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You've probably heard the saying, "You can't judge a book by its cover." This is true, but the appearance of your home is one of the first things that people notice when they pull up to your house. A poor exterior design will make your home look uninviting and outdated. So, if you want to improve the look of your house, follow these five simple steps to create a home exterior that will wow everyone who sees it.
Exterior design guide for a Mediterranean inspired home with a color palette, lighting and outdoor living ideas

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Change Windows

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Windows are one of the easiest ways to update your home exterior. In addition to changing the color or design of your windows, you can also add stained glass or shutters. You can find window treatments at any retailer,

​so it's easy to find something that fits your style and budget.


Take care to fix any broken panels or completely change your windows by upgrading them to newer, more energy-efficient styles that look good and lower your energy bills too.

Add Siding

One of the best ways to update the exterior of your house is with siding. Siding gives your home a fresh and modern look and protection from the elements. Also, siding increases the value of your home. and offers you more options for customization than other exterior design features. For example, some types of siding have windows that can be filled in with different colored panels or screens, giving you a customized look that stands out in any neighborhood. Ask Approved Contractor for advice on the correct type of siding for your home. While you’re tackling this upgrade, why not look into getting a new roof as well? Check out Mr. Roof to find out more.

Remove Clutter

Clutter is a quick way to make your home look messy and unkempt. It becomes challenging to keep up with all of it when you have too much stuff. If you have clutter in your yard, on your porch, or around the house, take it elsewhere. The less clutter you have outside of your home, the more attractive it will be.


Plant Flowers and Bushes

​One thing you should do is plant flowers and bushes. This will make your home look more inviting, and you can choose the right plants based on what time of year it is. For example, you may want to plant evergreens if it's wintertime. If it's springtime, you may want to plant flowers that bloom in the springtime. These plants will make your house look more welcoming to visitors.

In addition to planting flowers and bushes, you should also cut the grass on your lawn weekly or bi-weekly, depending on how fast your grass grows. This area must look clean because people will often judge a house by its lawn.

Fix Any Damage

Damage in front of your home or on your property can detract from curb appeal and undermine any changes you want to make. Take a good look at your property, identify any issues or corners, and then rectify them. This can be from small jobs such as replacing a broken gate to fixing fencing, replacing damaged pathways to new gutters and doors to improve security and functionality and curb appeal.


Stuck on your own room? I'll design it for you. See my online design services →

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You don’t have to limit your design ambitions to your home’s interior. You can also add exterior features that make it more functional and welcoming.

The choice of features here is spectacular. There are all sorts of things that you could try. These include outdoor lighting, charming fences, spacious porches and so on. What’s great about working on your home’s exterior is that it makes it feel welcoming while also enhancing its curb appeal. Approaching your property will never feel the same again.

In this post, we take a look at some of the types of exterior design details you might want to add to your property. Check them out below.

Garage Doors

Standard garage doors aren’t much to write home about when it comes to design. Sure, they are functional, but they don’t provide much of a wow factor.

Today, though, the range of garage doors available is greater than ever before. Consumers have more choice over styles, designs and appearance than they did in the past.

Today, most homeowners choose garage doors that reflect the overall design and appearance of their property. They can be matching or contrasting with the rest of the house – the choice is yours.

Front Porches

Another exterior area ripe for upgrade is the front porch. These days, many property owners are looking for seating that allows them to lounge outside the front of their homes while at the same time storing their possessions.

Porches built during the 1960s and 1970s are quite uninspiring and many of them are now in a dilapidated state. Flat roofs don’t add much charm to properties, making them appear austere and uninviting.

Newer porches, however, often feature pitched roofs that make them more appealing to look at from the road. They also have space for all the things you need to grab quickly before you leave the house, such as your umbrella, coat, jacket or shopping bags.

Doors
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Doors can make a tremendous difference in how your property appears from the outside and security. What’s more, the market is expanding. The feature set of ProVia entry door options is increasing. For instance, modern doors offer both energy efficiency and customisation. Manufacturers are combining features so that homeowners don’t have to make tradeoffs.

Doors are also becoming more durable. Instead of making them out of wood or UPVC, vendors are choosing fiberglass, since it is both strong and weather resistant.

Exterior doors should be the focal point on your home. When your exterior door is expressive, it helps to bring the rest of your property to life. Bright colors immediately add personality to your home.

What’s more, you can add interesting architectural features to modern exterior doors. These include iron railings down the middle, large knockers, and paneling that makes your home stand out.

Even if the main door to your home is at the side of your property, it pays to invest in it. The higher the quality of your door, the more welcoming your home will appear, and the more secure it will become.

Exterior Lighting
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Exterior lighting is becoming progressively more popular among homeowners. The idea is to illuminate your property from the outside at night, instead of relying on interior lights.

There are both aesthetic and security reasons for doing this. From a security perspective, exterior illumination makes it difficult for anyone to come onto your property without being seen. From an aesthetic point of view, it can help make your house look more attractive at night.

How you arrange your lighting depends very much on the way in which you want to illuminate your home. The majority of homeowners install lighting at the foot of their exterior walls and then project beams upwards which reflect off their cladding, woodwork or masonry. You can also illuminate your home from a distance, however, this is a less common option.

With modern LEDs, the opportunities for customizing your home’s light show have never been greater. Not only are these lighting sources inexpensive, but they also come in different colors. This lets you add real ambience to your home.

Landscaping

When it comes to customizing your home’s exterior, don’t forget landscaping. Adding trees and shrubs can work wonders for enhancing the architectural features of your home. What’s more, a well-tended property with beautiful plants and shrubs elicits an emotional response. You can’t help but feel happy when you approach a house that’s overflowing with beautiful flowers.

Hardscaping is something that you’ll also need to consider. It’s not just about the organics that you include outside of the front of your property, but also the appearance of your driveways and decking too.

When choosing materials for these options, look for something that complements the rest of your property. You want the colors to match.

You should also consider the scale. A small driveway at the front of a large home could look a little odd.

When arranging your plantings, put them in groups with contrasting colors. Try to avoid being too monotone if you can, or just having a large expanse of lawn at the front of your home. While this can look good on very large properties, it isn't the best approach for smaller dwellings.

Window Trim

Window trim helps to complete the look of a home. When you get the windows right, the whole aesthetic and ensemble comes together and just makes a lot of sense.

There are many different ways that you can use exterior trim to improve the appearance of your property. You’ll want to look out for things like shaping, containing and sharp edges. You’ll also want to check that the trim color matches the rest of your property as well as surrounding siding, doors and other architectural features. Of course, vinyl is the classic material, but if you live in a modernist home, you might also want to consider aluminum. UPVC is an option too, with an increasing selection of colors now available on the market.

So, which of these exterior design features will you use to make your home unique?
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If you're looking for a way to add a touch of luxury and modernity to your backyard, consider bringing the indoors out. By transforming your backyard into an outdoor living space, you'll have a place to relax and entertain guests all year round. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips and ideas on creating the ultimate modern backyard!
Outdoor patio design board by Jill Seidner Interior Design

Via Pexels

Organizing The Space

​The first step is to
declutter your outdoor space. This means getting rid of any extra furniture, knick-knacks, or décor taking up valuable space. Once you have a clean slate to work with, you can start thinking about best utilizing the space.

Creating A Living SpaceOne popular trend is to create an outdoor living room. This can be done by having an arbor installation provide some shade, adding some comfortable furniture, and stringing up some lights. This will give you a space to relax and entertain that feels like an extension of your home.

Making The Space Feel Warm And Inviting

​One thing that can set your backyard apart is making it feel warm and inviting. This can be done in several ways, but one of the most important is creating a cohesive design. Think about the colors and materials you use in your home and incorporate them into your backyard.


For example, if you have a lot of natural wood elements in your home, consider using wooden decking or furniture in your backyard. Or, if you have a lot of stone features, use stone pavers or gravel. By installing the correct lighting, you can also create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your backyard. Try string lights, torches, or even candles.

Creating A Garden

​Another way to make your backyard feel warm and inviting is by adding greenery. This can be done with potted plants,
hanging plants, or even a tiny garden. Not only will this add some color and life to your backyard, but it can also help to create a natural barrier between your neighbors and your yard.

Consider adding a minor water feature like a fountain or a birdbath if you have the space. The sound of running water is very relaxing and can help to mask any unwanted noise from the outside world. Also, adding some greenery and a water feature is a great way to create your little oasis right in your backyard.

Furniture Is Key

The first step in achieving the perfect modern backyard is to select the right furniture. You'll want pieces that are both stylish and comfortable, as you'll be spending a lot of time relaxing in your outdoor space. Keep in mind that while wicker and metal furniture can add a touch of elegance, they may not be the most comfortable options for lounging. Instead, opt for plush fabric-covered chairs and sofas that you can sink into. Another important consideration is to make sure your
furniture is weather resistant. You don't want your beautiful backyard set to be ruined by a sudden rainstorm!

This is the perfect way to bring the outdoors in, and with a few strategically placed plants and some comfortable outdoor furniture, you can create your private oasis right in your backyard. So what are you waiting for? Get started on your modern backyard today!


Want help with your outdoor space? I'll design it for you. See my online design services →

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Giving your home a contemporary look and feel doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming. This blog post will provide you with some tips on how to achieve a modern aesthetic on a budget and also discuss some popular design trends that are currently popular in the world of contemporary interior design. So whether you're looking to update one room or your entire home, read on for some inspiration!
Photo by Mikhail Nilov from Pexels
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#1 Use light and neutral colors
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One of the easiest ways to give your home a contemporary look is to use light and neutral colors. This will make your space feel more open and airy, and it's also a great way to create a blank canvas that you can then accessorize with pops of color. When it comes to choosing paint colors, go for something in the beige or white family. And if you're looking for some furniture or decor items, look for pieces that are made from natural materials like wood or stone.

Another way to achieve a contemporary look is by using clean lines and simple shapes in your design. This means avoiding ornate details and instead opting for straight lines and geometric shapes. You can achieve this look by choosing furniture with clean lines and minimal embellishments and also by hanging artwork that is simple and modern.
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#2 Mix and match different textures
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One of the most important things to remember when creating a contemporary space is to mix and match different textures. This will add interest and depth to your design, and it's also a great way to add some visual contrast. Try pairing together items made from different materials such as wood and metal or smooth and rough surfaces. You can also experiment with mixing different patterns and prints; just make sure that they are all in the same color family so that everything looks cohesive.

Another way to achieve a contemporary look is by incorporating natural elements into your design. This can be anything from using live plants as decorations to adding stone or wood accents throughout your space. Incorporating natural elements will help to create a more organic feel in your home, and it's also a great way to add some visual interest.

#3 Use bold and unique accessories
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One of the best ways to give your home a contemporary look is to use bold and unique accessories. This can be anything from colorful throw pillows to statement-making light fixtures. And don't be afraid to experiment with different materials and finishes, such as brass or glass. The key is to choose pieces that stand out without being too overwhelming.

In addition, to achieve a truly contemporary look, it's important to keep your space uncluttered and organized. This means only displaying the items that you absolutely love and use on a regular basis. So take some time to go through your belongings and get rid of anything that you don't need or use anymore. This will help to create a more streamlined look in your home.

#4 Invest in quality pieces
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One of the most important things to remember when creating a contemporary space is to invest in quality pieces. This doesn't mean that you have to spend a lot of money, but it does mean that you should choose items that are well-made and will stand the test of time. Look for furniture and decor made from high-quality materials, and be sure to avoid anything that looks too cheap or flimsy. In addition, it's always worth investing in timeless pieces that you'll love for years to come.

Also, remember that less is often more when it comes to contemporary design. This means avoiding anything that is too fussy or busy. Instead, opt for clean lines and simple shapes. And don't be afraid to leave some empty space in your design - it will help to create a sense of calm and tranquility.

#5 Replace light fixtures
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One of the quickest and easiest ways to give your home a contemporary look is to replace your old light fixtures with new ones. This can make a huge difference in the overall feel of your space, and it's also a great way to add some extra light. When choosing new light fixtures, look for pieces that are simple and modern. And be sure to experiment with different materials and finishes, such as brass or glass.

In addition, to really give your home a contemporary look, it's important to use a mix of different light sources. This means incorporating both natural and artificial light into your design. For example, you can add more light to your space by adding additional Windows Doors or skylights or by using mirrors to reflect light around the room. And be sure to choose energy-efficient bulbs for all of your light fixtures.

#6 Consider the molding and trim
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Another way to give your home a contemporary look is to consider the molding and trim. This can include anything from painting the trim a different color to adding new molding throughout your space. And don't be afraid to experiment with different materials and finishes, such as brass or glass. Also, remember that less is often more when it comes to contemporary design. So keep the molding and trim simple and understated.

Finally, remember that a contemporary space should feel warm and inviting. This means incorporating plenty of cozy elements, such as plush throws and soft rugs. And be sure to add some personal touches, such as family photos or artwork. By following these tips, you can easily give your home a contemporary look and feel that you'll love for years to come.

By following these simple tips, you can easily give your home a contemporary look and feel. Just remember to keep things simple and uncluttered and to choose quality pieces that will stand the test of time. With a little effort, you can create a beautiful and stylish space that you'll love for years to come. Thanks for reading! I hope this was helpful.
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Everyone wants their home to look beautiful and be a comfortable place to live. However, not everyone knows how to go about interior design. Interior design can be tricky- it involves a lot of personal preference, as well as knowledge of what will and won't work in a given space. This blog post will discuss some general tips that will benefit everyone when it comes to interior design!
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Photo by Vecislavas Popa from Pexels

1) Don't Be Afraid To Experiment!
One of the best things about interior design is that you can really play around with different styles and colors until you find something that you love. Don't be afraid to mix and match different styles- it may take a little bit of trial and error, but eventually, you'll figure out what looks good in your home.

Likewise, don't be afraid to use bold colors. A pop of color can brighten up a room and make it feel more inviting. Just be sure to use colors that you love, as you'll be living with them for a while!

2) Pay Attention To Scale
When it comes to interior design, scale is really important. You want to make sure that all of the elements in a space are in proportion with each other. For example, if you have a large room, you'll want to use large furniture and vice versa.

Likewise, you want to be careful about using too many small items in a space. It can make the room feel cluttered and cramped. Instead, try using larger pieces to create visual interest.

Paying attention to scale is especially important when it comes to lighting. You don't want a light fixture to stand out too much or be too overpowering. Try matching the size of your light fixtures to the size of your room- it will create a more cohesive look.

3) Consider Your Function
When it comes to interior design, it's essential to consider how you'll be using the space. For example, if you're using a room for both relaxing and working, you'll want to make sure that the area is designed accordingly.

You may need to use different furniture or lighting depending on how you plan to use the space. Be mindful of your needs and design the room accordingly. You'll be much happier with the end result!

4) Don't Forget The Details
Details are really important when it comes to interior design. They can make or break a space. Be sure to pay attention to the little things, like doorknobs and light fixtures.

You may also want to add some personal touches, like photos or plants. Adding personal touches will help make the space feel more like your own. Just be sure not to go overboard! Too many details can easily overwhelm a room. You can also look up an interior designer near me if you require some assistance.

5) Take Your Time
One of the most important things to remember when it comes to interior design is that you don't have to do everything at once. You can take your time and add new elements as you go.

This is especially important if you're working with a limited budget. Interior design can be expensive, but there are ways to do it on a budget. Start small and add new elements as you go. You'll be surprised at what you can achieve over time!

In conclusion, these are just a few general tips that will help you when it comes to interior design. Remember, the most important thing is to be creative and have fun! Play around with different styles and colors until you find something that you love.


Stuck on your own room? I'll design it for you. See my online design services →

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The bathroom is an important room that should fulfill your needs when buying a new home. How many bathrooms there are, their space, and their condition will dictate whether or not the house is right for you.

Hence, here are some top tips to upgrade your bathroom so that future buyers will be satisfied with what your bathroom(s) have to offer.
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Bathroom Window Space - Free photo on Pixabay

The toilet system
The toilet system in your home is one of the most important plumbing features. Without the right system, your toilet could cause maintenance issues such as leaking and pipe damage. To prevent this, it will help to purchase a modern and easy-to-maintain toilet.

2-piece toilets will add more convenience to your bathroom and ensure that you can maintain its health and condition. An internal system can be a lot more difficult to fix, should something go wrong with it. Therefore, upgrading your toilet to a 2-piece system will ensure to make your bathroom longer-lasting, easier to clean, repair, and maintain.

More mirrors
More mirrors are a great way to enhance your bathroom as they will add the illusion of more space.

Mirrors reflect light and therefore, will enhance the amount of light that bounces around your bathroom.

You could add more mirrors, larger mirrors, or mirrored decorative objects. All of which, will help to enhance the airiness and light in your bathroom.

A towel rack
There is nothing more convenient than a towel rack in your bathroom. It makes towels easy to grab and helps to keep the floor and sides clear.

To add even more luxury to your bathroom, it can help to add a heated towel rack. These will keep your towels warm on colder days.

A large bath and/or shower
A spacious cleaning area will make the bathroom feel and look a lot more luxurious. Hence, always ensure to not overcrowd your bathroom with too much, which could hinder the space for your bath and/or shower.

If having both features means that both are small, then it could help to stick with one. Having one much larger feature will maximize the convenience and luxury feel of the bathroom.

Modern touches
Simple modern touches can transform the bathroom and make it a lot more appealing. These could include an electric shower, heated toilet seats, or automatic lights. These features can enhance the convenience of your bathroom, which will make it look and feel more expensive.

Modern touches do not always have to be expensive to look and feel expensive. You could simply add LED automatic lights, which are affordable yet help you obtain that convenience of lights switching on when you enter the bathroom.

Neutral tones
Making your bathroom as appealing to as many future buyers as possible will help to keep it neutral. The more minimal and neutral your space is, the easier future buyers can vision their own belongings and interior touches there.

Keep things white, grey, or beige, to ensure that the light still bounces around. It will help the bathroom feel clean, spacious, and modern.

A unique feature
A unique feature is a great way to make a bathroom attractive and fulfilling. A unique feature should add convenience to the bathroom so that it doesn’t use up unnecessary space.

Some ideas include:

  • A jacuzzi bath. This will give the bathroom a hotel feel and not take up extra space. Instead, the future buyer can enjoy a luxury jacuzzi bath whenever they want to.
  • Floating shelves. Not all bathrooms have enough space for floating shelves. But, if yours does then add them to increase storage space.
  • Automatic taps. Automatic taps are often something you see in hotel rooms or luxury bathrooms. Adding these to your own bathroom will make it feel a lot more expensive.
  • Rainfall shower. Again, another common feature in luxury hotel bathrooms is a rainfall shower. This will enhance the look of your bathroom and make it a lot more appealing.

Plenty of light
Enhancing the light in your bathroom will guarantee to make it more luxurious. This is possible by adding more mirrors or windows. Or, enlarging those that already exist.

Plenty of light in a bathroom will make it airier, which will make it feel clean and be the ideal space to get ready in.

Good air circulation
The better the air circulation is in your bathroom, the cleaner it will feel and the better it will smell. Damp bathrooms can smell strange and also be vulnerable to mold, which will deter the interest of future buyers.

Hence, ensure that your bathroom has good air circulation. This can be achieved by:

  • Adding plants. Some indoor plants will regulate air circulation and soak up excess moisture.
  • Humidifiers. Humidifiers are key for bathrooms that experience excess dampness and steam after hot baths and showers.
  • Air vents. Air vents will ensure that excess moisture in the air can escape the room.

Privacy
The more private the bathroom(s) in your home feels, the more appealing it will be. Nobody wants to feel that their privacy can be easily invaded in the comfort of their own home.

Therefore, ensure it is well-insulated, sound-proofed, and safe to lock.

Flooring and tiles
The flooring and tiles in your bathroom will say a lot about its maintenance and care.

Firstly, you should opt for neutral and light colors for your flooring and tiles. It will open up the space, allow light to bounce around, and make it look and feel a lot more spacious. Even if the bathroom is small, a lighter tile or flooring choice will make it appear bigger than it is.

Then, you should ensure to keep an eye on the grouting and condition of your flooring and tiles. Excess dirt and grime can build up and seeing as the floor/walls are the main features of your bathroom, it can hinder its entire look. Hence, your bathroom can look much more appealing if you keep the floor/tiles light, clean, and free from grime.
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The windows are obviously one of the most important parts of your home, not just for security purposes but for the foundation of the building itself as well. From time to time, it may be necessary to replace the windows in order to ensure that they are serving the home as well as possible. When you do that, you’ll want to ensure that you make the right decisions, so this is something that you will need to get right. With that in mind, here are four of the biggest concerns you should focus on when replacing windows in your home.
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Pic Credit - CCO License
The Right Size

It should go without saying, but arguably the most important concern of all is that you get the size right. If the size is not right, then you will find your windows let air and water in, which is obviously far from a perfect situation to be in. So you will need to make sure you are measuring and measuring again when it comes to replacing windows, as you need them to seal in as tight as possible. As long as you have done that, you are going to have a much more secure and drier house in general.


Wells

Something that a lot of people forget about and overlook entirely, but which is hugely important, is the window wells. These are vital because they are one of the main lines of defense your home has against water entering the building, so you need to ensure that they are made in the right way, as securely as possible at all times. Because these are so commonly overlooked, you should make doubly sure that you don’t forget this, otherwise that might cause you a lot of problems that you could have avoided.


Your Decor

Of course, you’ll also want your windows to look good for your home, which means that you need to take into consideration what your decor is like, and how the windows are going to fit in with that as well as possible. If you have thought about this well enough, it should enable you to keep your home looking as you would want it to, so this is something that you should definitely not overlook. The right decor and the right windows going together is a beautiful thing, and you’ll be glad for how it makes the whole home look too.
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Pic Credit - CCO License
Safety

Finally, remember that one of the main reasons behind having windows is to ensure the safety and security of your home. As long as you have the right windows in place, you are going to find that your home is much more secure, and especially if you make a point of spending a little extra on high quality windows that actually work well. This is one of the most important things for you to consider in all of this, so be sure not to overlook it. This is something that you will find can make an enormous difference to your whole home.
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Governments like the idea of pumping foam or other materials into cavity walls to improve home insulation. And while it is highly effective, it’s also extremely disruptive. You have to put up with noisy machinery whirring away in the background for days at a time while you try to get on with normal life.

The good news, though, is that there are actually a bunch of alternative ways to improve home insulation that don’t require ripping out walls. Here are your options:

Thermal Curtains
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Unsplash - CC0 Licence

Around 35 percent of home heat is lost through windows. For that reason, many homeowners and families invest in thermal curtains.

There are exactly what they sound like -- special curtains designed to keep windows and rooms warm in the winter and cooler in the summer. Yes, that’s right, they work for you year-round.

The magic is in their weave. Fibres are much closer together which means that air cannot pass freely from one side to the other. Instead, it gets stuck, similar to how a woolly jumper works.

Electrical Outlet Insulation

Believe it or not, electrical outlets are actually a major source of heat loss in your home. That’s because air can easily flow through the cavity at the back of them and out into the surrounding brickwork. It just goes through the holes in the front fascia and flows away.

Fortunately, you can prevent this with electrical outlet insulation. These are essentially foam pieces, designed to conform to the shape of your outlets. You place them behind the outlets and then refit them to the wall.

Insulate The Attic
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Around 30 to 50 percent of heat in your home is lost through the attic. That’s because heat rises.

When it comes to attic insulation, you want to put it on the floor. This way, you avoid creating a pocket of unused warm air in your loft every time you turn on the central heating.

These days, adding insulation to the attic is easy. It comes in rolls which you can unfurl on the floor. If DIY isn’t your forté, you can get fitters to do it for you. It usually only takes a few minutes.

Install Shutters

While plantation shutters look beautiful, they’re also a great tool for keeping heat in your home -- and out. Shutters provide an extra layer of material to prevent heat loss through windows, and they can deflect the sun’s rays in the summer, reducing HVAC energy usage.

Seal Your Doors And Windows
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If you move close to your windows on a windy day, you’ll sometimes feel tiny gusts of air coming through. This usually happens because there is a gap in the seal that runs around the edge of the window.

Fortunately, you can resolve these with weatherstipping, a product which looks a bit like foam tape. Just place it around winders or under doors to stop air from getting through.

Seal Your Recessed Lighting

Lastly, you might want to seal your recessed lighting. Just make sure that if you do insulate, that you leave at least three inches between the light and the insulating material to prevent fire risk.
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Exterior design tips for a Mediterranean-style home by Jill Seidner Interior Design

Image credit

Buying a home is a huge investment. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying a home, however, it is not just the physical appearance that you should consider. While that will contribute to your final decision, you want to ensure that you are making a good investment, and don’t run into a ton of problems after you have signed a contract and tied yourself in, as it is a huge obligation.
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Here are some of the most important things you should look for when buying a new home.

An expert in the area

​Regardless of whether you live in the area or are looking for a new country to reside in, it is important to enlist the help of estate agents to help you with your searches. They will be able to provide you with a fresh perspective of the area, and their wealth of experience. You can also provide them with all the details of a property that you are searching for, and they can take the hard work out of the search for you, and make it much easier and more personal. This way you can guarantee a nice place to live.

​It’s worth looking into suggestions people online have made, particularly the experts like Reed Pirain. There are certain areas that are going to be much more worthwhile when it comes to the investment of your money!

Visit the property more than once (and take pictures)
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When  you find a property you like, it is difficult to see potential problems. This is why it is important to view the property more than once and take pictures, as this gives you more chances to get familiar with the property and spot any problems. If it is possible to do so, try to view the property at different times and on different days, so you can also get a better idea of the environment and surrounding noises.

The structure of the property

​Take some time to review the exterior of the property. A good property should have a solid foundation, free from issues. Structural integrity is vital if you don’t want to be dealing with safety problems and costly repairs in the future. Check for any hairline cracks in the walls, dampness and mold, broken tiles on the roof, blocked or broken guttering, and generally any signs that something is not right. You can also get an additional expert, like a surveyor to review the property for you.

Appearance, and smell

​Unfortunately, some sellers may try to cover up problems in the home so they don’t appear obvious when people are viewing the property. So while you check for any physical signs inside the property for dampness or damage, you should also be aware of any unnatural smells in the property. While this may seem odd at first, it can be important to identify any problems. This is because the paint will be able to temporarily cover up problems with cracks or dampness, but issues typically give off a musty smell to them. This could be a sign of a problem worth investigating.

Buying a property is a big investment, which is why you should be thorough with your search and ensure you look for all the right things. The last thing you want is to invest all your money and be left with lots of problems that cost you time, money and your wellbeing.


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When you are in the process of moving there can be many obstacles that stand in your way. Unfortunately, moving can be one of the most stressful events in your life so it’s important that it goes as smoothly as possible. There are many things that you can plan and prepare to make it as easy for you and your family as possible.
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Buy Or Rent

One of the very first things you need to think about is whether you want to buy a home or rent it. There are pros and cons associated with both of these options and they are: there is less flexibility when you buy a house compared to renting as you are tied down with your mortgage payments. Renting is much easier as you can move around as much as you want. A huge bonus to buying your own home is that you have something to call your own after all those months of payments.

How Much You Have To Spend

Now you have to decide what your budget is for whichever option it is you went with. The general rule is the same for both renting and buying. You need to sort out your finances before you can do anything. If you work out your incoming and outgoings then this will help you decide how much you can afford for the monthly payments. If you decide to buy a property then this will also help you to work out how much of a deposit you can afford for your mortgage. You also need to make sure that any debts are taken care of and are under control as your credit rating will be looked at. If this is low then you may be turned down which will be a huge disappointment.

Type Of Home

So you have a figure in mind for moving, now you have to decide what type of property you want to live in. There may be a couple of options that spring to mind when you think about this, either apartments or houses. There are of course pros and cons to both of these and they include: houses offer much more space and privacy, however, they are also on the pricier side compared to apartments. Apartments offer much more security, however, they can be noisy due to all the neighbors in the block.

You also need to work out between you if you want a new home or an old existing one. The benefit to new builds is that you can put your own stamp on them. You might be interested in new apartments, these are pristine and you can do what you want with them. However, older builds tend to offer much more character to them.

We hope you found this article helpful and it gives you some ideas and insight into considerations to take when moving to a new house. Remember, when you are thinking about moving it is important to consider the area you are moving to as much as anything else. Do your research before setting anything in stone.

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Jill Seidner is a Los Angeles based Interior Designer specializing in commercial & residential interior design, design consultations, & online design services. She is active in the design community & also the Los Angeles blogger for the Material Girls Blog. For media kit and blog sponsorship info, click here.

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