Gardens can send house prices soaring. Not only this, but they can be characterful inflections of a property, too, serving up a delightful first impression for many prospective buyers. 

Photo by Look Up Look Down Photography on Unsplash

After all, the very presence of a garden can be a selling point these days. Last year, it was highly recommended to make a garden look nice so that a property can be more easily sold. Not only this, but access to green spaces topped search priorities for what people wanted in their next home. 

There is a real yearning for lush garden spaces nationwide today. Whether you are looking to sell now, imminently, or in the far-off future, now is the perfect time to start thinking about your outdoor areas as profitable additions to your property. 

Of course, homes go off the market much faster if they have a ‘wow’ factor. You need to look beyond basic garden maintenance here. Keep reading to see how you can implement these variables into your garden. 

Use Hedgerows as a Security Feature

Gardens commonly feature high fences or towering brick walls. While effective in their use, they can also be dreadful to look upon, which could deter prospective buyers from making an offer. 

Fortunately, there is a way to both safeguard your property and make the perimeter appealing. Installing tall hedgerows around the borders of your garden may be the solution. For example, these additions can: 

• Be so thick that trespassers could never hope to pass through. 
• Sometimes be a way of detecting disturbances should you hear any rustling. 
• Give shelter to creatures such as birds or even serve as their home. They can also be a source of food for some bugs. 
• Communicate your want for privacy without being too telling about it. After all, tall security fences may indicate to burglars that riches and rewards await on the other side. Alternatively, hedgerows will block their views entirely and may rise taller than your average fence or wall too. 

There is an appeal in a property that can be both stylish and practical in equal measure. Hedgerows in your garden can have that effect. Their presence may also indicate to potential buyers that the previous owner was savvy and efficient, which bodes well for the rest of their viewing. 

Have a Theme in Place

Gardens can benefit from having a particular look about them. Striving for a specific theme can help your outdoor areas seem well organised and more lovingly created. 

There are many exciting routes you could explore here. You could create something akin to a tropical paradise or perhaps create a zen outdoor area with Japanese influences. Experiment with foliage, colour schemes, or even pond life to bring a unique sense of appeal to the space. 

Try not to worry about any choices polarising prospective buyers. Remember that you’re showing them the potential of the space and that they can incorporate their own ideas after you have gone. Ultimately, your level of creativity could inspire the viewer’s own. 

Create Social Spaces 

Gardens aren’t just places for plants, dirt, and greenhouses. They can also be charming areas where anything from humble gatherings to full-blown parties are ably hosted. 

You could create a quaint little seating area with cosy and comfortable outdoor furniture. However, some buyers only pay attention to maintaining these purchases on the first day, so be sure to maintain everything over time. Remember, it’s all frequently exposed to the elements, and a good clean wouldn’t go amiss. 

Additionally, it may be worth incorporating barbecues or even bars into the space. After that, shroud the area with some twinkling fairy lights and lush plant life, and you’ll have a cosy den for you and your guests to enjoy. All of this can sit on a perfect patio area as well, so be sure to get creative and field all your options. 

Feature a Veranda 

Of course, the problem with outdoor social settings is that you are exposed to things like wind and rain. However, this may not always be necessary. 

Verandas are a great addition to a garden space, serving as glass patio roof structures. They can overhang your seating areas and protect them from things like water damage or strong wind gusts from overturning expensive items. In that regard, they can be a cost-effective inclusion, as they will reduce the need for repairs and replacements. For all of these reasons, they can boost the value of your property considerably. 

Companies like Nationwide LTD have a selection of verandas for you to browse at your leisure. Here, you have access to a range of shading solutions and options for additional heating or lighting. They can generally be installed in one day, and you can kickstart the process with a free no-obligation consultation. Take your time and consult the experts as you go through your many options. 

Convert Your Shed

Sheds can be a bother for a property owner who isn’t very DIY oriented. It can essentially become a room that houses spiders and causes unused tools to gather dust. 

Why not turn your shed into something more exciting? For instance, some influencers have even converted their sheds into quirky cocktail bars, injecting a whole new type of tone and character into their property. It’s undoubtedly somewhat original and could make your green spaces far more dynamic. 

Even if the next owner isn’t a fan of cocktails, changes such as these can still spark their imaginations. If a shed can become a cocktail bar, what else could it become? A study? A gaming area? Getting the ball rolling on their imagination can be enough to make property viewers put down a deposit. 

Repurpose Items

Rustic gardens often reuse certain items. Doing this can create an air of charming efficiency. 

Multiple ideas can excite you here. You could:

• Feature old ladders as outdoor shelving units. 
• Turn tyres, teapots, pans, and draws into makeshift plant pots. 
• Use worn down window frames as stands for succulent flowers.
• Transform a wooden pallet into a DIY coffee table. 
• Place a mirror in the garden to create a space that feels lighter and more spacious.

These are just a few ideas that people use to develop a delightful garden space. There are dozens of more ideas, too, so be sure to do some independent research so that you can decide what ideas work best for you. Be sure that other members of your household are okay with your arrangements, too, especially if certain belongings are shared or cherished by others. 

Highlight Growth

The options raised so far could be considered to be quite stylish. However, some people prefer their gardens to be more practical spaces, and that’s fair as well. 

Instead of simply planting an array of pretty in-season flowers, why not grow something more ambitious? The addition of a greenhouse in your garden can give you the perfect conditions to grow more delicate vegetables at your leisure.

Additionally, thanks to features such as temperature control, you can also feasibly grow plants and vegetables all year round with few worries about weather patterns. The flexibility factor can be highly appealing for other greenhouse enthusiasts too. 

Each iteration of a greenhouse can be slick aesthetically too. They can be small and cutesy or elaborate and sophisticated. Either avenue will still give you a resourceful addition to your garden and open up more possibilities of what people can get up to with the space. 

Flooring is a crucial design element of your home that sets the tone for the overall interior decor. It is the base of any house project, and ties different spaces together and creates coherence in design. 

Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

As a house owner, you have several options while selecting flooring for your house. One of the popular options available today is parquet flooring. Here is some important information about this flooring type. 

What Is Parquet Wood Flooring? 

Parquet refers to creating a geometric mosaic of wood pieces to achieve a decorative effect in flooring. The patterns can have different geometrical shapes like triangles, squares, and lozenges, but they do not have any curves.

Now that you know what parquet wood flooring is, here are some reasons why investing in parquet flooring for your home is worth it. 

Appealing Looks

Parquet flooring has sophisticated looks that can match any style, taste, and lifestyle. Some of the wooden floorings created with this method are true pieces of art. 

The most popular example of parquet wooden flooring is Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors. When King Louis XIV installed this hardwood flooring, it became a rage, and it has been sought-after ever since.  

Since wood pieces are used to create patterns, there is no limit to your creativity, and you can just choose the pattern that brings all the best elements of the room together.

Whether you install this flooring in your kitchen, bedroom, or living room, you can always use it to create a classic appearance and enhance your house’s style and aesthetic appeal. 

Easy to Clean

Wooden flooring is easy to clean. In most scenarios, routine sweeping and mopping are enough to keep them in good shape. If there is a spill on the floor, wipe it, and you are done. Parquet wooden flooring does not absorb stains or odours easily like other floorings. 

Durable 

Parquet flooring is highly durable and may last longer with proper care. It shows very little wear and tear in everyday use. Since the flooring is made of hardwood, it generally has a long lifespan and easily lasts for fifty years or more. 

Allergen-Free

If you are looking for allergen-free flooring, parquet is your best bet. Unlike other floorings that trap allergens, hardwood does not hold on to allergens. This type of flooring is ideal for pet owners, as it doesn’t hold pet furs, dander, allergens, and other impurities. It is also easy to clean them off.

Budget-Friendly 

Parquet wooden friendly can fit in almost any budget. With parquet, you have choices of different hardwoods for the wooden blocks, and a variety of patterns and finishes to choose from. Therefore, you are free to pick the one that best suits your needs and budget.

Easy Maintenance

Every type of flooring is prone to damage, and parquet is no exception. Each type of flooring has a certain lifespan, and it develops cracks, scratches, stains during everyday use. 

Unlike other floorings, repairing hardwood floors is much easier and less expensive. Resurfacing is a convenient option that keeps maintenance costs low. In most cases, you don’t even need to replace parquet flooring fully, and resurfacing is enough to remove any stains, scratches, and cracks on the flooring. 

Hardwood flooring can be resurfaced several times before it needs to be replaced entirely. Unlike other options, you can always replace a damaged piece of wood to maintain aesthetic appeal.

 Increases the Value of Your Home

Hardwood floors have their perks, and they enhance the value of the home for potential buyers. Many buyers appreciate homes with wooden flooring as they are easy to clean and maintain sophisticated looks. 

These floors also complement different types of furnishings, and the buyer need not make changes in the flooring or invest in new furnishings to match the décor with the flooring. 

According to real estate experts, hardwood flooring is a unique selling point in real estate dealings, and many buyers are specifically interested in homes with parquet. 

Such real estate properties can fetch a reasonable price as buyers will be more willing to spend more on exclusive design features. Also, hardwood flooring is versatile, and it appeals to a broader audience, meaning you will have many prospective buyers lining up to buy your home when you list it for sale. 

Environmentally Friendly

Hardwood flooring is environmentally friendly as it is obtained from sustainable sources. According to the US Forest Service research, more timber is planted in the wild and in plantations than is consumed by different industries. 

A study shows that young trees consume more carbon dioxide than older trees and that new plantations help reduce carbon footprint. 

Choosing the right floor paint or treatment is as important as the preparation for the treatment of the floor.

Photo by Steven Ungermann on Unsplash

Your choice should be based on the type of floor surface, space use, and aesthetic preference. You don’t want to spend your time and money to coat your floor, only for it to peel up or bubble after a short period. It is good to test the features of the floor beforehand and follow the correct application process to treat your floor in the best way possible. Check out these considerations for selecting the right floor paint.

What is the type of your flooring?

The type of floor or material, whether wood, concrete, or tile, dictates the type of floor paint you choose. For example, enamel floor finishes are very vulnerable to moisture and not suitable for concrete floors. However, not all concrete is created similarly, so you also need to consider its structural soundness density and age. 

The best thing is to have a professional do a moisture test on the floor beforehand since some excess water vapor can damage some floor coatings. It is also nice to keep in mind any floor treatments done on the floor in the past. Note that remnants of previous coatings applied on the floor could impact the application of new floor paint.

Keep in mind the demands of the floor surface.

Depending on your lifestyle, some parts of your floor take daily stresses and abuse over the years. Consider heavy foot traffic, frequent spills, high moisture levels, exposure to sunlight, movement of heavy items, abrasive cleaners, and even chemical spills. 

You need to know which stress or abuse you want to protect your floor against to make an informed choice of the right floor paint. That is why it is necessary to consult with a flooring specialist to ensure that all the factors are considered when selecting a floor paint.

Prep the floor surface appropriately.

Prepping the surface is vital to ensure the adhesion of the floor paint or coating. For instance, mechanical means such as sanding or milling can prepare concrete floors. Leveling the surface is also essential and leave the pores open to identify any cracks and holes. Rough surfaces need to be treated and cracks repaired.

After that, pressure washing and vacuuming the floor eliminates any stains and dirt so that the floor paint will adhere well. It is necessary to apply a primer that acts as the base and moisture regulating bridge before applying the final coat.

Engage a flooring expert

Unlike other paintings, floor painting can be a bit intricate and requires an expert application. After all, you don’t want to waste your time and resources. Floor paints do not work like other types of paints and may require various techniques of application. So enlisting the help of a flooring expert is good to save you time and get quality services.

The final words

It is crucial to evaluate the floor beforehand, including the material and its condition to understand the attention it requires before the new floor paint application. Moisture is the floor’s biggest enemy, and a vapor barrier is necessary before applying the floor paint.

What is the first thing that your guests notice when they enter your home? Is it your living space with its expensive sofas or the paintings that adorn the wall?

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No! Before all of that comes the first and the most basic element of your house- the door! Impressive Italian design doors can set the tone for the rest of the décor and can give your home a dignified appeal. Maybe Mexican style doors are your kind of thing, whatever the style, 
there’s a door for you.

If you are living in a multi-storied housing society where all the flats are nearly identical, then the door can actually help you stand out. But what qualifies as a classy door, and how to ensure one gets the trendiest design? Well, you have to find the right style of entry door to make your home entrance pop!

Worry not! If you have been planning to upgrade your home, here is the curation of the best door designs for every need:

The Solid Wooden Designs

Today, be it home or clothing, people are looking for sustainable and practical design options. The Solid wood style is an exact fit in that category. Conceptualized by a famous designer, this style reflects harmony in every sphere. 

While the look is minimalist, the aesthetic appeal of the door makes it stand out in its own way. The door is also highly functional, making it a great choice both for residential and commercial setups. These doors also offer the maximum security

The Frameless Style

If you want to draw in elements from the exterior to the interior or if you want to let in maximum natural light, then the frameless glass door styles are a great match for you. The hinges are of reduced size and barely noticeable, helping you take in maximum natural light without any hindrance.

 Since these doors are completely frameless and full height, you can use them as a partition between spaces indoors. Or you can also use them in the parts of your house that face the porch or the lawn.

The Orient Inspired Styles

Oriental styles are always popular when it comes to home decor. But using these styles for the doors is a wholly new concept. Designs such as the Mysore and the Delhi style boast of lightness yet elegant beauty that characterize oriental designs. You could use these doors in any of your inner spaces and make them the focal point of your design.

The Metal Doors

Are you looking for maximum security without compromising on the looks of your door?

Then the latest black metal doors from the leading Italian brands are just what you need. Made keeping the security aspect in mind, these doors go through several rounds of checks to ensure that they offer maximum protection. However, unlike the regular metal doors, their designs are equally eye-catching.

You can use them as your front door, or you can use them in any space where you require maximum security. You can also incorporate highly sophisticated locks into these doors for added protection.

While these are just the most popular ones, a blend of wood and glass and aluminum glass are some of the other options you can try out. Find your ideal match today and give your home a stylish upgrade. 

Wigs are an easier way for women to achieve an amazing look or change their hairstyle. If you want to see yourself in a long hairstyle, it’s possible even when you have cut your natural hair.

Photo by Alana Mediavilla on Unsplash

Amazingly, there are different types of wigs available in the market to cater to different women’s needs.

Hair wigs vary in length, color, design, and density. The wig design determines the method of sewing in the wig on your head. Though some wigs are designed with a complete headband, others come with a frontal lace to cover the area around the ears. Some manufacturers also have wigs with an entire lace to cover the head.

Lace wigs are loved by women because most of them are light and hence make one feel more comfortable than when wearing the traditional wigs. One of the popular lace wigs is the 13×4 lace front wig. However, some women still prefer the 13 x 6, 10 x 4, and 4 x 4 lace front wigs as the option.

When we talk of a 13 x 4 lace front wig, we are referring to a wig that’s worn at the front of your head. The figures represent measurements of the length and width respectively in inches. The wig is decent and is highly durable. These wigs can be straight or curly and also varies in color.

If you are looking for a wig that gives you a stunning look, it would be best if you tried the 13×4 lace wigs. This wig has a natural hairline making it hard for someone to notice it when worn. Many women love it because it’s convenient to wear and affordable at the same time.

Why Wearing a 13 X 4 Lace Wig is great.

No one would love to buy a wig or a weave that doesn’t add value to their beauty. That’s why most women are preferring to buy human hair wigs. Here are the main reasons why women love 13 x 4 lace wigs:

1. Comfortable to Wear.

Comfort is a key factor whenever you want to buy a wig. The frontal closure wig is made of high-quality material. This material feels comfortable when wearing the wig. Anyone yearning to be in an amazing glueless wig with a machine-made cap, this is the wig to buy.

Nowadays, these wigs are designed with strong adjustable straps to ensure they stay in place for long hours.

2. Natural Appearance.

The 13 x 4 lace front wig made from human hair is tangle-free and comes in natural finishing. Unlike synthetic wigs, these wigs have a natural shiny appearance and cover your head the same as your natural hair. When you wear this wig, it conveniently covers the forehead and ears making it hard for your friends to notice you are in a wig.

Since no one wants to buy a wig that will give her a ‘bad hair day’, it is good to consider this wig to achieve a natural look.

3. Affordability.

Though it’s sometimes said that cheap is expensive, you are certain of a durable wig at a friendly price when you choose to buy a 13 x 4 lace front wig. It’s cheaper than most lace wigs but the low price doesn’t compromise its superior quality. Some expensive wigs are only affordable by the wealthy class but anyone can purchase this wig without draining the accounts. Being a real human hair wig, it’s expensive than the traditional synthetic wigs but it’s always worth its price.

4. High Versatility.

No woman wants to be in a single hairstyle from Monday to Sunday. The use of 13 x 4 lace wigs makes it possible to achieve different hairstyles as you wish. With a single wig, you can set your hair into varying styles without going to a hairdresser. For example, you can leave the wig to flare freely just like your natural hair, or keep it at the back depending on your preference.

You can be in two or three different styles on the same day depending on the occasions you attend. This wig is a great option if you love to go partying after a day’s long activities at the office. Changing the hairstyle to suit the occasion is easy and convenient. In addition to partying, you can change your hairstyle to suit a birthday, wedding, or vacation to the beaches.

5. High Breathability.

A good wig has a high density to ensure that you don’t use any human hair bundles to achieve a lovely appearance with a wig. However, if it’s not well ventilated. Breathability ensures that your natural scalp will breathe to avoid a bad smell coming out of it. It has better breathability than the wigs with lace closures. You can wear this wig for several hours without sweating because of its high breathability. Low breathability will cause discomfort when wearing it and makes the weave have an odor especially when it’s hot. 

6. Durability.

Whenever purchasing an item, someone will love to know how long it’s going to serve him or her. For human hair 13 x 4 lace front wigs, they can serve you for a couple of years before you buy another wig. The most important is to take good care of these hairpieces. If you buy a high-definition wig of this type, it can serve you for up to ten years depending on how you use and care for it.

Conclusion.

Beauty is part of nature and it requires a lot of attention to be maintained high. And because women have shown a special love for wigs as a way of maintaining their head’s great appearance, choosing the best wig is a priority.

The 13 x 4 lace front wig gives a woman a natural hairline and exceptional comfort. Fortunately, we have researched to help you understand why women love this type of wig. With the above-mentioned benefits, you also have a reason to buy this wig to enhance your beauty. If you are a man, you now understand why you should buy your girlfriend this wig as a birthday gift! Get one from reliable beauty shops and you’ll love it forever.

Many homeowners will eventually require the services of a professional plumber.

Photo by James Yarema on Unsplash

Whether you need a plumber to unclog a sink, repair a leak, or complete a basement rough-in, having a good working relationship with a local provider is always advantageous.

This article discusses questions to ask before hiring a plumber to guarantee you hire the correct professional, whether you need someone to repair a broken faucet fast or a skilled crew to rebuild your mainline.

1. Are You A Licensed Contractor?

The first thing you should inquire about is a plumber’s licensing. Their license demonstrates that they can handle any plumbing project that comes their way. Plumbers with sufficient experience must pass a government-mandated exam to get certified as county, regional, or state plumbers. Licensed plumbers can stay current on building codes by passing annual re-certification tests, ensuring that you get a plumber who is familiar with current construction standards. Use a reliable licensed plumbers directory to check if your plumber is licensed or not.

Not only could your plumbing job violate municipal, state, and national building codes, it could also be unlawful if you lack the necessary license. Unlicensed plumbers cannot obtain the required permits for specific plumbing jobs, rendering your project illegal and perhaps subject to fines or closure.

2. Are You Protected Against Harm?

Every day, errors occur. Regrettably, plumbing errors may be rather costly. You can avoid liabilities by ensuring that the plumber you select is insured. Inquire about their insurance coverage, bonding, and builder’s risk coverage. A plumber who is fully insured will assume the risk on your behalf. 

You will not be held liable for any damage that occurs to your property while they are working on it. Hiring a plumber with appropriate insurance can avoid incurring unexpected expenditures whenever someone happened to have an accident on your premises.

3. How Much Does It Cost In Total?

Before hiring the first plumber, you speak with, obtain at least three written estimates. The majority of plumbers will provide you with an on-site price after physically inspecting the task. While many services, such as water heater installation, are straightforward to price, you should obtain a written quotation. A reputable plumber will provide written estimates without hesitation, and documentation is your ally. 

When poring over the estimate, be careful to inquire whether the amount provided represents the total cost. The total cost of all components and labor should be included. Discuss any potential issues that may arise and the accompanying expenditures in the event of an unforeseen event.

4. What Credentials And References Do You Have?

A licensed plumber possesses a wealth of information and expertise. Without at least three to five strong references from contactable clients, a plumber is unlikely to have the experience necessary to do specific plumbing work correctly. Always check references in person before accepting any bids or signing any contracts.

Along with references, qualifications can be critical. While credentials may not always suggest superior craftsmanship, they demonstrate a devotion to their craft and confirm that they are informed about modern construction processes and procedures and efficient in their job. 

5. When Is Payment Required?

The date on which you pay is just as critical as the amount paid. If your plumber expects payment in full upon arrival, evict him. Payment should be partial until the work is finished. Numerous plumbers will bill you for their services, allowing you additional time to pay before the final amount is due. 

Typically, a down payment is given following the initial servicing visit, and the remaining balance is paid over a specified period. Not all plumbing firms operate similarly, so be careful to inquire about your plumber’s charging policy in advance.

6. Are You Willing To Provide A Warranty For Your Product?

Before hiring a plumber, confirm that a warranty protects their work. Is their work guaranteed to be of a high standard? What if you discover a plumbing issue after they’ve departed? Consider securing a guarantee from the company that they will return to finish the job. 

The majority of businesses give a 30-day money-back guarantee. Confirm the term of the warranty. Otherwise, if you do not contact the plumber promptly, you risk forfeiting the plumber’s assurance. Use this checklist to aid you in selecting a plumber if they do not offer a guarantee. If you hire a plumber that promotes work assurance, you are covered if the plumber does not perform comprehensive service.

7. How Should I Contact You?

It’s a simple question, but one that only occurs to you when you’re in a bind. While some contractors are old-fashioned and prefer phone calls, others are technologically sophisticated. Determine whether they are easily accessible and what the best times to contact them are.

Takeaway

Do not panic if you discover a plumbing issue in your home. While locating a reputable and qualified plumber is not always straightforward, it is possible with the assistance of a few essential inquiries. Once you ask the questions listed above, you can rest assured that you are receiving dependable and competent plumbing services at a reasonable price.

When you are choosing a new paint colour for your home, there are plenty of tough decisions to make.

Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash

From choosing the actual colour, choosing the brand, choosing your painting contractor if you are hiring one, and deciding whether or not to paint ceilings and trim, you could spend weeks making the perfect decision for your paint job. On top of that, many people are conscious of price and the environmental impacts of their choices. 

The products that we bring into our homes make an impact on the environment, our families, and our lives, and we want to make sure that these products are safe for us to interact with every day. Paint is definitely one of those products! If you are choosing new paint for your home and are interested in making a more eco-friendly choice, below we will list 9 of the best eco-friendly paint choices. 

First: what qualities do eco-friendly paints have? Any paint, finish, or lacquer that is labelled as eco-friendly means that the product does not contain chemicals or gases that can contaminate the air in your home. These low level toxic emissions are also known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and they slowly contaminate the air over time. For some people, VOCs can cause health complications such as dizziness, headaches, and respiratory issues. VOCs are more dangerous indoors than outdoors, and the effects are severely heightened when paint stripping products are used. The good news is that these symptoms can be avoided! 

While some people use potted plants or air purifiers to cleanse the air in their homes, there are ways to avoid VOCs altogether from the start. Below are some of our favourite eco-friendly and VOC free paints that are sure to brighten up your home while keeping your family safe and healthy. 

1. The Real Milk Paint Co.
   Have you heard of milk paint? This is a healthier alternative to water or oil based paints that are made from organic milk protein. The result is a biodegradable and safe paint that is VOC and odor free. Real Milk Paint Co. has a variety of colours, and even has loose pigments that you can use to create your own custom colour.
   
2. Clare Paint
   This option is great for those who like the convenience of shopping online, while also getting an environmentally friendly product. Clare paint is great for trim, and each colour is specially chosen by a team of designers. All of their products are 100% VOC free and Greenguard Gold Certified, and they use low waste production and packaging methods. Clare paints even offer colour swatches and a colour quiz to help you choose your favourite colour.
   
3. Backdrop
   Backdrop paints offers over 50 colours, and their climate-neutral company boasts Green Wise certification, low odor, and recyclable packaging. While they offer both interior and exterior paints, it is their exterior line that really stands out. You can even purchase an entire painting essentials kit from the company that comes with all of the tools you need to get the job done yourself.
   
4. ECOS Paint
   This brand of paint is made in the USA, and is completely VOC and odor free. Not only do they have a wide selection of organic interior and exterior paints, each paint offers a complete ingredient list. ECOS paints have been used at the Louvre and Westminster Abbey, and they offer a quality product that the professionals trust.
   
5. Behr Premium Plus
   If you hate applying coat after coat of paint, you’ll love the 2-in-1 paint and primer product offered by Behr. It is VOC free and Greenguard Gold Certified, and very affordable compared to similar products. You can find this product as well as their scuff free options in many hardware stores.
   
6. Earth Pigments
   If you are looking for rich and earthy tones for your home, Earth Pigments offer beautiful colours made from ocher, natural mica, and bright oxide pigments. These natural pigments are sustainably harvested from the earth, and are very safe for household use. These paints do require an extra step of mixing the pigments with additional products, but the extra effort is worth the end result. 

7. Sherwin-Williams Harmony
   The SW Harmony line is truly special as it is both VOC free and helps to reduce the emissions from other household products! The innovative technology in this paint works to purify the air in your home and reduce toxic air produced by paint, mold, mildew, and pet odors. You will find this product in many schools and is highly rated for use around children.
   
8. Benjamin Moore Eco Spec
   Benjamin Moore is proud of their Eco Spec line, which comes as a primer, and in flat, eggshell, and semi-gloss finishes. This product is rated as asthma and allergy friendly, and it is available widely in hardware stores. By the way, the Eco Spec line comes in over 3,000 colours – the entire range of Benjamin Moore colours – and can even be colour matched!
   
9. Homestead House
   If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly business that is also family-oriented, Homestead House paints is a family run business that operates in the Greater Toronto Area. They take a holistic approach to sustainability and offer great quality local products. All products are sourced within Canada, and they even recycle 100% of their waste water!

Now that you have 9 options for an eco-friendly fresh coat of paint on your home, you are all set to choose some colours and brighten up your space. If you would like help choosing the best product for your home, or you need help from a professional team of house painters to get the job done, contact us today! 

Are you dreaming about a career in design?

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Whether you already have a certain level of skills or are a beginner, the good news is that you can master this profession and land your dream job in the near future. All you need is a bit of motivation and a good plan of action. And, we are here to help you get on the right track!

If you’ve been wondering how to become a designer even if you have no work experience, in this article, we will share with you a number of handy tips that should help you master this profession and jump-start your design career.

1. Pursue Formal Education

Different employers have different demands for their potential employees. Therefore, in general, it is possible to land an interview and get hired even if you only have a high school diploma and no additional training. Nevertheless, it is good to pursue some education in order to simplify your job search in the future. Besides, it will give you the so-needed grounding in design theory and practice.

What options do you have here? Basically, there are two ways you can pursue education. The most obvious way is to go to college and get a degree. However, not everyone can afford to spend three years on studies, which is why taking some offline or online courses is also an option.

2. Create a Solid Resume

If you want to land a job, first of all, you need to take care of acquiring the key skills. But, next, you should craft a winning resume that will get you employed. So, the next tip on our list is to really focus on the creation of your resume.

Crafting a bot-beating resume for such a creative job is much different from writing it for any other profession. A good resume that will help you get more interviews should display all your strong sides. It should highlight your accomplishments, skills, and work experience. At the same time, it should show your creativity, but still look professional.

Pro Tip: In case you are new to the job market, don’t hesitate to get professional help. You can entrust this matter to a professional career advice expert from SkillHub and get a flawless resume that will engage and impress recruiters. This way, you will have a guarantee that your job application will be noticed.

3. Master Relevant Software

Such occupations as design always require individuals to use a variety of job-specific tools. So, our next tip for you is to put enough effort and time to master the software you will be using in your job.

What tools you might need? The number of special design software is rather large. Some of the most popular tools include Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. You can start by mastering these tools and then expand your toolkit as you progress in your career.

4. Get a Freelance or Online Job

One of the biggest concerns most beginner designers face is the lack of professional experience and this factor often holds them back from applying to jobs. Indeed, many employers want to hire humans who already have the needed level of qualification. However, who says you can’t start acquiring the needed experiences right now?

The easiest way to brush up on your design skills and gain more practice is to find a freelance or online job. This tip will especially come in handy while you are still acquiring your degree as it will let you gain some experience without giving up on your studies.

5. Network

Our next tip may not sound very obvious to some of you. When you start wondering about how to become a designer, you typically think about pursuing relevant education and gaining experience. But, networking is also an important part of success.

By networking with other specialists from your career field you can not only gain lots of valuable insights and advice but also broaden your horizons. After all, you never know where your next big opportunity will come from.

6. Build Up Your Online Presence

In the 21st century, online presence and personal brand play a huge role in professional success, especially when you have a creative job. Thus, our next tip on how to become a designer is to start building your online presence early on.

How to do this? There are plenty of opportunities that you can use. For example, you can create a personal website or portfolio. Also, you can consider sharing your works on different social media. The key thing is to be consistent so that your online presence could grow larger.

7. Benefit From Award Schemes

As a beginner designer, your core goal is to get your works out there and get them noticed. So, here comes our last tip – don’t be afraid to submit your work to various contests and awards.

First of all, this is a great opportunity to take your skills to the next level and get even more practice. Secondly, it is a great way to get noticed as a professional. And, lastly, even if you won’t get a job offer right after receiving an award, be sure that it will look great on your future applications.

The Bottom Line

When you are planning to start a career, whether in design or any other field, there are always plenty of things to consider and to take care of before you can go on and apply to your dream job. Often, this transition point is associated with a large number of issues, doubts, and concerns. But, now, you have an actionable plan with handy tips that work.

Hopefully, the tips from this article will help you become a designer with ease. And, in conclusion, there is just one more tip that we have for you – always keep going forward! No matter how hard or time-consuming your path to the dream career will be, if you keep moving forward and don’t lose motivation, you will eventually succeed!