A resource for those seeking information on organizing and transforming spaces.

Home Ideas Ben Soreff Home Ideas Ben Soreff

Top 8 One-Day DIY Home Projects To Start Today

If there is one thing to know about home renovations and upgrades, it’s that they can take time; sometimes, your patience can get the best of you during DIYs.

What a time it is for home upgrades! With the change in season and temperatures slowly dropping, late summer and early fall proves once again that it is the perfect time to renovate your dwelling. But of course, some projects last longer than others, and you might have the patience of a hare. It would be fantastic if you could snap your fingers and have all your DIY fantasies come true, but that’s not always realistic. While reading this article won't get the job done instantaneously, these eight one-day DIY home projects come pretty close!

Upgrading Your Kitchen Faucet

While this task can be a bit costly, the replacement process when upgrading your kitchen faucet is relatively swift. It can update the look of your sink for a more modernized feel.

Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets

Outdated cabinets can bring down the vibe in your kitchen and stick out like a sore thumb, especially if you’re trying to achieve a modern theme. Painting your cabinetry with a solid color can change the overall appearance and take a full afternoon, at most.

Fixing a Broken Screen Door

A broken screen is never something you want to look at when entering your home. With a few supplies and 20 minutes, you can revamp a worn screen to bring in the fresh autumn breeze.

Painting a Room

Applying a few layers of paint to a room is a sure-fire way to give a room a facelift! From using one solid color around the room to having a statement wall, paint always makes a difference.

Painting Your Front Door

Every front door needs a bit of sprucing up now and then. Make your front entrance a beauty and give it a new breath of life with a fresh coat of paint and some décor.

Building DIY Ledges

Whether they’re for books or picture frames, ledges are perfect for your space! You can customize shelves to fit areas for an authentic feel.

Hanging Wallpaper

If you exhaust your paint options and have no idea what color to paint an area, consider temporary wallpaper to get the job done! Temporary wallpaper is easy to use and quick to apply; however, you might want a helper present when lining up your sticky film.

Adding a Splashback

Protecting your oven or the wall behind your sink with a tiled splashback can give your kitchen a brand-new look while preventing moisture from ruining the paint. You can fill up an empty afternoon with this quick project and have fun choosing your tiles!

You can start these eight one-day DIY home projects today for a quick, easy upgrade that you and your family will love. These DIYs won’t take much time at all but will appear as if they did. Happy renovating!

Read More
Design Ben Soreff Design Ben Soreff

Guest Post - Tips for Decorating a Gender-Neutral Nursery

You’re expecting your first child and you’re super excited about decorating a nursery? Look no further because we’re here to help you out! Here are the five ultimate tips on how to accomplish that and make it gender-neutral, so keep on reading and check them out. Enjoy!

1.png

You’re expecting your first child and you’re super excited about decorating a nursery? Look no further because we’re here to help you out! Here are the five ultimate tips on how to accomplish that and make it gender-neutral, so keep on reading and check them out. Enjoy!

Keep it as simple as possible

4.png

When decorating a gender-neutral nursery, you should certainly try to keep it as simple as possible. This is simply because simple spaces often come off as very chic and sophisticated. So, if that’s your top goal, be sure to stick to the simple themes. Also, too many unnecessary details will create unwanted clutter, which is what you should avoid. Instead, focus on emphasizing natural textures and clean lines. These are the perfect example of a simple yet effective gender-neutral theme. However, if you still want to make a statement, just add an accent rug that features an eye-catching pattern. Cute wall art is also a fantastic option, so choose it wisely and give simplicity a try.  

A touch of boho is always a good idea

On the other hand, if you want to add a little twist to your gender-neutral nursery, we highly suggest a lovely bohemian theme that is extremely popular among parents-to-be these days. This one is known for its laid-back vibe that future moms and dads absolutely adore. It is all about earthy colors, patterned elements, and rich textures. Feathers are one of the most prominent features of a bohemian style. However, you should skip real feathers in a nursery and opt for feather-themed wallpaper instead. These will add a touch of real boho style to the entire space – especially when combined with details made from natural wood.

Bring the outside in

2.png

Are you are looking for the best gender-neutral theme for the nursery? Well, all you need to do is to look outside! That’s right, and it’s because nature can help us relax and soothe our souls. Of course, you’re free to find your inspiration wherever you like – in the mountains, at the beach, in the forest, or anywhere else. For example, wallpaper that features your favorite plants or trees is always a great option. Just don’t use it on all walls, as this would be too much. One statement wall will be more than enough. To make this nursery even cozier and more welcoming, you’ll need soft blankets that perfectly fit the theme. Search for brands such as 3 Little Crowns that offer quality organic materials. So, go for it and compliment your outdoorsy theme in the best possible way.

Don’t be afraid to mix patterns

3.png

If you’re all about mixing and matching different patterns, you should use them in the nursery, too! In case you didn’t know, babies’ vision has certain limitations in the first year of life. They respond well to simple yet bold patterns with prominent contrast. Basically, it means that the combination of black and white is ideal for the nursery! It will help your baby develop their ability to focus their attention and boost their level of concentration in the early stages of life. As for the patterns themselves, you can pick literally anything you like. From stripes and zigzag lines to polka dots and asymmetric designs – the choice is totally up to you!

Use all colors of the rainbow

However, if you still want to add a touch of color to the nursery – but without choosing the traditional pink or blue color palette – you should definitely go for all colors of the rainbow. That’s right, and even though it probably seems a bit too extreme, it really works! Of course, if you decide to go for this theme, you should make sure to apply it to a simple, all-white space. We understand that this theme isn’t for everyone, but only for the boldest parents-to-be. One thing is certain – details and accessories featuring such vibrant colors will energize the entire space and make it look much brighter. After all, good design is all about the details, right?
As you can see, there are so many amazing tips on how to decorate a gender-neutral nursery. These five are the best ones out there, so bear them in mind and you’ll do a fabulous job. Just follow our guidelines and you won’t regret it. It’s a promise!

About the Author

Jasmine Anderson is a Sydney-based lifestyle blogger and a toddler mom. She loves to spend quality time with her family, go thrifting, and spend just a little bit too much time on the internet.

Read More
Home Ideas Ben Soreff Home Ideas Ben Soreff

10 Reasons Why Your Bedroom Is Hindering Your Sleep

Sleep is such an essential part of our lives. Without restful sleep, we struggle at work and with household chores and responsibilities. Is your bedroom contributing to a lack of quality sleep?

65.png

Sleep is such an essential part of our lives. Without restful sleep, we struggle at work and with household chores and responsibilities. Is your bedroom contributing to a lack of quality sleep? 

Here are 10 reasons your bedroom could be hindering your sleep.

1. Your Room is Too Hot

Our bodies naturally drop core temperature when we are preparing for sleep. According to the Sleep Foundation, the optimal temperature for your bedroom for the best sleep is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. Further, evidence shows that light air movement is better for sound sleep, so a fan running on low could help you sleep more soundly. 

2. Too Much Light

Harsh lights from the television and your electronics can cause your brain chemicals to keep you awake. Powering down electronics and other blue light-emitting devices an hour or two before bed will help your body fade into sleep faster and with fewer disruptions. Adding a heavy curtain to your windows will help block or diffuse the brightness from street lights, headlights, the bright moon, and other light sources while you’re trying to sleep. 

3. Noisy Surroundings

Whether you’ve got rowdy neighbors, a loud street near your home, or you live under a flight path, sound can keep you awake at night. Investing in noise-canceling headphones or a white noise machine can help you sleep deeper and with fewer middle-of-the-night interruptions. Another option is to add peaceful music or guided meditation to your routine; they can help you fall asleep faster. 

4. Declutter Your Space

When the space around your bed is cluttered and messy, it can contribute to anxiety and make it harder to sleep restfully. When you wake up for the bathroom, you shouldn’t have to worry about tripping over yesterday’s laundry or tomorrow’s cleaning task. 

Tidying your space before you doze off can increase your sleep quality. Further, having a cleaner space can help your morning routine run more smoothly, meaning you can sleep longer. 

5. Use Your Bedroom Only for Sleep

We understand that this one isn’t always possible because of our busy lives and the cost of living. In some cases, our bedrooms may have to work double duty as an office or play space. However, if you keep your bed reserved for sleep and other private activities, your brain will associate the area with rest. 

Keep homework, creative projects, and work at a desk or table instead of lounging in your bed when possible. Keeping a book or other non-electronic activities on or near your mattress won’t disrupt your sleep, especially if it’s part of your bedtime routine. 

6. Your Mattress is Due for an Upgrade

Have you been waking up with aches and pains you can’t explain? Are there stains or tears you can’t identify? Do you struggle with itchy eyes and a dry throat regularly? It’s probably time for an upgrade to your mattress. 

Mattresses are intended to be replaced every seven to eight years, sooner with heavy use or multiple moves. The structure and support systems break down and lead to discomfort, pain, and other sleep deprivation symptoms. 

7. Sweaty Bedding

There are specific bedding options that help your body sweat less. Materials like cotton, silk, bamboo, and linen will wick moisture away from your body and help you stay cool. For extra chilly nights, adding a comforter can help you sleep better. You can try a weighted blanket or quilt for those looking for the weight of a heavy comforter without warmth. 

Avoid synthetics like polyester and satin. These will trap moisture and cause you to overheat more quickly. Additionally, whatever bedding you choose should be washed regularly to avoid allergens. 

8. Support Your Head and Neck

If your pillow isn’t providing adequate support for your head and neck, you won’t achieve restful sleep. Pillows should be replaced more often than mattresses partially because they break down faster and because they get damaged and dirty more quickly. We sweat, drool, and sniffle all over our pillows. Even if you use a pillowcase (and you should be using one), you’re still shedding dead skin and other substances on your pillows nightly. 

Down alternative and polyfill pillows should be replaced every 2-3 years. Buckwheat, memory foam, down, bamboo, and other higher quality pillows can go further between upgrades with proper care.  Your pillow should support your head and neck, alleviating the strain on your shoulders and keeping your spine in alignment. 

9. Add Serenity

Color psychology posits the theory that certain colors can bring serenity and calmness to your mind, while others can make you anxious, hungry, upset, and other emotional responses. Painting your room a calming color like blue or grey can help your brain associate the space with serenity and rest. 

If you lack the time right now to paint, or live in a home that you can’t make permanent changes, try adding serene and restful pictures or paintings to help your mind relax when you settle into bed. Burning a candle or diffusing an essential oil that brings peace and restfulness in the hour before bed can also help bring much needed serenity to your bedroom. 

10. Start Fresh - Make Your Bed

This step may seem counter-intuitive. Why should we make our bed when we’re going to mess it up anyway? Good Housekeeping participated in a National Sleep Foundation poll that found that people who made their bed in the morning saw a significant improvement in their sleep at night. Making your bed is a good habit, keeps your bedding crisp and clean longer, and can help your bed stay cooler. It also keeps your room looking decluttered and adds to the cleanliness of your space. 

Better Sleep Creates Better Health

When our sleep is hindered, so is our health. Our bodies depend on restful sleep to heal and become stronger. When we are sleep deprived, we can experience reduced productivity and quality of life at work. The likelihood of workplace injury is increased by as much as 37% for those who are regularly sleep deprived. 

Setting up your room to boost your ability to get quality sleep on a regular basis will help you now, and improve your life in the long run. Sleep deprivation has been linked to higher instances of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and more ailments that can cut a life short. Live a longer more satisfying life with better sleep. 

Read More
Home Organization Ben Soreff Home Organization Ben Soreff

How often should you clean your home junk

If you've reached a point where your home looks messy and cluttered, here's how to clean your home junk and how often you should do it.

We partnered with a Hauling 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.

A woman carrying three boxes with another pile of boxes behind her

Everyone should want to live clutter-free and have a neat home. But how often should you clean your home junk and how to do it? If you are unsure about the answers but are slowly reaching the point where your place looks cluttered and messy, continue reading this article. We've prepared solutions that will help you keep your junk-free.

Why should you clean your home junk?

Do you feel overwhelmed and even anxious when you think of decluttering? It's because you're unaware of how beneficial freeing yourself from clutter can be not just for the sake of the aesthetic of your home but for your wellbeing.

Decluttering has many mental and physical benefits.

Here are just some of the benefits of decluttering:

  • You will feel less stressed

  • At any point, you will know where each of your things is

  • You'll spend less time cleaning

  • Ultimately, you'll feel happier and more relaxed

How to declutter?

Decluttering is a task many people dread. They sometimes procrastinate until they have no more free storage space and their home looking messy. However, it's not that difficult. In fact, there are ways to declutter your entire home in a day.l . Additionally, services such as a professional rubbish removalist company can simplify this process greatly.

When getting rid of your excess stuff, make sure to go green and recycle.

Whether you're decluttering before a move or simply because your home is becoming too messy, the best way to go is to create piles and start sorting your things:

  • Keep - You should only keep things you know you'll use, and you really need. Of course, there will always be some sentimental items but try not to exaggerate.

  • Toss and recycle – When decluttering, make sure to get rid of all the items you don't use and that can't be used by anyone else. Don't forget to recycle, too, and sort them as paper, glass, and plastic. 

  • Donate - You'll surely find things you don't want to use anymore but are still in good condition. The best thing is to donate them or give them to a friend who might need them.

  • Put in storage - If you have things you don't have room for or simply don't want around your house, consider renting a storage unit and putting them away. 

How frequently should you get rid of home junk?

Decluttering is not a one-off process. Even after you've thoroughly cleaned your place and gotten rid of your excess things, eventually, clutter will accumulate again. So how often should you clean your home junk to keep it tidy?

The answer to this question is not as simple as you might think. Different people accumulate junk and clutter at different rates and get different answers to this question.

In order to find our answer, you first need to consider several things and answer three other questions.

How many people live in your home?

The calculation is simple - the more people live in a home, the higher the rate of clutter accumulation. More people are buying and bringing stuff home, which means junk will accumulate more quickly.

Therefore, if more people live in your home, you should declutter more often. The good idea is to talk to your household members about the importance of decluttering and create your decluttering routine together.

How often do you shop?

If you enjoy shopping and love buying things you don't necessarily need, you will need to declutter more often. If your other household members have the same habit, the clutter will only accumulate more.

To make your home feel neat and tidy, ensure you frequently declutter. Many people agree that, in these cases, decluttering your things once every 3-6 months is enough.

Do you have growing kids?

Kids quickly outgrow clothes and toys. Therefore, if you have growing kids, you can expect to declutter very often. Otherwise, these things will most likely end up in piled-up boxes in their rooms.

Therefore, declutter at least once a year until they reach the age when they're not growing at such a fast rate. Also, decluttering kids' things is an excellent way to teach them about values. For example, you can have them donate their old stuff to less fortunate kids.

Spaces you should declutter every week

Even if you try your best to keep your home neat at all times, there are certain rooms in your home where junk tends to accumulate faster. Therefore, you should make sure to declutter these areas at least once a week. That way, you will be sure your home is always junk-free.

Kitchen

For health reasons, you should keep your refrigerator neat and junk-free by decluttering once a week.

If junk accumulates in the kitchen, it could be a potential source of disease. Therefore, make sure to check it once a week. You should look at your kitchen cabinets and make sure there are no items, especially condiments, that have expired. If you find any, throw them away.

The most important part of the kitchen you should check is your refrigerator. Make sure to throw out any food that has expired. Also, if there are any half-opened cans you used a couple of days ago or leftovers older than three days, get rid of them too.

Bathroom

The bathroom is one of the rooms you should declutter regularly. Even if you have a lot of extra storage in the bathroom, clutter tends to accumulate on counters and in cabinets. Therefore, once a week, make sure to put away any little bits of bathroom clutter as it can make it look messy.

Also, make sure to check for any empty shampoo or shower gel bottles and look at products you haven't used for some time. Most importantly, check your medicine cabinet. If anything has expired, make sure to get rid of it.

Coffee table

Another place in your home where junk tends to collect is your coffee table. Have you ever got distracted and left your mail on it only to remember five days after to take a look at it? What about those four-month-old newspapers and magazines?

As your coffee table can easily become a dumping ground, make sure to declutter it once a week.

Roll up your sleeves and clean your home junk

Now that you know how many benefits clutter-free home gives you and how often you should declutter, roll up your sleeves and clean your home junk. You will instantly feel better.

Read More