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So, what could you do? Well, it depends on you and the people you surround yourself with. But here are a few suggestions that we hope you find useful.
#1: Add a swimming pool
If you have space in your outdoor space for a swimming pool, why not consider the option. For inspiration, take a look at these design ideas for your pool and look at those belonging to your friends and neighbors too. Admittedly, you will lose some of the space you might use for other things, but you might not mind the sacrifice once you start having pool parties at home. Of course, swimming pools are also great for exercise, so there is more than one reason to consider a pool renovation.
#2: Add a play area
For the young and the young at heart, a play area is a great idea. You could section off part of your outdoor space for giant garden games, water play equipment, swings, slides, and cornhole boards. You could even match the play equipment to your home's aesthetic, using colors that match your home exterior and garden. You could also add the personal touch with personalized cornhole bags and other pieces of equipment that can be tailored to your family.
And what about a treehouse or playhouse? These are great additions to any outdoor play area and they can be themed to match your children's interests. Let them escape into their own private enclave, with everything they need to have fun inside. Build your own if you have the know-how, hire a professional, or source something you can find online. If you are able to come up with your own creation, remember to add safety features and include flooring that can easily be cleaned.
#3: Create a space for entertaining
(Unsplash CC0)
A patio area is great for entertaining as is a summerhouse or a sheltered area under a pergola. There are things you will need, of course, such as comfortable furniture for your guests to relax in. A grill or an outdoor kitchen is a must if you want to feed your guests when they come to enjoy your company. You might want to add a fire pit too, as this will be something your guests appreciate, especially when the evening air turns a little chilly. And what about a hot tub? That will really warm your guests up when they complain about the cold. It can also be a great place to relax in, with or without other people to share it with.
#4: Create a reading nook
Remember reading? It's something people used to do before the advent of movie streaming sites and Facebook! We are being sarcastic, of course, but if you need an incentive to read more (by which we mean books and not social media posts), it might be that an outdoor reading nook will be ideal for you. Your kids might spend more time with a book in their hands too, which is great news if they're a little too involved with screen time.
All you need to do is set up a garden canopy with a comfy sofa or chair underneath. You could hang outdoor lights around your searing area too, which will be perfect for those late evenings when the sun decides to go to bed. And you could also add a water feature or some wind chimes to drown out the sounds of anything that could distract you from your reading time.
#5: Create a haven for local wildlife
Why visit a wildlife sanctuary when your garden can become the go-to place for local birds and animals? Of course, we aren't suggesting you set up your own zoo, as your neighbors wouldn't appreciate an elephant living next door (especially if it tramples over their fence and geraniums). But they won't complain if your garden is set up to welcome birds, hedgehogs, toads, bees, and other such creatures into your outdoor living space.
You could install birdbaths, nesting boxes, and feeders for your winged friends, for example. You could also plant nectar-rich plants to attract more bees. Hedgehogs might wander in if you provide areas of lush undergrowth, with decorative grasses, shrubs, and leaf piles. And if you add a pond or another type of water feature, you might see more dragonflies and frogs coming into your garden too. When you're relaxing in your garden, you will have a great time watching local wildlife going about their daily business. And your children should be thrilled too.
Check out the following advice if you are interested in creating a wildlife sanctuary in your outdoor space.
#6: Set up an outdoor movie theater
This may be something you have done already, as many people decided on this option when local movie theaters were closed during the pandemic. But if not, it's worth considering the option. There are certain things you will need, including a movie screen, speakers, and projector, so there will be a few costs involved. You might also want to pay for extra seating too, although you could always use your existing garden seating or a blanket or two. Once set up, you would be able to watch movies outdoors, be that a big Hollywood blockbuster or a nice rom-com with your partner.
There is information here on what you need for your movie theater, so have a read for advice on the best equipment to buy.
Let the fun times commence
So, there we have it, 6 fun things to do with your outdoor living space. Do whatever makes sense for you and your family and give everybody the incentive to spend more time outdoors in the coming days and weeks.
Thanks for reading!
Want help with your outdoor space? I'll design it for you. See my online design services →
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Looking to sell your home and want feedback, ideas, solutions to get your house showcase ready? I can help!
Offering interior design consultations for any of your home staging & interior design needs online or on-site!
Can help with:
Paint color selections for interior or exterior.
Remodeling feedback on design direction, layout, colors, finishes, materials, etc.
Room design functionality, layout, ideas, concept, direction, sources.
Staging ideas for home resale or new home buyer feedback / moving in help.
For home, office, retail, and any other design advice you are looking for.
Available for on-site meetings in the LA/OC areas and online for anyone, anywhere (by forwarding photos of rooms or space needing help with. Design ideas and direction will be provided in written feedback with ideas, concepts, links, color selections, solutions, etc.)
Design consultations are $100/hr.
Please email with any questions: JSInteriorDes@aol.com
Payable via Venmo @jillseidnerinteriordesign (link below).
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Are you continuously spending money on your home without making any return? You could be living in a money pit. Below are a few signs that your home is costing you more than it’s worth.
You keep having to make unexpected repairs
Home repairs are one of the unavoidable costs of being a homeowner. However, you shouldn’t be constantly making repairs to the point that you’re getting yourself into debt.
If you bought a fixer-upper or bought a very old home, it’s possible that you knew what you were getting yourself into. Unexpected repairs are the expenses that you should be worried about. This could include plumbing issues, electrical issues or cracks in walls. It’s possible that the home may have been poorly constructed and could be slowly falling apart (which means many more future repairs).
The bills are too high
Do you get shocked every time you receive an energy bill? Do you feel as if you’re paying way too much rent? This may be something you can negotiate with bill providers or your landlord. However, there could be cases where it is largely out of your control.
For instance, an old uninsulated house is likely to lose heat more easily - you may have to weigh up whether it's worth investing in insulation or not. A property in a popular neighbourhood meanwhile may have high rental rates due to its location - you need to determine whether the location is worth the cost.
Your home isn’t gaining value
If you’re spending a lot of money and your home isn’t gaining any value, this is also something to worry about. You should be particularly worried if home prices in your area are depreciating - you could end up selling your home for less than you bought it if you leave it too long. This could be the case if a neighbourhood has become less attractive due to recent events or developments.
Should you stay put or sell?
You should consider whether the continuous costs are worth it. A historic home may need constant repairs, but it may be worth it if the home has lots of character and is in a beautiful location. Dream homes don’t come cheap.
Of course, it is important that your income is able to cover the costs of your home. If home repairs are getting you into debt and this debt is growing, it could be a good idea to get out fast. Even if your home is seemingly falling apart, there are solutions if you need to need to sell a house fast. The sooner you get out, the sooner you can protect your finances.
It may be worth arranging a home inspection to determine what other costs may be around the corner. You may find that all the biggest repairs are behind you. Alternatively, there could be much bigger repairs to come. A professional surveyor will be able to tell you what the case is.
You should also consider whether you can invest in any preventative measures. As mentioned already with high heating bills, you can solve this by investing in insulation. If you keep having to repair flood damage or vandalism, you may similarly be able to put in place measures such as flood defences or security cameras.
Stuck on your own room? I'll design it for you. See my online design services →
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Enhancing your home's value is something that you will need to seriously consider, especially if you want to sell it in the near future.
Deciding on the right project is a combination of what is necessary and needed along with what will increase the value of your home. If you can strike a good balance you are well on your way to upgrading the value of your home with a few simple home improvement projects.
Here is a look at the most lucrative home improvement projects if you are trying to increase the value of your home.
Upgrade Appliances
Replacing old appliances with energy-efficient models is one of the best moves you can make to upgrade your kitchen. Upgrading your kitchen appliances to new energy-efficient models does not have to break the bank.
You can buy good second-hand items for your kitchen that are energy-saving. Bear in mind that major appliances such as refrigerators and freezers can last for twenty-five years.
People often change these refrigerators not because they are no longer working but because they want to upgrade to newer models.
If you can get an energy-efficient model that is second-hand but looks great and works great, then you will save yourself some money and upgrade your kitchen at the same time.
Renovate Your Bathroom
A bathroom renovation is a great way to improve the overall look of your home and add value to it. The renovation that you do can be moderate or elaborate depending on the style and your taste.
You can install new fixtures in your bathroom in order to give the room a whole new look. If the tiles are looking a bit worse for wear you can regrout them to make them look better.
You can also add mirrors to your bathroom in strategic places to make the room seem a bit bigger and to reflect light in the space.
Renovate Your Basement
Your basement is one of the places that you should consider renovating in an order to enhance the value of your home. You can put a moisture barrier under house to prevent excess moisture if this is a problem or you can renovate your basement to make it livable.
A lot of people have basement apartments that they rent out for extra cash.
Enhance Your Home
The ideas here can improve the value of your home in no time. All you have to do is pick out which projects are right for you and then decide on your budget.
Once you do this you should get started right away. If you have the skills to do it then doing a DIY project will save you a lot of money. However, you don't have the skills it is best to hire a professional so that you don't make costly mistakes
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Book an interior design consultation for any of your interior design or remodeling needs online or on-site!
Can help with:
Paint color selections for interior or exterior.
Remodeling feedback on design direction, layout, colors, finishes, materials, etc.
Room design functionality, layout, ideas, concept, direction, sources.
Staging ideas for home resale or new home buyer feedback / moving in help.
For home, office, retail, and any other design advice you are looking for.
Available for on-site meetings in the LA/OC areas and online for anyone, anywhere (by forwarding photos of rooms or space needing help with. Design ideas and direction will be provided in written feedback with ideas, concepts, links, color selections, solutions, etc.)
Design consultations are $50/half hour or $100/hr.
Can also be purchased as a gift with no expiration.
Please email with any questions: JSInteriorDes@aol.com
Payable via Venmo @jillseidnerinteriordesign (link below).
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Check out these images for inspiration!
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It's time to make some changes to your living room. After all, it has been a whole year since you last changed anything! There are many ways to update your living space, and here are the top four ways for you!
DIY a Bar Area
If you love to entertain and grab a drink with your friends, then why not have a bar in the living room? You can create an area for this by installing cabinets or shelves under your TV. If you don't want to make any pricey changes, many stores sell ready-made bars as well or find ways to affordably transform your pallet bar!
Your home bar will be more than just a gathering place; it can also serve as storage for your cocktail glasses and store other bar supplies.
If you're short on space, consider installing shelves that are at different heights to maximize the amount of room available! Additionally, if you don't want to have all of the alcohol out in plain sight, try installing a mirrored cabinet with glass doors.
If you're starting, try using bar carts as opposed to a full-blown custom bar! These are easy on the wallet, and they offer some excellent storage space for your alcohol too!
A perfect way to make your living room feel like it has been updated is by adding this touch of class.
Add a Chandelier
A chandelier is a perfect way to add an instant touch of elegance and class to your living room. You can find many different styles on sites like eBay or Amazon, so it's easy for you to customize what you're looking for! Plus, they come in a wide range of price points too!
When deciding where exactly you want to install your chandelier, think about the focal point of your living room. If it's a fireplace or TV, try installing the chandelier over that area for extra drama!
Mix Modern and Vintage Pieces
If you're looking for a way to bring in both the old and new, then try mixing different pieces of furniture! For example, try adding a modern coffee table to your vintage couch or vice versa.
You'll be surprised at how much more interesting it will make your living room feel! Plus, if you find that this mix doesn't suit your needs, you can always switch it up.
Have More Green
If you're looking for some more green in your living room, then try out the idea of adding plants. If you have ample space available, consider getting an entire plant wall! Not only will this provide great decoration but it's also good for the environment. You can purchase faux plants, too, if that suits your needs better and they're easier to maintain.
If you're looking for something more temporary, try out the idea of a seasonal plant wall! These are perfect if you want the green without committing to it all year long, and they can be changed with each season. Plus, this type is easy to maintain.
In conclusion, there are many ways to update your living room this year, and hopefully you will find some of these ideas helpful.
Stuck on your living room? I'll design it for you. See my online design services →
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If you’re going to spend money on decor, you might be worried about your property being damaged by guests and the expense of repairs. You can use this noise app to alert you to any issues and stop damage before it happens.
- Invest in throw pillows. Throw pillows are an easy way to add a pop of color. Look for pillows made of local or traditional fabrics for another nice detail.
- Don’t forget to trim any tags and loose threads from throw pillows. Messy or worn-looking pillows aren’t shabby chic and will put people off.
- Use local art and souvenirs on your walls. Support some local artists and small businesses and make your property look welcoming. Local souvenirs around your place could inspire guests to buy souvenirs themselves. Don’t fill up your property with any tacky ornaments you can find cheaply, but instead display smart pieces like wall hangings, independent neighborhood artists’ prints, or ceramics.
- Don’t use much small art. Large pieces, such as canvases or framed photographs, pull a room together easily and look fantastic in property photos.
- Hang your art at eye level. The way you place your art changes the way it’s seen. Eye-level is the best place to start but it’s a good idea to use removable hooks so you can make adjustments if it doesn’t look right.
- Hang hooks for your guests. Guests need somewhere to hang their robes, towels, jackets, and other possessions. Put in plenty of hooks. Guests usually want hooks in bathrooms, bedrooms, front halls, and kitchens.
- Let there be light. Guests will be reading books, maps, local attraction leaflets, and more. Put lamps or overhead lighting where people will need them, such as by the bed, near the chairs, and in the kitchen. A larger bulb won’t break the bank and your visitors will appreciate not having to peer at their book through the gloom.
- Provide lots of hangers in the closet area. Hangers are cheap and disposable, so provide plenty so your guests can unpack. To really impress, include a few skirt hangers.
- Don’t et the pillows get lumpy. Good pillows are a luxury that everyone enjoys when they’re on vacation, so invest in some good-quality pillows and replace them often. Settling down on a clean, fluffy pillow at the end of a long day of sightseeing is a wonderful experience that will help you to secure those all-important good reviews.
- Add some blue to your interiors. A huge amount of people say that blue is their favorite color. Blue is often associated with trust, friendliness, and a calm atmosphere. There’s a reason why the world’s most powerful corporations have blue logos. Use some blue in your decor.
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More space to live
In the last few decades there has been a trend towards larger rooms and fewer walls. The open living, dining and kitchen area has largely replaced the traditional layout of the living room and kitchen as the standard floor plan. More and more often, these rooms are also being merged in the course of renovating old buildings. More spacious living spaces can also be created by streamlining the floor plan by breaking up small rooms and niches. By doing this you're creating open-plan living.
Only change the floor plan with specialist knowledge
Tearing down walls or extended ceilings are interventions that can weaken the stable structure of a house. They must never be done without an architect or structural engineer. If a wall is removed, you must ensure it doesn’t interfere with another that could make the roof unstable. With load-bearing walls it must be a beam made of wood, steel or reinforced concrete. In addition, ceiling openings cannot be of any size. For example, if you have the wooden beams of an old ceiling they may be part of the integral structure.
Structural requirements for the floor plan change
Depending on the construction time of a house, special challenges arise when you want to change the floor plan. Houses built before the Second World War are trickier to adapt. Dilapidated houses have the advantage that they are cheaper to buy. But renovation can be very expensive. So, when is it worth it? Renovation is always worthwhile if it is done properly and not just superficially. If it is just redesigned with a bit of paint and wallpaper, it is not a proper refit. If you’re flipping a home, you should be aware that it should be correctly done.
What advice can we give to people who come to you with the question. You can roughly answer this question according to a 3-point scheme. If you can answer two of the three questions with yes, a renovation is worthwhile.
- Is the building functional?
- Is the appearance such that it seems worth preserving?
- Is the building structure in good condition?
Many owners renovate without having expert advice. If you refit a home but leave old rotting windows, then there is likely to be issues with ventilation. Therefore either consider new window frames, or at least a proper ventilation system for the house, such as a HEPA filter. You must counteract all the issues in the home, to make it liveable and modern.
