Category Archives: ~Solutions & Fixes

How To Choose Furniture For Small Spaces

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So you’ve scored a place to live, which is a massive achievement in today’s times, but you still need to furnish and decorate. Maybe you’ve resorted to small space living, or maybe you just have a small room you want to make use of, either way, choosing furniture for small spaces is a difficult task. Here are some tips to furnishing the space you have, no matter how small.

Use the perimeter of your room

It seems obvious, but so many people skip out on this. Mount your television to the wall, so you don’t waste floor space on a cabinet or table to hold it up. You can also find wall mounted shelves which, honestly, are lifesavers.  Another good option is to purchase tall dressers and bookshelves to make the most of your wall space.

 

Go multifunctional


Multifunctional furniture for small spaces is a great way to save room in your home. Your beds and couches are usually the most space-consuming pieces of furniture in your home. It’s an all too familiar scenario: You walk into an empty room thinking it’s reasonably big until you throw a bed into it and realise how little floor space you have. Take advantage of this and buy beds and couches with storage underneath. This way you can re-purpose otherwise wasted space, saving room elsewhere in the house.

 

Though it can be more expensive, modular furniture is also a stellar way to save room. This can be particularly exciting for parents with creative children, as you can teach them about the functionality of space and let them get creative with designing it themselves.


Small Space Solution Sunroom Corner with Built-In Beds.

Photo Source Design Folly, Flickr.

Control your light


A classy and elegant way to transform a space is with light. Unless you’re a photographer, lighting is probably something you rarely think about in your day to day life. But the truth is, we go about the day being constantly manipulated by light. It changes the way we feel. For instance, people tend to feel happy and safe in sunny and warm areas, or suspicious and uneasy in dark and shadowy areas. This is why you can completely change the way your home feels with something as simple as blinds, as you can take complete control over the lighting in your home. On top of that, you can purchase dimmable lamps and various bulbs, small furniture for small spaces that puts you in control of the room’s mood.

Re-evaluate your furniture

 

How much of your stuff do you actually need? Once you start breaking down the purpose of furniture in your home, you can really start to consider whether you need it or not. I have a cousin that always complains about how little space he has for his kids to play around in. He has a large coffee table right in the middle of the room, taking up an enormous amount of ‘playable space’ but he never actually uses the table. He’s too scared of scratching it up or getting burn marks on the wood. Once I asked him why he even needs the table and his response was so he can store his magazines. I never saw anyone in his family touch those magazines once! Instead of children using the space to play and learn, he decided to waste it on storing magazines he didn’t even read. Your scenarios may not be as ridiculous as that, but I guarantee if you go through your house and mentally break down all of the furniture you have, what it’s purpose is, and whether you really need it, you will most likely find some items you could get rid of. You could even sell them and make some money.

 

Furniture design for small spaces can seem like an almost impossible task. You need to build up, and you need to build smart. Make the most off all of the wall space you have available, and don’t let any area go to waste. Re-evaluate what you need, and if you have items that are hogging half your room, get rid of them and find something else.

A Good Use For Shower Curtain Hooks

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You can use shower curtain hooks for lots of different reasons. Pictured we used the hooks for hanging of purses and jeans. But you can also use them in your closet for belts, scarves and many other items.

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.

Best Summer Packing Tips Ever

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Packing when going away for the holidays is never an easy task. While the amount of luggage you need bring depends on many factors, keep in mind that you’re going away to have fun and relax, so pack only things you really need. Furthermore, the lighter you pack, the easier it will be to get around and enjoy yourself.

travel-164574_960_720Choose a Suitcase to Help You Pack

Make sure you only bring essentials by picking a smaller suitcase than you would normally use. This way, you will limit the available space and you will have to decide what’s really important for your holiday. When packing your things, try to plan out your stay, and put what you will use last at the bottom. That will keep your suitcase tightly packed.

Which Shoes Do You Really Need to Take?

A girl’s worst nightmare just might be being limited to a few pairs of shoes. Pick out a few of your favourites and make sure you know which pairs will be useful and which to leave home. You won’t need a pair for each occasion on your holiday; try to combine your outfit with only a few pairs. Take into account how many days you’ll stay and where you plan to go – that should help you pick out the shoes to take with you.

beach-455752_960_720You Need a Good Swimsuit or Two

You cannot leave for summer holiday without a swimsuit, but choosing only one or two can be problematic. It’s often a good idea to pick out at least two sets of swimwear, and clean one while you’re using the other. Think along the lines of comfort and bring only swimsuits you feel comfortable in. That way, you can have fun, relax and enjoy the beach to the fullest.

Wear Some Clothes More Than Once

If you’re going to think that one outfit can only be worn once, then you might as well prepare an extra suitcase. You need to get creative when it comes to clothes, otherwise, you might as well take your whole wardrobe. Floral tops, Sivana Spirit tunic dresses and harem-style pants are always a good choice. Plan an outfit for traveling to and from your destination, that should free-up some space in your luggage. If there’s a place where you can wash your clothes, you can make your suitcase even lighter, as you will be able to clean and reuse some of your clothing.

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Skincare Is Essential

Just because you’re going away on holiday, doesn’t mean you should neglect your skincare regimen. However, you will have to make some alterations to it and adjust your skincare products if you want to both take care of yourself and pack light. Make sure that you make a list of which products you will need, and choose only the ones you really need. Keep in mind that you’re on a holiday to have fun, not to spend it in front of a mirror.

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The summer holidays are all about having fun and enjoying yourself to the fullest. The best way to do so is to pack as lightly as possible. You definitely don’t want to drag a lot of your luggage around with you. The less you have in your suitcase, the more you can focus on having fun and creating wonderful memories of your amazing holiday getaway.

 

Smart Ways to Make More Space in a Small Kitchen

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Who wouldn’t like to have a spacious and comfortable home? That would mean a huge tub or a walk-in shower, great dining room table, and a kitchen big enough for all your dreams. It is, however, virtually impossible to find an apartment with a spacious kitchen. Does that mean that you should give up on your dreams? Absolutely not! We offer you several easy, useful tips which will help you create more space in your small kitchen ‘out of thin air’.

Extra space in cabinets

You never have enough space in your cabinets, no matter how many of them you’ve got. One of the things you can do to fully utilize the storage capacity of your cabinets is use stackable shelves for your plates. Also, undershelf baskets are great because you can put bigger items such as jars or bottles in them. The space above your cabinets should not be wasted either, and you can place baskets here as well to hide other stuff. If baskets are not an option, you can mount a small additional shelf above your cabinets to place empty jars, and the things you don’t use often. Also, mount a file holder on the inside of the door and use it to stash trash bags, foil, and saran wraps.

Use vertical space

If your kitchen is small, you can work ‘small miracles’ in the cabinets, but the space will be limited nonetheless. This is why you can think outside the box and use your vertical space. Larger kitchen utensils can easily be hanged on pierced corbels, if you want to avoid making a mess in your drawers. You can even add small ladders to your kitchen so you can reach even higher. Opt for a simple sliding ladder which will allow you to reach ceiling-height cabinets where you usually keep blenders, bread-maker and other things you don’t use every day. For finishing touches, choose some decorative wall clocks, some nice pictures or inspirational quotes. 

Bar and counter stools

Another great space saver is bar and counter stools. Instead of using your kitchen solely for cooking, and choosing to eat on the couch or in the living room, you can eat on your kitchen counters sitting on bar stools. You can also choose to bring in brightly coloured stools which will add texture to the space. If you don’t have enough space for seating, you can try to create some by making a small, makeshift counter which will separate your living room from your kitchen area, which you can use as a dining table.

Pull-Out pantry

No matter how tiny your kitchen actually is, you will always have some small, unused spaces. A good example of such a space is the gap between the fridge and wall. Use this space to create a pull-out faux pantry where you can keep dry goods, cans, and jars. You can also make two cabinets which can slide out above the countertop, and you will not have a problem to find anything you need. Also, try placing trash cans and bins for recyclables below the sink, so you can pull them out when you need them.

On display

Cabinets are filled, pantry is full, counter space is too precious to be wasted, and drawers are well organized. Is there any other space to use? Your walls can be used and turned into a great storage space too. You won’t create an unnecessary mess on your work area if you just use hooks and shelves to hang pots, pans, and cups. Making a wall rack for your platters is incredibly easy and it will serve more than one purpose: you will get extra storage space, and get some new, great wall art.

Your tiny cooking area doesn’t have to be a nightmare anymore. You won’t feel like your kitchen is bursting at the seams anymore if you improvise a bit, and come up with some innovative solutions. Small spaces are a bit more difficult to organize, but you can create a beautiful kitchen if you maximize your storage space.