Cool Ideas for a Family-Friendly Backyard

As cold and harsh weather gives way to soothing spring temperatures, we feel the magnetic pull of the outside world. The rejuvenating greenery of grass and trees is always there to greet us, but why not go the extra mile? No matter how big or small the yard is there is most likely a way to transform this outdoor space into a family oasis infused with homey comfort. This is an opportunity to achieve an active lifestyle brimming with utter fun and joy.

A central stage

The first thing to consider is how you want to utilize the space. Also, you have to ask yourself how many people will use it and how often. That should give you an idea about the features to be included. They can encompass everything from a fireplace and a dining area to a cocktail patio. Just note that strangely-shaped backyards provide special challenges in design. Hence, it is of the utmost importance to plan ahead of time.

A spacious patio is a must-have. It makes large family gatherings possible and establishes a seamless connection between interior and the backyard. A massive fireplace with a mural is a perfect focal point, making it a spot where one can unwind and melt the stress away after a long day. On the other hand, there is no need to spend a truckload of money on décor. Get your creative juices flowing and take on exciting DIY projects.

Make sure to invest in outdoor furniture sets to provide comfortable seating. Of course, weather-resistant pieces are highly recommended when putting together a durable outdoor area. The weather, though, is not the only natural enemy. I had to rely on professional services to identify potential timber damage as well as the presence of pests such as termites in furniture and decks.

Child’s play

Furthermore, create a space for kids. It might be a good idea to section it off with screens made from lattice fencing attached to posts. A row of brightly-colored plants like sunflowers can play the same role and add playful charm to the space. Likewise, there are many landscaping tricks to separate spaces within the yard. For instance, beds planted with tall plants and evergreen serve as handy natural borders and dividers.

A playhouse or a tree house could be just what the children need. Still, if you opt for plastic playing equipment, try to introduce more of the natural presence around. A sandbox is a nice addition as it can be converted into a raised vegetable garden. Vegetables always bring benefits for the family as they invite them to plant, tend, and harvest together. Oh, and do not forget to plant a plenty of grass for a soft surface for outdoor activities and sports.

Footloose and fancy-free

Once the kids have a place to enjoy their escapades, turn the attention to the set-apart space reserved for adults. A game room or pavilion is a chance to engage in favorite activities while the breeze fondles you. A waterproof pool table is a common sight in many entertainment areas, and curtains can be utilized to protect the players from the elements. A daybed positioned between container planters, on the other hand, is the perfect place to recharge the batteries.

Outdoor lighting allows everyone to stay outdoors even as the night beckons and snuggles the yard. It keeps the party going and ensures the much-needed functionality. What is more, it highlights landscaping and architectural features. Feel free to follow your taste. Lighting is the final piece of the puzzle you’ll need to assemble a backyard family refuge where you can curl up together and spend some quality time.

Make the magic happen

A magical backyard sanctuary brings the family closer together. In order to make the most of it, strive to summon a homelike atmosphere and give everyone something to enjoy. A hangout spot is paramount, but so are secluded areas for a more private chilling out. So, get inspired and roll up your sleeves. Merge prime functionality with swell aesthetics and immerse in the great outdoors with your family members for months to come.

How to Give Your Home Natural-Born Style? 

Bringing the nature indoors has been a centuries’ long desire for so many people. They strived to inject calmness and serenity into their living spaces, and achieve that homey, welcoming feel. Moreover, the growing environmental awareness and dire environmental problems have nurtured a fertile ground for a natural approach to take hold. A modern natural-born style summons sheer beauty, it echoes the comforting vibe of the natural world, but also adapts to fit the interior landscape.

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Image source: hometone.com

The real deal

Mother Nature is not easy to emulate and duplicate. It is best to not even try; and embrace natural materials that are the bedrock of an organic style. Wood, stone, and metal infuse the living environment with texture and more depth, which is to say that one has to let them take central stage. This is a distinctive type of glamour, which is bling- and glitter-intolerant. It encourages you to expose rather than conceal the flawed, pristine beauty of materials like wood.

While digital information flies across great distances, interiors are undergoing a Stone Age revolution. Namely, materials like marble are gaining traction as they bring texture, tone, and subtle patterns. Some homeowners have rugged, natural rock walls, but even if you are devoid of such resource, you can make the magic happen. After all, granite can be utilized for countertops and backsplashes in the kitchen.

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Image source: hometipsworld.com

Plant the organic seeds

I have also seen extraordinary examples of roof beams and railroad ties being used in décor. A reclaimed pair of oak beams can provide material for shelving, while dark mahogany brings a unique flavor to the living room. Those who possess a burning stove or open fire are blessed with a fiery focal point, and a good excuse to store firewood in a decorative fashion.

Wood has a place all around us, but nowhere is it so obvious than in a farmhouse kitchen style, which is deeply rooted in organic charm. The traditional farm life is brimming with modesty, but it also features amazing solutions like rustic wood floors. In any event, choose materials and solutions that resonate with your sense of style and allow you to personalize the space.

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Image source: pinterest.com

Driftwood, for example, can be dried out and whitewashed in order to create unusual centerpieces. Likewise, one may employ window coverings like plantation shutters that act not only as light controllers, but also sound buffers and privacy wardens.Get into the art of recycling and upcycling, which suits the organic theme perfectly: Countertops can be made from scaffolding planks and wine crates used to assemble DIY wall storage.

Furthermore, do not neglect flowers and plants: They are an inexpensive and stylish way to refresh your interior design and enjoy the bits of rejuvenating nature inside. Note that you can amplify the effect by matching the color of the blooms with décor and design elements. And if you do not want to put your green fingers to use, opt for botanical-print fabrics and wallpapers.

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Image source: pinterest.com

Visual symphony

Always be inventive and think outside the box. A wooden backdrop is just what you need, but once you have set the stage, it is time to introduce some contrast. Sleek, metallic items are a safe bet, as they compliment the soothing natural savor. Bear that in mind when picking furniture, fittings, and décor items, and think in terms of copper, natural brass, and gold finishes. Pull together a shimmering spectacle with plenty of natural light and reflective surfaces.

Finally, take advantage of artisanal textiles and form a symphony of colors and patterns. Handcrafted fabrics spark visual interest, and throws, pillows, and rugs emanate a natural feel and soften the space. That way, you do not have to worry about materials like steel disrupting the natural sensation. Even an exposed brick wall loses some of its edginess in the presence of a soft sheep wool throw placed over an antique armchair.

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Image source: decoist.com

Born to be wild

Done right, a natural look can be sophisticated and enthralling. It makes you feel at peace and content in your living environment. Wood is still the king of the natural realm, but it needs loyal minions in the form of fabrics, metals, stone, and plant life. So, reveal craftsmanship and natural charm at their finest. Enjoy the natural embrace of your environment and immerse in the allure of organic solutions. Invite the nature into every room of your home and do not miss a chance to take the warmth and coziness to the next level.

Great Tips To Help Create The Perfect Basement Bedroom

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There is a point in all of our lives when we wish to have a bit more space in our homes. That need usually comes when we have friends or relatives staying over and we don’t have enough space for everyone to sleep peacefully. However, there is a simple solution to such problems – a basement bedroom. Basements are usually neglected in homes, but they can actually be transformed into a comfortable spare room. So, if your basement is not finished, this is your chance to make it look like a dream bedroom.

Have an Escape Plan

In most countries, a local building code says that every basement living space must have an emergency escape and rescue openings. However, even if your local authorities are not particular about it, you should have an emergency escape plan for the sake of your own safety and the safety of your family. Even if your neighborhood is quiet and friendly, you never know when a fire or natural disaster might occur, and having an escape plan in your basement can be a life saver. The best and smartest option is to install egress windows, which will not only provide a convenient escape route, but they will let plenty of natural light in the room.


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Thorough Inspection

Even though your basement seems okay to you, you can never know in what state it is unless you are an expert. The first thing you need to know is whether there is a possibility of converting the basement into a living space, and it is hard to do so without the experts, such is building inspection Sydney. The experts will tell you if the ceiling is high enough for the space to be used; they will pinpoint any weak spots of the structure and tell you how to fix them; they will even help you plan a good escape route and they will make sure the foundation and installations are functional.

Ceiling and Flooring

Basement bedroom will need to look cozy and elegant, and the best solution for that is a drywall finish with a few decorative ceiling beams. Such walls and ceiling will give the room a distinct identity, while preserving the ambiance as close to the other rooms in your home as possible. Also, no matter how big the basement is, you should stick to the style and color schemes that you already have in the rest of the house in order to provide the sense of continuity. As far as flooring is concerned, solid wood flooring is not the option in the basement. This is due to the humidity and possible temperature variations which can greatly affect and bend the wood. Instead, you can opt for laminate tile and carpets; you can even choose a stylish rug to enhance and elevate the look of the new bedroom.

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Let There Be Light

Light is important in each home, but it is as twice as important in the basement bedroom. Since natural source of light is limited, you have to choose artificial lighting fixtures wisely. Opt for layers of lighting that will enhance the atmosphere in the bedroom and still keep it cozy. Have a couple of bedside scones for late night reading and add ceiling fixtures and space them through the room evenly. However, if possible, provide as much natural light as possible because it can greatly improve the air quality in the basement while providing warmth.

Go for Luxury

No matter who uses the new bedroom, you should always go for luxury. That is, you should invest in a luxurious comfy bed with quality bedding in order to create the perfect bedroom retreat. Add a few thick comforters and pillows, find fitted bed skirt and pillow shams and you will instantly elevate the room’s design and atmosphere. You can also invest in a few more luxurious bedroom accessories, or create the staircase you always dreamed of.

Don’t be a homeowner with a shabby basement that has no purpose. If you are patient and creative enough, you can create a dream bedroom for your own personal use or for all of your guests.

Furniture Trends 2016: Color Will Be The King

The New Year is traditionally a time to look at your home and consider which rooms need to be redecorated and spruced up. Part if this process often includes replacing all or some of your furniture.  It can be difficult to pick the right furniture, something that will blend in with your color scheme, do the job well and be in keeping with the latest trends. The following color trends are likely to feature highly in 2016 and should assist you with your furniture choices:

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Grey

A neutral color is always the best choice for your furniture, especially when considering a settee. Whilst any neutral color can be used, grey remains the best option as it will go with any color scheme and can be easily brightened, or even toned down with some well chosen cushions. Grey is the best choice for purchasing the more expensive furniture items, such as your settee. This is because you can pay a little more to get a premium quality item safe in the knowledge that it will not go out of fashion the following season. A grey or neutral settee will allow you to repaint the walls every year, or simply change all your accessories to ensure your house always remains abreast of the latest trends.

Blue

Blue has become a firm favorite for the coming year. Blue colors, particularly navy or indigo, will brighten any room but can also complement the majority of the colors available.  Alternatively, if you already have a neutral color settee and are not ready to change it; you can add a range of blue colors to your room through the use of cushions, throws, curtains and even rugs. The walls can remain neutral and allow you to easily change your style next season!

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Denim

This shade of blue is set to feature in many of the fabrics and even artworks which will shortly be coming to the market. It can be seen as a bold statement but it is very good at adding a splash of adventure to any room. It makes a statement and can make any room come to life.  Again, it does not need to be a big splash of color; adding it to your room via a painting or abstract art will work well. It is also possible to add vases, cushion cases and even throws to finish the effect. As blue is a warming color it will also help to make your room feel warmer and cozier, no matter how big it is!

Copper

This is the best metal to use to finish off a variety of furniture items and accessorize your room. It provides a sense of warmth and a touch of class. Add copper handles to your furniture or copper edging to your mirrors, you can even use copper curtain poles to add the right touch to your room. Alternatively, furniture edged with rose gold will provide a similar finish and add the luxury look to your property. Alongside your furniture you can add finishing touches like a rose gold hand mirror, or several pieces of jewelry, laid on a dressing table. You can even purchase copper drink mats for your coffee table or add them to your place mats in the dining room.

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The most valuable piece of advice when it comes to choosing your furniture is to pick something that is comfortable and echoes your personality. The colors can be added according to the latest trends, your whims or even the change in the seasons. This will make your room, luxury handmade furniture, and interior decor truly versatile and fashionable; no matter what the current trend.

Photos courtesy of: http://www.highmark-builders.com/

 

Old Bath Tub Turned Into Seating Area

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10353192_10204308639660260_1953544052678936601_nl I love ideas like this – I have no idea how it was done to such detail. This would literally last for a lifetime plus (just replacing the cushion). I would believe it could have also been cut so that instead of one side being left it could have been cut so the back and small amounts of sides could have been left to make a couch. The paint used must have been enamel and I imaging polyurethane was sprayed to make a finish that is very durable.