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While a safe home isn’t necessarily a beautiful home, being safe is much more important than arguably any other design priority. Thankfully, this doesn’t have to be a binary, and knowing your family is safe, protected and well-served by the household is arguably a vital priority in itself. As such, improving the fire safety of your household, espeically if it has multiple floors, long corridors and converted spaces, is important. There are some main targets to hit here. First, you want to limit the chance of a fire breaking out entirely. Second, you want to ensure a fire can’t travel well if it does break out, and third, you need to ensure you can evacuate in confidence if a fire becomes uncontrollable. Let’s explore some suggestions for achieving that, below: Consider Access & Exit Routes It’s a little surprising how many houses don’t have a clear fire exit plan, especially ones with basements or attic conversions where exits aren’t so obvious. In a real emergency, people don’t tend to make the most rational choices after all, they just want out, and fast. That’s why having clear access routes is so important, and also doing small fire drills with your family ever so often. But design matters most. If you’ve got basement rooms, for instance, it’s not enough to just have a small window down there, it needs to be something someone can actually climb out of. In this case, window well covers come in handy, because they protect the exit from getting blocked by debris, ice, or heavier snow, and also help keep it functional as a way out. Use Self-Closing Fire Doors Where Appropriate It’s unlikely you want your home to feel a hospital ward, so adding industrial adding big bulky doors probably isn’t your dream aesthetic. But self-closing doors don’t have to be ugly if implemented right, as there are plenty of styles now that look just like standard doors. The point isn’t to seal everything off like a vault either, it’s just to slow things down such as if you’re leaving the house for a weekend. A fire that’s kept in one room is easier to deal with than one that spreads through the whole house in under five minutes. So even if you only use them between high-risk areas like the kitchen and hallway, or the garage and living space, it’s a smart idea. Think Through Materials & Belongings If you ever get the chance, do a slow walk through your house like you’ve never seen it before and ask what is flammable and how fire might spead. A pile of coats behind the door might help to accelerate a fire for instance, and that’s not great if you need to open that door in a hurry. The extension lead with six things plugged into it next to the curtains is probably a bad idea too. In general, fire safety often comes down to these little things that we might not think twice about usually. You don’t need to throw everything out or live like a minimalist, but it helps to rethink how flammable your space really is and make slight adjustments if you can. With this advice, we hope you can improve the safety of your home in the best way.
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 Picture Credit: CC0 License How many times have you considered the best ways to make the most of the space your property has to offer? You’ve probably designed every interior room carefully for precisely this purpose, and may even have considered an extension for the same reasons. But, have you ever considered taking your space-finding quest up a few levels? While they were once the reserve of inner-city apartment buildings, rooftop decks are becoming a hot business in the broader home design stakes this year. In fact, we can’t get enough of these home additions thanks to benefits including their impressive views and their introduction to a more Spanish-style, laid-back way of living. There’s just one problem – you may have no idea how to make a rooftop deck work with your home. Luckily, there are some pretty hot rooftop deck trends to take your inspiration from right now, and we’re going to consider the best of them in this article. The Benefits of Designing a Rooftop Deck There are a whole load of benefits to enjoy from jumping on the rooftop deck home trend, the best being –
# 1 - Natural Wood Decking Rooftop decks that are way up high are generally exposed to the elements. As a result, they require far sturdier materials than you might get for a floor-level setup. That’s why homeowners this year are loving hardwood materials for their rooftop decks. Not only do hardwoods like ipe and teak look great, but they’re also generally UV resistant, and able to withstand water exposure. Ipe is especially high in moisture resistance, making it great for areas that see a lot of rainfall during the winter months. Alternatively, the best heat resistant hardwoods include oak and walnut. In each instance, hardwoods are designed to last without risk of warping or splintering. There is some risk that your hardwood may discolor over time, but you can either lean into this weathered look or simply treat your decking using oil-based protective products. Either way, this is a low-maintenance option that’s sure to look great on your rooftop deck for a long time to come, without a great deal of effort from you. # 2 - Multi-Functional Seating Apartment rooftop decking areas typically span entire buildings, but few homeowners are keen to opt for the same look. Instead, rooftop deck designs for standalone properties typically focus around small areas of an existing roof, or may be positioned between property windows. As such, while this is still definitely a space-creating addition, you’ll need to get smart with design features to make the most of that space. And, multi-functional seating is one of the best ways to achieve that goal. Of course, to some extent, this is true with any decking area, where seating solutions like storage chests and l-shaped designs have long been popular. However, you may want to take that benefit even further on your rooftop deck. This year, we’re especially seeing an influx of multifunctional built-in seating solutions, many of which are made with the same hardwood materials as the decking itself. As well as serving as additional storage, seating solutions like these can double as planters to help boost overall appearances, or as statement pieces that both look great, and serve a functional seating purpose. # 3 - Rooftop Pergolas If you live in an all-adult, remote household, options like glass barriers can be one of the best ways to create a sleek rooftop deck with stunning views. But, if you live in a more built-up area, or have children at home, rooftop pergolas may be a far preferable option. With well-positioned pergolas in place, your rooftop deck can become a real oasis, especially if you trail those pergolas with plants or create a kind of living roof. Simply think hard about how you use pergolas, which could easily create separate rooftop deck zones, such as play, seating, and dining areas. You could also add a more exotic vibe to your rooftop deck by trailing curtains down each pergola leg, or installing lanterns to the top of your pergola. These lanterns could then ensure you’re able to utilize this outdoor space at any hour, for entertaining, relaxation, and more. # 4 - Rooftop Pools (or Showers)  Picture Credit: CC0 License
If you really want to delve into luxury with your rooftop deck design, then it’s well worth incorporating a suitable pool design into this space. Rooftop pools could see you swimming right up close to the sunset, or leaning out to look at that great view, and they have the added benefit of doing all the right things to your property value. Infinity pools are an especially popular design choice here, as they can create a sense of seamlessness with the skyline. Other popular designs include above-ground pools and space-saving circular pools. If you don’t fancy or think you have space for a rooftop swimming pool, bear in mind that rooftop showers are also hot stuff right now. Already popular in many Mediterranean countries, rooftop showers are simple to install, attractive, and sure to provide some of the best showers you’ve ever taken in your life. Simply seek a large rain shower head with copper pipes that are less likely to rust in the rain, and attractive shower screens that are in keeping with the rest of your deck. Whatever water-based design addition you choose, it’s worth sticking with ipe hardwood decking for this purpose, as it’s the least likely material to suffer under constant water exposure. Conclusion Whether you’ve always liked the idea of a rooftop deck or you’ve never considered it until now, we’re set to see this design choice a lot more often in the coming years. From small deck seating areas to whole-roof, pool-clad setups, there’s certainly a lot to gain from considering what a rooftop deck has to offer your home. While these design trends are undeniably the hottest at the moment, bear in mind that the best rooftop deck for your home will be one that fits with your existing interior style. That way, you can ensure a brand new outdoor space that will soon feel like a seamless addition to the property you already have. Whether you entertain here or simply like to sit out with the doors wide open on a hot day, it’s guaranteed to quickly become a space you love.  One of the strangest things about moving house is that it’s probably the time when your home is in the best condition it’s been in for years. You finally get around to doing all the jobs you’ve put off for ages, and it’s because you want to sell your property. This is related to a concept called curb appeal, which is where you want people to have the best possible first impression of your property. People look at the house they’re going to buy with a critical eye, and you don’t want them to look around and just see future jobs to do. Freshen the Paint Job One of the first, and easiest things you can do is to freshen the paint job. This might mean repainting the walls entirely and, if you have a bold and very personal style, you could consider changing it to a more neutral color. This isn’t as fun, but it is easier for other people to see how they can put their own stamp on it. But what if you don’t have the time or the need to completely repaint the walls? In this case, either find the old bottle of paint or get a small bottle of the same color. Then you should retouch the corners and any parts of the wall that are scratched or chipped. This makes it look like a fresh coat of paint, but with much less time and effort. Lawn Maintenance Speaking of curb appeal, you should pay attention to the exterior of your home. A neat backyard can massively impact how people view your property, even though they will have to maintain it yourself. It’s easier for them to picture themselves enjoying a backyard with a neat lawn if they don’t have to imagine cutting through a load of overgrowth first. While it’s nice to do your garden up, the most important thing is that it looks neat and manageable. Minor Repairs It’s a good idea to do a walkthrough and look for minor repairs that, while they don’t bother you, might put off a potential buyer. For example, replacing a door handle is simple and cheap, but it can make your doors look and function like they’re brand new. Make sure to oil any squeaky or stuck hinges as well, so people don’t spot potential problems as they inspect your home. Keep a sharp eye out and imagine you’re a potential buyer. Get a Contractor For some problems, you will need to hire a handyman for the best results. A handyman can handle most basic repairs, as well as some that are more complicated. They have the tools to do so, as well as the knowledge and skills you might not have. This will prevent you from doing a poor job and potentially causing more problems. A handyman is also ideal when you’re short on time, because they can get things done more quickly, allowing you to sell your home.  Pexels - CCO Licence
We live in a world that praises hustle but forgets rest. Chronic stress steals your focus, wrecks your sleep and even leaves you catching every bug that goes around. Real downtime acts like a reset button for your brain and body. You’ll think more clearly, bounce back faster and feel lighter rather than dragging yourself through another caffeine‑fueled day. Building tiny pockets of calm into your routine pays off in energy dividends you’ll notice right away. Unplug to Recharge Those constant pings and buzzes might feel like friend notifications, but they actually keep your stress levels high. Carve out at least fifteen minutes daily for a digital detox. Silence your phone or tuck it away while you sit with a cup of tea, stare out the window, enjoy the summer sun, or flip through a magazine. No agenda allowed. You’ll be surprised how much your mind wanders into more creative and relaxed spaces once you remove the lure of instant news and social media scrolls. Move Without Overdoing It Relaxing does not mean total inertia. Gentle movement boosts circulation, loosens tight muscles and delivers fresh oxygen to your brain. Try a ten‑minute walk outside or a quick yoga flow in your living room set to your favourite tunes. The point is to get your body in motion without turning it into a sweaty cardio marathon. You’ll return feeling refreshed instead of wiped out and stiff. Sip and Soothe A warm drink can feel like a mini well-being hug for your nerves. Herbal teas such as chamomile, peppermint or lemon balm provide calming flavors and subtle herbal benefits. If you want something richer try golden milk made with turmeric and coconut milk or warm apple cider with a cinnamon stick. For an iced treat, blend cucumber with mint and lime in chilled water. Starting your relaxation ritual with a mindful sip helps signal your body that it’s time to unwind. Natural Helpers Herbal supplements and aromatherapy can give you an extra nudge toward chill. Adaptogens like ashwagandha or rhodiola help your body manage stress while magnesium supports muscle relaxation. Always follow dosing guidelines and check interactions if you’re on medication. Essential oils such as lavender, bergamot or eucalyptus can lift your mood when diffused or dabbed on pulse points. These natural helpers are not magic but they can be a welcome friend on hectic days. Mindful Microbreaks You do not need a full hour for a meaningful reset. Even a two‑minute breathing exercise can curb anxiety. Try inhaling for four counts, holding for two and exhaling for six. Repeat several times while sitting comfortably or standing in fresh air. If you crave guidance use a simple meditation app to coach you through quick sessions. These microbreaks fit into any schedule and remind your nervous system how to let go. THC-P Products and Alternatives In states where they’re legal some adults explore THC-P products for deeper relaxation. These potent cannabinoids can ease tension but always start with the lowest dose and choose quality brands. If that’s not your scene CBD oils or gummies can deliver gentle calm without any psychoactive effects. Edibles or tinctures offer a discreet way to experiment and find what works best for your unique stress profile. Wrap Up Relaxation doesn’t need to be complicated or time consuming. By unplugging, moving gently, sipping soothing drinks, exploring natural supplements, taking mindful microbreaks and, if you wish, trying THC-P products or CBD alternatives, you create a toolkit for instant calm. Mix and match these simple tactics to fit your day. Before long you’ll breeze through stressful moments with confidence and a sense of ease you forgot was possible. Your future self will thank you for starting today.  Living and designing in Southern California we get to experience a lot of Spanish architectural influences. It's amazing to be currently working on a 1920's Spanish Revival project - an authentic gem. In the process, I've been researching a lot of Spanish tiles - both interior decorative and exterior. Here are some great finds for exterior terracotta tiles:
 Designing a small entryway requires maximizing space, enhancing functionality, and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Here are some key design tips: 1. Use Space-Saving Furniture • Wall-mounted shelves: Great for keys, mail, and small decor. • Slim console table: If space allows, choose a narrow table with storage underneath. • Bench with storage: A compact bench with hidden compartments provides seating and organization. 2. Optimize Wall Space • Hooks or a peg rail: Hang coats, bags, and hats to keep the space clutter-free. • Mirrors: Reflect light and create the illusion of a larger space. A round or oversized mirror works well. 3. Choose Light Colors & Reflective Surfaces • Light, neutral tones like white, beige, or soft gray make the entry feel open. • Glossy or mirrored accents help bounce light around the space. 4. Add Functional Storage • Baskets & bins: Store shoes, umbrellas, and other small items. • Wall-mounted mail organizer: Keep important papers tidy. 5. Define the Space • Rug or runner: A small rug adds warmth and helps define the area. • Statement lighting: A pendant light or stylish wall sconces add character without taking up floor space. You don’t always need to move walls or spend thousands to freshen up your space. Sometimes, just a few smart changes can completely shift how your home feels. When you walk into a room that feels clean, modern, and easy to use, your mood changes right away. A brighter hallway, a tidier kitchen, or more space in the living room can give your whole home a fresh start without tearing it apart. If your house feels a bit tired, you’re not alone. But the good news is that small fixes often lead to big results when you focus on the things you use every day.  Source: Unsplash (CC0) Start with the spaces you use most Think about where you spend the most time. It might be your kitchen, your bedroom, or even the bathroom. These spaces can usually benefit from simple changes like better lighting, fresh paint, or more useful storage. By updating just one or two of these spots, you’ll notice the whole house starts to feel different. Even replacing drawer handles or hanging some open shelves can make a room feel more put together and less cluttered. Focus on how the space works Sometimes it’s not about what something looks like, but how it works. A hallway with better hooks, a bathroom with smart storage, or a kitchen with easier-to-reach tools all make your life smoother. This is where remodelers can offer helpful ideas that you might not think of right away. They often suggest practical updates that look great and actually help you enjoy your space more. Use lighting to create a fresh feeling Swapping out lights can completely change the vibe of a room. A dim hallway becomes welcoming with a brighter bulb, and a living room feels cosier with warm light in the evening. Layering lights is another trick. Try using a mix of ceiling lights, lamps, and wall lights so you can change the mood depending on the time of day or how you’re using the room. Make storage part of the design Too much stuff lying around makes any home feel smaller and more stressful. One way to make a big difference is by finding smart storage that fits your space and style. Use under-bed drawers, baskets, wall hooks, or built-in shelves to keep things tidy but easy to reach. It doesn’t take long before a neater space starts feeling like a brand-new one. Think ahead while you're updating When you’re making small updates, it’s smart to also think about how those choices will hold up in the future. Using strong materials, adding energy-saving lights, or switching to water-saving fixtures can help you future-proof your home. These upgrades may seem small now, but they’ll save time, money, and stress down the road–especially if you decide to sell or grow your family. Even small updates can breathe new life into your home and make you happier and more content. By focusing on what you use every day, making your space work better, and thinking about the future, you can turn a house that feels tired into one that feels exciting again. Small steps really do add up.  The Weekender: Best of Interior Design from the Web (April 7–12, 2025) Welcome to The Weekender, your weekly roundup of standout interior design inspiration from around the web. From bold trends unveiled at Milan to smart space-saving makeovers, here’s what had the design world buzzing this week. Trend Watch: What’s Hot in Interior Design
Spa-Like Serenity at Home
Bedroom Dos and Don’ts
Visual Inspiration
Design Reads
A Spanish Revival style bathroom: read all about the elements used here.  A Spanish-style bathroom blends Old World charm with earthy elegance. Here are some beautiful design ideas to bring that look to life: 1. Warm, Earthy Color Palette
2. Hand-Painted Talavera Tiles
3. Arched Elements
5. Rustic Wood Accents
8. Textiles & Accessories
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