10 Easy Ways to Use Candles to Decorate a Living Room

Do you want to make your living space more appealing? Are you looking for a way to make your living area feel more welcoming and upbeat? But you're stumped as to how to style your living space. Using candles for decoration is the best way to maximize your space while creating a trendy living area. You're probably thinking about how candles can be used as a decorative feature, so let's get started!

Candles are frequently used as a source of light, particularly when there is no electricity at home or when there are special occasions, festivals, or festivities. Yes, they are sometimes overlooked when it comes to interior design. However, arranging the correct candles in the appropriate places gives your living space an amazing aesthetic while also generating a warm and welcome atmosphere. 

Following your decision to use candles as a decorative feature, you're probably wondering what the best decorative candle lights for homes are. Multi-color candles, scented candles, flameless candles, and candles of various shapes and sizes can all be used. All you have to do now is mix and match to create a gorgeous appearance.

Let's have a look at some unique and inventive candle decorating ideas for your living area.

Candle Stands
Using candle stands to decorate has proven to be a fantastic idea. For a contemporary effect, choose basic and modern candle stands in a similar color and shape. Candle stands are often higher, which helps to add height to your home's decor. Although a candle stand is not a new decorating idea, it adds a tidy finishing touch to the home design.
Lanterns
A set of gorgeous lanterns in delicate colors gives your living room a supple glow. It will bring light into the room. You can group several lanterns together on a side table or hang them in the corner of your living room. When candles are lighted and placed in the lantern, they produce a soothing glow. Use designer and elegant lanterns for a more spectacular look. Do you want to throw a party at your house? Simply line up these lanterns in a row and watch as your guests be awestruck by the gleaming effect.

Hurricane Candle Holders
Decorative hurricane candle holders are ideal for giving your living space a contemporary appeal because they are typically larger in size and accommodate larger candles. Hurricanes will brighten up your living room by adding additional sheen and glitter. To make a striking piece of home decor, use a simple glass hurricane in a creative shape. Place a hurricane candle holder on your tabletop for a more personal touch if you're having a romantic supper at home.

Centerpieces
Candles make a stunning centerpiece when put in the center of the table. Make a tiny arrangement of white candles in a tray or a wooden frame, with green moss bedding in the background. To make the candles look more designer, use ribbons or imitation flowers. The combination of white and green is stunning, and it creates a more peaceful atmosphere. Make sure your center table's flat surface isn't empty. Fill the room with candles to make your table look beautiful. 

Adding Candles to the Fireplace
A fireplace in the living room may be used for more than just lighting a fire. Try placing large candles of various heights within the fireplace for a stunning effect. When a huge collection of candles is lit, it produces a glittering light. To make your living space more dramatic, use candles of the same color that are of different heights. In addition, candles in a fireplace lend dimension to space.

Mirrored Candles
Place candles on a mirrored tray or in place of a mirror to double the light. The mirror will brightly reflect the light from the candles, consequently enhancing the amount of light. By amplifying the light, it will provide a reflected aspect to your home décor. You can add some beads or flowers to the tray to make it look even more lovely.

Glass Jars
Candles in Large Mason Jars or Glasses- Another simple and stylish way to make candles a fantastic decorative feature is to arrange them in large mason jars or glasses. Make the candle arrangement stand out by including stones and flowers. A single tall candle in the center of the arrangement will give your living space a lovely touch. To create a more lighting effect, use more than one Mason jar or glass.

Grouping Candles
Grouping candles on a mantle or a table is an easy way to adorn your living space with candles. You won't need any additional home décor pieces to finish the look. A large display of candles alone will give your place an appealing look. To add more variety to the arrangement, use candles of various sizes, colors, styles, and forms.

Candle Sconces
Use stylish candle sconces on the wall to brighten up your living area. These scones are glass canisters with a candle that are both beautiful and designer. Incorporate candle scones into your living space to complement the décor and to draw attention to it. These scones will make a terrific design statement in the space, giving it a soothing glow.

Candle Trio
A trio of candles in a lovely glass trio holder adds sophistication to your living room's décor. To complete the appearance, place pillar candles in the holders. To add a more modern touch to the décor, arrange fresh flowers or twigs in the base of the glass. 

For good home décor, you don't need to put in a lot of effort. To make your living space more modern and stylish, consider using these basic design ideas. The easiest approach to decorate your living room is to use decorative candle lights for houses in the proper way, complementing your home décor.

How to Join a Real Estate Agency

You may know some people who are real estate agents, and if you like the idea of selling homes to others, you might want to do this yourself. If you think that this might be a career for you and you want to join a real estate agency, read on to learn how to make this possibility come true. 

Meet The Requirements

Different states have different rules and regulations when it comes to becoming a real estate agent, but in California, you must: 

• Be 18 years or older - Basically, you have to be considered an adult to be a real estate agent. 

• Take 135 hours of real estate classes - This varies in other states, but California requires you to take three classes that total 135 hours. You can do this in a variety of ways, including online. Your instructor, once satisfied that you know the material, can help set up the next part. 

• Take the Salesperson Exam and Apply for Your License - You will need to undergo a background check and be fingerprinted. Then you can take the exam, and if you pass, you will get your real estate license. 

While these are more inexpensive than many other things, they do cost some money. The classes and the exam combined can cost around $700+, but you can earn that back very quickly once you begin working. 

Activate Your License

This is another part where you need to pay up a bit - roughly $200. But once you do that, then you can quickly jump into the real estate field. Then the real fun can begin.

One thing to consider is to become a realtor. This will open up more avenues for you since you will join an association and have lot more tools at your disposal

Join A Real Estate Agency

You will have a broker supervise you to ensure that things are done properly. 

Typically, you won’t get a salary, but a commission from each sale that you do. The more lucrative the property that you sell, the more you get. 

There may be fees attached here. You may pay for things like marketing material (like flyers), desk space, business cards, and your website, among other things. That is just part of doing real estate business. 

That is pretty much it. One reason that people like doing real estate is that the barrier for entry is pretty low. Just do the above and embark on your own real estate adventure. 

5 Ways to Create an Inviting Backyard Getaway

You have a backyard you’ve been meaning to turn into something you actually want to spend time at for a while now. Some people are worried their outside area is too small, while others see it as an expensive project. The truth is that you can do a lot with creativity, simplified ideas, and resolve to create an inviting backyard getaway. Here are some tips to get you started and some to make your outdoor space complete.   

1. Gift yourself with an outdoor living area

It's popular to move your interior living room outside when the nice weather arrives. You can use any available space to do this — the patio, back porch, or a clearing in the yard. The first thing you want to invest in is good flooring that will keep the area mud-free and distinguishable, like stone tiles. 

A seating area should be comfortable and luxurious which you can do with some wooden crates and giant cushions. Bamboo furniture is also a good choice for those who are eco-savvy and want something long-lasting. A small coffee table with candle lanterns on it and string lights above will set an ideal mood to get away from the world.  

2. Go for a fire pit

Having a fireplace in your backyard does sound inviting, but it can be expensive to maintain and fit into the landscape. However, you can still have a warming feature in your sitting area if you add a fire pit. These are so popular that you can have them in any style you like — made from a couple of stones in the circle to a hearth with a glass dome. 

If you have children, a fire pit will be a great addition since you can gather around and roast hot dogs and marshmallows. Not to mention that it's a nice decoration for parties and a perfect way to warm up during colder nights.  

3. Create a comfortable shade

Go for a pergola with retractable aluminium louvres so you can alternate between a sunlit and shaded area whenever you wish to. This way, you can watch the stars in the evening in your backyard and enjoy a glass of lemonade in the afternoon when the sun is high. 

Hang transparent curtains for walls on your pergola to keep the insects away and create a semblance of privacy. Potted leafy plants and flower vines will make the area more serene and perfect to de-stress after a busy day. Solar lamps will provide just enough light for a romantic diner, chatting with friends, or having some “Me Time” to unwind.

4. Plant a garden

Nature brings tranquility and makes you think you are somewhere else entirely other than in a city with busy traffic and noise. Trees and shrubbery will buffer the sounds coming from the streets, giving you a peaceful place to relax and spend time with your family. However, having a garden is also a wonderful landscaping feature and can even become a hobby that encourages you to spend more time outdoors.

If you have a modest space to grow your plants — don’t worry. Vertical gardening is used even in bigger backyards to free up space and make room for other features. Vines and crawlers are magnificent for warning out façade, columns, and fences, while you can turn anything into pots, like tree stumps and old ceramics. Flowers and herbs will spread fragrances all over your property, making it a more pleasant and inviting backyard getaway. 

5. Build a summer kitchen

Summer kitchens usually serve to take the heat and smells of cooking outside or for entertaining guests, but they can be much more. Having a meal in your backyard under the canopy will make you forget the urge to dine in a restaurant. Building an oven and a barbecue spot is a fun DIY project that may save you money to install a bar area that will bring this summer kitchen to the next level.

Alternatively, you can add a large rustic table with benches to fit a large party if you want to entertain friends and family over a nice meal. A simple construction of beams and roofs or a more elaborate one with walls will allow you to use this outdoor kitchen even before and after summer.    

All in all

Inviting a backyard getaway can bring a lot of pluses to your property, like curb appeal and attractive landscaping. But, it's more important what it means to you. So, forget how small or disheveled your backyard area is and start planning how to turn it into a lavish oasis you will love. 

Guest Post - 10 Home Renovation Mistakes New Homeowners Make

Getting to renovate your home can be an exhilarating experience. You’re about to change the look of the home you’re living in, and you should be excited for that! Although it is fun, there are certain things you should look out for. New homeowners make a lot of mistakes when they’re renovating their home for the first time, and that is completely normal. We’re here to tell you how to avoid them. Here are 10 home renovation mistakes new homeowners tend to make so you could look out and try to avoid making them.

Overspending

You should always be mindful when it comes to your finances. Most new homeowners tend to overspend their first-time renovation, and that’s something you should try to avoid at all costs. Set a clear budget and try not to go over it. Your wallet is going to be thankful to you in the future. It can be really easy to overspend when you’re renovating, so be careful.

Not having a clear plan

It’s really important that you write out a plan for yourself before you start renovating. It will help you to navigate through the whole process without being lost. You should clearly map out what you’re trying to accomplish with your renovations. Most new homeowners tend to disregard this matter, but they soon realize that they shouldn’t have.

Trying to be as cheap as possible

This is in contrast to the first mistake we were talking about. While some people tend to overspend, some people tend to save a bit too much and buy the cheapest materials that they’re going to use for their renovation. This is not recommended at all, since getting the cheapest materials is going to result in a poorly completed renovation.

Not consulting

It is totally okay if you’re trying to do the renovations by yourself if you can, but it’s not okay if you don’t consult with anyone beforehand. Especially, if you’re not experienced enough, you’re going to want to consult with someone to check what you’re clearly supposed to do.

Not measuring twice

This is an extremely important tip to follow, as you would be surprised at how often people forget to do this. Make sure that you measure the space which is going to be used for an object twice.  That way you’re going to be sure that everything is going to fit properly.

Expecting a smooth experience

You should keep in mind, especially if it’s your first-time renovating, that things aren’t always going to go as smooth as possible. You’re going to encounter yourself with a lot of bumps during the whole process, and you should expect that. Being prepared for that is going to save you from a lot of stress once you start renovating.

Not hiring a professional when needed

Sometimes you just can’t do everything by yourself. For example, if you’re trying to build or construct something for your renovation and you’re not experienced in those fields, it’s going to be difficult. You should consider hiring Vati Projects to help you out with everything construction related. 

Not taking it slow

This is a mistake that’s made way too often by the new homeowners. When you’re renovating, especially by yourself, you’re supposed to take things as slowly as possible. Rushing will get you nowhere. You’re just going to end up with a renovation that you’re not going to be satisfied with at all at the end of the day, and that’s something nobody wants.

Deciding to renovate on an impulse

This might seem like a counterproductive tip, but it most certainly is not. If you’ve just moved into your new house, maybe you shouldn’t start renovating it right out of the gates. Live there for a couple of weeks or months, and then make a proper decision. You might be saving yourself a lot of money.

Disregarding the exterior of the house

Some new homeowners when are renovating, tend to disregard the exterior of their house. Even though it’s true that remodeling the interior is generally more important, it’s not advised that you totally skip over the exterior of your house. You should check if everything is looking good for starters. Even though the exterior might be mostly aesthetical, there are a lot of things that could go wrong which would impact the interior of your house as well.

In conclusion, making mistakes as a new homeowner when renovating is expected. The goal is to try to make the least amount of them. By doing that, every next time you’re going to renovate, you’re going to make less and less mistakes. You shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help, nor should you be ashamed. A renovation process can be very difficult and tedious, and asking for professional help is usually recommended.

Author Bio:

Gabriel Hill is an Australian blogger and writer interested in various topics from home improvement to health and environment.