7 Smart Ways To Upgrade Your Home Exterior

House exterior design is a way of ensuring that your home looks exceptional from the outside. It also ultimately affects how the neighborhood or even potential buyers perceive your house. Curb appeal is an essential factor in visually increasing the appearance of your property. Whether you have a contemporary or conventional home, you can improve the exterior of your house in various ways.

There could be minor cosmetic changes like changing the color of the walls or cladding as well. On the other hand, if you prefer dramatically changing the overall look of the exterior of your house, then you could consider adding an extension, landscaping your garden, or replacing your current roof structure using an accessible roof hatch. 

As with any house makeovers, it needs to be done akin to your home's current design. Keep scrolling for our exterior design advice, and by the end, you will know what is appropriate for you.

HAVE NEW CLADDING, RENDER AND PAINT

There are several reasons why you might want to consider replacing the current exterior finish of your home. If it has an old building with stone cladding, pebbledash, or mismatching bricks, you can remove or cover them with new material for a modern look. 

If this task is too tedious or expensive, you can cover it with masonry paint in a neutral shade to help unify the various materials. Rendering and repainting are ideal if the original work is damaged, but if you want to give your house a brand new look, then cladding your home's exterior is the best way to go.

UPDATE YOUR FRONT DOOR AND WINDOWS 

As we mentioned earlier, upgrading the facade of your house doesn't always require a significant renovation. All you need to do is consider all things and be observant. One prime example of this is upgrading the look of your front door and windows.

Choosing a new door or painting over it is such a simple task that you can easily accomplish on your own. You can choose from the many modern and traditional looks. Still, for your door, you should try to match it as close as possible to your neighbors for a refined look, or if you're living in a period property, you can restore your home to its former glory by hiring a skilled professional to mimic the old design.

Upgrading your windows is another viable option since changing them will dramatically alter your property's whole ambiance. Just be considerate with the overall durability of your new windows since it also serves as a barrier against external elements.

ADD AN EXTENSION

A striking contemporary extension can effectively change the appearance and appeal of your home. Adding an extension doesn't need to be expensive, as more minor alterations such as adding a front porch or a bay window can add a lot of interest and character to your property.

A single or two-story extension to the side or front can help balance the proportions of your home to create a distinct architectural style. Meanwhile, installing a front porch will bring life to a featureless frontage and provide additional storage space. It would be best if you built it in conjunction with your house's architectural design and proportion. 

LANDSCAPE THE GARDEN

After doing building renovations outside your house, matching the surroundings with the architecture would make sense. Pay attention to your garden landscape and any outdoor space visible from the front of your property, and observe if it has a similar theme to the design and style you like.

There are several ways to improve your garden, but you can start with choosing a planting scheme. You also have the option of building an outdoor kitchen, fountains, fireplace, or even a swimming pool if you don't have one. These accents would help create more interest and character in your home.

INSTALL OUTDOOR LIGHTING

Nothing will improve the appearance of a house better than a variety of lighting colors. Outdoor light fixtures are proven to bring depth and definition to flat facades and add to your property's security features. Motion sensing lights have become widely popular due to their innovative features that provide excellent security. 

To boost the exterior aesthetic even more, try installing soft lights to highlight the design of your house or ground lights to accent trees and bushes. Porch lights can also make a huge difference by creating a welcoming feel to the front door.

MAKEOVER THE DRIVEWAY

Having your driveway makes a property more appealing from both an aesthetic and practical perspective. There are several driveway surfaces to choose from, but the most favorable is gravel for many reasons. It is more affordable than any complex landscaping options and prevents flooding since its drains well. However, it does easily spread onto the driveway, so you might need topping up and raking every so often.

Increasing your property's curb appeal is possible but make sure to include your driveway. No matter which material or design you choose from, giving your driveway a significant makeover will help boost the overall aesthetic appeal of your property, whether it's up for sale or not.

REPLACE THE ROOF

Roof renovation or replacement is a costly upgrade, so you might need to spend some time researching this option. The roof is often the most dominant feature of the house, so changing or improving the existing look of the tiles will dramatically alter your property's appearance. 

Nowadays, there are several roofing options to choose from, no matter what design you prefer. Consider your property's location and the usual weather occurrence in your area and base your roof's material on it. Thankfully, there are several roofing options to choose from with different textures and designs.

Many people view a home for its practicality and functionality, but its appearance is important too. An updated and well-maintained exterior premise establishes your capability to care for your home and increases your chances of captivating potential buyers. In addition, nothing feels better than coming home to a beautiful house inside and out.

Affordable Bathroom Renovation Tips to Make it Look Luxurious

The bathroom can become a sanctuary of peace and privacy. It is where we prioritize ourselves and de-stress after a very hectic day. And of course, we would like our bathroom to look and feel as relaxing as possible. You don't need to save up for a huge budget to achieve your dream bathroom. With just as simple as changing the lighting, you can already change its ambiance. You can rethink how lighting is used in a bathroom if you want a more designer look. You can also try out pretty sconces on either side instead of the traditional light bar above the mirror. If you have extra space, pendants are also a trendy look for bathrooms.

You can effortlessly embody the fancy without costing too much on the materials using these tips and tricks for your bathroom renovation projects. 

Tip #1 Hide the Plumbing Using Access Doors and Panels

Nothing says luxury like a clean bathroom. It would help if you safely locked away your plumbing fixtures using access doors and panels. It will not only help you keep the minimalistic aesthetic of your bathroom but will also keep your plumbings safe from any probable damages. You can consider installing exterior access doors and panels in your bathroom. This access door and panel can easily match your bathroom's aesthetic, and at the same time, it can provide easy access to your plumbing when maintenance is needed. 

Tip #2 Remember White is for Elegancy

If you desire a clean and minimalistic bathroom, then white is your go-to color. You can purchase white cabinets and countertops to create a simple and elegant backdrop for your bathroom. Match your bathroom furniture with neutral paint color and white bath linens to mimic a high-end hotel bathroom style. If you want your casual bathroom to look more expensive, you can add quality white towels and rugs. Remember to pair your white linens with neutral accessories to tie everything together.

Tip #3 Consider Classic Gray Bathrooms

White or wood-toned bathrooms were the go-to colors in bathroom decor until gray entered the new bathroom and kitchen color trend into the design industry. When you don't know what color to use for your bathroom, you can try gray since this color is soothing and very easy to match. Greige is a warm gray that can keep a bathroom from looking cold. If you want a wood vanity, Greige is also a perfect choice to complement it. You can also try trimming in the space and with brushed silver fixtures. You can use lighting and accessories to complete your high-end gray bathroom look.

Tip #4 Try Monochromatic Colors

If you want a spa-inspired bathroom, you should add simple colors and materials to your bathrooms. These colors can enhance your bathroom's relaxing qualities. A blue tone or aqua paint color in different shades can be very comfortable. Adding a pop of color can enhance the luxurious feel of your bathroom. If you're pretty handy with a brush, you can DIY this trick. You can try searching for DIY tutorials online to help you turn a dresser or chest into a vanity. If you're not into DIY, you can use paint to create a custom look with your ordinary bathroom vanity. Choose the perfect paint color for your vanity project that you can repeat and match in linens and accessories around the room.

Tip#5 Use Nature and Outdoor Lighting

In recent times, expensive bathrooms incorporate the outdoors as a design element. For your bathroom renovation project, you can look for ways to bring the outdoors in with new window treatments that let natural light in the area. According to the designer, Christina Harmon, fresh plants help draw the eye, making a small space appear larger. 

Plants and artwork depicting plants are significant ways to recreate an outdoor space and have feng shui benefits. 

Tip #6 Add White Trim for Masculine Bathroom Style

If you want a more enchanting look for your bathroom, you can try adding dark colors to your walls, floor, or ceiling. You can enhance dark-colored walls with a crisp white trim, but pair rich wall colors such as navy blue, charcoal gray, or mid-toned neutral trim colors for a subtly elegant look. You will need to experiment with lighting when you have dark colors and will need the proper lighting, so be sure to test with light fixtures and bulbs when you sample paint colors.

Tip #7 Use Tiles for a Zen Bathroom

Tiled showers and tubs are also the new expensive trend. Neutral colors and simple designs for your bathroom tile will give you a more stylish aesthetic. A gorgeous glass tile ribbon on your tiled shower can also provide a more elegant personality while keeping the design relevant for more years to come, especially when it's paired with neutral tile colors.

Styling your ordinary bathroom with an elegant interior is not that complicated with a little bit of imagination and creativity. There are still more ways on how you can style your bathroom without going off your budget limit. Feel free to ask for help and suggestions from professionals if you need any assistance on this project.

The Amazing Renovation for Your Bedroom and Bathroom

There are few intimate places in the home. It is where most of the private moments of living take place. These places get treated with special considerations for many different reasons. Two of these locations are your bathroom and bedroom. It's no surprise that many people weigh their options and add their personal touch when renovating these rooms.

If you are currently considering renovating your bedroom and bathroom, there are some fantastic ways to do it. Various innovative concepts inspire new designers to transform "mundane" spaces into extraordinary ones that you'll love and enjoy with everyone close to you. Here are some fantastic ways to renovate your bedroom and bathroom:

Plan and Consider Your Theme 

Planning is a vital step for any construction or renovation project. When you go through your planning process, it's best to consult a licensed professional to ensure that everything is harmonious and that you'll get proper guidance when deciding what theme, color combinations, and general designs for lighting and furniture are on point.

Just ensure that your designs manifest your personality and have a homey or cozy feel to them. If you are still unsure, try using computer software like Sketch Up or CAD for a better render. You can incorporate functional furniture design, which will make your bedroom or bathroom space more useful aside from being beautiful. You can also free up some areas by using this kind of design.

If you're having trouble with the utilities underneath your walls because of accessibility issues, installing wall access doors and panels is best. These installations can provide a convenient and safe way to access critical utility sites when you need them for repairs or maintenance.

This phase will set the general direction for the entirety of your project. Remember that things are still not set in stone and may change, so you need to be flexible enough to alter your original plan. You might even change some details along the way if you find something even better during the actual renovation stage. 

Utilize a Harmony of Color Combinations

After selecting the theme for your bedroom or bathroom, you'll also need to choose a color combination that would work best for your renovation project. It means you need to put in some work considering what will suit your space. Typically, this process takes time if you have no general idea of what to look for as a set of criteria to use.

If you're unsure, try playing with a preset color combination first, then attempt to feel what works for you. The best one that would still offer a modern and luxurious feel is the combination of black and white since these colors don't go out of fashion. The most challenging color to consider is gray due to its various shades, which will impact the room differently depending on what you choose.

Use Mirrors and Glass Panels

Try using large glass panels or mirrors if your space is small and doesn't offer many workable areas. These installations can create an illusion of more space when your space has that kind of limitation. You must first consult a reputable professional for added advice when you're considering this course of action for your project.

Do Not Disregard Your Flooring

There might be some instances where you prioritize the walls or furniture but never disregard your flooring. It is also a part of the space and will significantly impact your area. Choosing the correct flooring may accent and even provide additional benefits for your bathroom or bedroom space. Do some research before selecting one because there are now new floorings that you may find interesting.

Hexagonal tile designs are now a popular alternative for bathroom spaces. Also, better sound dampening tiles can absorb noise better which may be more suitable for your bedroom space. You can even consider using sustainable flooring (typically wood), which can add more coziness to your bedroom.

Choose a Lighting Design That Fits Your Theme

For bathroom spaces, using LED strip lights behind the mirror frame or other areas where you can conceal them but not so much that it interferes with their function might be a more popular choice as it is widespread. You can use the same lights in the bedroom; make sure it's the right fit for your theme or room design. You can even control some of these lights using an app.

You may also play with other lighting designs depending on what is suitable for your taste. If this part poses a challenge for you or you have no idea about other choices that may fit your wants, you may consult your designer. They might surprise you with their many options.

Go Green

Sustainability is now increasing the demand for sustainable materials and products. By using eco-friendly materials, you are not only doing your project into a fantastic piece of work, but you'll also be helping the environment. Finding such materials will be easier as the demand to go green will increase in the foreseeable future.  

You can make an excellent renovation project if you plan and weigh your options well. If you have a better idea about what is available for you, you can combine several components and have the freedom to choose the best element that will fit your needs. However, it can only happen if you are getting quality advice from a reputable designer, so never compromise and ensure to hire one with the proper credentials.

House Cleaning Tips for Busy Parents

We all want to have our houses spic and span, but when you are a busy mom or dad, it is a big challenge. Between running errands, working as well as raising your children, leaning a house will be put on the back burner. Having a clean home will make you feel comfortable, happy and less stressed. Here are some of the best house cleaning tips for all the busy parents out there. 

Get The Worst Part Over First

One of the best tips, when you are cleaning a house that is very messy, is to start with the worst room. When you get done the most damaging part of the job, you will feel less stressed for the rest of the way. All the tasks after the big one will seem more accomplishable.   

Designate A Specific Clean-Up Time 

In most cases, busy parents will have their routines down to a minute, so why not do the same with cleaning. Start every day at the same time and it will not only help you have a better routine, but it will also help your kids know that they need to take their things and put them in their designated spots. That way you will make cleaning a habit and it will help your whole family stay on track. 

Declutter From One Part of The House to The Other 

Every house needs to be decluttered once in a while, especially when you have kids. The best way to do it is to start at one part of the house and get rid of things as you are moving. Instead of going back and forth, make piles of things that you will throw away or donate in each room and make your way through the house. That way you'll save time as you won't be going back and forth. Once you are done with the whole house, pick up the bags and take them out. 

Clean All the Floors at Once  

One of the most common reasons why cleaning takes so long is because you are going out and putting away all your tools multiple times. Instead of doing that just broom, vacuum and mop the whole house at once not room by room. It will save you a lot of time. Another great hack for busy parents is having professionals clean your carpets every couple of months so you don't have to worry about it. If you live in Australia, there are so many different professionals who specialize in carpet cleaning from Perth, so make sure that you are choosing the best ones.

Clean As You're Cooking 

No matter how complicated a meal that you are cooking, there will always be a mess. But instead of piling up your dishes and cleaning them when you finish cooking, clean as you go. It will save you so much time and stress. You can even make it faster and have your kids or spouse help you clean as you are cooking. 

Clean all Your Windows and Mirrors at Once

Just like cleaning your floors all at once, doing the same with all your glass will save you so much time and stress. That way you are just going around the house with one cleaning product and focusing on one task which will have it done faster.   

Multi-task  

It is no secret that working parents are the best multi-taskers out there. That is why you need to put your super power to use and do a few things at once. While you are talking on your phone why not fold some laundry or rinse some dishes. But make sure that you are not overwhelming yourself. 

Get Rid of Water Stains

If you want to make your house look cleaner, get rid of all the water stains. For those stubborn rings, rub lemons on the area and rinse it off. After a few minutes, you won't have any water stains and your home will look much cleaner. 

Clean Your Mirrors with Newspaper

One of the most useful tips for cleaning windows that will make it much easier is simply cleaning them with newspapers instead of rags, squeegees or microfiber. Use your favorite glass cleaner and your windows will be streak-free. 

Doing a little here and here and you will be done in no time. There is no rule that says that you need to clean the whole house in one go. Clean as much as you can and continue the next day.