Unique Window Styles That Can Become a Focal Point in Your Home

A window can do much more than let in light and fresh air. A carefully chosen window with fine construction and unique styling can become a focal point in a room and the highlight of a home. While decorating around existing windows with high-quality drapes, windowsill gardens, or clear shelving can help an old opening make a better impression, new window installation can change the character of a room dramatically. It can also provide a good return on the investment.

Bay and Bow Windows are Still Popular

Traditionally, one of the most common ways to turn a wall opening into something special is to install a three-panel bay window. Highly visible from outside the home and often functional as a seating area, a bay window is an architectural enhancement to a home's design. Similarly, a bow window, which curves outward gently, can become a focal point inside by letting in light and expanding the view while making a less noticeable change to the outside of the home.

Sliding Windows Connect With Outdoors

For homes with large backyards, a sliding window can help make the outdoors part of the home. Different from a sliding door, which goes all the way to the floor and provides a way to get in and out of the home, a sliding window can fit into a standard casement window space and is excellent for ventilating a bathroom or kitchen or allowing for easy communication from the living room to the outside. Sliding windows offer great views, and the unique styling is something neighbors and friends may find intriguing.

Custom Windows Mean Limitless Options

Awning windows, single-hung and double-hung windows, plus shaped and round-top windows are among choices that can be made from vinyl, wood, fiberglass, and more. Today's custom windows can be just about any style desired. Windows and panes can be almost any shape or size. Frames can be created to match existing design elements of a home or to stand out. With options nearly unlimited, homeowners can create something unique that no one will have ever seen before.

As many as 65 million windows, doors and patio doors are shipped each year, according to the Window and Door Manufacturers Association. Some are simply functional, ordinary pieces that will draw little attention, but many are carefully chosen or even custom-designed to become focal points that raise a home from ordinary to extraordinary.

12 Dreamy Landscaping Ideas for Every Season

It’s a shame putting all that potential curb appeal to waste at some point during the year. Each season has its blessings and challenges, so learning how to use that to your advantage is the key to good landscaping. What you need are dreamy landscaping ideas that are good for every season to give your exterior an attractive look. Mixing colors and materials, playing with structures and shapes, combing purpose and beauty — that’s what you will have to do to create a breathtaking outdoor area. Let’s begin then! 

Winter

1. Discover the berries

Trees and shrubs with berries are the symbols of winter, especially when heavy snowfall is involved. All that white needs contrast and flamboyant berries on your greenery will give it a touch of liveliness. 

Winterberries are leafy during the warm months, but in winter when the leaves fall out, the plant is covered in red berries. If you would like some purple to your winter landscape, beautyberry will help you create areas that pop with color. Crabapples, like Jewelcole, Sugar Tyme, and Wintergold bear their fruits well into the winter if the birds don’t eat them all before January. 

2. Include the evergreens

Evergreens should be part of every landscape that wants to look amazing throughout the year. They are elegant and easy to care for, making them the best solutions for those who are not skilled gardeners. Contrary to popular beliefs, evergreens include a range of colors besides green, like yellow, blue, and red so you can combine different varieties for an interesting landscape.

Silver Koran Fir is a dense and silvery tree with soft needles that are a good fit for minimalist-designed gardens. Small outdoor areas can still have lavish evergreens, like dwarf blue spruce, bringing blue color and festive vibes. Those into classics will adore bristlecone pine which offers green, blue, and white tones you can decorate during the holidays.  

3. Focus on hardscape details

After winter-proofing your home, it’s time to prepare the outdoor area for cold and snowy months. Look for the possible areas to improve your landscape, like missed focal points during the other seasons. You can fill these in with hardscape details, like sculptures, to make them more impactful.

 Structures, like trellis and arbors, are beautiful additions you can use for displaying evergreen climber vines. Cape Honeysuckle with orange and red tubular flowers will be in bloom the whole winter so you can plant it on the gate to welcome your guests. A bench is a nice feature to have in the winter, especially under a pergola or gazebo you can add to your winter landscape.

Spring

4. Time for decluttering and preparing

Spring is the time you should have your garden tools at the ready and start making big plans for landscaping. If you are planning to add a new feature to your landscape, like a pool or a patio, preparing the ground is vital. Take care of the overgrown plants and debris, while at the same time trying to even out the ground with a shovel to create a clean space to work with. 

Check if there are any unwanted pests and potential repairs you need to do after the winter before you proceed with your landscaping work. This is the season to start with small repairs, as well, like fixing the fence and a façade.  

5. Build pathways

Pathways are an excellent way to create sections in your landscape and make every part of it accessible. This feature is available even if you are on the budget by using stones, but as a DIY project, it may be possible to use other, pricier materials.

If you already have a gravel path, you can update it with stone chips and edging, refreshing its look and making it more attractive. Granite stepping stones on the lawn are ideal dreamy landscaping for those who want a more rustic exterior design.  

6. Start planting flowers

Planting flowers should be high on your list since it brings colors and scents to the garden after the winter. One of the earliest flowery plants to bloom is shrubbery forsythia, while fragrant lilacs and magnolias are best for late spring. If you envisioned landscaping with perennials, Virginia bluebells, bloodroot, and primrose will bring clustered flowers you can easily fit into your ideas. 

It's always best to cultivate plants that you can care for, so if you are not much of a gardener keep that in mind. Marigolds and dianthus are wonderful for beginners and can flower for months well into the summer. 

Summer

7. Design a leisure area

Start the warmest season by creating a leisure area where you can spend time outside in the shade.  A patio by the house can serve even during other seasons if you add additional features. A retractable roof and removable walls will allow you to manipulate this space as needed so you can sit regardless of the weather. 

Standing heaters can keep your patio warm, or you can build an outdoor fireplace for a cozier atmosphere. Stone tiles or wood for the floors will help the patio fit in with the rest of the landscaping and nature. all, leafy plants in the large pots can serve as luxurious decorations that will make the patio stand out and be distinguishable.      

8. Arrange the furniture

There are more ways to use furniture in landscaping than just creating an outdoor seating area. A bench underneath a generous tree may be a nice place to read and chat with a friend over coffee. A large dining table by the summer kitchen can turn outdoor eating into an event.

If you have a large space to cover, you can create more than one leisure area and most of them don't require a lot of money. Tree stumpy around the DIY fire pit can give you a campsite-type of a spot to spend quality time with your kids, even during winter. If you have a pond, add a few chairs and a coffee table in front of it for relaxing moments by the sounds of water.     

9. Introduce the special lighting

Christmas lights are a cheap way to add special lighting to your summer landscapes. Wrap the string lights around trees, bushes, and screens, or use a glue gun where possible to fix them more firmly. Solar lamps are simple and trouble-free features that can light the paths and special areas in the garden.

Another solar decoration is mason jar lights you can hang from the branches or place on the lawn to create a dreamy landscape. Mesh fairy string lights can serve as improvised walls for an outdoor structure, or you can hang them on the roof edge to fall over the deck. Large bulb string lights may be more challenging to install, but be just what your outdoor seating area needs to become truly functional. 

Fall

10. Think of pumpkins and plants

Fall has the most beautiful color palette of all four seasons. If you want this to be part of your landscaping, you should plant maples with yellow, orange, and red foliage. These harvest colors are also available on sumac shrubs, like Tiger Eyes. Since maple’s glory lasts through October, planting oak trees will continue to bring warm colors to your outdoor space.

But fall landscaping is also special because of Halloween when everyone decorates their yards to celebrate this holiday. Those who are not fans of the spooky embellishments can stick to the classic pumpkin decorations and dried corn stalks to mark the harvest season.         

11. Make a water feature 

A water feature is a landscaping addition that brings a natural element to space. A fountain encircled by the stone can serve as a focal point in your design, especially if you add an artistic twist to it with a sculpture. A small pond will look charming in all seasons, although having koi fish depends on the winter temperatures in your region.   

Artificial waterfalls create soothing sounds of cascading water and bring a more extravagant appeal to your exterior. If you like big statements, then a rock garden is the right water feature for you and a way to create a new area in your landscaping. The cascades and edge built from natural rocks and a few colorful plants around it will help this feature melt with the surrounding greenery.  

12. Spruce up your doorway

The front door has a lot to add to the curb appeal and thus overall landscaping projects. If you have steps leading to your doorway, place potted plants on both sides with white confederate jasmine and purple coral bells. Plant plants of different colors and sizes together to create a more natural and rustic look that will work well with the rest of your landscape. 

Repainting the entrance and refreshing the look of your house also affects the landscaping, so pay attention to the colors you use. Vibrant tones are cheerful but can turn tacky if you have too many colorful plants in the garden. Instead, opt for natural and earthy tones, like mahogany and chestnut that look dazzling in the fall with color-changing foliage.     

All in all

Landscaping is about finding a balance between nature and exterior design so your property can preserve its beauty throughout the year. Before you start rearranging and planting, begin freeing up space from clutter and unwanted features to see what you are working with. These dreamy landscaping ideas offer fantastic ways to structure the space and give it an authentic style. If you experience a creative block, just take a good look at the existing nature and try to use it as inspiration for future layouts.   

Small Space For a Garden? A Tiny Pond Will Do a Job!

Adding a small water feature is a stunning addition to any home. It's a great way to make the most of the damp spots in your yard and attract living creatures. 

If you have a small garden without much room for a large water feature, a tiny pond will do the job. Here's what you need to know about digging a tiny pond for your small garden.

Choose the Purpose

Determine what you'll be doing with the pond you dig. You may choose to add a small fountain, plant some water plants, or even add a fish or two. Your goal with the tiny pond will ultimately determine what you need in regards to a liner, pump, filtration system, etc.

According to Aquatic Ponds, you can procure various pond kits that give you everything you need to achieve your goal. You can even get a micro pond kit that gives you the right pump size and liner for a small garden pond.

Choose the Right Spot

When choosing the ideal location for your pond, you'll want a place that gets a bit of sun. The sun can help naturally clean and maintain the pond, killing bacteria and keeping the water fresh. However, you may also want a semi-shady spot to keep the sun from drying out your pond during the summer.

It's also wise to install a pond in a space where water naturally accumulates. Look for a level plot of land that has no downward slope.

Determine Your Aesthetic

Determine how you want the space around your pond to look. Some people prefer a more rustic, natural garden that blends into the garden as though it was always there. Others choose to line the garden with steppers or specific plants to make it more polished and elegant. 

Figure Out the Depth

While you may not have much room for a wide pond, you have some room to work with when it comes to depth. Keep in mind that the depth will impact how plants and fish perform in your pond. Many water plants prefer a shallow, graded area for rooting. Fish may require extra depth to survive the winter.

Remember to check with the local regulatory bodies before you start digging in your yard. While a garden isn't a concern, pipes and wires may be deeper in the ground that should remain covered.

Fill itand Rest

Once you have your pond in place, fill it with water, and let it rest. It's recommended that you let your tiny pond rest for up to a week before adding fish and plants. This rest period ensures any additives or bacteria in the water has a chance to process and evaporate under the sun. 

It also gives adequate time for your water temperature to acclimatize to the surroundings so that you don't shock your fish!

Add Fish and Plants

Finally, once you've let your tiny pond rest, you can add any fish or plants that you want to include in your pond. Take some time to research what water plants and fish breeds can cohabitate without issues.

A tiny pond is the perfect addition to a small garden space. Dedicate yourself to planning before you start digging, and you'll have a stunning water feature in your yard. 

Guest Post - 5 New Home Design Trends to Watch in 2021

2020 was a year where more of us than ever spent time ensconced in our four walls, desperately trying to bring some of the outside, inside.

In 2021, the reported interior design trends seem to now be reflecting our general need to be at one with nature and the feelings of happiness and optimism associated with doing so.

Natural, organic and earthy color schemes are dominating wallpapers and paints, whilst real and artificial plants see an unsurprising uptick in popularity.

Here we round up the top 5 home design trends set to dominate 2021 whether you’re a homeowner, residential management company, or interior designer.

1. Forget color, your walls want texture

Texture has always been a key part of interior design. Texture affects both sensation and touch, and has the power to change the entire atmosphere of a room.

In 2021, experts are predicting that texture will now feature more heavily than ever on walls and in wallpaper. This is because homeowners are wanting to bring more life to the walls that they felt so enclosed in in the previous year.

Texture has always had the ability to change the ambience of a room, so it’s easy to see why it’s being so sought after. Hotly tipped textured effects expected to feature include marble, stone and wooden beams, so look out for them in your favorite homestore.

2. Keep the clutter out, minimalist is still in

Minimalist styles have continued to trend upward in the interior design industry for the last few years. Gone are the days of clutter and furniture, instead we’ve replaced them with sleek and open living spaces. 

One aspect of minimalism that looks set to make a breakthrough in 2021 is the introduction of minimalist art. 

These art pieces are mostly line drawings that rely very little on bright colors and landscapes, and instead take the shape of thin drawings or doodles. Inspired entirely by Japanese ink murals, they’re one to keep an eye on.

An example of minimalist art

3. Neutral colors bring the outside, in

A new trend set to shape 2021 is the introduction of Griege (grey and beige). The two colors have enjoyed surges in popularity across 2020 with most dining rooms, living areas and bedrooms being adorned in plush metallic greys. 

Now however, the two are being blended together for an entirely neutral color. Designed to both calm and soothe, the color is hotly tipped to feature as all of us seek a little bit of respite from the events of 2020. 

Colors that give us feelings of serenity and peace are highly sought after to combat the rise in anxiety and unpredictability we’ve all felt - and are still feeling. What’s better about Greige, or just grey or beige on their own, is that they’re versatile for all kinds of different rooms and styles.

Related reading: Family Bathroom Remodelling Ideas

4. Plants, plants everywhere

House plants have never gone “out”. When real house plants started to lose their allure, in came faux and artificial ones and now in 2021, they’re about to see another surge in popularity.

From big palms to small potted ferns, house plants are in as we once again attempt to bring nature indoors. Many of us in flats and apartments with limited outdoor space felt particularly bereft of nature throughout 2020, and nature has also been shown to have a calming, restorative effect on our moods. 
As we continue to recover from multiple lockdowns and restrictions on our lives, expect indoor plants to feature hotly in not only minimalist apartments, but in sprawling houses too.

5. Organic isn’t just limited to food

Sustainability is on the rise. Not only just in our food sources, but in our clothing and fashion too. Now, it’s reached the shores of interior design.

Organic materials such as bamboo, rattan and fibrewood are big contenders for homeware accessories across 2021 as more people begin to contemplate the impact of global warming on our planet. 

Luxe decor is expected to be the next niche in interior design to get a makeover, with retro terrazzo wallpaper featuring, and antique wicker furniture expected in many living areas and orangeries. If it looks good and it’s good for the planet, count us in.

Author bio: Scanlans Property Management are property management & block management specialists with over 25 years experience.