Home & Garden

You want to keep your home clean and comfortable all the time. Though you pay much attention to safeguard the interior of your house, most of the time, the exterior remains overlooked. But can you think of all the things your home’s exterior faces? Heat, birds, wind, pollution, and cold are just a few things that your home exterior withstands.

To take care of your home exterior, pressure washing is an outstanding option. Pressure washing might sound a little extravagant if you are not aware of all the benefits. We suggest that every homeowner schedule at least one pressure washing annually to keep the exterior in good condition and beat discoloration and damage.

We Would Like To Unveil 5 Benefits Of Pressure Washing Your House Every Year

It Prevents Damage

Dirt, pollution, insects, ultraviolet rays, wind, and other factors can cause severe damage to your home’s exterior surfaces. Sometimes all those elements can result in intense staining in your home exterior.

If you allow those elements to stay on the surface for longer, they can permanently damage your home’s exterior. Homeowners who leave their home exterior unchecked for an extended period face damaged painted surfaces and mold formation.

Pressure washing your home can remove dirt, algae, grime, and other damaging elements from the surface of your home and prevent them from turning into permanent damage.

It Saves You Money

We spend a lot of money while buying a house and even spend more to make it look beautiful. Remember that like every precious investment requires some maintenance, your house is no exception. Though the components used to make the exterior of your home are sturdy, your house still needs preventive care to avoid costly repairs.

When you make pressure washing a part of your home’s maintenance routine, you can keep your home looking new for years to come. Remember that protecting your house helps you keep your property’s value intact, and you can avoid the costs of repainting and refinishing.

It Protects Your Health

If you think that the exterior of your home has nothing to do with your health, you are absolutely wrong. When you ignore your home’s exterior, dust, dirt, grimes, and other harmful elements accumulate. And as you and your family members pass by the exterior, you become prone to severe health problems. Removing all those unhealthy elements from your home’s exterior surfaces is necessary. Pressure washing can help keep you and your family from getting sick.

Spring is the perfect time to pressure wash your home’s exterior. Routine pressure washing can reduce the number of allergens around your home and reduce the risk of common health problems such as coughing, watery eyes, and sneezing.

It Saves Time

Are you surprised knowing that pressure washing can save time? Well, we can explain.

If you want to keep your house clean, pressure washing is simply the most efficient way to clean your home’s exterior. When it comes to cleaning your home entirely, you look for the most time-saving and efficient manner, isn’t it? When you hire a professional pressure washing company to wash your homes, you don’t need to deal with mixing solutions, climbing ladders, or scrubbing the surfaces to get rid of all those stubborn stains. The professionals can accomplish all the steps within hours what would take you several days.

It Increases Your Property’s Value

If you are willing to sell your house, pressure washing is a must-do before putting your property on the market. If you think that the exterior of your home does not make an impact on the sale, you can try your luck once. Discolored and degraded exteriors can drastically reduce the value of your property. Pressure washing is a cost-effective way to convert your dull property into a fresh-looking one. Also, if you are looking to repaint your house, power washing helps you by priming the surfaces. Before you paint your home, it’s mandatory to remove all the dirt and grime to ensure you have a smooth and clean surface on which you can paint.

According to the homeowners, power washing helps increase the value of a property by 3 to 5%. Now when you know about all the benefits of pressure washing, it is time you bring it to your home and life. Our pressure washing company can professionally clean your home’s exterior and make it look new.

Do you own a home and are wondering what you can do with the extra space? Well, building an extension is such a great idea. It is one way to create more room space and ultimately increase the value of your home. The big question, however, is, how can you go about it? In this piece, we will give you a few tips that will help you do the home renovation project. Read on.

• Come up with a plan

Where do you want to build the extension? This is the first question you need to answer before taking any other step. Take a good look at your home and see where the extension will fit best. Focus on the overall functionality as well as the aesthetics of your home. You do not want to build an extension that will look like it is out of place.

You can ask for suggestions from some of your family members to hear what they think about the idea and where they think the extension will fit. Also, keep in mind that the placement of the extension will depend on its intended use. To find out more about the plan, read more on house extension guide.

• Set a budget

Building an extension is a significant investment. You need to come up with a budget beforehand to be sure that the finances are in check before the project commences. The total amount you will spend on the project will depend on various things, for instance, how big the extension will be, the professionals you will work with, the materials you use, etc.

While you can’t be sure of the exact amount, having a rough figure puts you in a good place to plan yourself. Reach out to some of the professionals you intend to work with and ask them for a quotation. This will, in turn, help you come up with an estimated amount the whole project will take. Also, do not forget to allocate some cash on miscellaneous things that will most definitely come up during the project.

• Buy good quality materials

The materials you buy for the project matter a whole lot. If you go for low-quality building materials, the chances are high that you will start replacing bits of the house extension within no time. On the other hand, high-quality materials will serve you for a long time and will be worth the investment.

• Hire the right professionals

The people who work on the project play a significant role. For this reason, you need to be very particular when selecting them. Choose people with a good reputation and understand their work well. Asking a few friends for a recommendation would be a good place to start when you want to find the right people. Also, you can check online reviews for some of the construction professionals near your area.

Take Away

If you have some space in your home, building one will improve your home’s layout and increase its value. The tips mentioned above will be of great help to you.

 

You may not be aware of this, but the smart home is quickly becoming a new trend in residential design. More and more homeowners are investing in automation features to make their lives easier. The rise of the automated home has led to many technological advances that have made it possible for people to live comfortably without lifting a finger!

In this blog post, we will explain why smart home features are incredibly popular right now. We will also discuss 11+ smart home features that you need right now. These innovations will help streamline your life and give you more time to do what matters most!

1)Automated Thermostat

A smart automated thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature in your home to suit your needs. It allows you to set a specific time for when the heat should turn on and off, as well as regulate heating based on which rooms are being occupied at any given moment or how many people are in your home.

2)Multi-Room Audio

Multi-room audio systems are the ultimate way to improve sound quality! These options allow you to listen, watch and control music across multiple zones of your home at once, from a single device or app. If you’re feeling like having some quiet time for yourself this feature is perfect for you!

3)Voice Control

Voice control systems are a great way to simplify your life. With the touch of a button, turn on or off lights and devices around your home without having to get up from wherever you’re currently sitting! You can also set alarms and timers with just one command which make it easy to operate any room in your house.

4)Video Doorbells

With a video doorbell, you can see who’s at the front door from anywhere! This is especially handy if you’re not home and want to make sure that they don’t just wander into your place uninvited. You can also choose to have the video doorbell send you an alert with a picture of who’s at your door.

5)Automated Sprinkler

System Save water and cut down on outdoor maintenance by investing in an automated sprinkler system! These systems can be set up to automatically turn off when it rains or after so many hours of use, and they also have the ability to adjust how many times a day it waters each area.

6)Breakfast Station

The perfect kitchen setup for those who don’t want to spend their mornings cooking! A breakfast station is all about convenience—it includes an oven that can cook up frozen waffles or pancakes, a coffee maker, and an electric skillet with warming lights.

7)Meal Delivery

You can order food for delivery to your door in just minutes! Many services have options that allow you to track the progress of your meal as it’s being prepared from start to finish so you know when they’re about to deliver right to your doorstep.

8)Connected Appliances

You can control nearly all of the appliances in your home from a single app or device! These features allow you to monitor and change the settings on things like dishwashers, clothes dryers, ovens, microwaves and more. It’s even compatible with some smart

9)Smart Speaker

A smart speaker allows you to play music, access the internet and control your home’s automation from anywhere in the world. And if that wasn’t enough, they also have a built-in digital voice assistant like Siri or Google Now. These speakers are perfect for playing audio books while cooking dinner!

10)Home Security

You can protect your home from intruders with the help of a security system! This feature is perfect for keeping you and your family safe. With this option, all it takes is one push of a button to sound an alarm or call for help if there’s any sign of danger.

11)Automated Yard

You can now take care of your yard without ever having to step foot outside. Available for purchase or rent, these systems will water your lawn and trim the grass automatically day in and day out with minimal human intervention.

*Smart Pet Feeder

This is a perfect option if you’re always busy at work! A pet feeder is a great way to make sure your furry friend always has food available.

Summary: It’s time to get smart. With all of the new innovations in technology, you’re more capable than ever before of living a life that is effortless and efficient. Take your pick from one of these 11+ features to make your home smarter today!

 

An excellent-looking table always imparts an impression of tasty foods. You might also have a wish to own a luxurious table where you can eat like a king, but spending a lot on this furniture is not worth it when you can renovate them with mats. Mats can also provide your table an attractive & rich look when they are planned according to the global quality standards. You will see a magnificent change on your table as you place these mats on it. All your relatives’ members will join you for dinner as they see these good-looking mats under their plates.

The look of your table will considerably be better in their presence. You will certainly find your food tastes good when these mats lie under your plate. The elegant look & the noble colors will create a superior place for you to dine. This would be the ideal thing to organize and accessorize your table when you have guests coming in. Parties & occasions will be an alluring one when you get this mat on your bench.

Whether you have a normal table or a wooden table, these table mats will improve all table surfaces. You can keep your plates or you can keep your hand when you are having chit chat with your contacts and relatives. The texture is extremely remarkable as they are made by professionals using top-quality materials. They are smooth, soft, and strong therefore makes the table ideal for dinner. Their great dimensions & size also matters a lot so they are made with extreme complexity. The surface of the mats is coated with polyurethane which provides them this outstanding glossy texture.

They are made using higher grade polyurethane coated fabric, so have a leathery texture. This material is mainly used to form a stiff grip with the table surface & your plates. They do not let your plates too much so that you can have a pleasing dinner time. You can use this mat somewhere, even your round tables & your tables placed in your lawn. They are sturdy & will never get damaged or wrinkled even if you place a hot pot on them. You will have every bit of your dinner time when you have this mat under your platter.

They are marked which gives them a leathery look. Furthermore, they are reversible so you can flip the sides when it gets marked. You can also clean up the stains without much effort as they are water-resistant. You can utilize a damp cloth or tissue to clean up the stains. The problems of your table will totally vanish as you place these mats on your bench.

You can now eagerly avail these types of mats in several colors from Urban ladders here you can also purchase other home decor items such as special photo frame designs. They are well made by professionals, therefore, do not include any flaws. You will surely enjoy dining at your table when these mats & placed on your plates.

 

 

Unique ideas for your Italian Style interiors

When finishing a long day of work there’s nothing quite like home. Why don’t make it a place even more special and luxurious for you to come to?

It may not seem much, but adding little accents to your home can make it an even more pleasant place where to relax or entertain friends with a nice glass of wine.

Decorations for your home can be found anywhere, however if you are looking for something special that leaves a mark and impresses people, there is nothing as glamourous and special like Murano glass. Murano is a little Island located in the Venetian Lagoon, famous for its glass production which dates back centuries and it is also a worldwide symbol of the Made in Italy trademark known and beloved all over the world which was created to celebrate and protect the excellence and quality of Italian products.

This blown glass creations range from mirrors to glasses, from sculptures to candleholders, vases, carafes, centerpieces and many more.

If you have ever wished to own a piece of history just for you to look at, with this glasses your wish will come true. And it will thanks to the heritage that comes with these particular Italian decorative products, since each and every creation is hand-crafted by artisans using special techniques which have been carried on from generation to generation ever since the art of venetian glass-making has started in the city of Venice and was then moved to the Island of Murano where the magic of glass making still happens nowadays. So if you are choosing Murano glasses to decorate your house no matter what you take home with you, know you are going to have an invaluable product, capable to enhance every room.

There are a wide variety of ornamental vases to choose between, and you will definitely find the one that best complements you living room, you can be sure that these objects will embellish your room just the way luxurious items do. You can even find fantastic mirrors both in modern and classic style which other than being beautiful pieces have the ability to take you back in time, and they will surely be appreciated by your guests as well.

But it doesn’t end here, the hands of these talented artisans are capable of giving birth to amazing glass sculptures protraying various subjects like horses, various kinds of fishes and birds and even fish tanks entirely made of glass! One can just picture relaxing in the living room while admiring such a unique piece! And if you are looking for something even more elegant to put on display there are modern designs or decorative plates and goblets of various kinds and colour which are made for this specific purpose, and that will most definitely catch your eye.

If you are looking for something more traditional and an evergreen design for these glass creations, you will be a fan of the “Murrine” which consist in tiny glass colourful pearls melted together to create glass creations such as bowls, glasses, statues and so on. This kind of decoration is timeless, it will never go out of style and it goes well with every style of design, so you can be sure that even if you refurbish a room these products will still match it perfectly!

However this glasses aren’t just pretty shiny objects to look at, they can be useful as well! As a matter of fact you can find glassware sets and carafes perfect for any dinner with your friends or loved ones or practical and cute jewel cases in various shapes and sizes, among which you can find the shape of an egg! Truly original!

Nevertheless Murano glass isn’t just decorative pieces such as blown vases and goblets, and it isn’t just mirrors or centerpieces it’s a lot more! If you are looking for a way to make your home even more unique you can opt for beautifully hand-crafted glass picture frames to display the most important moments or people of your life, and they come in different sizes and colours too, perfect to match any room, whether it’s your living room, your bedroom or even your home entrance.

Another creative way to add a touch of colour to your home – or if you prefer a touch of Venice to it – is through glass paperweights and of course lamps, which are guaranteed to bring uniqueness into your home and are able to create both a magical atmosphere and a refined space that you and your guests will enjoy.

All of the creations mentioned above and even more can be found at YourMurano.com, where every product on display is hand-crafted and carefully packaged and sent to you. Each piece comes with the Trademark of Origin, established from the Italian law to ensure the quality and the origin of the products. Make sure to buy only the products provided with this mark to protect them from counterfeit!

 

As the world gradually starts to reopen and parents and children are able to visit playgrounds once again, it’s the perfect time to take a look at some of the playground features that children have missed during the lengthy lockdowns. In a recent campaign, children were asked to draw their perfect playground using their imaginations. To discover what the ideal playground or outdoor green space looks like for children, simply continue reading.

Swimming pools:

Children have definitely missed getting to splash around in outdoor swimming pools. Numerous children drew swimming pools as part of their entries. Which proves that no matter how much time passes, children of every generation love swimming pools, especially during the summer months. One young entrant, Tobias even drew a hot tub next to his pool, which kids can relax in after playing a game of soccer on the adjacent soccer pitch.

Soccer pitches:

Speaking of soccer pitches, a long list of entrants choose to draw soccer or football pitches as part of their dream green spaces. One entrant who listed his name as E chose to go with a fold out, five side pitch that wouldn’t take up too much space and could fit in smaller parks.

Slides:

Children still love slides, usually the steeper the better. While countless entrants featured slides, one of the most unique slides that was entered in the competition was a huge snake inspired tunnel slide. It features plenty of hair raising, turns and would appeal to adventure-seeking children who love thrill rides.

A zip-line:

While many parks boast flying foxes, Jack’s entry featured a zip-line which makes its way through the tree canopies and the park and will give kids an unbeatable view of their park.

Climbing features:

Another playground feature which kids love are climbing features. One entrant named Paris who is 8 years old, had the awesome idea of including balance beams and a wooden gym horse to play on. While traditional climbing features were also included.

Safe trampolines:

Kids love getting to jump on trampolines and perform tricks. Paris also included multiple trampolines in her competition space for her outdoor area. Parents will love the fact that her trampolines were fully enclosed by netting, so that they won’t have to worry about their kids getting injured while they’re jumping to their hearts’ content.

A roller-coaster:

One of the most creative ideas that featured in the competition was the idea of having a roller-coaster in a kids playground. Which is a great idea as what kid wouldn’t want to be able to ride a roller-coaster with their friends at their local park?

In conclusion, if you’re a parent who can’t wait to be able to take your kid or kids back to playgrounds and parks as restrictions start to ease, hopefully you have a clear idea of some of the attractions that your kids will love. Such as outdoor pools and zip-lines. Both of them actually exist in some outdoor spaces!

Many of us would love to have a full night of quality sleep every night. Unfortunately, plenty of people struggle to get enough sleep. In fact, over a third of all adults in the USA are sleeping less than seven hours a night.

One of the big reasons for sleep difficulties is a subpar mattress. If yours is old, lumpy and/or unsupportive, it should come as no surprise that you are struggling to sleep. Thankfully, this problem can be solved by simply getting a new mattress.

But with so many options, it can be difficult to know where to start. With that in mind, this blog post is going to go over some tips for how to choose a new mattress and get a better sleep.

Think of Your Sleeping Position

When you get a mattress, you want to ensure it is the right type for you. There are several different types of mattresses, that range from memory foam mattresses online, to innerspring, to latex foam and many others. Oftentimes, the best way to know what type of mattress for you is to think about your sleeping position and style.

Some people may need more support from their mattress, while others will need more comfort. Those who sleep on their backs will generally need more support, and those who sleep on their sides may need more comfort and softness.

If you’re not sure which mattress is right for you, the internet is a wealth of different resources that can help. For example, Real Simple writes about some of the best mattresses for side sleepers, which can help make your decision a little bit easier.

Consider the Cost

Next, you need to think about the cost of the mattress. They can often range anywhere from a couple hundred dollars, up to multiple thousand dollars. The costs can depend on the size of the mattress, what it is made of, and any unique features or inclusions that it might have.

While you don’t want to go into debt to buy a mattress, you also don’t want to buy the cheapest one possible. You spend 7-9 hours on it every night, and it should last you many years. As a result, don’t be afraid to spend a little more if the quality of the mattress warrants it. Always budget accordingly, and be aware of what you can comfortably spend.

Choose the Right Size

You also need to consider the size of the mattress, as well. They range from one that can barely fit a single person, up to ones that will fit an entire family to sleep. Be sure to choose a side that will allow you (and your partner) to sleep comfortably. Each person needs their own space in the bed, so don’t go a size too small if you want your best sleep.

In addition to what works for you, be sure that the bed will fit in your space. There are few things worse than buying a king mattress only to discover that your bedroom only fits a queen. Always take actual measurements and try to imagine the bed in the space before going and making a purchase.

In conclusion, the aforementioned tips should be able to help you choose a mattress that is right for you and can help you get a great sleep.

 

In the wake of the pandemic, many people across the country and around the world have rushed to sell their property and move home. The US housing market has been chaotic as a result. But moving is not necessary. There are so many ways to give your home a new look and to give it an upgrade.

Think Big About A Redesign

Ask yourself what you would do with your property if time and money were no object. Calculate the amount of money that buying a new home in today’s market would cost and how much you could save with a redesign. Approach each room with a fresh eye to think about what changes you would like to make. Factor in your exterior by thinking about new windows, doors or additions.

Talk To The Experts

Ask your friends and family to recommend contractors to undertake work on your home. Find an interior designer that you can work with to bring your vision to life. Plan for your first meeting by making a budget, a timetable and some initial thoughts. Prepare for a conversation that goes into your personality and the kind of look you want. Remember that a good residential interior design expert will have a style of their own but will want direction. Give them as much information as you can beforehand to keep things on the right track.

Get Ready For The Weather

Look at your property and think carefully about the kind of extreme weather that the country has faced over the last twelve months. Identify areas that need work and talk to contractors about what can be done. Shore up your roof with new tiling and replace any old guttering to account for heavy rainfall. Insulate your pipes to prepare for sudden freezes as we saw in Texas in February. Replace any single-glazing windows with double glazing. Look for parts of your home that could benefit from an insulation upgrade: attics, basements and exterior-facing walls.

Don’t Forget Your Green Space

Look at how you are currently using your yard and outdoor area and identify wasted or unused space. Add a deck area to give you more relaxation space as well as somewhere you could entertain guests. Plant seasonal wildlife to ensure that your garden has a fresh look all year round. Ask yourself what kind of vegetables and fruit you enjoy and plant up a bed with seeds. Involve your children by adding a bird table or water feature to attract local wildlife.

 

The peace and beauty of the Mediterranean landscape brings visitors from all around the planet. Countries along this stunning body of water have a captivated the world with exquisite cultures, cuisines, and ancient history. Travelling to this area of the world isn’t the easiest option right now, but why not bring a hint of the Med into your own garden? Whilst you can’t change the weather, you can replicate the breathtaking décor of the Croatian or Greek coasts. Read on for some ideas on how to accomplish this look.

Plants
Picking the right flowers and plants for a Mediterranean garden is important. A fir or conifer just isn’t going to look right in this scenario. If you’re living somewhere that can get quite warm, pick plants that are resistant to low rainfall and place them in areas that get almost constant sunlight. Rock roses and fig trees are fantastic choices. A fig will also present your garden with that iconic scent, reminiscent of warm evenings in the south of Spain. Speaking of smells, plant a selection of herbs such as oregano and thyme, especially nearby seating areas. You might end up making your guests hungry though, so be prepared with some Mediterranean recipes!

Suitable Seating Area
Creating an area that not only looks authentic but is also usable no matter the weather is very important. There’s not much point in creating a nice garden if you’re going to be unable to sit out and enjoy it whenever you want to. It’s important to find a good balance between being sheltered and being outside though. Consider a bespoke veranda from Nationwide LTD. These glass-roofed structures help you to retain the feel of being outside in the fresh air, whilst providing cover from the rain, without obscuring natural light. To see if one of these beautiful structures will suit your garden, you can learn more here.

Basic Furniture
Go for the simple look for your tables and chairs with older, weathered materials. Shiny “new” furniture just isn’t going to suit your stony, rustic surroundings. Of course, it’s your choice, and plenty of Mediterranean homeowners buy brand new furniture, but if you want to go for a truly authentic feel, find some reclaimed wood and metal seating.

Make Use Of Water
A pond or water feature is a great idea too. Running water from a small waterfall, or the splash of a fountain will add the feel of a Moroccan bazaar. You can incorporate a small fountain or water feature into stone slab floors and if you’re feeling adventurous, add a tiled mosaic feature wall to draw the eye.

No Lawns
Grass isn’t overly common in the Mediterranean. It tends to be far too warm for a healthy green lawn to thrive, so stick to gravel pathways and stone patios for that genuine look. Your plant life will compensate for the lack of green grass, and you’ll have even more options for laying out a pathway around your exotic plant beds. As well as stone paths and depending on the verticality of your garden, look at adding some rustic stone walls and steps to mirror the appearance of the Italian Riviera.

 

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Most people work on a budget when decorating their homes, as it can easily become a very expensive affair. However, homeowners need to keep in mind that they will most likely spend years in their homes, and the decor needs to last. Buying something of poor quality just because it’s cheaper might be costlier in the long run as you might have to replace it. Here are some home essentials that you should be open to purchasing in order to get the best quality in the long term.

Kitchen utensils and appliances

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in a house. Investing in high quality appliances and utensils is important for a smooth-running kitchen. Some of the essentials you should stock your kitchen with are pots and pans, a good set of knives, dinnerware and glassware, and baking essentials. Along with the bigger appliances, you should also get smaller ones such as a toaster, microwave, and coffee maker once you settle in. A blender and food processor will be helpful if you enjoy making smoothies.

A good bed and mattress

Everyone will tell you that a good bed and mattress make a big difference in the comfort home provides. At the end of the day, you should be able to relax and get a good night’s sleep. Ensure that you go to a reputable brand or store like DreamSleep Mattress Center and try out the mattresses and beds to get the one best suited to you.

Laundry essentials

If you have the budget, equip your home with a washer and dryer. Whether you have to go to the laundromat or not, there are some laundry essentials every home should have. A laundry basket and hamper will give you a dedicated place to put your dirty clothing. If you live with other people, a large basket or a number of baskets will be helpful. An ironing board and iron can also come in handy.

Storage

Storage is an important aspect of designing a home that should be at the top of everyone’s lists. Many homeowners constantly face storage issues due to storage not being integrated into the design right from the beginning. The kitchen should have ample storage to store cutlery, utensils and food. Cupboards, shelves, dressers and walk-in closets are some of the ways to add storage in bedrooms. Bathrooms should also have enough storage to be able to store toiletries, cleaning and laundry supplies, medicines, makeup and more easily.

Even small things such as hangers or baskets and boxes can help in keeping your home organised, especially if you do not have enough space to have dedicated areas for different products. Storage will help you maintain a clutter-free home.

If a home is decorated with the right aspects prioritized, it can lead to the home being comfortable, relaxing and easy to maintain. It will also help you avoid expenses of replacing easily broken items or the stress of making space and adding features that were not originally factored in.