It’s not easy creating and maintaining a home that’s perfect for you and your family. Whether you’re looking to improve the decor or how environmentally friendly your home is, knowing where to start without spending too much money can be a difficult task. Here’s some advice to keep your home in tip top condition so you can enjoy it for many years to come.
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Solar power

While solar panels are quite an investment to dedicate to, they have so many benefits that outweigh the overall costs. They are super environmentally friendly as they absorb natural sunlight and turn it into usable energy, allowing you to cut back on the amount of fossil fuels you’re using.

Sure, they don’t look fantastic, but did you know that solar panels can actually collect enough energy to power at least half of your monthly electric bill? So, while the initial cost might be hefty, they’ll actually pay for themselves over time.

Another way to incorporate solar power into your home is by using solar powered lighting in your garden. Not only are you continuing to be as environmentally friendly as possible, but you can add a stylish touch to your garden. They’re inexpensive and can completely change the look of your garden.

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Wood flooring

​If you’re lucky enough to have a home with wooden flooring, you’ll know how heartbreaking it is when they don’t look as good as they used to through general wear and tear, or even accidental damage. If over the years they’ve diminished in appearance, then looking into wood floor restoration is an effective and cheaper solution to replacing them altogether.

If you’re thinking about installing wood flooring, using a wood flooring specialist every few years will help keep your floors looking as good as new. They will also be able to advise you on how to properly clean and protect your flooring to prevent any further damage.

Window tinting

​An unconventional, yet extremely beneficial home improvement you might consider is home window tinting. Not only does it add another layer of privacy to your home, but you’ll notice some other extremely useful benefits, such as:

• A reduction in energy bills. The tint on the windows can help regulate the temperature of your home by keeping cold or warm air out and your desired temperature in. So this means during the summer it will absorb any heat from the outside and help keep your air conditioned room nice and cool and vice versa in the winter.
  
  
  
• Protect your skin. Even inside your skin is at risk of sun damage. The film helps prevent the harmful rays from damaging your skin.
  
  
  
• Protect your furniture. Did you know that the sun’s rays actually damage your furniture and belongings over time? Constant sunlight will fade your furniture over time, and you may begin to notice the difference between furniture that’s in the sun and furniture that’s not.
  
  
  
• Increases curb appeal. Window tint looks great and shows potential home buyers that you’ve looked after the property.​

Color

If you’ve played it safe over the years with plain colors, you might be feeling a little bored with your decor. While plain and lighter colors can make a space look larger, it can quickly become boring. Luckily, you can use different colors and shades to trick the eye into thinking the room is actually bigger than it is!

Experiment with pops of color in each room. Whether you choose to paint your walls or accessorize with pops of color is up to you and your budget. You could paint a feature wall, or buy new couch cushions, rugs, and curtains with a pop of color to brighten up the space.

If you’re unable to paint your walls because of rules set by your landlord, then you’re not at a loss! Consider buying colorful artwork and ornaments to decorate your home with. Beautiful artwork doesn’t have to be expensive, and it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll ruin the walls either, as there are ways to hang artwork without putting nails into walls.

If you are looking to increase curb appeal, then you might consider repainting the exterior of your home too. This might be window frames or the brickwork plaster itself. Either way, a fresh lick of paint will make the world of difference to how your home looks and feels.
Above the headOne space that many people don’t think about is the space above the head. Why not utilize it? You could add hanging baskets with trailing plants, use it for storage, or even spice things up by painting the ceiling a different color.

Upcycling furniture

​If your furniture has seen better days then you might be wondering what you can do to make your space feel and look nicer without having to replace it all. That’s where upcycling comes in.

Many people think that upcycling is just a lick of paint and replacing the drawer or door knobs. While this is a perfect example of upcycling, there are lots of different creative things you could do with an old piece of furniture. There are lots of upcycle inspiration posts on Pinterest, so why not take a look and see what you could turn your old furniture into?

One thing to note is that the furniture you’re upcycling doesn’t have to serve the same purpose as it did before, and you shouldn’t be afraid to remove parts to turn it into something else, or even mis-match different pieces of old furniture to create a new one. For example, if you’ve got an old low-lying coffee table that you have no use for, you could turn it into a bay window stool by adding cushions from an old chair or even couch. Complete the look with a lick of paint and a couple of scatter cushions and you’ve got a fab new piece of furniture!

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Decluttering

​If there’s one thing that many people are guilty of, it’s hoarding useless items. Sometimes people find it difficult to part with items they no longer use and choose to keep it “just in case” or as a memento.

There are a handful of questions you should be asking yourself to decide whether to keep an item:

• Have I used it in the last six months?
• Will I use it in the next six months?
• Does it have sentimental value
• Am I really ever going to use it again?

If you’ve answered no to all of these questions, it’s probably time to think about binning, donating or selling it.

Decluttering can be a mammoth task, but if you spend your time going from room to room, you’ll soon notice your home is looking brighter, airier, and generally a much nicer space to be in.

Halogen

The colder weather is finally upon us, and with the current cost of living you might be wondering how you’re going to heat your home without breaking the bank. The answer? Halogen heaters. They aren’t the best looking things, granted, but they are very cheap to run compared to putting your heating on.

Not only are they cheap to run, but they are inexpensive to buy too. Most hardware stores will stock them!
Insulation Finally, insulating your home is another investment that’s worth making. If you’re noticing drafts coming from your roof or even underneath doors and window frames, now’s the time to do something about it. Draft excluders are an inexpensive way of eliminating drafts if you can’t afford to have your insulation reinstalled at the moment.

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Mindful Maintenance

​Remember the old adage "a stitch in time saves nine"? Well, this holds true when it comes to home decor too - regular and mindful maintenance will help avoid costly disasters in the future. Regular home maintenance entails cleaning your upholstery, dusting antique pieces regularly, and checking for signs of wear and tear. Doing regular maintenance is like having an ongoing conversation with your home - and you will likely hear what it has to say back! Now is the time to stitch that sofa cover tear up before it becomes an even larger problem - don't ignore its pleas, folks - your home decor is like an organism and needs regular checks-ups in order to remain at peak condition!

The Shield of Insurance

​Insurance can be seen as the protector of your home - like that trusty knight in shining armor of medieval days, standing guard to guard it. While it might not be one of the more glamorous elements in home decoration, insurance is certainly vital. If tragedy strikes and theft, fire, or water damage occurs to your decor, having an adequate insurance policy is your best defense to restore it to its former glory. Think of it as your backup plan--a safety net in times of freefall. Remember: A well-insured home is better protected. So while shopping for that perfect Persian rug or chandelier don't forget to take time finding a suitable policy - they may just be what's needed right now to safeguard its future glory!

Tech to the Rescue

​Today's digital world provides solutions for just about everything, and home security is no different. Thanks to technology, we now have smart home security systems that act as digital watchmen protecting all that precious decor you spent hours curating. Security devices like surveillance cameras, motion detectors, and smart locks allow you to keep an eye on your home even when you are miles away. And don't forget the smart smoke detectors that will alert you at the first sign of trouble - after all, we all know that smoke and beautiful drapes make for the original Romeo and Juliet story! Tech security not only keeps your home protected but can bring an added peace of mind. So make the upgrade now; technology can be your most trusted ally when fighting potential hazards in today's home environment.

Quick Fixes and DIY Solutions

​For those who enjoy taking matters into their own hands, quick fixes and DIY solutions could be just what's needed to secure their beautiful abode. Never underestimate the effectiveness of high quality window locks and deadbolts when it comes to protecting their abode. Your basic methods may seem primitive to some, but they're proven ways of keeping out unwanted visitors. Also, investing in outdoor lighting is proven to deter would-be burglars while increasing aesthetic value - the perfect combination! Smart lighting can give your home the look of occupancy even when you're away with timed sprinklers, creating the impression of occupancy. Also remember to trim those hedges regularly! Overgrown shrubs provide burglars with hiding places. Have you taken great pains in creating the oasis that is your home? Well don't hesitate to add DIY security measures to your to-do list; sometimes old school methods of home protection are the most reliable!

Tile Roof Repair: Do It Before It Gets Worse

​Maintaining a stunning tile roof on your dream home is key to keeping its appearance in top condition and should always be the number one priority. A stitch in time saves nine! Stay on top of your roof's maintenance by inspecting it regularly for cracked or loose tiles, replacing them promptly if necessary, as even small leaks can quickly snowball into larger issues if left alone. A leak can quickly turn into an overwhelming hassle if left alone! Repairing tile roofs might seem daunting at first, but with the proper tools and materials and some effort your roof will remain sturdy, protecting your beloved abode from outside forces. Remember that regular upkeep of your roof both protects it from weather damage as well as adding aesthetic appeal - or seek professional assistance for your tile roof repair instead if feeling overwhelmed - better safe than sorry?

Conclusion: Safeguarding as the Real Dream

Protexctong your home means more than simply keeping its decor looking pristine - it means protecting all the time and love put into creating your ideal living space. Remember, your house isn't simply an entity - it's your dream come true! So make use of these tips to make sure that dream stays as bright and shiny as ever!

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Your bedroom is the place you retire to after a busy day, and it plays a crucial role in the quality of your sleep. To get a good night’s rest, it’s essential to intentionally create a comfortable and welcoming bedroom environment. It’s all about setting the stage, from installing the right lighting and sounds to the bedroom arrangement and even filling the room with a sweet fragrance to relax you. So, if you’re thinking of ways to create the perfect bedroom to improve your sleep, below are four things you can do.

1. Start by considering your mattress
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​Choosing the right mattress is key to getting good quality sleep. There are many different styles of mattress out there - some of which are better suited to certain sleepers. Pocket spring mattresses are ideal for those that like a firm mattress or those that like to switch sleeping positions a lot at night. Memory foam mattresses are better for those that like to sink into a mattress and are better for holding you in one position. Hybrid mattresses from companies like Wolf Mattress are meanwhile designed to offer the best of both worlds. They come at a premium price but can happily support most sleepers due to not being too firm or too spongy.

1. Create an appealing and functional layout

Whether your space is tight or roomy, you want it to feel just right. Remember to make the most of vertical space under your bed for storage. That frees up floor space for cool stuff like a nightstand or to make the room more open.
When setting up your bedroom, think about making everything super easy. Imagine having your drawers organized for hassle-free mornings or having a clear path to the bathroom so you won't stumble around in the dark. A stress-free bedroom is all about creating a comfy, relaxing vibe.

1. Choose cozy, dreamy colors

Colors can make your bedroom feel welcoming. The color of your walls, floors, furniture, and bedding all help to set the mood. Most people prefer softer, warmer colors for bedtime vibes, but it’s all about what works best for you. If you’re renting or keeping an eye on your wallet, a full-color makeover might not be on the menu. But don't worry; you can work your magic with carefully chosen bedding, a rug, or some colorful wall art to give your space that inviting touch.

1. Use essential oils

Essential oils can be your secret sauce for a perfect sleep haven. Think calming scents like lavender or neroli. A few drops around your room help relax your senses, preparing you for a peaceful night’s rest. These oils are a great alternative to chemically loaded air fresheners, which can sometimes have an overpowering smell. Remember that essential oils are not usually meant to be consumed. Therefore, if you’re looking for alternatives you can take in with a few drops to help you relax, some people consider options like CBD oil for that bonus sleep boost. You can check online retailers like CBDistillery for relief and relaxing organic products.

1. Avoid using mirrors in the bedroom

Although you may want a mirror in your bedroom, keeping it as minimal as possible is best. The ancient Feng shui wisdom from China backs this stance. Mirrors bring energy and light during the day but can be distracting when it’s time for bed. So, keep mirrors out of your sleep space, or at least make sure you can cover them up at night. This way, you won't get a rude awakening from the morning sun beaming into your eyes.

Your bedroom may not be where you hang out the most during the day, but it’s where the magic of sleep happens, and that’s vital. A peaceful, tidy sleep space sets the stage for quality sleep that leaves you refreshed and ready to tackle a new day. The good part is that you don't need to empty your pockets to implement these tips.

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Insulate your pipes

​Any pipes that are exposed or run along a wall in an unheated area (typically outside) are at risk of freezing when the temperature drops, causing the pipe to burst. Head to your local hardware store and look for pipe insulation. If you don’t know what it looks like, it looks almost like a giant pool noodle that you can cut to size, wrap around your pipes and seal with duct tape if needed. If you’re really unsure, ask an employee for advice.

Clean out guttersI

​If your gutters are full of leaves, branches and debris, now is the time to clear them out. If they freeze during colder weather they could not only affect drainage in your home, but also damage your roof. If you’re not confident doing this job yourself, call in a professional who should be able to do this in around 2 or 3 hours.

Have your furnace checked

It's important to ensure your furnace is operating safely and efficiently, so call in your local furnace repair company to come and do the job for you. If any repairs are needed, have them fixed as soon as possible to ensure your home is nice and warm during the colder months. Repairs and inspections also ensure that your energy bills won’t soar through the roof.

Inspect trees and branches

​Take some time to check trees around your home that could potentially fall or break if there’s a bad storm. Signs this might happen are dead limbs, branches that are slightly broken, and trees where the root is visible. If you’re worried about any trees or branches surrounding your house, call in a professional to come and safely remove them.
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Prevent door locks from freezing

​If you live in an area that gets particularly cold, then you may have experienced your door locks freezing, making it difficult to enter or leave your home. You can buy a lubricant from the hardware store that you spray into where the key goes. This will help prevent freezing and keep the chamber lubricated. It’s especially important to do this in the winter, but experts recommend doing this once every season.

Drain your sprinklers

​It's unlikely you’re going to be needing to water your lawn over the next few months, and if you leave water in the pipes during the winter they could freeze and crack the pipes. It is possible to do it yourself (check the manufacturers website) but it’s recommended to get an irrigation contractor in to blow out all of the water using compressed air.

Block drafts

​If you regularly feel drafts from your windows or doors, it’s a good idea to use draft stoppers to keep in the heat and keep out the cold. You can buy draft stoppers online, or you could make them using foam and a pillow case.

If you’re feeling a draft from your baseboard, get some caulking and fill in these gaps to help keep your home nice and toasty.
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Have your fireplace cleaned

​If you use your fireplace often, there’s a good chance it needs a good clean and inspection. Built up soot is bad for air quality and can cause house fires, so it’s a good idea to clean as much of the area yourself, and then call in a chimney sweep. This is especially important if you’re burning wood or coals. Plus, there’s nothing quite like lighting the fire for the first time in the winter months!

Mulch your flower beds

If you find that your flower beds die during the winter, it might be because you’re not mulching your flower beds. Adding a layer of wood mulch helps regulate the temperature of the soil, and might just save your beloved flower bed from dying off yet again.
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Cover garden furniture

Your garden furniture is about to face an array of weather changes. From dry cool days, to snowy, windy, rainy, wet and icy days. The weather will take its toll on your furniture, whether you’ve got wooden or metal! Use some plastic sheets to cover and secure your garden furniture so you can enjoy it for many years to come.

Buy New Tools to Decorate a Room

​The right tools for the job are essential. Going through your old toolbox or decorating materials can be a good idea to reuse anything you need. However, older tools, like paintbrushes, can deteriorate, especially if they have been used. It is an extra cost, but the best thing to do is buy new and good quality tools you can use. There are over 15,000 injuries due to decorating during the holiday season in the US. Good tools can help prevent unfortunate incidents from occurring

Set Aside Enough Time

​It's easy to think you can handle a room decoration job in a day. Yet, there are often things that get in the way and take time. A staggered approach, such as going to work and then decorating, leaves you open to mistakes and motivation issues. Even painting can take longer than you think, and then you may have to apply multiple coats. A small room can take up to three days to decorate correctly, so always book the time off and make sure you won’t be interrupted.

Have a Plan of Attack

Like everything else, a decorating job goes much smoother with a plan. You can stay organized and on track when you know what to do and when. A common approach includes the following:

• But protective equipment such as coveralls and face masks before starting.
• Give the room a deep cleaning after removing all of the furniture.
• Sand down any rough materials, such as door frames and skirts, before glossing.
• Carefully examine the walls for holes and scratches for filling in.
• Start at the top and work your way down to avoid any mishaps.

Without PPE, you will have to stop and start and could even end up injured. Preparation is also key so sand surfaces and tape edges. Starting at the top helps you catch running paint.

Carefully Plan New Placement

​Perhaps the best part of decorating is putting in all your new stuff. With a freshly decorated room, you have the opportunity to start over, and this means a more pleasing look and feel to a room. So carefully consider where you will place your furniture. It helps if you have measured up anything new that is to go inside the room. This way, you can maximize the space you have and minimize any clutter. You can also assess whether anything new will add value to the space.

Decorate a Room with Quality Materials

​The costs of decorating can quickly add up, and even a small room can cost from a few hundred to a few thousand. Of course, it helps to try to minimize costs, but there are some things you should buy the best of if you can. This includes paint, wallpaper, and paste. Buying generic materials will give you poor results, and you may not get the overall look and feel you want. Spending the extra cash will ensure your job goes as smoothly as it can and looks even better.

Address Any Other Issues

With an empty room, you can address other issues that have been bugging you. This is a fresh opportunity to address those issues. For example, you can have an electrician install wall lights or fix your pendant lighting. And it’s the best time to address any wires. With an empty room, you can work on cable management so there are no cables showing when you place everything back in. Essentially, work on the things that are usually blocked by the furniture in the room.
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Summary

emptying the space is the first step to decorate a room efficiently. It also helps to have a plan for getting the job done. You can fix issues such as cable management while the room is empty.

Image Credit: Unsplash under Creative Commons
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1. It’s a worthwhile investment

​investing in property remains one of the best ways to invest, especially in the long term. By investing in a vacation property, you’ll not only benefit from the future value of the company, but you’ll also get the chance to generate some rental income. Berkshire Hathaway Adirondack Premier Properties have some amazing properties to buy that will provide you with an incredible property in a desirable location. With somewhere you can enjoy both now and in the future, it’ll be an investment in more ways than one.

2. It will give you the perfect place to get away

​Having a vacation home means you’ll always have somewhere to escape to when you get the opportunity. From summers spent by the lakes to long weekends, you’ll get a lot of different opportunities to get away and make some memories with your loved ones. It’s worth exploring some top tips for investing in a vacation home to help you learn more about what’s involved and what you’ll get out of it.
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3. You’ll get the chance to make it your own

​If you love interiors, then you’ll love the chance to put your stamp on a second property. There are a lot of great ways to decorate your vacation rental, helping you create a cosy, welcoming space that both you and any guests will enjoy. Here’s just one example of a mesmerizing property to give you some inspiration:
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4. It could factor into your retirement plans

​Owning a vacation property opens up a lot of current opportunities, but it could also factor into your future. A vacation property can easily turn into a retirement property, allowing you to enjoy your golden years in one of your favorite places. If you choose not to live there, you could always sell your vacation property to help fund your retirement and give your savings a boost.

A vacation property is an excellent way to invest in real estate, giving you the chance to grow your assets, and a place where you can enjoy regular vacations. If you’re thinking of investing in property, this could be the perfect fit for you. The only question that remains now is, where will you decide to buy your vacation home?