Home Garden

Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Essential Dos and Don'ts for Bathroom Renovations

Are you thinking about renovating your bathroom? It’s a thrilling and gratifying endeavor that can enhance the value of your home. Nonetheless, without careful planning and execution, it’s all too easy to stumble into common pitfalls that can transform your dream renovation into a dreadful ordeal. To ensure a successful bathroom renovation, follow these essential dos and don’ts. Do Set a Realistic Budget Before starting any renovation project, it’s vital to establish a budget.


3 Benefits Of Installing Security Doors

Security is a top concern for property owners, whether they live in a residential home, run a commercial business or manage an industrial facility. One effective way to enhance building security is by installing security doors. Here are some advantages of installing security doors on your property. Enhanced Safety And Security One of the primary benefits of security doors is that they provide enhanced safety and security for buildings and their occupants.


Working From Home? Why Install Vertical Blinds In Your Home Office

If you work from home, your office space is very important. That’s why you need to install vertical blinds. You might not think that vertical blinds are important in a home office. But, that’s not the case. In fact, vertical blinds provide benefits that you need to consider. Here are four important reasons to install vertical blinds in your home office.  They Shield Your Eyes When you work from home, you need to protect your eyes from the sun’s glare.


Outdoor Pest Control: Keeping Your Lawn Pest-Free

Lawns are among the best outdoor spaces to spend your leisure time and enjoy the cool breeze outside. However, having an organic lawn comes with one top concern. Pests. Your lawn can become a pest host if you don’t take proper maintenance and preventive measures. Mosquitoes, ants, wasps, flies, rodents, worms, etc., are just a few of the pests you are likely to deal with on your lawn. Therefore, keeping your lawn pest-free should be a priority for you.


7 Do's and Don'ts of Using a Self-Storage Unit

When you need additional storage space, a self-storage unit is a convenient solution. But if you haven’t used a storage unit before, it’s easy to make a costly mistake while doing so. The following tips will help you to get the best out of your self-storage unit, while avoiding the worst mistakes. Do’s: 1. Disassemble large items whenever you can You can disassemble most large pieces of furniture. This is something you should do if possible since large pieces of furniture take up valuable storage space.


Two Tips to Follow When Choosing Internal Shutters for Your Home

Here are two tips to follow when choosing internal shutters for your home. Consider opting for café-style half-shutters for some or all of your street-facing rooms If you have rooms in your home that face a street, and you only use them during the day (such as your home office), you might want to opt for café-style half-shutters for these areas, as they only cover the lower half of a window.


Finding the Perfect Storage Unit for Your Car

Self-storage units are more than just a convenient and safe solution to keep your furniture, household belongings, and other valuables. But what if you needed a place to store the car you don’t use right now? Here’s where vehicle storage units come in. They work the same way as self-storage units, only for vehicles. And just like self-storage units, finding the ideal storage unit for your car requires careful consideration of several aspects.


Two things to keep in mind when shopping for a retractable awning

Retractable awnings are very popular with homeowners who use their outdoor spaces a lot. If you’ve decided to purchase this useful accessory for your patio, here are some things you should keep in mind. Whether you want to be able to unroll or retract it quickly You may need to think about how quickly you’d like to be able to unroll or retract the awning. For example, if you live somewhere where it often abruptly starts raining and you want to be able to continue sitting on your patio when these downpours happen, then you’ll probably need an awning that you can unroll very rapidly.


Why Shade Sails Are More Convenient Than Other Shelters

Shade sails are growing in popularity in many different places, from schoolyards to pools and so on. When compared to traditional shelters that were solid and made of metal, this might seem like a downgrade but in many ways, it actually is far more efficient. The free-flowing nature of shade sails provides unique benefits that may not be all that obvious. If you or your company is considering getting some shelter for an outdoor area, then you are probably debating between those two options.


Two Tips for Those Who Are Renovating a Big Bathroom

Even though you might appreciate the spaciousness of your home’s big bathroom, renovating a bathroom that is generously proportioned can be quite hard. Here are some tips to follow when doing your bathroom renovations. Give the bathroom a centrepiece One of the challenges of renovating a big bathroom is its current layout. Because a toilet, a bathtub, a shower and a sink don’t take up that much space and are usually attached to or placed right beside the room’s walls, you can end up with a lot of empty space in the middle.


Is Your Home Ready For Winter?

Summer in Australia never seems to last as long as the build-up, and with COVID-19 keeping many people locked indoors, it may feel like summer has passed quicker than in previous years. With winter on the horizon, it’s important to know whether you are ready for the change in weather. There are many ways you can prepare your home for winter, and some are much more effective than others. Perhaps the most effective and easy to forget way to get your home ready for winter is through ceiling insulation.


Reasons to Refurbish Your Balcony With Outdoor Awnings

Most Australian homeowners have been installing different types of outdoor awnings to cover their balconies. This allows them to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle more by keeping them cool in summer and warm in winter, among other benefits. A casual search online will show that there are many types of outdoor awnings you can install today. If you plan to refurbish your balcony space with outdoor awnings, you’re probably wondering if the investment is worth it.


Three Flowers That Are Perfect For Summer Dates, Anniversaries And Birthdays

Visiting a florist can be a bit of a mixed bag if you don’t know what you are doing, and while the intentions might be good, quite often people will buy flowers that simply don’t suit the occasion. Summer is a time where most Australians enjoy being outside in the beauty of nature and seeing all of the beautiful trees, saplings and yes, flowers, blooming. That makes it extra important to choose the right flower for those summery occasions, but what should you be looking for?


Advantages of Engineered Stone Benchtops

When renovating a kitchen, you need to pick a benchtop material that complements your kitchen, while being easy and no-fuss in terms of care. One option that fulfils both of these ends, as well as providing other benefits, is engineered stone. Because you’ll have a range of other components to purchase when remodelling, it’s a good idea to source your counter from a kitchen wholesale outlet to get the best deal — you can then splash out on extra items.


Working With an Architecture Firm: A Guide

If you are planning to construct a new building on your property, you may be wondering about what to expect when you hire a team of architects. This article will guide you through the process of working with an architect. Read on to find out more. The Initial Meeting When you contact an architecture firm, they will invite you in for an initial meeting. The purpose of this interview is to allow you and the architect to explore the project you have in mind and the services which the firm can offer you.


Creating the Perfect Hampton-Style Kitchen

One of the most popular trends in homes these days is the Hampton-style kitchen. This unique style originated from an area called the Hamptons on Long Island in the famous city of New York. This style is characterised by its unique, elegant style that seems both refined and luxurious whilst at the same time being relaxed and casual. More and more people are using this style in various parts of their homes, including their living room, bedrooms and kitchens.


Choosing the Right Window Treatment Option for You

With so many window treatment options available on the market, it can be difficult to know exactly which treatment will work best for you. There are certain factors that you should consider when choosing between different types of window treatments. Curtains and roller blinds are among the most commonly used window treatments in today’s homes. How do you determine which of the two options is best? Here are a few tips.


How To Make Moving Electronics Easy And Stress-Free

Packing everything for a move can be a real challenge, and one of the hardest parts of packing is safely packing your electronic devices. By following the three tips below, you can make transporting your TVs, computers, consoles and tablets as easy as possible. Wrap Your Devices Securely Wrapping your electronics securely and safely is one of the key ways to make sure they reach your new home intact. Carefully dismantle and dismount your electronics and then wrap them carefully in some type of padding.


Top Features You Should Look For In a Security Door

Security doors are an essential element in any home. Other than protecting your home from prying eyes, animals and harsh weather elements, they keep burglars and intruders away. For this reason, it’s essential to replace your basic doors with security screens doors or other forms of security doors. Currently, the market offers different forms of security doors, and finding the ideal door may be challenging. However, when you know the features that you should look for in your security doors, it shouldn’t be challenging to find the doors you need.


Renovating Your Vacation Rentals? Here's Why You Should Install Stainless Steel Balustrades

When you’re renovating your vacation rentals to increase clients, you should target low-cost installations that will add value to the property. Adding value means they increase safety, maximise usability and make the rentals accessible to all people, including ones living with disabilities. One such feature is a balustrade system. However, not just any balustrade system will cut it. Stainless steel is one of the best options, and here are a few reasons why.


Cleaning Your Carpet: Steam Versus Dry Cleaning Techniques

Carpets are essential additions to your space. It doesn’t matter if you want them at home or a commercial space; they will still serve you efficiently. Carpets beautify your floor and add comfort to every living space. Without them, you have to deal with a hard, cold floor every time you are in the house. Maintaining your carpet goes a long way to ensure that it serves you well and lasts as long as you would like.


Practical Tips to Get Rid Of Pests from Your House

Pests are common in many households. In fact, almost every homeowner in Australia has had to deal with pests at some point in their lives. The typical household pests include rodents, insects, fruit flies, cockroaches and bed bugs. All the pests are annoying and can make your indoor environment quite uncomfortable. Luckily, you can get rid of them use the following straightforward tips: 1.  Understand the type of pests in your house.


Explore the Benefits of Remodelling Your Bathroom

The bathroom is one of the focal points of the house. It provides a peaceful environment for you to relax and unwind after a busy day. If your bathroom is old or you no longer find it comfortable, upgrade it with bathroom renovations. Here are the top reasons why you should not hesitate to renovate it. 1. Improve safety The bathroom floors or tiles get slippery with time due to extended exposure to water and soap.


Are Roman blinds environmentally friendly?

Roman blinds are fabric-based blinds that are designed to pleat when raised. Their traditional look and flexibility make them a popular choice in many homes. However, you may also be worrying about your carbon footprint while decorating your home. Here are some of the reasons why Roman blinds can be an environmentally-friendly option. Fabric Unlike some other types of blind, Roman blinds are made of fabric rather than harmful plastics. You can choose to have the blinds made from sustainable fabrics such as hemp, wool, linen or organic cotton, which will help to reduce your carbon footprint.


Five Decorative Homewares That Could Brighten Up Your Home This Summer

Each new season in Australia brings with it a different set of themes and expectations when it comes to decorating your home. To fully embrace the season and make your house a home that people love to visit is a challenge that only you can know how to complete. However, there are some tools that you can use to help accomplish your look that you may have overlooked in the past.


Five things to consider when choosing a security door

A security door can do a lot to keep your home and your family safe — as long as you choose the right type. What should you consider when you buy one? How much security? If you live in a neighbourhood with a lot of crime, you may want a door that will protect you form forced break-ins. In this case, a steel door with a steel grille will be ideal.


Benefits Of A Granite Splashback In Your Kitchen

If you’re planning on a kitchen renovation, you’ll need to select materials for the various elements, including the splashback. Covering a vast expanse of wall, the splashback has a massive impact on the aesthetics of the space. One option to consider is granite. Here are just several benefits of this natural stone. Unite Benchtop And Splashback Because granite creates ideal benchtops also, you can spread the same surface across both the splashback and counter, creating a seamless transition between the two.


Potential Reasons Why Your Overlocker Sewing Machine Is Not Feeding Fabric

When your overlocker sewing machine starts acting up, it can be incredibly frustrating. But this does not mean that it is immediately time for repairs. In some cases, you may have simply overlooked some certain aspects and that is what is causing your machine to start presenting issues. And one common problem that you may face with your sewing machine is its refusal to feed fabric. Read on to learn about a few potential reasons why your overlocker sewing machine is not feeding fabric.


Design Options for a Glass Splashback

A glass splashback can be customised to complement virtually any kitchen colour scheme or design; this flexibility is one of its main benefits. But many options translate into many decisions. So here are some ideas on how to customise yours. Colouring Your Splashback One way to decorate a glass splashback is to back-paint it. You can choose from a range of colours, with matte or gloss finishes. When selecting the hue, you could turn to other elements for inspiration as repeating the colour of something else will help to unify the kitchen.


4 Reasons to Think About Adding Booth Seating to Your Kitchen

If you’re about to redesign your kitchen, you probably have plenty on your mind, but you should really stop to think about adding booth seating. Booths offer a table, a few chairs, and bench style seating along two or three sides with a wall or work surface forming the back. They’re becoming increasingly common in kitchens, and here are just four reasons why. 1. Eliminates Dead Space The best thing about putting booth seating into your kitchen is getting the most out of your available space.


Two ways to ensure your small home can accommodate a long-term guest

If a guest will be staying in your home for quite a while (i.e. a few months) and you are concerned that, due to the small size of your home, you may struggle to accommodate them, here are some tips that you might find helpful. Put your superfluous belongings into a self storage unit before your guest arrives If there are items around your home that you only use occasionally and which you are unlikely to require during the period when your guest will be visiting, then it might be best to take these items to one of the self storage facilities in the local area and put them in a storage unit for the duration of your guest’s stay.


2 tips for those who plan to build swimming pools in their gardens

If you are planning to build a swimming pool in your garden, here are some tips that you may find helpful. 1. Have coastal shade sails fitted over the pool area If your pool will be outdoors, you should purchase some shade sails from a reputable business and have them fitted over your new pool. The reason for this is as follows; anyone who uses the pool on a hot, sunny day will be at risk of getting sunburnt (more so than if they were simply walking around outside).


Primary Factors to Have In Mind When Purchasing Blinds

If you are looking to veer away from curtains to modern window furnishings for your home, blinds are a perfect choice. Blinds come in a wide selection of colours, styles and materials, so you are assured you will find treatments that will not only match your décor but that will improve the appeal of your interiors too! However, once you decide to buy blinds for your home, it is not as simple as picking the cheapest options you come across.


Blinds vs Screens vs Shades: What Are the Differences?

When it comes to covering your windows, you have many different options. Curtains are the traditional and most common window coverings people use. However, homeowners are realising that blinds, security screens and shades are even better options for providing privacy, security and energy efficiency. Some types of window coverings, such as blinds and shades, are often used interchangeably. However, these are two different types of coverings, and each comes with its own pros and cons.


How to Have Flowers Delivered to a Hospital Patient

If you have a relative or friend who is in hospital and you don’t live close enough to visit, then you’ll want to let them know that you are thinking of them. Sending a flower arrangement is an easy way to do this. However, sending flowers into hospitals isn’t as straightforward as having flowers delivered to homes. What do you need to know before you order an arrangement? Does the Hospital Accept Flower Deliveries?


2 Ways to Embrace Colour in Your New Kitchen

After several years of neutral, minimalist palettes reigning supreme in the kitchen, there’s a return to more colourful design predicted for the coming year. If you’re not a fan of the pared-down look, then this trend for more vibrant hues is probably a welcome change. Here are two ways that you can embrace colour and zest in your upcoming kitchen renovation. 1. A colourful benchtop Kitchen benchtops serve both a functional and aesthetic purpose in the kitchen.


Two updates you should make to your home when your young child learns to walk

If you’re the parent of a young child, there are certain updates you should consider making to your property when they learn to walk, in order to minimise the chances of your son or daughter being injured when they begin wandering around your home. Continue reading to discover what these updates are. Extend the height of your deck’s railing and add extra spindles. If you have decking on your property and your child has recently mastered the art of walking, you should definitely make a few changes to this feature as soon as possible.


3 Ways You Can Create The Ultimate Island Bench In Your New Kitchen

These days, there is a huge variety of different styles and materials available for kitchen design. Kitchens are now considered the centre of home, and they’re normally a key feature of modern, open-plan living spaces. One of the main focal points of this type of kitchen is the island bench. However, not all island benches are created equally. As the central point of the kitchen and the link between the kitchen, dining and living spaces, island benches are often undervalued in their importance.


Two Ways to Make a Small, Gloomy Home Look Bright and Spacious

If you’re frustrated by how cramped and gloomy your home looks, here are some steps you can take to rectify this problem. Replace a small window on the ground floor with a set of French doors One very effective way to make a small, dark house look brighter and more spacious is to replace one of the small windows on the ground floor with a set of French doors. There are two reasons why you should consider doing this.


Torn Between a Leather and Fabric Sofa?

Your friends or relatives may have chipped in their thoughts on leather and fabric sofas, but you may be still stuck with the decision. Note a few things that will make it easy for you to choose between a leather and fabric sofa based on your lifestyle. Your Home Design/ Aesthetic The first thing you need to figure out is if your home aesthetic suits leather or fabric sofas. This will help shortlist your options.


Guide to Troubleshooting 3 Potential Retractable Awning Problems

If you want to create a comfortable space outdoors for entraining guests or just to enjoy some solitude outside, then installing an awning is an excellent idea. But instead of choosing a stationary awning, you may want to choose the retractable variety due to the myriad of advantages they provide, particularly the enhanced control you have over the degree of shade that you need. Nevertheless, as with all motorised appliances, retractable awnings can develop issues that can make it challenging to enjoy your time outdoors, shaded from the scorching sun rays.


Two Tips for Busy People Who Are Struggling to Look After Their Homes

If you are an extremely busy person and, as a result of this, are struggling to look after your home, you might find the following tips to be quite useful. Buy a leaf guard for your home’s gutter system One task that is on every homeowner’s to-do list after autumn arrives is cleaning out their property’s gutters. This is a laborious but important chore that helps to ensure that your home’s gutter system remains functional during bouts of wet weather.


The Pros and Cons of Cut-to-size Blinds

Finding a blind to fit an oddly-shaped window isn’t always easy. You can end up with a blind that is too narrow or wide for the window’s width or one that is too short or long for the drop. If you want an exact fit, buying a cut-to-size blind is an option. Here, you buy a blind that is too large for the space. You then cut it down to make it fit.


Why Should You Choose a Fitted Corner Wardrobe for Your Bedroom

Most people need plenty of bedroom storage to fit all their clothes and other bits and pieces, which is why there are so many great storage solutions available for the modern homeowner. For example, how about the corner wardrobe? These can be fitted around the dimensions of your space to fit into a corner instead of having to stand directly against a wall, and they come with a number of attractive benefits.


3 Tips for Maintaining Your Glass Shower Screens

Installing a glass shower screen can add beauty to your bathroom. However, most people avoid installing these shower screens because they do not know how to maintain them. If you learn these cleaning tips, you will ensure that your glass screen is always clean. The following are some of the maintenance tips that will help you out. Regular Cleaning It is important that you clean your glass screen on a regular basis.