Top 7 Tips To Make Your Home A Safer Place For Your Family

Posted on March 27, 2017 by lanajhawkins

Your home is the place where you and your family should feel completely safe and protected from possible accidents and potential intruders. The truth is that you cannot safeguard your home against everything, but you can bring its safety close to perfection with just a few simple steps. You shouldn’t worry about leaving your children at home, so you should do everything in your power to protect and provide them with a safe environment.

Make Your Home Healthier

The safety of your children doesn’t depend solely on alarm systems and other burglar-proof measures. You also need to provide them with a healthy and toxin-free home that will be a stimulating and enjoyable environment. Thus, you need to reduce the indoor air pollution by adding houseplants and high-quality air purifiers and use chemical-free cleaning products thus turning your home into a greener, more sustainable and, therefore, healthier environment.

Install a Security System

The statistics show that houses with security systems are an effective deterrent to burglars, reducing the risk of burglary. In order to maximise the safety of your home, you should consider installing an alarm system, as well as surveillance cameras or motion-sensor cameras. Certain areas, such as dark passages or backdoor entrances, are weak spots, so installing surveillance cameras here will make them much safer.

Additionally, you should place warning signs to send the message to potential burglars that your home is protected, but make sure not to reveal which type of security system you have. Even homes with only mock security systems are less likely to be broken into, because burglars won’t test their luck.

Safeguard Your Home Against Fire

Another essential home safety measure is fireproofing your living space. This step is of utmost importance, especially if you have children at the age of five or younger since they cannot escape on their own. You should install smoke alarms on every floor and have a multipurpose fire extinguisher. In addition, you should outline an emergency escape plan in case of fire and have a contact number of an emergency service within your reach.

Get to Know Your Neighbours

Your neighbours can be a huge help when it comes to protecting your home against burglars, so you should get to know them, especially if you’ve just moved to a new neighbourhood. They can watch over your house while you’re away, check it from time to time or pick up your newspapers to help you create an illusion of occupancy. Of course, you should return the favour and watch over their house when they need it. You can also join or start a neighbourhood watch program and keep your area safe together.

Secure Your Doors and Windows

Locking your doors and windows isn’t enough, so you’ll need to apply some additional security measures. You can opt for security doors with a peephole and deadbolts or place a metal bar at the bottom of sliding doors and windows. When it comes to windows, you should reinforce them with security screens, films or roller shutters. Additionally, you can install lockable windows in order to maximise the safety.

Illuminate Your Home

In the majority of cases, burglars will attempt to break into a home when no one’s there, and lighting is a major indicator of occupancy. A possible solution is leaving several lights on when you’re not home, but many burglars observe a house before breaking in, so they might recognise the pattern. A more efficient solution is installing outdoor motion sensor lights and indoor lights on timer that will turn on and off randomly in order to create an illusion of occupancy.

Keep Your Doors and Windows Locked

Although this tip might seem banal, the estimates show that in approximately 30% of burglaries, intruders enter through an unlocked door or window. This is the simplest security measure that anyone can apply. Therefore, it’s of utmost importance that you teach your children not to leave external doors unlocked even when you’re home. Before leaving your home, check whether you’ve locked all the doors and windows.

Protecting your home against burglaries and home fires, and making it toxin-free is of utmost importance for your family’s safety. With the help of these simple steps, you can quickly turn your home into a healthy, safe environment.

Living Room Lighting For Every Purpose

Posted on March 24, 2017 by smithdiana

Lighting can greatly influence your everyday life. We all know how different light can affect your mood, set the atmosphere, and highlight or hide different aspects of space, so here is how to achieve the desired look in your house. Here are five different types of lighting and each can have a place in your living room, so take a look.

General lighting

General lighting is usually overhead lighting that you use during the evening to provide you with sufficient light. Some living rooms which have a lot of natural light don’t need any artificial light during the day, but during the night, it’s necessity. General lighting is great if you want to create a pleasant atmosphere and provide your room with an even layer of light. To ensure you’ll always get the amount of light you need, install dimmers or enrich the space with floor lamps or scones. Watch out how you position your TV because overhead lighting can cause a distracting glare.

Accent lighting

If you want to draw attention to a certain part of your living room, such as a piece of art, some architectural element, a bookshelf or a fireplace, use accent lighting. A good way to accentuate your artwork is by installing track lights and a good option for highlighting plants or architecture is by using uplights placed on the floor. There’s one important thing to have in mind when installing accent lights – its brightness. Ideally, the accented part of the room should be around five times brighter than the surrounding space in order to achieve the desired effect.

Task lighting

Task lighting is used in the parts of the living room that are reserved for reading or writing. This type of lighting requires a brighter light so that you can do any task comfortably and without any strain on your eyes. Task lighting can be provided by standing lamps or table lamps that are adjustable and placed as near as possible to the area where you do the task. Apothecary style lamps are the favorite choice of many interior designers and you can’t go wrong with it. They are very focused and are practical because they can easily be moved around with the furniture.

Ambience lighting

If you want to create a specific atmosphere, ambience lighting is the way to go. It’s a great way to illuminate your home without drawing too much attention to the light source. It’s a subtle way to create a certain warm glow to your living room and make it cozy and inviting. Since ambience lighting is delicate and not “in your face”, you will probably use it a lot through the day even if you get a lot of sun like in Australia. Because of the frequent use it’s a good idea to use energy-saving bulbs and install dimmers. This can be tricky to do by yourself so you can call your local expert, such as Sydney Local Electricians to make your life easier.

Decorative lighting

Decorative lighting is a way to add something extra to your living room. With table lamps you can add colour, texture, shine and style to your living room. Each piece can have a story and can add to the dominant design of the room. With decorative lights, you can also make the space feel softer, cozier and more intimate. Different chandeliers and pendants can create that homey atmosphere, whereas table and standing lamps can personalize the space and add a little flair to it.

Since the living room is usually the social centre of any home, the type of lighting you choose is very important. So, go and light up your living room and let it shine bright like a diamond.

Paint Colors For Fooling The Eye And Making A Small Room Look Bigger

Posted on March 20, 2017 by smithdiana

Home should be a place where you feel safe and free, but it can seem impossible to feel like that when you’re spending your days in a cramped space that causes claustrophobia rather than happiness. Believe it or not, moving into a bigger apartment is not your only option. You can make a room appear larger with nothing but a fresh coat of paint. Even though to appear larger is not the same as to be larger, the illusion of spaciousness can make your room more functional and easier to be in. Here are some suggestions that will prove our point.

All-White

Painting a small dark room white is the most frequently used designer trick in order to create an illusion of spaciousness. Dark colors have the tendency of absorbing the light and making a room feel smaller. White does exactly the opposite- it makes the room feel open and airy and maximizes the effect of natural light. However, white calls for caution, since it can appear dull and sterile. For optimal effect, choose off-white tones, such as Benjamin Moor’s China White or Honeymilk Valspar.

Grey Is the New White

For too long white has been considered as the only option for increasing the amount of light in a room, when grey is just as efficient in fulfilling this task. It has been unfairly accused as depressing and drab, but in fact, it is the perfect alternative for the mentioned off-white shades, especially ammonite grey. Cloud grey also does a rather decent job in making a space feel soft and airy, thus creating a clean backdrop often used in Scandinavian décor.

Warm Neutrals

Unlike grey, warm neutrals (brown, red, orange and yellow undertones) are often used in small spaces, especially because they can make a room appear larger without compromising the cozy atmosphere characteristic for small spaces. Furthermore, they fit in perfectly in any design style and color palette, so you can introduce them without overhauling your entire home. Some of the best warm neutral shades you can find on the market are Alexandra Beige by Benjamin Moore and Old White by Farrow & Ball.

Pretty Pastels

There’s nothing quite like a small room painted with pastel tones. These shades are feminine by nature, and they can brighten any space and add a few imaginary square inches to it. Mauve, peach, lavender and light pink (e.g. Pantone’s Rose Quartz) are lovely choices, especially if you pair them with subtle neutrals. Just remember to use acetone for brushes if you’re going to paint with two different colors in the same day, if you don’t want your beige to become pink.

Citrus Shades

Yellow can look amazing in small rooms and enhance the presence of natural light. However, don’t go with too dark or too bright shade, since it can overwhelm the space. Pale, creamy yellow, soft banana and subtle shade of lemon are the best choices. You can combine them with light lime green or sorbet orange to create more visual interest.

Sea Tones

Lighter greens and blues that remind us of coastal scenes create a soothing atmosphere that can at the same time both enlarge and brighten your space. Sea foam green is especially effective, because it’s versatile and works very well with many other shades, like darker greens (e.g. rich forest green), white, pink, blue, etc.

The fact that all of the mentioned colors are brighter shouldn’t discourage you from using darker bold shades in small space. However, it is important to know how to use them. Dark colors will work best when used on an accent wall, furniture and accessories, or to accentuate an architectural feature such as fireplace or niche.

Creating a Perfect Closet

Posted on March 8, 2017 by smithdiana

Everyone dreams of having a big walk-in closet with plenty of storage space for all of their clothes, shoes and accessories. That is possible, we just need to utilize what we have and keep things organized. If you don’t know where to start or how to create your own perfect closet, here are some tips that can help you.

Utilize the Space

In order to utilize every inch of your closet, you should use its corners, depth and height efficiently. All these areas should be accessible to you and you can easily install pull-down rods or shelves to use everything to the maximum. Corners can be tricky to use, but if you incorporate a carousel or a custom-made corner rod, you will utilize the available space to the fullest and always have enough storage for all of your clothes.

Add a Vanity

Sometimes, shelves and rods are not enough for all the things you wish to keep in the closet. To make things more interesting and provide more storage, you should consider adding a vanity. An elegant vanity will not only look gorgeous in your walk-in closet, but it will provide you with more space to store your things. Use the drawers to nicely fold your shirts, jeans and blouses, while the top of the vanity can be used as a nice display for your makeup, jewelry and perfume bottles. What is more, there are vanities that come with a built-in mirror, which makes a comfy station for putting on makeup before work.

Maximize Vertical Space

If you don’t have enough space to create depth and length in your closet, you will have to go up. Every inch of vertical space should be used smartly in order to be able to have enough storage. Your options are vast; you can install pullout rods at the highest point of your closet and be able to store things very high. Beneath those rods, you can always put up a few shelves and leave space for foldable clothes. Additionally, you can rely on smaller cabinets and short shelves on various levels and always be sure you have enough space for your shirts, pants and jeans. You can even opt for custom-made closets, such as wardrobes in Brisbane where every square inch is used to its fullest potential.

Quality Lighting

Lighting is an essential part of every wardrobe. You will try out outfits in there and you need to see how everything looks. You can go small with adding a few lamps or pendant lights, but there is a far better solution. Add LED lights in hanging rods and it will allow you to clearly see every garment hanging on that rod. Also, an overhead light is a must; so put up a few lighting fixtures next to the mirror or on your vanity. Just make sure the lights are bright enough so you can clearly see what you are doing.

Provide Seating

For those who are indecisive about their outfits, trying clothes on can become tiring. That is why it is a smart idea to provide some comfy seating. You can introduce a small built-in bench, a fancy chair or even a whole couch, if it can fit. Nevertheless, a place to sit on will save you so much trouble. Firstly, you will have a place where you can try your shoes on. Secondly, you can sit and contemplate about your next outfit. Lastly, if you and your friends like trying out clothes together, you will have a place to have a nice cup of coffee. Additionally, a seat will provide you with some space for the clothes you plan on wearing the next day.

It’s not easy to create a perfect closet, but it is not impossible. These simple tips and a few additions to your closet will put you on the right path of creating your dream wardrobe. Just be patient and organized.

Renovate Your Home The Eco-Friendly Way

Posted on March 6, 2017 by smithdiana

There is nothing more satisfying than changing the old and dull appearance of our home. Apart from opting to add some modern details to add a touch of freshness to your home, it is important to go green and protect the environment. The best part about opting for an eco-friendly home improvement solution is that it can save you a lot of money on electricity and water bills. In order to help you reduce your carbon footprint and have an amazing time while renovating your home, we have prepared a few easy-to-follow steps for you.

Reduce water waste

One of the easiest ways to save money and go green as well is to reduce the amount of water you waste around the house. Start by installing low-flow showerheads and toilets. Normal-flow showers can account for 17% of the overall household water usage. This way, you will get to save up to 2,900 gallons of water per year. More importantly, make sure that you turn the tap off if you are not going to use it. This applies to moments when you are brushing your teeth or taking a shower – ask yourself: “Do I really need to keep the water running for this long?”, and “Should I turn the water off while I’m shampooing my hair?”

Use paint that doesn’t harm the environment

If you want to paint your home in funky colours and still protect the environment, make sure to invest in non-VOC paint. Volatile organic compounds or VOC, have a high vapour pressure at ordinary room temperature. They are toxic, and inhaling them for a longer period of time can cause serious respiratory problems. Even worse, they can cause skin, eye, and throat irritations. When they get in contact with nitrogen oxides, they can create a form of ground-level ozone or smog, which contributes to climate change. Explore various non-VOC paints, and make your home a safer place for your family.

Insulate your home

The more you invest in high quality insulation, the less you will have to pay for electricity, oil or wood needed to heat your home. The effects of great insulation are extremely good, because it traps the heat inside your home during winter, and keeps your home cool during summer.

Renovate your home using recycled materials

The biggest advantage of using recycled materials is that they are eco-friendly and affordable. There are numerous recyclable materials that can be found in common households, from plastic and paper, to steel and organic compounds. Additionally, another great place to start looking for them is around a heritage building centre or a demolition yard. You can find carpets, windows, bathroom fixtures, and many more items made from recycled materials which are cheap, but don’t lack the good looks. This way, you will both get an affordable deal on materials for your home and protect the environment.

Invest in energy efficient ventilation

More and more households are investing in wind ventilation systems. The benefit of using them is that they can cool the room. Additionally, it is a system exclusively powered by wind, which means that it doesn’t require any additional investments in order to function properly. The best thing about them is that they can be installed in every room. In order to get the best that wind ventilation systems have to offer, we recommend opting for a whirlybird because of its excellent performance and affordability.

Use barn wood

Using reclaimed wood is an ideal “green” alternative for home improvement. It is basically reused material made from barns, factories and warehouses, hence the name “barn wood”. You can apply your DIY skills and use it for designing your very own custom chairs, floors, decking, and countertops for the kitchen. If you want to add a touch of antiquity to your home, don’t forget to use barn wood for your next DIY project.

As we can see, it doesn’t take much effort to renovate your home the eco-friendly way. All it takes is patience and ingenuity.

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Top 7 Tips To Make Your Home A Safer Place For Your Family