When you fall out of love with the style of your family home, it’s all too tempting to want to know it down and start over, or even put it on the market and begin looking for somewhere new. Thankfully, you needn’t go to such effort just to change the style of your home, as it’s more than possible to do it yourself!

There are lots of affordable options that you can explore to spruce up your home and help it to take on a whole new aesthetic in no time at all, so what are you waiting for? Read on to discover more now!

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Repaint Your Homes Exterior 

One of the best options that you can explore to totally transform the look and feel of your property is to repaint its exterior. You can simply repaint your home’s exterior in the same color as before if you want to help it look cleaner and newer, or you can choose to repaint it using an entirely new color that will help you to achieve a different style. There are countless colors to choose from, but you must ensure that you take the time to find a reputable brand that’s able to stand the test of time. It will be a total nightmare if you spend weeks painting your home only to find it chipping, cracking and peeling soon after you finish!

Get Some New Windows

Another great step that you can follow to change your home’s aesthetic in record time is to get some new windows. Windows come in all shapes and styles, from the most modern and minimalist designs to more traditional stained glass options that add a little more character. Switching up your window style so that you can try out something new is a great way to go, as installing a new design will help your home to take on a different aesthetic. Find a reputable supplier such as Windows Modesto and start browsing through your options. It can be a good idea to snap a photo of your home that you can use to compare against certain styles, as this way you can be totally confident in your decision. 

Build An Extension

If you’d like to give your home a new look with a different shape or style, then building an extension can be a great way to go. There are many extension options that you can make the most of, from cheaper single storey extensions like a conservatory or even a garden home office, to more grand extensions that offer multiple rooms spanning over several floors. If you decide to extend your home from the front, then this is the perfect opportunity for you to revamp its design so that you can improve its curb appeal. However, if you’re extending from the side then it’s a good idea to attempt to tie in your extension with the rest of your home. When you do this, you can still implement changes to your home as a whole such as painting it a new color to make sure the new extension fits perfectly, but follow this through so that your extension looks as natural as possible. 

Change Your Driveway 

What state is your driveway currently in? If it’s seen better days with cracks and discoloration, then the chances are that you could use this as an opportunity to breathe new life into your home’s aesthetic! When people arrive at your home, the first thing that they’re going to be greeted with is your driveway – if it doesn’t ooze style, then it’s no doubt going to detract from all of the hard work you’ve put in to change the appearance of your property. There are lots of things that can be done to change your driveway, starting off with resurfacing. You can get rid of old concrete and replace it with some more eye-catching brickwork or tiling. You can line your driveway with new trees or certain plants, and even upgrade your post box to help your new aesthetic thrive in every way. 

Final Thoughts 

Figuring out how to change the style of your home without starting over has never been such a simple task when you can utilize the amazing tips and ideas detailed above. You’ll be able to transform the look of your home in record time, helping you to fall back in love with your property once more. You can repaint your home’s exterior, get new windows, build an extension or even change your driveway – there are so many worthwhile options to explore! 

When you look at home in magazines or on social media, they all seem to possess the same traits. Whether they’re following a gray and minimalist aesthetic or they’re kitted out with exactly the same furniture as the next, there seems to be no uniqueness to properties anymore. You want your home to tell a story and be close to your own personal style. You don’t want a carbon copy of someone else’s house, because that would be boring, right? You don’t necessarily have to get started on a big renovation project, or spend a lot of money to create a unique vibe throughout your home. You can pick and choose the areas that require the most attention and focus your energy on this.

Creating an original home for the long-term doesn’t need to take a long time, nor does it need to break your bank balance. You only need to make small changes to make a huge difference when it comes to creating a space that feels true to you. With this in mind, here are a handful of ways in which you can create a sense of originality throughout your home both quickly and affordably.

Upgrade Your Windows

The window design you choose for your home can make a huge difference to the overall aesthetic of your home. If your number one goal is to create a unique and original property, then you may want to consider custom replacement window design. Your specialty windows can be made into any shape you choose so that it makes a real statement on both the inside and outside of your home. You can even choose a bold color as part of your window design to accentuate this look even further. Once you start exploring your options with regards to windows, you will soon see that they are your ticket to a completely original and aesthetically pleasing home.

Choose a Unique Front Door

The front door of your home should showcase your unique personality and style preferences. Brushing over your front door design is a mistake you shouldn’t make if you’re looking for long term methods to add originality to your home. Whether you’re the type of person who wants to make a statement with a sunshine yellow door, or you want to keep it cool and calm with a sage green, there are so many front door ideas for you to choose from.

Paint the Exterior of Your Home

Upgrading the exterior of your home with a touch of paint or a new type of wood can add originality in an instant. If you don’t want your home to blend in with the rest of the houses on your street, this is the perfect idea for you to try out. If you are altering the exterior of your home dramatically, you may need to seek planning permission from your local authority before you get started.

Hire an Architect for an Interior Renovations Project

Architects are trained to spot unique options inside your home and capitalize on these traits. Hiring a professional architect to renovate the interior of your home is the perfect way to bring a touch of flair and originality to the inside of your home. When you choose this option you can feel confident that your interior design isn’t like any others in your area.

Try Out Bold Color Schemes

Trying out bold and bright color schemes in your home this year could help you to boost the originality factor. From bright greens to deep purples now is the right time to explore your creative side and use colors that make you feel great!

As you see, there are a whole host of changes you can make in and around your home that will add a sense of originality. If you’re stuck for inspiration, then why not create an online mood that you can draw ideas from? You don’t need to copy these ideas verbatim; you can simply extract the areas that are most appealing to you. Once you have come up with an overall concept, you can turn your vision into reality by enlisting the help of professionals or doing it yourself. Whether you’re hoping to enhance the exterior of your home, or think outside the box with regards to color schemes, there are so many fruitful ways to put your own, original spin on your home. Try out some of the ideas mentioned above, and you will soon be one step closer to having a home that is full of vibrancy, originality and uniqueness.

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For many countries, it is speeding towards summer, and the warmer weather can put these worries out of your mind. But winter eventually comes for almost everyone, and with the climbing prices of energy, it has never been more important than now to ensure you keep the heat in! 

Keeping the heat in your home might mean you need to make a couple of adjustments, but ultimately you’ll have a cozier home and help to reduce some of the costs associated with a warm home. 

Photo by Sweta Meininger on Unsplash

So where do you start? 

Drafts

No matter how small, drafts will pull hot air out of your home and let cold air leak in. It doesn’t take long for a single small leak to drastically reduce your home’s temperature by a degree or two. The fight to keep the temperature up is going to get expensive. 

Take some time to check each of the doors and windows in the home, and wherever you feel gaps, you can plug them with draft excluders or rolled towels (for a budget-friendly option. Alternatively, if you have more than a few gaps, a replacement from Everett Window can be the best thing to do. 

Radiators 

Do you have your large furniture, like sofas, snuggled up to the radiator? Or perhaps other things blocking them? You might not realize it but radiators need room to push the heat out into the room. Anything that is rested against them is going to soak up the heat, and the rest of the room won’t get the benefit. 

Pull furniture away from all vents and radiators by a few inches, and you’ll see a difference, and the best part is that it is free to do! 

Fans

Many homes have a ceiling fan, but not all homes are making the most of them. In the summer, you have your fan set to cool the room, but yours might have a switch that can change the direction and push heat back down into the room. Since heat rises, this is a great and free way to get it back down to the room. 

If your ceiling fan doesn’t have the option to change the direction, then it is a good idea to leave it off unless the room feels stuffy.

Photo by Dan LeFebvre on Unsplash

Thermostat 

There is nothing as lovely as stepping into a warm and welcoming home after being out in the cold all day – but that comes with a cost. If you have an old timer thermostat, make sure that you are using it correctly. And, if you don’t have a timer, then it can be a good idea to get one installed. 

Putting your thermostat on a timer means you will be able to have your home heated only exactly when you need it, but more importantly, it won’t be trying to climb from cold (when no one is home) to warm within a short space of time – burning through your energy. 

Instead you can use a smart timer to help keep your home at a steady temperature, and avoid using more energy than you have to achieve it. 

A general tip for the thermostat is to lower it by a few degrees too. As little as turning it down by 4 degrees can see you saving up to 12% on your heating bill. Get your cozy jumpers and socks out to compensate for tuning it down. 

Water Heater 

As winter rolls around, hot water usage starts to increase and it’s time to start thinking about water heater repairs. Where possible, keep baths to a minimum and try to stick to timed showers. Check your water heater’s temperature, and lower it by about 20 degrees; this will see you with a reasonable saving. Keep in mind that a bath uses something like 25 gallons of hot/warm water, while a shower will use about 10 gallons. 

Changing the temperature of your water heater is another change that costs nothing but will positively impact what you are trying to achieve.

Doors 

Aside from checking any drafts from the door, another tip that costs nothing is to close the doors. While you will want some air movement to keep the air quality good in the home, it is more beneficial to close the door and keep the heat in most of the time. 

Any doors that lead to hallways or spaces that don’t have a radiator should be of particular concern – and are the ideal place for door snakes or rolled towels. 

There are plenty of things that you can do, many of which are free, to help improve the energy efficiency of your home, and if you’re on a mission to maximize your savings, read this: How To Reduce Your Energy Bills In 2023 « THE FRUGAL MATERIALIST | Interior Design for Less. 

Are you worried about your older property? It can often feel like you’re waiting for something to go wrong while living in a more dated home. Older properties often come with charm and character but need a little more love to keep them running at full capacity. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to protect your much-loved residence and keep it going for longer. Here’s how to look after an older home. 

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Get Your Foundations Looked At

Older properties are often susceptible to foundation damage or basement leaks. Get the support of a foundation repair expert for an inspection to ensure no repairs are needed. It’s better to inspect your property before you suspect any damage just to avoid costly repairs further down the line. Foundation repair experts can also often advise on basement waterproofing and other issues to protect the life of your older property.

Look After Old Floors

If you are fortunate enough to have historic wood floors, there’s a particular knack for looking after them. Invest in hand-sanding over using a sander, as this will damage the floors rather than extend their life span. Avoid harsh cleaners, and use soap and water to clean your floor. Hoover regularly to avoid daily debris scratching or damaging your older wooden floors. 

Clear Your Gutters

A minor renovation project that can help maintain an older property is to clean your gutters. Debris from gutter build-up can often result in water cascading down the side of your property, damaging exterior window frames and even causing basement leaks. Make sure you clear your gutters regularly to avoid damage to your property. This simple step of undertaking regular maintenance can help you save on future repairs and investments.

Apply A Repair Over Replace Approach

Many older properties come with a unique style that can help lend character to the home. Aiming to replace repair fixtures and fittings can help you keep the personality of the building while reducing the overall costs. Using the same materials to repair damages wherever possible will also help you understand how the materials will look and age alongside the rest of the property.

Upgrade Its Energy Efficiency

Older homes can be less energy-efficient, which can cost more money but also age your home, particularly if it becomes damp. Consider adding or upgrading roof insulation when installing any repairs to help retain heat in your home and keep your property weatherproof. Over time, better insulation will also help you save money to invest back into repairs.

Conclusion

Looking after an older home can be more expensive, particularly when waterproofing and insulating your home to ensure it remains energy efficient. However, the benefits of investing in these improvements are that, over time, you can enjoy your older property for longer. Basic maintenance like cleaning your gutters and cleaning wood floors can help protect historic property features. Retain quirky characteristics using the same materials to replace damaged fixtures, and enjoy your older property for years to come.

The internet has provided entrepreneurs with an avenue to launch and market their businesses quickly and efficiently, leading to many ventures experiencing unprecedented success and profit growth. We will explore four of these lucrative ventures here – allowing you to get involved and possibly make a big return on investment! 

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1 – Online Sales

One of the top markets in the world is online sales. It is also known as “e-commerce” and refers to businesses that sell products or services over the Internet. The global market for online sales topped $5,7 trillion in 2022. This figure is expected to continue growing as more people gain access to the Internet and become comfortable with online shopping. To get started, you will need a well-designed website that can be built either by yourself or outsourced to a professional web developer. You will also need a reliable payment gateway, along with marketing strategies such as email campaigns, social media campaigns, and search engine optimization (SEO). 

2 – Online Competitions

Who doesn’t dream of owning a $5 Million house in an idyllic location? Online competitions can be an extremely profitable business model with the right marketing. Many online businesses generate considerable amounts of revenue through running competitions by offering attractive prizes that entice participants to enter them. The key to success in running an online competition is securing appealing prizes that people feel they need or want and advertising it effectively on various digital channels.

3 – Online Gambling

The online gambling market is worth billions of dollars and remains one of the most profitable sectors in the world. The industry has experienced rapid growth over recent years as more people gain access to the internet and become comfortable placing bets through mobile phones or computers. Online casinos offer a wide variety of games, such as poker, blackjack, roulette, bingo, and slots. To get started in this sector, you will need a reliable platform that can be developed either by yourself or with the help of a professional software developer. Your online gambling business must also comply with applicable gambling and money transfer laws. In addition, you will need to get a merchant account for your online gambling business. While the red tape may seem daunting at first, online gambling businesses have proven successful at becoming profitable quickly.

4 – Online Coaching And Consulting

Online coaching and consulting have become increasingly popular due to flexible working hours and global access. Although highly competitive, those who have found success can charge premium rates for their services. To get started in this industry, find your niche, build a website to showcase it, establish yourself as an authority in that field, launch courses tailored specifically to client’s needs, and market your business through various digital channels.

Any online business can be made very profitable with careful planning, diligence, and research. It is vital to remember that there is no easy way to make money, and all business ventures require hard work and dedication in order to be successful. These four online enterprises are among the most successful ventures available, and with proper execution, they may provide sizable sales and cash flows.

Image: Freepik 

The summer season is just around the corner and, with it, endless opportunities to invite your friends and family members for brunch, host a dinner party, or spend time with your little ones in the garden. But if any of these events are in your schedule, it is important to boost the efficiency and livability of your home – for your guests and your family alike! 

If you are looking to spruce up your home on a budget, some minor renovation projects can have a profound impact on your home environment. In this guide, we’ll look at the home upgrades that offer the highest returns – both in terms of value and livability. Let’s get started!

Upgrade Your Kitchen

One of the best renovations you could focus on is a kitchen upgrade. Renovating the kitchen can be expensive, but you can improve the function and value of your kitchen with minor touch-ups and aesthetic improvements. 

Start by deep cleaning the kitchen and investing in new Kitchen Cabinets. You may also upgrade your appliances for more energy-efficient ones, and add features designed to boost the safety and functionality of your kitchen, such as an island and induction hobs. 

If you are renovating on a budget, working with a specialized kitchen designer can help. 

Turn the Garden Into a Private Oasis 

Next up, focus on your garden or outside area! You can upgrade your green space with a minor investment, but this project can yield endless benefits, from improving the value of your home to providing your family with space for exercise and entertainment. Plus, taking on gardening as a hobby can boost your mental and physical health!

Some projects that can improve your garden include the following:

• Build a custom deck
• Plant summer and evergreen plants and shrubs
• Use outdoor furniture to create a seating area or reading nook
• Add climbing plants and a trellis for privacy, insulation, and noise reduction
• Add lighting 
• Consider investing in a heater or fireplace 
• Add a play area for your little ones

Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Some of the renovations with the highest monetary returns are minor upgrades that focus on improving your home’s curb appeal. 

These include inspecting the roof, keeping the gutters clean, replacing your garage door, or painting your home’s door and exterior. With summer on our doorstep, you may also consider cleaning glass features and upgrading your wood or vinyl windows. 

Build a Home Office of Gym 

If you have a home in your home that is underused or inefficient, consider looking at your current lifestyle and understand your needs. 

For example, if you have started to work from home, or you prefer to work out in a private space, you may look at the benefits of building a home office or gym. These renovations are a great option to make your livable square footage more suitable to your family’s lifestyle. 

Take a Minimalist Approach to Decor 

Last but not least, focus on your home’s interior! Decluttering can give your home a modern and contemporary feel. But, even more importantly, a minimalist approach can help you create a home that is healthier and easier to clean throughout the year. Plus, this style is timeless and visually impressive!