If you lack storage in your home, there are many unique ways to utilize your space more efficiently. Here are a few ideas to consider.
• Purchase bags and bins specifically designed to fit underneath your bed. If your bed isn’t high enough, you can get bed risers to give you more room.
• Install a cabinet, shelf, or rack if you have an empty wall or door space. You may be surprised at how much you can fit inside.
• Invest in under-cabinet racks that slide conveniently out of the way when not in
use. This is a great way to use the space underneath your cabinets and shelves.
• If you’re looking for a new entryway bench or coffee table, consider buying one that has hidden storage space inside for odds and ends.
• Did you know your ceiling is a great place to store things? For example, you can install overhead shelves in your kitchen to store various everyday goods.
Visit your local hardware store to find unique space-saving storage ideas.
Open concept designs have been on trend for many years. However, the recent move towards working from home has led many to rethink their living spaces. This guide will help you decide which style best suits your needs.
Open floor plans allow you to make the most of a small space, enabling less-restricted movement and optimal light. Choose this design if you:
•Have small children. If you need to manage several tasks while keeping an eye on your little ones, an open concept keeps everyone in your line of sight.
• Enjoy entertaining. This floor plan allows large groups of people to mingle and move around with ease.
• Have accessibility needs. If you have household members or guests who need help with accessibility, an open concept affords adaptability.
• Plan to resell. Your resale value may be
higher with an open floor plan. Potential buyers appreciate the freedom to adapt a space to their needs.
Closed floor plans provide more individual solitude and give you more control over noise and air quality. Choose this design if you:
• Need quiet or privacy. If your household has multiple people studying or working at home, separate spaces are essential for privacy.
• Are eco-conscious. A closed concept design lets you heat rooms selectively to minimize energy consumption.
• Love to cook. Although home cooking creates a cozy atmosphere, the scents of aromatic cuisines may be unwelcome if they invade every corner of your open concept home.
If you’re considering an interior remodel, a local architect or contractor can help you find the ideal solution for your family.
Islands are increasingly common features in many home kitchens because of their practicality and attractive design. If you don’t already have one, here are three reasons you should consider installing an island in your kitchen.
1. Multifunctionality. Kitchen islands are a great way to maximize your space. For example, an island gives you more counter space and can be used to house appliances like a dishwasher or extra sink. Moreover, if you have a small kitchen, you can use the island as a table.
2. Sociability. An island creates a focal point for gathering and engaging with friends and family. Instead of preparing food facing the cabinets and windows, you can work at the island while conversing with your guests.
3. Modern look. Many modern kitchens feature islands. Consequently, installing one in your home will give your space an updated look, undoubtedly adding value to your home.
If you’re thinking about renovating your kitchen, talk to your contractor about adding an island.
Home décor can be a challenge if you don’t want to compromise your pet’s happiness and comfort. Here are a few ways to let your furry housemate live its best life while creating a space that’s easy on the eyes.
Build pet spaces into your home to replace
unattractive, utilitarian store-bought pieces. For example, you can build a sleeping nook for your dog and keep the crate for car journeys. You could also take the unsightly cat tree out of your front window and build in a window seat or a series of cute climbing shelves instead.
Keep your pet’s feeding area tidy and clean by installing a sideboard with a floor-level food drawer. The drawer can be designed with cut-outs to help hold bowls in place and easily remove them for cleaning. Accompanying cupboards will allow you to keep food, extra dishes and other pet accessories within reach.
Look for fabrics that are durable and easy to clean. Don’t be afraid to use an attractive outdoor upholstery in your living room. Additionally, performance fabrics are available in an increasing variety of colours and textures. Consider taking a design cue from your pet and choosing a colour scheme that complements its fur.
An interior designer can help you strike the perfect balance between beauty and comfort in your home.
Fall is an excellent time to make your home more inviting before the cold season. Here are four weekend reno ideas to try.
Give your entrance a fresh coat of paint. Be bold and try a new colour. Fall is also an excellent time to replace dated knobs and ensure your locks are frost ready.
Often overlooked in day-to-day living, a new faucet or showerhead can breathe life into your kitchen or bathroom. Explore options like a detachable or rainfall showerhead and
look for water-efficient models to reduce consumption.
Make your foyer space more efficient before hat-and-mitts season is in full swing. Install cubbies with individual baskets and assign each family member a designated catch-all space for their keys, gloves and bags.
Transform a wall with a pop of colour or dramatic print. You can also apply beadboard or shiplap for a fun new texture. If you’re painting or wallpapering, add a putty knife and surfacing compound to your shopping list so you can repair any knicks and dents before making cosmetic upgrades. Not sure where to start? Browse your local home improvement store for inspiration.
Once used exclusively for sidewalks, garage floors and basement walls, concrete is coming into its own as a design material. In fact, polished concrete is gaining popularity for kitchen floors and countertops because it’s durable and versatile. Here are three benefits of this winning material.
1. It’s low maintenance. Unlike granite, concrete requires little to no maintenance once it’s sealed and polished. You don’t need to reseal it once a year or apply protective wax. All you need to clean polished concrete countertops and floors is soapy water. There’s no need for special, expensive cleaning products.
2. It’s customizable. You can be infinitely creative with polished concrete. This versatile material comes in various colours, so you’re not limited to grey. You can also make your concrete resemble tile or wood to fit the style of your kitchen.
3. It’s durable. Polished concrete floors and countertops last many decades. One myth about concrete is that it stains easily. However, the sealant creates a protective layer that prevents liquids like coffee and red wine from penetrating the surface. Plus, you don’t have to worry about peeling or chipping.
Finally, you should have polished concrete floors and countertops installed by a qualified professional contractor. Ask a local home renovation specialist how to incorporate concrete into your kitchen.
Hard water can damage your home’s plumbing and appliances and make your hair and skin feel dry. Fortunately, a water softener can remove minerals like calcium and magnesium to improve your water quality. Here are six benefits of installing a water softener in your home.
1. Reduced plumbing repairs. The minerals in hard water stick to the inside of pipes and can clog your plumbing and damage valves. Water softeners remove the minerals before they can do damage.
2. Longer-lasting appliances. Minerals can build up in your dishwasher, washing machine and water heater, causing them to break down. Appliances that operate with soft water last longer.
3. Lower energy bills. Scaly mineral buildup in your water heater forces it to work harder and burn more fuel. Installing a
water softener can improve your water heater’s efficiency.
4. Cleaner clothes. Washing clothes with mineral-rich water can cause your clothing to fade and give off a yellowish hue. Soft water leaves your clothes cleaner and makes them last longer.
5. Easier household cleaning. Caked-on mineral deposits in your kitchen sink or bathroom are difficult to clean. Using a water softener prevents these stubborn white stains from forming.
6. Softer hair and skin. Showering with soft water leaves your hair feeling soft and your skin hydrated. You also don’t need to use as much shampoo or conditioner.
Visit your local home improvement store or plumbing supply retailer to learn more about installing a water softener in your home.
We at Gardon Securities do not just claim to be updated and contemporary with the latest trends; we prove it with our services.
Whether you need a new alarm or have an existing system, Gardon Securities can provide you with more control than ever before.
Utilizing the Alarm.com cloud services you can now remotely control many different devices in your home or business through one convenient app! Thus converting any alarm into a fully interactive system!
You use your kitchen knives every day, so having an efficient place to store them is essential for your kitchen design. Here are four methods for storing kitchen knives.
1. Under-cabinet block. Some knife blocks come with a swivel and attach underneath your cabinets. Additionally, some underthe-cabinet designs are equipped with a fold-away drawer that separates and organizes your knife set.
2. Magnetic wall strips. Storing your knives on a magnetic strip attached to your wall or fridge frees up valuable counter space. Moreover, minimal contact with the blades means your knives will stay sharp.
3. Knife blocks. A knife block allows you to keep your knives close to your workstation for easy access. However, repeatedly inserting and removing them from the block can dull the blades.
4. Drawer docks. Drawer dock products protect and separate your knives, so you
can quickly grab what you need. A drawer dock is an excellent solution if you have young children because it stores sharp knives safely away and out of reach.
Upgrading your kitchen knife storage is easy. Visit your local home renovation outlet and ask about available products.
Poor indoor air quality can make your family sick. Breathing in allergens and other contaminants can lead to sick building syndrome (SBS). Fortunately, there are products available to improve indoor air quality and help your family breathe easier.
Sick building syndrome is an umbrella term for several ailments. Typically, if you have SBS, you’ll exhibit cold- or flu-like symptoms, including
• A sore throat
• Sneezing and a runny nose
• Body aches, chills and a fever
• Headache
• Nausea and dizziness
• Irritability
The causes of SBS include mould, pet dander and bacteria that get circulated through your home if your furnace isn’t regularly maintained.
There are several ways to improve the air quality of your home.
• Clean your ducts and furnace. You should have your ducts professionally cleaned every two years to remove contaminants
from your HVAC system. Families with children and pets should do this more often.
• Install an air purification system. Hire a professional service to retrofit an air purifier to your existing HVAC system. A HEPA filter or a UV antibacterial system will effectively clean the air in your home and create a healthier living environment.
Lastly, ask a local HVAC or home improvement specialist what you can do to improve the air quality and prevent SBS in your home.
Cannage is antique style of furniture that originated in southeast Asia. It consists of braiding rattan and is sometimes referred to as mesh or grid. Designers and trend spotters have seen a resurgence of interest in this cool and classic furniture style. Here are some reasons why cannage is an excellent choice for your home.
Modern cannage is made primarily of rattan from Indonesia and can give your home a vintage feel or contemporary vibe. Balance
cannage with rich tapestries and heavy wooden pieces for an antique effect. You can also pair it with solid colours and clean lines for a crisp, modern feel.
Cannage is a lightweight material, making it an excellent furniture choice if you like to redecorate according to the seasons. Likewise, if you expect to make frequent home moves, this furniture travels well.
Classic cannage is left
unpainted to highlight the natural texture, hues and craftsmanship. It complements many colours, especially bold shades of blue and green.
The cane braiding technique creates a solid and durable product. The natural materials make it resistant to weather and suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments.
Visit your local furniture retailers to browse their selection of modern cannage pieces.
If you want to update your brick fi
a fresh coat of paint
do won-
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to paint your brick fireplace.
1. First, use a wire brush to remove loose dirt and debris from the brick and mortar.
Next, clean the area around the fireplace with a shop-vac.
3. Then, give the brick a deep clean with an all-purpose cleaner or degreaser to remove accumulated soot and other mineral residues that could prevent the paint from properly adhering.
4. Tape off the edges of your fireplace and trim. Use a latex primer to get the brick ready for a fresh coat of paint. Keep in mind that brick is porous. Therefore, a second coat may be necessary to get your desired coverage.
5. Once the primer has dried, it’s time to paint the brick. Start by painting the mortar lines with a brush. Then, use a roller
to cover the face of the bricks. Once the first coat has dried, apply a second for a long-lasting, consistent finish. Neutral colours like white and grey are popular shades. However, you can get creative and use bold or contrasting colours to make your fireplace a focal point. Paint with a matte or eggshell finish will allow the natural texture of the brick to shine through, whereas a semi-gloss finish will reflect light and make cleaning easier.
If you notice that your brick fireplace is crumbling or damaged while preparing it for paint, consult a professional masonry company to investigate and make the necessary repairs.
Traditionally used for barns and sheds, shiplap has made its way into the interior design world over the past decade. On top of being used for accent walls, you can also use shiplap in the following three ways around your home:
1. Headboard. You can easily create a rustic, Cape Cod-style headboard with shiplap.
2. Fireplace. Instead of brick, use shiplap around your fireplace. You can find shiplap made of fire-resistant fibre cement.
3. Door. You don’t have to buy an expensive pre-made barn-style door for your
home when you can make your own using shiplap.
How to choose the right material
Wood shiplap has natural knots, which offers an authentic farmhouse look. However, it can be pricey. Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) shiplap, on the other hand, is inexpensive and smooth, making it ideal for painting. Moreover, PVC shiplap is waterproof and mould resistant. It’s also light and pre-finished, making it extremely easy to install.
Visit your local hardware store to pick up everything you need for your shiplap project.
