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  • Excellent Tips For Modern Residential Architecture To Make Them Look Elegant

    Excellent Tips For Modern Residential Architecture To Make Them Look Elegant

    Today, many people are having a dream of making a modern house so that they can have a better and stylish living different from their traditional living. The modern houses should be designed in a way that they look stylish, elegant and attractive both from the interior side as well as the exterior side.

    Architectures Ideas has brought for you some important tips that you must follow in order to have the perfect modern residential architecture that you want. Just have a look at them.

    Have a Simple Floor Plan

    The floor plan of your house should be simple and straight forward for you and your architect to understand. If you have a complex floor plan then it may confuse you and you may not get what you actually want.

    Have proper and clear discussions with your architect about what you actually want to build. Know the desires of your family members too and accordingly make the floor plan simple.

    Have Interiors with Neutral Color Palette

    The modern interiors generally are light and airy. The spaces of the modern residential architecture are clean and fresh with a heavy dose of natural daylight. The paint colors generally consist of the neutral and light colors having the few accents. The outside views tend to play a prominent role in selecting the interior color palette.

    If you want to have a modern look to your interiors then stick to a light color palette. The right color palette will definitely depend on your personal tastes, artwork, and furnishings. The whites and greys are a good choice and it goes nicely with many modern materials.

    Exterior Color Also Matters!

    You can also add bright and bold accent color if you’d like but make sure that the color is well balanced in space. In the modern homes, there are generally larger windows so the color selection also goes with the outside views too. For example, let’s say that you are having a forest view outside then you may have to pull out the green color to suit your interiors in the best way.

    In the exterior, the colors are dictated by the material selection of the siding. Many modern homes have the white, black and grey colors on the outer side.
    Be Perfect in Choosing the Right Accessories, Furnishings, and Fixtures

    If you want to have the perfect modern home then you ought to have the right accessories and furniture for your house that match up with the style of your interior. The modern homes are simple and clean so don’t have too many accessories that the house starts looking very complex.

    Everything should be proper and nothing should be in excess. Everything in modern homes should be located properly and should be intentionally aligned. The windows, furniture, bathroom accessories should match up with the style of your new modern house and you shouldn’t be too fringy with it.

    You should pay close attention to all the products that you select and make sure that all the items are simple and modern. Have a look at the below-given list of items that you should keep in mind while buying the accessories for your house.

    • Light fixtures
    • Laundry and Kitchen appliances
    • Plumbing fixtures
    • Mechanical registers/vents
    • Bathroom accessories like racks, holders and towel rods
    • Hardware like cabinet hardware and door pulls
    • Furniture and home décor

    Make it Simple, Clean and Hassle-free

    The modern houses have the particular trait that they are simple, neat and clean. They don’t have too many items getting stored and so it looks very simple. One thing you should definitely keep in mind that you should be intentional with the storage space and manage it very carefully.

    Have only the items that are truly required and don’t stuff too many items such that your new modern home looks very much complicated. If you plan properly and make proper cabinets for storing the items then you will be able to store even more items and still make it look decent and attractive.

    So, these were the tips that you should keep in mind while making the new modern residential architecture. Follow these tips out and we ensure you will have a wonderful modern house for living.

  • Ways to Get Your Mortgage Preapproval Revoked

    Ways to Get Your Mortgage Preapproval Revoked

    Getting a San Antonio Real Estate mortgage pre-approval is an initial step towards homeownership.  Once you are pre-approved, you can confidently start looking for the perfect home. But with all the excitement, don’t forget that you still don’t have the physical money on your hands just yet.  There are situations when your mortgage preapproval can be revoked by the lender. Here are some of them:

    1.    Changing jobs

    It is common to change jobs in your entire life but if you change jobs more often, it sends a strong signal to the lender that you might not be creditworthy. Keep in mind that your employment status is one of the most important criteria that impact your loan. When you keep on switching jobs especially with the different line of work, it will be very hard to convince the lender that you will have a steady source of income to pay for the loan.

    1.    Taking additional loans.

    Another way to have your Texas Hills Real Estate mortgage application denied is by taking an additional debt before closing a sale. Now that you know how many loans you can get from a mortgage, it can be tempting to acquire another loan for different purposes (say a car loan or a personal loan). But doing so can get your mortgage approval in disarray. Remember that your final loan will be determined by your credit score. If your credit score will go lower because you acquired additional loans, you might be denied the mortgage.

    1.    Making large deposits on your account

    The lenders will check how much money you have in your savings account. This is to make sure that you have a standing fund that you can use to pay for the down payment plus other expenses. It can also serve as a proof that you have a steady source of income that you can use to pay your monthly loan. If you will make a one-time huge deposit on your account, it will look suspicious for the lenders. Be sure to explain to the lender why you made the deposit in writing. You also need to prepare a document as to the source of the money you use for the deposit.

    1.    Getting divorced.

    If you applied for a mortgage with your spouse, the pre-approval will only continue if your relationship remains intact. You need to stay married when you buy your home. If things didn’t work out with your relationship, the mortgage can be canceled. This is because the lender assessed your qualification as a partner, not an individual. When you become separated, your financial situation can change. Though you can still be qualified for a loan when you become single, the mortgage terms you can get will definitely be smaller than when you still have a partner.

  • 5 Benefits Of Using A Real Estate Agent To Sell Your Property in Queensland

    5 Benefits Of Using A Real Estate Agent To Sell Your Property in Queensland

    Property owners often believe that selling their home privately will save them money and maximise their profits. However, the expertise, experience and services from a real estate agent like Team Anderson Property Group, provides greater value at the end of the day and can actually improve the profit margin.

    5 of the top benefits that you can expect to receive when selling your property through a real estate agent include:

    1. Property Pricing

    A real estate agent is skilled at ensuring that the property is listed at the optimal price in order to attract potential buyers and ensure that the property is being sold for the highest price possible. They use a number of factors to assess the right price including the current property market trends, the market value of the home, knowledge of the area and the features of the home. It is always advisable to use a local agent to get the greatest benefit when pricing a property for sale.

    1. Potential Buyers

    Real estate agents already have a pool of potential buyers to draw from giving them an advantage over having to start from scratch to find qualified buyers who will be interested in your property. If none of their existing list of buyers match your selling requirements, they understand how to market your property and list it in order to attract the greatest number of potential home buyers. Remember that the greater the interest in your property, the more room there is for negotiation and the higher the price you are likely to get. This can assist in selling your home faster.

    1. Negotiation

    Private home sellers often do not have the skills or the power to negotiate with potential buyers and therefore end up accepting the first viable offer resulting in selling the house for less than it’s worth. Your real estate agent will negotiate on your behalf in order to get the best price possible. Keep in mind that the higher the selling price, the more the agent will earn in commission meaning that it is also in their best interests to get the highest offer possible.

    1. Preparing The Property For Sale

    There are many factors to consider before putting your house on the market to be sold. Should you make repairs, renovate or remodel or sell as is? When will be the best time for potential buyers to view the home? Do you need to stage the home in order to bring it up to show house standards? Your real estate agent will advise you as to the best route to take in order to ensure that you do not invest more than you are likely to profit in order to get your home ready for sale.

    1. The Details

    Your agent will take care of all the necessary paperwork and other details that are involved with selling a property and free up your precious time to continue with life as usual. You can alleviate most of the stress related to a home sale by allowing a real estate agent to take care of every detail of the sale.

    Never underestimate the value that an estate agent can provide in assisting you to sell your house fast and for as much profit as possible.

  • How to Make the Most of Hurricane Repairs

    How to Make the Most of Hurricane Repairs

    Every summer seems to bring a tropical storm bigger and badder than anything the world has ever seen — and for people on the East Coast, that means their property is under severe threat for a significant portion of the year. If you own a home in a hurricane zone, you should protect your investment with enough insurance, so when the big one hits, you’ll have a way to get back on your feet.

    If this is your first year living in a hurricane zone, you might not know what kind of damage to expect. While not every home on the coast is wrecked every year, it is still wise to understand how this extreme weather could affect your property — and how you can recover from it, fast. This guide will help you prepare your home (and your mind) for the types of damage associated with hurricanes and tropical storms, so your repairs will be swift and effective.

    Roof

    After a storm hits in any part of the country, homeowners should inspect their roofs for signs of damage. Roofs in hurricane-prone regions are most likely to require the following repairs post-storm:

    Missing, damaged or loose shingles. High winds alone can pull off asphalt shingles, especially when those winds are sustained for long periods during a hurricane. However, high winds can also blow about debris, like tree branches and signposts, which will also tear shingles off your roof. Shingles help guide precipitation away from your home, so they are absolutely necessary. If you need to repair much of your roof at once, you might choose to replace it with a corrugated steel roof or else swap the asphalt with clay tiles or cedar shake.

    Clogged gutters and downspouts. Hurricanes often stir up debris, pushing it onto roofs where it will fall into gutters. Unfortunately, gutters are not designed to channel twigs, leaves and branches away from your home, so this gunk can cause clogs that cause water to pool against your roof. The very edge of your roof is a bad place for water; it can easily seep in and cause damage to your insulation and walls. ASAP, clean out your gutters and install mesh guards, which keep the debris out.

    Siding

    Your siding wasn’t built to withstand a sustained onslaught of debris and strong winds, so it is imperative that you search out signs of damage before and after a hurricane hits. The siding on your home can suffer from the same type of damage as your roof, but because homeowners often neglect to check their siding, you might not know what to look for. Here are some signs your siding needs repair or replacement:

    • Splits, cracks, chips and holes. These are perhaps the most obvious signs of damage, and they shouldn’t be ignored.
    • Exposed nails. These will corrode in the humid air near the coast, which in turn will cause your siding to fall apart.
    • Uneven seams. Caulk insulates your home between the seams of your siding, but caulk can shrink and crack over time. If the seams look uneven, something is wrong with your siding.
    • Rot or mold. Moldy siding is a sign that moisture has gotten inside your walls, which is a major issue.

    While wood siding is a popular choice, most types of wood don’t do well in warm, humid, salty environments (like hurricane territory). Thus, you should opt for a fiber cement siding, also called Hardie board, which is waterproof, fireproof and capable of withstanding severe wind and rain.

    Windows

    When debris is whipped about by winds upwards of 74 miles per hour, you best believe that debris flying through the air can crash through any window. In fact, winds that intense can break weaker windows through its own sheer force. Worst of all, a broken window during a tropical storm of any severity is sure to lead to water damage, which in coastal cities in the south will quickly result in mold. Thus, if you live in a warm, high-humidity, hurricane-threatened city like Miami, window replacement should be among your top priorities.

    In truth, any glass can shatter given a significant enough impact, but impact windows are specially designed to resist the types of impacts that occur during wind events, like tropical storms and hurricanes. The glass in these windows is laminated, so it doesn’t shatter when hit. You should also prepare for the season by installing hurricane shutters, ideally from aluminum which is strong and lightweight, making them easy to use.

    Hurricanes will cause damage to your property, but the extent of that damage depends on how well you installed safeguards to the most vulnerable parts of your home. When you make repairs after a hurricane hits, try to invest in the best quality solutions, so next hurricane season, you won’t have to fix quite as much stuff.

     

  • What to look for in professional cleaning services

    What to look for in professional cleaning services

    When looking for a professional cleaning service, there are certain qualities that should be checked. Take this step to end up with high quality, increased savings, peace of mind, and a clean environment.

    Basic qualities of a good professional cleaning service

    Choosing a reputable cleaning company is a challenge. You need to ensure that it will do a good job. Pay attention to important qualities to end up with the best cleaning services Orlando. For example, they include:

    • Experience;
    • Professionalism;
    • Consistency;
    • Reputability;
    • Organized;
    • Well-equipped;
    • Fairly-priced;
    • Confidentiality and security;
    • Insurance.

    Inexperienced providers have no idea how to clean a house effectively. Check the number of years companies have been in this business to hire experienced professionals. Consistency is a hallmark of real experts. It’s also a great indicator that the company you’re choosing is reliable. You should be able to trust cleaners to perform their tasks.

    Different certifications indicate a high level of professionalism. Reputable providers do their best to get them. They also join professional associations to ensure that they stay updated with new industry improvements. All credible cleaners can show references from their satisfied customers. Conduct your research to find more reviews and ensure that the chosen company is reputable.

    It also needs to be well-organized. There are different factors that speak to a good organization. Focus on them to ensure that professional cleaners can keep track of your needs. They should be well-equipped to solve all cleaning issues with ease. Find out whether they use advanced tools and eco-friendly products to do their job.

    Look for a cleaning company with fair prices on its services. The cheapest service isn’t a good choice because you may sacrifice quality. Make sure that you can trust the professional cleaners you’re hiring. Reputable providers always conduct background checks on their employees to guarantee security.

    Accidents happen unexpectedly. That’s why cleaning companies must be insured and bonded. Look for the proof of their liability insurance. Many service providers also have extra insurance policies to increase their coverage in case of accidents, missing items, etc. You’re sure to choose the best cleaning company after checking these qualities.

     

     

  • Carpet Care is Vital to Maintain Clean and Professional Environment

    Carpet Care is Vital to Maintain Clean and Professional Environment

    A clean workplace from the ground up is crucial to your business for many reasons. The main one being that it portrays your company or business in the best light possible. Equally vital, is that cleanliness translates to fewer germs, fewer sick-off days and a healthier working environment. While many commercial cleaning services pay attention to dust on visible surfaces, carpets are easy to forget despite their size and the fact that they’re constantly being stepped on.

    Image source; http://www.aaa-carpets.com/commercial-carpet-cleaning

    Floor care should be a key aspect of commercial cleaning services since carpets act like filters for dust, bacteria, germs and spills. All the nasties in the air float down to the carpet, making it essential to keep them clean at all times. A clean carpet conveys a strong first impression and makes your company look more professional. However, this is not the only reason why you should keep your carpet clean. Here are the others;  

    Prolongs the life of the carpet

    Regular carpet cleaning is essential to ensuring your carpet lasts longer. People are always spilling tea and other foodstuffs on carpets, which may result in permanent soiling and weakening of the fibers. By having your carpet cleaned regularly, you can prevent spots from becoming permanent or wearing the fibers out. You also keep the fibers looking healthy and in good condition. With proper cleaning, your carpet should last longer.

    Removes spots and stains

    Image source; http://carpetcleaningelcajon.org/how-to-clean-coffee-stains-from-carpet/

    The longer stains and spots are allowed to soak into the carpet, the harder it becomes to clean them. Keeping your carpet in the same condition is important which is why the stains and spots have to be removed immediately.  It is important to remember to use the right products when removing the stains to avoid damaging the fibers. Keeping the carpet stain free keeps it looking impressive and appealing.

    Improves the quality of air

    Carpets often trap dust, dirt and mold spores that can affect the quality of air in your office. In addition to altering the quality of air, it can also lead to diseases and allergic outbreaks especially for workers with respiratory problems. However, with regular carpet cleaning, you can protect your employee’s health and maintain a good office environment while saving yourself the losses associated with employees missing work.

    Eliminates allergens, mites, bacteria etc.

    Furthermore, carpets are also a breeding ground for mites, allergens, and bacteria. When carpets are kept dirty and moist, they become the perfect habitat for germs and bacteria to multiply. This can lead to disease outbreaks in the office. Commercial cleaning companies can clean and disinfect the carpets making them safe for indoor use and preventing any disease outbreaks.  

    Enhance appearance

    Image source; http://www.alternativecleaning.co.uk/office-carpet-cleaning/

    Did you know that a carpet is the largest furnishing in a room? It is also the most commonly used. Considering the amount of dirt it collects on a daily basis, it’s a surprise that it’s cleaned less often.  Giving the carpet a good scrub once in a while can help to liven up the office, make it look cleaner and also prolong the life of the carpet.

    Helps increase employee productivity

    Much like the cleanliness of a school affects student performance, workplace cleanliness also influences employee performance. Dusty carpets not only carry dirt in them. They also carry allergens that can cause the employees to work slower as they battle through the allergies. In a worst case scenario, your employees might even miss work if the conditions get serious.

    Ultimately, the longer the time taken to complete duties and also the work days missed translate to lost money and revenue for your company or business. Just because the carpet is dirty.

    Reduces traffic lanes effect

    Areas of the carpet that receive a lot of foot traffic such as pathways and kitchens will deteriorate much faster compared to other areas within the office. This is because people are always stepping on these places and leaving dust and dirt on the carpet. Also, you may have noticed that these areas appear darker than other parts.

    However, the advantage of carpet cleaning is that it will slow down the “traffic lanes” by removing deep-sitting dirt. The darker areas will be removed and the fabric restored to give the carpet a new look.

    Types of Carpet Cleaning

    Image source; http://pacwestcarpetcleaning.com/commercial-carpet-cleaning-services/

    After seeing how important it is for your business and your employees to keep the carpet clean, the next step would be to identify the best type of cleaning for your carpet. Luckily, there are plenty of options available.

    Extraction cleaning

    This is an effective and safe way of carpet cleaning. The method penetrates deeply into the fabric of the carpet using strong jets of hot water. If it has been long since your carpet was cleaned, this is the perfect cleaning method to remove all the dirt, dust, bacteria and stains.

    However, this method completely depends on the type of commercial space, foot traffic, and color of the carpet. This method can be used to clean the carpet every three to six months. Below are general recommendations of the period between extraction cleaning:

    • Retail stores- every four months
    • Office buildings-annually
    • Medical facilities- monthly
    • Banks- every six months

    Vacuuming

    Regular vacuuming is the best defence against dirt, dust and small particles on your carpet. The method involves removing dirt and dust while they are on the carpet’s surface. It is recommended for areas with high traffic and should be done frequently.

    Deodorization

    This method is especially important in places where people have allergies or asthma. It involves blasting out smells from the office carpet with odor-removing techniques. Things that may cause unpleasant odors on the carpet include bacteria, water damage, and spills. Using the deodorization commercial cleaning services can get rid of the odor as well as the bacteria and stains that cause it.

    Spot removal and cleaning

    Spots are inevitable on all carpets. It makes no sense to have the whole carpet cleaned because of one spot. This is why spot cleaning is important. For the best results, you have to follow procedure and instructions. For instance, you shouldn’t scrub. If you do, you only push the stain deeper making it harder to remove.

    If you’re not sure about how to proceed with the stain, you can get in touch with a commercial cleaning service, and they can have it removed for you.  

    Bonnet Cleaning

    Also known as encapsulation, bonnet cleaning is a low-moisture deep cleaning procedure that uses a rotating floor machine with a cleaning pad. While moving over the carpet, the agitation causes dirt to appear at the surface after which it is absorbed by the cleaning pad. This method also helps to prolong the life of the carpet. Bonnet cleaning can be done about three times between extensive extraction cleanings for a cleaner looking carpet.

    There are plenty of benefits to keeping your carpet clean at the workplace. Not only does it look great even to your visitors, but it also makes it easier and fun to work in the office without difficulty. Your employees find it easier to keep up with work instead of paying visits to the doctor and most importantly, it helps your business make money while minimizing losses.  

     

  • Why consider buying a home in St. Augustine, Florida?

    Why consider buying a home in St. Augustine, Florida?

    Want to buy a home in St. Augustine, Florida? This is an excellent opportunity for you to have a part in the history of the nation, as so many historical events have occurred in the area. If you are looking for a home, you will consider various factors such as the availability of amenities and services, and this quaint town has it all; here are some reasons why.

    The history

    St. Augustine may not be as famous as other cities in Florida, but that does not eliminate any of its charm. It is located on the northeastern part of the state, right on the Atlantic coast. This makes it an integral part of the First Coast region of Florida, as well as the Jacksonville city area.

    Its history dates back to 1565, thanks to a Spanish Admiral, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés. The town even precedes most of the other American cities, having served as the capital of the Spanish Florida state for more than 200 years.

    What is it known for?

    The history of the town and its people has resulted in an economy that is very diverse, comprising of different sectors that contribute to the state’s economy. These include manufacturing, the service sector, banking and tourism.

    Many people know this place for the historical buildings and sites, such as the Ponce de Leon Hotel that dates back to 1888. The houses in this area also bear that classic, old-world charm that many people love, which means investing in them is not a bad idea.

    The interesting historical monuments and places give the city a distinct character that makes it popular with tourists. These include the museums, water activities, festivals, and so on. Every year, there are more than 40 festivals happening to bring vitality to the city. In addition, there are 42 beaches in the city, making the place great for relaxation purposes.

    Life in this city is great – it has good beaches that you can relax on, some of the best schools in the state are found here, and historical attractions are in plenty, while the rich history makes it have some of the most impressive architecture. No matter what your purposes are, you will find something that appeals to you.


    Why look for a home here?

    As it is among the oldest cites in the United States, it has an old charm to offer – yet that has an interesting contrast with the newer aspects of modernization. For instance, you can get a home in or near the old city, which has a great accessibility to shops and restaurants, or live in the northern part that gives you a quick ride to Jacksonville for work. In addition, you can go to any of the beaches and spend some time near the ocean, or head over to the intra-coastal waterway.

    Each neighborhood has numerous planned communities in the living areas, including security gates and even golf courses in some areas. The good news is that you can easily buy a home for sale in Saint Augustine Florida by Phyllis Frankel Realty Group, and talk with any of our real estate agents.

    An interesting trend that is visible for the area is the considerations people are making, especially regarding the parts of the Northern St. John’s County. Reasons include the escape form the bustle of Jacksonville, as well as providing the some of the best schools and lower taxes on property. St. Augustine is a part of that, coming up with great amenities and complexes – not just homes.  
    What are the options available?

    When getting a home in this area, note that the current listings are 1001, with the average price going for $458,922. The individual prices vary greatly, of course, but the highest priced houses are at $6.5 million, while the lowest priced go for $75,000.

    Currently, there are 11 listings so far on the market, ranging from $200,000 to over $1 million – the choice you ultimately make will depend on your budget, as well as the specifications you want such as the number of rooms and the total square space. However, it is good to know that regardless of whether the house is expensive or seemingly affordable, they all have their charm and benefits to them.

    In addition, it is good to note that there are some new construction homes that are currently being done, as well as some that came yup recently. They include Segovia, Creekside, Murabella, Verrona, Twin Creeks and the WGV Legacy Trail. There are also the Bannon and Gran Lakes, Shearwater, San Salito, Trallmark, among others.

    The trends in the real estate prices of the area

    The prices, like most real estate markets, are on an upward trend. The slowest growth years were in 2015 to 2016, with prices increasing steadily afterwards until the current rate.


    At the end of the day, you can select your St. Augustine home according to:

    if you enjoy beach life or have always wanted to experience it, and you love the surfing culture, getting shells or just walking on the beach, then the options are so many for you. For instance, the St. Augustine beach combines city life with a beach front, thanks to the tight streets and oceanfront condos (which are numerous). You can also opt for the southern part of the city, if you want more quiet and secluded beaches with a low traffic street.

    If sailboats are your thing, as well as boating to the Bahamas and deep sea fishing then the waterfronts of the cityare your best bets. That is because they provide you with access to the inter-coastal waterway (which is protected), as well as the ocean outlets that are numerous on your way. If living on the water is not your style though, you can opt to use any of the marinas present.

    Conclusion

    Getting a home in St. AugustineFlorida is not a difficult task, but the area is soon booming in terms of its industries and land rates – so it is better to buy it as soon as possible as a long term investment. And it will not disappoint you.

  • How To Design Your Outdoor Space Like A Pro

    How To Design Your Outdoor Space Like A Pro

    It’s fun and exciting to spend time outdoors this summer with family and friends. You can create a functional, beautiful, and comfortable outdoor space like a pro through creative planning. But, is it possible to design your outdoor space without hiring a professional designer? Yes, it’s possible! You can be resourceful by using available materials at home, recycling old furniture, or doing some DIY art project for your outdoor decorations. Bring back the life of your patio and garden and spark happier conversations, enhance mood, and encourage positive vibes in your home.

    It’s time to create your outdoor haven to have fun, relax, and enjoy the view of the sky and your landscape! In this post, you’ll learn how to design your outdoor living space like a pro. Let’s get started!

    Choose Quality and Functional Patio Furniture Pieces

    A major design element in an outdoor living space is patio furniture. You can find outdoor love seats, sofas, tables, and many other types of outdoor seating arrangements and equipment with weather-resistant materials and construction at Park Warehouse. Now, you can use your outdoor area as an extension of your indoor living space! Here are some furniture tips and ideas for your outdoor space:

    • Buy easy-care patio furniture, like those made of metal, cedar, and teak, which also look beautiful for many years.
    • Look for furniture pieces that fold or is quickly taken apart for a compact storage.  Store patio furniture pieces in a protected location (e.g., basement or garage during the offseason).
    • Use colorful finishes for your outdoor furniture and reserve bold colors like bright red, yellow, green, orange, and pink for accent pieces and cushions.
    • Ground patio furniture should have soft underfoot with rich texture, lending the comforts of your indoor space outdoors.  
    • Choose hardworking furniture (e.g., ottoman that serves as extra seating or a simple bench that will cozy up into an alfresco dining table or stand alone for your next pool party).

    Install Great Fire Features

    You and your family can fully enjoy your outdoor space at night time by installing fire features. They add warmth, functionality, and beautiful design to your outdoor area. It’s a great way to promote a romantic home design and extend the season on your deck or patio for several weeks. While a firepit is considered as a traditional favorite, you can also use contemporary fire channel to bring a modern design element to your outdoor space. Here are some tips when installing fire features:

    • Install your fire pit across the lawn or near activity zones for entertaining but with a reasonable distance from the house for safety.
    • You can opt-in a camp-style fire pit, and you can achieve this design with a ledgestone fire pit and wood-burning steel log on pea gravel.
    • You can also design your fire pit with stones, like cobblestones, clustered in a circle for an authentic and classic look.

    Engage in Xeriscaping

    Xeriscaping is choosing a variety of native plants that thrive well in an environment where there’s little supplemental water. It’s a lifestyle landscaping that brings tons of benefits to your home and the environment. It’s an excellent way to landscape with a smaller carbon footprint on the planet. It only means that you can achieve a beautiful garden while watering less, thus using less energy as well as saving you effort, time, and money. Here are some tips to design your outdoor space through xeriscaping:

    • Use blue grama grass or buffalo grass. These grasses are native that only require minimal input to look good. Buffalo grass creates a toe-tickling lawn that amazingly approximates traditional fescue.
    • Create irrigation zones and group your plants according to their water needs, which promotes a healthier garden.
    • Use mulch to slow down soil water evaporation to reduce weeds and give your planting areas a beautiful and finished look. Stones make fantastic mulch for your succulent garden design or Zen rock garden. If you have an English garden design, you can use shredded bark as mulch.
    • Make your xeriscape design functional by installing rain barrels to catch and reuse stormwater runoff.
    • Choosing paver patterns to let open earth between pavers, allowing the rain to percolate into the soil (e.g., replacing a macadam or concrete driveway with turf stone or porous paving, gravel, or pavers with openings).

    Conclusion

    Your outdoor living space can become an extension of your indoor space which brings comfort and adds more functionality to your home. Whether you frequently hold outdoor parties or events or want to enjoy the sun during daytime and tell stories and gaze at stars at night, these design ideas are helpful to make your outdoor space more beautiful, enjoyable, and a practical place to stay. Don’t hesitate to experiment until you find the right spot for your landscape features, patio furniture, and outdoor decors like a pro. Happy designing!

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