We use interior design to our advantage, to make our homes look nice, have plenty of personality, and to make sure we feel comfortable living in them. But that’s not the only thing a good interior design can do for your home! Not at all – sometimes, the way you decorate and dress up your rooms hides a lot of things as well, and you might not even be aware of it… And today, we’re going to go through some of those things, and make sure you’re truly aware of what’s really going on in your home.

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A Lot of Dirt

Interior design tricks can do wonders for hiding the dirt in your home. You can throw a rug down to hide a part of the floor, and you can even choose certain colors to paint the walls with that will help to hide dirt altogether. And these are all very clever ways of keeping your home neater and tidier! 

However, even when you choose these dark colors and items to hide scuffed floor panels, it’s a good idea to periodically wipe these areas down. You don’t want stains growing, and you don’t want to have to repaint every single year either. Make sure you’re using gentle soap and you’re not scrubbing too hard on already damaged areas of your home. 

Some Blocked Home Systems

Pushing furniture against the wall can trap air, and mainly heat, which can turn your room very stuffy in the long term. Wallpaper can start bubbling near the bottom of your walls, and you can trap a lot of the central heating usage behind the cushions – now that’s just a waste! 

But don’t worry – even if you discover you’ve blocked off a few vents or broken a radiator, there are some very handy essential services you can turn to. Don’t feel like you have to take on such work alone; being a homeowner is already a lot of work! 

Maybe Even a Few Pests

Of course, we have to consider the question: are there pests in your home? And if there were, would you even know about them? They know how to hide very well, and it’s only when we see signs of their droppings or scratching, or we hear them scuttling through the walls, that we realise we’ve got some uninvited guests! 

If you start noticing symptoms like these when you pull back the sofa or you lift up the bed, be sure to get in touch with a Pest Control Company. It’s hard to get rid of bugs on your own, and you’d definitely rather leave such a messy job to the pros! And most of all, you’ll want to be sure the bed bugs, or the ants or termites, are gone for good. 

Interior design can do a lot for your home, but most of all, it’s used to dress up your space. So, be sure to keep an eye on how clean your home is as a result. 

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Working from home is becoming more and more common these days. You may find yourself having to do your job from your house and needing a quiet place to work.

You’ll find you can focus better and that you get more done when you have a home office you can retreat to each day. It may be your first time setting this type of space up so you may be looking for pointers. In this case, learn some tips for creating a stylish and productive home office you’ll love.

Paint & Decorate

Create a stylish and productive home office by taking the time to paint and decorate the room. Research what paint colors will boost productivity and concentration so you can focus on what you’re doing and get your work done more efficiently. Also, decorate with family photos, plants, and flowers, and place down some Washable Rugs to add comfort and texture. Rugs will also help give your home office a pop of color and visual interest. It’ll feel nice to have them under your feet while you work as well.

Get Organized

You may become easily distracted or your mind might wander if your office is full of clutter and messy. Keep it clean and in order by getting organized right from the start. Be organized by having several storage solutions in place and only having items in your office that you need and use. Consider setting your home office up in a space that has a closet so you can store overflow items in it. The more organized you are the better you’ll feel working in your office and easier it’ll be to find what you need when you need it.

Focus on the Lighting

Create a stylish and productive home office by having the right lighting in the room. Lighting is important so that you can see and boost your mood. A dark and dingy office won’t make you feel very motivated and might negatively impact your attitude and disposition. Focus on the lighting so that you have a bright and airy space to work daily. Think about setting your home office up in a room that has a window so you can draw in and enjoy the natural light. Also, include an attractive light fixture to act as a focal point and a lamp or two that you can turn on when it’s dreary outside or you’re working at night.

Invest in Comfortable Furniture

You’re likely going to be sitting a lot when you’re working at home. Therefore, invest in comfortable, attractive, and updated furniture that makes the room more stylish and more relaxed. You’ll work harder and achieve better results when your back doesn’t hurt and your chair and desk not only look good but feel good to you. Think about using a colorful pillow for added back support as well. You might also want to set up a little sitting area in your home office where you can take breaks, read a book, or put your feet up while you think about what you want to tackle next. 

Time with the girls can be just what the doctor ordered and can be a wild night or a relaxed one. After a tough year when we haven’t been able to see our loved ones much, a girls’ night in could be the perfect way to get your girls together for some quality time together. Here are some of the best ideas for a great girls’ night in. 

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Keep It Casual

There are plenty of excuses for you to dress up posh, but a girls’ night at home is usually better as a casual, comfy affair. Save your cocktails dresses for a bigger party. Instead, invite everyone to come over in their comfy clothes or even change into their pajamas when they arrive for an old-school sleepover, with snacks, movies, and games like cribbage. 

Add Special Details

Just because you’re wearing your comfy clothes, doesn’t mean you can’t make the house look good. Choose a color scheme and use these colors for things like flowers, napkins, or other decorative details. Get out your best glassware or dishes so you have a good excuse to use them. 

Don’t Panic About The Food

Don’t try to cook a huge feast if that will make you feel stressed. Only cook what you feel comfortable with. Finger foods or platters that can be snacked on throughout the evening can be a good option. Don’t feel guilty about buying some pre-made snacks or dishes as well to save yourself some time and stress. Another good way to make things easy is to make your evening a potluck night and ask everyone to bring a dish with them. 

Choose some drinks for the evening. Ask everyone to bring a bottle of wine, mix cocktails, or make something seasonal, like a mulled wine in the winter. 

Make It Cozy

Make sure everyone is comfortable, cozy, and relaxed. Make sure you have lots of places available for everyone to sit, even if you have to get some floor cushions or bean bags to add enough seats. Put out a few blankets for the girls to snuggle up under. This would be great for a movie night too. 

Relax and Have Fun

Even though you’re hosting the evening, make sure you relax and have fun too. When you’re the host, it’s normal to worry about whether or not everyone is enjoying themselves. Try to remember that it’s just a girls’ night and everyone has come because they want to spend time together. Everything else is just a bonus, so if the food doesn’t turn out well, you knock over the drinks, and the movie you chose is boring, everyone can still have a good time just because you’re all together. Try to relax and enjoy yourself too. 

A girls’ night in is a fun, low-pressure event to host to ease you back into hosting duties after a long time when you couldn’t have people over. Make some fun recipes, mix some cocktails, and get the girls over. 

It is an inevitable part of life – seasons change. With that in mind, it is time to be proactive and prepare your home for the cooler winter temperatures that are to come. Take on one task at a time so as not to overwhelm yourself, and you will be done in no time!

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HVAC Servicing

HVAC or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning is a term you need to know. You undoubtedly rely on your basic utilities daily. As such, keeping them in proper working order is essential. Throughout the year, as temperatures change, it is necessary to have your major HVAC appliances serviced. Scheduled maintenance will help your units last longer and avoid any unnecessary surprises. Find a qualified professional at www.batesairandheat.com to come to your home. Along with routine care, these experts will be good to know in case the unfortunate does occur and you need their services in an emergency.

Yard Maintenance

If you have installed an in-ground sprinkler system you must contact the installer or another lawn maintenance company to “blow out” any remaining water or moisture inside the tubes, pipes, and sprinkler heads. Water left inside can freeze when the temperatures dip, resulting in irreparable damage that is preventable. The entire winterization fee is generally less expensive than any repairs after the fact. With a few simple tools, you can take on this task yourself. Whether you choose to hire out or DIY your sprinkler winterization, simply getting it done will save you in the long run. 

Garage Cleaning

Your garage doors open and close throughout the day. Perhaps you leave them open longer on warmer days. This usually results in leaves and grass clippings making their way inside and settling into the recesses and unseen corners. While it is common to make an effort towards the concept of Spring Cleaning, Fall Cleaning is just as important. The debris that now sits in your garage will make inviting nesting areas for animals seeking shelter during the colder months. Take the time to move boxes and equipment away from the walls, and sweep out the entire garage before it gets too cold. This will make it easier when it comes time for Spring Cleaning, too.

Servicing

Winter is on its way. If you live in an area of the country that usually sees an accumulation of snow, you know how important it is to have a properly functioning snowblower. Now is the time to have your snowblower serviced before you need it. If you own a gas-operated snowblower, ensure you have filled the machine after servicing, and have a full gas can on hand for the first snow. Inspect other winter tools such as shovels to ensure they are not cracked or in need of repair.

Vehicle Safety

Now is an ideal time to get your vehicle in order. Ensure routine maintenance such as scheduled servicing, oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections are completed. Next, if you do not already have a winter emergency kit, it is crucial to get one ready.

Here is a helpful video to guide you on the essentials you will need for your emergency kit.

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Get your home, inside and out, ready for the colder winter months to come. Make some upgrades and get ready to enjoy your efforts in front of a relaxing fireplace with a good book.

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Your garden is a hugely important asset when it comes to social, mental and financial value. Not only does having a garden increase the value of your home by a significant percentage, but it can also provide you with a peaceful, quiet area of solace when life gets a little too much.

If you have a garden that has been a little neglected over the years, now might be the time to begin improving it. After all, you may want to sell up your home soon, or simply invest more time in your health and wellbeing at this stage in your life. Whatever the reason, we’ve got the best tips for you to improve your garden on the cheap, so you can enjoy the outdoors right on your doorstep. 

Let’s get started: here’s how to update your garden cheaply!

1. Build a DIY shed. 

If you are looking for a place in which to store garden furniture, gardening tools, old belongings or even use as an extra room to add to your home, a DIY shed is the right choice for you. The cost to build a DIY shed is far less than it would take to have a professionally installed garden room, for example. Despite their lower price tag, DIY sheds can be stylish, versatile and highly useful for you and your family.

Once your DIY shed is built, you can:

• Clear space in your garden and put away debris in the shed.
• Use the shed as a quiet extra room, such as a yoga studio or reading nook.
• Store unused belongings such as prams, old fridges or bikes, in the shed.
• Make your garden look more stylish and aesthetically pleasing.
• Generally get more use out of your garden space!

2. Buy plants from seed (and be patient!).

Buying large shrubberies, trees and plants for your garden can cost a pretty penny if you aren’t careful. Decking out your entire garden with fully grown plants could set you back hundreds, but there are alternatives that can provide just as beautiful a garden – as long as you’re prepared to be patient.

By buying plants from seed and planting them in the right conditions, you can save huge amounts of money, and learn all about the process of growing plants from seed. You will become a more accomplished gardener and save your cash in the meantime. As long as you are prepared to put your patience pants on, it’s worth the wait!

3. Watch gardening tutorials online.

Gardening tutorials are easy to follow, and are usually free to access online. Using the internet is a fantastic resource for getting your green thumb into the right soil; you can learn how to plant trees; the conditions in which you should plant certain flowers; tips for growing fruits and vegetables, and so many more. 

Online gardening tutorials, as well as TV shows like Gardeners’ World, can be a fantastic free resource for improving your garden without having to pay for a subscription or hire a gardener yourself. 

4. Source reclaimed garden furniture.

Garden furniture that is sturdy, chic and user friendly doesn’t come cheap. That is, if you buy it new. If you want to save money on gardening furniture, try searching for reclaimed furniture that you can work on to suit your taste. For example, by using platforms like Gumtree, you can find free or cheap second hand garden furniture that can then be repainted, treated or simply restyled to suit your needs. 

By sourcing reclaimed garden furniture, you are not only doing your bank account a favour, but you are also helping the environment. Garden furniture isn’t always made with the environment in mind; by giving new life to somebody’s old garden furniture, you are giving your garden a unique and sustainable edge. 

5. Declutter your garden & create space.

Decluttering is absolutely crucial for making the most of your garden. If you have debris such as tarpaulins, roofing equipment, gardening pots, old furniture or no-longer-functional sports equipment, it brings the vibe of your garden down, as well as reducing the free space available. Note that sometimes, it’s worth an affordable investment in making this task easier for yourself, like having a tree service completely remove a dead or rotting tree so you don’t have to keep clearing up around it. By decluttering and committing to keep your garden tidy, you are making a totally cost-free move to improve the way your garden looks and feels.

Final thoughts

Improving your garden sounds like an expensive job, but with these frugal gardening tips, you will be well on your way to having a more beautiful garden with little money spent. Do you love your garden and want to spend more time in it? Follow this guide to make significant improvements!

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If you have made the decision to propose to your other half, then congratulations! What an exciting time for you. Once you have decided that you are going to pop the question, you can feel at a bit of a loss for what to do next. It can feel overwhelming when you start looking at rings and deciding where and when you will do it. After all, you only (hopefully) get engaged once in your life, so it is important that you do it right. Here are some top tips for proposing to your other half.

Think of a budget

When it comes down to it, proposing to your other half can become expensive depending on what you do. Try not to get too caught up in it all and think of what you would like to spend. This can be broken down into the ring and the proposal itself, depending on how you want to do it. This will make it much easier to stick to what you want to spend and still have a beautiful proposal. 

Think about the sort of ring they would like

There are so many ring types out there, it is important to consider what your other half would like the most. You could opt for something new and studded with diamonds, a family heirloom, or an antique ring from a shop or market. If you do go down this route, it can be a good idea to get it checked out by jewelry appraisers first to check it is legitimate and its worth.

Decide where you are going to do it

One of the hardest decisions of the proposal is thinking of where to do it. Do you want it to be somewhere where there are a lot of people around and you will gather attention? Would you prefer it to be more secluded? Will it be somewhere such as a restaurant where you will order dinner and if so, at what point will you propose? If you are doing it somewhere outside, will you need to go and prepare it first, such as with rose petals? These are all things to take into consideration. If you and your other half have a special place that you always go to, or perhaps somewhere that you went for your first date, this can be a great place to do it.

These are just a few simple tips for proposing to your other half that should make it that bit easier! It is one of the most exciting and biggest things that you will ever do in your life so you want to ensure that it is right. Remember, you know your other half better than anyone else, so don’t listen too much about what other people advise and instead focus on what they would love. Think about if they like being the center of attention and what jewelry style they suit. What are some things that you are thinking of doing for your proposal? Let us know in the comments below!