Author: ION

  • 6 Things to Consider When Designing a Kid’s Room

    6 Things to Consider When Designing a Kid’s Room

    Make Your Children Feel Better About a Move by Designing Their Room

    Moving is a big change for kids and adults alike. Children may not always be excited about moving. Change is a part of the moving process. Your child will need time to process that their life is changing before the move begins. You may want to sit down with your children and explain why you are moving.  Keeping your children involved in the moving process will make them feel better about the move.

    Some kids need an incentive to get excited about moving. Allowing kids to design their own room is a great way to get kids interested in moving. Your kids will also feel more included in the moving process. In addition, personalization can also make a building feel more like a home to your kids. They may have trouble getting used to their new room or sleeping in a new place at first. However, surrounding your kids with their favorite things will make them feel at home faster.

    Read More About Moving with Children Here.

    1. Choose a Theme

    Your child may have a certain hobby or interest that you can use to get ideas for decorating their room. Choosing a theme unique to your child will make the room more appealing to them. A theme can also make decorating easier. Keep in mind that children change their interests often. Try to choose a theme that will stay applicable when they age. For example, it’s not likely that an older child will like paw patrol or other kid shows. The theme would be linked to age and your child would lose interest in the theme fast. However, an older child may still enjoy less age-specific themes such as an ocean or outer space themed room.

    1. Choose Furniture with Multiple Functions

    Think about what your child might need as they age. If you have a baby, you may want to have a dresser that can also double as a changing table. The dresser can be used as a standard dresser when your child passes the baby stage. After your baby gets older, you will want to think about what a toddler might need. Toddlers need places to store their toys and belongings. A bed that has storage underneath is a great choice for a child’s room. You may also want an ottoman. An ottoman can double as a chair and storage. Keep aging and functionality in mind when choosing furniture.

    1. Use Neutral Colors as a Base

    Your child’s favorite color may be green one day. But will their favorite color always be green? The answer is probably no. Kids change their minds often. Instead of completely repainting a room to match your child’s preferences, you can keep the walls and furniture neutral colors. These colors will be appropriate when your child ages. In order to personalize an all-white room, you can add colorful accessories and decorations. You can switch out these decorations as your child grows in order to match their preferences. This is a cheaper option when compared to having to repaint and redecorate every few years.

    1. Add a Reading Nook

    You can choose a corner or small space of a room and make it into a reading nook. A reading nook is a comfy space where your child can sit down and read books. You don’t need much to create a reading nook. A basic reading nook includes a chair, lighting, and a bookshelf. You can use a regular chair, a bean bag, or even a swinging chair as seating. You can also build a window bench.

    Window benches are classy additions to any home. They can be used in order to provide a comfy place to sit and read. The window itself also provides natural light. During the day, extra lighting isn’t needed to read. A large window bench gives your child a place to sprawl out while they read, instead of sitting.

    1. Add a Chalkboard or Whiteboard

    Having some sort of board to write or draw on gives your kid another place to be creative. They can use the board as a place to sketch or doodle. Boards also come in handy when a child reaches the age that they begin school. The board can be used in order to write down thoughts or notes. Writing things down may be helpful for children who learn by visualization.

    1. Add a Work Station

    Kids need somewhere to work on crafts, study, and do homework. Adding a desk and chair to a room gives your child somewhere to sit down and concentrate on the task at hand. Be sure to provide your child adequate lighting so that they can see what they are working on. Another great thing about adding a desk is that desks with drawers can also double as a place to store items.

    Keep These Tips in Mind When Designing

    The goal when designing your child’s room is to make them feel more at home. Remember that your child will be spending the majority of their time in their room. Make sure that the room is comfortable for them. You should also get your child’s opinions on what they would like included. Forcing a design on a child can make them dislike their new room.

    The design of the room shouldn’t be entirely decided by how the room will look. It is just as important for the room to be practical. Keep in mind that your child will need places to sit. They will also need to store their items. You will want to provide storage while maximizing the room’s space. That will allow your child to move easily throughout their room. You will also want to keep lighting in mind when designing the room. Make sure that there are no dark areas in the room. If there are, plan to add some extra lighting so that your child can see. By thinking out the design of your child’s room, you can make them feel happier and more comfortable after a move. 

  • The Important Miter Saw Features to Consider Before Choosing

    The Important Miter Saw Features to Consider Before Choosing

    Miter saws are the essential tools of a workshop. Miter saws used for performing chops saw the design and precise cuts at various angles. Miter saws are best for making angle joints or decorative work. The heavy-duty miter saw models ensure higher productivity. Miter saws usually come in different features to perform various types of tasks. According to https://tehno.guru, Before choosing to buy, you need to check some of the key features of the miter saw.

    Types of saws

    There are three different types of miter saws you will be able to find in the market. They are; standard, sliding, and compound miter saws. The standard miter saws rotate to the side, which enables you to cut the board from the top at an angle. This allows you to make lovely corner pieces of your different types of tasks. The compound miter saws come with an edge or tilt, which enables you to cut pieces from different aspects. The single-action compound miter saws’ bevel is constructed on one side. The dual-action saws have a bevel to both sides that make it more versatile. The sliding miter saws come with an additional feature; they easily slide forward, which enables you to cut wider pieces.  

    Some key features of an ideal miter saw

    Maximum angles of the miter saw

    When choosing your miter saw, you should first check the angle size. The larger the angle, the larger the cut, it can make. Miter saws usually cut in a size of 90 degrees. You need also to remember that the maximum bevel angle determines how far the saw can tilt over. The top-rated miter saws have different types of maximum angles. A single-action compound miter saw can only tilt over a single direction. It lets you cut at an angle you need by turning the board over and cutting it backward. If you choose a dual-action miter saw, you can save time and unexpected cuts as you don’t have to calculate its new angle.

    Accuracy of the miter saw

    For determining accuracy, you need to check some factors of the miter saw. Angle stops can be considered to be one of those. Angle stops or the detents can be found in different positions of the miter saw. Each stop should have a cutting range of 45 degrees. Some saws’ angle stops are given at regular intervals, which help you add or subtract an angle from your cut. Compound miter saws usually come with both miter and bevel stops. You can set the miter saw at any angle, depending on your preference without even using the stops. This feature enables you to make a non-standard cut. Some miter saws have the laser pointer; some saws have LEDs; they usually help line up your blade with your cut marks. If you choose a miter saw with regular angle stops along with a laser guide, you can easily set it to the correct miter angle within seconds. You will also be able to know that if your cuttings are accurate.

    Key features for checking the safeness of the miter saw

    Apart from using your safety goggles, eye, and ear protection, an ideal miter saw should have some safety features-

    • One of the main features that you need to check is the dust extraction. Dust extraction helps to prevent sawdust from moving through air.
    • A miter table is another important key feature, which helps you to set up long pieces and makes them lying. It helps to prevent accidents.
    • A blade guard is another vital feature, which ensures your safety from cutting. The outer portion of the blade helps you to protect yourself when you start cutting the board.

    • Electric brakes usually help to stop the blade when you let go of the trigger. It may take a certain time for the blade, spinning several thousand times every minute to come to a stop. The electric brakes enable reducing the time to two seconds, ensuring a shallow cut and safety of your fingers.

    Measuring productivity of the miter saw

    • The blade is one of the key components you need to check. Make sure the blade is not dull. Larger saws have larger blades, which help to speed up your work and cut thicker pieces. Carbide blades are more durable and used to perform better cuts. You must see the manufacturer’s any specification warning against the blade. Some saws also come with a spindle wrench, which enables you to change the saw’s blade whenever you need it.
    • Cordless miter saws are handy tools. They help you to easily transport and movement. You can get a cordless model with wheels and carrying handles for better transport.

    Examining the motor power

    You need to examine the power of the motor. The saw can cut through hard materials. For checking the cutting speed, see the saw’s RPM. The higher the RPMs, the faster the blade spins and can perform cutting through the materials.

    Conclusion

    Buying the right miter saw will lead you to get satisfactory results from your craftwork. There are plenty of features available in a quality miter saw. You need to check the above features before buying a good miter saw for your project.

  • Ways You Can Build a Positive Relationship with Your Maid

    Ways You Can Build a Positive Relationship with Your Maid

    Maids are special people in our house. Therefore, it is good that we build a positive relationship with them. Some people see it as challenging living with their maid because they don’t know ways on how to live harmoniously with them. Maid service Dallas is the place where you may find the perfect maid for you. There are ways that you can follow and build a very positive relationship with your maid, to do this contact the specialists from maid agency in singapore. Now, let’s look at them.

    Tell the Maid Your Expectations

    Your maid cannot read your mind to know what you expect of her. The first thing to do when hiring a maid is to tell her what is expected of her. People have different privileges. Even if the maid is from a bureau you cannot assume that she knows what you want. Don’t make her life miserable, tell her about you and your house or home. By this, she will work without fear.

    You can sit down with her and tell her what you want and how you want it to be done. Besides, you can list down some of your expectations in case she forgets. This will minimize the rate of misunderstanding between the two of you. In this way, a lot of time will also be saved because there will be no need for daily reminders.

    Make the Maid Feel Comfortable

    There is always a challenge in adapting to a new place. The maid may feel uncomfortable and therefore it’s your responsibility to make her feel comfortable. The first step to making her comfortable is making sure the place she lives is decent. She has to feel like she is at her home.

    You have to protect your maid from your male relative or your spouse. Sometimes maids feel uncomfortable living at the same house with males. You have to assure her that there is no harm to your male partners. When the maid feels comfortable she will do her duties to the best. Even you will enjoy her work.

    Providing her with some proper essentials will make her happy like a blanket, pillow, mattress as well as maid insurance, click here for info. Your maid should feel accepted. This will, in turn, enable her to perform her duties feeling motivated and she will never fail you.

    Build Communication with Your Maid

    Communication is essential in every place. Your maid should feel free and comfortable communicating with you. Good communication with your maid will create a positive relationship with her. Don’t make her feel as if talking to you is a crime and that is not her business to be talking to you. Your maid should feel free when communicating with you.

    You can’t live with someone who cannot communicate with you. Every good and positive relationship is built on good communication. Your maid takes care of your house and she should be free telling you how things are. If you don’t have a nice relationship with her then starts communicating with her nicely.

    Use the language that is comfortable with both of you. In most cases, maids are not very educated. Therefore, don’t use a complicated method of communication. Be simple with her and you will live happily. How will she tell you what needs to be improved when your communication is very poor?

    When at home treat her as your family member. Don’t behave as if talking to her is like demeaning yourself. Create some time to have a conversation with her. Share some ideas as she tells you what needs to be improved. This will build a very strong relationship and bond with your maid.

    Celebrate Her Special Occasions

    Maids should have those special occasions like birthdays. Ask her the date of her birthday and make sure you treat her well on her birthday. Make her feel special and use these occasions to bond with her together with your family. Don’t be mean, give some nice gifts and organize her birthday. You can even invite your friends.

    In the case where you have your special events don’t live her out. Go with her as part of your family members. Some people don’t want to be associated with their maids and this is very wrong. Your maid is not half-human because she works for you. Treat the same way you treat yourself and your family and you will be very comfortable leaving your home with her.

    Respect Her Privacy and Give Her Respect

    Let your maid enjoy her privacy the same way you do. There is no way you will live happily with someone without respecting her privacy. When it comes to privacy ladies deserve it the most. If the maid has some personal documents let her keep them. Some employees want to keep the documents themselves but that cannot be human.

    She is your but you should as well respect her. She is not a child to be confronted every time. Some even confront their maids in front of their visitors and friends. That is very wrong. Respect is not for the maid alone to you. Respect is very strong and can motivate her.

    Promote and Reward Her

    In every workplace, employees expect to be promoted and rewarded. You should do the same for your maid. This is one way of making her feel appreciated. Giving her a token cannot make you lose your resources. After all, it is not every time but once in a while. This is the same way you expect from your employer. Make her feel like the boss of your house.

    This will in turn motivate her and also love you. You can come up with monthly bonuses and some days off during the month. The maid will work without any doubt and that is what you want her to do. Therefore, don’t be so mean to her.

    Conclusion

    You have to build a strong and positive relationship with your maid. This is a person you live with and you have to be more than employer and employee. The above tips will be of great importance if you will follow them. They will help you establish a strong bond with your maid.

  • 7 Benefits Of A Clean Home

    7 Benefits Of A Clean Home

    Everyone wants a clean house, right? But why? It takes work to clean your house and to keep it clean. It seems like just as soon as you get your house clean, someone messes it up again. You wash the windows, and the next time you look you see handprints all over them. Or just as soon as you finish washing the dishes it seems like the sink is full of dirty dishes again. Sometimes you probably wonder, “What’s the point? Why do I even bother?” But keeping your house clean will benefit you. Let’s look at some of the benefits of a clean home. 

    A Clean Home Will Eliminate Stress from your Life

    This may seem hard to believe, but keeping your home clean will reduce your stress levels. When your home is clean everyone in the family can find things more easily. Order will reign supreme and some of the chaos of life will be banished to the closet. Have you ever looked around your house and hoped that no one would come to the door that day? How stressful if someone were to see your house in its messy condition. Reduce that stress factor by keeping your home clean. 

    A Clean Home Will Help You Stay Organized

    You’ve heard the saying, “A place for everything and everything in its place.” A clean home and an organized home will work together to create a calmer, more peaceful home. It is easier for your child to find his shoes if he knows where the shoes are kept. If his shoes are always put in the same place, he knows where to look for them. How often do you lose bills? You know the bill needs to be paid, you saw it come in the mail, and now you are frantically looking through piles of advertisements and credit card applications trying to find the bill. Clean and organize the mail when it comes. Have a plan for the mail – junk mail gets thrown out, credit card applications get shredded, letters from Grandma go in this file, and bills always go in this folder. Keeping things organized will help keep your home clean, and keeping your home clean will assist with keeping your things organized.

    Your Health Will Benefit from a Clean Home

    We all want to be healthy. We teach our children to wash their hands frequently to eliminate germs and bacteria. Keeping your home clean will add to your efforts in staying healthy. Removing shoes at the door is an example of cleanliness aids in healthfulness. What is on the bottom of those shoes? Do you want that tracked all over your floor? Keeping a clean home will help to eliminate germs, bacteria, and viruses from your house. Don’t give dirt and germs a place to thrive in your home. Your mental health will benefit from a clean house also. A dirty and messy house causes you to feel depressed and worthless. You may look around your home and consider yourself a total failure. Don’t give in to those – feelings. Start cleaning. Your self-esteem and self-worth will benefit. If you feel like even a clean home isn’t making you feel better and you’re struggling with your mental health, get the support you deserve from licensed mental health professionals today.

    Your Allergies Will Appreciate a Clean Home

    Many people suffer from allergies. Think about what triggers allergies. Often it is dust, mold, mildew – allergy triggers we can eliminate by cleaning our home and keeping it clean. The amount of dust that accumulates in my home always surprises me. Regular dusting and vacuuming can eliminate many allergens. Cleaning air vents and vent covers will help with this as well. Cleaning will help with mold allergies also. Keeping towels washed and dried will prevent mold and mildew issues. What about that sponge on your kitchen sink? Have you smelled it recently? Sponges too often harbor mold. We need to regularly clean or replace those as well. 

    Keeping Your Home Clean Will Promote and Reinforce Good Habits in Your Children

    We all try to teach our children good habits for life. One of those habits we need to teach them is keeping the house clean. We tell them to put away their toys, to make their beds, to pick up their clothes. By working to keep your house clean you are reinforcing those habits you are trying to teach your children. Your kids learn by watching, by example. So as we clean our homes our example is teaching them good habits and practices for them to emulate. When we have them help us clean we can teach them proper cleaning practices. We need to teach them that cleaning is not drudgery, that it is good for us, that it will make us feel better about ourselves. 

    Hospitality Is Easier When your Home Is Clean

    It is far easier to invite someone into our home when we know it is relatively clean. We are more likely to ask that friend in for a cup of coffee when we know that the sink is not piled full of dirty dishes, and when there is more than just a pathway through the house. Do you have to spend hours cleaning before the repair technician comes to fix the furnace? Not good! Keeping your house clean regularly saves you time when someone visits you. It is easier to clean and keep our homes clean than it is to go on desperation cleaning binges. Those are just exhausting!

    File Potential Damage or Loss Insurance Claims More Easily With a Clean Home

    If something happened to your home that required you to file a claim with your insurance company, would you be able to figure out what was damaged or missing? If a theft occurred, could you easily tell what was stolen? Or would the burglar be filing a claim against you for damages caused by tripping over everything on the floor in your house? Having a clean and organized house will allow you to more easily find the extent of any damage or loss.

    Cleaning your home is not always enjoyable, but it is beneficial. Having your house clean and organized will simplify your life. It will help you feel better about yourself. Keeping your home clean will provide you many benefits. Your health, your family, your stress levels, even your children will all benefit from a clean home. 

  • When’s the Right Time to Buy a Walk-in Bathtub?

    When’s the Right Time to Buy a Walk-in Bathtub?

    If you’re interested in learning more about the price for walk-in bathtubs for seniors, then you’re not alone. Many people recognize their benefits, especially as they get older and want to feel safer in the bathroom. But, how do you know when you should move forward with this big purchase? Well, here are five questions to ask yourself, which should help you figure out when to buy one.

    What’s the Current Condition of Your Bath?

    First things first, you should evaluate your right corner bathtub. How old is it? Are there any obvious problems with it? If your tub looks a bit worse for the wear, then you may want to get a new one sooner rather than later. Maybe you’ve wanted to change your tub forever, and you just haven’t gotten around to it. If that’s the case, then you deserve a fresh start in your bathroom.

    How Safe Do You Feel in Your Bath?

    Next, you need to think about any safety concerns with your bath. Aside from the appearance and size, do you feel like your bath is safe for you and your loved ones? If you’re worried about slipping while getting in or out, then you should explore opportunities for a safer walk-in tub. You will have greater peace of mind whenever you have a bath.

    Are You Ready to Spend the Money?

    Another consideration is whether or not you want to spend the money on a new bathtub right now. Maybe you’ve been saving up for a while, or perhaps you need some more time to get your finances in order. If you do your research on walk-in bathtub prices, you can get a better idea of what you need to plan for financially. You want to get good value for your money on a new walk-in bathtub.

    Do You Have the Time to Make a Change?

    Last, but certainly not least, you should also put some thought into whether or not you have time to spare on a bathroom renovation. The best walk-in bathtubs are easy to install with minimal disruptions, but you still need to plan ahead and figure out if this is a project you want to take on right now. If you feel prepared and excited about this change, then you can go ahead and ask for more details on a walk-in bathtub.

  • Make Any Space in Your Home Look Bigger With These 3 Interior Design Tips

    Make Any Space in Your Home Look Bigger With These 3 Interior Design Tips

    Small rooms can be tricky, especially if they are rooms that are going to be utilized frequently, such as living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. Making these rooms seem larger than they actually are can be a challenge, and many get it wrong by trying to take advantage of every corner of the space, making the room feel packed and unappealing.  

    Not everyone has the budget to add on more space to their home, but luckily there are many tips and tricks to fooling the eye into thinking a space is larger than it actually is by working with what you have. 

    Here are a few tips to help you get started: 

    1. Add Depth 

    In the design world, depth is key, as it is used as a way to change the perception and interpretation of a room. Here are three simple ways anyone can play with depth: 

    1. At InHance Interiors, one of the main ways our designers add depth is by using a dark-colored wallpaper or painting an accent wall in a dark color. This distracts the eye and draws attention to the contrast between light and dark colors in the room. 

    1. The next way is by implementing a large statement piece of art to distract the eye. Similarly to adding a dark color to a wall, it can add depth and visual interest, distracting you from the size of the space. Going with a statement piece of art can be tricky, so you want to make sure the pattern isn’t too busy if you go oversized or if you go for a bolder pattern, that you keep the areas around it more simple- adding too much can make the room feel cluttered. 
    1. The third option is by adding bold movement to a wall or ceiling. Patterned wallpaper or tile can make the room feel bigger than it really is by moving the eye around and adding composition to space. 

    2. Avoid Bulky Items 

    When it comes to freeing up space, your choice in furniture is going to make all of the difference. However, some items are just going to take up a lot of space by nature like chairs, desks,  tables, and sofas. There’s no way to really avoid it. However, there are ways to be strategic about the presentation of these items. 

    One way to do this is by utilizing thin-legged items to take up less space. However, be cautious of height and avoid tall options or statement furniture items, as this can highlight how small the room really is and draw attention to a low ceiling. 

    Storage is another way that clients can accidentally clutter up a small space. Heavy shelving and storage units should be avoided at all costs in order to free up space in a small room. Mounting items, such as bookshelves, can create even more space and give the room depth. Be sure to keep countertops clear and non-essentials stored away. We always say, there should be a place for everything. Whether it’s hidden or in a tray or bowl, being organized with your storage can really help your small space feel more roomy. 

    3. Take Advantage of Light 

    Natural light coming through large windows is the best way to make a small space feel larger. If you are fortunate enough to have access to a great window in your small space, choose a window covering that lets the light in. If you’re hanging curtains be sure to cover the full height of the wall from floor to ceiling as this will make the room appear taller. It takes your eye up! 

    However, if your small space doesn’t have the advantage of natural light, be sure to include multiple sources of light or dive in and embrace the moodiness with darker accents. 

    Lamps should be on the smaller side, and thinner in order to make the other furniture pieces appear larger. 

    Lasly, large mirrors are a great way to highlight the natural light source and other lighting. 

    Not only do they help create the illusion of more space, but they are also great for visual interest, distracting from the size of the room. 

    Make the Small Details Count

    Remember that in a small space, even the smallest details count! Making small spaces appear bigger, all comes down to making the right design choices, and with a little attention to detail, the right planning with finishes and layout, anyone can make even the smallest room appear larger. 

    Bre Hance 

    Bre Hance approaches her design projects with enthusiasm and intent. As the founder of InHance Interiors, a boutique firm located in Los Angeles, she services clients all over the world including athletes, celebrities, homeowners, luxury home builders, and investors. 

    Bre believes that hard work, efficient planning, and excellent communication are fundamental to success. With her attention to detail and keen eye for transforming spaces, she has enjoyed the satisfaction of delivering beautifully designed homes that were merely yesterday’s dreams.

  • How to Ensure Your Pool is Properly Maintained for Safe Swimming

    How to Ensure Your Pool is Properly Maintained for Safe Swimming

    All pools require some amount of maintenance, whether you have a salt water system or not. Though saltwater pools require significantly less maintenance than traditionally-chlorinated pools, you do have to properly maintain the pool in order to ensure that it’s safe for swimming. Proper care will also lengthen the life of your pool equipment and reduce repair and maintenance costs over time. By proactively conducting proper maintenance regularly, you’ll have a safe pool that will last for years to come.

    So, here’s how to ensure your saltwater pool is properly maintained for safe swimming this season.

    Maintain Equipment

    Just as with traditionally-chlorinated pools, the equipment for your saltwater pool requires regular cleaning and maintenance to keep everything functioning at peak levels. The actual equipment will vary depending on your specific pool setup, but for most pools, here are the things that need to be checked regularly:

    Skimmer and Pump Baskets – Check the skimmer and pump baskets often and clean out as necessary. If the baskets get too packed with debris, they can lower the efficacy of the filter, which will force it to work much harder than necessary.

    Filter – Filters need to be cleaned regularly, but exactly how often depends on several factors, including the size of the filter, the size of the pool and how much debris the filter has to remove from the water. Keeping an eye on the pressure gauge will give you a good idea of when to clean the filter. A high pressure on the gauge is a good indicator that it’s time to clean the filter.

    Low water levels, cloudy water, or the presence of algae can all be signs that your pool equipment isn’t operating at peak performance. Any time you notice one of these indicators, you should immediately troubleshoot the problem to avoid causing damage to your pool or equipment. If you can’t figure out the issue on your own, it may be time to call in an expert to get your equipment back in good working order.

    Inspect Salt Cell

    With saltwater pools, the salt cell is where the salt is converted to chlorine, which is what kills the bacteria in the pool and makes it safe for swimming. Some newer pools have self-cleaning salt cells components, which automatically removes any mineral buildup on the salt cell, and keeps it operating at peak condition. However, if your salt cell equipment isn’t self-cleaning, or you’re experiencing low chlorine levels, you’ll need to inspect the salt cell to determine if it needs cleaning. Regularly inspecting the salt cell is vital to the operation of your saltwater pool, so don’t skimp on this important step.

    Test Water Chemistry

    Though the salt cell manages the chlorination of saltwater pools, it’s still important to regularly test and properly manage the water chemistry to ensure your pool is safe for swimming. Since the saltwater system keeps the chlorine at consistent levels, the water chemistry is usually easier to manage in a saltwater pool system. You still need to monitor chlorine levels to ensure the system is working properly. In addition to chlorine, you’ll also want to regularly test several other pool chemistry factors.

    • Salinity: This measures how much salt is in the water. Saltwater pools need minimum levels of salt in the water to be able to create chlorine.
    • Acidity: Also called pH, this determines whether the water in the pool is acidic or basic. Even small variations in pH can create large ripple effects in the pool chemistry.
    • Stabilizer: Cyanuric acid acts as a stabilizing component in pools. It helps stop the sun from breaking down the chlorine and helps keep your overall pool chemistry stable.

    There are many, many other chemicals that can affect the water chemistry of your pool. Things like calcium deposits and phosphates can create various problems if they aren’t properly managed and treated. That’s why it’s critical to constantly monitor the water chemistry of your pool and understand the ways in which different treatments affect the water. If you’re struggling with your pool chemistry, many local pool stores offer analysis and diagnosis of water chemistry issues.

    Clean Around the Pool

    There are some questions about whether the salt from saltwater pools causes damage, like corrosion and rot to elements around the pool, like decking, furniture, and even stone. Ultimately it’s hard to say if a saltwater pool system is responsible for additional wear on adjoining materials. The actual culprit could be any number of things, or even a combination of factors, such as climate, weather, materials, etc. If you’re concerned about damage from the saltwater, your best bet is to rinse off the area surrounding the pool regularly with freshwater.

    Once you get the hang of it, maintaining a saltwater pool is much less work than maintaining a traditionally-chlorinated pool. With a saltwater pool system, you’ll be able to spend much more time enjoying the pool and much less time maintaining the pool. 

  • How To Maximize The Space In Your Studio Apartment

    How To Maximize The Space In Your Studio Apartment

    How To Maximize The Space In Your Studio Apartment

    Living in a big city can be as exciting as it is expensive. The enormous costs of finding an apartment in places like New York or Los Angeles make studio apartments a more affordable option for those that love an urban lifestyle. The problem is, although you will be able to live the big life that you crave, you will have to do it in a very small living space.

    Staying organized or even adopting a minimalist lifestyle can have real advantages for anyone moving into their first studio apartment. With limited space comes limited storage. You will need to be creative to fit everything that makes up your daily life into your new smaller space. Think priorities; you will probably only have room for things that are more functional and less decorative. 

    Whether you are living around Lincoln Center or getting ready to move into your new place in Atwater Village, by following some of these design tips you can maximize the space in your new studio apartment.

    Ditch The Clutter

    Small studio spaces have no room for clutter. It’s a good idea to go through a purging process before you move. Get rid of old clothes. Clear off your bookshelves and only bring along the books that you just can’t bear to part with. Limit your memorabilia items and get rid of bulky decor items that will take up a lot of space. 

    Multi-Use Furnishings

    You may have a very small amount of square footage to work with in a studio apartment so it’s important to get creative with your furniture and your layout design. Choose furniture items that serve more than one purpose. Choose a bed that has lots of underneath storage or opt for a Murphy bed that can be easily folded up right into a wall unit. 

    Turn your dining room table into a functional desk for those that work from home. Take advantage of stylish furnishings like ottomans that can be used as footstools, extra seating, and storage for linens and blankets.

    Natural Light

    To make your space feel bigger and brighter you should take advantage of any natural light sources. Try to stay away from heavy draperies that can make your room seem smaller and cut out the sunshine. Try adding draperies made from light and airy fabrics that stretch from ceiling to floor to add some depth to your room. 

    Neutral Palette

    Rich colors can add a real statement to any room but, they can also bring the walls in. When you are limited for space you should stick to a natural palette of light and airy colors. It’s easy to create pops of color in your space by adding some colorful art, pillows, or a throw blanket. 

    Mirrors

    Mirrors are an innovative and stylish way to add dimension to any small space. Not only can they help to reflect the natural light inside your studio but they can help give the impression that your space is much larger than it is. Longer mirrors can make your room look wider, while tall thinner mirrors can help your ceilings look loftier.

    Innovative Storage

    Your studio apartment is not likely to come with a lot of extra closet space. So, you will have to take advantage of every surface and innovative storage idea to keep your studio organized. Invest in a solid bookcase that can hold all your favorite tomes, your photos, files and your entertainment devices. 

    You can also take advantage of your wall and ceiling space by using them to help store your favorite items. Keep your kitchen cabinets tidy by hanging a pot rack from your ceiling or mount a bike hook to get your wheels up off the floor.

    City living can be exciting with endless things to do and see. But, that doesn’t mean that the big city will mean big apartments. If you are planning to move into a studio apartment you can embrace the lifestyle by following some of our tips to maximize your space and create your own small and unique space.