Don't Stop At The Dining Room: Modern Chandeliers For Every Space!

This article is provided by Ema Hobs.

When you think about spaces a chandelier ought to be hung in the house, I am willing to bet your first instinct is to hang it above the dining room table. You would not be wrong to hang a chandelier in the dining room; it is really the obvious choice, isn't it? The dining room is where we gather with family and friends to eat good food and have good conversation. Naturally, we would want the space to be lit beautifully. 

The formality of the dining room too makes us think that it must have an elegant light fixture to complement the use of the space. Be honest: you imagined an ornate, multi-tiered crystal chandelier with arabesque arms when I asked about the chandelier earlier, didn't you?

Fortunately, this is not the only style in which chandeliers are available. Retailers like Y Design specialize in offering design aficionados a variety of chandelier designs, from the ornate to the modern chandelier.

What does this mean for you? This means that you do not have to resign yourself to only hanging chandeliers in pre-approved spaces. You can hang chandeliers in the bedroom, bathroom and even the walk-in closet. 

Let us take a look at three chandelier designs that will blend seamlessly into your living space.

The Starburst LED Chandelier- Blackjack Lighting

Perfect for: The Bathroom

“A chandelier in the bathroom?” you are wondering. Yes. During our lifetime, we spend 1 ½ years in the bathroom. Broken down, this means we visit the bathroom six times a day. Shouldn’t a space we frequent as often as the bathroom be well-designed?

For a posh bathroom interior, the Starburst LED chandelier is the ticket. The starburst chandelier sends sparkles of light dancing across the ceiling and countertops. The chandelier’s stainless steel arms, available in either a polished chrome or brushed brass finish, will elevate a modernly designed bathroom and complement a traditionally designed bathroom. 

Perfect for setting the mood for a romantic bath, the starburst chandelier is wet-rated and made to handle damp conditions. As you can imagine, there are safety codes for installing a chandelier over the bathtub. This Old House writes that the bottom of the chandelier must be at a minimum of 8 feet above the highest point of your bathtub’s edge. 

The Washington 4-Light Pendant Light- Hudson Valley Lighting

Perfect for: The Master Bedroom

Is your bedroom in need of a redesign? You may not need to do much after you have replaced your overhead light with a modern chandelier for the bedroom. Lighting can drastically alter our perception of a space. You may have everything you already need in the master bedroom; it is the lighting that is letting you down.

The Washington 4-Light pendant light is artisanal, modern, arabesque and futuristic all at once. Made by a master glass artisan, the curved glasswork that surrounds and magnifies the pendant’s light source brings light and a sense of magic to the space. The master bedroom is supposed to be the most powerful room of the house: it is where the prominent members of the family sleep. A well-placed chandelier in the bedroom signifies the importance of the room and its inhabitants. 

The Sexta Pendant Light- Santa & Cole

Perfect for: The Home Office

You do not have to settle for a desk or floor lamp in your home office. A place of work and industry, your home office should inspire and motivate you to explore, create and produce. The Sexta pendant light is a modern take on secular tradition. Reminiscent of iron luminaries, the spin on ritual design in this modern chandelier will help you to get to work in style. Classic inspired designs for the home office will help you to feel comfortable and productive as the space will feel welcoming and accomplished.

Chandeliers offer users an experience. Do you want to feel alive in your home? Mix up your lighting fixtures and make bold design decisions. 

How Can I Get Rid Of Bed Bugs Permanently?

This post is written by Quintin Bentley Crevling.

Bed bugs are one of the most difficult pests to remove from your home. They can live on any surface and burrow into your furniture. They sense your body smell and are drawn to you very quickly. The telltale sign of bed bugs are when you get a row of bites that all follow a straight line. These small creatures will suck your blood until they are too fat to walk (up to 200% of their body size), so you are unlikely to have a bed bugs walk great distance to find a new surface to feast. To learn more about exterminating the bed bugs, click here and see what they recommend. If you want to permanently remove these nasty bugs from your home you will need to machine wash all fabric items, treat surfaces they may reside in, and call pest control to thoroughly inspect your home.   

A bed bug’s favorite place to reside in a home is on fabric surfaces such as mattresses, or furniture cushions. These places often provide them warmth and enough human contact to fill their stomachs. Since these bugs can lives on any fabric surface, you will need to machine wash all fabric materials in your home including: clothing, towels, bedding, curtains, and furniture covers. You will want to wash and dry these items on the hottest setting. If you have items that cannot be cleaned on this setting, then you will need to have them professionally steam cleaned, as steam is one of the most effective ways to kill the bugs.

The hardest thing about exterminating bed bugs is that they can live in just about any surface and they are resistant to many pesticides. Bed bugs have developed genes outside of their bodies that detoxifies harmful pesticides. Vacuuming your home will serve as a good first line of defense by sucking up many of the bugs and their eggs. The vacuum may not kill the bugs, so you will want to immediately empty your vacuum outside of your home into a plastic bag that is then tied to prevent them from escaping. You will want to make sure all of your wallpaper is properly glued to the walls, because even the smallest gap can create the perfect home for these nasty bugs.

Bed bugs can thrive in any environment and they breed like their life depends on it. This means that you will have to completely eradicate every last bug or they are going to come back in force. Make sure to have pest control come to inspect your home and spray insecticide in the areas of your home that may house the bugs. A pest control expert will be extremely knowledgeable about the bugs and where they thrive. They will be able to find small crevices in your home that most people would not think to check. Make sure to follow all of the expert’s instructions so you can live pest free!

Happy birthday to me!

My lovelies, guess what? I just turned 37 years old today! Happy birthday to me! Getting older isn't so bad after all considering I have made so much improvements in many aspects of my life. Compared to when I was in my twenties, I am definitely a better person, a better decorator, a better cook, a better communicator and someone with better skills overall especially in the makeup and singing department. :) Perhaps many people are already great at these things when they are in their 20s, but it took me a while to hone my skills. :) 

To celebrate my big day, I have the whole itinerary planned out because honestly, who knows me better than I do, yes? A few reservations have been made which included an "award-winning" hipster restaurant for brunch and a Peking duck restaurant for dinner in Chicago. I can't wait! In between both meals, I am planning to visit a few furniture stores in the city, do some serious grocery shopping in a few Asian stores to replenish some hard-to-get ingredients and indulge in delicious shaved snow (a popular Asian dessert originated from Taiwan) that I love but can't get in my suburbs. 

These desserts create an explosion of textures and flavors in your mouth and are truly yummy! I have tried it once in Hong Kong and I am hooked! :)

Besides the gifts (of course), special occasion for me is always about the food. LOL. Many of you already knew my love for interior design but food comes in at a close second. I can't wait to celebrate my birthday with mountains of delicious food today! My lovelies, how do you celebrate your birthday? Do you indulge yourself with lots of good food as well?

Super Simple Ways To Hide Eyesores Around The House!

This post is provided by Katherine Smith.

Creating stylish interior and outdoor living spaces is a process that involves highlighting some features and hiding the unsightly inner workings. Eyesores like wires, AC units and plumbing lines distract from the decor you have carefully crafted, but they do not have to become the focal point.

We are following up our tips on hiding pipes with ways to hide other eyesores around the house. All of the creative ideas below can be handled in an afternoon without the hired help of a handyman.

Make Security System Panels And Wires Less Obvious.

Security system wires are the top item on our list because hiding them goes beyond improving the appearance of your interior spaces. Some thieves will cut security system cords as a way to disable the alarm. For safety purposes alone, it is best to hide these wires.

One of the best solutions involves hiding the security system panel altogether. An easy way to do this is to create a decorative cover. DIY blogger Kristen Salazar came up with a genius way to do this using a picture frame, piece of wood, hinge and knob. Cut the piece of wood so that it fits inside the frame then connect it with the hinge. Add the knob to the hinged piece of wood and hang the frame over the panel. You would not see the control panel and wires but can still access it easily. The idea also works for thermostats and garage door openers.

You could also avoid the problem altogether by using wireless equipment from a tech-savvy provider like Black Hat Security Systems. These types of systems are less of an eyesore and give you more flexibility.

Hide Television Cords With A Hollow Shelf.

If you have a flat screen mounted to the wall (like most people these days) cords are going to be a real problem. People have come up with some very creative solutions, and there are now products that can hide cords inside the wall is you don not mind cutting into the drywall. One of the coolest ideas I have come across is using crown molding to make an attractive, hollow shelf below the TV. It is kind of like a faux mantle that can hide all the unsightly cords.

A Simple Shutter To Cover An Ugly Utility Meter.

Utility meters pose a unique problem. It is a very unsightly, sizeable piece of equipment that the utility company is going to need to access. That means you can not create a permanent cover, but a temporary one can work just as well and it is a lot easier to accomplish. One of the simplest options is to paint some cute shutters and stand them in front of the meter. All it takes is a few seconds to move the shade out of the way and put it back into place.

Swap Out Unattractive Air Vents

Most air vents look the same, and that is not a good thing. Vents tend to be drab and completely utilitarian in their design, which does not fit most decor. But there is a quick way to give vents a much-need style boost. A decorative radiator screen can be cut to size and used in place of the standard slated vent.

Conceal A Kitty Little Box

You love your cat but could do without the smelly kitty litter box. Cat owners have poured a lot of time and energy into finding ways to conceal the litter box without limiting access for their furry friend. One option I really like is converting a storage cabinet. All you have to do is cut a hole in the side for your cat to get through. Depending on the cabinet you use it can also be used to store all of your kitty litter supplies.

Use Cafe Curtains To Cover An AC Unit

During the heat of summer, an AC unit can be a lifesaver, but it is still not attractive to look at. Give your unit a quick makeover with a pair of cafe curtains. Cafe curtains are short and meant to hang at the top of the window. However, for this project, you will want to use a tension cord to hang the curtains to cover the lower half of the window.

These are just a few creative, easy solutions for some of the eyesores that can disrupt your decor. Have an idea for disguising an eyesore around the house? Then share it with me in the comments section below!

Interior Design Trends for 2017 That Will Help Sell Homes Fast!

This article is provided by Kyle Meissner.

As the real estate market rapidly transforms, so too does interior design trends that will help you sell your house in 2017. Interior design trends change as fast as the stock market rises and falls. Millennials now dominate the home buying market, and their tastes range from soft, gentle curves with minimalist colors to funky curves and geometric patterns. Here are some of the design trends that will dominate 2017 and help you sell your home fast. 

Black Stainless Steel

Stainless steel appliances remain a popular feature, but black stainless steel adds a sophisticated, modern and sleek appeal. Many Millennials equate black stainless steel with a recent remodel, which gives them the sense that a complete kitchen renovation is not necessary. Stainless steel appliances help quicken the closing process and many times are the feature that seals the deal. 

Geometric Patterns

This new, fun pattern is all the rage with Millennials. Simple lines, triangles or patterns with photography blended in can add highly effective and visually appealing designs that bring vibrancy to a room. Geometric patterns bring plenty of attention and when used correctly, the patterns are quite functional. Interior designers recommend that if you use lots sharp, bold colors, you should balance them out with a mix of soft elements. 

Soft/Rich Blues

Although blue was not the color of the year in 2016, the forecast for home sellers is a spring trend with functional blues. From shades of sky to sapphire, rich blues are fashionable with Millennials in 2017. Rich blues can express strength and confidence yet function as an outlet to relax after a long day. Donning the interior of your home with shades of blue could lead to a quick close. 

Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are now the rage for bathrooms and kitchens. Quartz is a durable, low-maintenance choice with limitless color choices. Many Millennials are choosing quartz countertops over natural stone countertops. Quartz countertops are virtually indestructible, and the surface is not porous. Unlike several stone countertops, quartz countertops resist corrosion and staining from household cleaning products and cooking oils. 

Jewel Tones

The depth and richness of jewel tones make any room in your house feel cozy. Millennials want that same cozy feeling while indulging their regal sides. Sapphire walls, bold emerald chairs combined with minimal wall colors gives any living space that regal feel while maintaining a toned-down look. Jewel tones can transform any room into an extravagant refuge. 

Built-In Bars

Millennials today now demand that they have spaces in their homes for parties and hosting guests. According to Country Living and Redfin, the search term “built-in bars” continues to increase, especially among millennial homebuyers. Millennials also want a place to have a glass of wine after a long day’s work in the privacy of their own home. 

Breakfast nooks are slowly on their way out as more homebuyers want extra countertop space and more kitchen cabinets. Homebuyers are also looking for less expensive synthetic material in their floors, and many prefer traditional hardwood or laminate floors that they can refinish to their own taste. 

Enjoying your outdoor living space!

This post is provided by Katherine Smith.

Your back yard is actually an extension of your entire home. Have you thought about using this quite versatile area for a gorgeous outdoor living space that can provide you with a tranquil escape while it can also vastly increase your home’s value? 

The yard can be both the most beautiful and the most overlooked part of a home. Simply decorating outdoors can incorporate more outdoor activities into your family’s daily way of doing things by creating a space away from the TV that is inviting. 

Let us take a look at some tips for an outdoor living space. Some of things you could do with your space include lavish amenities like outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and even covered patios that can keep you protected from both the occasional shower and the hot sun. You can even get some inexpensive garden lights that can provide you with a bit of soft lighting when you want to entertain in your outdoor living space after it gets dark.

Walkways

One amazing tip for outdoor living spaces has to do with where you will walk. Regardless of how large or small your yard is, the yard and your outdoor living space will better coexist if you define where you will walk. This can be done in many ways. Some of them include laying out formal walkways, planting trees and or shrubs to establish borders and corners, and creating shifts with your hardscape materials.

Pergolas and Gazebos

One of the gorgeous and therefore most popular touches you can add to an outdoor space is a pergola or gazebo that has been enclosed with colorful curtains that were designed to be used outdoors. These can effectively frame your outdoor space and create a perimeter that is gentle. They can also give you some shade on those hot, sunny days.

Doorways

Consider how you will get into your outdoor space. You might think about using a trellis or arch as an entryway. Structures such as these can give your guests a definite sense of going into a new space. You can add to the design of them by adding some colorful plants that will climb up the trellis or arch too.

Fencing

One definite way to define the spaces of an outdoor room is with fencing. Shrubs, weathered barn wood, bamboo, and latticework are all some of the options you have for fencing materials. This will create a boundary for your outdoor living space that is stylish. After you have gotten your ‘walls’ where they need to go, you can think about getting them decorated with artwork that can stand up to the harsh outdoor elements.

Awnings

To further protect your space and its contents from the elements, you might think about covering it with an awning that has an eye-catching design. If you do this, you will be able to enjoy your outdoor space even when the weather is not too nice.

Colors

You might enjoy earthy tones inside your home, but when you take those colors outside, they can tend to blend in with their surroundings. Black might be stylish and chic inside too, but put black furniture outside and it will burn you every time you touch it. In order to complement the natural colors outside, you might add splashes of brightly colored, bold accessories. Bright red, yellow, and blue might seem to be a bit much, and indoors they would be, but when they are used outside, they can add a touch of playfulness.

Lighting

We all know that lights get strung up during the holidays. You do not have to wait until then to use them in your outdoor living space though. Sometimes it is nice to spend a bit of time outdoors when it is dark. If you want to do this, you can set a mood by using some tasteful and dramatic outdoor lighting. Lighting that is effective can turn your outdoor living space into one that is safer due to the fact that people will be able to see where they are putting their feet when it is dark. It can also serve to turn your deck or yard into a space that is more inviting to spend your time once the sun has gone down.

How to get started on a bathroom remodel!

Think of the many rooms of the house you spend time in. The kitchen, living room and bedroom come to mind but what about the all- essential bathroom you use many times a day?

A bathroom renovation will run through your mind when you are considering selling the place or you are fed-up with the outdated design (you know the type: 80s burgundy with yellow backsplash). Remodeling a bathroom is one of the easier projects you may undertake due to the size.

Through this article, you will learn what to do before a bathroom renovation.

Let us get started.

Bathroom Renovations: A Short-and-Sweet Checklist

No longer do you need to grit your teeth and accept the design that came with the home. The bathroom is becoming a chic location to show off unique designs and flair. Look at these inspirations in bathroom design to see what is possible with a remodel.

Stellar, aren’t they?

These bathroom renovations are not a fluke- it is a combination planning and hard work. Here are some of the items you will want to check off before renovating your bathroom(s) and along the way:

1. Budget- Bathroom remodeling can be quite expensive so it is good to start off with a budget that fits within your financial means (while considering the return on investment).

2. Time- Certain projects may take days while others weeks. How long are you willing to go without using the bathroom during this time?

3. Design- Are you certain on the design? Not in your head but visualizing it. Tools and a bathroom remodeling photo gallery can help you solidify the decision before cutting the check and making a costly mistake.

4. Problematic Items- If the contractor were to open the wall and find water damage then would you be ready to pay the costs to have it fixed?

5. Functionality- Consider how the new tile, paint, vanities, shower, and tub may fit into the usage for you and the family. It may look nice but if it is hard to use then what good does it have to the room?

6. Contractor- Plenty of individuals will jump over a bathroom remodeling job due to the price. It is important to ask if they are qualified, insured, and they are willing to provide examples of their previous work to know if they are worth the price.

7. Fixtures, Features, Storage, and Flooring- The design will help dictate the items you choose for the bathroom. Yet, ask whether they are practical, within budget, and have a timeless look which will take you into the next decade.

8. Lighting- Is essential to avoid dangers since the flooring may be damp or wet. Lighting, too, can change the appearance of the room especially when it is natural. Do not skimp on lighting as part of the budget for a unique design if you are not able to see its true beauty.

9. Ventilation- A lack of ventilation can cause mildew and mold. These two items could even cause health problems. Verify that your contractor installs the proper vents. Also that they are using the right materials (like paint) that would not cause further problems.

10. Accessorize- Give it a personal flair with accessories that define you and the family!

Bathroom renovations can cost over $9,000 as a median ($2,600 on the low end, $20,000+ on the high). Yet, a bathroom renovation can add upwards of 15% of value.

Wow!

A bathroom renovation may soon be on your list of things-to-do considering the amount of time you spend in the area and the value it adds to your home. A great design to the bathroom, much like other popular areas such as the kitchen, can tie the place together.

Now you know what it takes to get the job done. Good luck to those who take on the renovation!

Easy Ways to Reduce Your Electricity Bill!

This post is provided by Melissa Frank.

Utility costs only seem to rise year after year, and the need to conserve energy has never been more pressing. If you are tired of the shock and awe that comes every time you open your electricity bill, consider employing these strategies to decrease your energy usage while keeping your home safe and comfortable for your family. 

Sealant Is Your Best Friend

Any crack or gap in walls or doors can let cold air flow in and warm air flow out during the winter, and vice versa during the summer. Maintaining the temperature in your home means sealing up any of these cracks, and this project can be done on a budget and a time crunch. As you begin to search for cracks and air leaks, check out the following spots in your home:

⦁ Rooms with dropped ceilings
⦁ Furnace flues
⦁ Attics
⦁ Outlets
⦁ Doors and window frames
⦁ Areas for plumbing access
⦁ Recessed light features

Once you have spotted an air leak, caulk, weather strip, and seal it up to make sure heat and cool air no longer escape or enter. This weekend task can make you save a bundle on your electric bill, and keep your house the perfect temperature without energy waste.

Wash Your Laundry with Cold Water

If you often wash your towels and clothes with hot water, you are not alone; over 60 percent of Americans wash their clothes in warm water. However, with this practice you could be greatly increasing the amount spent on electricity each month. Many believe that washing with hot water is the only way to get laundry truly clean, but that is not actually the case. While heat can help expedite chemical reactions, you can get the same amount of clean from one cold load so long as you use the right detergents. Powder detergents generally do better with warm water, but liquid soap can work just fine with cold water washes. 

Just how much of a difference could washing your clothes make? Consider that around 75% of energy used in a load of laundry is dedicated to heating the water. With cold water, you decrease these costs. It is also important to consider the effect of water temperature on your clothes. Heat can more quickly break down the dyes in your clothes and result in shrinkage. Washing your clothing in cold water can prevent this shrinkage and retain their true color. Another good tip when it comes to laundry? Line dry your clothing. A one-time investment in a cheap clothesline is going to be far less than the operating costs of running your dryer with every load. 

Consider Dimmer Switches

What house could not do with a little bit of mood lighting? Dimmer switches can help you set the perfect atmosphere whether you are having a date night at home or hosting a large dinner party. Dimmer switches might also be the key to saving energy in your home. With dimmer switches installed, you have the ability to use only as much light as needed for the moment. This can significantly cut down on energy costs, and provide extra aesthetic value to every room in your home. 

Upgrade Your HVAC System

If your HVAC system is due for an upgrade, now is the time. Modern systems are energy efficient and designed to keep your home the right temperature without costing a fortune. While it can be a costly expense, there are companies that can help you finance heating and cooling upgrades, and while the investment might cost a bit more than these other tips, it is bound to keep your more comfortable and save you plenty down the road. 

If you are paying more than you should be in energy bills, this upgrade is a lifesaver. Whether you purchase furnaces or split systems, you will find the investment is often more than worth the savings you will find on your next energy bill- and all the bills that follow. 

If you are looking for ways to cut down on energy usage and pay less on your electric bill each month, employ these tips and tricks and keep your family happy and comfortable-without blowing your budget.

What Would Le Corbusier do? 3 Ways to Light a Hallway!

This article is provided by Ema Hobs.

Swiss architect Le Corbusier explored form, relief and functionality in his architectural works. “Space and light and order. Those are the things that men need just as much as they need bread or a place to sleep,” Le Corbusier believed. Without enough “space and light and order,” man stood to lose his health and happiness.

Le Corbusier said that “a house is a machine for living in,” and his architectural designs proved his theory. The Villa Savoye À Poissy, designed by the architect close to a century ago was designed with functionality and cleanliness in mind. The house was meant to fuse form and function (every modern designer’s end goal) to create an elemental design using the “newest technology”. The house was meant to be clean, sophisticated and well-lit, which brings us to the purpose of this article: to light our hallways in such a way as that Le Corbusier would approve. 

Lighting the Hallway Like Le Corbusier

Natural lighting was très important to Le Corbusier as he believed natural lighting helped human beings to attain vitality and health. In the hallway or entryway of your home, you will want to make sure the natural light of the space is not impeded by the electrical. 

If your hallway or entryway has large windows or a skylight, use them as a natural source in your home. Keep the blinds open and adjust them to the setting sun. To keep the effect of the natural light, layer your light sources in the hallway. To layer the light sources, you will want a mixture of overhead, ambient and task lighting. This can be accomplished with an overhead pendant light and a table lamp or floor lamp. Natural lighting, even if helped by your modern lighting fixtures will trick your mind into believing it is completely natural, keeping your circadian rhythm in check and making your home look and feel comfortable and inviting. 

The hallway serves as a transitory space and its function should not be jeopardized to better complement a furniture or artwork in the space. This is something people want to do, believing it necessary to imbibe every room in the house with some sort of statement piece or fashionable décor item. 

Le Corbusier’s architecture shows that these things are unnecessary in designing an elegant, functional and modern home. Rooms should be used for their designed purpose, otherwise they are merely adding to the detriment of society. Le Corbusier said that “light creates ambience and feel of a place, as well as the expression of a structure.” Remember, modernists are all about making things better by designing products and buildings with a form that follows its function. If the form is manipulated, its function is lost. The hallway, again, serves as a connecting space between rooms in the house. You do not want your guests standing idly in the hallway chatting, if they want to visit, it should be done in the living room.

Light the hallway so that it helps its users to understand that it is a transitional space. You can do this with wall sconces. Wall sconces placed in a processional order will help the user to understand that they need to keep going to reach the final destination and to know that the hallway is not it. 

At this point you might be thinking, wait a minute. I do not have a lot of natural light in my hallway or for that, much of a hallway. You can still follow the advice above, just tweak it to meet your needs. You can use a pendant light in the hallway for overhead light or recessed lighting set on a dimmer switch, so that you can control the lighting levels. Le Corbusier believed in using modern technology to create highly-functional and livable spaces. Using dimmer switches in the hallway would play right into that and give you full charge of the lighting levels.

Your hallway acts as a transitional space in the home, make sure it is following its functional design properly.

Freshen up your home for the new year!

This post is provided by Asghar Butt.

Maybe the upcoming New Year has got you thinking about some resolutions. Perhaps you want to quit smoking, get fitter or maybe you want to freshen up your lifestyle. Many people might also reflect on their home and want they want from it in the New Year. Are you expecting a baby, and need to make it child-safe? Are you going to save up some money, to get a new kitchen to entertain in? Perhaps you just want to freshen it up so that it does not bore you anymore. Many people find working on their homes therapeutic, especially if they own the home and it is an investment. It does not have to be a big ambition, and there are many benefits to turning your attention to your home this New Year. By changing your surroundings, you can feel refreshed and happier in the home you are in. Here are a few ideas you might want to consider to help revitalize your home.

Get rid of the clutter

When you are taking down the Christmas decorations, consider taking down some ornaments you never look at or do not like. Clutter can make a home feel closed in and dusty. Be ruthless in all rooms of your house- think about books on shelves, vases, photo frames and old candles that do not have a place anymore.

Think about the windows

Your windows are the eyes to your home. So, clean them up. Use a local window cleaning company if you can, or wash them yourself and be sure to get rid of streaks. Think about what is hiding the view- old, tatty curtains or dusty blinds in the way? Invest in some wooden shutters or some new curtains with an exciting pattern.

Cheap and easy swaps

Your old cushions might be looking a bit worse for wear. Chuck them out or buy new cushion covers if the cushions themselves still have some plump to them. If you are not sure what patterns to go for, you can use online tools like the ‘OKA cushion picker’ to see what would look good with what pattern. Be daring- clashing patterns can look great! Do not hide behind boring colors either; by stepping out of your comfort zone, your home can look fantastic!

Try some feng shui

Think about where your furniture is and how you could rearrange it to better work for you. It does not have to be for practical reasons, it could simply be that you wanted to mix things up a bit. You might consider a small element of feng shui in your room, such as adapting the space above the kitchen cabinets, which usually attracts dust and stagnant energy. The “chi” gets stuck there so if there is a space, put some lighting or green plants (live or realistic looking) up there. You might also consider burning incense in the home to refresh the scent.