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DIY home decor

DIY, HOME REPAIRS + MAINTENANCE

Lessons Learnt From DIY Projects Gone Wrong

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Many homeowners will turn to DIY when it comes to repairs and home improvements. This can be a great way to save money, and many find DIY projects fun, creative, and rewarding. There are many projects around the home that people can complete, and the internet is a great resource for guides and information, but a lot can go wrong with DIY. This article will examine some of the main lessons homeowners can learn from DIY projects that have gone wrong. Hopefully, this will prevent you from making the same mistakes and allow you to confidently complete DIY projects around the home. 

Proper Planning Is Key

First, you should never start a DIY project without a detailed plan in place. Proper planning will help you to stay organized, reduce stress, and work out the best sequence of work for the project. Planning should involve research on how to complete the project, working out your budget, creating a timeline, and gathering all the required tools and materials. 

Obtain Materials From Quality Suppliers

You must always make sure that you are getting your supplies from quality and trusted suppliers. Ultimately, the success of your project will depend on the suppliers that you use, so you should research your options and choose reputable companies. For example, if you are buying aluminum bi-folding doors, you will want to use companies like Now Aluminium, specialists like this provide products of the highest standard. Aluminum bi-folding doors can be a fantastic home improvement project as they can open up your space and maximize natural light, but you need to make sure that the doors perform to a high standard in order to get the most out of them. 

Know Your Limits

One of the most common mistakes that people make with DIY is not knowing their limitations. Many projects can be completed around the house, and the internet makes it a lot easier as you can find instructional videos and guides. It is important to be aware of your skills and knowledge limitations; otherwise, you could bite off more than you can chew. Not only will this make it hard to complete the project to a high standard, but it could also cause damage to the home and put your safety at risk. Know when to call the professionals in, and do not start work you do not feel confident doing. 

Consider Risks Involved

Following this, you should also always consider the risks involved with each project. DIY projects can be dangerous, so you must ensure safety is a priority. You need to identify the potential dangers and risks with every task and then find ways to mitigate these. You should always wear appropriate PPE, use tools in the correct manner, and have a first-aid kit nearby. Having someone around for supervision when carrying out dangerous work is also always a good idea.

These are important lessons that everyone should learn about DIY from some of the most common mistakes. This post should help you to find success with your projects and feel confident in completing each task.

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DIY, FAMILY

DIY Projects to Do at Home With Your Kids

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With the summer months approaching, you may be panicking when you think of things to do to keep your children occupied while on summer vacation or on the weekends. You may not know how you are going to keep them busy and out of trouble while also doing the things around the house that you need to. But what if there was a way to keep them occupied while also allowing you to do the DIY projects you have been meaning to get to?

This post will detail 4 fun DIY projects that you and your kids can do together this summer; not only will your children be occupied, but they will also be helping you make the small home renovations you have been wanting. 

What Are Some DIY Projects to Do With the Whole Family?

DIY projects are great for a number of different reasons. Not only will you be able to create the exact project you have had in mind, but you will also save money and be entertained while doing so. With that being said, DIY projects that include the whole family takes those benefits one step further. Here are 4 DIY projects that will keep the whole family engaged this summer. 

  1. Repurpose Old Furniture

Getting new furniture is costly, especially if you have little ones. But what happens when you desperately need a new coffee table or outdoor sofa? A great DIY solution is to repurpose old furniture. If you have old furniture, consider making it a family affair and redoing it somehow. Consider repainting it, refinishing it, or even reconstructing it for parts. 

This DIY project will save you money and can be done as a family. If you don’t have any furniture that you want to repurpose, consider buying secondhand furniture either online or at a secondhand shop. 

  1. Make Your Own Wall Decor

This is a great way to get the family involved and create meaningful wall decor. Some DIY wall decoration ideas include:

  • A gallery wall; hang your children’s artwork and family photos to cover an entire wall
  • Custom made/painted wooden signs
  • Paint murals as a family to hang on your wall
  • Homemade dream catchers
  • Make your own stained glass pieces
  1. Get Creative With Storage

Storage is something we all need more of, especially if you’re a parent. Creating storage can be a hassle and extremely time-consuming, however, consider turning it into a DIY project with your children. To start creating storage units with your kids, start in their spaces, either their rooms or playroom, as they will get excited and express interest in this DIY project. 

Some other creative DIY storage projects to consider include:

  • Mason jar brush holders
  • Hanging wicker baskets
  • Hang craft boxes
  • Turn apple crates into shelving
  • Repurposed dresser drawers as shelving 
  1. Create a Gorgeous Garden 

When people think of DIY projects, they often think of projects that have to do with crafts or building something, they don’t typically think of outdoor projects or gardening. However, gardening is in fact a great DIY project to do with the family as you can build the gorgeous garden of your dreams. 

A roofing contractor in Voorhees pointed out that gardens can add to the exterior aesthetic of your home so turning it into a DIY project to do with your family can be worth your while. Consider planting flowers, shrubs, or even fruits and veggies with your kids. To make this DIY project one step further, have your children paint pots to plant things in or create garden decorations as a family. 

Start Your Project Today

Instead of worrying about what you are going to do to entertain your children this summer, look into other fun and exciting DIY projects that you can do with them. Be proactive and try to get the supplies ahead of time so that your DIY project runs as smoothly as possible. 

About the Author

Jennifer Bell is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast and avid beach-goer operating out of Southern New Jersey

KEEP THE KIDS BUSY….

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HOME DECOR

4 Inexpensive Ways to Transform a Room

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We’ve all been struck with the intermittent room overhaul itch, especially after reading a particularly inspiring room transformation article. Oftentimes, we don’t know where to start, or have a limited budget that prevents us from fully overhauling a room. Luckily, there are lots of subtle ways to enhance a space without any renovations or draining your bank account. We’ve compiled a few simple tips on how to revamp a room without breaking the bank, yet still becoming HGTV worthy!

Clean House

The first step to changing any space is ditching what you don’t want or need anymore. An Offerup study on clutter published that 72% of Americans believe they would gain more space in their homes by purging unused items, yet 41% of Americans haven’t decluttered in over a year. Clutter has been proven to increase your stress levels, cause a riff in home flow, and even negatively affect your physical health. If decluttering your space will adversely boost productivity and give you the confidence to invite guests into your home while maintaining peace of mind, then why aren’t more people doing so?

Sometimes, all a room needs is a good clean-out to really make a difference. A solid rule of thumb is to follow the “one year” rule. This means that if you haven’t used the item in one year, then it’s time for it to go. Marie Kondo, Japanese room organizer extraordinaire, poses the question, “does it spark joy?” When you ask yourself this question and find that the answer is, “yes, this item does spark joy,” then keep it! On the other hand, if you find that the answer is, “no, this item does not spark joy,” toss it out.

Even better than tossing unwanted items out, consider donating them. This way, the things you no longer use can be given a new start with someone who needs and will actually utilize it! As for those items that still spark joy but you might not use everyday, stow them away in plastic containers, or install floating shelves and wall cubbies to maximize floor space in order to keep your space organized.

Frame Your Life

A simple way to flip your space is by playing with decorative wall frame styles to showcase your existing artwork and pictures in a new way. If you have mismatched frames, it can mess with the flow of a room, so choosing many within the same color scheme and style will make your photos look like they complement one another seamlessly. 

Creating a gallery wall is a great way to combine family photos as well as art prints into one decorative setting. Incorporating 3-D pieces, such as a ceramic sculptures, will make a simple gallery wall pop even more. If you’re looking to do something contrasting to hanging traditional picture frames on the wall, position them to sit on top of a shelf, dresser or cabinet for a more relaxed look. 

Room Accent Swaps

Do you have an overflowing bookcase? If so, change it up by removing books and placing medals, antiques, or trinkets in the space instead. This will diversify your room decor while also providing you with an opportunity to showcase items you love but have had sitting in a box. If you’re wondering where you can put the stack of books you just removed, consider transforming them into a side table by simply placing a tray on top of it. Voila, your room will have taken a whole new look in a matter of minutes! 

Similar to swapping out your books, if you’ve had the same old frumpy pillows sitting on your couch for years, swap them out for new ones. Pillows are usually inexpensive but are a great way to change the feel of a room because they add great texture or color to a space! Larger pillows can give a room a luxe vibe, while patterned pillows can upgrade the space instantly by drawing the eye in.

Become a DIYer

While everyone seems to be ranting and raving about do it yourself projects, you might want to get on board because it actually boasts a lot of perks. Pushing yourself to learn a new skill in order to achieve a task provides you with feelings of satisfaction and confidence. As an added bonus, a DIY project is something that you can either do by yourself or with your family as a fun weekend project. A study on self-made products showed that participants who made their own item valued their creation significantly more than a store bought version.

One great DIY tip that will help you elevate any room is to replace furniture knobs and pulls. Instead of going out and finding a brand new (and often expensive) dresser, swapping out these subtle details will save you both time and money. At only a few dollars a piece, new pulls and handles can completely change the look to any piece of furniture. Similarly, if you really want to transform the feel of a piece, try adding a fresh coat of paint, as it will be sure to refresh the vibe of your space. 

If you were previously unsure on where to start with a room transformation, we hope that these tips will show you how to be creative with limited money to put into a space. After all, giving a room a new life doesn’t have to include draining your bank account, but some effort and a vision can completely change the way you look at a room!

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HOME DECOR

10 Ways to (Effectively) Add Decor to Your Home

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Are you looking to breathe fresh life into in your home? Adding new decor will transform your rooms and make them more soothing and energizing. The good news is it’s very easy to add style to every corner of your home with some well-laid plans and a few accessories.

  1. Pillows, pillows, pillows

Pillows can add personality and color to any room. They can also be quite useful. A good place to start decorating with pillows is in your living room. Does your couch look a bit boring? Adding a few throw pillows will help liven it up. Look for pillows that bring contrast to the fabric on the sofa. The contrasting colors add more visual appeal to the room.

The bedroom is the next place to experiment with pillows. You don’t have to pile a dozen pillows on your bed to make it a designer’s dream. Add a couple of pillows in fun fabrics. This can help draw the eye towards the bed, making it the room’s focal point.

  1. Add paintings and art to your walls

Blank walls can be intimidating when it comes to decorating your home. However, adding paintings and art to your walls will give the room some visual energy and coordination.

Walk through your home and figure out where paintings will have the most impact. Common places to display paintings and art include over the fireplace or couch. Look for long walls that need a bit of color and vibrancy. A painting can even adorn a wall in a guest bath.

  1. Frame and display personal photos

One way to make your house into your home is to bring to bring out your personal photos. These pictures of your family and friends will give your home a warm and cozy feeling for anyone who visits.

Now, displaying personal photos doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, it can add a stylish touch to any room. Put some of your favorite memories in identical frames. Then group the frames along the wall beside your staircase or down the hall. The identical frames provide visual coordination and style.

  1. Add a new coat of paint

Every few years most rooms require a fresh coat of paint to look their best. However, painting an entire room is not the only way to use paint to embellish the look of your home.

Consider adding an accent wall to draw the eye to a particular place in a room. You can go with a contrasting color or just paint the wall a few shades darker. Paint your front door a brand new coordinating color. This will help draw visitors to your entry and give the house a bit more curb appeal.

Try painting an old piece of furniture a bright fresh color. You can give any room a pop of color with the furniture transformation. You can also salvage old furniture pieces that look bad but are still in good structural condition.

  1. Place blankets in key locations

Blankets can be both decorative and functional. A warm blanket draped over the back of a sofa in front of a fire draws a person to snuggle in for the night. Adding a blanket to the end of your guest bedroom makes it more inviting for your guests.

When selecting blankets, it is important to consider their style and their intended use. A heavy blanket is great for winter nights but may be too much for a spring evening. A blanket with an antique pattern might not fit into your modern designer room.

  1. Upgrade your countertops

When you walk into a kitchen, the last thing you want to see is peeling Formica countertops. Those old plastic coated countertops look and feel tacky after a few years. Natural stone is the preferred replacement option.

Visit a store that specializes in natural stone to get some ideas. You can find a wide selection of stones including marble, quartz, and granite. Each slab of stone comes with its own unique beauty since no two are alike. You get the fun of looking through the selection and picking out the slab that you think will fit your home best.

  1. Create a memorable entryway

Where is the place your guests go through when they first arrive? It might be through the front door or maybe even through your mudroom. In either case, you want to make your guests feel at ease and comfortable. You can do this by giving your entryway a simple makeover.

The area should be clean and organized. Be sure to add a mirror where guests can have a quick glance. If you want them to remove their winter boots or summer sandals before going any further, give them a comfortable place to sit. Add some personal decorative touches to finish the space.

  1. Bring in seasonal touches

When it comes to seasonal touches, a lot of people think about the fall and winter months. But, bringing in items for each season helps keep a room feeling current and fresh.

Fresh flowers and blooming branches are a great way to bring in a touch of spring. Trading your heavy winter drapes for light flowing ones are a great way to celebrate summer. Of course, shades of orange and red are perfect for autumn, while ice, snow and the Holidays round out the winter.

  1. Add rugs to your floors

Rugs are items some people forget when it comes to home design. It may be that much of the house is carpeted or that the homeowners value a minimal design. Rugs, however, can work in any situation.

You can put rugs on any floor, including ones with carpet. A well-placed rug can bring a conversational area together. It can give guests a soft place to put their feet. It draws the eye to a particular location on the floor. It allows you to play with shapes and textures. It can also be a designer’s inspiration for the entire room.

  1. Get creative with textures

Texture appeals to the senses. It gives a space visual dimension and brings a luxurious feel to a bland room or set the room’s mood entirely. Repeated use of texture can harmonize a room.

The fun part of texture is that you can use it evoke different emotions and moods. An exposed brick wall offers visual texture. A woven textile brings warmth. A concrete countertop lends an industrial vibe. A fluted column brings a classic touch. Linear molding soothes a person.

Each of these options will help you transform your average home into a designer’s dream. Just remember to give yourself the time to plan what you want to add to each room and which items would work the best.

And always have fun with it!

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DIY, HOME STAGING

DIY Ideas and Tricks for Staging on a Budget

budget-staging

Stores and restaurants know how to make people want to buy: the right presentation sparks imagination and desire. It’s why the front of a restaurant shows a set table in candlelight, and why store windows use eye-catching design elements and little scenes as background. These tricks create emotional connection between customers and things for sale.

 

Home staging works the same way, making a house for sale visually attractive and sparking the buyers’ imaginations. It’s especially important in the rooms where daily life happens, such as living rooms and other shared spaces. The goal is prospective buyers saying, “We could host everyone for the holidays so easily here!” or “Imagine relaxing in front of this fireplace. The dogs would love it, too!” There are some basic good ideas to follow in your living room staging, but also specific tricks to make it look its best.

Three “big picture” (and budget conscious) ideas to keep in mind are:

 

  • Declutter: You need an open, spacious look, so emphasize the house’s features and lifestyle with minimal décor. Surfaces should be clean, shelves partially filled, and furniture kept to a few pieces. Accessories should make a statement, not fill space.
  • Depersonalize: A buyer cannot imagine living there if all they see is someone else’s life. Along with the clutter, remove personal things, such as photos and collections, from view.
  • Deep-Clean: Never underestimate sparkling cleanliness as a great first impression. Cleaning companies often have special services for home sales, but you can also DIY. Dust everything, from ceiling to floor. Scrub walls and windows. Polish wood. Vacuum all fabric. Get every corner, every cranny, very clean.

 

Once this “canvas” is ready, here are three secret home staging tips for a beautiful look that will appeal.

Budget friendly tips:

First, use color effectively. For walls and furniture, neutrals bring comfortable simplicity without risk. But you do not have to paint stark white; there are many attractive neutral shades available. Brighter color should be limited to accessories, such as a signature piece of art or an arrangement of throw pillows. Use “pops” of color to direct attention, add visual appeal, and insert that bit of “wow” factor. Plants and flowers have the same effect and add life.

 

Second, create vignettes, or small staged scenes, to display lifestyle so that buyers want to sit right down in your living room! Pick areas close to windows, lighting, or great features, then arrange furniture and other items to suggest wonderful experiences. For example, the corner where the bookshelves meet the window becomes a reading nook with an easy chair. A teacup and pretty book on a tray can finish the vignette. The fireplace area can invite cozy conversation or relaxation with sofa and chairs. Or anchor seating around a view, or just a lovely table with a vase of flowers and some interesting objects. Keep decoration restrained, with impersonal grouped items in odd numbers.

 

Third, remember there are professionals to help. First-timers may be unsure how to place furniture or which accessories are best; often, we can’t see our own possessions the way an objective outsider can. Home stagers can offer advice, check your work after you DIY, or do the staging for you. They have the experience, talent, and supplies for perfect staging. Ask your realtor for trusted recommendations, or explore stagers’ sites online.

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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS

What does it mean to “shop your home” ?

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If you have been watching home decor shows on TV or reading online articles about home decor recently, you have likely heard the term ‘shop your home’.  It’s #trending these days….let us explain to you what this term and trend mean.

 

Basically #shopyourhome is all about using what you have already and bringing it out (if it was stored away), maybe re-purposing it or maybe even updating it. It’s part of a recycling movement – instead of tossing out items that are just out dated but are still in good condition and work just fine, give them new life by updating them or re-purposing them (a new location or a new purpose all together).

 

Some great “shop your home” examples…

 

Paint –

We all know what paint can do to a room but what can it do to an old piece of furniture or a light fixture? Instead of buying new – update what you have!  This is easy, affordable and you are recycling something that might other wise end up in a landfill. this painted light fixture is a simple fix, affordable too plus the end result is a unique ‘one of a kind’ light fixture that will add WOW factor to your room.

 

Fabric –

Give a bench or chair new life with some fabric.  A few yards of fabric will go a long way and give you a whole new look.  It is easy to re-upholster a simple bench or chair seat – you will need some fabric, fabric glue, staple gun and a screwdriver to remove the seat cushion.  You may want to add some foam or cotton batting if the seat needs some volume or cushioning.

Hardware –

New hardware can completely change the look of a room.  We recommend this to our home staging clients as well.  This works on furniture and cabinetry – this is a great update for a kitchen and bathroom.  It is easy to do but it really makes a big impact.

 

 

Art –

Bored of your current art displays but can’t replace your pieces? Try moving your art into a different room or in a different arrangement.  This can make a huge different in a space. It’s a great way to display pieces that aren’t usually seen.

 

 

Garden –

Do you have beautiful flowers in your garden? Instead of buying cut flowers from the market use your own – it adds a special touch to your space and it’s a great way to add a welcoming scene to a table scape, front entry, coffee table or even a guest bedroom.

 

Scarf –

If you are like either of us, you probably have a drawer full of beautiful scarves and for every season – so make use of them!  Try re-purposing your scarves as a table runner.  Think bright and colourful for summer, neutral for fall and airy for spring.  It adds a fresh new look to the table, it sets the scene and it adds a unique touch.

 

Furniture –

Try moving your pieces into a different layout or swapping pieces around – accent chairs are a great and easy choice to re-arrange.  Think of re-arranging your furniture to take advantage of a view of your garden in the summer months or  place your furniture in a way to snuggle up by the fireplace.

 

 

Feeling inspired yet?  Home decor can get expensive but if you shop at home and get creative you can get a whole new look !

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