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Interiors

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Earlier this month our Editor in Chief Laura and I took a week-long girls trip to Dubai (which you can read all about HERE).

We ended our trip with two magical nights at the Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort (which feels like you’re on a Maldivian island, it’s truly stunning!).

During our stay I was so inspired by the beach-y decor; the woven lighting, solid wood tables and splashes of teal – I instantly knew I had to create a “get the look” to help you re-create this beautiful decor within your home!

1.) Giselle Chair – Dunelm 2.) Velvet Teal Cushion – La Redoute 3.) Golden Palm Leaf Print – Desenio 4.) Slate Round Dining Table – Anthropologie 5.) Seagrass Mirror – Dunelm 6.) Linen Table Lamp – Sklum 7.) Rattan Light Shade – Maisons Du Monde 8.) Teal Seat Cushion – Dunelm

Have you visited any beautiful hotels with inspiring decor lately? Here at House of Coco we’re always on the look out for the best design-led hotels!

If you’re moving into a new home or just starting out on your own, you’ll need to stock your kitchen with some essential items. This is a list of must-haves to get you started.

A Great And Reliable Set Of Cookware

Already have stainless steel sinks? Great, but you are not done yet as a good set of cookware is important for any kitchen, especially a brand-new one.A quality set of cookware will last for years and years, whereas a cheap set will only last a few uses before falling apart. A good set of cookware will also help to cook food more evenly and prevent sticking. A quality cookware set will usually include a frying pan, a saucepan, and a Dutch oven. These three pieces can be used for a variety of different recipes and will come in handy time and time again. A high-quality cookware set will be made from durable materials like stainless steel or copper and will have a good warranty. It’s important to have good cookware in your kitchen so that you can make delicious meals for yourself and your family.

Each piece of cookware comes with its own set of uses. The frying pan is great for cooking eggs, bacon, and other breakfast foods. The saucepan is perfect for making soup, chili, or any other dish that needs a thick sauce. The Dutch oven is perfect for cooking stews and other hearty dishes. Having good cookware in your kitchen will make cooking a breeze and ensure that your food comes out perfectly every time.

When selecting your cookware set, consider the type of meals you intend to make and how you plan to use each piece. Knowing what you’re looking for will help you make the right selection.

A Good Knife Set

If you’re setting up a new kitchen, a good knife set is an essential purchase. Cheap knives may seem like a bargain, but they won’t last long and you’ll end up having to replace them sooner than you’d like. A quality knife set, on the other hand, will last for years with proper care.

A good knife set will also help to chop food more evenly and prevent accidental cuts. A quality knife set will usually include a chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a bread knife for slicing up your favorite warm loaves. These three knives can be used for a variety of different recipes and will come in handy time and time again. A high-quality knife set will be made from durable materials like stainless steel or carbon steel and will have a good warranty. It’s important to have good knives in your kitchen so that you can make delicious meals for yourself and your family.

Each knife in a quality knife set has its own purpose. The chef’s knife is great for chopping vegetables, slicing meat, and mincing garlic. The paring knife is perfect for peeling fruit and vegetables, as well as cutting small pieces of meat. The bread knife is perfect for slicing bread and cakes. Having good knives in your kitchen will make cooking a breeze and ensure that your food is chopped and sliced perfectly every time.

Whipped Cream Charger

If you’re a fan of cocktail-making or you like baking a selection of delicious desserts, a whipped cream charger is an essential purchase. A whipped cream charger is a small device that makes it easy to whip up a batch of whipped cream quickly and easily.

The nitrous oxide that is used in whipped cream chargers makes it easy to create a fluffy and rich cream. Whipped cream chargers come in a variety of different styles and colors, so you can find one that suits your kitchen perfectly. A good whipped cream charger will be small enough to fit on the countertop, but large enough to hold a large batch of whipped cream.

Companies likeExotic Whip craft beautiful whipped cream chargers that are perfect for any kitchen. Having a good whipped cream charger in your kitchen will make whipping up a batch of whipped cream a breeze.

Cutting Boards And Immersion Blenders

When it comes to cooking, nothing is more important than having a good set of cutting boards. Cutting boards are essential for chopping and slicing meat, vegetables, and fruits. Not only do they make cooking a breeze, but they also help to prevent food from sticking to the bottom of your pan.

Having a good set of cutting boards is one of the best investments you can make in your kitchen. Not only will they save you time and energy, but they will also look great on your kitchen countertop. Some of the best cutting boards on the market come with a number of features, like anti-slip mats or non-toxic finishes.

Immersion blenders are great for new kitchens as well. They’re small and portable, so they can be used to blend smoothies, soups, and other food items. They’re also lightweight and easy to transport.

With a little bit of research, you can find the perfect kitchen essentials for your new home.

There’s no denying that interior trends make your home look current, but you can never guarantee how long they will stay. In contrast, timeless designs can enhance your space as they can steadily stand the test of time. Trends can come and go, but an unfading interior décor stays in style forever! And that’s true for the below-mentioned interior design pieces, and you can never get rid of them as they stay timeless in every era.

Timeless Interior Décor to Steal Your Heart

Marble

Have you ever heard someone say a natural material like marble stone won’t look good in their home because it is no longer relevant and out of the furniture scene? That’s a hard no because it is never going out of style! Whether it is a pure marble countertop in your kitchen or your entire home containing marble flooring, marble is a natural stone that can only further enhance the beauty of your space. Investing in imported marble adds a splash of luxury and ensures your interior décor never looks old and outdated.

Craftsmanship

Homewares that are beautifully handcrafted and possess excellent craftsmanship are increasingly grabbing the public’s attention. Although it can be the current trend of possessing the finest pieces of décor, it is hard to deny that they are not classic! Your Fendi Casa Coffee Table may seem fancy and trendy at the moment, and you might see everyone drooling over it. But even after several years, it will stay on people’s list of favourites, not because of its name, but because of its bold geometric designs, intriguing marble patterns, and satin-finished material.

Open Plan

An open plan inside a home welcomes a sociable way of living. It creates an illusion of spacious living. The interiors flow well and even maximise the functionality of your living space. Sectioned dining and living areas darken the space more and restrict the flow of that place.

Neutral Walls

Painting your walls a neutral colour is going to increase their life in your space and will last you several upcoming years.

Painting contractors customize painting designs that match your preferences. It is understandable to have a strong desire to infuse trendy bright colours and designs because they never fail to amuse you, but it is wiser to curb that short-term urge to satisfy you in the long run. Your excitement for the trendy hues might fade faster than you might think, and that’s why sticking to a timeless colour palette of neutral walls is better.

Placing wall art is one of the most important points of interior design as it can greatly impact the overall aesthetic of a space. It is a simple yet effective way to add personal style and character to a room, making it feel more inviting and lived-in. Canvas art prints can also serve as a focal point, drawing the eye to a specific area and making it the centerpiece of the space. This can be especially useful in larger rooms where it can be difficult to create a sense of coherence

Vintage and Antique Pieces

Even if your preference leans more towards the modern aesthetic and incorporating more modern furniture, including one or two antique pieces can never harm you! If you want to stay timeless with your interior décor, nothing is better than adding vintage pieces like a solid wood dining or dressing table. Vintage pieces bring layers to your space and make it look collected.

Calming Colour Palettes

Whenever we think of calm and colours together, our minds always bring us walking in the nature of earthy greens and browns or even light blues. The reason why these colours are calming to the human mind is that they mimic nature – plants, sky, and water. Our bodies are meant to attract towards these colours naturally, hence, making them timeless.

Brown Hardwood Floors

Going for medium-toned brown hardwood floors is always a good idea. This colour is neither too light nor too dark, and it does not even contain a major of yellow, red, or blue undertone. It’s somewhere in the middle – the perfect neutral every heart can fall in love with!

Organic Materials

One can never go wrong with nature, and organic decorating materials for your interiors are living proof of this statement! Textures found in these natural materials are forever classy, and almost everyone’s type. You can work with some of the following accessories for your living space:

  • Polished stone
  • Jute rugs
  • Driftwood
  • Caning, rattan, or wicker

Architectural Details

Architectural details are always beautiful to look at, even after the construction turns old. They can never be outdated or fade their beauty because they are known to add resale value to your home. Make your room feel extra luxurious and leave everyone spellbound with the following invest-worthy features:

  • Crown moulding
  • Picture frame moulding
  • Built-in bookshelves
  • Coffered ceilings
  • Tall baseboards
  • Board and batten walls
  • Beams

Add some modern lighting fixtures:

Lighting is an essential feature when it comes to interior design. It can prove to be climacteric for the decor of your home. Therefore, instead of sticking with the old overhead lights, add some innovative light fixtures like wall sconces, pendant lights, LEDs, and chandeliers.

Be Yourself – That’s What Matters the Most!

Your home is a reflection of your personal style, and it will become timeless when it looks the most YOU! Trends will never stop you from being your authentic self, which is why selecting classy interior design trends that you resonate with the most is necessary. Moreover, remember, it’s never harmful to follow what’s trending just as long as you genuinely love it.

Author Bio: Aparna Rao has a great passion for interior design and decor. Her design mantra is that the interiors of any space should be designed keeping in mind functionality and aesthetics. She works as a content marketer for Stonex India, a leading marble manufacturer, and has gained valuable insights into the marble stone industry. Her extensive knowledge of different types of stones and their properties as well as interior design is what makes her content stand apart and is appreciated by her readers. Through her content, she also offers creative, innovative, and effective design and decor solutions.

Halloween is over and that can only mean one thing: Christmas can’t be far away! That might mean that you want to start thinking about how to decorate your house for the festive season.

Whether you’ve taken inspiration from Christmassy movies like Home Alone and Deck The Halls or prefer something more lowkey or with religious significance, there’s all kinds of fun to be had in making your house sparkle. You can stay simple by adding some decorations or go all out by doing some masonry portland works and adding an outdoor fireplace. It will give off a cozy warmth in the cold weather, and you can use it for entertaining guests.

Take a good look at your home’s exterior

Before making any big plans, go outside and consider what would look good where. Maybe some fairylights would brighten up the corners of your house, perhaps some outdoor light-up reindeers would look magical prancing through your garden or you might even come to the conclusion that an elegant wreath is all your house needs.

Step back from your house too, taking in the driveway, other walkways and the roof. Popular decoration ideas for these areas include adding extra outdoor lighting along the edges of the drive, installing some Christmas trees along other paths and adding icicle lights to the roof for some extra sparkle.

If you’re anything like Home Alone’s Kevin Malone, you won’t want a single inch to be wanting of Christmas cheer.

Consider the added cost

Before buying and installing an entire light show that’ll make your neighbours green with envy, consider first the expenses of having to buy the decorative equipment and the running costs. With rising energy prices heading our way this winter, it’s worth double checking if you can afford an extravagant setup.

If you do decide to go ahead, locate your main power outlet as this will determine where you can have certain decorations and how many it can accommodate.

Affordable ideas for decorating your house

If you want to keep your energy bills to a minimum this Christmas, there’s nothing stopping you from still making your house look the part. Opt for a more homemade, rustic feel with a collection of potted fern trees placed outside your doors, collect some fauna from the forest and make your own wreath or some Christmassy garlands to wrap around door posts. Make an occasion of it, invite friends and family around and make your wreaths together.

Other homemade ideas include wrapping up your front door like a Christmas gift with a giant red bow, decorating your trees with colourful baubles or adding homemade lanterns to your driveway.

Add religious motifs

Christmas is, after all, a religious holiday. If you want to acknowledge this in some way, consider adding a Nativity display or a figurine of baby Jesus somewhere outside your house. Christmas means different things to different people, so let your house express that!

The muslin fabric has been one of the most reliable options for mothers who would want to swaddle their babies in lightweight, breathable material for both safety and comfort reasons. Muslin blankets are usually made from fabrics that are cotton- or bamboo-based that have been finely woven to keep that plush texture. Muslin blankets also get softer with every use due to their composition.

Muslin Blankets Advantages

For moms anywhere, their babies deserve only the best. This only means that finding the perfect blanket to use to swaddle their new bundle of joy is a top priority. Muslin blankets are the best fit to keep babies safe, comfortable, and happy owing to muslin’s gentleness to babies’ skin. It is also lightweight enough to keep babies from suffering from too much heat.

Mothers usually have a lot to think about in the home when the baby is brought home. Choosing the right blanket is important since the baby will be wrapped inside it often. Muslin blankets bring other advantages to consider highly:

  • Muslin Blankets are Sleep-soothers

The last thing parents want is to have grumpy babies and keep them from their much-needed sleep. A heavy and uncomfortable blanket is a surefire way to interrupt babies’ much-needed slumber.

Muslin blankets are purposely lighter and softer than most blanket materials that they even promote sleep. It is always an acknowledged thought that babies need to adopt healthy sleep patterns from an early age. Muslin blankets will help parents work towards this encouraging practice. Swaddles and blankets made from muslin can be the closest parents get to recreating that warm and cozy surrounding of a mother’s womb. Muslin blankets are soft to the touch but are calmingly like a firm hug as well. Babies feel secure with muslin blankets.

  • Muslin Blankets are Manufactured for Comfort

Muslin blankets have been made from naturally-sourced materials that are woven for complete breathability – allowing body heat to permeate through the muslin fabric without overheating the baby’s body. Muslin blankets are soft and malleable as well such that it does not restrict the baby’s movements. The baby is wrapped securely without constricting blood flow and feeling restricted.

Muslin blankets are a great choice to use for breastfeeding as well. Thicker blankets might cause babies to feel disconnected from their mothers when feeding. Because muslin blankets are naturally lightweight, the warmth of the mother’s body can still be allowed to pass through muslin blankets during breastfeeding. Mothers can also rest assured that muslin blankets allow a close hold of their babies without the worry of the baby slipping from their grasp.

Other Popular Uses for Muslin Blankets

Having discussed the important benefits of muslin and muslin blankets, the following points are about their most common uses.

As mentioned above, muslin blankets provide a safe and snug hold of the baby while still allowing plenty of airflows. Plus, muslin blankets are highly durable and long-lasting. Muslin fabric can withstand multiple washes and does not fall apart easily. It also gets softer with every spin cycle done.

The stability and firm nature of muslin blankets make a great choice for other uses, including:

  • Muslin Blankets as Baby Swaddles

Perhaps the most common use for small muslin blankets is for swaddling infants. While the material is easily breathable, it can insulate babies and offer stretchability to both support and comfort because of its fabric construction.

  • Muslin Blankets As Is

Even when babies grow older, they could not outgrow muslin that easily. As muslin is a durable material, it can still be used as a blanket for older children. They can provide children and adults the same warmth and breathability as it does babies. Families can also pack the muslin blankets and take it on-the-go into packing bags or backpacks – they do not take up much room anyway.

  • Muslin Blankets as Picnic Mats

Because of the durability, flexibility, and portability of muslin blankets, they can be the perfect picnic or outing accessory to take along. It can be placed down on any surface for babies to play, crawl and relax outside the home. It can be on a local part or a friend’s home’s carpet. Muslin blankets can give babies a safe space to play, lounge, or sleep.

  • Muslin Blankets as Cover from the Sun

For areas or countries that get plenty of sunlight throughout the year, muslin blankets can be used to shield babies from the harsh rays of the sun in their car seats or strollers while in transit.

  • Muslin Blankets as Breastfeeding Covers

Feeding babies in public can be a real challenge for mothers. Bringing along muslin blankets can provide and maintain privacy when breastfeeding babies. Muslin blankets can be draped over the mother’s body and an instant cover-up to feed in public in peace is present.

  • Muslin Blankets as Diaper Changing Mats

One may never know when a diaper change is on the way. Having muslin blankets handy at any time keeps parents well-rounded for the unexpected. Babies can simply be laid down on the muslin blankets when it is time for diaper changes regardless of where they may be. Soiled diapers can be swapped with fresh, clean ones with ease.

  • Muslin Blankets as Spit-Up Clothes

Burping infants are going to take some tidying up after. A muslin blanket can prove helpful and effective for lessening the clean-up such that babies can spit up on them without worrying about stains and getting messy in the process.

  • Muslin Blankets as Playtime Accessories

Muslin blankets are as told – comfortable, warm, and durable. They are effective in cleaning up messes. Apart from these, muslin blankets can also help engage a child’s creativity and imagination. How? Muslin blankets can be used to build tents or tie them around their shoulders and imagine they are superhero capes. Little girls may even want to swaddle their dolls with the muslin blankets perhaps, the same way she was kept safe and comfortable as a baby.

Piece of Reminder about Muslin Blankets

Remember to abide by the guidelines of the AAP or American Academy of Pediatrics when placing soft objects like muslin blankets into the bedding of infant cribs. It is recommended to keep blankets and similar objects away from the infant’s sleep area for the first year of life. This is more so when the baby is left unattended.

Are you thinking of giving your home a visual upgrade? Perhaps you’ve lived there for years and grown tired of its looks, or maybe you’ve just moved in and want to put your own stamp on the place. Either way, there are lots of options that can help transform your humble abode.

Many people are choosing to do just that rather than upping sticks as the average cost of moving soars to around £12,000. You won’t need to spend anywhere near that for many of the options below either.

So if you’re short of ideas, read up on five of the most impactful ways to refresh your home.

Give it a lick of paint

Colour is one of the first things people notice about any room they walk into. It has the power to make a space feel bigger, brighter and more inviting. So if you’re looking to make a big change with minimal effort, then get painting!

Just make sure you choose an appropriate paint type for the room, such as mould-resistant bathroom paint, to keep things looking fresh.

Change the doors

They might not be the obvious choice for a revamp, but doors are still significant features of every room they’re in. If yours are looking worn or out of touch with your interior design, shop around different options such as solid wood, glass panelled and bifold, depending on the area you’re working in.

Don’t forget to invest in some shiny new hinges from suppliers like RS too, and take care with installation to avoid misalignment.

Upgrade the floors

Flooring naturally wears over time, while coloured carpets can soon fade. If your floors are looking a bit dull right now, inject some life with a new material, colour or texture.

Hardwood floors create a classic look while laminates offer a decent, easy-to-clean alternative. Or if you’d prefer to feel carpet underfoot, make sure you invest in good underlay for extra bounce.

Revamp the exterior

Maybe your home just needs a little extra kerb appeal. Everything from its brickwork to the roof, windows and front garden all contribute to your property’s exterior appeal, so target the areas where yours is lacking.

You could feel better by just returning home to a brand-new front door.

Reimagine your outdoor space

The pandemic has seen us rediscover our appreciation for the great outdoors, so the garden is another great area to focus on. Even just neatening up the borders can go a long way – or you could commit to a full renovation.

If you choose the latter option, why not get creative? Garden offices have seen a huge increase in popularity according to Rightmove, for example.

Could any of these options help make you more house-proud?

The problem with removing stubborn limescale is that it can be quite troublesome if you don’t do it properly. You see, this scale is made up of calcium deposits and small pieces of sand. If you don’t remove it properly, it can cause your pipes to become clogged or even blocked completely, leading to serious consequences.

Luckily, there are many tried and tested methods that you can try out to remove limescale from your pipes. In this blog post, we will be discussing some of the most effective ones. So read on to find out more!

What is limescale?

Before we can talk about how to remove limescale from pipes, it’s important to understand what limescale is and its causes. Limescale is essentially a buildup of calcium deposits in your pipes, and it’s caused by hard water. Hard water contains high levels of dissolved minerals such as calcium, and these minerals can happen to deposit on the insides of your pipes.

Over time, this can lead to a buildup of limescale, which can cause your pipes to become clogged or even blocked. Apart from causing blockages, limescale can also lead to other problems, including damage due to corrosion.

How does limescale build up in your pipes?

You may wonder how all of this happens in the first place. Well, there are a couple of reasons why limescale can build up in your pipes.

The first reason is that limescale is a very hard substance, just like its name suggests. And as you might have guessed, limescale is formed when a large amount of calcium and other minerals are dissolved in hard water. And whenever these dissolved minerals come into contact with the inner surfaces of your pipes, they can cause a buildup of limescale over time.

The second reason is that limescale can become even more problematic due to blockages. If a clog forms in your pipes, the pressure will be higher on the inside of the pipes compared to the outside. And because of that, limescale may be forced through any minor cracks or openings on the inner surfaces of your pipes. Mould is another problem that comes along with limescale. It’s extremely important to get rid of mould as it can cause health problems.

You might be calling for a mould removal service again and again but you eliminate it by the roots.

How can you prevent limescale from clogging your pipes?

Now that you know what limescale is and how it can cause blockages let’s take a look at the steps you can take to prevent it from happening in the first place.

The first thing you should do is make sure that your pipes have the right diameter. If you don’t, limescale may be forced through cracks on the inner surfaces of your pipes and cause blockages.

Next, make sure that you install a water softener in your pipes. A water softener is essentially a small machine that filters out any dissolved minerals in hard water and stops them from being deposited on the inner surfaces of your pipes.

And lastly, make sure that you keep your pipes clean. You can do this by running hot water through your pipes regularly or by using a solution of vinegar and salt to remove any limescale on the inner surfaces of your pipes. You can also use a pipe cleaning brush to help remove any clogs and blockages from your pipes.

So now that you know how to prevent limescale from clogging up your pipes, let’s take a look at some of the most effective methods to remove it once and for all.

1. Run hot water through your pipes

The first method on our list is to run hot water through your pipes. This can help flush out any limescale built up over time.

One thing you should keep in mind, though, is that this method can only be used on your main pipes. So if you have any side pipes that may have blocked off due to limescale, then you should use one of the other methods on this list.

You can begin by filling a bucket with hot water and pouring it into your sink. Let the hot water run through your pipes for a good ten minutes, and then run the water for a few minutes afterward. You can repeat this process as many times as you want to flush out any limescale that may be hiding out on the inner surfaces of your pipes.

2. Use a solution of vinegar and salt

Another method you can use to remove limescale from your pipes is a solution of vinegar and salt. This method works best when combined with the first method on our list, but you can also use it as a standalone method.

To begin with, make sure that you’re wearing protective gloves, as you’ll be handling a potent mixture. Then, pour some vinegar and salt into your pipes simultaneously. Let this solution sit in your pipes for at least half an hour, and then run hot water through your pipes to flush out any limescale that may have formed.

While this method can be highly effective if used correctly, it can also cause damage to your pipes. So make sure that you only use this method if you’re sure that your pipes aren’t made of plastic, as it can dissolve the walls of plastic pipes.

3. Use a pipe cleaner

Another effective method that you can use to remove limescale from your pipes is by using a pipe-cleaning brush. These brushes are specifically designed to remove any limescale hiding out on your pipes’ insides.

To begin with, try running a pipe cleaning brush up and down the surface of your pipes. If this doesn’t work, you can use a cloth to wrap around your brush and let it get a firm grip on the limescale that has formed.

While this method can be highly effective, it might only be able to remove some of the limescale. If you’re still seeing deposits on the inner surfaces of your pipes after using this method, then you should try using one of the other methods we’ve mentioned on this list.

In conclusion, limescale is a common problem that plagues many households worldwide. And while it isn’t particularly harmful to your health, it can still cause many plumbing problems if left unchecked.

So if you’re looking for a way to remove limescale from your pipes, then the methods we’ve mentioned here should be enough to eliminate it. Just make sure you use a method that suits the type of pipes you have, and remember to follow the steps outlined in this guide to succeeding.

Winter is a tough time for many people, but it can also be an extremely stressful one for you if you don’t plan ahead. You might be living in a small apartment or house, and you may not have the money to get everything done that you need to keep your home warm during cold months, but below are some simple things you can do to keep your house warm without breaking the bank.

Install a Furnace

Installing a furnace for your home is one of the easiest ways to keep it warm. In fact, it’s so easy that you can install it yourself if you have some basic DIY skills and a good eye for detail. However, it’s advisable to contact a professional HVAC technician at Mister Quik Home Services for instance; they’ll be able to guide you through all parts of the process, give advice about materials needed for installation, and do the actual installation for you. And if you’re looking for a complete consultation check Provincial Heating in Winnipeg, which you can consider a trusted expert. Nevertheless, if you decide to install a furnace for space heating, make sure to order fuel oil in advance. The demand and cost of fuel oil often get high during winter. So, placing your order in advance saves money while ensuring you stay warm throughout the season. You can Learn more from Romeo’s Fuel about heating oil delivery and deals.

It’s also a good idea to get a smart thermostat – it allows you to control the temperature remotely with a phone app and you can program it to adjust the temperature automatically based on when you want it, or even based on what time of day it is.

Consider Insulating Your Walls and Attic

Insulation can be expensive, but it’s worth it to avoid paying higher energy bills associated with heating your home during winter. Insulating your walls and attic reduces heat loss, which improves the efficiency of your heater. It also prevents moisture from entering your house through cracks and gaps in walls or ceilings, which helps you keep cold away.

Insulate Pipes

Check for exposed pipes before starting any work on them; if there are any openings through which cold air could enter your home, close them with fiberglass-reinforced cement, foam, or heat tape. This will prevent drafts from entering heated spaces. A spray foam insulation machine is a device used to dispense and apply foam insulation to various surfaces for the purpose of insulation and air sealing.

Heat Your Rooms Strategically

You can use your space heater to heat a single room, or you can put one in each of the rooms that you use most often. The key is to make sure that you’re using the heater strategically. For example, if you don’t need extra heat in your kitchen or bathroom during winter, then there’s no point in heating that area.

Use Heavy Curtains to Add Warmth

Curtains are a great way to keep the heat in your house and block drafts that can cause you to feel chilly. Heavy curtains will also help keep your home warmer in the winter because they’ll block out cold from entering through windows and prevent the heat that’s already in your house from escaping.

Build a Fireplace

A fireplace is a traditional but stylish way to warm and decorate your house. If you’re planning to build one, consider using firewood from the forest or a local vendor. Fireplaces are expensive to install, but they have an advantage over electric heaters: they use no electricity and emit very little carbon dioxide.

Conclusion

The takeaway is that you should plan for winter in advance. Also, leverage different ways to warm your house; don’t just do the bare minimum. For example, close all the windows and seal cracks with caulk before turning on the heater. Next, sit back and enjoy the cozy warmth of your home!

Redesigning your kitchen can be a fantastic way to freshen up the room and add value to your home. There are a lot of different decisions you need to make during a renovation like this, from the color and material of the countertops, to the style of the seating arrangements. That’s why it can be helpful to have an overarching design theme in mind, such as incorporating Palm countertops, to prevent yourself from feeling overwhelmed and tie the whole kitchen together nicely.
You can then use your theme as a way to guide you on everything from the flooring to the appliances.

Need a little inspiration? Here are five funky kitchen themes to get your creative juices flowing.

1. Coffee shop cool

The casual, friendly atmosphere of a coffee shop is a fantastic option to try and recreate in your home kitchen. Think exposed brickwork, warm colors, coffee-themed wall art, and perhaps even a chalkboard where you can write your grocery list or leave fun messages for your family. Naturally, coffee should take center stage for this theme. Therefore you want to make sure that you have your coffee beans, mugs, and brewing equipment proudly on display!

2. Sleek and minimalist

Cleanliness and functionality are two of the most important factors for a great kitchen, and a minimalist theme nails them both. To achieve this sought-after look, go for a monochromatic color scheme, smooth textures, hidden storage spaces, clean lines, and geometric shapes. This is also a fabulous theme for gadget lovers, as high-tech additions work excellently with the sleek aesthetic. For example, click here to find out more about getting a sink garbage disposal and eliminating food waste from your kitchen.

3. Countryside chic

A rustic country theme is perfect for a kitchen, regardless of whether or not you actually live in a rural area. Aim for a cheerful farmhouse vibe with retro appliances, antique detailing, natural wooden furniture, exposed beams, plenty of different textures, and earthy color tones. For extra atmosphere, you could hang bundles of dried flowers or display some fresh fruit in a bowl on the countertop. This theme is great if you’re hoping to create the feel of a relaxed family kitchen.

4. Bright and colorful

The kitchen should be a happy place, so why not embrace that feeling with a vibrant color scheme? Whether you like cheerful yellow, natural green, calming blue or regal purple, you can design a space that makes you smile every time you walk through the door. It’s best not to go over the top with too many shades, so pick one or two that speak to you and run with them. That includes everything right down to the color of your cups and cutlery!

5. Quirky diner

Another option is to go back in time with a vintage diner style. That could mean red vinyl seating, black and white checkered flooring, and tall stools up at a breakfast bar where you can sip your morning pot of coffee or dig into an indulgent stack of pancakes liberally covered in maple syrup! Complete the look with some old-school artwork, travel memorabilia, neon signs, or any other funky decorations that catch your eye!

Some of us like staying on top of the latest home décor trends, and some of us don’t. That’s just the way it is! However, even if you’re not a furnishing fashionista, you can still live in a timeless, beautiful home.

If you look around your home and feel like it’s tired, dull or outdated, it mightbe time to make a positive change.

Renovate and rejuvenate your property by avoiding the 7 things we’ve listed below. Don’t worry, though, because we offer little tips on what to do instead!

Get rid of old carpeting

Carpeting is a thing of the past – or it soon will be. Not only do carpets collect pollutants, they’re hard to clean and get messy quick! They’re warm, but they’re also expensive to install. Instead, consider modern alternatives like wood or vinyl; attractive, clean, and comfortable to walk on.

Wave goodbye to wooden furniture legs

Wooden furniture legs are wonderfully quaint for a countryside cottage, but don’t always fit well in a contemporary home. Rather than the rustic aesthetic, consider industrial metal furniture legs – they complement a range of different furnishings, and can really elevate the quality of any space.

Forget about complicated lighting

Complicated, confusing light fixtures are no longer as attractive as they once were. Of course, chandeliers remain historically beautiful, but they can date a room by decades! Instead, invest in straightforward glass or metallic fittings for a sleek, sophisticated appearance to your room.

Messy clutter is the worst

A home should look lived in, but unorganised and messy clutter can age your property. Setting aside time to put your messy clutter in order can work wonders in bringing your room up to speed. We highly recommend investing in beautiful baskets or shelving units to hide all your miscellaneous bits-and-bobs!

Lace is so last year

We can recognise the old-school Victorian houses with gorgeous lace curtains from miles away – unfortunately, lace is still pretty Victorian! If you are set on styling lace into your home, consider adding it as a statement piece to translucent drapes. Incorporating light, airy, and lacy décor is one way of updating this outdated style.

Scrap your floral patterns

Floral upholstery should be avoided more often than not, unless you’re deliberately recreating a ‘60s style. Floral patterns were fashionable then, but they’re certainly outdated now! Think about refreshing your floral furniture with modern upholstery options, of which there are millions of contemporary designs and colours to choose from.

Don’t mount too many pictures

Framed pictures can really let your personality and love shine through in your home, but too many of them and mounted pictures become distasteful. If you do want a feature wall full of pictures, it should be well arranged and not cluttered. This ensures your home won’t appear outdated or feel overwhelming.

Our Final Thoughts

You can decorate your home any way you’d like, and décor trends pass by so quickly that it’s hard to keep track of them all! Nevertheless, it’s always lovely to live in a home that doesn’t feel outdated but has a timeless quality you can enjoy for a long time.