Guest Post - Home Design Projects That Can Be Done in a Weekend

The thought of giving your home a makeover may seem intimidating. Ideas of renovating, or even moving out some of the old and replacing it with the new, feels like a commitment of both time and money. But it is the small touches like a new piece of wall art or an attention-grabbing centerpiece that have the ability to make a home feel cozy and tasteful. Fortunately, there is no shortage of projects that can improve your home in just a couple of days time.

Fill Your Walls With Stories

Adding to your walls is what makes a home uniquely yours. Whether you choose to display family photos, handed-down trinkets or décor that exhibits your personal style, walls are essential—quiet literally—in bringing the home together. You just need to determine what stories you want to share. Collections are a great way to display your interests in a striking way. You may have a compilation of pictures, vinyl records or decorative plates, and all it really takes is fixing them to the wall in whichever formation you desire to create a statement piece. Placing your collections tightly in an irregular formation or overlapping them does a brilliant job of creating a textured accent wall for added dimension. If you find yourself without a collection to display, you can easily enough find or make one of your own.

A more recent trend for dorm rooms and homes alike is creating personalized canvases. Whether it’s a simple “welcome to our home” or you are pulling quotes from your favorite authors, what could be more telling than a phrase that speaks specifically to you? Personalized canvases can be painted in any number of ways but lettering can also be created from fabrics and old magazines.

Using unique shelving devices is another great way to add a bit of personal flair to the room. By merely fashioning a sturdy piece of string through an old board, a hanging shelf can be made to display whichever items best complement the room. Should you prefer a more traditional shelf, try buying a plywood board and fasten brackets that are unique, such as recycled piping or vintage brackets that can be found in a second-hand store. For the book lovers and collectors who appreciate the aesthetic appeal that bindings offer, utilizing floating bookshelves allows the opportunity not only to display your favorite stories but also emit the gift of illusion guests will forever be intrigued by.

Creating One-of-a-Kind Windows

Arguably, windows are the most important feature of any home. They are the intersection that connects the inside to what the outside world has to offer. While rooms are often designed so that we may appreciate the view, light and sounds provided, having a barrier of privacy is also essential. Luckily, this can be achieved with style. One such way is by adding a bit of life to your blinds or shades. Roller blinds, or blackout shades, do a fantastic job of keeping out the light for a reasonable price. For a personalized shade, try sewing or even gluing on a fabric that complements the room’s décor.

If your goal is to keep the sun at bay, blackout curtains will do the trick. But if you only wish to gain a bit of privacy while allowing the light to stream in, privacy screens are an easy DIY project that are also aesthetically pleasing. All you need to do is measure the dimensions of your window while taking into account the area you wish to be overlaid. Generally, privacy curtains are used for the lower half of the window, so it is easiest to follow the line of the lower window sash. Doing this will also allow you to insert the screen into the lower window casing on days when you want to let in the breeze. After stapling together the screen panels, finish by sewing on a lace fabric of your choice. Frosted glass is also another option, though more permanent and sometimes uneven if applied to a larger glass surface. To add a bit of design, try laying stickers or decals on the glass before using the spray. Once it has dried, remove the stickers to create a truly original window.

If you have little ones running around the house, functionality and safety are probably your top priorities. However, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. There are tons of great, modern window designs and treatments that will give your home the appeal you’re seeking and keep your children safe. One of the best options for child-safe window blinds is a cordless blind or shade, which has grown in popularity over the years and is now available in almost every color and style to fit your exact taste. They are easy to install and can work wonders in transforming a space.

Give Old Furniture a New Makeover

With minimal time and effort, a broken down piece can be reclaimed to look new and original. Painting is almost always the best way to refinish furniture. This can be as plain as applying a couple of fresh coats of paint, but you can also get as creative as you want by applying stripes, fun designs and decals to produce one-of-a-kind furniture. For furniture that has had a tough run, try running a bit of sandpaper over the finish for a distressed appearance. By constructing a rougher surface to a piece with existing scars, you can achieve the ultimate shabby chic look. A less conventional option is wrapping it up. Decoupage with magazine clippings, fabrics or actual wrapping paper to add an artsy element to any piece. Unfortunately, not all furniture can be saved. If a piece is worth salvaging, you can give it a new purpose, like taking the drawers of an old desk and converting them into decorative baskets or knocking out the bottom and using the remaining frame for a new and unique shelving unit.

What better way to spend your weekend than by adding crafty new touches to your home? Updating doesn’t need to require a lot of time and effort. With a bit of imagination, the whole family can have fun helping to make your home as cozy and original as possible.

Author Bio: Kenneth Gordon serves as the Assistant VP of Factory Direct Blinds. Kenneth is responsible for overseeing the planning, development and execution of all Factory Direct Blinds marketing and advertising initiatives. Before joining Factory Direct Blinds, Kenneth served 6 years in the United States Air Force as a Military Police Officer. Kenneth enjoys spending time with his two sons and beautiful wife Brittany when he’s not working or writing.

Guest Post - Prep Your Home for a Handover: A Pre-Move Cleaning Checklist

Moving into a new home can be so exciting and fun. Relocating can mean better opportunities, change (the right kind), and a fresh start. As such, when you’ve found the perfect place, almost all your thoughts will be about it.

Before you move on, however, think about your old home and the responsibilities you still have to take care of it. Whether you’re renting or owned your former abode, it still needs to be left in near pristine condition. After all, it will be a “new” home, signaling a fresh start, for some other lucky person.

Below is a cleaning checklist for your old house before moving to the new one.

Exit Cleaning Checklist

If you were renting your old place, exit cleaning is important to get your full deposit or bond back. The landlord or caretaker of your former home will inspect every nook and cranny to see of the place to see if it is still presentable for new renters.

On the other hand, if you’re selling your house, cleaning is essential to attract potential buyers. Most people looking to purchase real estate don’t want a messy place from the outset.

When it comes to cleaning, work through every section of the house. Start with rooms that are the hardest to clean, and make your way to the easier parts of the home. Follow the checklist below as you are cleaning:

1. Kitchen

a. Appliances

Sometimes appliances are included with the lease of a place. Whether they were there before you came or were purchased by you, make sure the ones left behind are clean. Below are some of the kitchen appliances people usually don’t bring with them during a move.

Stove - Scrub the exhaust fan and hood. Use the self-cleaning option if it is available.

Microwave - Don’t forget to clean behind and underneath it. Make sure the inside is scrubbed clean as well.

Fridge - Scrub all the layers, dividers and compartments, and get rid of any accumulated ice in the freezer (if any).

b. Cabinets and Countertops

Open the cabinet doors and let them air out a bit, especially the ones on the bottom level where trash cans are usually kept. Then scrub every inch inside of them. Don’t forget to clean the exterior of the cabinet doors and to throw out any liners you used during your stay.

For countertops, start with the area surrounding the stove as it is usually the hardest to clean. Work your way to the sink and use cleaning solutions to polish it.

c. Floor

Most kitchen floors are tiled. Start by scrubbing them with specialized cleaning products. Try to clean the grout between each tile as much as possible. Wipe everything down with a mop and let it air dry.

2. Bathroom

a. Toilet

Most people focus on cleaning the inside of the toilet, but they should also scrub the outside of the bowl, the tank, and the base. If the seat needs replacing, do your landlord or the next renter a favor and buy a new one. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.

b. Bathroom Sink — Similar to the kitchen sink, scrub it clean using products to make it bright and shiny.

c. Shower Area

Don’t forget to clean the walls of the shower and floor.

Pick up any stray hair that might be sitting near the drain.

Use a vinegar solution to clean the shower head and make sure the water flows properly.

d. Floor — Follow the same cleaning procedure as the kitchen floor.

3. Living Room

a. Furniture

Typically, people bring all their furniture with them during a move. However, sometimes people leave a couple of pieces behind. If you are thinking of doing the same, make sure it is clean. Use a vacuum to clear furniture of any pet hair if you own one and let the pillows air outside.

b. Walls and Ceiling

Take out any screws, nails, or other items you used to hang pictures and other decorations on the walls. If you can, cover them up.

Get rid of any cobwebs in the corners. (Bonus Tip: If you are selling the place and can spare the change, paint the walls white.)

Dust any ceiling fixtures and make sure they are working.

c. Floor

Use specialized cleaning products on the floor. Depending on the type you have, dust, sweep, and vacuum the area.

4. Bedrooms

a. Floors — Follow the same procedure mentioned for the floor in the living room section.

b. Walls and Ceilings — Refer to the cleaning instructions for the walls and ceiling in the living room.

5. Garage

Take out all the stored items in the garage. Scrub the walls and floor clean.

6. Yard

Uproot any weeds in the yard. Try to make it look presentable by mowing the grass and raking up leaves.

7. Patio

Wipe down any patio furniture you may be leaving behind. Scrub the deck if it is an outdoor patio. If it is indoor, clean it the same way you would the bedroom.

Time to Start Afresh

Think about the new renters or owner of your former home and how happy they would be in a beautiful, spotless place. Refer to the checklist above to make sure that the entire house is ready for its new owners.

If cleaning your old place is too much of a hassle, consider hiring professional cleaners to do it for you. After all, no one would want to leave an old home knowing they’ve left behind a mess.

Your new place would have (hopefully) been cleaned by someone, too.

As for you, it’s now time to move on and begin a new life in your new home.

AUTHOR BIO
Craig Jones is the Managing Director at Aussiemove, Australia’s largest independent moving alliance. With 23 years of experience at Aussiemove, he has the skills and the highly trained team to move families safely and reliably, in Adelaide, across Australia and around the world.

Guest Post - Less is More: Simple and Affordable Ways to Make Your Backyard More Inviting

For many homeowners, the backyard starts as a blank slate. Transforming it from your everyday yard to an outdoor oasis is a great way to get the most out of your property and add to its value. When your greenspace feels like an extension of your home, you’ll be more likely to spend time outdoors making memories with family and friends. But even the most well-appointed alfresco living spaces can feel cold and uninviting. If a cozy, welcoming feel is what you’re after, you’ll love the following ideas, which prove that it doesn’t take a ton of money or effort to make your outdoor space pop.

Get Fired Up with a Fire Pit—A fire pit is an amazing way to, quite literally, bring a warm and inviting feel to the backyard. The cool thing is, these days you don’t have to go full-on bonfire to bring a little bit of fireside charm to your entertainment space. A small, self-contained fire pit table is all you need. Don’t forget the roasting sticks!

Freshen Up the Furniture—If your goal is to re-inspire the backyard without spending a ton of money, focus on the furniture and décor you already own. There’s an endless amount of information out there on how you can restore outdoor furniture yourself, whether you’re refinishing that old wood patio set or giving your retro aluminum furniture a fresh coat of spray paint.

Add Ambiance with String Lights—String lights seem to be just about everywhere these days, and there’s a simple reason why: They’re an incredibly easy, approachable and affordable way to bring some big-time charm to the backyard. Whether you wrap them around poles and trees or create an illuminated, overhead canopy, outdoor string lights will help you double-down on charm.

Hang 10 in a Hammock—Everyone loves a hammock. These backyard staples are designed to create an impromptu place to relax and reflect, and they’re not bad for reading a good book, either. We love the idea of choosing a patterned, fabric hammock to bring a comfortable, indoorsy feel to your patio or yard.

Dream Up More Seating—The great thing about the great outdoors is that even if you’re working with a small, urban lot, there’s usually plenty of space to work with. Seating is an important part of making any space more hospitable, and it helps when you think outside the box. We love the idea of building a circular bench around your favorite tree or installing a swinging sofa on the patio.

Have a Cocktail or Two—Relax and unwind after a long day with a tropical cocktail in your very own backyard. How? With a DIY outdoor bar, of course! You can create one-of-a-kind entertaining stations yourself using some plywood, aluminum sheets and other raw materials or go full-blown countertop with stacked stone or brick. Add a few bistro tables and lounge chairs with cup holders and you’re all set!

Don’t Forget the Flooring—Inside our homes, flooring is often one of the biggest costs and considerations, in part because it sets the stage for the entire space. Don’t forget the flooring outside, either. Covering your patio or porch with an outdoor rug is a great way to bring the warmth of the indoors out.

Add Personality with Potted Plants—Why would you need potted plants on the patio when, in theory, there are plants everywhere around you? For most homeowners that’s true, but those of us working with plenty of concrete and brick can really benefit from a plant or two. You can also use the patio or porch as a place to start an herb garden so that you always have fresh herbs and spices on hand.

Cozy it Up with Plush Pillows—Another great way to bring an indoor feel to your exterior space—and to liven up your drab outdoor furniture while you’re at it—is to pepper your patio set with comfy, plush pillows and cushions. The right outdoor patio pillows will bring a comfortable feel and a stylish aesthetic, helping you achieve a truly comfortable and inviting feel.

Revitalize and Re-Cushion—On the same note, it’s not a bad idea to step back and re-evaluate your current patio cushion scenario. Do the cushions look dull, faded and plain-old uninviting? Does the color or pattern simply not jive with your vision? Some brand-new patio cushions may be all your seating space needs for a quick facelift!

Dazzle with Outdoor Artwork—Look at every surface in your exterior environment—the side of the house, the shed, the fence and even trees—as opportunities for décor. But remember, as with any decorating endeavor, less is more. One or two statement pieces, such as a garden sculpture or an original piece of outdoor artwork, will seal the deal and make your space super-homey.

Cook for a Crowd—They say a good cook never lacks friends. And there’s nothing more inviting than the sweet smell of the barbecue or charcoal grill! If you’re in the market for something even more unique and permanent, consider installing an outdoor wood-fired oven. These ovens are amazingly DIY-friendly and can usually be built with low-cost materials.

The goal of any living space is to make it a comfortable, enjoyable place to spend time. If you rarely find yourself soaking up the fresh air in your backyard, then it may be worth your while to put a little bit of thought into making it more inviting for you and your guests. At the end of the day, you don’t have to sink a ton of money into new furniture or landscaping to achieve a cozier backyard. These simple tips will help!

Author bio: Chris Hoffman is the founder of Backyard & Pool Superstore currently based outside of Dallas, TX. Backyard & Pool Superstore is an e-commerce leader in backyard, pool, spa, grill & patio products. Before starting Backyard & Pool Superstore, Chris has had 10 years of retail, construction, manufacturing and distribution experience in the swimming pool & spa industry. When Chris isn’t working, he moonlights as baseball coach, dance recital standing ovation specialist, husband, and German Shepherd enthusiast.

Guest Post - The 7 tools you need to start DIY home renovation

DIY’s are difficult. But a right set of tools and equipment will help you in making the job easy. Hardware tools are the best investment in case you are a DIY fan.

Here are 7 tools you must have in your toolbox to start a DIY home renovation.

Japanese Cat’s Paw

The Japanese cat’s paw is a hammer that is an extremely handy tool used for removing nails from the wood. This is expensive yet a must-have tool. The hammer consists of two claws that are needed for convenience. It is also a great help when it comes to putting up hoops. This is an extremely useful tool to speed things up.

Cordless Drill

Invest in a good cordless drill as it is light and contains less toxic batteries which are quick to charge and long lasting. A cordless drill will be very useful for any renovation project in your house. Good control of the trigger is necessary to allow you to quickly switch from fast to slow drilling. Also, make sure your drill has a light for drilling in dark places in your house.

Pliers

Pliers are the most useful tools you will ever own. Pliers are good at holding wires tight in a place. They are made in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are used for gripping things while some are used for twisting wires. Some are used in a combination of both. There are also certain pliers that are used to cut wires. The long nose pliers and diagonal cutting pliers are appropriate for home DIYs. They help is bending wires, making hoops, removing pins and nails and reaching awkward places.

Tool Pouch

Need to put all your tools in a place together? A tool pouch is an answer to your question. A well-organized tool pouch helps you in easy functioning and better working. There is a huge variety of tool pouches available in the market. Get the best tool bags that will satisfy your needs and will have the right amount of space and compartments to arrange your tools. A tool pouch with many pockets is recommended. In this way, you can keep your tools organized.

Extension Cords

Having extension cords in your toolbox to makes tasks easier at home. Keep extension cords of different materials for various purposes. Also don’t forget to consider wet areas, oily spaces or extreme sunlight exposure while buying them. Extension cords come in different colors, lengths, and thicknesses. The cords need to be durable for long periods of time.

Ladder

A ladder is a must when it comes to reaching your roof for DIY’s or renovations. It will be difficult to reach heights without a ladder. Also, there are a number of different ladders available in the market. Choose a suitable one for all your home renovations tasks. While selecting a ladder, make sure whether your tools can be attached to the ladder, whether it stands comfortably on your floor and whether you will be able to stand for hours on the ladder while painting your new bedroom walls.

Tapes

Tapes are the number one tool in your tool pouch. For all of your DIY home renovations, duct tapes are crucial. Be it sticking things like flowers or even small crafts. Tapes are useful when it comes to sealing things, sticking cardboard or fastening anything or everything.

These are some of the most essential tools that you will need to start DIY home renovations.

Author Bio: Harold Camaya is a blogger who loves to write in different verticals. She co-authored Supercharge Organic Traffic: A popular course focusing on Organic Traffic for Ecommerce.. Her hobbies are traveling and reading.