In highly urbanized cities like New York, London, HongKong and Tokyo, people are living in a small apartment or in condo units, which used to be a sanctuary. Right now, because of this lockdown, it is a challenge to stay indoors and work from home. Being isolated in a confined space, nonetheless, can make you go “crazy.” If only you were in the suburbs of the Philippines wherein you can bask in the sweetness of your space at home… At this time, you are left to suck it up.
Going to the 2019 Interior Design Expo is one of the best decisions that I have had so far. As someone who loves designing spaces, big or small, I always want to attend events where I can see innovations in my field. Think of it as our version of a Science Fair—booths spread out in the hall, filled with curious guests.
Among the things I have seen in the said expo, I cannot forget the interior design apps. There are far too many of them at this point; some are free while others ask for an annual price. I never got to use one until that point, though, but I saw their appeal at once.
Here are the benefits of using interior design apps.
Clients Can Envision What They Want
The primary perk of downloading such applications is that they come with features found in a real house. You also get a variety of each furniture, which boosts your imagination. Some apps even offer a three-dimensional view of the room so that you can envision it well.
Designers Can Narrow Down Clients’ Choices
When clients consult for interior design counseling, a lot of interior designers tend to use apps like Houzz during the initial talks with a client. The reason is that they have realistic items that you can move around a specific room. This way, there is no need for both to go out and look for furniture or design inspirations.
Source: rawpixel.com
Clients May Be Able To DIY It
You can get apps that will allow you to become an impromptu interior designer. They cost a little more than average because of the coolness of its features. However, you can unlock design tools that can make your home appear as if a professional has done it.
Final Thoughts
What I love most about this field is the sense of fluidity that interior design offers. Every person has a unique taste when it comes to living spaces, so there is always room for creativity. With such technological innovations, it gives more people a chance to tap into their creative sides and design their dream homes.
Feel free to try interior design apps today!
Are you aware that there are two kinds of homeowners? The first one enjoys hosting guests, which is why she loves it when a friend or a colleague comes over. On the other hand, the second one is the type of person who hates taking in visitors over the weekends. If you belong to the first category, then be sure to read this article from start to finish.
Keep in mind that today’s post is focused on the top ways that every homeowner like you can do to see to it that your house is guest-ready. Take note that just because you want people to visit you does not mean that you can chill out and wait for them to come over. Always put in mind that you must exert some efforts to see to it that when they come to your place, they will love everything they can see or experience. Here are the things that you can do:
Use The Right Lights
Source: forbes.com
Are you aware that choosing the lights to install in the different areas of your house is an essential matter that you must prioritize? You cannot just randomly select a light bulb and color without taking into consideration some significant factors. An excellent interior designer would tell you that bright lights are ideal for living rooms, while dark lights are best for dining areas. When you choose the correct light, your guest will instantly be in a good mood once he enters the first door. The lighting can affect his mood.
Avoid Being A Showoff
What is your motivation for wanting people to visit your house? Do you enjoy their company, or is it your goal to show off your stuff? Take note that no one likes to be around someone who is too boastful. As such, you need to see to it that you will present your house to others in such a great way that you will not appear as a showoff individual. Avoid trying too hard to give your guests the perfect experience in your place because it can lead to severe problems or troubles. Instead, try to act natural when they are around. When it comes to choosing home decors, look for something simple yet elegant.
Source: pixabay.com
Install Hidden Cameras
Whether you like it or not, the truth is that you may need to install some hidden cameras in your house if you intend to invite people all the time. Remember that your family’s safety must be your number one consideration. If tons of individuals will come and go to your house, then you are exposing your vulnerability to them. If you want to protect yourself and your family, place a hidden camera so that you have a recording for everything that takes place in your house. It will come in handy if something goes wrong or an unfortunate event happens.
Do not forget to be accommodating and friendly when it comes to entertaining all kinds of persons who will come to your place.
Are you aware that the look and feel of your house has a big effect on the mental health of everyone living therein? According to a recent study in the field of psychology, people who live in a pleasant home with a happy family are more likely to feel better about their lives. This is why a pleasant and relaxing home can be beneficial for someone suffering from depression or anxiety for it can help in validating and fixing teenage depression. They are the ones who are always inspired and motivated. On the other hand, the individuals who reside in a topsy-turvy or messy place have a high likelihood of acting indifferent towards the people surrounding them.
This information tells us one thing, and it is the fact that every homeowner like you must pay attention to improving your home’s aesthetic. As much as possible, focus on the various ways on how you can create a wonderful look for your house. Once you do, there is a great or high possibility that everyone in your family will become happier and can experience improved mood. If money is not an issue, you can opt for interior design counseling. Here are the essential things that you can do to improve the look or aesthetic of your house:
Change The Wall Paint
When was the last time you changed the color of your wall? Do you think it is time to introduce a significant improvement in your house? If yes, then changing the wall paint color is a great idea that you must do as soon as possible. You will be surprised at how everyone in your family is going to love the change in color. However, it is best to be careful when it comes to selecting the shade for your wall paint. Be sure that you go for something trendy and can have a soothing effect.
Throw Away Old Stuff
How many worthless items are in your house? Do you see yourself as a packrat where you keep everything even if it no longer has value? If you answered yes to these, then be sure to consider going through a general cleaning activity. All you must do is start throwing away old stuff. The first step is to think of at least twenty items that you haven’t used for the past year. Once you gather them all, try to check the purpose of each thing and determine if you still need them or not. If it is the latter, then the best choice is to give it away.
Source: pixabay.com
Buy A New Furniture
Another grand gesture that you can do to improve the look of your place is to buy brand new furniture for the living room or the kitchen area. However, be sure that you have enough money before you invest in this matter. Take note that the furniture can be expensive. If you do not have the budget, do not worry because you can always go for DIY projects. Keep in mind that this great suggestion is only ideal if you have furniture that is at least five years old, and the weariness of the item is apparent already. Look for the best-selling and latest furniture available in the best home shops in your town or city.
If there is one thing that every homeowner needs to understand, it is the fact that renovating one’s property is inevitable. Keep in mind that if you want to maintain the cleanliness and greatness of your house, it is imperative on your part to introduce significant renovations when you have a budget. Remember that doing this thing can be expensive, which is why it must only enter your mind if you have extra cash to spare for the materials and the labor.
Before anything else, we want to emphasize that home renovation is an investment instead of an expense. When you renovate an area of your house or introduce a major improvement, you are also increasing the value of your property. At the same time, you are giving everyone in your family a chance to enjoy a brand new environment that can be good for their mental wellness. Below are the things to keep in mind for your home renovation:
Source: pixabay.com
Look For An Architect
If the improvements that you are going to introduce to the property are major or substantial, be sure that you will hire an architect to create a plan for you. Keep in mind that you cannot do it on your own. Otherwise, there will be some structural problems in your renovation project. It may lead to higher costs and can pose a greater danger to everyone in your family. Be sure to work only with a licensed professional to ensure that you are in safe hands.
Source: pixabay.com
Set Aside A Budget
As already mentioned above, renovating a house can be expensive on your part. As such, you must have the right amount of cash to pay for all the possible expenses. Set aside a budget for the project so that you will not end up borrowing from other people to pay for the fees of the renovation. As much as possible, be financially independent before you take on a major project. Otherwise, it may be the reason why you will be covered in debt.
Source: pixabay.com
Ask For Opinion
You may become too excited when it comes to renovating your house. As a result, you may become indifferent to the opinions or suggestions of other people. It is a wrong approach because the right thing to do is to inquire for ideas from your family members. Let your husband or spouse know that you are interested to hear his suggestions on how to improve your house. Do not prevent him from speaking up just because he has different tastes and preferences from you. Keep in mind that you are not the only person who will occupy the said property.
Renovating a wonderful house is not an easy thing to do. Aside from the budget, you must also think of the execution of the plan that you have in mind. Nonetheless, it does not mean that you will just let the stress prevent you from enjoying the journey. As much as possible, enjoy the opportunity to improve your house.
There are tons of essential things that you must keep in mind when it comes to buying a property. Make sure that you will consider several things before you spend your cash for any real property investment. Keep in mind failure to think twice before taking action can lead to several mistakes and errors. Because of this, you must see to it that you will do whatever it takes to protect your investments. In today’s article, we are going to share the tips to keep in mind when you are buying a property for the first time.
Deal With A Legitimate Broker
Take note that it is imperative to look for the right licensed real estate broker who can facilitate the purchase that you want to make. As much as possible, look for a professional that you can trust. Remember that buying a property means taking out a big chunk of money from your savings. Unfortunately, if you deal with a wrong broker, there is a tendency that you will encounter issues or problems. Because of this, you have to find someone reliable.
Source: pixabay.com
Double Check The Property
Another thing that you have to keep in mind is the reality that there are different kinds of homeowners. Some of these individuals are attentive to the look and security of their properties. On the other hand, there are also those who do not know how to take good care of their residence. Because of this, you must find a way to double-check the different areas of the house that you are going to buy. Make sure that you will inspect every room and corner to ensure that there are no significant issues with the property.
Think About Financing
Keep in mind that there are various options available on how you are going to settle the payment for your house. If you think that you have extra cash to spare for investments, then be sure to pay in cash. The best advantage of doing this is that you can save more on the costs of buying the property. Several homeowners sell their properties at low prices if they are paid in full. However, if you do not have the right amount of savings to pay for the full cost, do not worry. You can always try to avail of financing arrangements from several banks.
Source: pixabay.com
Inquire About The Reason For Selling
You must also see to it that you know how to inquire about the real reason why the previous owners decided to sell their property to an interested buyer like you. Is there something wrong with the house? How long has it been since they lived in the said residence? Did something terrible happen that forced them to sell it? These are the questions that you must be able to ask your realtor. Keep in mind that being curious about these matters is important. Remember that investing in a property is not something that you can decide overnight. There are tons of factors that you must balance to ensure that you can make the right choice.
Decorating a house, regardless of how big it is, tend to stress out homeowners, to the extent that you may want to ask a psychologist on how your mind can relax. You have to think of what colors to use in every wall and what curtains will go with them, for one. You need to decide on the type of furniture can go with them and how much you should spend on everything. On top of that, there may be decorations that will require you to stand on something to reach the ceiling or other high areas.
With all honesty, this aspect of your life will become more splendid once you have the best collapsible ladder on hand. In case you wonder about what the most appropriate one is for your needs, here are the top 3 steps in the market.
Xtend & Climb 785P Aluminum Telescoping Ladder Type I Professional Series, 15.5-Foot
Although space is not scarce in the rural villages, a wise homeowner does not want a high ladder lounging in the garage or leaning on one side of the wall once no longer in use. Aside from it can harm the beauty of the landscape, the tool can also take up a bit more room that should have been a clean area. Thus, the telescoping ladder that Xtend & Climb offers is excellent to have.
Advantages
First off, the entire equipment only weighs 36 pounds, thanks to the aluminum that composes most of it. This alloy can last longer than any metallic material before neither water nor air can chemically change its composition and make it rustic or brittle. It is fantastic as well that such an aluminum comes from the aerospace engineered variety, so its quality is very high.
Every rung will not move either unless the user pinches their respective buttons. It ensures that when you are atop the ladder, you will not be worrying that it may collapse, and then you find yourself on the floor.
Its weight capacity is remarkable, as well. The maximum scale it can hold is 250 pounds; that’s why even if you are on or near this limit, you can still climb this ladder.
Source: mountpleasantgranary.net
Disadvantages
The safety measures imposed by the brand mean that it was challenging to elongate or retract the ladder if the person does not use enough force to click the release buttons. The trick that someone consumers need to do to make the process easier is to move it horizontally first so that pushing the closure system gets stress-free.
The Oshion Telescoping Extension Ladder suits the people who always need to work on a roof, a tree, or anything that is over 10 feet in height. Especially if it is for business purposes, the person cannot ask the client to provide this particular tool since the latter also has the right to expect that they have the necessary apparatuses for the job.
Advantages
The ultimate reason why it can be the best collapsible ladder for you is that 16 and ½ feet are not easy to reach if there is not a long and stable device on hand. Nevertheless, this height will not become an issue once you obtain the Oshion telescoping ladder.
It is already nice that the product extends and reverts to its original state whenever the individual presses the thumb buttons on both sides of each step. But the fact that it can fold in half to form a shape that resembles the letter A increases the value it provides, as this entails that the ladder is useful indoors as well.
A lot of customers want the tool in their shed too because of its significant level of stability that individuals of all sizes can enjoy. Whether you weigh 100 or 330 pounds, you are free to utilize this ladder and do not need to continually think that its legs will eventually give out and topple over you.
Disadvantages
The downside of it being able to handle that much weight is that the apparatus is more massive than average. However, this is one disadvantage that many people are excellent to deal with as well, mainly if it entails their security.
Source: flickr.com
Telesteps 1800EP OSHA Compliant 18 ft Professional Extension Ladder
When your house has two or three floors, it may be hard to clean the windows upstairs or repaint the roof every time if all you have is a wobbly stepladder that has a fixed length. In case you are not a tall person, the only way you can get up there is if you stand on your toes or hang on to the ledge, which is downright scary. Because of this, you should purchase the Telesteps 1800EP Professional Extension Ladder.
Advantages
This equipment does not weigh as much as the other ladders, yet it is still one of the sturdiest you can ever find. It is due to the alloy material used to create it that is both rust-free and lightweight. Aluminum is a practical choice when crafting a tool similar to this that gets often utilized inside or outside the residence, as it is not impossible for it to get rained on at times.
The steps give assurances as well that you will not slide down an ugly fall since one end of it curves upward, and so you can feel when your foot is near the edge. The size of each rung allows people with larger feet to confidently stand on it too.
The user’s safety matters for Telesteps because instead of natural rubber, the pivoting feet of the ladder got made from pure silicone. What is likable about this material is that it does not immediately tear and can withstand extreme temperature and pressure.
Disadvantages
Because of the lengthiness of the product, retracting it is not easy.
In Conclusion
Any of these ladders can be a great decorating tool to have. The deciding factor may rely heavily on the measurement you want. It is advisable to get accessories such as ladder standoff and leveler so that you can securely work on high walls and the staircases, respectively.
There is a common preconception that our homes are a safe place where we could reflect on how our day went and be happy. Some therapist even says that there is a correlation between your mood and emotions with the design and layout of your rooms. They can promote an individual’s well-being and mental health. They can also boost your creativity and improve your focus.
Because of this, more and more studies are being done to determine the designs that suit your current need. According to asurvey that was published in A Journal of the Association for Psychological Science back in 2015, rooms can elicit strong tangible emotions to people. For instance, almost all the respondents noted the importance of having a welcoming living room and a master bedroom that gives off a sense of romance.
Factors To Consider
Several interior designing tips can be seen all over the web, but we gathered up a list of these factors that are also highly suggested by therapists and summarized them here:
Color
You have probably heard someone say: “I am feeling blue today.” at least once in your whole life. Maybe you are wondering why people would say such a thing, but nothing is wrong with that statement.
Blue is another term used whenever someone is feeling down or disappointed at a particular moment in time. Hence, it can represent the emotion of sadness. Just like the color blue, other colors also give off different meanings. However, when it comes to designing your own space, these colors may also elicit mixed feelings not necessarily related to what they represent to the people in a given room.
For instance, several BetterHelp therapists suggest using light colors such as green or blue for their walls. These colors are soothing and cool to the eyes and make people feel more relaxed, especially during difficult and stressful times. Similarly, warmer shades of yellow and orange can give off a sense of relaxation and boost creativity. However, people should be wary of using the color red in their workspace. Although minimal amounts of red in a room raises a person’s energy, it can increase episodes of anxiety attacks when used immensely.
Source: pxhere.com
Furniture
The furniture you have in your room also significantly helps in improving your overall well-being. Adding nature-related items such as plants hasproven to be beneficial to your mental health. Having an excellent view of landscapes or access to gardens may also leave you with positive feelings. Because of this, people prefer using wood than glass or chrome. However, only45% of a room should be covered with wood because if it goes beyond that, it can make people feel uncomfortable.
Natural Light
When designing your own space, having access to natural light is highly recommended for a healthy workspace. It allows the room to look bright and to feel welcoming and open. It promotes serenity and peace.
Source: flickr.com
For instance, astudy studied the effect of having natural light in an office on the performance of the workers. It showed that the participants who were subjects to more natural light performed significantly better than their other coworkers. In addition to this, they also outperformed those who only had access to artificial light. They showed an increased vitality and sleep quality. On a similar note, anotherstudy proved that having an ample amount of natural light in the workspace increased the sales of the company, indicating its importance to human performance.
Size And Space
Although often neglected, the quantity and amount of space in your room also has a significant influence on your mood. For instance, a study showed that ceiling height plays a vital role in creating a safe and healthy space. It concluded that people might feel confined if the ceiling height of a room is low, but may feel a sense of freedom in rooms with taller ceilings. Hence, taller ceilings can help people be more creative, focused, and free. On a similar note, places with less space may also make a person feel trapped. That feeling creates stress. Thus, having a bigger and more spacious room could help in improving their focus and mental health.
Source: flickr.com
Things To Avoid
There are also several things that you shouldavoid to promote your overall well-being.
Closed And Low Ceiling
Do not design your room in such a way that you would feel confined because it could hinder your focus and creativity. Instead, consider a spacious room with tall ceilings.
Clutter
Prevent clutter in your room and keep it organized so that it could elicit calmness and orderliness in your life.
Trigger
Prevent having things that you associate with sadness or violence as they could as a trigger and further promote negative feelings. Instead, put objects that make you happy.
If you have your place already or deciding to get your own, you can try designing your space by applying the tips from this article.
In this world, there are a few people who wish to stay alone or with their family in a condominium or apartment complex within the metro. Despite the limitedness of both the living and parking spaces, they believe that more opportunities will open up for them there. Thus, these folks only think of leaving the congested city once they can already afford the mortgages that come with purchasing a house and lot in a decent area.
Source: geograph.org.uk
Considering you have achieved the latter, then congratulations are in order. You may now build your dream home and possibly not work your fingers to the bone to ensure that there’s a roof above your head. Nevertheless, if there’s still enough space in your property, you should build a multilevel garage in it.
Below are the benefits of doing so.
1. You Can Create A Guest Room
When you hail from a large clan, it should no longer shock you if various relatives ask whether they can visit your place almost every month. They may be cousins who are looking for work in the same city or grandparents from the other side of the coast. That is especially true once they find out that you have enough room in your new home.
The thing is, it is undoubtedly rude to turn them away or say that they should sleep in a hotel. In case they cannot fit in your house, it seems wise to add another level to your regular shed. The room on the second floor can be a makeshift guest room, and you can try to make it as homey as possible. This way, none of your relatives will think that you are a snob when they come to your area.
Source: unsplash.com
2. You May Build An Office
Because of the growing number of individuals who post vlogs on YouTube or do freelance stuff, a lot of people do not need to leave the house to make money. Everything they need to do their work is already at home. Even the payments can take place from one bank to another. However, it does not entail that they will not get bored by only seeing the four corners of their room every day.
Because of that, it matters to have two layers of car shed. You will be able to keep your car at the first level, and then build an office on top. Even if the garage is in your backyard, you can still think of it as a real workplace since it is outside of your house.
3. It Can Have A Built-In Studio
Whether you are a dancer, musician, painter, or singer, you undeniably need a room all to yourself to exercise your craft. We have established above that it may be bothersome to keep on practicing your profession at home. That might cause you to lose your passion for what you love.
Source: flickr.com
To avoid that, it is better to make a multilevel garage. The empty upper level can become your studio where you may practice without anyone else bothering you. Depending on the garage’s size, you may even manage to accommodate students or offer free lessons to neighbors and other folks in town. It can serve as another source of income for you too, which is not a bad thing at all.
4. You Can Turn It Into A Storage Space
Building a garage will give you a chance to avoid storing empty boxes, seasonal décor and clothes, floor polishers, and other large objects that you have occasional use for inside the house. It is quite typical for homeowners with lots of possessions to put such items in a guest room if the basement isn’t enough to hold everything. When visitors come, therefore, they usually have to sleep on the couch because there’s no more room available.
Once you have a multilevel garage, though, things may be in more excellent order. You can move every item you don’t always use on its second floor. Aside from that, you may decorate it and turn the space into a full-sized closet. That will prevent your future guests from having to sleep on a chair or a mattress on the floor.
Source: maxpixel.net
5. It’s Okay To Set It Away From The House
Although the typical homes in the United States have a garage attached to them, this kind of setup decreases the expanse of space that the homeowners can turn into another bedroom or a bigger kitchen. That is why those who have enough room in the property opt to build at least a 30×40 garage with loft a little farther from the main house.
The benefit of making it happen is that the visitors can maintain privacy even when staying at your place. Similarly, they cannot bother you as well.
6. It Generates An Interesting Vibe
Multilevel sheds are incredibly unique, in the sense that not many homeowners think of doing that. Your garage can look more interesting when you allow the contractors to turn it into something like a small house that is complete with windows, stairs, and many more. That can attract your colleagues and family members to visit you often.
Source: pixabay.com
To Sum Things Up
Building a multi-story garage comes with more benefits than you can ever imagine. It is not as common as extending the house – that is correct – but it may be more practical than merely creating a shed. After all, you will be using vertical space, and the uncovered ground can become an area for parties and other family events.
Think about it when you buy a property. Good luck!
