Category Archives: ~Decorating

Magical Garden Ideas: 5 Tips To Create A Backyard Oasis

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A backyard is an ideal place to create a small sanctuary to escape the world and recharge your batteries. And it’s easier than you think, although like any landscaping it will require some beforehand planning. When it comes to magical garden ideas, it can all be summarized as the combination of lush greenery, stone formations, and wooden objects.

These symbolize nature and its inspirational influence on everyday life which will fill you with energy and positivity. If you want to have such a wonderful garden, check these 5 tips to create a backyard oasis of your own.

1.   A relaxed patio

The patio is a valuable addition to any garden and there is so much you can do with it. But to truly turn it into your oasis, you need to make it a separate installation and not part of the house. If the floor is wooden, paint it in light grey to help it pop-up and feel more in harmony with nature.

Install a pergola with wisteria hanging from above and providing shade. During summer, it will bloom with gorgeous purple flowers that will make the space lively and joyful. Wooden bench and table underneath are perfect for meals, while a hammock or two hanged on the pergola’s columns are ideal for afternoon siestas.

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2.   An outdoor entertainment area

Make the most out of the ongoing trend to use the indoor furniture outside, especially when you design an entertainment area. Choose a spot in your backyard and install stone tiles on the ground with slight room between them so you can see the grass. Plant lavish greenery in a semi-circle surrounding part of the new-built stone patio. For this, use plants with colorful leaves like caladium and sumac which will serve as a background to the seating area and also give you some privacy.

A large sofa with unicolor upholstery and patterned cushions will bring out a lounge feel to the area. Also, place two chairs across from it so that the area seems closed off and intimate for friends to chat and have brunch. A glass coffee table and simple canopy to shade from the sun will bring out the Mediterranean style even more from this entertainment area.

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3.   An evening paradise

Although gardens look their best during the day that doesn’t mean they can’t be magical during the evening. Declutter the space around that big tree in your backyard until you have a clean area to turn into your backyard oasis.  Use potted plants like ferns, palms, and philodendron to create lush nature around the tree and especially by the fence if it’s close by.

Use wooden lounge chairs with comfortable upholstery and two or three ottomans around them. Place lanterns with candles on the small coffee table to create a relaxing and romantic mood. However, the key to this evening’s paradise is numerous small lights hanging gently from the tree branches and representing the stars.

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4.   A magical garden pond

Water features are not so uncommon in gardens today since the technology and expertise for their creation has gone a long way. Working with landscaping professionals like Landscape Solutions is the best way to create a pond in your backyard worthy of fairy-tales. Since this will be the focal point, all other pieces will have to fit around it.

Build an elevated patio above the pond where you will create a seating area with a fire pit for extra warmth and atmosphere. Surround the pond with greenery especially flowery shrubs like white jasmine and pink weigela to add color to the area.

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5.   A small haven

Not everyone is blessed with large backyard space, but that doesn’t mean it can’t still be a heavenly place to enjoy the fresh air. Use a fence or wall to create your spot where you can have breakfast in the summer mornings or enjoy a cup of tea in the afternoon. When it comes to small backyard oasis, it depends on various potted plants in all shapes and sizes.

Use bushes and trees against the fence and allow vines to climb up the walls to give it a more natural appeal. Furniture made of cast iron is a sophisticated solution which will bring elegance and character to this area. Add perennial flowers here and there to make the space more colorful like gladiolus and Spanish lavender. For light, use wall-mounted solar lamps and candle lanterns so it would truly become a small haven even in the summer evenings.

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Lastly

These magical garden ideas will help you create a backyard oasis that will give you a perfect spot to spend time with family and friends. They can be your small haven to spend some alone time or an evening paradise to have dinner with friends. Whichever you choose, the abundance of nature and peaceful setting will help you have a peaceful sanctuary even if you leave in the middle of a busy city.

 

6 Tips For Incorporating Pops Of Color Into Your Home

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Neutral and monochromatic color schemes are all the rage in interior design, but that doesn’t mean that bright colors are off the table. In fact, a few subtle pops of color can instantly transform a simple modern space into something bold and evocative.

If you want to make the biggest splash with your colorful accents, it’s best–albeit not a requirement–to start with a neutral color scheme. White and neutral-hued walls not only create the illusion of space, but they also provide a clean canvas that complements colorful accessories and flourishes. This simple but profound concept has been a staple of mid-century modern design for generations, and it still holds up today.

  1. Accessorize With Bright Colors

Pastel colors like bright greens, yellows, and pinks can make an instant and lasting impression. The trick is to use them sparingly so they don’t overwhelm your space. Consider household items like lamps, coffee tables, or furniture essentials. These accessories are simple to incorporate into your home, but they have the power to turn a dull space into something bright, modern, and sophisticated.

Brightly colored artwork also works well and can even add a sense of class to your home. In fact, artwork has the power to modernize even a classic or Victorian estate. Choose pieces with bright color palettes that complement the design theme of the home.

  1. Strive for Symmetry

While we’re on the topic of accessorizing, it’s worth emphasizing that your colors–though intended to make a strong impression–should be arranged with symmetry in mind. Though mid-century modern homes tend to mix and match bright colors to great effect, this type of arrangement can be risky without an expert touch.

If you just want your colors to pop, choose a basic color scheme like yellow furniture against a white wall or turquoise decorative pillows complemented by blue- and green-hued artwork. You can always get a second opinion if you’re not sure whether your color scheme is working.

  1. Take Your Lighting from Monochrome to Color

Don’t overlook your lighting when considering ways to add color to your home. A simple colored lampshade, base, or cord can add an instant pop of color to any space, and best of all, it can be turned on and off as needed. You have total control over the effect.

When choosing colors for your lighting, consider the environment. As noted by Psychology Today, warm colors like reds and oranges can make the space seem warmer than it actually is, while cool colors like greens and blues can create the illusion of cooler temperatures. The optimal colors will largely depend on your own climate.

  1. Get Creative with Paints

A new coat of paint may not seem like the optimal way to promote a pop of color, but the secret is to use your paints sparingly. For example, rather than painting your entire kitchen, you might just add a splash of blue to your cabinets. When you have brightly colored cabinets against a neutral wall, your kitchen stands out without sacrificing its modern charm. Look for places around your home where you can paint in sections without overwhelming the entire room.

  1. Let Your Tiles Do the Talking

While we’re talking about isolated patches of color, we should also take some time to mention your flooring and also opportunities for backsplash color. Floors and walls are most often simple and neutral, but they beg to be spruced up. One of the simplest ways to do this for your floors is with a brightly colored area rug. Rather than going for a traditional Persian rug with its dark shades and intricate patterns, look for pastel colors that can brighten up a room. Whereas, on your walls, you can always add artwork, but for kitchens, bathrooms and even fireplaces and pools, you might consider colorful tile accents as a wonderful way to incorporate new colors, patterns, and designs.

  1. Colorize Your Exterior Space

Finally, we’d be remiss if we didn’t discuss the value of adding color to your outdoor patio or yard. The exterior space is often neglected when it comes to color arrangement, but it’s remarkably simple to brighten up your outdoor oasis and make it more modern and inviting. It may be as easy as replacing your patio seat colors with neon solid colors or even adding a new garden or potted plants to your space. As with the interior, it’s all about accessorizing with the right hues. Swap out those fading floral designs for something that instantly catches the eye.

Author Bio: Katie Tejada is a writer, editor, and former HR professional. She enjoys writing about events, travel, decorating trends, and innovations for the home, but also covers developments in HR, business communication, recruiting, real estate, and finance.

7 Steps To Take Before Your First Renovation

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House renovation is a great way to get a ‘new house’ without moving to a different place. But planning your first renovation can be complicated because there are so many elements to consider. You can’t just focus on what you’d like your home to look like, it’s important to remember about the practicality of such changes. To achieve the best possible results, there are a few simple steps you have to take before any work starts.

Consider the location

Depending on the area you live in certain changes, like house extensions, may not be possible. If you are still looking for a new house, which you’ll want to renovate before moving into, it’s also important to consider the neighbourhood when deciding on a purchase. For people planning on removals to Chelsea, going there and having a look at the other buildings in the area may not be a bad choice. It’ll give you an idea of what to expect.

Set a budget

Calculate how much money you are willing to spend on a renovation. Some changes may just be too expensive and will have to be discarded. Focus on the most pressing matters at first, smaller alterations can be implemented further along the line. You should also count in a contingency of around 20%, which will let you avoid stress in case of any unexpected expenses. Knowing exactly how big your budget is will help you plan the renovation.

Plan the changes

When you think about what your dream house would look like, there are definitely elements that are more important to you than others. But your expectations may not always fit in nicely with the rest of the project. Consider what will work within the space you have. A glass stairs design is great for modern interiors, while wood floors will help in achieving a cosy atmosphere. Figure out what you’d like to change, this way, you’ll be able to ask contractors for exact quotes.

Find contractors

Price should never be the deciding factor when choosing a contractor. The cheapest one will not necessarily be bad, but there’s no guarantee that the most expensive one will be the best as well. Try to find good contractors through the recommendations from people you know. If this doesn’t help, at least try to look for reviews online. Renovations can get messy and time-consuming even at the best of times, and hiring inexperienced contractors will not help the matter in any way.

Get the necessary permits

Some parts of your renovation, especially if you plan on changing the structure of the building, may require planning permissions. You need to apply for those before starting any construction works, so make sure to find out what is necessary in your case. If you’re still unsure whether you need one or not, it’s advisable to check with your local authority. Having a house that is listed or located in a Conservation Area can limit your options, but even if you don’t need any permits, you’ll still need to comply with building regulations.

Check the insurance

You may already have your property insured, but does the insurance cover eventual damages sustained during building work? Will your insurance still be valid even if you move out of the house during the renovation? You need to carefully consider all the aspects to avoid unpleasant surprises later on. It may be a good idea to consult a specialist on the matter. Another important thing to check is whether the contractors working on your renovation are insured. Accidents can happen during construction works, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Schedule the renovation

Some parts of your renovation have to be finished before the others can start. It’s especially important in situations when you have hired different contractors to perform different tasks. You’ll need to schedule the works carefully. Make a list of all the changes in the order they have to be completed in. This way you’ll make sure that the whole renovation will go smoothly and you’ll avoid unnecessary damages and additional expenses.

The properly planned renovation will allow you to avoid unpleasant surprises during construction works. If you follow the steps listed above, you’ll get a house that’s, if not perfect, then at least close to your dream one. And after all the building work is done, you’ll be able to focus on the more enjoyable task of decorating your newly acquired space.

My Cluttered Life – Part 1

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It has come to a time in my life that I have had an epiphany to the fact I hate clutter. I hate to move it around, to look for certain items and I certainly hate it to move from one place to another. I have started a quest to rid my life of excess. Don’t get me wrong I do like my stuff, but there has to be a line drawn in the sand.

So I am going to start writing a series of articles about clutter and for some of us hoarding. I will also talk about purging and cleaning and freeing yourself of the burdens ‘stuff’ brings to your life. You can follow these articles under the category ‘My Cluttered Life’ on the side panel of this blog. I will write every now and then. Some will be short and sweet with tips and tricks. Some will be an accounting of my goals and I want you to use them to help make your life a bit more free.

So, I just moved. Not far away but we moved from a temporary townhouse into a house so everything is now in one place. We moved from Rio Rancho, NM to West Jordan, UT (think Albuquerque to Salt Lake City areas). We moved from a house to a townhouse until we got established and figured out exactly where we wanted to live and where work would be. It took us two years. Yes, that temporary housing didn’t end up being so temporary. That caused a problem.

When I moved up here thinking it was a temporary move I packed accordingly. I packed stuff for a storage unit and packed stuff to live with for a few months. I figured I would keep things to a minimum that we were living with and I would handle it. So, most of everything went into storage. But when you live in a home for two years you need stuff (Yes, that temporary thin ended up to be two years). So, instead of digging through a three car garage packed very tight we just bought new. Now everything is in one place we have duplicates and lots of them.

This was the first step to make in my series of articles I am writing. I do not need two of most items. So out went ten good sized boxes that were just literally picked up by Big Brothers Big Sisters. It feels good to pass on items that were perfectly good to someone who could use it while it benefiting a worthwhile charity and in turn freeing up space in my home. I am sure I will find more duplicates as I move through the house but that is alright. I can make another large load to donate or take a box at a time to a local thrift store.

My strategy now is to go to one tote to another. Discard things that are no longer in working condition, broken or just not wanted anymore. I am also using labeled totes to put things that are ‘I don’t knows’. When I am done going through the house I will take one of these totes at a time and everything in the tote will find a home in my home or it will go to the trash or donate. Will write another article on the flip side of doing this. See you all then.

Ways to Make Your Front Yard More Social

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When thinking about exterior renovations, most people think about introducing changes to their backyard and spicing it up a bit. While this makes a lot of sense in the long run – after all, the backyard is where most of us hang out with our friends and spend quality time with our families – it’s still not the only exterior space that needs your attention. The front yard could use some love and care as well, and that’s something people rarely do in this day and age. So, instead of focusing on your backyard only, you could find ways to make the space in front of your home more special and inviting as well, and here are some of the best ways to do that.

Do Some Regular Maintenance

Before you can use your front yard and invite people to visit you, make sure your front yard is in the best shape possible. Luckily, these things are easy to handle, and it’s all about mowing the lawn, trimming the hedges, cleaning the trash, and decluttering the entire area from time to time.

What’s great about these things is that you don’t have to do them every single day, but you will need to dedicate your time and patience to them at least once a week. So, figure out what needs to be done, create a mowing schedule for the entire year, find time in your daily agenda, and start handling these things one by one.

Extend Your Patio

Most of us already have a patio in front of our houses, but the problem is that we don’t make the most of it at all. Instead of actually spending time here, we just use the patio as a welcoming area for all our visitors and guests, but that’s just not enough if you want to turn your front yard into your primary outdoor area for socialization.

What you can do, though, is extend your patio into the yard, and basically turn it into a continual space that will connect your home to your front lawn. It goes without saying that you need to maintain it first and make it ready for hanging out there, but you should also think about a pathway. If you choose to do that, use the same material as for your patio – whether it’s concrete, stone, bricks, or tile, using the same material is always better and easier than looking for another solution.

Build a Deck

This is probably the best and most effective way to introduce a massive change into your home and your front yard as well – building a deck is ultimately what’s going to turn the space in front of your home into a space where you can socialize with your friends and family. This deck doesn’t have to be too big, of course, but it needs to be stable, durable, and actually useful.

Even though building a deck on your own sounds like the most creative way to spend your weekend, it still isn’t the best idea in the world, especially if you have no skills, tools, ideas, and previous experience. That’s why hiring a professional who can build you a great deck is the way to go – not only is your deck going to be visually appealing, but it will also blend into your exterior style rather seamlessly. So, take this idea into consideration, and you’ll be able to throw parties on your deck sooner than you’ve thought.

Be Creative with the Lights

Spending time in the open usually means hanging out with your friends all day long, but that doesn’t mean your get-togethers need to stop. On the contrary, nobody can stop you from staying there until morning, if that’s something you love, but you will need to take care of your exterior lighting first.

Whether you have a deck, a patio, or a porch, there are a few easy solutions you can look into – for instance, you can add as many candles as you can, light them, and you’ll create an amazing atmosphere in a matter of minutes. This will create a great vibe for you and your friends, and that’s something you can’t put a price on. You can also invest in a great walkway, and thus take the look of your outdoor space to a whole new level. From solar lamps and string lights to lanterns and accent lights, there are lots of ideas you can choose from, so don’t be afraid to turn the ones you like the most into reality.

 

Spicing up your front yard isn’t as difficult and challenging as most people think, and it’s all about giving it the love and attention it deserves – in the end, if you do everything right, you can spend hours and hours there whenever you want, socializing with all the people you love.