Tag Archives: design

12 Ideas For Creating A Perfect Farmhouse Bathroom

Posted on by
Reply

Image source

Considering the fact that bathrooms are usually renovated every four to five years, you want to create a space that will be fully functional and pleasing to the eye for the foreseeable future. Fortunately, there are many approaches you can opt for when designing the perfect bathroom for your family, from more vintage and traditional to sleek and modern. One style you should consider if you want a space that is warm, inviting, and relaxing is most certainly the farmhouse design. The cozy, lived-in feeling can sometimes seem hard to achieve but don’t worry as anyone can have a farmhouse-inspired bathroom in their home with just a little effort. It doesn’t matter if you are remodeling an existing bathroom or building your dream home from the ground up, here are some useful tips that will help you create the perfect farmhouse bathroom.

Highlight the existing features

In case you are remodeling a bathroom that already exists in your home, you might not have to do a lot to make it more farmhouse-chic. For example, if you have wooden beams on the ceiling, you can leave them exposed and bring some nature into your bathroom. Sand them down a bit, apply a primer, and give them a protective coat if you like the color. If not, you can also repaint them in a shade that better suits the space. On the other hand, if you don’t have ceiling beams but think they would enhance the space and make it seem larger, you can easily find faux wood beams online and add them to the bathroom. Something else you can choose to highlight is brick walls if you have them. Leaving them all or at least one exposed can create a rustic atmosphere.

Install interesting wallpaper

If brick is just not your style, there are alternatives that might suit you better. For example, installing wallpaper can help you completely transform your bathroom. With such a wide range of designs, you can opt for anything from a floral theme to a reclaimed-wood shiplap pattern. If you’re having trouble coming up with a cute design, you can always turn to budget-friendly Instagram accounts for some inspiration. What is more, if your funds are limited, you will also appreciate peel-and-stick wallpapers that you will have no trouble installing on your own.

Image source

Go for natural flooring materials

In terms of flooring materials, you also have many different options at your disposal. While installing wooden floors that will match your ceiling beams is a great solution when you want a warm space, exposed stone flooring that will add a rustic feel is an amazing choice as well. Then, tiles with geometric patterns can also do the trick and create a charming bathroom that looks brand new.

Opt for a barn door

To add more personality to your farmhouse bathroom, think about installing a sliding barn door. That way, you can set the tone of the room before actually entering it. If you enjoy DIY projects, this is something that you can do on your own in no time. First, you need to find the right door for the space, sand them down a bit, and make them look a bit worn-out. Then, you should install a rail system that will help you open and close the door.

Add fresh colors to walls and elements

When it comes to the color palette you will be using, it would be best to stick to earthy tones in order to create a welcoming and soothing space. While no one is saying you can’t use colors that are bright and vivid, it’s best to save them for details and stay true to a more neutral color scheme. With that in mind, you can go for white, off-white, beige, gray, and similar hues for everything from the floors to the elements. Additionally, to make the space feel fresh, you want shades like baby pink or pastel green that will add just enough color to make the bathroom feel homey. If you’re not purchasing new elements or getting them custom-made, just a little paint can go a long way when updating your home the DIY-way.

Take a darker approach

On the other hand, most of us associate the farmhouse design with white and other bright colors. But, if you prefer a darker bathroom, that doesn’t mean that you cannot incorporate this style into your home. Consider a combination of white and navy blue for the walls, for instance, that will create a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere. Just keep in mind, however, that staying away from dark colors is recommended if you have a small bathroom as they will only make it appear smaller.

Photo source

Use brass for accents

In addition to using bolder colors for accessories like towels and flower pots, you can use brass for accents as well. For example, while you can get a thick wood frame or a wicker one for the bathroom mirror, you can also have a brass frame that will match the faucets, lighting fixtures, and all other hardware. From towel racks to the toilet paper holder, you can find anything in brass.

Get rid of your built-in vanity

When doing a major remodel, you can consider ditching your built-in elements like the vanity and tub. For the vanity, instead of having it built-in, you can find a vintage table that will add some openness to the space and place a vessel sink on top of it. To increase your storage space, you can add some open shelves underneath the table or on an empty wall. However, if you plan on making any changes to the layout, it’s best to leave it to the professionals as badly done plumbing can cost you a lot in the future. If you live in Australia, for example, you can rely on trustworthy Canberra plumbers with plenty of experience. Moreover, even if you’re not changing any plumbing, you should still have experts inspect everything as you don’t want to have to redo your bathroom in a few months due to a leak.

Make your bathtub the centerpiece

The bathtub is another standalone element you can introduce if your renovation efforts are of a larger variety. What is more, you should make it the centerpiece of the space. To achieve that, you want a tub that makes a statement as soon as you see it. You can purchase a new white clawfoot tub, give a fresh coat of paint to the bathtub you already own, or look through garage sales and vintage shops to see if you can find a copper tub. Whichever option you choose, keep in mind that most standalone tubs require some plumbing work as well. Once everything is installed properly, you will have your own spa oasis at home.

Beautify Your Flower Garden with These 7 Tips

Posted on by
Reply

A garden is a constant job as well as a source of beauty and peace in your yard. Flower gardens are a beautiful addition to any landscape design. It is also a great way to help your local flora and fauna, as well as bees that keep the flora alive. Bees love native flowers, and they are most attracted to them. It’s very easy to beautify your flower garden, so read on to see our 7 tips.

1. Plan out your garden design

If you are starting fresh, it’s best to make a plan of action first. Planning the look of your flower garden will help you make the best use of your space. It is also a perfect time to research which flowers and plants are native to your area. Native plants are the easiest to grow and take care of, as they don’t need special treatment to survive in the native climate and soil. If you are planning to have exotic and non-native flowers, take your time learning how to take care of them and make them thrive. Mismanagement can make them wilt, or never grow at all.

2. Decide on the shape and size

If you are dealing with a large plot of land, you will have more room to make a garden of your dreams, but at the same time, you may feel overwhelmed with the possibilities. Flowers and flowers beds can be arranged in many different shapes and sizes. You can sketch out how your garden is going to look. A more practical approach is to take a long rope and outline the shapes and size of your flowerbeds. This way you can check if every part of your garden is the right size and accessible.

3. Choose the flowers

This is the fun part. A good idea is to choose your favourite flowers – you will want to spend a lot of time in your garden this way. Some of the flowers may be either difficult to obtain or they are not suited for specific climates. Try to create a balance between the flower you like and the ones that can actually thrive in your garden. If you are not confident in your gardening skills, choose flowers that are easy to maintain or that are native to your area.

4. Focal points and show-stoppers

A flower garden that has flowers of only one height or colour can look plain or as a flower field. A variety of shapes, colours, and heights is what will create interest and focal points in the garden. Choose show-stopping flowers that will become a focal point in the garden. They can be tall shrubs that will tower over other flowers or a bright colour that stands out. Consider blooming times of every flower, and seasons in which they look the best.

5. Check blooming times

Since you are paying a lot of attention to the visual aspect of your garden, you don’t want your efforts to go to waste because of bloom times. This can include flowers that only bloom in the summer and are bare the rest of the year, or flowers that have different blooming times but are planted in the same flowerbed. It creates an uneven and unpleasant look. It’s best to choose flowers that are in bloom for a longer period of time, as well as look good when not in bloom.

6. Watering and taking care of your garden

Besides choosing beautiful flowers and foliage, it’s important to properly take care of your garden for it to look its best in the long run. Some flowers are only annual, and some have a longer life. Every flower has different needs to thrive and look its best. Make sure to water your garden when it’s not too hot outside, in the morning or evening, or they can burn in the sun. For easier watering, installing hose reels will help you keep your hose neat and easily accessible. Make sure you can provide needed supplements for your flowers so they can grow healthy and beautiful.

7. Add garden decoration

You can spice up your garden with decorations that can also act as focal points. Birdbaths can have a simple or intricate design and add interest to your garden. Lighting is necessary, and you can place hanging lights from trees or solar lamps on the sides of pathways. Arbours can be decorated with wines and act as a small resting area.

The combination and diversity of a flower garden are endless, with many variations of colours, fragrance, and types of flowers and plants. Remember to enjoy the process and that your garden can be ever-evolving and you can change it up with seasons. Take proper care of your garden to enjoy it for a long time.

————————————————————————————————————————

Bio: Patrick Adams is a freelance writer and rock-blues fan. When he is not writing about home improvement, he loves to play chess, watch basketball, and play his guitar. More than anything, he loves to spend his time in his garage, repairing appliances and creating stuff from wood.

————————————————————————————————————————-

7 Ways For Recreating Your Own Spa Oasis at Home

Posted on by
3

What are SPA treatments? Literally, the abbreviation SPA stands for “Sanitas pro-Aqua” and translated from Latin means “Water for health”. Thought the history, the SPA procedures have transformed and today they consist not only of water healing treatments but also of aromatherapy, massage, body wraps, peeling, stone therapy, etc.

In order to arrange a real holiday for your soul and body, you don’t have to pay for expensive procedures in specialised beauty salons. It is quite possible to recreate your own SPA oasis at home.

To arrange a spa session, make sure that nothing distracts you. Allocate 2-3 hours for procedures and ask relatives not to disturb you. Make yourself a playlist with nice music in advance. It may be slow compositions, sounds of nature or modern songs, the main thing is that you like it.

The next preparation step is aromatherapy. You can use scented candles, aroma lamps or aroma sticks. Also, think about what treatments you would include in your spa session in order to prepare everything that you’ll need.

1. Take a bath with salt and oils

Start your spa day with a pleasant, warm bath. Add sea salt to the water: this will help to reduce the appearance of cellulite, and the skin will become more elastic, toned and soft. Three to five tablespoons per bath will be enough. You can also add a few drops off essential oil.

Take a bath for 15 to 20 minutes. You can also use the well-known bath bombs. They are a mixture of salt and soda formulations, which also include essential oils, aromatics, and fatty acids. They will soften your skin and additionally give you a boost of energy and vitality.

If you have any skin diseases, for example, dermatitis or acne, then taking baths with herbal decoctions (green tea, chamomile, calendula or lavender) will help you.

2. Use body scrubs

After a bath, the following step should be peeling and scrubbing. By gently applying a scrub cream to the skin, and then smoothly rubbing it in the direction of lymph flow (from the feet to the hips, from the hands to the shoulders), you can achieve a significant improvement in the condition of the skin, improve its tone, and increase elasticity. It is a great way to get rid of the dead cells from your body and face skin.

For the spa procedure at home, you can also use homemade scrub, that you can make by yourself. There are several common recipes:

1. Mix half a glass of sea salt and one tablespoon of honey. Having prepared a scrub in such a simple way, you can achieve a significant removal of excess fluid from the body.

2. Two glasses of sea salt, finely chopped lemon peel, a few drops of any citrus oil and cedarwood oil (equivalent amount).

3. Use 2-3 tablespoons of oatmeal, 30 ml of warm milk and a tablespoon of oil.

An oatmeal scrub has moisturizing property and it is great for dry and sensitive skin, especially in combination with almond or olive oil.

This scrub will significantly improve the condition of the subcutaneous tissue and cleanse the pores from the accumulated toxins and it has a great tonic effect. This part of your spa routine can significantly improve the condition of the skin of the whole body.

IMPORTANT! Don’t overdo it. IF you don’t want to injure your skin, don’t scrub it more than two to three times a week.

3. Do self-massage

Self-massage is an excellent way of combating cellulite and giving the skin smoothness. It can be done daily after an evening bath with the help of various devices: special hard washcloths, rollers, mittens or brushes. Massage the body with smooth movements from the bottom to upper parts of your body, to improve fluid circulation and enhance lymphatic outflow.

4. Do wraps

Another important step in body skincare is anti-cellulite wraps. Nowadays, there are numerous diverse products that are highly effective for stimulating blood and lymph circulation, as well as enhancing metabolism, moisturizing the skin and increasing its tone.

Apply anti-cellulite product to previously cleansed skin, then wrap the problematic areas with foil. After that, you should cover those areas with something warm, for example, a blanket, and lie down for at least 20-30 minutes. After the procedure, the remains of the product can be washed off with a soft towel moistened with warm water. Usually, it’s not necessary, since the product is well absorbed into the skin.

It is recommended to apply a special anti-cellulite product, which includes lymphatic drainage and moisturizing components. It can be applied daily, preferably before bedtime. This type of cream contains various oils, caffeine, chestnut and seaweed extract.

5. Clay masks

Clay has an incredible healing effect for the skin, and each of its types copes with a specific problem, it cleanses, heals, improves the colour of the skin, tightens pores, refreshes and much more. Clay masks are equally beneficial for the face and the whole body. In addition, they are safe and suitable even for sensitive and delicate skin. Clay varies in colour and purpose:

black clay — for oily skin;

white — for sensitive;

green — for combined and prone to oily;

blue — for normal skin type;

pink (red) — for skin prone to allergies and irritations;

yellow — have anti-ageing properties.

6. Don’t forget to take care of your hands

Every day, due to the frequent washing of hands and their disinfection with various disinfectants, the skin becomes dry, irritated and may even crack. In this case, you should consider using intensive moisturizing creams for both hands and nails. To enhance the effect, it is recommended to use special fabric gloves (or ordinary medical and cellophane gloves): the cream will be absorbed much more intensely, and the skin of the hands will delight you with its softness.

7. Foot Care

To increase general immunity and activate reflexology points on the feet, the use of special massage mats is recommended. You can also perform self-massage of the feet with the help of special creams or oils. The best option is to use a good quality leg massager. That will your best investment and your legs will thank you. Massage will soften the rough skin of the surface of the feet, will have a relaxing effect, and also increase the overall tone of the body.

Special socks with the addition of various exfoliating compositions and emollients will help prepare the feet for the summer. This procedure is called foot peeling. Before doing it, it is recommended to steam the legs, for example, in soda water. It is important to follow the instructions and don’t use the socks for more than 8-10 minutes.

After the procedure, it is necessary to apply a soothing and moisturizing foot cream. You can also use a special foot cream that quickly returns softness to your heels. Often the main components of such creams are urea and salicylic acid. Additionally, keratin, paraffin and various oils may be included.

Conclusion

You should grow a habit of having a spa evening at least once a month. Taking care of yourself does not only improve the quality of your body and appearance but also improves self-esteem. Home spa procedures are affordable and easy, so don’t postpone them.

Dreamy Nursery Decorating Ideas – 6 Best Baby Room Designs

Posted on by
Reply

Image source

You may think that your baby doesn’t care about the design, but they can feel the vibe of the space. The colors, the coziness, and light can make your child feel safe and cared for. But baby room designs are also intended for parents. After all, you will be spending enough time in this room so you might as well make it comfortable for yourself. Here are some dreamy nursery decorating ideas that will help you create the most amazing spot in the home for you and your baby to enjoy.

1.   Create A Parent Corner

A parent corner should be an essential spot in the baby room where you can sit with your child, nurse them, and comfort them. This should be a spot that you feel comfortable to fall asleep as well, nothing uncommon in the first few months of becoming a parent. A large armchair with ottoman for legs will be enough for you to relax, but you can go even further.

Place a daybed or a lounge chair in the nursery so you can lay down with your baby and take a nap. If space allows it, bring in two rockers or gliders so you and your partner can put the baby to sleep together. It’s quite handy if you are parents of twins!  

Image source

2.   Make Furniture Fun

A classic design is great, but why not make it a little bit fun? Use colorful wallpapers with cute prints, like balloons or animals, or paint colorful murals on the walls. Interesting pendant light with birds or butterflies will add a playful tone to your décor and serve as a second mobile.

A crib can be any color and shape you like. Turn it into a centerpiece of your baby room design by choosing an oval shape or unconventional colors, like black. To save on the budget and space, repurpose a dresser as a changing table. This way you will get more storage room and won’t splurge on a new item.

3.   Concentrate On Your Emotions, Too

It goes without saying that the nursery will be cute. However, consider making it as much functional for you as concentrating on the cute features for your baby. You will often wake up in the middle of the night to nurse or calm down the baby, so the décor needs to soothe you, too.

Start by concentrating on one style or theme if you have trouble narrowing your ideas down. Create storage areas that will allow you to remove clutter daily and free the space to make it more serene and composed. Wall art is a great way to add a personal touch, not to mention it’s a wonderful DIY project for you and your partner to do together.

Image source

4.   Try Vibrant Colors

Traditional nurseries mostly use pastel and neutral shades, with splashes of pink for a girl and blue for a boy. However, if you want to make your baby room special and stand out, try something vibrant and unexpected. A combination of green walls and orange carpet will bring together nature and earthy tones, adding freshness and joy to space.

Purple and yellow inspire happiness and tranquility, bring sunny days, and flowery meadows into your baby’s world. If you are not a fan of bold colors but still want something with panache for your child’s room, use it in combination with grey. It will balance the flair and make the nursery color scheme more pleasant to the eye.

5.   Decorate For Usefulness

The most important thing for the baby room is that it has everything you need and within the reach. Create an extra changing station with clear storage boxes and place it on the shelf, windowsill, or under the changing table. That way, you will use it as a decoration and when you run low on supplies, you don’t have to go far to get what you need.

Make sure that baby blankets are in all the places where you sit with your baby and lull them to sleep. Having one in each place will prevent you from disturbing the baby when you search for the blanket all over the room.  A night light is a wonderful way to create a comfy atmosphere for your baby to feel safe even when you are not in the room. Try the lamps in interesting shapes, like a star, with a warm and subtle glow for better sleep. 

Image source

6.   Use Nature As Inspiration

Nature is serene and calming for both you and your baby. Curtains with large leaves, floral upholstery, and splashes of green are all a great way to introduce nature into your nursery. However, don’t forget to add real plants to your baby room design to make it more organic and healthy.

Oxygen-producing plants like parlor palm and neem tree are lush and leafy, making them ideal for corners. Turning the wall by the crib into a gallery-like display of images of cartoon animals is an entertaining touch that will keep your child amused. Lastly, add as much natural light as possible to elevate the mood and keep your child’s circadian rhythm balanced.

All In All

When you are thinking of baby room designs, find something that will be appealing to you as well. You will spend a lot of sleepless nights there so you need to incorporate dreamy nursery decorating ideas to make the space tranquil and relaxed. A baby can feel your discomfort so the key to making them happy and satiated is if you feel the same way.

   

Tips for Designing Your Home Exterior

Posted on by
Reply

Tips for Designing Your Home Exterior

The exterior of the house is one of the most important parts to consider in the design, as it gives the first impression of the home and its residents, in addition to being a key to home security, so it is important to pay attention to its design and give it an aesthetic look without neglecting practicality and safety.  In this article, we will present to you some easy and actionable methods that enable you to maintain the appearance of the exterior and create a beautiful design for your homes while ensuring it is maintainable, practical and secure. 

Lively Colors 

If there is anything that has the power to completely change the looks and aesthetics of the front of the house, it is painting it. Regardless of the color used, the paint should always be in good condition, but with the passage of time, the quality and the color of the paint erodes due to natural causes. The paint will start to fall off and the design will lose its elegance little by little until the house looks like an abandoned house, so it is important that we keep the external paint always in good condition and make sure that the walls are not affected by moisture, etc. 

Adding Wood to the Equation 

The presence of wood in the exterior adds an atmosphere of warmth to the house. Without a doubt, wood is one of the most popular materials in many modern designs, but the use of wood means that you should take a set of important precautions regarding how it is placed and maintained due to wood being much more fragile and susceptible to damage. 

Because wood, by its nature, is greatly affected by the passage of time and weather changes, and its condition can seriously deteriorate if it is not properly cared for and preserved. Cracks that affect the look and feel of the home can easily occur if you’re not careful. That’s why you need to read up on how to properly take care of wooden figures. 

Don’t Forget About Plants 

The presence of plants as part of the front design is always a great idea, as plants are what give life to the place and add a cheerful color and a sense of movement and vigor to the front of the house. Although there are some plants that do not need regular watering or maintenance and are most commonly used in home designs, other types of plants cannot be completely ruled out depending on your needs and design! Maintaining the beauty of the front of the house requires good care of the existing plants and flowers – large trees can make the entrance to the house a magical place if taken care of well. 

The Importance of Detail 

When caring for and attending to the plants, we should pay special attention to climbing plants and vines, as they are one of the most important ways that can completely transform the front of your house and give more life and a homely character to any design. 

In many cases, you can cover the entire wall covered with plants, which gives it a wonderful shape, but then we must pay special attention to the roots and not forget pruning when they start covering the windows, doors or other places that can affect the integrity of the building and damage it, such as the roof, for example.Having a lot of plants on the exterior will make it much more enjoyable to stroll through your garden and spend time outdoors. So, install one of these excellent awnings from London and enjoy your summers amid nature.