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HOME DECOR, HOME DESIGN, home renovation, OUTDOORS

7 Interior Design Improvements to Revive an Out-of-Style Boat

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Have you bought a boat that’s been at sea for too long? Have you inherited a yacht, or somehow come to possess an old boat that you thought was past its best? If so, this article could help you with the refurbishment process.

There are old vessels out there that have life in them yet. As long as she still floats, no boat, dinghy, tug, or passenger ferry is truly ready for scrap. Floating is the number one check for buying a used boat. Floating without leaks is even better. As to the innards – well – sometimes a full renovation is the only way. A slight problem that comes with refurbishing a vessel is what is inside it. Is it rust or revival-ready? Would it survive a renovation? If so, here are the best 7 interior design improvements you can make on your new (old) boat to bring it up to modernity. 

The 7 Tricks to Revive an Old Boat

Try these interior boat design tricks to update any vessel. From a 90’s tour vessel to a private yacht – these tips can save you time, money, and effort.

1 – Develop a Plan

Before you do anything, set yourself a budget and develop a boat restoration plan to spend it. Plan to buy the materials you need immediately. This is a hard lesson for house flippers. When you begin with a vision for your new space, you look at finishings which are in trend at that moment. If you don’t buy immediately, you may miss those trends and be short of stock when the time comes to finish the boat refurbishment. Plan everything from the outset and make your purchases before you begin. 

The following tips contain things to think about spending good money on.

2 – Spend on the Deep Clean

An important step in the refurbishment process is to deep clean the whole interior before you start to decorate. If you can’t do it yourself, then employing a deep cleaning company to do it for you is a safe alternative. Make sure they detail the inside from top to bottom. Once this task is complete and the tech and engine get an update, you can finally start to get down to designing business.

3 – Update the Seating

In some cases, replacement boat seat cushions can make a huge difference to the boat’s interior. Every boat, be it high end or trawler, has a seating area in it. These seating areas gather dust, bacteria, and spills. Ripping the cushioning out and starting again is an efficient way to solve the problem. Complete the look with new cushion covers and you have a whole new room. Check out the African Mud Cloth trend for inspiration.

4 – Budget for Home Comforts

The whole point in all this is to make your new, inherited, or refurbished boat, feel like your own. Prepare to spend a large chunk of your budget buying the digital devices, electronics, and luxury touches that you need to make it feel like your floating home. Think of functionality and of little luxuries. If you’re going to perform a refurbishment, you might as well make it high end.

5 – Match Your Fabrics

You can soften up the hard edges found in vessels by choosing fabric with a distinguished pattern, picking out colors from feature furniture to add to individual pieces around the space, or mixing up soft fabrics which complement one another. Mix your textures but match your palette – just as if you were designing your home.

6 – Use Lighting for Atmosphere

Not all boats have walls. This can make the decorating a little difficult. If you have exposed industrial metal and wooden finishings to work with, add a little brass around and light it with LED strips, your choice in colors, or even specially made spot lighting, if you can afford it. Lighting adds atmosphere on board, and if you surround yourself with soft fabrics, you could feel right at home.

7 – Use Tapestries

Instead of spending a small fortune designing the interior of a boat which may or may not have walls to hang paper on, try tapestries, instead. Decorating the living spaces with soft fabrics takes the edge off all that industrial steel. Not only that, it adds to the insulation, which you really need on open water. 

If it Floats, it Bloats!

If your new investment doesn’t have balance issues, engine issues, or leaks, you can get some life out of it yet. Especially if you followed our advice. 

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LIGHTING, OUTDOORS

Outdoor Lighting Ideas to Brighten Up Your Yard

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Do you want to add some extra charm and illumination to your outdoor space? Outdoor lighting is a great way to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your yard. Whether you’re looking for practical lighting solutions or want to add some decorative flair, there are plenty of options! This article will provide you with several outdoor lighting ideas that can help brighten up your yard and make it the envy of the neighborhood.

#1: Pathway Lighting

This lighting idea is an excellent way to add both practical and decorative elements to your outdoor space. They can be used to illuminate a walkway or pathway, making it easier and safer to move around in the dark. Pathway lights come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles, so you can find one that suits the aesthetic of your landscape perfectly!

#2: String Lights

These lights are the perfect way to make any backyard look magical. Whether you’re looking for something romantic or whimsical, string lights will do the trick! Hang them on trees or gazebos for an especially festive touch.

Tips on how to be creative with your String Lights

  • Create patterns with the lights by draping them in different directions and wrapping them around trees and posts.
  • String multiple strands together to create a canopy of light.
  • Add colorful bulbs for an extra pop of color.
  • You can also hang paper lanterns or other decorations from the strings for an even more unique look!

#3: Spotlights

These lights are perfect for highlighting certain features or objects in your yard. This could include a fountain, garden sculpture, patio furniture, etc. Spotlights are an excellent way to add drama and create visual interest in any outdoor space.

#4: Solar Lighting

For those of you who want an energy-efficient lighting solution, solar lights are the way to go! These lights absorb sunlight during the day and then use it to power up at night – no electricity required. Not only is this good for the environment, but it’s also cheaper than traditional forms of lighting.

#5: LED Lights

LED lights are a popular choice for outdoor lighting because they’re energy-efficient and long-lasting. These lights offer bright, crisp illumination that is sure to upgrade any outdoor space. Plus, you can choose from a variety of colors and styles to find the perfect fit for your yard!

#6: Hanging Lanterns

Hanging lanterns are an excellent way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any outdoor space. These lights come in a variety of shapes, styles, and sizes, so you can find the perfect fit for your yard. Hang them from trees or posts for a truly magical effect!

Types of Lanterns

  • Candle Lanterns: These lanterns create a soft, romantic atmosphere in any outdoor space. Hang them from trees or posts and let the flickering candlelight do its work!
  • Solar Lanterns: If you’re looking for a more energy-efficient option, solar lanterns are the way to go. They come in a variety of shapes and styles, so you can find one that complements your landscape perfectly!
  • Gas Lanterns: These lanterns offer a more traditional look that will instantly add charm and character to any outdoor space. They’re also much brighter than other types of lanterns, so they’re great for providing ample illumination.

No matter what kind of lighting you choose, it’s important to make sure that it is properly installed and maintained. Consult a professional like Blingle! if necessary – having the right lighting solution can make all the difference in elevating your outdoor space! With these ideas, you’ll be able to create a backyard that looks beautiful both day and night.

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OUTDOORS

Top ways to look after your garden without too much hassle

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Looking after your garden can be such a bother. It can also feel incredibly daunting. This is why it is so easy to hide inside and try and forget what is out there. You are probably busy enough without having to do all of your outdoor chores. Fortunately, there are lots of tips and tricks that you can make the most of to make it much easier for you. Style doesn’t have to be sacrificed so that you have an easier gardening life. If you don’t know where to start, then here is a little advice for you.

Change your grass 

One of the most difficult things to motivate yourself to do is to mow the lawn. There are lots of things you can do but if you really cannot stand it then you may want to invest in artificial turf carpet. Getting in artificial grass can ensure that your lawn stays green, and you don’t need to maintain it at all. The options that are out there can really look like true grass and are not too expensive. This is a great way to maintain your garden without all of the hard work.

Pockets of plants

If you have a large patio and need to add some greenery to that, then you should maybe start thinking about adding pockets of plants. You can invest in plants that are large and green but also low maintenance. Hydrangeas, ornamental grasses, and ferns are all great options. The best part about this is that your patio will still remain clean while your plants can add the exoticism that your garden seeks.

Use a variety of materials

The best gardens usually follow the same theme and design as your home. This can keep your family and friends in a relaxed environment no matter where they are on your property. To create a lovely garden scene, you don’t need to have lots of fussy flowers and large spaces on your lawn. You could think about decorative parasols that can hide you from the midday sun or you could invest in an outdoor fire to keep you warm in the winter. It can also be worthwhile to invest in a lounging area to give your guests somewhere to settle outside.

Embrace a natural look

If you like to have loads of flowers in your garden but you cannot adequately maintain them through pest control and weeding, then you can opt for a more natural look. A wilder style is a great way to low-maintenance gardens. Borders can look beautiful even if they are a little unkempt. You should think about hardy blooms and grasses. A good scattering of meadow-mix can add a wilder spot to any garden.

Transforming your garden

There are lots of different ways you can transform your garden, you just need to put a little thought into it. If you put your effort into the planning, then you may save yourself the hassle in the long run and can ensure that your garden is looking good whatever the season.

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OUTDOORS, STORAGE + ORGANIZING

Outdoor Wood Storage Shed: What Are the Benefits?

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Are you looking for an outdoor storage shed?

An outdoor wood storage shed is a great way to expand your outdoor living space. It is also become trendy due to the maximization of outdoor areas such as patios and backyards.

However, there is much to consider when finding a storage shed. For instance, you’ll need to decide whether to purchase a premade or construct one yourself.

You can build one with some planning, and outdoor storage shed tips or hire someone to help. Here’s everything you should know before you get started.

Convenient Outdoor Storage for All Your Essentials

There are many benefits of having an outdoor wood storage shed, especially if you are tight on space. A shed allows you to store your outdoor essentials, such as lawn equipment, pool supplies, or garden tools.

This can free up your garage or basement space and keep your belongings organized and out of the way. Additionally, a shed can provide extra security for your belongings, as it can be locked up to keep intruders out.

Keep Your Yard Tidy and Organized

Outdoor wood storage sheds are a great way to keep your yard tidy and organized. They provide a place to store lawn and garden equipment, power tools, and other outdoor items.

Sheds also protect your belongings from the elements and keep them out of the reach of children and pets.

Protect Your Valuables from the Elements

Outdoor wood storage sheds are a great way to protect your valuables from the elements. They are specially designed to keep your belongings dry and safe from the sun, wind, and rain.

Many different sizes and styles of outdoor storage sheds are available, click for small storage sheds or find the perfect one to fit your needs. They are an essential piece of equipment for any homeowner who wants to keep their belongings in top condition.

Create Extra Space for Your Family to Enjoy

An outdoor wood storage shed can give you the extra space to store things out of the weather and keep them from cluttering up your home. It can also give you a place to work on projects or set up a small workshop.

Increase the Value of Your Home

When it comes to home improvements that add value, many people think of updating the kitchen or bathroom or adding an extra bedroom. However, one home improvement that often gets overlooked is an outdoor wood storage shed.

It is a valuable addition to any property, and potential buyers will be impressed by the extra storage and work space that a shed provides. If you are considering selling your home in the future, consider adding a shed to boost its value.

Getting An Outdoor Wood Storage Shed is a Great  Investment

An outdoor wood storage shed can provide several benefits, including additional storage space, protection from the elements, and easier access to stored items.

If you’re considering a shed for your home, consider the benefits carefully to decide if a shed is suitable.

If you are looking for more helpful articles, check out our blog posts now!

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HOME DESIGN, home renovation, OUTDOORS

8 Things To Know About Patio Doors: How To Find the Right Style

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It may shock you to learn the door industry is valued at over $140 billion. However, considering how essential doors are to a home, you’ll understand why so many people spend big on entryways.

If you need new patio doors, it may seem as simple as picking the first option you see when you arrive at your local showroom. 

However, there is more that goes into selecting the perfect patio door. After all, your yard is a sacred, serene space where you can enjoy the outdoors, so ensuring your entrance is up to par is paramount.

Stuck on where to start searching for the best option? Keep reading to learn how to choose the ideal patio door for your needs. 

1. Narrow Your Needs

Before you can start shopping, you’ll want to determine what you want from your patio doors. Though the answer may seem obvious – serving as an entrance – there’s more to it than just walking in and out of your home.

If you plan on installing your patio door in an area of your home that doesn’t see as much light, you may want to ensure you can bring as much natural light into the space as possible.

Also, you may want to use it as a functional entryway but as a decorative element. The type of patio door you choose can help complement the rest of your home’s style, adding a decorative touch.

Finally, you may want to create a more energy-efficient home, so installing the correct type of patio door can help you achieve that. This will impact how many panes the door has and the material of the frame.

Assessing these factors before you start shopping can help you determine what you’re looking for and narrow your options, ensuring you don’t feel overwhelmed by all the choices. 

2. Set a Budget

Much like assessing your needs, setting a budget is something you’ll want to accomplish before you start shopping.

Much of the cost for your patio doors will be the material they’re made from. Depending on the size and material you choose, you can spend anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000. Though most homeowners won’t pay five digits, this can be a pricey project. 

However, setting a budget before you go into your project is essential. You’ll need to consider the size of the door, preferred material, and the style you’d like. This helps narrow down your options by making the process less intense. 

3. Look at the Types of Doors

Next, you’ll want to consider the different door styles you can choose from.

One of the most popular options for outdoor entryways is sliding patio doors. These sit on a track and, as the name implies, slide back and forth to open and shut. Sliding doors are ideal for small spaces, as they don’t have to swing open.

Another popular choice for homeowners is French doors. These are a set of double doors that open from the middle. One of the main appeals of these doors is the fact you can open one or both at the same time, giving you control over the amount of air and light you allow inside. 

You can learn more about your sliding door options and opt for a more sophisticated style depending on your budget. Combining French and sliding doors, you can find an option that allows you to slide both panels to the side. 

4. Consider Security

Another significant factor you’ll want to consider is the security and safety the door can offer. After all, it is an entryway into your home, so ensuring you can secure it quickly and easily is crucial. 

Most all exterior doors come outfitted with a lock mechanism featuring a deadbolt for additional security and peace of mind. However, if you have a sliding door, you should consider adding a safety bar to the bottom of the track. 

This will fit in the space where the sliding door would sit if it were open, making it impossible to move the door. 

Similarly, you can invest in additional door locks for French doors that wrap around the parallel handles to ensure they can’t open even if someone can pick the lock.

Finally, you’ll want to decide on how much privacy you want. While many opt for stunning glass sliding patio doors, if you’re backyard doesn’t have much privacy, you may want to consider frosted glass.

This helps prevent wandering eyes from peeking into your home, offering an additional layer of security and privacy. 

5. Decide on a Door Material

Once you have researched all the significant factors of your patio doors, the next aspect you’ll need to cover is the material of the door. This is the element the glass panes will sit in, so ensuring it fits your budget, style, and maintenance needs is crucial. 

The most popular options offered by nearly every patio door company are wood, vinyl, and fiberglass. Each has its pros and cons in durability, longevity, and price. 

Wood is one of the most expensive options due to its aesthetic value, but it may not be as durable as the others. Vinyl is much more affordable and lasts longer than wood but may not look as nice. Fiberglass is the most durable and right in the middle of wood and vinyl when it comes to price. 

For example, wood is one of the most expensive options as it is the most visually appealing. However, you can get a cheaper option in a vinyl material that’s concocted from various chemicals. However, the vinyl may not look as nice as wood.

6. Think About Furniture

Though it may not seem important at the moment, you’ll find yourself frustrated once you have to rearrange all your furniture because you forgot to consider how easy it would be to open your french patio doors with your dining set.

Ensuring you pick the best patio door that works functionally with your indoor and outdoor furniture is crucial.

If you have a smaller space or furniture that obstructs your hinged patio doors from opening fully, opting for a sliding door may be your best bet. You can even look into having your sliding door track lead into a pocket for a smoother and cleaner look.

However, if you have plenty of space, you can install a swing door. You may even opt to keep one of the panels propped open at a time, allowing natural light and fresh air into your home while making it easy to move in and out of your home. 

7. Don’t Forget the Details

Next, you’ll want to consider all the less important details that go into your patio sliding door.

For example, you’ll need to choose the best handle and lock hardware that matches the style of your home while being secure and functional. You’ll likely be able to choose from a selection of hardware colors that match the other details around your home. 

You’ll also want to consider a patio screen door that helps keep bugs and debris outside while allowing an uninterrupted airflow in your home. Many screen doors, especially hinged doors, come in various decorative styles for additional details that add elegance to your patio space. 

8. Ensure the Quality

Finally, you’ll want to ensure the quality of the patio door installation and that the door itself is up to standard. After all, this is a pricey investment, so you want to make sure it’s money well spent.

Many assume that all installation companies are the same, however, the quality will vary based on the experience and professionalism of the workers.  Researching your options, whether you reside in Columbia, SC, or Sacramento, CA, is crucial to ensuring you get the best installation.

Similarly, you’ll need to research the best quality material. For example, vinyl is cheap and easy to produce, meaning there’s an abundance available. However, not all vinyl is the same, as some options are more durable than others. 

Pick the Best Patio Doors to Complement Your Space

Though you may not have thought there was much to consider when choosing the best door for your patio space, you would be surprised. Keeping these factors in mind can help put your mind at ease, confident you made the most informed choice. 

Remember, the most essential factor influencing your choice is the functionality of the door. After all, an impractical patio door is a waste of money.  

While you may know how to choose patio doors, your search for home improvement content doesn’t end here. You’ll want to check out the rest of our website for more tips and tricks. 

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OUTDOORS

Fallen Trees: Is the Homeowner Responsible for Their Removal?

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Many things could lead to a tree coming down on a neighbor’s property. Bad weather is a key cause for this type of incident, but disease and age could also result in a tree coming down. The entire tree may not make its way onto the neighbor’s home either. A large limb can do significant damage. In addition, the tree or limb may not damage a home, but it could damage other structures on the property, such as a fence or garage.

Who Pays?

When this happens, the owner of the damaged property may think they should pursue compensation from the other party or their insurance company. However, a homeowner’s insurance policy typically covers this type of damage, regardless of where the tree or limb originated. Once the insurer pays out, they may pursue indemnity from the neighbor or their insurance company. The injured party, however, has received compensation and is out of the picture. They simply need to find tree removal services and have the work done. They may need to pay a deductible, but that depends on how the policy is written.

Exceptions to Consider

At times, an insurance company may fail to pay the claim. In these cases, it depends on what led to the tree or limb coming down. For example, if the owner of the tree knew it was diseased and at risk of coming down, they may be held responsible in a court of law. This differs from a natural event leading to the tree or limb falling. No person can control weather events, but they can do something if the tree is unhealthy and isn’t removed promptly.

A Tree on Public Property

Property owners may wonder who they should call if a tree on public land comes down and damages their home or other structures. This situation differs from when a private owner is involved. The entity that owns the tree becomes responsible for removing the tree or paying to have this done. The property owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy then pays to have any repairs done to the buildings or structures.

If the tree is located in an area governed by a homeowner’s association, the person whose property was damaged will need to review the governance documents. Some documents state the HOA is responsible for rectifying any damage, regardless of where the tree was located. Other HOA agreements state the association is only responsible for trees in common areas used by all residents. Any trees on a person’s private property are their responsibility.

Boundary trees are those trees that sit on more than one person’s property. If this tree falls, it becomes the responsibility of the owner whose property was damaged to have the damage rectified. As far as tree removal goes, both parties or their respective insurers should cover the cost of the tree removal.

One thing a person should never do is attempt to remove the tree themselves. Many things could go wrong during this process, and more damage may occur when they attempt to take this task on alone. It’s best to leave this job to the professionals, as any additional damage could become the responsibility of the owner to rectify at their own expense. Call to have the tree removed and then focus on the necessary repairs. The sooner this task is taken care of, the sooner the damage can be rectified and life can return to normal.

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HOME DECOR, HOME STYLING, OUTDOORS

How Your RV’s Decor Can Make It A Home-Away-From-Home

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Having a smooth life while travelling on the road can make you experience the comfort of your home. If you have an RV, you can add some décor to turn it into a home away from home.

In his post, we will look at the different types of décors that can make your home away from home.

Add some few things

If you are not comfortable, your chances of enjoying a road trip are minimal. However, adding a few items to your RV may make life easy. Putting a nice pillow on your chair or having a blanket right on your couch can make you feel at home.

You can add some candles to generate the smell of your house or add a lamp to bring the cozier lighting. If you are spending more time on the road trip, you can even opt to take those items from your home and fix them directly in your RV to help you experience the home feeling. Having a community feeling on holiday and getting some great ideas for life in your RV are some of the benefits of joining a motorhome club, so you might want to look into joining one.

Do some painting

Just the way you would paint your home, you can as well paint your RV. You can select your favorite theme color and use it to paint the walls and your kitchenette’s cabinet to bring your home feeling.

Additionally, if your RV is old, this is the best chance to modify it and update the look.

Re-create your beddings

Instead of sticking around with the bedding and mattress that came with your RV, you can change them to get the sound sleep you usually get while at home. However, to experience your home comfort, you should consider some aspects.

You should ensure you purchase a good quality mattress that will last long. By researching what the best is between a Queen vs queen short mattress, you can consider which is the best mattress. You should take into account which one will serve you for the longest time and help you get the best sleep.

Add some pictures

After entering your home, the first thing you notice is the pictures around you. The feeling is unbeatable, and it makes you activate the home mood. However, you can make your RV feel 

no difference from your home by hanging the pictures you love in it.

It could be your family pictures or of places that you visited. You can utilize Velcro straps to ensure the pictures are well placed on the wall. It is also important to note that using a lightweight picture frame helps the pictures stay intact on the wall as you drive.

Put some rugs

The floor of an RV may look good, but it would be cozier and more comfortable when you put some rugs in your living area. You will feel exactly how you feel at home walking on these rugs hence living you contented. Getting rubber backing rugs can prevent them from sliding as you walk around or drive.

Hang curtains

Putting curtains on your windows can make the whole interior space feel like home. It’s one of the simplest things you can do, but it greatly impacts your RV.

 It’s good to choose curtains that go in hand with other colors, décor, and materials in the space.

Use a placemats or tablecloth

Even if your dining table changes into a bed when you need it, that does not mean that you cannot fix it well during the day. There are more reasons to organize it well if you do not have a convertible table.

Putting a tablecloth and a centerpiece or placemats can give you the home feeling, and there are so many ways you can dress up your table nicely.

Get your RV organized

When your RV is untidy, it would be difficult for you to feel the comfort of your home. If your items are scattered all over, it’s also hard for you to see the unique touches that you have put in your RV to make you experience the home vibe.

Look for better ways to organize your items in the RV to allow space. Use different strategies to utilize the space to the maximum level you have. You can also eliminate some of the items you have that you do not use.

Look for inspiration

The internet is equipped with all ideas of how you can turn RV into your home. The unlimited creativity that individuals have used to create an environment they love.
Conduct some search and pick what suits you best. At long last, these are only ideas to help you outside the box. It is good to choose what feels good to you for it to feel exactly like your home.

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HOME DESIGN, OUTDOORS

How to Choose Front Entry Doors for Your Home

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What does your front door say about you? Do you prefer the elegant look of glass and iron, or do you like the warmth of wood?

Your front entry doors are one of the first things people see as they approach your home. As such, you want it to make a statement. It should also complement the look of your house.

The right front door is both practical and beautiful. So how do you begin to choose the right entry door with so many options out there? Start with these tips to find a door that says, “Welcome Home.”

Wood Front Doors

Wood used to be the go-to option for front doors for thousands of years. The first depictions of doors appeared in Egyptian tomb paintings 4,000 years ago. King Solomon used olive wood for his temple doors.

Wood doors can last for generations in the right conditions. Some of the most famous and most iconic doors in the world are made from wood. For instance, the door of St. Edward’s Church in Gloucestershire has been welcoming people since the 1200s.

While you may not want to go as far as framing your front door between two trees, there are many creative front door ideas that involve wood designs.

Even today, many homeowners choose wood for their front entry doors. Wood doors are extremely versatile, as you can stain and paint them any way you wish. They also add warmth to your front entryway, making your home seem more welcoming.

The downside to wood is that it’s porous. Wood also expands and contracts as temperature and humidity levels change. Wood doors are more resilient these days compared to older doors, but they still require sanding and staining every few years.

Steel Front Entry Doors

If you prefer the look of a modern door, steel might be the better choice. Steel doors are incredibly durable and popular in the south, where heavy rainfall and bright sunlight are a concern.

If security is a concern, you can’t go wrong with steel doors. These doors are much stronger than wood or fiberglass, protecting you from intruders and holding up to any kind of storm debris.

They won’t crack or warp no matter the weather conditions, and any dents can be fixed with a repair kit. Steel doors also come in a variety of different styles, from classic to contemporary.

Fiberglass Doors

Steel has one downside, and that is it’s prone to rust. Fiberglass doors won’t rust, and they won’t rot either. Modern fiberglass doors are designed to withstand the elements, making them a durable choice for homeowners.

Fiberglass doors are also relatively low maintenance, making them a good choice for homeowners that don’t have the time or experience to handle DIY jobs. Unlike wooden doors, you won’t have to maintain them as much.

Another benefit of fiberglass doors? They’re excellent insulators, keeping your home cooler in summer and warmer in the winter.

Fiberglass composite doors can mimic the look of wood, and you can stain them to look like cherry, walnut, oak, or other types of wood.

Choosing a Style

There’s more to choosing exterior doors than just selecting a material. You also have to consider the style.

What kind of home do you have? The architectural style should influence your decision. For example, a wood-paneled front door makes an excellent choice for a traditional home, such as a Victorian, Tudor, or Colonial.

If you have a contemporary house, you might want to choose a metal or glass front door that matches the exterior and feel of your home.

If you want the design of your home to flow, match your front entry doors to your patio doors. Beautifully designed French doors look elegant in any home and match well with a similarly designed front door.

Picking a Color

Depending on the material you choose, you have many options for stains and paints. Try to match the material and color of your door to other exterior elements, such as your windows, garage door, and so on.

You can work with your surroundings and choose a natural color that blends in, such as an earthy tone. White and black are classic choices that never go out of style.

You might want to make a statement and make your front door pop. Shades of blue and green are popular choices among homeowners. Some people also believe a red door symbolizes good luck.

Think about your location, your surroundings, and the other homes in your neighborhood. If you live in a coastal region, you might consider painting your door a nautical color such as seafoam green or navy blue.

If you want a wooden door, you also can’t go wrong choosing a natural stain finish.

Security and Locks

When choosing a front door, you need to consider security as well as aesthetics. A front door with a multipoint locking system offers more security and can help put your mind at ease.

Lock grading varies from Grade 1 to Grade 3. You might consider choosing a door or lock with a higher deadbolt level.

Locks these days are also designed to match any kind of decor. While security should be your top priority, you should then consider a door with locks that have a shape and finish that complement the look of your house.

You might also want to consider adding a keyless smart lock to your home. You can control these locks from your smartphone, so you never have to worry about whether you locked the front door or not again.

A Door to Welcome You Home

Choose front entry doors that welcome you home by following these tips. The right front door can boost your home’s curb appeal and add value to your property. The front door should look beautiful and keep you and your family safe.

Are you looking for additional home decorating or DIY advice? Take a look around our website for more.

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HOME DESIGN, home renovation, OUTDOORS

Should You Invest in Solar Panels?

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Solar panels can greatly increase the value of your home. If you are thinking about building a green home based on the principles of sustainability and energy efficiency, you need solar panels.

Installing solar panels so your home can power itself may seem like something out of a science fiction movie, but it is now a feasible and affordable reality for many homeowners.

If you invest in solar panels now, you will end up increasing the equity of your home in the long run while saving yourself money. Read on to find out more.

Invest in Solar Panels for the Long Term

Solar panels are one of those investments that pay off in droves in the long term. As soon as you get them installed, they start saving you money.

This accumulated savings over a long time is what makes them worthwhile. Solar panel costs may seem steep at first, but keep in mind that many states offer to subsidize their installation costs.

There are also some federal tax credits available to help pay for any high initial installation costs. Once you have gotten the panels installed, you only need to do a bit of maintenance on them now and again.

You also need to make sure that you keep your roof in good condition to maintain its structural integrity. Other than that, once you have your solar panel system you are good to go and ready to start saving money. 

Increase Your Home’s Value 

One of the things that prospective homebuyers love is a home with solar panels. This is because they don’t need to go through any of the efforts of getting a system installed, yet they reap all of its benefits.

This is why solar panels increase your home’s equity. If you want to make your home’s value skyrocket, think about installing some solar panels. This is even more true in states where the cost of energy is through the roof.

To determine if going solar is a smart financial choice for you, first, calculate your monthly energy bill. Next, calculate how much a solar panel system will save you. 

Don’t forget to factor in that the system will increase your home’s overall value over time as well. Keep in mind that your only major solar panel cost is a bit of maintenance over time, and the initial installation cost.

If you need help making a thorough cost-benefit analysis, contact Blue Raven Solar to get an estimate on some installation costs for your home. 

Go Solar and Save Money 

If you are looking for a worthy way to help out your financial situation you should invest in solar panels. It is one of the few investments that you can make that will also help save the planet. 

Having an opportunity that benefits you while saving the earth is rare so you should take advantage of them when they come around. Get some solar panels today for your home. Make sure to peruse our site often for other great news.

SHOP OUTDOOR DECOR…

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OUTDOORS

5 Modern Agricultural Techniques

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Humanity has come a long way since its initial forays into agricultural production that defined the shift toward modern civilization. That’s a good thing because there are now billions more people on the planet, and all of them need to be fed. The five modern agricultural techniques described below all play essential roles in improving yields, making it easier for farmers to keep up with seemingly ever-increasing demand.

1. High-Yield Varieties of Seeds

One of the great things about domesticated crops is that they can be manipulated using techniques like selective breeding to bring out their most desirable traits. For most farmers, a high yield potential tops the list. When combined with specialized seed treatments, high-yield varieties of seeds can produce larger, healthier crops that will go on to feed more people. Farmers can find details at empoweringfarmers.com about how to increase their yields using improved seeds and tailored seed treatments.

2. Modern Fertilizers

Not all agricultural land is created equal. In many places, a combination of overuse, soil erosion, and other environmental factors have led to nutrient deficiencies. The good news is, modern agriculture has a solution for that, too. Farmers can apply chemical fertilizers that will provide all the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium required to grow large, healthy crops.

3. Effective Irrigation

Food crops don’t just need nutrients to grow and thrive. They also require access to plenty of water. Modern farmers can’t rely on natural rainfall to ensure that their crops receive a sufficient supply of fresh, clean water. Instead, they install irrigation systems designed to provide field-grown plants with optimal levels of water, even during the driest seasons. A well-designed irrigation system can help farmers save water, as well, by ensuring that each plant gets exactly the right amount of water to minimize runoff.

4. Chemical Pesticides

Pesticides can be defined as any substance that prevents seeds and plants from being attacked by pests or diseases. Chemical pesticides have been shown to be more effective than organic alternatives, and when used correctly and according to the manufacturer’s specifications, they are believed to be safe. It’s now commonplace for farmers to use multiple chemical compounds to control pest attacks throughout their crops’ growth cycles.

5. Multiple Cropping

In areas of the world that have tropical or subtropical climates, modern farmers aren’t stuck working with just one growing season. They have the potential to grow crops to feed the world year-round. It wasn’t always the case that tropical and sub-tropical farmers could use multiple cropping to take full advantage of their areas’ beneficial weather patterns. It’s only the use of the modern agricultural techniques described above that have led to the popularization of this technique.

To harvest multiple crops successfully, farmers need to make sure their plants get everything they need to grow and thrive even when nature can’t provide it. Since most places with arable land have rainy seasons and dry seasons, water capture and irrigation are a must. Similarly, most places see increases in agricultural pests during certain seasons. Pesticides can all but eliminate this problem. Finally, the right seeds and fertilizers can allow farmers to continue using their fields with shorter fallow periods so they can plant them out as soon as the last crop has been harvested.

The Bottom Line

The combined effects of the suite of agricultural developments described above are incredible. They allow modern farmers to provide more food on the same amount of land and even expand their operations into areas that would otherwise not be able to support crops.

DON’T HAVE A GREEN THUMB? SHOP FAUX PLANTS….

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