Category: HOME

  • Best Methods to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

    Best Methods to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

    With the global pandemic, all of you spend a reasonable time of your life inside the home.

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    The question is, are you being safe from what’s going on outside your house? You need to be aware of indoor air pollution, as it may cause severe damage to your respiratory system. 

    According to reports, indoor air pollution is a leading risk factor for premature death.

    The following article will highlight the main aspects of indoor air quality and improve it.

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    Get Rid of Cigarettes

    To have clean, healthy, and fresh air around you, you should avoid smoking indoors as much as possible. In addition, second-hand smoke can be even more toxic than first-hand smoke due to its chemical ingredients. Second-hand smoke contains more than 50 cancer-causing chemicals, so you should go outside to smoke.

    Turn On Your Humidifier

    During the winter season, the humidity inside your house will tend to decrease. It can cause dry skin or cracked lips, nosebleeds, and many other problems. To avoid this issue, simply turn on your humidifier during this period. The humidity level in your house should be ideally above 30 percent.

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    Ventilate Your House with Proper Efficiency

    Proper ventilation can do miracles when it comes to indoor air quality, and it’s essential to ensure your house is adequately ventilated to get rid of all the toxins inside. You may want to install a ventilation fan or open your windows for 10 minutes every 2 hours.

    Use Natural Cleaning Products

    Chemicals found in cleaning products can be pretty toxic and dangerous, so you should consider experimenting with some natural cleaning products that contain fewer chemical ingredients than usual products found in supermarkets.

    Some natural cleaning products like baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar can also be helpful when it comes to getting rid of a specific smell indoors.

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    Use Ionizers and Air Purifiers

    Both ionizers and air purifiers can be used to clean the air inside your house. These devices work by emitting ozone, which attaches itself to negative ions to eliminate odors and remove other particles from the nearby area. You may want to use one of these devices during the winter season as well.

    Avoid Carpet and Other Flooring Materials

    Carpets and other flooring materials can cause allergies and diseases such as asthma by trapping a lot of dust and other particles inside. You should replace them with tiles or wooden floorings that won’t trap any dust near your house.

    Improve Your Indoor Lighting

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    To have clean indoor air quality, you should avoid using candles or incense as much as possible. Instead, you could install some LED lights that produce less heat than usual halogen lamps.

    Clean Regularly

    You should clean your house regularly to eliminate all the dirt and other particles that cause poor air quality. The best method is to use a vacuum cleaner or simply some broomsticks that can be directly thrown into the garbage once you’re done cleaning.

    Use Air-Purifying Houseplants

    You can also use air-purifying houseplants such as Dracaena and Chrysanthemum to improve your air quality in the house. These plants absorb CO2 and release fresh oxygen, which is excellent for you and other household members. Additionally, they eliminate toxins from the surrounding environment.

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    Avoid Using Air Fresheners

    Instead of using air fresheners, you can use natural ingredients such as baking soda to eliminate certain odors. If your house is full of bad smells, you should avoid using artificial fragrances until the problem is resolved. These fragrances are usually toxic, and they can worsen the freshness of your indoor air.

    Remove All Clutter

    You should also try to remove all types of clutter from your house, especially things not used daily. It will help you get free from dust particles that have settled on these items. 

  • Home Exterior Design: From Siding to Roofing

    Home Exterior Design: From Siding to Roofing

    There are amazing home exterior design ideas that will get your home from nice to fabulous. If you use the right materials and hire a professional contractor with a good track record for your project, you will design the perfect exterior that will elevate your home.

    Are you wondering why hiring a professional is necessary for the job? Only a professional can narrow down the almost countless types of siding materials available and pick one that will perfectly complement your home’s architecture to enhance its curb appeal.

    Photo by Aubrey Odom-Mabey on Unsplash

    For top-of-the-shelf home exterior design, you can never go wrong with these siding and roofing products.

    Wood Siding

    This is arguably one of the most attractive home siding options. It is available in a wide variety of textures, styles and finishes. It requires an exterior finish such as vanish, paint or stain. The common types of wood siding are planks, boards and wood planks.

    Wood siding is easy to repair, though it is difficult to install it over existing siding. On the downside, wood siding is destroyed by long-term exposure to sunlight, and it is susceptible to rot if exposed to water. It can also be destroyed by insects such as termites. 

    Maintenance

    • Painted finishes need to be redone about every five years, or as soon as deterioration is apparent. DIY painting requires lots of hours while it costs about $3,000 to $5,000 to paint a two story 2,300 sq. ft. house.
    • Stain finishes are usually less costly to maintain compared to paint finishes. This is because they penetrate the wood fibers and seal them from moisture.

    Cost

    • Natural wood siding costs an average of $6 to $12 to install.

    Metal Siding

    The high maintenance costs associated with wood siding necessitated the introduction of metal siding. Aluminum siding was the first metal siding material to be introduced, then followed by steel siding. These materials are relatively easier to maintain and are increasingly being adopted as siding materials in newer homes.

    Aluminum and steel siding products are available in horizontal strips, as though to mimic the traditional wood laps. Galvanized corrugated iron sheets are also sometimes used as siding materials.

    Photo by chris robert on Unsplash

    Maintenance

    • Aluminum and steel are low-maintenance siding products.
    • The most common problem with aluminum and steel siding products is denting.
    • Pre-painted aluminum and steel siding are susceptible to chalking.

    Cost

    • Metal siding typically costs between $1 and $35 per sq. ft. 
    • Aluminum costs approximately $3-$6 per sq. ft., whereas steel costs about $4-$8 per sq. ft.
    • Insulated versions of aluminum or steel increase the siding cost by about $1 per sq. ft.
    • The upper limit cost of $35 is owed to copper siding, which costs about $20-$35 per sq. ft.

    Cement Fiber Siding

    This durable low-maintenance environment-friendly material is the latest addition to residential house siding products. Its installation process is similar to that of wood siding.

    Cement fiber siding is eco-friendly because it is made from recyclable materials. It has a natural wood grain look and this makes it visually indistinguishable from some wood siding elements.

    Cement fiber siding comes in planks, shingles or shakes, and stucco-panels. 

    Maintenance

    • Unlike wood siding, it is not subject to insect damage or rot, yet it has a natural wood grain look.
    • Cement fiber is very durable and is virtually maintenance-free.

    Cost

    • It costs between $5 and $14 per sq. ft., with a national average of about $10 per sq. ft. This cost varies with the siding product’s brand and quality, as well as the size and shape of your home.
    • While this average is higher than the average cost for aluminum and steel siding, as well as vinyl siding, cement fiber siding lasts a very long time, and you may never have to replace it for the entire period you occupy your home.

    Vinyl Siding

    This siding product is available in strips with interlocking edges, just like aluminum siding. It comes in a wide range of colors and styles, including horizontal and vertical panels. They are also available in many textures, including shingle and wood shake style.

    Vinyl is often used as retrofit siding, applied over old wood siding during renovation.

    Maintenance

    • This is a low-cost, low-maintenance siding product— doesn’t need to be painted.
    • If stained with dirt, vinyl siding can be washed using a soft cloth or a long-handled soft bristle brush.
    • Cleaning should be done gently to avoid surface abrasion.

    Cost

    • It costs an average of $4 to $5 per sq. ft. This is with the exclusion of labor and installation materials.
    • The cost depends on the type of vinyl siding and the average costs in your area.
    Image by JamesDeMers from Pixabay

    Roofing Materials

    You can’t talk about home exterior design without mentioning roofing— a roof says so much about a home’s aesthetics. A beautifully constructed house needs a well-designed roof that enhances both its curb appeal and durability.

    When choosing a roofing material, it is advisable to choose a color that blends with the home’s siding. Gray-brown roofing shingles, for instance, would blend well with a rough texture of wood siding. If your siding has a rustic  feel, it can be well complimented by a gambrel roof. In some cases, a combination of different roofing styles can add magic to your home.

    Photo by SUNBEAM PHOTOGRAPHY on Unsplash

    If you’re considering replacing your roof, it is best to tear off the old one rather than to install a new one over the old one. This will expose the defects on the roof deck and allow the roofing contractors to tweak your roofing design to complement your home’s updated exterior section.

     Conclusion

    Exterior design is a vital contributor to curb appeal. Updating your home’s exterior can increase its aesthetics and improve its value.

    Whether you select aluminum or steel siding, wood siding (cedar siding, redwood siding, pine siding, engineered wood siding, or wood fiber cement siding) or vinyl siding, a good design, color and great workmanship will bring the best out of your home.

    Additionally, a complementary roofing design and color is a must-have in order to qualify your home exterior design efforts. You now understand why you need a professional to handle the exterior design works, don’t you? There are a lot of details involved, and only a professional can put them all into perspective.

  • 05 Ultimate Tips To Remodel Your Home In 2022

    05 Ultimate Tips To Remodel Your Home In 2022

    Wouldn’t you love to freshen up your home?

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    Despite the fact that you are happy with your home, you constantly feel about changing the design of a specific area of your home. Home renovations allow homeowners to breathe new life into their property, expand living space and add value. Home improvement projects are also a major stressful, complex and expensive undertaking. Home remodeling tips for 2022 will centre around retrieving spaces previously created for working from home, and a push towards more sensible decorating. Read on to learn more about the key tips for a home improvement project that can make planning easier. 

    1. Research, What You Want!

    You`ll be surprised how many options there are when you start searching. You can also buy the beautiful lamp you like in a high-end store for a lower price than elsewhere. So, when renovating your home on a budget, keep in mind that if you’re looking for furniture you like, paint colours you want, or decorations you want in your home, you’ll probably find most supplies for cheap. Take advantage of online window shopping and used furniture stores and see how far you’ll go. 

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    The door is the first thought of your home. If the door cannot be completely replaced and the existing door is in good condition, the door must be repainted. Doors can also affect the lighting in a room, and you can benefit from great techniques in interior design. Too much of one shade can blur the space. First, write how you want to remodel your home, then think about whether it looks good or not, then contact home remodeling professionals or companies.

    1. Check the Weather 

    Whether you’re planning a spring or summer home remodeling, you may have some problems like mold or water leakage. So it’s good to have mold and water removal fixation first. And also don’t rely on good weather to get it done. Be sure to check the short & long-term forecasts before starting work, and schedule jobs that require external access, such as spray painting and woodblock work, on a sunny day.

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    On days when you need to turn off your oven or air conditioner for a comfortable working environment, consider the heat and cold and beware of unexpected weather changes. With these and other home improvement tips, you can start a successful home renovation in no time!

    1. Increase Efficiency, Not Size

    Versatile spaces that give homeowners flexibility are also attractive and can add value.  Despite its popularity and appeal, Open concept floor plans have been at the forefront of working and studying from home. If you can rearrange and furnish your kitchen for maximum utility, you may not need to tear down walls to get the square footage. Start by replacing bulky shelves with open shelves, high-profile pull-out drawers that hold shelves for goods and other items. 

    Photo by Trend on Unsplash

    You could easily store thousands of things into your wardrobe with upgrades like dividers, drawers, and turntables, but you can save money by skipping the add-on which is not necessary. For example, if your addition requires bulkhead cladding, you can save even more in the long run by switching to pre-primed and pre-painted now. A factory finish is applied to dry wood under controlled conditions with no rain and no sun. 

    1. Kitchen, Bathroom, Flooring & Storage

    Using your kitchen to its fullest ability can assist reduce your storage problems. To make this appear on a small budget, you could make your very own kitchen shelves at home. No one is aware of your kitchen area more than you and your storage needs. If you have already got sufficient shelves to save things, there’s no need to update them, simply repainting can make your kitchen appear new.

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    You may be overwhelmed by the amount of cheap but quality items you have to buy to remodel your bathroom. If you want to install a new toilet, you can restore your current toilet with paint conversions, cabinet paint conversions, bath solutions, and more. 

    If you’re on a tight budget, maintaining floors can seem expensive, and if you can’t find a floor installation package under your budget, you should invest in renovating everything else to suit your design.

    Storage is the main factor in most households. Not only do you have a lot of stuff, but it is also important to store it properly. Small storage cubes and hanging shelves are some great ideas for easily storing clothes and other little things. 

    1. Obtain Permits

    Many homeowners getting construction permits is a needless headache but it could gradually reduce the remodeling and maintenance of your house. 

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    Permits are essential to meet your structural remodeling and hearthplace protection necessities. This can create a steeply-priced headache while trying to promote your house down the road. It’s preferably beneficial to obtain the permit in advance.

  • 4 Smart Home Products to Make Your Home Instantly Smart

    4 Smart Home Products to Make Your Home Instantly Smart


    Smart Home Devices have become an essential aspect of several American households across the country.

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    From home security options such as video doorbells to domestic devices such as smart sprinklers – smart home devices come in a wide category of products that are suitable to every household as well as an individual’s need!

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    As the world moves towards technological advancements traditional devices are becoming less efficient or accessible. So not only do smart devices play a major part in making your home much more tech-savvy and accessible remotely, they are also sleek and trendy in design and add that modern aesthetic to your home.

    Here are four smart home devices that will make your home much smarter in many ways.

    1. Smart Thermostat 

    A smart thermostat helps users control the temperature in their houses from almost anywhere as long as they are connected to a Wi-Fi device! They are easy to install and feature their respective mobile applications.

    Photo by Dan LeFebvre on Unsplash

    Smart thermostats enable users to control the device via voice control while at home, and help in saving on heating and cooling utility bills over time. When you are not at home, certain thermostats will use their motion detection system, whereby after detecting inactivity within the house they will automatically switch to an eco-friendly mode or turn themselves down. This makes it lighter on your pocket, as well as being eco-friendly!

    With scheduling, users can create schedules that revolve around their daily routines. This enables the thermostat to turn down when users have left and turn back up before their arrival so that they are met with a comfortable environment when they’re back home. They also support HVAC systems and can provide timely alerts if there are any issues with the cooling and heating systems, including whether the air filtration system might need to be cleaned or replaced.

    2. Smart Sprinklers 

    We often look for affordable sprinklers but hear us out, you need smart sprinklers and here’s why. Smart Sprinklers are a huge step forward from a traditional sprinkler, and if you have a lawn, it’s a great investment to make. 

    Photo by Jonas Leupe on Unsplash

    Smart Sprinklers basically replace the sprinkler controller for your in-ground sprinkler system. These traditional sprinkler controllers however are no match for these smart sprinklers because with the tap of a finger users can now create watering schedules, set up a water calendar, and easily turn the sprinklers on and off through its mobile app, or with a voice command if you connect it to a voice assistant. But that’s not all! 

    These sprinklers are smart, which is why they can monitor the weather; that allows them to determine when it will rain and save up on water usage accordingly. Additionally, with the information you give the smart device, some of these use a variety of metrics to determine things like the best time or the amount of water needed to keep your lawn fresh. 

    3. Smart Lights

    Smart Lighting helps you add that pop of color that you need, assuming you’re into the color-changing ones!

    Photo by Jessica Arends on Unsplash

    Smart Bulbs are essentially LED lighting that you can control with your smartphone from wherever you are or even a compatible voice assistant. How great is that? Not just this, but some smart bulbs can also switch between warm and white tones, allowing you to adjust the brightness level according to your preference.

    Other than playing with the lighting, Smart Lights also feature their own mobile applications that allow you to do everything above, along with a couple of other things too. Users can schedule lighting operations based on their daily routines, or even switch them on or off while vacationing in Mexico just to not let anybody know that the home’s empty. This feature also lets you save up on energy bills, just to let you know!

    4. Video Doorbells

    There are various home security devices in the smart home catalog such as smart cameras, smart door locks, etc. However, if you are new to smart home devices, starting off with a video doorbell might be a better option as they are easier to install and very useful for what they can do.

    Photo by James Yarema on Unsplash

    Smart doorbells enable users to have access to a live video feed of who is at their door at all hours of the day. Compared to peeping through a small peephole, you can now not only get a good look at who is at your door directly from your smartphone but also be able to answer it from practically anywhere. Some video doorbells provide a full vertical view which can help users identify who is at the door, or if any parcels are placed by the door.

    Photo by A R C H I G E R O S A on Unsplash

    With pre-recorded messages and facial identification features offered by some variants, users can record messages that can be played when they might be away from their phones. This helps in maintaining the privacy and security of the household. Facial identification also helps with recognizing faces that are frequent such as the amazon delivery guy, or a close friend and relative. 

    Turning your home into a smart home has never been easier. With smart devices available so easly, and at reasonable prices, you can now get yourself a couple of them to bring your home up with the times. It’s not just great to stay in touch with the new way of life, but also great security-wise as well as proving to be energy efficient. Head on over to www.firstenergyhome.com and browse through their Smart Home catalogue to see for yourself.

  • The best ways to keep your carpets in good condition 

    The best ways to keep your carpets in good condition 

    Carpets are used in our homes to add beauty and color to them and make them look nicer overall.

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    Other than making our homes beautiful, carpets also give our homes a warm and homely feeling. With all that said, it’s important to note that carpets are high-maintenance. Also, carpets require a lot of deliberate work from owners to keep them in good condition. 

    Photo by Sina Saadatmand on Unsplash

    Carpets need to be maintained correctly for them to have a longer life span. In this article, we will be listing and discussing some tips to clean a carpet and maintain it so that it lasts longer. 

    How to maintain carpets

    Carpets, like any other material, have to be cleaned regularly to prevent damage. Certain techniques have to be used for the proper cleaning of carpets. We will be looking at tips to clean a carpet.

    Regular vacuuming

    Unlike tiles and floorboards, carpets require vacuuming to ensure proper removal of dirt from them. Because of the materials, they tend to gather and hold dust and dirt in them. Vacuuming your carpet helps to remove as much dust and dirt as possible from the carpet and clean it. If a broom or brush is used to clean carpets, it won’t be as effective as a vacuum. Doing this regularly will help to give the carpet a longer life span.

    Photo by Sven Brandsma on Unsplash

    Use vinegar and soda to clean

    Vinegar is a good cleaning agent that helps get tough stains off. It can also be used to clean off stains from carpets. When vinegar is used with soda, it becomes a double threat to stains. Vinegar used with soda serves as an excellent stain remover. It can be used to remove all manner of stains and spills from carpets. Apply the vinegar and soda mix to a cloth and use it to clean out the stain. 

    Using a carpet beater

    Vacuuming helps to remove dust and dirt to a large extent, but to increase the result, a carpet beater should be used. As the name implies, it is used to beat the carpet to remove settled dust and dirt particles from the rug. But this should be done outdoors to prevent the dust from settling on other surfaces in the house. And also make sure to cover your nose to prevent dust from entering your nose. This process helps to clean and also maintain the carpet in the long run.

    Clean out stains immediately

    Despite our best efforts, accidents tend to happen. A drink or beverage could accidentally get spilled on carpets, which stains them. The stains shouldn’t be left to settle before they are cleaned out of the carpets. The longer the stains are allowed to remain on the carpet, the harder it will be to remove them. Also, stains should not be scrubbed out; they should be blotted out or dabbed out. 

    This is to stop the stain from spreading to other parts of the carpet. Once anything that can stain the carpet is spilled on it, it should be removed immediately from the carpet. This is so that the stain doesn’t change the color, especially if it’s white. This will help to preserve the color of the carpet.

    Photo by Jennifer Latuperisa-Andresen on Unsplash

    Cleaning carpets regularly

    Just like we wash our clothes when they get dirty, carpets also need to be cleaned when they get dirty. Every carpet has a way of being cleaned. Not all carpets can be cleaned with water. Ensure you check the cleaning instructions before carrying out the cleaning process. But for those cleaned with water, they should be sun-dried to prevent them from smelling.

  • 5 Benefits of Taking a Loan

    5 Benefits of Taking a Loan

    Understanding personal loans is a good way to help you find the perfect lender.

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    Personal loans are helpful in many different situations but can come with high-interest rates or drastically influence your credit score.

    The benefits of a personal loan do outweigh the risks, especially if the loan is available at a good rate. Here we will discuss the benefits of taking out a personal loan.

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    Top 5 Advantages of Personal Loans

    1. Quick Money in the Bank

    Personal loans have a quick turnaround time after application – even as fast as 24 hours. Other loans, like home equity loans or car loans can take 3 – 4 weeks for processing. As a result, a personal loan is the best way to meet any urgent cash needs or cover unforeseen expenses.

    If you have a good credit history then lenders will not have any issues with approving your personal loan application. For more information on personal loans, go to lightningloans.com.au.

    2. No Collateral Damage

    You can apply for secured loans or unsecured loans. An unsecured personal loan means that you do not have to provide any collateral for the loan to be approved.

    This makes personal loans much easier to apply for than compared to other loans.

    You should note that because of the lack of collateral, most personal loans are much higher risk for lenders, therefore their interest rate tends to be higher to mitigate this risk. 

    3. Versatile Loans and Loan Terms

    Personal loan funds are incredibly versatile – you can apply for the loan no matter the reason. A single personal loan can also be used for various purposes, making it much less limited than other types of loans.

    Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

    This versatility is just one of the reasons why personal loans are increasing in popularity.

    4. Build Your Credit Score

    If you have a low credit score, or some credit card debt, then a personal loan is a great way to build your score.

    By taking out an affordable personal loan and repaying it on time, along with the pre-determined interest rate, your credit score will increase.

    Your loan amount should always be less than your salary to ensure you can repay it without incurring more debt. Setting up a monthly payment system will ensure you avoid falling deeper into debt.

    Personal loans can also be used to consolidate debt and pay off the debt on multiple credit card accounts.

    5. Minimal Documentation and Easy Application

    You can apply for personal loans online, with minimal documentation requirements. Application fees can be paid and all documents submitted through a lender’s website.

    The application process is also fairly easy and convenient. The applicant can decide on a loan term and amount to cover their expenses. 

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    The Best Reasons to Apply For a Personal Loan

    • You can use the loan to refinance existing debts and bring your credit card balances to zero.
    • Use the loan to finance a once-off big purchase, especially if the vendor does not accept credit cards.
    • Cover any unexpected expenses, like medical emergencies or vehicle repairs.
    • Finance your wedding with a loan.
    • Expand or start up a new business.
    • Make tax payments if you do not want to use your credit card.

    Is There a Tax Benefit on Personal Loan?

    Unlike with other loans, there is no tax benefit for personal loans. Exceptions can be made in certain cases, for example, if the loan is being used to purchase assets, used for business expansion, or applied to a home improvement project.

    Exceptions are depending on the case, and different terms and conditions may apply to different loans.

    Things to Keep in Mind When Going for a Personal Loan

    Now that you understand some of the benefits of personal loans, you should keep certain things in mind to select the best option for you.

    Photo by Isaac Smith on Unsplash

    You should ensure that the amount you are applying for is within your budget to make monthly payments. You should also thoroughly read through all terms and conditions before applying for the loan.

    It is important to shop around for lenders. Compare banks with fintech companies or private lenders. This will help you get the best interest rate to suit your budget.

    Final Thoughts

    No matter your financial situation, you can benefit from a personal loan. Although we only mentioned five benefits of these loans, there are plenty more that has made personal loans so popular.

    As long as you meet the basic qualifications and you are willing to apply for a smaller loan, the chances are good you will get your personal loan funds in no time.

  • Our Top 10 Lighting Tips and Tricks

    Our Top 10 Lighting Tips and Tricks

    Lights are important in every home to create a positive, welcoming ambience, but depending on how you use your lighting will make a difference to the atmosphere of your home.

    Photo by Etienne Girardet on Unsplash

    The way we use lighting in our home can change the mood and design. Beautiful large spacious rooms are as easily turned ugly with the wrong lighting, just as a small room is easily turned beautiful and cosy with good lighting. 

    Luckily, with the wide range of lights available nowadays, it is easier to change the mood and design of a room just by changing the shape and colour of the lighting. 

    For example, bright lights of white and blue make you feel more positive and energized, while dimmer lights of orange and yellow create a warm, relaxing mood in the room. 

    So if you’re looking to re-evaluate your lighting to make your home more comfortable, be sure to check out these 10 amazing tips beforehand. 

    1: Layer lighting

    Photo by Anne Nygård on Unsplash

    Create layers of lighting with a balance of ceiling, table, wall, and floor standing lights. 

    Using different heights creates an atmospheric mood while lighting every corner of the room. For example, in rooms with a hanging pendant or chandelier light as the main focus, use table lamps and arched standing lamps around the furniture to create character.

    2: Use dimmers

    Dimmers can instantly change the mood by the turn of a switch! 

    They are inexpensive, help to conserve energy, and allow you to change the brightness level by turning it up or down. They’re perfect in the evening for relaxing and romancing on the sofa or in bed. Change the mood in a flash by turning the lights down low.

    Photo by Anne Nygård on Unsplash

    3: Get a lampshade

    Lampshades don’t get enough credit! The right lampshade can add style and colour to any room.

    Use quality coloured lampshades like the ones from Dorval Lighting to match with home decor and create balance, or a white lampshade to maximize the light to make a room look brighter. 

    Dark coloured lampshades like red are perfect for creating a romantic atmosphere as it gives off a soft red glow from the light. 

    4: Light & art

    The combination of light and sculptural artwork looks stunning. Illuminating precious sculptures, paintings, or coloured glass forms is one way to get the attention of guests. 

    Photo by Xie Yujie Nick on Unsplash

    Place LED lights under, over, or behind works of art to create shadows, angels, and colours. The reflection from art is a trick used in museums and art galleries, but it can work at home too if you own forms of art.

    5: Lighting Direction

    Change the size of a room by using different lights facing in different directions. Uplighters are perfect for making a ceiling seem higher than it is, and side lamps make rooms feel wider, with one in each corner.

    6: Pot lights add space

    In rooms with no natural light, like hallways and stairs, use warm pot lights to add space. Pot lights are built-in from the ceiling, and the light reflects off the wall to create the illusion of more space.

    7: Don’t Hang Your Pendants Too High

    A pendant is supposed to be the focal lighting point of the room, so it should be visible and not hung close to the ceiling or too low to see around it. Aim for around 36 inches above your table or countertop.

    8: Natural Light

    Photo by Jean-Philippe Delberghe on Unsplash

    Make use of the natural light by using light coloured textures in your home to reflect the sunshine, and remove any objects or dark curtains that will block it. You want any light coming through the windows to reflect into all corners of the room.

    9: Change the mood with a candle

    Candles give off a light glow when used alone, and when used in bunches around a room, they can illuminate it and make it feel more relaxing, while scented candles can create an ambience for romance or wellbeing. 

    10: Mirrored light

    If you don’t have so much natural light in your home, you may want to invest in a few mirrors. Hanging mirrors opposite windows will amplify the glow to make rooms brighter until the sun goes down.

  • POPULAR TYPES OF FURNITURE FEET STYLES 

    POPULAR TYPES OF FURNITURE FEET STYLES 

    Furniture is available in various sizes, materials, colors, shapes, and stunning designs, adding a splash of elegance and charm to the surroundings.

    PPhoto by Nathan Oakley on Unsplash

    People are constantly looking for unique furniture to add to their homes, offices, porches, and other pivotal areas.

    Most people focus on the shape or material of their furniture, how it fits the room, and how many people can sit or lie down at one time. But have you ever noticed furniture feet? It is a small but highly sturdy base upon which an entire set of wood or metal table, sofa, bed, and other units stands.

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    There are numerous styles of feet to choose from. Here is the information about some fantastic ones.

    Ball foot

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    The ball foot design is a significant part of the global furniture market, with an increasing number of people opting for this design. It is the classic style foot of the furniture. The design consists of a simple spherical shape and dates back to the early 1600s, making it an invaluable antique variety. The classy style is mainly seen on case furniture pieces such as sideboards, chests, or secretaries. Onion and turnip feet are popular variations of this design.

    Arrow foot

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    A unique art form, the arrow foot style consists of a tapered cylindrical shape delicately separated from the leg by a beautiful turned ring. The arrow foot is often plain, even though the leg may sometimes contain various designs, carvings, or colors. You will also find a shorter, somewhat squat variation of this foot style in the market, referred to as the blunt-arrow feet design. It became popular during the 1800s and is commonly featured in furniture makers who love colonial-inspired designs.

    Block foot

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    Perhaps the most straightforward and basic foot design, the block foot is trendy among decorators choosing furniture for the office. Since the sixteenth century, the style has been around and was popular among American and British furniture makers. It consists of an unassuming cube, square-like shape, featuring prominently in neoclassical designs. It is also sometimes called a Marlborough foot as it is typically paired with the straight Marlborough legs.

    Bun foot

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    A bun foot is among the most sought-after furniture feet styles these days, with more and more people opting for this particular design for their sofas, beds, and other pieces. It incorporates a disc-like or spherical shape, resembling a squat version of the ball foot style with a flattened top and wider bottom. The design is used widely on beds, sofas, coffee tables, and sideboards, among other things.

    Some furniture makers are now creating unique variations of this foot style by adding squares, tapers, and other elements, depending on the intended furniture piece.

    Ball and claw foot

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    One of the most stunning foot styles to behold, the ball and claw foot is designed to represent a bird claw tightly gripping a ball accurately. These styles are most often found in hand-carved wood furniture and are very common on stools or tables. Some manufacturers modify the design to feature a metal claw gripping a crystal clear glass ball. Either way, people have increasingly used this style since it was first introduced in the 1700s.

    Bracket foot

    As the name suggests, bracket foot resembles a bracket and is among the most subtle and straightforward foot variations. It generally features corner embellishments and is occasionally referred to as a console leg. Variations made to the plain bracket foot style range from ogee brackets to scrolled ones with a delicately curved outer edge.

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    You can also choose offbeat variations such as Dolphin, spadefoot, toupie, and whorl foot. If you buy from reputable furniture makers, they can customize foot styles as per your taste, making your pieces unique to your home.