items, such as family photos, statues, book ends, and plants.

Add Some Design Pop With New Gadgets

Thanks to the modern era of technology, you do not have to comprise on the style you love for the sake of convenience. Follow these guidelines to work smart technology seamlessly into your home décor. Whether you are installing a smart thermostat or redoing the bathroom fixtures, these tips will help you stay connected and chic.

Making Your Log Cabin More Energy Efficient!

This post is provided by Katherine Smith.

You have finally purchased the log cabin of your dreams! You get to kick back and enjoy quiet evenings next to the fire among the relative isolation of the woods. You can imagine yourself in a world before technology and before all the pressures of our fast-paced society.

But you do not want to get carried away and live life without all technology! You will still want things like electricity and heat. But since you live in a log cabin, you might have problems keeping your energy bills low. Here are a few things you can do to make your log cabin more energy-efficient:

Get New Windows

One of the most effective things you can do to improve energy savings in your log cabin is to invest in new windows. Oregon, Washington, the mountains in Tennessee, Colorado- these are all great places to own a log cabin since they offer picturesque views, but they also have very cold climates. The windows are like huge holes in the side of your log cabin if they are not designed properly. That means you could be losing a lot of heat, which will drive your energy bills sky high. Invest in the type of window replacements Portland and other cold-climate residents use, and you will see a significant reduction in your energy bills. 

Invest in double-hung windows that fit your personal style with superior construction, and you will get extra insulation for your log cabin that will help you maintain steadier temperatures. You can also add window tints to improve the energy efficiency of the windows.

Replace The Doors

The doors of your log cabin are also like big holes in your home. Some doors are just hollow inside, offering no insulation whatsoever. You need to replace the doors with insulated options. Not only will you improve your home’s energy bills, but you will also get a sturdier door that will hold up to damage a bit better.

For maximum energy efficiency, replace both the exterior and interior doors with insulated options. You will get more stable temperatures in each room of your log home.

Get New Appliances

Log cabins tend to be on the older side. It is part of what gives them their charm. The appliances that came with the log cabin may be equally on the older side. The refrigerator, stove, washer, and dryer could all be soaking up more electricity than they should, which can send your bills sky high.

Invest in new appliances that are Energy Star rated. These appliances come with information about how much energy they use and how much they can potentially save you on energy bills.

Update The Roof

The roof plays one of the most important roles in maintaining energy efficiency. If the roof on your log cabin is old, in disrepair, or simply not appropriate for the property, it could be letting out cool air and heat, causing your energy bills to skyrocket.

Hire an experienced roofer to check out your home. The roofer may be able to improve energy efficiency by just making repairs, or the roofer may recommend that you replace the roof. Metal roofs are known for their energy efficiency, but your roofer can make recommendations to get the look you want while still maintaining energy efficiency.

Upgrade The Insulation

Different types of insulation will offer different levels of protection. Spray foam insulation will offer the highest level of protection, but it is also the most expensive. Work with a contractor to have the insulation in your log home inspected and to make a decision for what type of insulation would give you the best energy efficiency for your budget. You may not be able to get the very best product on the market, but you should be able to get something on your budget that will bring down your log home’s energy consumption.

Plant Some Trees

The winter months are not the only thing you have to worry about wreaking havoc on your home’s energy consumption. The summer months can get pretty hot, too, even in colder climates like Oregon. Planting some trees will help provide some shade to the house during the hot days so your air conditioner does not have to work as hard to cool the house. You will improve the look of your property and bring down your energy bills during the summer.

Do not let your dream of owning a log cabin put a strain on your finances. Make these upgrades to your cabin to bring down your energy costs and save big in the long run.

Redecorating Your Aging Parents’ Home For Safety And Comfort!

This post is provided by Katherine Smith.

As our parents age, they may find it difficult to get around the house like they once were able. Bodies stop working like they once did, forcing people to move things around and make their living arrangements more closely tailored to what is comfortable and safe. The goal is to prevent unnecessary slips and falls that can do significant damage to an aging body. If you will be in charge of redecorating your aging parents’ home, make sure to include safety and comfort features they can utilize on their own without assistance.

Add An Elevator

Elevators are not just for buildings and stores. Home elevators can be implemented as well, adding an easy way for residents to get from one level to the next. This is especially important for older adults who have a difficult time making it up staircases. Home Elevators & Residential Elevator Systems make the home safer for people who struggle to get from upstairs to downstairs and vice versa. Have a  professional install the system so it gets done quickly and efficiently.

Make A Home Office

Your parents may be getting older, but that does not mean they are ready to stop working and getting things accomplished. Many older adults continue working but might try working from home instead of having to make a commute each day. Create a stylish home office for them that includes everything they need to get their work done. Ensure there is good lighting so weakened eyesight does not hinder the experience. You should also add a conversation area with a couple of comfortable chairs or a couch where they can sit and relax during a break time, or converse with a client or partner if needed.

Purchase Comfortable Furniture

While you may prefer a soft couch you can sink into, it may be difficult for your older mom or dad to make their way out of it once they have sat down. It is best to purchase comfortable furniture that would not be hard on their aching backs, yet still allows them to get up or down on their own. A soft yet somehow firm couch would be a better option. Their bed may need replacing as well, along with the dining room chairs and anything else that gets sat or laid on for rest or relaxation.

Install Grab Bars

Grab bars are often seen in hospital restrooms in the shower and near the toilet. It allows people to hold onto something if they need to lower themselves down carefully or get up from a seated position. Many older adults start struggling to get up or down on their own, so bars like this in their home bathrooms would be ideal. Make sure you watch the weight limit of the bars you install to ensure they can hold up your mom or dad safely.

Tape Down Rugs

Despite their low-risk appearance, rugs can be hazardous to those who have a hard time getting around. The best option is to get rid of the rugs altogether, but if your parents do not want to do that, then taping them down is the next best choice. It will ensure they are stuck to the ground well so the edges will not come up and cause someone to trip when they are trying to walk over the area.

Our aging parents need our help more than ever. Before they have started to struggle, help them out with some home redecorating that will get the place in ideal condition as they start to get older. With grab bars installed, rugs taped down, comfortable furniture, and a home elevator, your parents will have a safe and comfortable home they can continue to live in on their own for some time. 

Keep Your Home Office Organized With These Easy Tips!

This post is provided Danielle Peffers.

As a busy mom, you should know the importance of organization. As a work at home mom, you also should know that you must stay organized to keep on top of your work. Keeping a home office well organized is easier than ever, as long as you remember these simple tips. 

Keeping It Simple

Keeping it simple is one of the best ways to remain organized. You should keep things in your office to a bare minimum. 

Private Spaces

You should also limit the people that can come into your office. Some kids know they can not disturb during certain hours. This way, they are not disrupting your all-important office items. 

Using An Organizer

Using organizers is a must. You should have a desktop organizer you rely on. You should store many of your important files in the organizer so you can find them whenever you need them. 

Keeping A Calendar

Keeping a calendar is also crucial. You should put all your events on a calendar for each month. This way, you can easily see what you need to get done as you go through it. 

Organizing Supplies 

Supplies could be crucial in your work. You need to be able to draw. You should keep all your art supplies in a distinct place every single day. 

Seasonal Items

You should want your home office to keep up with the seasons. So you should keep all of your seasonal stuff like Christmas cards next to the office in a devoted place. You should always know where they are as the year unfolds. 

Color Is Your Friend

Color is a vital. You should use color to code things. Red marked items could have the highest importance in your office. While items in lighter colors could be left for another day if needed. 

Dedicated Spaces 

Each place in your office should be dedicated to a specific purpose. One area is for clients while another is for your files. This way, they can stay there so you can quickly locate them. 

A Schedule

As a work at home mom, sometimes it is hard to leave the work home. You avoid this problem by keeping to a strict schedule. When the time comes for you to leave work, You leave it behind and head right back to the rest of your house.

5 Major Ways You Can Improve Your Home!

This post is provided by Tara Desquitado.

Looking for new ideas to spruce up your aging pad? Seeking to modernize your day-to-day life with practical changes at home? Want to change a thing or two about the house to keep it fresh?

Home renovation is a major undertaking that can be as lengthy and expensive depending on your wants. It can also be as cost-effective and practical as you need it to be. Below we will explore some modern, major ideas in home renovation.

1. Going green and environmentally friendly

There is a lot of ways you can go green with your home. Replacing your fluorescent lighting with power-efficient LED lighting is a great start. Replacing your power-hog appliances, such as the refrigerator and air conditioning unit, with more power-savvy, modern models is another way to go about it.

If you are raring to take green living to the next level, consider investing in a solar power system for your home. The investment might be hefty, depending on where you live, but you can gradually recoup it over a couple of years of lower electricity bills.

2. Turning your pad into a smart home

A complementary step to going environmentally green, adopting smart home technologies for your needs can improve the quality of your life greatly. Smart speakers, like the Amazon Echo and Google Home, have a lot of functionality that can be nifty in your day-to-day living. These systems have the bonus of being constantly upgraded with more features by both the manufacturer and its users.

Smart lighting options can make the lighting in your home even more efficient, as well as versatile when needed. App-controlled security cameras and locks can immensely improve the security of your household.

3. Improving your home's signal reception

This is doubly important when you have a home office and work at home as a freelancer. Make sure that your Internet connectivity, as well as your mobile reception, are always up to spec with the addition of the right gadgets.

A decent wireless router is a must to ensure that you have good wireless Internet signals all over the house. The larger the house, the more powerful your router should be. This goes the same for a signal booster for your mobile reception. The best cell phone boosters can improve cellular signals in a large targeted area. 

4. Adding a dedicated entertainment room

This room can also function as your event room, in case you want to hold parties or gatherings. An entertainment room should have a big flat screen display for Netflix chilling. It should also have all your analog gaming tables, like a billiards table or an air hockey rig.

Speaking of rigs, this room should also have a couple of desks for laptops and computers. If you have a console or a gaming-grade desktop computer, you might also want to place it in this room. With this kind of layout, you will be ready for impromptu video gaming nights with your buds.

5. Optimizing your storage space

Consider remodeling your pad with more space-efficient shelving and cabinetry. Floor-to-ceiling shelves and cabinets are an example of how to optimize your storage options.

For storage rooms, you might want to get a lot of those stackable, plastic bins, if you have not already. These bins are generally very durable and when labeled properly, are a great organization solution.

How To Achieve a Farmhouse Look with Your Decor!

One of the hottest trends in home design and decorating is farmhouse style. Made popular by home designer Joanna Gaines, her show Fixer Upper has inspired homeowners with innovative ways to turn their home into a comfortable and cozy space. Farmhouse design is easy to achieve. Even you can easily transform your outdated furniture and walls into something that is eye-catching and welcoming. Here are a few tips on how to achieve the look.

Farmhouse Must-Haves

White and light colors are the main thing everyone knows to adhere to when transitioning to farmhouse design. But what are some of the must-haves you need to make your home stand out from others that you are leaning to a farmhouse look? Here are some examples:

*Wraparound porch and white, wood fence highlighting the exterior.
*Highlight your entryway with white shiplap walls and black iron coat racks.
*Showcase light-colored antiques and vintage treasures such as old books, ironstone, and wood decor accents.
*Show off vintage mixers, dishes and metal baskets in the kitchen.
*Lighten barn wood doors and reclaimed wood whenever possible.
*Keep wood plank floors stained dark.
*Use big, white overstuffed furniture in living areas and bedrooms.
*Display farm animal print wall art.

Visiting your local antique market for one-of-a-kind home pieces is the best place to get started with the farmhouse look. Do not forget to look for architectural salvage accents like old chicken feeders, scales, and large spools to turn into clocks and wall accent items. Add plaid material sparingly for a splash of color if needed.

Focus On Wall Color

Some of the main color hues that are the main focus of Farmhouse decor are lighter colors, such as beige, whites and light grays. Stark white with red or black highlights can also work, as long as colors flow seamlessly. Some farmhouse kitchens, mudrooms, and living rooms have white walls and white cabinets, highlighted with pastel or jute rugs. 

A popular farmhouse highlight is shiplap. Similar to a paneled look, shiplap is actually wooden wall board that is often used as an exterior surface for many building projects. Many farmhouse lovers desire the look of shiplap and prefer to paint it white and use it as a main focal point in a room. Keeping your wall color light gives you a good starting point for bringing your overall farmhouse look together.

Keep Things Minimal

The key to farmhouse decor is to keep it simple- just like how things used to be on your grandmother’s farm. Dairy fresh, checkered curtains and galvanized metal accents can create contrast in a room and give off a homey vibe. Do not forget about outdoor decor. Salvage old gates as well as sinks to serve as new tables and planters. Show off your veggie gardens and line small areas with white picket fences. Plant large old-fashioned farmhouse flowers such as hollyhocks, foxgloves, and cosmos, to give your outdoor area a bright, warm farmhouse welcome.  

Spruce Up Dark Furniture

Getting rid of dark colored furniture, including dark leather and dark-stained tables and cabinets is essential to complete the farmhouse look. Ditch your outdated oak table and trade it in for a large, white or gray farmhouse table to seat 10 to 12 people or more. Get rid of dark stained buffet tables and hutches and lighten them up with white chalk paint. Put photographs away, as well as dark-themed home accents. Replace with minimal antique items that are light colored and not overbearing. 

If you have a collection, such as milk glass or vintage Pyrex- bring them out and use them as decorative accents. Use textiles on your furniture- such as cotton, canvas, and chenille, whenever possible. Wood that is scratched or nicked does not have to be thrown out. Use well-worn furniture and home accents in place of new, contemporary items. You can also keep things simple by implementing natural stone, wicker, rattan, sisal and other organic materials into both indoor and outdoor decor. The key is to keep things simple, reduce clutter, and not overdo it with home accents and knick-knacks.

Getting that comfy, easy-living feeling the second you walk into your home, is what farmhouse design is all about. Pulling the charm out of your home and showcasing corners and empty spaces with classic decor will get your guests talking and give you a space you will love to relax in.

Top 5 kitchen countertops design ideas for a small budget!

This post is provided by Glen Star.

One of the most exciting parts about designing your kitchen is when you get to your kitchen countertops. What will they be? Are you going to go for some quartz countertops? Or maybe you fancy the kind of style granite countertops bring into the room. Either way, it might just be too expensive for what you can afford, meaning that you have to sacrifice the beauty and efficiency of your countertops in favor of something cheaper, right? Wrong! You can in fact get amazing looking countertops that blend in with your kitchen design perfectly, even on a low budget. Here are some awesome alternatives for the most common countertop solutions.

Soapstone Sequoia Laminate

This is a great alternative for soapstone. It is very similar in appearance and while you will be able to tell the difference between this and the real deal, it will still look beautiful, which is in fact, the whole point. The best thing about it is that it comes much cheaper than soapstone slabs, so you will be able to save quite a bit of money without having to sacrifice your soapstone vision for the kitchen design.

Butcher Block Countertops

For those of you out there that have a soft spot for reclaimed wood countertops, know that there is a cheaper solution that might just do it for you. Consider using butcher block countertops. It is great because it requires a low level of maintenance and the warm surface will do a great job of filling the space left open by that reclaimed wood countertop you have always wanted.

Chrome Countertops

Have you ever considered using glass countertops? It is a really interesting idea, and chrome countertops can help you achieve a special look for your kitchen countertops. It’s a very elegant material as the glazed and tempered glass manages to use the light in the room to its advantage, creating a marvelous effect.

Granite Tile Countertops

That awesome granite countertop design is out of your price range, huh? Well, how about granite tiles? This is the cheaper alternative that allows you to sport the classic granite look for your countertops, for only a fraction of the price. The installation might seem a little more difficult, but in reality it should not take more than any other surface to install. Especially if you get an expert on the job, you should be looking at a really cool granite tile countertop in no time.

Paperstone Countertops

Paperstone is an interesting choice for a countertop, as it is made of recycled paper and resins. However, if you are dying for that lavastone look, this can get you pretty close to it without having to destroy your savings fund. Lavastone can be amazingly expensive, but this alternative might just be enough for what you want to accomplish with your kitchen design.

Backyard Games The Whole Family Can Play!

This post is provided by Jordan.

Kids and the great outdoors go together like milk and cookies. Or at least they should. However, numerous studies show that today’s youngsters are spending way too much time in front of screens and not enough outside, getting the physical activity their growing bodies need.

Or the adventures that will power their minds and imaginations.

The secret is to make it fun, not work or exercise. Tempt your kids with activities they will want to be a part of. Here are several backyard games that will appeal to your young ones and let them (and you) get the fresh air and fitness time needed.

Tug Of War

A good thick rope is about all you need in the way of equipment. This is the perfect activity for when you have a bunch of people over, such as during a family reunion, a birthday party or block party.

Simply stake an area between the two starting points that is the “lake of fire” or “endless pit” or other forbidden zone each team is going to try to pull the other into. Avoid frustration by making sure the two teams are as evenly matched as possible in size and strength. The kids will work up a good sweat and burn off whatever sugar highs they might be on while enjoying the competition.

Croquet

This yard game is classic. The equipment is not very expensive and it can inspire hours of competitive fun. You can lay out the playing field any way you would like. No matter the size, shape or topography of your backyard, you can make this game work.

Cornhole

Here is another beloved backyard game for “kids” of all ages. Bean bags and an official cornhole board are all you need for fun even in a relatively small playing space. Since the game accommodates just about all ages and physical abilities, you will find a spirited game of cornhole to offer a marvelous bonding opportunity for generations of family and friends.

Hide And Seek

If you want to see running, jumping, crawling and squeezing into tight spaces - all good exercises - instigate a game of hide and seek. Kick the can is a variation of this outdoor sport that kicks the physical activity up another notch and gets young hearts racing even faster. And it is always fun watching dad trying to stuff his body behind a small tree stump.

Backyard Campout

This activity might not burn off a whole lot of calories, but it is a great way to hang out together and inspire your kids’ love of the great outdoors. Burn a fire for warmth, roast marshmallows, listen to the slightly scary outdoor sounds and study the awesome constellation display spread out before you in the night sky. 

Someone is sure to tell a ghost story or two during an escapade your children will treasure forever.

How is that for idea starters? Add a few of your own, then get out there! Let the backyard family fun begin.

How to handle a damaged home!

This post is provided by John May.

Securing a damaged home will be overall the most important step moving forward with your claim. Here is some helpful advice to guide you moving forward with your damaged home.

Most insurance companies will require you to take care of the damage to your home. You must secure your property to prevent any further damage. If something is a total loss, this shall be unnecessary and will be dealt with by the insurance company. However, if only one section of your home was damaged, be proactive and swift in securing the damaged location to prevent any further damage this is known as "mitigating damage," which is just a term for preventing further damage to the property.

This will include, covering holes in walls, protecting your roof from the elements, boarding up any damaged windows, building a fence to prevent any looters/robbers. Moving your property inside the home that may cause further damage is not advised. For example, moving a television that was underneath a hole in a ceiling. 

Your insurance policy should include a clause called "loss of use," this means the insurance company will reimburse you for cost of living, any expenses needed while displaced from your home. However, you are not entitled to the difference between the cost while your displaced and what it has been costing you in your home. For example, your monthly living expenses are $5,000 per month, where you are now having to add hotel cost, restaurant meals, laundry expense, extra gas for your car, totaling an additional $2,000, your insurance company will only reimburse the extra $2,000 per month. You can always find help from a local public adjuster. 

Many homeowner insurance policy holders choose to stay with family members and friends. In most cases, your insurance company will reimburse your host for any additional costs of your stay at the time. Speak with your host to itemize the expenses of your stay. Be cautious and frivolous and be patient with your insurance company if they choose to negotiate this cost with you. Be polite in explaining to your insurance company that you are saving the company valuable time and money by choosing to stay with a family or friend in a hotel stay, and restaurant expenses. 

Filing an insurance claim enables you to rebuild or repair your damaged home. "Actual cash value" policyholders are entitled the amount it would take to return the home, including the contents of the home.

"Replacement" policyholders are entitled to the amount it would cost to replace the home and contents within, regardless of the market value of what was lost. "Replacement" coverage does not require you to rebuild your home in the same lot. You have a choice in where you would want to rebuild your home, if it is the same value of the previous lot. If you choose to move your home to a more expensive lot, you will have to cover the difference. If you choose to not rebuild, but to invest the money in something unrelated like a personal business or college fund, the "replacement" policy will become "actual cash value" policy which will in term yield about 15% less.

12 Exterior Home Projects That Increase Home Safety And Look Great!

This post is provided by Jesse Hughes.

There are many home renovation projects that can easily keep home owners busy for every single weekend of the entire year. When you think about everything you could do or everything you should do, it quickly becomes overwhelming. But, when you combine home safety and aesthetics, the possibilities dwindle. We have compiled a list of the twelve most interesting exterior projects that will increase your home safety and look great.

1. Fence: Installing a new fence on the periphery of your property enhances the look, gives it style and provides privacy; especially if your house is located in an urban area.

2. Front gate: Your estate might be big enough to justify installing a gate at the end of the laneway. Elegant and safe, you can make this item a decorative theme for your curb appeal. This feature also allows you to restrict access to your property to only your guests.

3. Driveway: If your driveway is older, chances are it is cracked or uneven. Both conditions may lead to trips and falls that would be avoided with a new driveway finish. 

4. Lighting: Aside from providing a beautiful look to your sidewalk or soffits, lighting the way to your front door ensures that your guests see where they walk, especially if there have to climb steps to reach your front door.

5. Dog house: even if you do not own a dog, building a dog house on your lawn provides a beautiful ornament that also serves as a deterrent to future thieves. They will think twice before breaking into your house if they believe a large dog lives on the premises. Designing the dog house in the style of your home makes the final product fit in and be a charming addition to the lawn.

6. Front door: A new front door offers a cachet to the façade. It also saves energy in heating and cooling. Did you know that different color front doors mean different things? A red door indicates that the house is paid for. A brown door tells visitors that the owners are welcoming people. 

7. Windows: new windows are magnificent and prevent heat loss during winter. 

8. Gutters: new gutters are charming and help divert water from the roof to the ground safely.

9. Stairs and railings: whether it is at the front steps or on the back deck, ensuring that stairs and railings are up to code and secured properly will ensure your house inhabitants’ safety.

10. New paint: deck and stairs need new paint from time to time. Do not wait until you get splinters before you give a fresh coat of paint to your patio. 

11. BBQ: If you have not changed your BBQ in a decade, you might want to do so. Aside from looking stunning, the new BBQ will also be safer to operate. 

12. Building envelope: when making changes to the façade of your house, whether you are adding an accessibility ramp or solar panels, consult the expert who will help you make the most out of your investment.

Hopefully we found enough activities to keep you busy for a few weeks.