Author Archives: lanajhawkins

How to Choose The Best Rug For Your Lifestyle

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Rugs play an important role in decorating your home. Not only can they add a touch of elegance and glamour to your space, elevating your home décor to a completely new level, but they can also help you reinvent your space. You can use them to bring your design elements together and create a cohesive, harmonious look. Area rugs can also be used for introducing a feeling of warmth and comfort to your space, creating an inviting, homey ambiance. However, if you want a rug that can achieve all of this, you need to pick the perfect one, and in order to do so, you should ask yourself the following important questions.

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Are you eco-conscious?

Whether you have a green home or not, deciding to go with eco-friendly rugs will affect other rug-related decisions you’ll need to make. Above all, this will affect your rug material options, which means that you’ll have all those healthy, natural materials like bamboo at your disposal. They include sisal, jute, hemp, woven seagrass and wool, all equally charming and stylish materials. Not only will eco-friendly rugs bring you one step closer to a greener home, but they will also help you create a healthier environment by eliminating all those toxins and allergens that hide deep within the fibers of your favorite rugs. Furthermore, eco-friendly rugs feature an organic, natural design of soft, neutral hues, which will help you invite natural energy to your home.

What is your style?

Your personal sense of style is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing area rugs for your home. Fortunately, rugs come in all colors, designs, and styles, so you can find those that will undoubtedly reflect your personal taste. However, it’s also important to consider the general style and design of your home to create a cohesive look. This often entails picking rugs that complement your furniture style, which will enable you to create balanced aesthetic appeal in your space. Thus, if your home’s (and yours) predominant style is traditional, you should go with beautiful vintage rugs. On the other hand, minimalist homes call for simple, yet elegant rugs with monochromatic patterns and subdued colours.

How do you use your rugs?

Rugs can have multiple functions in your home, serving as accent details, bringing comfort and warmth, elevating décor, etc. For instance, the most popular and stylish rugs in Australia are often used as mesmerizing focal points that dominate the entire space. If you use an area rug as a focal point, it should feature an impactful design that will come into focus when combined with other design elements. If you want to use rugs to create a cosy home environment, you should go with plush area rugs or layer them in your space. Once you know the function of your rugs in certain rooms, you’ll be able to pick the perfect ones for that particular purpose.

What about your space?

You should keep in mind that the particularities of your space can be crucial for choosing the perfect rugs. For instance, you should go with enchanting round rugs if you have the open floor plan because this will create a warmer atmosphere. If you have narrow hallways, you should go with long runner rugs in order to accentuate the length rather than the width. It’s essential that you choose rugs that will emphasize your home’s positive features rather than draw attention to its shortcomings.

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Do you have children?

Children bring a whole new set of rules when it comes to choosing area rugs. Going with eco-friendly rugs may be an appropriate solution here because they are healthy and toxin-free, which is extremely important when you have children who love sitting on the floor. Low-pile or flat area rugs are one of the most popular choices for families because they are easy to clean and hide fewer hazards than high-pile ones. You should also go with durable materials if you have children, preferably stain-resistant ones. Wool and sheepskin are beautiful, cosy and family-friendly options that will help you create a healthy home environment for your kids. Synthetic rugs are also a practical solution, but keep in mind that they aren’t that eco-friendly.

Are pets allowed inside?

Pets also bring certain considerations that you need to keep in mind when choosing rugs for your home. First of all, if you have pets, you shouldn’t spend a fortune on your rugs because they’ll become worn-out fairly quickly. You should choose easy-to-clean, functional and stain-resistant rugs that will enable you to keep your furry friends inside without worrying about spills and stains. Polyester rugs with dark colors or intricate designs are pet-friendly because they can easily mask a stain or two.

Answering these important questions will help you find the perfect area rugs for your home and lifestyle.

Organizational Tips

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Having a beautiful interior design in your home is nothing without some organization. If there is too much clutter the beautiful design will get lost in all the items and your mind will be stressed. Clean and organized home can greatly affect your mood and stress levels, so make sure to master these few tips on how to keep your home free of clutter.

Organize each room to fit your needs

Every room has its designated function to satisfy your needs. However, with too much clutter the room can become completely useless. Thus, reorganize and give back the purpose to each room. The kitchen should be clean and fully functional so you can cook in peace and with love. The bathroom, too, should be clean and everything should work properly. Your living room should always be tidy, spacious and comfortable so it can accommodate your guests and family. Kid’s rooms and bedrooms should be completely adjusted to everyone’s needs. Adjust the heights of beds, closets, shelves etc. Also, pay attention to clothes and how you organize and store them; the same goes for toys in kid’s room.

Tidy up your closet

Closets tend to get crowded and messy. We lose track of the things we store there which results in a huge pile of clothes shoved inside. This provides stress because you can never know where certain pieces are and you lose time while searching and ironing everything. In order to nip this in the bud, you should start grouping your clothes. You can even store them according to frequency of use and put the ones you wear often in the front or lower on the shelf, while the pieces you don’t wear that often you can put at the back. Additionally, the things you don’t wear at all should be given away to charity, while you will manage to declutter your closet.

Consider a storage unit

Once you start reorganizing and decluttering, you will notice how many things you have that can be disposed off or stored somewhere else. Some older pieces of furniture, older clothes or some outdoor furniture and similar items can easily find a new home. Many families in Australia actually opt for renting storage units for storing their things from time to time. If you do have things that need temporary storage until you figure out what to do with them, you can opt for temporary storage in Brisbane and remove some excess items from your home for better comfort.

Clear the kitchen cabinets

Cabinets are one of the messiest places in your kitchen. You constantly keep adding items and food into them which creates a chaos. Take your time and clear the kitchen cabinets and start over. Remove everything, organize dishes, food, containers and so on and put everything back with care. Also, every time you take something out, try to keep it organized and put it back into place and you will manage to avoid clutter. Also, you can use containers with labels and keep your snacks and baking supplies tidy and easy to find.

Keep the documents at bay

Every house has some papers that cannot be thrown away. We need place for our bills, contracts, warranties, receipts, etc. However, they all end up in the same drawer and you need to dig deep in order to find something you need. To avoid this, buy folders where you can keep the bills and contracts and make sure to label everything for better organization. Also, you can have a colour-coded system for each folder and type of documents and always know where to look.

An organized home promises an organized mind and that’s what everyone needs. Master these tips and declutter your home. You will notice instant change in atmosphere that will contribute to everyone’s health.

Nursery Design Help

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Your baby is on the way and you still haven’t finished designing a nursery? There’s no reason for panic, you can have a comfortable and stylish nursery in no time. With just a few trendy and practical ideas, you’ll design a stimulating and chic environment for your new family member.

In with the crib

When designing a nursery, you’ll have a lot of opportunities for DIY projects, improvisation and more affordable details, but the crib should definitely be an investment piece. Don’t hesitate to spend a bit more on a high-quality crib because your little one will be using it for the years to come. You can even find a crib that converts to a toddler bed, which is quite practical solution. You need to ensure that the crib you picked meets all the safety requirements and standards. Additionally, make sure to get a high-quality mattress that will provide your baby’s back with the right support. Afterwards, you can experiment with bedding and design that will fit the general style of the room.

The changing table is next in line

Since you’ll be changing your baby quite frequently, having a changing table will save you a lot of trouble. If you’re buying a freestanding changing table, find a multifunctional one that can be used for storing toys later on. For a small nursery, a changing top is a great solution because it can be attached to any dresser. Once you’ve found a changing table that meets your needs, make sure to equip it with all the essentials like diapers, wipes, lotions, changing pad covers, etc.

Storage to the rescue

Despite their tininess, you’ll realise soon enough that your little person needs lots of stuff. So, unless you want to trip every time you enter the nursery, you need to add plenty of storage. Depending on the size of the room, you have a range of different options, from wall shelves, to closets, to bins and baskets. The most practical solution is opting for multifunctional furniture. For example, you can buy a crib with drawers at the bottom, or a window seat with a storage compartment.

Don’t forget to treat yourself

Since you’ll spend a lot of sleepless nights and days in the nursery, then it’s only fair that you get something for yourself – a comfortable nursery chair. However, you don’t have to stick to a plain design, but choose a chair that will reflect your personal style. For example, Coco Republic offers a lot of comfortable and trendy options, ranging from lounge and reading chairs, to comfy chaise lounges.

Stylish décor

There’s no reason why your baby’s nursery can’t be stylish. There are a lot of nursery trends that all interior design enthusiasts are introducing into their own homes. Nature-inspired décor is extremely popular because it brings a sense of serenity and tranquillity, so you can decorate your nursery with big florals, mountains, cacti, leaves and animals. The hot hues are Greenery, Pantone’s colour of the year, gold rose and a neutral palette of muted tones, while bolder hues can be used for accent details.

When it comes to ideas for using these trends in your nursery, just follow your imagination. You can use these designs for decorative details, introduce them through art, add both style and depth by using soft fabrics, or transform one wall into a work of art.

DIY artwork

Your child’s environment can greatly influence their development, so why not surround them with beautiful and stimulating artwork. And what’s better way to spark your child’s creativity than being creative yourself? Do you want to pass your love for music to your child? Just frame vintage sheet music of your favourite song. You can also transform fabric leftovers into letters and then decorate your kid’s room with alphabet.

In just a few steps, you’ll design a perfect nursery for your baby. All you need to do is pick quality furniture, and use décor trends and imagination to add style to a comfortable room.

5 Ways You Can Use Solar Power at Home

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Once you go green, there’s no going back, and the final stop is residential solar power. However, you don’t have to implement all the green measures at once. You can start with small and simple changes, and then work your way up to major green updates. So, if you’ve entered the process of implementing eco-friendly measures that will help you decrease your bills, increase the value of your property, create a healthy and sustainable environment and reduce your ecological footprint, then it’s time for introducing solar power into your household.

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Drying your clothes au naturel

Instead of wasting energy on drying your clothes, why not use nature’s gift that is completely free and environmentally friendly? You’re already consuming a lot of energy so even a simple habit like drying your clothes in the sun can help you reduce your bills, while simultaneously protecting the environment. Even if you catch an hour of sunlight at the most, it will make a difference in the long run.

Heating up your water

It certainly feels nice when you wash your hands with warm water or take a hot shower in the winter. However, this consumes more energy than you might think. Water heating systems account for about 18 percent of your household energy consumption, which makes them one of the largest electricity users. You can only imagine how much energy and money you can save in the long run by using a solar water heating system. More and more homeowners are having solar water heaters installed, which can meet their everyday needs. Although this might be a sizeable investment at first, there are grants and subsidies for green improvements, and you’ll eventually recoup your initial costs.

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Keeping your home warm

Solar thermal power can keep your home warm even during the cold days. Before becoming sceptical, this is how it works. Solar panels that are installed on the roof gather sunlight and then store energy underground, so when the winter finally comes, you can rest assured that you’ll be warm. Still sceptical? Well, perhaps you won’t be when you hear that an entire community of 52 homes in Canada, called the Drake Landing Solar Community, is kept warm solely by solar thermal energy. The solar thermal energy industry in Europe is also developing plans for using solar power for heating 50 percent of all buildings, so why can’t you be part of a greener future?

Generating your electricity

By using solar power to generate your electricity, you can reduce your bills significantly, while protecting the environment at the same time. Since solar panels have become much more affordable, more and more homes are having them installed. Some of the benefits of having electricity generated by the sun are predictability and stability when it comes to expenses. You can always calculate your expenses and the amount of electricity that will be generated, which is not the case with regular electricity because there are frequent fluctuations in price. In addition, you have a range of different options, so you’re bound to find the one that is right for you. For example, an efficient 5kW solar system can meet your everyday needs and help you increase your savings. Just make sure that you fulfill all the requirement for the installation of a specific system beforehand.

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Cooking your food

Just imagine how much energy could be saved if all the household appliances were powered by the sun. It might sound a bit far-fetched at the moment, but it’s not impossible, and it’s already happening. You actually cook your food using solar cookers that are based on either reflective solar boxes or parabolic discs. This type of technology can make a big difference, especially in developing countries where households still use wood-burning stoves. Solar cookers can even lead to a reduction in indoor air pollution that can cause respiratory diseases.

The power of the sun is a great one, so why not use it for your own needs? Just go step by step, start small and you’ll have a sustainable home in no time.

Organizational Help

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Having a beautiful interior design in your home is nothing without some organization. If there is too much clutter the beautiful design will get lost in all the items and your mind will be stressed. Clean and organized home can greatly affect your mood and stress levels, so make sure to master these few tips on how to keep your home free of clutter.

pexels-photo-311398

Organize each room to fit your needs

Every room has its designated function to satisfy your needs. However, with too much clutter the room can become completely useless. Thus, reorganize and give back the purpose to each room. The kitchen should be clean and fully functional so you can cook in peace and with love. The bathroom, too, should be clean and everything should work properly. Your living room should always be tidy and decluttered so it can accommodate your guests and family. Kid’s rooms and bedrooms should be completely adjusted to everyone’s needs. Adjust the heights of beds, closets, shelves etc. Also, pay attention to clothes and how you organize and store them; the same goes for toys in kid’s room.

Tidy up your closet

Closets tend to get crowded and messy. We lose track of the things we store there which results in a huge pile of clothes shoved inside. This provides stress because you can never know where certain pieces are and you lose time while searching and ironing everything. In order to nip this in the bud, you should start grouping your clothes. You can even store them according to the frequency of use and put the ones you wear often in the front or lower on the shelf, while the pieces you don’t wear that often you can put at the back. Additionally, the things you don’t wear at all should be given away to charity, while you will manage to declutter your closet.

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Consider a storage unit

Once you start reorganizing and decluttering, you will notice how many things you have that can be disposed of or stored somewhere else. Some older pieces of furniture, older clothes or some outdoor furniture and similar items can easily find a new home. Many families in Australia are actually renting storage units for storing their things from time to time. If you do have things that need temporary storage until you figure out what to do with them, you can opt for temporary storage in Brisbane and remove some excess items from your home for better comfort.

Clear the kitchen cabinets

Cabinets are one of the messiest places in your kitchen. You constantly keep adding items and food into them which creates a chaos. Take your time and clear the kitchen cabinets and start over. Remove everything, organize dishes, food, containers and so on and put everything back with care. Also, every time you take something out, try to keep it organized and put it back into place and you will manage to avoid clutter. Also, you can use containers with labels and keep your snacks and baking supplies tidy and easy to find.

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Keep the documents at bay

Every house has some papers that cannot be thrown away. We need a place for our bills, contracts, warranties, receipts, etc. However, they all end up in the same drawer and you need to dig deep in order to find something you need. To avoid this, buy folders where you can keep the bills and contracts and make sure to label everything for better organization. Also, you can have a colour-coded system for each folder and type of documents and always know where to look.

An organized home promises an organized mind and that’s what everyone needs. Master these tips and declutter your home. You will notice an instant change in atmosphere that will contribute to everyone’s health.