Choosing a Decorating Aesthetic

Something you may see everywhere on social media recently is the emphasis on choosing a decorating aesthetic for your home. A home decorating aesthetic is one cohesive feel you implement in your home through a color palette, decorative object styles, and more. Here are a few unique aesthetics to consider and tips for knowing if they fit your personal style.

Minimalist

There are so many popular interior design styles right now, and minimalist may feel like it’s on its way out. Minimalism may have fallen from the most popular home décor scene, but the trend and calm feeling that accompanies it are far from over. The minimalist aesthetic emphasizes keeping only what you need and putting everything out of sight unless you’re actively using it. You may be the right person for the minimalist feel if:

• Clutter gives you anxiety.

• You like everything to have a place.

• You love cleaning out closets and drawers.

• You don’t hesitate to throw things out or donate them.

• Bright, open spaces make you feel at ease.

Art Deco

It’s officially the roaring ‘20s again, so the art deco style is coming back. While it’s not the go-to style of mainstream homes quite yet, this trend is sure to catch some traction. The art deco trend emphasizes luxury and glam. It’s the perfect blend of over-the-top decor, color, and excitement. The art deco aesthetic might be for you if:

• You love mirrored surfaces.

• Pops of color are your favorite.

• You can’t imagine having to downsize your closet or your décor.

• Feathers, sequins, glitter, and anything daring are your go-to decoration items.

• You have a bold, outgoing personality and want your home to reflect that.

Moody

The moody aesthetic is one that’s just beginning to emerge on the home design scene. The moody feel is the perfect blend of minimalist, cottage, art décor, and other top home design trends. It focuses on color contrasts, natural wood and elements, and a balance of natural and artificial light. The moody aesthetic might be for you if:

• You love using black and white together.

• Accent walls speak to your soul.

• You love stained wood furniture and a bit of the rustic look.

• Metal accents make you happy.

• Your personality is continually developing, and you want a home that can adjust to you.

While choosing a decorating aesthetic may feel like a huge commitment, you can change yours at any time. It’s surprisingly easy to switch aesthetics by simply painting a wall, swapping out small trinket decors, and rearranging furniture.

Guest Post - 12 Ways to Save on Home Renovation Costs

The process of home renovation is never simple, and it’s never cheap, either. The costs of major upgrades quickly rack up, even when you think you’re spending carefully. We can’t get rid of surprise costs, but we can take steps to reduce costs overall. Follow these twelve ideas and you may be able to save a good chunk of money on your home remodel. 

1. Establish Your Budget 

It seems obvious, but homeowners frequently fail to set up their budgets. Most have set aside savings and assume that it will be enough to cover the costs of home renovation. 

Savings are a great starting point, but if you want to save as much as possible, you’ll need to create a budget that reflects how much you’re willing to spend when those unexpected costs show up. Determine how much you can afford and then some, so you can play it safe. 

2. Be Creative with Material Costs

Where you go to purchase materials will make or break your budget. If you need help finding recycled materials, contact your local lumber supply shop to find affordable options. 

You can also find reused materials on ad placement sites by people who have leftover scraps from their previous projects. Aged materials are some of the most beautiful and durable options around, so you’ll be getting high-quality materials for less money. 

3. Look for Discount Essentials 

For your most important pieces, search high and low for the best bargains you can find. If you want a soapstone countertop, wait until materials go on sale. The same idea applies to anything else you have your heart set on purchasing. Look for deals on windows, doors, bathroom tile, etc. 

These are the aspects you’ll want to show off the most when your remodel is complete, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend excessive amounts of money to get the look you want.

4. Rely on Cash for Materials and Builder Expenses

By paying cash for these crucial aspects of home renovation, you will avoid interest charges. You might also earn a break in prices when your contractor learns that you’re willing to pay in cash.

5. Take Your Time

Renovating your home is undoubtedly exciting, but it’s not something to rush. You’ll like the results so much more if you take your time and purchase the materials you genuinely want. Don’t settle on subpar materials to get the job done faster. 

You’ll also avoid the need for credit if you wait for things to go on sale. The same idea applies to contractor fees: do not settle for the builder with the best availability if what they charge doesn’t fit your budget. Take this extra time to plan out precisely what you’re looking to create in your remodel.

6. Be Your Own Handyman

Certain repairs will require a hired professional but, with that being said, there are some DIY jobs you can accomplish on your own. Rather than paying someone extra money to complete simple repairs, use your muscle and handle these smaller projects yourself. You could look into sealing subway tiles yourself or practice screaming, “Here’s Johnny!” for when it comes time to knock out a door.

7. Reuse. Reuse. Remodel.

Reuse materials instead of throwing them out. If you find that you have extra pieces of cabinetry or isolated appliance parts, use these guys to your advantage. Instead of replacing things, you can save time and money by using what you already have at your disposal.

8. Sell Appliances You Plan to Replace

Are you updating your appliances? Sell your old fridge and stove. If your devices are in poor working condition, you can likely sell them for parts. 

You may be able to find interested buyers online, but if no fish bite, try contacting a used appliance store in your area. They may be willing to purchase your used appliances for a fair price.

9. Be Selective About Who You Hire

Even neighborhood referrals and recommendations can end up being the total opposite of what you’re looking for in a contractor. Everyone has different style preferences and ideas to build their dream homes, so it’s essential to consider the most competent builders for your designs and ideas.

10. Find a Balance Between High and Low Quality 

Splurge on those new items you can’t live without. Maybe you want a quartz countertop or an amethyst coffee table. It’s okay to have a few luxury items but be sure to balance these pricey goodies with lower quality or previously used items, too. Utilizing a budget means you’re making the most of your money, so you will likely need to find a happy medium between smart home updates and luxurious items for that to work. 

Even when it comes time to purchase lower-quality items, you don’t have to get the worst of the worst. Just look for affordable options. For example, someone might be selling reclaimed wood that you can use to create custom headboards. Interested in a glossy finished concrete floor? Consider DIY epoxy-resin flooring.

11. Always Price Match 

You might be comfortable shopping at a few select stores, or maybe you even prefer to do all your shopping online. Even though the familiarity of these shopping preferences keeps things simple, you must venture out so that you can price match and find the best deals for the items you want in your remodel. You might be surprised to see that there are many more options out there when you shop this way.

12. Hey Macklemore, Can We Go Thrift Shopping? 

The $300 you plan to spend on vintage drawer pulls might already be waiting for you at a thrift store for $5. Don’t let the idea of remodeling become a frenzy of buying brand-new everything. Blending some gently used items in with newer pieces is a great way to give your home a welcoming feel, and you’ll save a bunch in the process. 

Home remodeling is pricey. However, implementing upgrades can both increase your satisfaction with your living space and boost the value of your home. Be smart and follow these guidelines for a makeover that doesn’t break the bank. 

Author Bio

Matt Casadona has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in Marketing and a minor in Psychology. He is currently a contributing editor for 365 Business Tips. Matt is passionate about marketing and business strategy and enjoys the San Diego life, traveling and music. 

Top Benefits of Upgrading Your Home's HVAC System

We partnered with an home improvement company for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

"Here's something not many people know: more than half of your energy goes to cooling and heating. If you are a smart homeowner, you have to do more than invest in an HVAC installation. You also need to know when it's time to upgrade your HVAC system at home so you can save more money and enhance your comfort level. Learn common HVAC terms today to better understand your system and make informed decisions.

Upgrading your HVAC system at home has many benefits. Some of the most notable ones include:

It helps you save on cost

When you replace your old HVAC system with a higher efficiency one, you can save thousands in fuel costs. New and higher efficiency HVAC systems have an AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating of more than 90 percent, making them ideal for better indoor air quality.

It allows you to enjoy better comfort

Modern HVAC systems can help produce more heat and maintain the temperature at a constant level. It can also help ensure there is consistent airflow. Moreover, you also get to enjoy superior humidity control compared to older systems.

It has a longer working capacity

New HVAC systems are designed to minimize on and off cycling. That means they can last way longer compared to older models. You can also expect better efficiency without worrying about your system malfunctioning.

It can increase your home's resale value

When assessing any property, most buyers will consider the quality of the HVAC system. Most buyers will also take into account the operating cost of HVAC systems. That said, if you want to increase your home's resale value, investing in a new and powerful HVAC system would be a smart move.

Wrap Up

The benefits above are just a few of the upsides of investing in modern HVAC systems. Considering all the benefits a new HVAC system can offer, it's easy to see it's an investment that's worth every penny.

Options for Improving Heating and Cooling in Your Home

During extreme weather conditions, heating and cooling your home becomes crucial in creating an ambient environment. However, keeping your home warm during winter and cool during summer can attract hefty energy bills. Several steps exist that show you how to improve your home's cooling and heating to reduce the overall energy cost. 

Change the Air Filters

Air filters play an indispensable role in the overall efficiency of your heating and cooling system. However, most homeowners do know the importance of regular and frequent air filters. Air filters work by blocking debris and dirt from entering your home and thus might accumulate these pollutants. As a result, the air conditioning unit will work harder to pass clean air into the house because of reduced efficiency.

Maintenance

Although some people perceive routine maintenance as costly, it reduces cost by preventing breakdowns during operations that might be more expensive. Regular maintenance has a significant impact on the efficiency of an HVAC system. Moreover, minor repairs to your air conditioner can help it last longer and prevent frequent avoidable breakdowns. You can hire technicians to clean the drain lines, calibrate the air conditioning system, and check its refrigerant levels.

Purchase a Programmable Thermostat

Devices such as a programmable thermostat allow homeowners to increase heating and cooling efficiency in their homes. Programmable thermostats are particularly helpful for individuals who cannot access their homes during specific periods or occasions throughout the week. According to Energy Star, you can save approximately $180 annually if you properly use a programmable thermostat. Various types of programmable thermostats exist, and selection relies on your schedule.

You can manually set what time of day the programmable thermostat should adjust your home's heating and cooling conditions. Conversely, new thermostats come with Wi-Fi connectivity that permits access of its settings remotely through your mobile phone. Furthermore, you can combine a thermostat with household fans to improve air circulation in your home.

Seal All Gaps

Gaps in your home can significantly reduce the efficiency of your air conditioning system. The holes allow warm air to escape during cold seasons, making it difficult for the air conditioner to maintain set temperatures. You can locate such openings around the fireplace chimney, windows, doors, and air ducts. Once you find the leakages, use caulk, weather-strips, or foam gaskets to minimize heat and air loss from your home.

Homeowners should follow the above steps to minimize their energy bills while improving heating and cooling in their homes. Many additional options exist that can help you ensure your air conditioner systems function efficiently and create a comfortable environment.