Guest Post - 7 Exterior Makeover Ideas to Revitalize your Home's appearance

Our homes are our sacred places. Our sanctuaries where we find peace even if there is chaos everywhere else. 

We can express, embrace our styles, and change even the tiniest details that don’t match our taste. 

However, people don’t change their home exteriors that much as they invest time and money on their home interior. 

On the other hand, the exterior of your home demands the same attention and makeover as your interior. After all, it’s the first impression of your home. It needs equal love and admiration and remodeling from you. 

It doesn’t matter if you have a degree in interior designing or not, in a world full of the information you can just YouTube tutorials and DIY everything that you’ve ever dreamed about your home. 

Here are some out-of-the-box exterior home makeover ideas that can turn your ordinary home into an extraordinary place. 

A Covered Entrance 

Adding a covered door entrance can be welcoming when you are trying to enter the home in a rainstorm. But it can serve many more important purposes and add a great deal of appeal to your home. 

It’s about adding a definition to your home. A piece of art or craftsmanship that can leave a lasting impression on people who visit your home for the first time. The best part is that it's economical, and just like that, a covered entrance can turn your boring exterior into something memorable and make you feel good when you come home. 

Hang a Lantern 

The biggest advantage of a hanging lantern is that it’s adaptable. You have control over the height on which you will hang the lantern. Plus, it’s more like a decorative hanging light that will create an ambiance similar to lightning candles. 

And since it is used for the decorative purpose, you can match the theme of your covered entrance with the lantern to create a wonderful exterior. 

A gate might be good

Do you know that your home can affect your health? Yeah. This is one more reason to add a bit of security for your home. 

A wooden fence or a low masonry or even a metal gate can add some presence to your home’s exterior. It draws attention instantly and makes the yard feel deeper and more secure. 

Recreate the Driveway 

One of the most ignored parts of your exterior is your driveway. If it’s in great shape, it can add style to the overall look and feel of your home. Maybe a dull driveway is beating the beauty out of your home or curbing down its appeal. 

Using brick, masonry, or stained concrete can make it more durable and beautiful. Just a simple addition on the exterior of your home, but the effects will be amazing. 

Choose the right roof 

Just like the driveway, the roof is something that will not matter if it’s rightly done, but when it’s wrong, it will look bad. The whole outlook of the house depends upon the house roof. 

In addition to the look of the roof, it must be practical too. Because a roof will serve an important purpose. There are a couple of things that need to the right for the most suitable roof. The most important one is the price. The roof must be within the price range because the good roof can be pricy. 

Colors matter, too, which is why you need to consult a professional designer to assist you with a roof that will match the style of your home. And one thing with the roof is that the material used must be of high quality. 

If you are in Dallas, you are just a search away from a pro. Take the help of Google, type commercial roofing Dallas, and go for the one that has claimed positive reviews.  

You can DIY anything

It is known as the age of the internet where kids are growing with smartphones in their hands. You don’t need to wait for an expert to change the shades of your windows or hang those gorgeous lanterns at your front gate. 

Everything is all there on the internet. Open YouTube and figure out the DIY tutorial of anything that you want to do. 

This is valid only if you have time to do it. For super busy people, they can always go for an expert person. 

If you have an interest in interior and exterior designing, then Pinterest is the most suitable and exciting place for you. Figure out how things work and once you can do it a couple of times, even if anything goes wrong, with the time you’ll be able to learn and master a few things. 

Drive around for ideas 

To quote Albert Einstein, “Nothing is original in this world; everything is a remix.” Okay, let me confess first, this quote is not from Einstein. I just wrote it and used Einstein to make it more impactful. 

Anyways, if you are out of ideas, you can surely take a drive in your neighborhood and look for fresh ideas. These ideas might help you to come up with solutions like never before. 

Do a little sightseeing. Take a notebook with you and note down every idea that hits your head. Look for unique ideas. These are the ones that will make your home interesting. 

Final Thoughts 

Designing your exterior is as important as the interior of the house. People do pay attention to it but will not share their opinion unless asked. The best approach is to change the exterior of your house from time to time. 

This will keep you busy, and on the other hand, you’ll become popular among your friends as the creative people who are always looking, executing new ideas. There is a good chance that your friends will even call you up if they want something new to be done with their house. And if you get good at the time, you can also make it a business and earn some good money out of it. 

Author Bio: About Michelle Joe: Michelle Joe is a blogger by choice. She loves to discover the world around her. She likes to share her discoveries, experiences, and express herself through her blogs. You can find her on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook.

Guest Post - 6 Important Steps to Consider When Decorating Your New Home

Introduction to Interior Design and Home Decor

Most people have a rough idea of what they would want their homes to look like but do not know how to go about it. It might be hard to admit it but the concepts of interior design and home decor are not as easy as they appear in magazines and various websites. That said, it is important to bring up the fact that, interior design and home decor, when perceived and implemented in the right manner, have a very positive impact.

Studies have established that there is a direct correlation between a person’s level of happiness and the nature of their surroundings. That way, we can influence our mental and emotional wellbeing by setting up our environment to help us achieve certain emotions, which in most cases should be positive. Below is a quick guide on the 6 important steps to consider when decorating your new home

1. Research on brands and style

Research is the foundation upon which all the best interior design and house decor projects rest. You need to have a good idea of what these concepts entail, and how they are usually implemented. This will come in handy in helping you spot items from various brands that will go with your preferred style, as well as equipping you to explain to the people who are inspired by the beauty of your home. You may have heard of Scandinavian interior design for instance. This style is quite outstanding with elements such as the use of sleek oak wood, unique linen fabrics, as well as uplifting color palettes. With a perfect understanding of such a style of interior design, it is easier for you to make your living place a haven of peace. 

Some websites such as Yorkshire Fabric Shop, Reforma Sthlm, House Doctor, Bloomingville and Ib Laursen are an excellent source of information about various interior design brands and styles. You can have a look at what is presented in them to get a clear picture of what these two concepts entail. 

2. Prepare a list of your needs

Once you have determined your style, you can proceed to create a list of all pieces of furniture you will need to settle in your new home. This should be easy and fun since you will get the opportunity to plan for every single room in your house. With your bedroom, for instance, you can include the following items:

-    Bed 

-    Blankets

-    Cushions 

-    A nightstand 

-    A couch 

-    And may more.

Provided that you are working with a defined budget, it will be very easy for you to create a list that will capture all the items that you need for every room in your house. You can also define the type of furniture fabric that you want to have on your furniture in this step, but for example, writing “velvet couch” instead of “couch”. This will help you make your list more specific. 

3. Visualize each nook and cranny

Having accumulated sufficient knowledge about various brands and styles, you can also proceed to visualize how you would want your new home to look like. You can take a mental tour of every room in your house and visualize the decor in every room. You can, for instance, visualize the colors that you will use in your kitchen, by imagining how the plates, tables, flower vases, and any other decor will look like. This will also call for you to imagine where you will place each item in your room. You can update your list in step 2 if you realize that you left out an important item during the list creation process. With a clear idea of what you want in your home, you can proceed to step 4. 

4. Budget strategically and shop

Moving into your new home should not mark the beginning of financial distress. As much as you will be required to fork out a large amount of money to purchase the new items in your house, you should spend wisely. By wisely, I simply mean that you should not overspend or under spend. You should only purchase what lies within your spending capacity. If you decide to under spend on some items, you may end up having to replace them over and over again; hence you should have the quality aspect in mind. 

Budgeting strategically calls for you to come up with a very structured shopping list. You can simply use the “needs list” you created in step 2 to create the budget. To ensure that you do not leave out any item, you can structure the budget in such a way that it has sections for each room, where you will indicate all you will need. Once you are satisfied with what you have on your list, you can then proceed to shop for them. 

5. Put everything into place

The thrill of seeing what you visualized and purchased kicks at the moment you receive the first item at your doorstep. It is now time to put it all together, in readiness for the new life that you will be living upon the reception of all the items. Since some items can be quite heavy to lift, move around and assemble, you can invite some friends or family members over to help you with that. You will definitely create fun and memorable times with your loved ones as they all help you put it all together. 

6. Sit and enjoy your dream home

Now that you have put everything together and decorated your new home, it is now time to sit back and reap the fruits of the effort that you have put into the entire process. Begin to appreciate the comfort and aesthetic value of each item in your new home, and watch how this gradually elevates your mood and transforms you positively in quite a number of aspects.

Author Bio: Javed Soni is from Yorkshire Fabric Shop, one of the finest shop online for furnishing fabrics to make blinds, curtains & cushions.

Guest Post - 6 Creative Ways to Introduce Biophilic Design Into Your Office

Back in the day, having an office space meant desks, chairs, a computer and possibly some decor pieces. But, since our awareness has evolved, nowadays it’s possible to see offices with recreational areas and other features and details that can have positive effects on employees and the environment alike.

Humans have a unique relationship with nature, so it’s only logical to find nature-inspired overlaps even in the offices, and thanks to innovations, it’s possible to have offices that mimic nature. This is called biophilic design, and if you’re thinking about introducing it into your offices, here are some creative ways that can help you make that happen.

First, let’s learn more about biophilic design

As mentioned before, biophilic design is all about bringing nature indoors. You might think that adding a bunch of plants is akin to biophilic design, but in fact, things are more complex than that, because the biophilic design is about getting things right so people will enjoy working there. Therefore, creating green areas where employees will be able to relax, collaborate and work is the main way of adding biophilic design the proper way. So, make sure to plan things accordingly before you decide to finally make any changes to your office space.

Find a way to utilize outside areas

Now that you know what biophilic design is, you can revamp your workplace, and the easiest way to begin is to utilize outside areas. If you’re lucky enough to have a rooftop, a backyard or a balcony, then it would be great if you could add comfortable tables and chairs so your staff can use it to work and relax. Of course, using outdoor areas should be available only during pleasant weather conditions, so make sure to encourage your employees to go outside throughout the warm spring and summer days.

Choosing organic and natural elements is always the right move

Mimic outdoors isn’t always easy since we’re constantly surrounded by artificial decor pieces that are easy to obtain, which is why many people decide to use them. Still, choosing organic materials that resemble those found in nature will create a special environment that will entice your employees to socialize and be more motivated. So, if you’re aiming to have elegant and healthy green offices, then opting for natural and ethically-sourced wood will be an excellent way to upgrade your office furniture, while choosing decor details made of stone, bamboo and rubber will surely contribute to beautiful and nature-inspired aesthetics you’re planning to achieve.

Access to natural lights matters a lot

Having access to natural light can make all the differences when it comes to the productivity and well-being of your employees. In case your office building comes with large windows, then make sure that they’re always clean, and if you must use curtains, then it’s essential to get ones that are transparent enough, so they won’t block access to sunlight. Additionally, opting for elegant nude colors as your basis can reflect enough light to keep your office well-lit during the daytime.

Don’t be afraid to incorporate colors

Embracing various colors can have a strong influence on your employees, as it’s well-known that they can affect mood and workplace performance. But, before you decide to incorporate any colors, make sure to choose them wisely, because not all colors have the same effect on people. For example, bright orange is a very good choice for your office break room, as it can have a positive impact on your employees. On the other hand, dull colors can be disadvantageous so be sure to use them sparsely. Since biophilic design revolves around nature, then you can never go wrong with calming blue and mint green, as they’re known to improve focus and efficiency.

Feel free to add a lot of greenery

Indoor plants can have a lot of benefits on one’s well-being, and when it comes to biophilic design, then adding greenery seems like a perfectly sensible step. However, it’s essential to choose the right plants that fit the overall aesthetic of your office, so everything will look cohesive and well-put. Aside from that, it’s important to choose plants that are easy to maintain, so they’ll be able to thrive and be healthy.

Conclusion

Biophilic design is a wonderful way to include nature in your workplace and advance the health and well-being of your employees. Also, this type of interior design will foster productivity and positive relations among everyone in the office, so feel free to experiment with different aspects of it until you find a perfect combination that will create a close-knit and supportive atmosphere.

About the author: Mike Johnston is an avid freelance writer with a focus in home improvement, interior design, family life, and sustainable living.

Guest Post - Seven Points to Consider Before You Build a New Home

Where it is your first or fifth, home building is always an exciting time that presents lots of opportunities. 

Aside from choosing what subway tile to use for your kitchen splashback or what color you should paint the architraves, there are a lot of important points you may have not considered before building a new home.

Read on to find out about the top seven points to consider before you take the next big step in your life. 

Research the Suburb and Area

You think you’ve found the perfect block for your new home. Congrats, but don’t jump on it just yet. 

It’s incredibly important that you extensively research the suburb you before you make any decisions. Since you are likely to spend many years in this location, you need to ensure that the area suits your lifestyle. Is it close to work, family and friends? Is an active community important to you? 

To get a good look at your potential new neighborhood, you can research online by postcode to find the median house and property price, the average demand for property, and even the demographics and lifestyle. However, nothing provides as much insight as a simple drive through the suburb and interactions with the locals.

Research the Builder 

This should go without saying, but one of the first things you should do before you decide to build a home is to find a reputable building company. 

Your builder should be licensed and have no outstanding issues with your state’s building commission. Check whether they use dependable subcontractors and if they have the necessary insurance. Word-of-mouth always goes a long way, so look up reviews online and ask your builder to provide referrals from previous clients.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask your builder to detail what’s included in their quote and how long the construction is likely to take.

It’s vital that you trust your builder and feel comfortable raising issues with them, so don’t settle or be pressured into choosing a builder that’s not right for you.

Who Is Responsible for Temporary Fencing?

In many countries, temporary fencing needs to be present on your building site in order to adhere to occupational health and safety laws. It will protect your home from intruders during the building process and keeps the nearby public safe from potential hazards.

If you are building through a licensed home builder, they are responsible for sourcing temporary fencing. It is often already included in the cost of building your house, however, before you begin building, check your contract. If temporary fencing isn’t mentioned within your contract, raise it with your building company.

If you are an owner-builder, you will need to source temporary fencing. Consider whether buying or renting temporary fencing is more cost-effective, but not having it is a non-negotiable.

Build with Resale in Mind

You’re building your home to be the perfect fit for your family, but realistically it’s not going to be the last property you own.

Consider features that will be ageless – you may love those hot pink walls, but chances are someone looking at your house to buy a decade down the track probably won’t be as into it.

Look at the neighborhood you’re in too – if your home’s features and upgrades overprice your house for the area, it will likely be difficult to sell in future years.

Think Eco-Friendly

Save money while helping the environment – it’s a win-win!

Do your research, especially when it comes to heating and cooling your house. A good builder will look at window and room placement to help maximize sunshine to naturally heat your home. 

Look into the most efficient window glass and wall insulations, and choose energy-efficient appliances, toilets and taps. It will all add up in the long run.

Residential Design Codes

Residential design codes control the design of residential development. Every state and territory will have its own code.

These codes look at things such as sustainability, neighborhood character, how many dwellings can go on a lot, and subdivision precision. Make sure your builder is up to scratch on these codes to avoid any potential issues and it's worth running your eye across them too.

Council Building Regulations

There are specific guidelines set by local councils when it comes to residential developments and these differ throughout local governments.

They are similar to residential design codes in that they consider your site, neighborhood character, scale, the density of the area, and how your plan connects to all of those.

A reputable builder will design a home that meets these regulations, so you shouldn’t have any issues – but it’s important to be aware of these regulations!

If you are planning on moving into a new home soon, House to Home Organizing can make the process seamless and stress-free. Contact the H2H team today for more information!

Author Bio: Written by Taya Coghlan, on behalf of TTFS, an Australian temporary fencing provider. You can catch Taya on LinkedIn.