Remodeling a 1950’s Kitchen

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The interior décor industry has evolved significantly over the years. In fact, the notable impact of various mid-century design features along with the immense number of homes has led to the development of various types of property development solutions. In fact, to the 50s and 60s are largely regarded as the cornerstone of most property design activities. As a result, we nowadays have various options available for property development and for remodeling a kitchen. These include various types of materials, finishes, and supplies, which are available to help homeowners produce original retro looks in their properties.

Perhaps one of the most essential sections during any renovation project would have to be the kitchen. Gaining access to the appropriate resources to develop the proper appeal for your kitchen has never been this easy. By considering all the unique features of your home and working to highlight them, you can develop an all-inclusive look for the entire feel of your home. More so, keeping track of the reasons behind the initial home development will also be beneficial for your property development needs.

For those who have homes with decent mid-century homes with decent kitchens, it can be difficult introducing any upswings or even slight changes as well. The general school of thought is that you should not affect this aspect of your home, and this is attributed to various factors. This is especially true if you don’t want to compromise the resale value of the given property. That said, there are various other reasons as to why this might be the perfect approach for your family or even your lifestyle needs.

In some other instance, keeping your kitchen in the original condition can be associated with a functional trade-off for the same house. Similar to many modern interior décor enthusiasts, the preservationist perspective might incline you to make no changes to the property. Nevertheless, the choice is not always as simple as it might seek. In fact, for a significant portion of homeowners, functionality is an essential value of design, especially when it comes to day to day activities. Fortunately, there are several strategies, which can be used to develop a useful and contemporary design to your mid-century kitchen, regardless of the condition.
Therefore, when it comes to renovation, how does one maintain the originality of the property, while introducing upgrades that will address the needs of modern life?

When it comes to remodeling a mid-century kitchen, which is still in its `pristine condition`, implementing an informed approach can be highly beneficial. In fact, exercising caution and implementing the necessary changes may be the most suitable approach for your needs.

Additionally, you may also need to replace any obsolete or outdated appliances. Who would blame you wanting to replace an energy consuming cooker, for a modern and much more efficient brand? Changing the cheap laminate countertops for appealing countertops could go a long way in improving your food preparation procedures? So if it is within your means, then why not proceed with the process?

Introducing minor cosmetic changes to your kitchen is a good approach for producing a significant aesthetic impact. We have an assortment of building materials that are available, which were not initially available in the mid-century times. The resources available today are nowadays of higher quality and environmentally friendly as well. In retrospect, you may want to double check your opinions before you rip out a mahogany cabinet from your kitchen. Nevertheless, if the cabinets are made using particle board materials and are starting to age, then going for a new option might be a feasible approach.

If you are only trying to introduce small adjustments to your kitchen, consider introducing a complimentary backlash that comes with a mid-century color style. This can be an excellent and hassle-free way to introduce a fresh feel to your property, and without compromising the integrity of the kitchen. The introduction of a unique art painting or carving to the mid-century look can be an excellent addition to the kitchen.

If there is one aspect of owning a house with a mid-century kitchen that even a professional makeover can’t fix, it is a small kitchen. In fact, working with a small and inefficient kitchen can be an immense challenge that compromises your life. The layouts of most kitchens that were built in the mid-century era don’t always compliment our modern day lifestyles.
It’s no secret that the traditional kitchen designs are not suitable for the needs of a modern-day lifestyle. Even the most aesthetically appealing and pristine mid-century modern home on the market, can attract a small market value if it does not have sufficient room.

In the 1950s and 1960S, the kitchens were only developed on functionalities and not for social purposes. The kitchen was meant to be an innocuous aspect of the home. As a result, most of the mid-century kitchens were only meant for functionality and as a service area. Most of these kitchens often are tucked behind walls, have compromised designs and more.

On the contrary, the modern kitchens incorporate designs that demonstrate the ever-changing perspectives towards the role of the kitchen in the home today. The conventional home views the kitchen as a social place and as a cooking place as well. It’s a place where the family can get together after a long day, and connect while sharing a meal. Unfortunately, it might not always be the best idea to adjust the original design of the home to gain additional space.

This is the same situation in my 1963 house. Broadly speaking, the home is ideal for our functional needs, but only with one major exception. The kitchen has a unique gallery design, but it does not provide sufficient room for more than one person.

When buying our mid-century home, we aware that a 1990s kitchen might not go well with the overall aesthetic appeal of the house. As a result, we determined that is was reasonable to get the kitchen replaced as soon as possible. During the planning stage, which we were discussed before, it would have been much more reasonable to alter the original structure of the home to make it more functional. After all, aside from the kitchen, the entire home is still in pristine condition and who are we to interfere with a perfectly functional design?

This is a choice, that I always remind myself of because my husband and I jolt for space each morning as we try to get around the cramped kitchen space. Not to forget our toddler who bangs on the cupboards below, to make up for a super cramped up kitchen space. When we first commissioned the building of this house, the kitchen was not designed with space in mind. However, since we live within the space, the kitchen still does. Therefore, my decision on adjusting the structure of the kitchen has earned.

Another common challenge that the mid-century property owner faces, including me, is that we typically have homes that have experienced various upswings over the years. As a result, the property does not often have any of the originality from the initial appearance. If this is the case and you feel you need to conduct a renovation procedure, then consider yourself lucky. Metaphorically speaking, this is the same instance as starting with a blank slate, and the sky is the limit. The choice you decide to take on for your home building projects will have a notable impact on the value of your property.

Consider implementing an informed approach whenever you want to upgrade your kitchen. This includes using an approach that does not compromise the original aesthetic appeal of your property. Choosing a design that incorporates the era in which your property was built does not come with challenges such as becoming outdated. In fact, people will walk into your kitchen and appreciate the unique and original design in many ways. Heck, it might even skyrocket the market value of your property as well.

Potomac Hill’s Master Plan

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The town of Potomac Hills’ town council has turned down any expansion of the master plan. The AD News covers part of the issue with their article, “Growth restrictions drive up Potomac Hills real estate prices.” I sat through the master plan meetings and it was clear what most of the town residents were requesting. Relief from the exponential rise in housing costs and the concern of the loss of the town character based on the demographic that could afford the price of homes. They are concerned that more working people will need to move further and further down valley. They were concerned about the environmental impact of cars being on the road longer as workers commute longer and longer distances through the valley. Sandy Lucas was much more diplomatic in the article than I would have been. The council had a number of different master plan options to work with.

I can certainly understand the desire to keep a town small. But at the end of the day, what is happening to the real estate market in Potomac Hills is a case study in basic supply and demand economics. The council could have made a different choice and provided solutions to many of the housing issues the town currently faces.

Below please find the AD News article from today.

AD News: The Potomac Hills Town Council’s conservative stance on development is having a marked impact on the midvalley market. Town planners are seeing an increase in applications for development within the town’s the urban growth boundary, according to Potomac Hills town planner Kevin Lidt.

“Our perspective is that (limits on growth) have increased the examination of properties and the speculation of properties by Realtors and developers. People have expressed more interest, and that’s kept us busier,” Lidt said on Wednesday.

Lidt, who spent seven years as a senior planner for the city of Anthony Lakes, does not expect a moratorium on development from City Council any time soon.

“As far as general land-use applications, we have different code requirements in Potomac Hills (than they do in Anthony Lakes),” said Lidt, who takes his direction from council and evaluates applications accordingly.

While acknowledging that Potomac Hills is experiencing a similar real estate frenzy to Anthony Lakes’ from a few years ago, Lidt was hesitant to draw exacting parallels.

“Potomac Hills doesn’t have the level of affordable housing that Anthony Lakes has, for example, and we might come up with different solutions, because we haven’t even hashed out our master plan yet.”

An ungainly gap between high-end properties and affordable housing units is at least one Anthony Lakes phenomenon now appearing in Potomac Hills. In addition, subdivision HOAs have been the cause for some controversy.

Mark Stephens, who runs Car Treatments from his home and is known for his “Ask a Mechanic” service, believes he was unfairly targeted by a nearby housing development. While he lives on 8 acres and is not part of the development, he has received complaints from other homeowners due to what they believe is a violation of the noise ordinance, a claim he strongly disputes.

Last week’s direction by Town Council to craft a master plan that does not allow development outside of the urban growth boundary should increase infill but might drive up prices, according to Potomac Hills real estate agent Sandy Lucas.

“The market is getting skewed as developers are forced to build and sell high-end property to recap losses from affordable housing mandates,” said Lucas, who also hosts a weekly radio talk show, “Real Estate Royalty,” on KNFO-FM.

Lucas sees a definite correlation between development restrictions and increases in prices.

“When you turn down projects or don’t give approvals for others, there’s a shortage of inventory. That creates a scurrying around for what is available,” Lucas said. “Now there’s a bidding war for what is available. Prices are going up, and they will continue to go up. There’s no question in my mind. I don’t see it slowing down.”

The increase in development applications in the town of Potomac Hills — if they materialize into new inventory — will hopefully stabilize prices somewhat, said Lucas.

Real estate sales in April seem to confirm Lucas’ opinion. In Potomac Hills and the midland area, April notched the highest total sales figure for any April on record — nearly $214 million from 208 transactions, with an average sale price of more than $1 million. Year to date, the total sales volume is up 27 percent compared with the same period in 2017.

“(The new) Stonebridge (development) is a step in the right direction for alleviating some of this pressure. We have to believe in (the Town Council). They know more than we do,” Lucas added. “But it would be nice if they allowed more development. Maybe there’d be an easing of the market that would allow more people to get in.”

Designing a Home Hair Salon

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Being a salon owner is something that many people dream of. So when someone has the opportunity to create a home salon, they should take that chance and do everything within their power to make it the best salon possible.

The design of the salon will be one of the highest determining factors of how a customer feels while at the salon. The salon owner definitely wants their clients to feel special and comfortable. There are millions of salons, so it is important the salon makes a statement. While designing your garage or laundry room is important, an at home hair salon will be your livelihood so it’s best to take your time to get it right.

It is recommended to create a budget before the design process even begins. If someone is just starting out, they will not have the clientele established to splurge on many things. By having the budget, it is a great way to get things done and still have some funds for later use.

Create a List of Necessities

A list of things needed would be very helpful. The salon will need styling chairs, chairs for the waiting area, sinks, hair dryers, mirrors, storage space and more. The list will help the salon owner to have a much better idea of the money needed for the project and ways they can save.

Gain Inspiration from Other Salons

Going to various salons can help a person to determine what they would like to place into their salon. It is good to take notes when visiting salons. Pay attention to the colors, materials, the layout of the area and things that stand out. Do you want your place of business to be clean and efficient and charge Fantastic Sams prices or higher end and luxurious with the more expensive rates of Regis hair salon?

If something just does not work, it is important to take note of that so that same thing will not happen in the new salon. Keep in mind that you won’t have the advertising budget as a Fantastic Sams or Great Clips so we recommend higher prices to differentiate yourself and allow for a higher earnings margin.

Strategy of Salon

It is best to measure the space that will be used. This is a good way for people to outline where everything can fit comfortably. If the salon space, has a separate entrance to the house, this is beneficial. Also, a way to close off the space from other areas of the home would be ideal. This will also help for the smells of the chemicals being used to flow to other areas of the house.

One thing that many homeowners are doing is changing their garage into their workspace. They just simply have to place some insulation into the areas and make other minor changes; like starting power or water supply. Sketching out everything is best when starting this kind of project. It is good to see how everything will work together. By doing this first a person can tell if what they have envisioned can actually work or not. It is important to include cabinetry, storage, windows and everything else in the sketch.

Color Palette

The color scheme should match other areas of the home, especially if clients will see other areas of the home. Many times it is best to stay neutral for the biggest areas of the salon and then add splashes of color throughout. By doing this, the salon owner can change things out if they would like. The splashes of color can come from rugs, pictures, flowers, and vases.

Lighting

The lighting of the salon should be remarkable. It is important for the salon owner to be able to see the color that is being used to ensure they are providing the best service for their client. Some things that will help the clients to remain comfortable are magazines, coffee machines, possibly light snacks or candy. This is meant to make the salon as inviting as possible.

Getting any licenses that are required before opening the home hair salon is advised. There can be many fees involved is someone is operating without everything they need. Having a home salon is a fantastic idea and can be quite a prosperous business.

Granite vs Quartz Countertops: Which is Better?

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Over the last 20 years, kitchen work surfaces have changed a lot. Gone now are the marble, granite and quartz effect synthetic worktops and in their place have come granite and quartz stone worktops, two very robust and hard stones perfect for any kitchen within the home.

Between the two, though, which is better? Well although they may appear similar to the eye, there are certain aspects of both which are better than the other.

Granite

Granite countertops are considered high-end and are incredibly fashionable within the US right now… the preferred choice for new home builders. This is down to a few reasons, however the combination of them looking fantastic under all light and being extremely easy to clean is a major buying factor.

The problem with granite worktops though is that they are not the most durable. While granite is a hard, heavy stone, it actually isn’t the most durable surface in the world. Typical scenarios where granite is susceptible to damage include placing a hot pan on the surface, dropping a large weight on a corner and scratching the surface under extreme stress. Unlike wood, which can be sanded down, granite can not be refurbished easily.

Quartz

Quartz countertops are not an earth-grown organic stone, and are in fact artificial. However, you wouldn’t think that from looking at it. Due to this, quartz is available in a huge variety of color and designs and sometimes can even be custom built.

A key advantage to quartz over granite is that it is a much more durable material due to quartz having an even amount of iron content across one slab so it is completely non-porous – making it ideal for cleanliness and maintenance. Like granite, quartz is an incredibly desirable work surface within the home.

Which is Better?

Granite is a natural stone whilst quartz is an engineered stone. For the purists, granite is going to be the clear choice just for status reasons, however the smart person would pick quartz due to it being a non-porous stone and it also being a lot more durable than granite thanks to it having an equal amount of iron content throughout the board.

Credit

Price wise, both granite and quartz are expensive. Many prefer the unique, natural designs of granite but others prefer the durability and clean look of quartz.  Essentially, you should make the best decision for you based on what’s more important. Re-sale wise, granite still holds a slight edge over quartz when it comes to increasing the value of your home but most buyers are completely happy with either surface.

In addition, regular sealing of a granite surface is recommended where quartz is not necessary so there is some maintenance involved. Otherwise, a granite surface can permanently stain or even attract odors where no amount of mothballs can get rid of the smell.

Overall fashion tends to change over time, so while granite may seem the most popular right now, it may not be next year. If it were me choosing a surface for my countertop right now, I would opt for a quartz surface based on its durability, low maintenance, and clean, consistent designs.

Designing the Perfect Garage

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Some people only think that a home garage should be an extra space for a bunch of unwanted items or as additional storage. This shouldn’t be the case. Storing your car should be the main purpose as garages were intended for.,

The majority of home in the U.S. have a garage, which means people are now caring about their vehicles more than before. An excellent home garage design should keep both the family and your car safe. It should also have enough space to store other car equipment, tools, and accessories such as spare tires, tools, and fluids such as motor oil. Just because you purchased the best engine hoist in the world doesn’t mean it will do you any good if you can’t get to it since it’s covered with or buried behind a bunch of junk.

So if you plan on building a new home or simply want to renovate your garage, you might be thinking that creating a proper home garage isn’t easy. The good news is that it isn’t too difficult to design the garage of your dreams if you follow the right procedure and tips.

Whether you’re doing a complete engine rebuild or simply swapping out a bad radiator cap, a good home garage should serve all your car needs so you’ll need to do some research. Here are a few things to think about to get you started:

How Many Cars?

How many cars are planning to park inside the garage? If you have one car then your life should be easy. Build a standard size garage that your car will fit comfortable together with other small items and leave a space for you to walk in and out. In case you have two cars or more, you’ll need to think about if you need all of them stored in there and if you need an extra bay in the garage for other things like storage, a workshop, or a small gym area. Check if your lot can accommodate a big garage for multiple cars but if not, stick to the standard garage.

What’s Your Budget?

Now think about how much it will cost you to build your ideal home garage. Weigh out the options you have. If simply remodeling your current garage is doable, then stick to that. If you are building the garage from the scratch then be ready to spend. Look for the best home garage experts to help you come up with a proper budget.

Are You Future Proofing?

Remember to invest in a home garage that will serve you for many years. The mistake many homeowners make is to build too small of a garage or go for cheap materials which don’t last. Consult builders in your area to guide you on the best materials to use. Put thought to the exterior of the garage as well. It’s a great way to increase the curb appeal of your home. You can use wood, bricks or concrete walls to make your garage but consider the material and style of the garage doors as well.

Remembering the Tools and Accessories?

A garage will only be complete if it has proper equipment and tools such as a good workbench, floor jack, and a variety of tools. Engine oil, paint and spare tires should also have their own areas of the garage. Shelving units can also be important in your garage for easy and safe storage of items.

If you don’t take care of your car, you will end up spending more on maintenance. Do it yourself auto repair is one of the best ways to save money and who knows, it may turn into a favorite hobby. Some automotive tasks such as changing the tire, you don’t need to hire a mechanic you can do it at home. The above tips will help you create the perfect home garage design that you’ll love.

Tankless Water Heaters are Here to Stay

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The world is changing and new technology is taking over slowly with a promise to make life easier than ever. Convenience and faster gratification are what matters today when purchasing any product. As a homeowner, you deserve to be able to take a warm shower whenever you need it.

The tankless water heater is the latest water heating technology that you need to have in your home. Many people are used to traditional tank water heaters which have been used for decades but now tankless water heaters are gaining in popularity. Ask anyone who’s switched to a tankless model and they’ll confirm how effective and convenient they are, even more than the tank water heaters.

What are some benefits of the tankless water heater?

Sometimes it can be hard to convince people to adopt a new technology since they are used to the old one. The same applies to tankless water heaters. Some people are simply comfortable with their old tank water heater, but most who have tried tankless never want to go back to the old way.

Tankless water heaters can be powered by natural gas, electricity or even the solar power. There is a big difference when it comes to advantages of using a tankless water heater over the tank water heater. Below are some comparisons:

Image credit: Water Heater Hub

Energy saving

Tankless water heaters just like the name have no tank, meaning you will only heat the water when you need it. No water continues to heat when you don’t need it which is the case if you are using the tank water heater. In short, you save a lot of energy when using a tankless model unlike when using tank water heater where there is standby heat loss.

Instant Hot Water

Tankless water heaters will provide you with hot water when you need it, unlike a water tank heater where the water is always heated. Yes the hot water still has to travel the length of the pipes in either case, but with a tankless model, you’ll get hot water anytime versus having to wait for a tank model to heat up the water within if there’s not enough hot water.

  • Tank: sometimes you will have to fill the tank with water and reheat in case it runs out which can be time wasting.
  • Tankless: the only limitation you will experience here is the amount of appliances using the hot water at the same time.

Size

There is a very big difference when it comes to sizes of the two products. Consider the space you have in your garage or home before making a decision on what water heater to purchase.

  • Tank: Usually 4 to 6 feet high with at least 40-70 gallon capacity, which means you will need to allocate enough space if you wish to install this water heater in your house.
  • Tankless: these models can be mounted to a wall and work effectively. You won’t even need a square foot space to install them.

Durability

Every product has a lifespan and tankless water heaters are not any different. However, you’ll generally get a few more years out of them versus tank models.

  • Tank: a good quality tank water heater will serve you for around 8 years and if you are lucky you can enjoy them for 12 years. After that, water heater leaks begin to get more common as the tank gets old.
  • Tankless: the amazing part of these water heaters is that they will typically serve you for over 20 years before they start developing any problems.

In summary, you have enough reason to shift today from tank to tankless water heaters. If you are building your house then you should most definitely consider a tankless model and enjoy the value for your money. Consult plumbing experts (or neighbors who have a tankless) to help you get the best tankless water heater for your home.

5 Tips for Buying Waterfront Property

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Waterfront property features a unique beauty and versatility which makes it more expensive than a land-locked property. If you like to stay in a cool environment where you have both a wonderful house and water to provide a cool breeze as well as fun activities like boating, kayaking, stand-up-paddleboarding, and jet skiing, property near water is the obvious choice. But before you go out and buy that awesome new towable tube for your boat, you need to take things slow.

When purchasing waterfront property you need to be extra careful that you get what you deserve. You will find many property sellers on the market who might confuse you since everyone claims to be the best. Don’t fall for their traps and do your research slowly until you get the best waterfront property.

Important tips that for purchasing the best waterfront property for your money

Purchasing waterfront property should not be a one-day event. Patience is the key.

Do a proper inspection before purchasing

Water sometimes might seem easy on the eyes, but in the real sense it’s hard on the building which can be quite risky. The water can cause corrosion of materials, lead to mold occurring, and sometimes leak into the house basement. Here you need to hire a home inspector who’s familiar with waterfront property and determine if the home is worth buying and if it’s safe.

Understand the shoreline history

Purchasing waterfront property blindly can be very risky and you might end up losing it or even losing lives. Do research on the shoreline behavior before making a decision to purchase the property. For instance, if water levels go up in some situations, you can actually risk losing your property at some point. Pay special attention to flood plains and the home’s history and you’ll be fine.

Involve a waterfront property agent

For you to get the best property, you need to work with an experienced agent who deals with this type of property on a regular basis. Professionals have a better understanding of the properties than you do so think you know everything. An expert will know what to look for when purchasing a property near the water. Let the realtor know the kind of property you need and if possible, relax and let him do the work for you. With an agent, you will have an easier (and less stressful) time purchasing your dream property.

Use a strategic buying approach

Weigh out situations and go for the best option. For instance, if you need the property for business or vacation purposes, it may be better to rent rather than buying. On the other hand, if you need a primary home, then purchasing will be the best option. Evaluating all scenarios will help you save money as well as ensure you get what you deserve at a reasonable cost.

Go for the best deal

Here is where you need to do proper market research before settling on any waterfront property vendor. There is no need to purchase a home at a certain price when a similar property is also available at a much lower price. Just because a property includes a large water trampoline out back doesn’t mean you should spend $20k more over another property without the trampoline. You could always buy that later if you choose.

Explore the market properly and look out for the best deals. Alternatively, hire a realtor to help you get the best deal with quality waterfront property at a reasonable price.

In summary, purchasing a waterfront property should not be a one-day event. Take your time and do your homework. The best way to get the property of your dreams is to involve experts or experienced agents in your search. If you’re busy, let them do all the leg work to make sure you don’t get into something you later regret.

Create the Perfect Home Office in 10 Easy Steps

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Whether your home office is a designated space for the operation of a business, an area for the occasional telecommute, or a place to organize your schedule and pay bills, you should treat yourself to more than a chair and desk crammed into an empty corner. This is because an attractive and well designed office that complements your home creates the perfect environment in which to finish projects or burn midnight oil. Below are 10 helpful tips for designing a workspace that is both practical and aesthetically appealing:

1. Carefully Choose a Location

If you spend a significant number of hours in your home office, you should not skimp on space. For example, don’t worry about preserving a guest room that is rarely used anyway and don’t be tempted to shove a tiny workstation into a windowless corner in the interest of saving space. Rather, give yourself an appropriate area in which to comfortably complete your work. If you prefer peace and quiet, tuck your office away in a low traffic room. If you thrive on activity, position it in a mainstream area of your home. If clients and customers visit regularly, you definitely need a private space with the necessary seating arrangements.

2. Make the Most of Your View

If you are like most people, a nice view helps you stay motivated. For this reason, you should place your desk where you can look at something more attractive than a blank wall when you take your eyes from your computer. Ideally, position your desk in front of a window or facing a door or hallway so that you have a panoramic view of your surroundings. If your office room has no window, consider hanging a beautiful picture in your field of vision.

3. Ditch Drab Colors

Pass over the standard boring office hues when choosing a color scheme. Instead, liven up your walls with a shade you love. Lime green, orange or even bright pink are cheerful colors that just might get your work motor humming. However, you may also prefer sea foam blue, botanical green, or a restful pale yellow. To make a final selection, discover more about how specific colors influence your mood.

4. The Importance of Lighting

In order to cut down on headaches and eyestrain, make sure your home office is properly lit at all times. Place your monitor in an area where reflections and glare from lamps and windows can be avoided. You may find that a small desk lamp works better than overhead or track lighting.

5. Function Versus Form

Form should never be sacrificed for function. Fortunately, it is possible to have the best of both worlds. Storage containers, shelves, and even your desk should serve you, rather than you having to work around the very items that are supposed to keep you organized. Prior to investing in furniture, give thought to the items you must have on hand at all times, as well as your normal work flow. This helps you choose pieces that are both functional and beautiful.

Make sure to select objects that enhance the overall decor of your dwelling, rather than those that make your home office look like a boring cubicle. If your house features traditional décor, consider items such as a loveseat and comfortable easy chairs– provided you have the space–and a wooden desk in a rich, dark tone. Similarly, modern metal furniture and artistic pieces best complement a contemporary home office.

6. Select Homespun Accessories

Unless you prefer modern or abstract decor, try to choose accessories that enhance the comfortable, homey feeling of your office. Pieces such as a decorative waste basket, a pretty pencil holder mug, or an old-fashioned wooden organizer are ideal. Your bulletin board can be wrapped in a soft, warm fabric, and the latter can also be used for curtains to conceal utilitarian bookshelves. Artwork created by your children, a classic painting, or a trendy print are all great inspirational objects for your walls.

7. Do Not Scrimp on Your Chair

Investing in a terrific chair is important, as you probably spend many hours at your desk. Comfortable seating is worth every dollar and with more and more individuals working from home, more office chair options are available each year. For those already struggling with a bad back, investing in a good ergonomic chair can make a huge difference in comfort and even future medical bills. If your budget won’t allow a fancy new chair, a simple lumbar support cushion can make your office chair feel like new.

8. Mastering Technology

Although it is impossible to conceal phones, printers, computers and other necessary items, it is possible to hide unsightly cords and accessories. Begin by positioning your equipment near outlets to make it easy to unplug items if this becomes necessary. Cords can easily be concealed in pretty fabrics on your desk. You can also feed cords into a grommet, the latter of which is a metal or plastic device to help guide wires through holes to the underside of your desk where they are out of view. Use a wire organizer, tubing, or cord winders to organize the maze of wires on your floor, as this will go a long way toward a more attractive workspace.

9. Organize Horizontally and Vertically

It is essential to use space efficiently, as your home office may be modest in size. Consider innovative options to keep important items within reach without adding clutter. For example, use vertical file folders and floating shelves, and position a basket or two on your desktop to reduce paper piles. If you would rather keep all papers off your desktop, choose one drawer in which to place time sensitive documents and similar items. You may find that you prefer metal or wooden cubes to traditional bookshelves, as such items provide a fun way to organize a variety of items, from important papers to knickknacks and photos.

10. Create Your Own Inspired Space

Design your own special corner as a collage that reflects your life and personality. Choose a special photo, a few pieces of art, and a cherished knickknack to design a mini-shrine that motivates you to finish your projects and leave your home office in pursuit of more enjoyable activities. For example, a photo of your children or grandchildren can serve to remind you of the reasons you are working so hard, while a beautiful picture of Paris can bring your inner muse to life.

5 Tips to Protect Your Home on Rural Property

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Everyone loves to live in the country side. Be it the lush green meadows or the animals, the countryside has a charm of its own. While it may not have been possible years ago due to a job, building a home there could be something you always wanted to do. However, rural homes too have the same problem as urban ones – of crime and safety.

Rural homes are like a heaven to those who live in concrete jungles. They think that it is always hunky-dory there. But the fact is that taking the advantage of less population, many thieves attack such properties. Most of the time, even the police stations are located far-off.

So, if you are living in such a property, you need to keep yourself and your possessions protected by your own efforts. Think of it as having the best tool chest in the world with thick steel and multiple locks. If you don’t actually keep it locked, all your expensive tools could be gone overnight.

Same goes for your home. If you don’t lock your doors or close your garage doors, you’re taking a big risk. Investing in a good security solution is a great idea, but it shouldn’t be the only thing that you should be looking at.

Tips to Help You Stay Safe

Here are some tried and tested methods that can help you in being safe in your countryside home.

1. Get a perimeter fence

When you live in the countryside, there are lots of properties that are actually hunting grounds. It is quite common to get intruders inside your property mistakenly. It is always better to get a perimeter fence. This will help you legally too. Your property will be clearly demarcated from the others and will act as a barrier to intruders too.

2. Get locked gates

After you get the fence, get a locked gate on all the exit points. This will ensure that only those enter your premises who actually need to. It is better to get a strong gate at the entry point of your home too. Try to have the grilled barrier. Apart from keeping you safe, it will also allow you to keep an eye on the outside.

These days, you will get all sorts of technology friendly gates. You can invest in some. It will be practical if you put your phone number on the entrance gate. It will allow outsiders like delivery men or postmen to contact you in case of deliveries.

3. Get a watchdog or guard dog

When you are so far away from the population, always keep a pet dog. It is better to get a watchdog or a guard dog. Both of these varieties are strikingly different from one another. Most of the dogs also act as a watchdog. They will bark violently upon the arrival of anyone unknown. Basically, they serve as the alarm system to you. In the case of guard dogs, they are better equipped to even protect you in unwanted circumstances.

But they need high-level training. If you are capable of doing that and have the proper experience, then you can opt for guard dogs. If you are a novice, then you better not try to guard dogs. They can get very aggressive on the arrival of anyone which may include even your friends.

4. Use surveillance cameras

Invest in getting CCTV cameras installed across your property. The one on the entrance will allow you to see whoever is on the gate. You may also install an intercom there so that you can interact with whoever is on the gate. Also, these cameras will help you in keeping an eye on the activities on your property. Many owners were simply able to avert some untoward incident on noticing unusual activities inside their premises and informing police well on time.

Many of these cameras can be controlled with your smartphone, and even if you are not at home, you would know if something is not right.

5. Install motion-activated sensors

Countryside properties are not only prone to human intruders but to animals as well. If you have livestock, then it becomes even more dangerous. You can install motion activated sensors such as a driveway alarm for your home or spotlights in strategic locations like near beginning of your driveway, the shed, another entry point of your property or in front of the garage. A bright light suddenly turning on will make an intruder think twice.

A driveway alarm can notify you as soon as someone or something enters your property.  It can save you from thieves and wild animals alike. These security products come in many different variations so be sure to educate yourself by reading a few driveway alarm reviews before deciding. A model with a 500 foot range won’t do you any good if your dirt driveway is 1,000 feet long.

So, how many of these do you have? Have I missed something? Let me know in the comments.

10 Ways to Improve Curb Appeal Quickly

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If you’re trying to sell your home quickly, the first thing you’ll have to think about is how your curb looks. The ultimate goal is to get a buyer off the streets and into your home, but in order for that to happen, you’ll have to make a buyer attracted to your house first. Fortunately, there are some quick and inexpensive ways you can change the way the exterior of your home looks to inspire potential buyers to explore the stunning interiors of your home. Even if you weren’t looking to sell your house, these quick fixes can definitely make your house feel more like a home. Here are 10 ways you can quickly update your curb appeal.

1. Add some potted plants

Sometimes all a space needs are a couple of potted plants. You might want to fill empty corners with plants of varying heights, or you can even flank each side of a walkway with some beautiful pottery and some plants to go along with them. Plants naturally bring life to otherwise dead spaces, and bringing in plants that are already potted is the easiest way to do this.

2. Paint the front door

You don’t necessarily have to go with something completely bold or different. A fresh coat of paint will make a huge difference altogether. Be that as it may, don’t be afraid to try some color. White and other neutral-colored doors are clean and safe, but there’s something memorable about a red door or a blue door or some other color.

3. Change your outdoor furniture

If your furniture has seen better days, it might be time for a change. Remember that you don’t always have to buy a lot of furniture in order to make something look good. Just having the right pieces together will make a ton of difference.

4. Check your mailbox

The mailbox often gets forgotten because it’s usually so far from the house. But remember that mailboxes are part of your home too, and having the coolest mailbox in the block is always a great conversation starter.

5. Trim overgrown greenery

Plants are definitely great, but they can also get out of hand if not maintained properly. A quick trimming can do wonders for your curb appeal, and it wouldn’t take all day to do. Just make sure that you don’t over trim either; you’d still want your yard to look full—just not unkempt.

6. Add some lighting

Most people will see your home during the day, but your house will still get seen at night. Having some properly placed lighting can make your house seem absolutely magical at night. Lighting on porches and pathways are a must. You’ll want your house ready to be advertised 24/7.

7. Change hardware and other fixtures

You’ll want your street numbers to be visible and pretty at the same time. You’ll want them to match the rest of the house as well. In addition, any other exterior fixtures should be updated—at the very least cleaned. You might also want to do the same for your exterior lighting fixtures. These get damaged over time, and replacing them will complete the look of your home.

8. Freshen up your garden

You don’t necessarily have to revamp your entire landscaping. Sometimes your garden might just need some freshening up. You can do this by adding some fresh mulch onto garden beds, patching up spotty lawn areas, or even lining pathways with some rocks. You could also rearrange things in your garden without having to buy new plants.

9. Update your garage door

This doesn’t mean that you have to replace your door. Your garage door could probably just use a fresh coat of paint. However, take it a step further by painting your garage door a color that complements your house well. Most garage doors are eye sores to begin with; you wouldn’t want to paint them a color that would make them stick out even more.

10. Clean thoroughly

A thorough and intentional cleaning can do wonders for your curb appeal. Eliminating any trash or any pieces of furniture that doesn’t serve a purpose outside of your home should either be put away or thrown away. Clean your curb and you’ll have a better idea on what you should do next to make your curb look more appealing.