Makeover Your Home with a Kitchen Renovation

Michelle from Modern Architecture Concept

Renovating and remodeling a kitchen is a big job with a potentially big payoff. The addition of more space, improved lighting, and better appliances can breathe new life into the entire home. It is a process that requires careful pre-planning and expert execution, so it is important to find the right designers and contractors for the job.


Photo: Luxe Pros

It is just as important that the designers and contractors follow your lead even as they offer their own suggestions. After all, they don’t know your home or family as well as you do. If you want your kitchen renovation, before and after, to be a huge improvement, then continue reading.

Kitchen Renovation Planning

Before you start your kitchen renovation, you should complete the following checklist to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible:

  1. Create a budget – you should create a budget prioritizing your needs, followed by your wants. You should also have a 10-20 percent cushion in case something goes wrong, or you encounter a problem that you need to address.
  2. Find the right designers and contractors – when looking for the people to help you, you should look at their previous work and find out whether they have a good reputation or not. They should be able to offer advice based on your suggestions. What we learned renovating in Auckland is, be communicative and anticipate any problems before they happen.
  3. Check up on building codes and permits – every district has its own rules and regulations regarding structural, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing alterations. You should find out if you need a permit for any aspect of the renovation, or if it is allowed at all.
  4. Create a temporary kitchen – you will not be able to use the majority of the kitchen during the renovation, so you should establish an area with a microwave, mini-fridge, and temporary versions of the things you need, but won’t have access to, during the remodel.


Photo: Bruan Wark Designs

The Next Step in Your Kitchen Renovation

Once the renovation has begun, it is necessary for you to check in regularly to make sure that all is going to plan. You should not pester the builders, and they should not be too bothered that you want to see how the work is going. It is your kitchen after all. Make sure if you are renovating, to follow all of the strict permits to avoid any files. You should also try to stay calm during this period. It can be stressful but you need to stay focused in order to make sure that you don’t miss anything that can come back to haunt you later. This is also where unexpected problems might crop up and where the extra money you put into your budget will become useful.


Photo: Simon Adamczyk

The Final Step in Your Kitchen Renovation

The final step is the renovation itself. Once the kitchen is complete, you should do a thorough inspection to make sure that everything meets your requirements. This punch list can include small things like slight scratches to bigger things like a light switch not working. Make a detailed list and send it to the responsible party so that they can make the necessary corrections.

Once all of that is done, the only thing left to do is relax and enjoy your new kitchen. It is a long journey but one that is worth taking since the kitchen is the heart and soul of the home.

6 Different Types of Blinds and the Right Décor for Them

Michelle from Modern Architecture Concept

Are you considering including some privacy in your home with blinds? Here are 6 different types and how you can decorate with them the right way!


Photo: De Rosee Sa

While the purpose is essentially the same, there is a significant difference between blinds and shades that people often forget about. Depending on the décor of your home, shades might be a better fit, but there’s hardly any décor for which there isn’t an appropriate blind. You can always visit Next Day Blinds to get the consultation right from your home, but it maybe isn’t a bad idea to first get acquainted with a few general types of blinds on your own first.

Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds either open from the middle or each of the individual slats on the track separate from side to side to let air and light in. These are a better fit for particularly large windows that run from floor-to-ceiling or for patio doors.

Venetian Blinds

In perfect contrast to the vertical blinds, the Venetian blinds are more suited for smaller windows. These horizontal blinds also happen to be the most common choice for blinds all across the US. They are generally not particularly fancy, but a lot depends on the product’s design and customizations as well.


Photo: Maurizio Pellizzoni Ltd

Micro and Mini Blinds

Micro blinds are essentially the same as Venetian blinds, but the slats are a lot less wide at roughly one-inch, while mini blinds have even less width at only half-an-inch. The smaller slats make these a better fit in homes with a contemporary décor.

Panels

Panels are one of the common choices for people looking to put blinds on their patio doors or huge windows. The slats move on a track, just like vertical blinds, but they are usually much wider than verticals and provide better privacy. They feel at home in bedrooms that are themed in a somewhat classy, but reserved manner.


Photo: Hartmann Designs Limited

Metal Blinds

The usual choice of metal in blinds is aluminum, but stainless steel is also an option, albeit a costlier one. Nevertheless, the extra durability is probably going to be worth the additional cost in the long run. Whatever your choice of metal may be, know that metal blinds are not for everyone. The seamless design looks shiny and allows perfect control over light, but in a house made completely of wood, it may look out of place. A minimalist décor, on the other hand, might go pretty well with metal blinds.

Bamboo Roller Blinds

There are no slats in bamboo roller designs and they can be easily rolled up like shades because of that. Opting for roller blinds made out of bamboo is perfect when you are trying to give your home a natural look. Place a houseplant or two beside the window to perfectly match the blinds.

Do keep in mind that most of what you just read is not binding and there is no set rule. Feel free to improvise if you think it works with your décor, as these are only meant to introduce you to the basic idea of using blinds in interior decoration.

4 Household Jobs to Make Your Home Perfect

Michelle from Modern Architecture Concept

Make your home sparkle this summer with some of these easy and effective cleaning tips that will change the way you clean forever!


Photos By: Interiors by Odette Design Group

Homes are peoples’ pride and joy, where they have started to build a life they may have spent years dreaming of. This means that they will do whatever it takes to make it the best place for them and their family. However, this can sometimes involve a lot of time and money, which is hard to give when you lead a busy life. Thankfully, there are some simple household jobs which can refresh your home and make it perfect. To save you time and resources, it’s wise to follow a trusted bank of tips that will leave you with your perfect home in no time.

Deep Clean Often

Over time, it can be easy to let mess build up around your home. Without regular cleaning, it may have gotten to the point where a quick sweep isn’t enough, and there is grime stuck to places you can’t reach. When this happens, it’s best to enlist the help of a company like My Technicare, who can deep clean your carpets and furnishings to reveal the squeaky-clean underneath. Not only will this leave your home looking and feeling brand new, but it will help you remove any harmful toxins and allergens from the air. After you have had a deep clean, it’s wise to follow a cleaning schedule for a few minutes each day and to bring in a deep cleaning team every few months.

Create New Storage Solutions

Part of what makes staying tidy so hard is clutter, which is present in almost every home. De-cluttering can mean throwing out everything you don’t need, but for those special items you can’t let go of, it also means using some nifty storage solutions to keep them safe and out of the way. Most of these storage solutions can be made yourself, with little time and even less money. In some cases, you may even be re-purposing some of your clutter, such as when you turn old glass jars into pencil holders.

Tidy Your Yard

When people think of their homes, it is easy to neglect their outdoor space, but keeping this clean and tidy is the best finishing touch to any home. The best thing about tidying your yard is that you don’t have to have green fingers to do it. De-weeding and throwing out any debris is an easy job, but to truly make it look great, it’s best to add some flowers to your flowerbeds each week. Doing so will keep it looking bright and cheerful, and you will also begin to spend more time outdoors in any season.

Bring Nature Indoors

Perhaps the easiest way to make your home perfect is by keeping it light, airy, and full of fresh air. Doing something as simple as bringing statement potted plants indoors can add a new element to a room, but this can also improve the air quality of your home. In warmer seasons, it’s also wise to keep your windows open as often as you can.

7 Ways to Upgrade Your Garden with Bamboo

Michelle from Modern Architecture Concept

Give your backyard garden a little exotic flair by using bamboo in your landscaping. Keep reading to find out how to design your garden with bamboo and what works best. We promise you, it’s super easy!


Photo: Landscape Images Ltd

With the different varieties of bamboo, it won’t be difficult to find the one that’s perfect for your garden. Moreover, it is versatile enough to be used for a range of purposes. So if you are planning to upgrade your garden with bamboo, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list that provides a range of options to make sure that you won’t run out of ideas when upgrading your space. Check out our clever tips to use bamboo in your garden:

Use Bamboo to Keep Your Garden Secluded

Let’s face it, as much as you want to show off your beautiful home, you wouldn’t want strangers and even wildlife to find easy access to your place. Good thing, you can ensure your privacy by using bamboo as a privacy fence. But while there is an option to grow bamboo around your area to keep it secluded, a more convenient choice would be to find a ready-made bamboo fence that would just be perfect for your requirements.

Create a Wall Accent Out of Bamboo

This would be a clever idea if you want to add life to one corner of your garden and completely get rid of the coldness of your walls. Want a better idea? Add wooden decor in your corner to complement the green bamboo that is designed to grow against your wall.


Photo: Zulufish

Add Bamboo Edging

While a ready-made bamboo fence can keep your garden free from intruders, you may want to add some warmth to the place where you’ll most likely seek relaxation. If you’re still clueless on how to do that without affecting your privacy, the answer would be as easy as lining the edge of the fence with real bamboo plants. This way you can keep some parts of the fence hidden while adding a comforting feel to your space at the same time.

Create a Place to Relax with Bamboo Furniture

What would be better than to have a nice garden design and lounge around whenever you want? Outdoor furniture is a must to upgrade your garden this summer and while metal furniture is a popular choice, you cannot deny the fact that in the long run, it will no longer look the same — or worst, you’ll spend a large sum for its repair. A better choice would be to use bamboo furniture instead as it can withstand changes in weather and even costs 20% cheaper than wooden furnishings.


Photo: DDB Design Development and Building

Revive Your Deck’s Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo is a great way to update your flooring and give your home a whole new look. Bamboo flooring may reflect wear and tear as time goes by. If you’re worried that you don’t have enough budget to replace your flooring along with the upgrade, no worries. You can actually restore bamboo flooring back to its old shape through a range of methods, including the use of damp cloth, sanding down the bamboo, and using varnish and liquid wax for added protection and a layer of shine.

Stick to Pruning to Maintain a Nice Bamboo Landscape

Even without a green thumb, you can maintain a nice bamboo landscape by keeping it pruned regularly. You’ll be amazed to see how a bamboo landscape can add height to walls and of course, bring natural beauty to your space.


Photo: Kikuchi+Kankel Design Group

Line Your Walkway with Bamboo

With proper positioning, your bamboo plant would make the perfect pathway towards a corner of your garden that you want enhanced. It will also work perfectly as a pathway to your home. Just keep in mind to arrange the bamboo plants in such a way that it will be placed in one line on both sides. Keep it trimmed and even add garden lights along the path for added design.

Ready to upgrade your garden? Keep in mind the tips mentioned above to ensure that you’ll get plausible results, just the way you want.

Did you love what you read? Let us know by commenting below!

Author Bio:

George Katsoudas is a Digital Marketing Professional. He works as the Managing Director of Low Cost SEO, a digital marketing firm in Sydney and a Digital Media Manager for House of Bamboo, offering Australia the most varied collection of classic and new natural materials.

Company Bio:

House of Bamboo is Australia’s trusted source of eco-friendly and high quality natural materials that can be integrated into contemporary setting. Our range encompasses high quality bamboo fencing, timber screens, privacy screens, decorative screens, ceiling panels, rattan cane webbing, fence panels, and pool certification.

Science-Backed Ways to Create a Productive Office Space

Michelle from Modern Architecture Concept

When creating the ideal office space, every company strives for a suitable office environment that offers comfort, while also being a productive space where employees enjoy spending time and work well within. There are various elements involved in creating the perfect office space. Below offers a rundown of just some of the science-backed ways to change your office space instantly for more productive results.


Photo: Wright-Ryan Homes

Good Lighting

We are all familiar with the importance of lighting in an office, particularly for workers who are constantly looking at screens all day. When first working out the layout of an office, or even before you have hired an office space, do consider how much natural light the office provides. Research has found that workplaces with good daylight had a 30%-40% gain in productivity and sales. This shouldn’t be the only contributing factor to your final decision, but natural light can do wonders for the general aesthetic and atmosphere of an office. Natural light sets our body clock, so aiding this process as much as possible through simply considering windows in the design or layout is a great place to start. The environment for workers will be more open and bright because nobody likes to work in dark environments with minimal natural light. It can also potentially save on energy bills too!


Photo: Court Atkins Group

Aesthetics

Aesthetics of an office are essential to get right, as being comfortable and relaxed will have a significant effect on your employees’ work ethic, focus, and output. After all, your employees will be spending a lot of time in the office, so ensuring your company provides a comfortable, welcoming setting where they enjoy spending time is vital. In the same way that having a clean and tidy house can benefit a person’s mental focus while at home, providing a pleasant work environment will naturally help create a highly productive office, full of happy workers. Functionality, layout, and design all play their part in curating an ideal office space, and you can easily make sure you’re on the right track by checking out 360degrees.uk.com to get you inspired.


Photo: CM Natural Designs

Airflow

Airflow in an office is another factor that can easily be overlooked in the day-to-day office environment. Having airflow is essential to avoid a stuffy office, which can send employees into a sleepy stupor. Airflow can help to brighten an office and freshen the air supply throughout the day, creating an ideal working environment where workers feel comfortable and at ease. After all, you are always least productive when you have unavoidable distractions, as would be created from an unpleasant working space with stagnant air. A fun and easy additional fix could be to add air-purifying plants to your office space, which will add to your overall aesthetic, too.


Photo: Best & Company

Multi-function spaces

Another idea that can help a company create a productive office space is by considering multi-functioning spaces. Allow for private offices, meeting rooms and separate booths, so regardless of the type of work carried out or space needed, you can ensure your office can offer it. It also involves having the latest tech for your employees so that they can effectively do their job. Presentation spaces and areas for workers to separate themselves from work and take a break should also be considered and will help add to your general aesthetic, which will appeal to potential workers, clients, and customers. A company’s success is only as good as their employees’ output, so ensure your staff has everything in place to carry out their job properly, and you will soon see the benefits.

Smart Work-From-Home Décor was provided by Sofas & Sectionals, a trusted source of flexsteel furniture