Bored of your home? Think it needs some new life? With just a few bits and pieces you can breath new life into your surroundings. There’s a current trend for the vintage look for your home, but that doesn’t mean that you have to recreate the 1950s throughout your home. There are plenty of other styles to choose from, and you can cherry pick the best of all possible worlds to create tasteful and eclectic interiors.

Here are a few tips for your louge, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom that might help to give you a start. Of course, this is your home, so you might want to chop and change a few ideas, or just pick one suggestion and build from that!

Lounge and dining room - Both the lounge and the dining room are designed to be relaxing and for entertaining. As I’ve already said, right now, there’s a fashion for vintage styles that are fun and whimsical. Retro signs and posters make great decoration for the dining room, especially those themed around food and products. They’re excellent talking points that can really break the ice at a dinner party.

Kitchen – This is a great place to add some little touches that are completely you. From crockery to cutlery, utensils to storage, the world is your oyster! While the vintage style has reached the kitchen, there are many other styles to explore. Don’t be afraid of bright colours, as shocking pinks, lime greens and sunshine yellows can really help rejuvenate your kitchen. It’s also fun to see the different cookware around today. The revolution in silicon bakeware particularly has helped to create everything from cupcake cases to baking dishes that are easy to store and clean.

Bedroom – Where the kitchen is a place that can be effervescent and lively, the bedroom is designed to be somewhere you should relax to get a good night’s sleep. Let your mattress worry about that, because your bedroom needn’t be boring. You’ll be surprised by the effect of a throw and a few small pillows can add to your bed, and the overall look of your bedroom. Look at rich satins in bold colours such as deep crimsons, purples and chocolate browns.

Bathroom – We often think of the bathroom as purely functional, but it really ought to be a sanctuary. This should be your bubble of calm from the outside world. It might seem a cliché to have candles in the bathroom, but even a few scented candles can create a relaxing ambience. It might also be time to get rid of all those old towels and flannels too, which will give you that feeling of ‘newness’.In fact, some lively patterned bathroom accessories like a toothbrush holder, soap dish and loo roll holder will help to refresh your surroundings too.

Citations:

• Even a simple candle can improve the ambience of the home.

There are a host of exciting and eclectic interiors and accessories at TCH.

Our grandmothers, mothers and aunties will scream on the top of their lungs if we spill a drop of soda on the leather couch. We might even get a smack on the head. Hopefully not, but they know exactly why they are getting so upset over a drop of soda on the couch. This is because they take care of the furniture of the house all day while you might be browsing a social site on your phone.  Taking care of furniture is not very hard to do, but it needs to be done with love. Hopefully, this article will teach some casual tips for home furniture care in case you need to take care of the mess before granny sees it.

            Furniture, whether they are wood or leather are made of once living things and hence need to be taken care on a regular basis to keep them looking fresh and new for a long time. Let’s start off with some easy to do wooden furniture tips.

            Furniture made out of wood is very popular and has a tendency grab a lot of attention if kept in tip top shape. No matter how much moms and aunties take care of the furniture. They will still get stained or scratched.  Ammonia is usually added in household cleaners, this chemical is bad for wood. Using ammonia free cleaners are safer while cleaning wood. Silicon and alcohol products are considered strippers and should not be used on wood as it can spoil the finish.

Sun dries wood, so try to keep the wooden furniture out of direct sunlight. While serving any snacks, especially hot ones, use a tablecloth. Scratches can be hidden using a scratch cover product by applying it on the wood and rubbing gently on the scratch. Mixing one part lemon juice and three parts of olive oil makes a good homemade furniture polish at home.

            Leather furniture is exquisite additions to the whole house. Putting a leather couch in the living room can make the room look modern. They are expensive, yes. But they also bring class into the house. Leather furniture is made from hides of animals. They go bad if they aren’t taken care of properly.

Cleaning the leather regularly is the first step in keeping the furniture good. This can be a weekly thing, a dry cloth and a vacuum to clean the corners will be sufficient in this regard. The human mind usually thinks cleaning a stain with water and soap as the first option. This is an almost no-no while working with leather furniture. As soapy water speeds up the cracking process in leather goods and disintegrates the surface of the product. Using the least amount of water on leather products is advised.

Ammonia, like wooden furniture is almost forbidden for leather goods too as it bleaches the leather. Leather comes from animals and animals cook under the sun and fire. Hopefully, you get the idea why it is advised to keep it away from the sunlight and fireplace. Another important tip for leather lovers is, taking care of that “special seat” that they use so much. Everyone sort of chooses their favorite spot on a couch to sit on and that spot will show the first signs of wear and tear if not pampered properly. Whether it is wood or leather furniture, they need to be taken care of properly to keep the originality and shine. These are some basic tips that everyone can do to keep their beloved furniture and themselves happy.

Thanks for reading. A little about me: I’m currently doing a site on criminal background check, providing tips and tools on how to investigate almost anyone.

When renovating a bathroom, many people opt to buy a bathroom suite rather than buying the components separately as this makes it easier to find items that all match one another and can also work out to be significantly cheaper. Finding a bathroom suite that will match with both the space available to it within the bathroom and the overall shape of the room, as well as with the home’s entire design can be difficult. There are so many different styles and brands of bathroom fixtures that can be purchased, it can make it all the more difficult to choose one. When this happens, it can be helpful to choose the one that immediately catches the eye. Frequently, this can be the best fit for an individual’s style and preferences. However, it is still important to remember function when choosing. For instance, modern bathroom suites inevitably function better than those from the 90s. Modern suites can be both elegant and stylish, and can increase a home’s overall beauty. There are five designs that have gained the most popularity in recent years-

1. Four-piece Bathroom Suite:
Most come with a bathroom pedestal, a basin, a cistern and a toilet pan with a seat. They come with either a bath or shower bath, usually with a bath panel. Most toilet seat heights can be altered in the design, and many modern toilets feature water saving dual flush systems and the option of a soft close seat. These tend to come in modern designs, although it is possible to find more classical pieces. 

2. Polished Chrome Double Skinned Acrylic Bathroom Suite:
This style is perhaps the most classy and provides an elegant polished appearance and strength of material. Many consider it to be the most luxurious bathroom suite design. These are made of the most modern and durable of materials, and the high sheen and clean lines fit in a modern and luxurious bathroom.

3. Traditional Bathroom Suite:
This style is frequently constructed to be more contemporary and is popular in many different types of homes. It is also widely available and includes a chrome lever sistern, a basin that includes a tap hole, a pedestal, and a toilet seat. These usually have an Edwardian or Victorian appearance and are best complemented by traditionally shaped and designed taps, both for the bath and the basin.

4. Italian Specialty Suite:
These suites are known for their unique fine design and their sharp lines. They add a sense of exotic elegance to any home. Arguably they are not as practical in a family home, as they do tend to place a premium on design over functionality, but if you want your bathroom to make a strong statement then they can be the best choice for you.

5. Classic Bathroom Suite:
These suites are inspired by vintage bathroom suites and are very classic in appearance and construction. They are best for those who desire a traditional or vintage touch, without sacrificing any of the modern features that many of us now take for granted from our bathroom suites.

Emma Cub is a bathroom specialist writing for Liberty Bathrooms, who carry bathroom suites to suit all budgets.

For the change in season I am sure you are searching for ways to liven up your home.  Well I have come up with three easy changes that you can make for little to no money but still get the new look feel.  Not only do these changes give your home a new look, but I have tried to make for better functionality:

Paint

The kitchen requires a higher amount of energy than all other rooms so for the paint it is best to use lighter colors that stimulate energy such as light yellows.  It can also be smart to think about the color of your home appliances in this room to find the right color to compliment the walls.  The bathroom is another place where you want to stimulate liveliness for waking up in the morning.  For this room it would be best to use colors that wake you up but also make you feel clean so I think that light blue is the best for this room.  For the bedroom, on the other hand, you want to feel most relaxed so shoot for warm colors that you personally find relaxing.

Lighting

Lighting is one home appliance that is cheap but can make all the difference.  If you don’t have the money to repaint, you would be amazed at how light will change the look your current wall color.  For the living room I would suggest using yellow-toned lighting to create an atmosphere or warmth.   For the bathroom it is great to use “sunlight” light bulbs to give you the right idea of what your make-up will look like when outside.  For rooms where you need to use a computer it is suggested to use ambient lighting rather than bright direct light.  This will help with eye strain caused by long-term exposure to a screen.

Arrangement

Another cheap way to give your home a new look with the added benefit of functionality is to rearrange furniture.  For the living room you want to achieve an atmosphere that promotes conversation.  So I suggest trying to place the seating in a circular formation so that people make eye contact and are tempted to talk.  Kitchen appliances can also be arranged for functionality.  This might take more money but it could be worth it.  It is best to have the three most used appliances, the refrigerator, the stove and the sink in a close proximity to each other.

Hopefully these quick changes will help give your home the new look its lacking without breaking the bank.

Kristen Riordan is web outreach specialist who enjoys reading and cooking with her Frigidaire appliances.

You may be wondering what’s all the new hype with New Zealand’s manuka honey. Well first of all, it’s not just all about importing healthy honey. The fact that it is known as UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) gives it it’s value and quality.

UMF (Unique Manuka Factor)
This is the quality mark given to honey that has special non-peroxide activity that provides the honey with it’s anti-bacterial abilities. The University of Waikato has studied the honey for over 30 years to show that Manuka honey has superior anti-bacterial qualities and many other beneficial uses, such as treatment method for sore throats, stomach ulcers and various other health issues. You can even putting the honey on a cut to help it heal and prevent infection! While we can use all the chemicals to heal our body, nothing beats a natural method to allow our bodies to heal.

Make sure to look for a higher UMF® number as it means there is a stronger anti-bacterial ability to fight infections and heal wounds. The minimum UMF® mark is 5 and some honeys may receive a score of up to 25+. However, 15+ and 18.7+ UMF® is usually sustainable enough as a high quality product.

It’s origin
The reason why only the New Zealand Manuka Honey is a popular choice, is that it has been found to hold a significantly stronger and more stable bacteria fighting compound compared to other products in other countries. The honey comes from a single flower source (monofloral), where the bees pollinate the Manuka honey bush that grows in the lush green valleys of both the North and South islands of New Zealand. There’s also some available in small areas of Australia, but New Zealand has an abundant amount of product hence being a more popular choice.

If there is enough space in your home, consider using one of the rooms as an exercising space. Be it a gym or a yoga room, having your own personal area to work out and stay healthy will be a rewarding opportunity for the whole family.

Good for your pocket and the environment
Yes you will be spending an initial investment on the equipment for the gym, but the return in the long run is tremendous. Add up the monthly fees you fork out to corporate gyms for just one year, you’ve probably made your money back already. Additional savings can include gas going to the gym, travel time as well as even paid parking. To consider the environment as well, the amount of carbon emissions you’ll be saving by not driving to the gym will be a huge helping hand. The trick to saving electricity with your equipment is to unplug them when you are not using them. Electronics that are plugged in are still surging power wasting electricity and money. Gyms on the other hand keep their machines plugged in 24/7.

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Summer is finally here as well as the hot weather. Preparing your home to match the new season, it’s all about bright colors and bringing the outside nature into your home. And if you haven’t started on redecorating your home to match the sunny season, here are some tips to get you a head start.

Give your home a breath of fresh air.
It’s time to take out the vases or prepare to buy some new ones, because summer is the perfect time to fill your house with flowers. You can either buy some at the local market or pluck them straight from you garden. A little secret that the flower shops don’t tell you is that they put a little bleach in their flower’s water as it prevents mold from growing, the results will give you longer lasting fresh cut flowers. Put 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of bleach in a quart of warm water (every 4 days for bleach). If you have allergies to flowers, green plants are a great alternative.

Add some splash of color to your home.
Pillow covers are the perfect option when it comes to adding color to your home. Don’t be afraid to use bright colors as it’s a pleasant daily reminder for you to enjoy summer’s hot weather. Even your duvet covers and bed sheet can be selected in bright summer colors, as nothing beats waking up surrounded by beautiful colors. A change of colors in your home can make you feel like you are on a vacation sometimes as your surroundings change to brighten up your mood.

Repaint your old furniture.
This should be done earlier in the summer, as when it gets too hot later in the season the temperature will affect the drying of the paint. Sometimes your old furniture just needs a new coat of paint to give it a completely new look. Not only will it save you money, it will save the environment from adding more to the landfills each year. Another tip to changing the look of your cabinets is to buy new knobs or pulls. With a new finish every other year, it will give you a new style with just a fraction of the cost than buying brand new furniture.

Setting up your baby’s nursery is no easy task. This space will be your baby’s personal space, as well as a peaceful room for mother and baby’s nursing space. To seek out the best baby furniture, it’s best to have everything selected before the baby is born. Once everything is set up in the baby room, your baby can come home peacefully and use the room right away.

Determine your furniture pieces by the amount of space you have.
The key is to measure twice buy once. Plan your space ahead of time and really narrow down to how much you and your baby really need. Once you buy the furniture and set it up in the room, it will be a little harder to plan your space from there. If you have plenty of room to spare, it’s perfectly fine to purchase larger furniture piece to fill up the room. And if you have limited space, choose only the essentials and leave out non-essential items like a changing table. These functions can easily be done on the floor with a changing matt, or convertible pieces that include a changing table like a play yard.

Storage space is key
Your baby’s clothes might look tiny and doesn’t feel like it needs a ton of storage, but the fact that your baby will grow out of them so quickly you will need a lot of extras to be available when they need bigger clothes. And with friends and families spoiling your baby so often with clothes and toys, you will always need the extra space. The last thing you want is for the entire family to live in a surrounding full of clutter. It’ll be a healthier environment for everyone if there’s a place for everything and everything to have its place.

Select convertible furniture pieces to save in the long run
Even if you have plenty of room in your home to spare for the nursery, it is always good for the environment to look for pieces that have multiple functions. There are many cribs nowadays that can be converted to a toddler and a full sized bed, saving you money and from new materials to generate another product. For newborns, play yards are always a good option as they can be used as a bassinet, changing table, bouncer, play yard and storage space for toys when your kid gets older.

Some parents are determined to make their nursery a baby theme to the extreme. But sometimes it’s good to use a general theme that suits babies as well as adults. Your baby won’t really be picky whether the room color is eggshell white versus linen white, they probably can’t determine very much style when they’re just infants. If you do want to have animal prints on the walls, removable prints are a perfect option to use for a few years. So for the long run, pick themes that will last and choose colors you will keep for at least a decade or so for the whole family to enjoy.

When it comes to siding a home, most people either choose cedar siding or vinyl siding. Both are good options, however there are benefits and weaknesses to each. It is important to ensure you are making an informed decision before you invest in your home.

Cedar Siding

Because cedar siding is a natural product, it is often considered to be the more attractive option and has a more timeless, unique look than vinyl. Cedar is better at absorbing sound, and therefore is able to act as a noise barrier. It helps insulate your home, which can affect energy costs in the future. Cedar siding will also add more value to your home.

When you prestain siding you are evenly coating all sides, edges and cut ends. This provides extra protection against weatherization and premature finish failure, and it often prevents adhesion problems and moisture getting trapped against your home. By delaying the restaining process, you are saving yourself time and money in maintenance costs.

All of the benefits of using prestained cedar siding counteract many of the reasons people tend to choose vinyl siding.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is usually a cheaper siding option, although when adding in all the trim accessories with vinyl siding, the cost is much closer to that of cedar siding.

A common complaint about vinyl siding is that it lacks the quality appearance and craftsmanship found in cedar siding. This can result in homes and neighborhoods negatively appearing very uniform.

Vinyl siding can fade, buckle and crack over a period of time. When this happens, the vinyl is required to be completely replaced. Cedar siding gives you the option of infinite color choices as well as ease of repairs in the future.

The outside of your house can say a lot, it is important you make an investment that you will be happy with and turn your house into a home.

Spring Home Maintenance

If you haven’t done so already, there are some important things to do to your home in the spring.  Any change of season time is an important time to take stock of your home and make any improvements that need to be made, and to perform any maintenance needed.  Here is a list of the most common areas you need to check come springtime.

Air Conditioner

A dirty air conditioner can cause illness, home damage, and higher energy bills.  To make sure your air conditioning unit is up to stuff, clean it out on the outside and the inside.  Inside, replace any filters and clean out registers.  For added protection, use allergen reducing filters.  Outside, unplug your outdoor condenser and use a shop vac to clear out leaves and debris.  Be extra careful not to bend the cooling fins.
 
Deck
If your house has a deck, make sure there are no water stains where the deck meets the house.  This indicates water leakage that can not only rot the wood of your deck, but also damage your foundation.  If you see any leaks, have them addressed immediately by a professional.  If your deck has only the routine moss and gunk that builds up over the winter, use a power washer to clean the deck carefully.  Do not point the nozzle too close to the wood, or you could cause the wood to splinter.  Every few years or so, reseal your deck to keep the wood intact.

Gutters

Once spring has sprung, if you’re not careful you will find a host of tiny trees growing in your gutters.  This not only causes trees to, well, grow in your gutter, but also defeats the purpose of the gutter – to siphon water away from your house.  If the water sits in the gutters it can cause the gutters to sag and break.  It can also cause the fascia of your house to rot, which compromises your roof.  Finally, any stagnant water can breed mosquitoes, so if for no other reason than to avoid those bloodsuckers, clean your gutters.

Roof

Spring weather brings a lot of rainstorms.  When big rainstorms occur, roof leaks show themselves.  Causes for leaky roofs are usually skylights or improperly sealed chimneys, but sometimes they can occur because of good old-fashioned wood rot.  Even if there is no evidence of a leak on your interior walls, go up to your attic or attic crawlspace to make sure you don’t see any water coming in.  Outside, check the siding for moisture or discoloration from old moisture.  If you can do it safely, inspect the roof itself for missing shingles, or cracked shingles.  If you have a slate roof, you should call a professional to check it, as the slates can be slippery and there is a danger of falling.  If the roof needs patching, it is also best to call a professional.  You want it to be done safely, and correctly.

Sidewalks and Driveways

Weeds can grow in cracks of concrete or asphalt sidewalks or driveways.  It is easy to fix these cracks, which occur when the concrete or asphalt expands and contracts from temperature variations.  You can usually find a patching kit at a home supply store, and you will be able to patch small cracks.  If the sidewalk or driveway has humped up because of frost heaving, you will need to call a professional to fix it.

Your home is one of your biggest investments.  Make sure you do all you can to maintain its value, its energy efficiency, and its safety.

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