4 Things You Should Replace When Redecorating Your Home

When it comes to money, it is imperative to protect your investments to get better returns. Your home as a whole is a major investment, and however much money you bother to put in towards maintaining or renovating determines how much you can benefit from your home. Taking better care of your home improves your living situation and ensures maximum functionality.

As a result, your home requires constant attention to ensure everything runs smoothly. Home improvements or repairs provide optimum home efficiency and avoid significant issues. Home decoration allows you to get the most from your home and increases its value.

Determine the fixtures that need replacement when giving your home a makeover. Here are some replacements that you should put in mind.

Plumbing Fixtures

You may consider installing bathroom or kitchen fixtures in your home decoration efforts. However, adding a modern and stylish bathtub or kitchen counter is useless without fixing the plumbing. Plumbing issues can heavily undermine your kitchen and bathroom decoration forcing you to undo all your work.

Consider replacing some plumbing fixtures such as pipes, faucets, and taps for better results. Check for any broken pipes or valves to ensure your new additions work efficiently and improve your living conditions.

Furniture

A home decoration project is not complete without furniture to complement the new look. Home furniture improves the overall décor and creates a unique interior appeal. A new bed with a modern or rustic design accompanied by something like an AH beard mattress may also work wonders for your bedroom décor. Consider replacing the old sofas with new units and a coffee table to accompany the design in your living area.

Lighting

Lighting decorations brighten your room and bring the best out of your interior design. Focus on replacing your lighting fixtures and go for more modern and trendy designs. Look for installations that enhance the room’s lighting condition.

Replace any old bulbs with energy-efficient options to help brighten the room. You can also consider a chandelier if you are looking for an alternative to make your house sunny and classy. Install new switches and replace the wiring to avoid electrical issues that pose a potential fire hazard.

Roofing Tiles and Shingles

Although it may be a costly venture, roof replacement may complement your home design and exterior outlook. Replacing your roof improves the home’s aesthetic appeal and creates a better first impression. Check for broken or missing shingles that may compromise the roof’s functionality and overall structural integrity.

When replacing your roof, consider a different approach and go for a better design. Also, choose a roofing material that not only improves the home design but also promises durability.

When picturing your home with a new aesthetic, you’re free to do whatever you want. Afterall, it’s your home that you paid for and put the time in to maintain. However, there are a few key areas that can easily help you instantly bump up the value and appeal of how your home looks now, you just have to be willing to try new things. This way, you can plan a home decoration that increases home comfort, value and introduces a modern aesthetic.

4 Ways to Rid Your Home of Unwanted Pests

Pests are a nightmare for homeowners. These unwanted visitors can leave your floors unswept, cause foul odors to emanate from inside the house, and even damage your furniture! If you have an infestation of pests in your home, then these are 4 steps that you can take to rid yourself of these creatures. Sometimes they are easy to get rid of, but other times the problem persists.

Clean up all food and water sources:

Get rid of any food that has been sitting in the pantry and start fresh. Insects and bugs love these items, so by getting rid of them you're taking away their place to reside. Also, be sure to clean up all kitchen messes immediately after completing a meal! This can include dirty dishes or trash left outside overnight.

You should also take care not to leave water sources such as stagnant pools around your home because this provides insects with an environment where they can thrive without worrying about predators attacking them.

Seal off any entry points into your house

Most insects and bugs enter your home through entry points such as doors, windows, etc. If you don't seal these entrances then they will just continue to find a way inside. So make sure that you check all areas where there may be holes in the foundation of your house or any cracks around doorways/windowsills. You can also caulk up small gaps with putty if it seems like an easy fix for now until you have time to do a more permanent solution later on.

Caulk is great because not only does it block off unwanted pests from entering your home but it's relatively inexpensive and very simple to install! It comes in handy tubes which are disposable once used up so cleanup is pretty easy too!

Use natural ingredients like peppermint oil or lavender oil to repel bugs and insects

If you want to get rid of pests quickly and easily then using natural ingredients like peppermint oil or lavender oil can be a great way to do it. These scents naturally repel bugs and insects so they will leave your home alone if they smell them! You can find these oils at most health food stores, which makes the process even easier because there's no need for you to go out searching elsewhere. All that needs to be done is add a few drops into whatever fragrance diffuser that you have in your house and voila: pest-free living.

Peppermint essential oil has been known by many cultures for centuries as an effective bug repellent. Some people take advantage of this

Keep garbage cans tightly sealed

Keeping your garbage cans tightly sealed is extremely important for keeping pests out of your home. Many insects are scavengers who search for food scraps to eat, but if you have a tight-fitting lid on top then they'll go elsewhere. This can be quite easy to do especially with newer trashcans that come equipped with the option of having the lids attached.

Pests are a nightmare for homeowners. These unwanted visitors can leave your floors unswept, cause foul odors to emanate from inside the house, and even damage your furniture. If you have an infestation of pests in your home, companies specializing in pest control, for example, companies such as The Mosquito Masters, can help you to get rid of these creatures.

Guest Post - 8 Conversation Starter Pieces for Your Luxury Home

There's no better testament to your hard work than a home that's both cozy and stylish. Having such a property allows you peace of mind. You have a tangible asset that earns you good money each year you hold onto it. And come the time you decide to resell to either upgrade or downgrade, you will be raking in a considerable profit.

On top of financial prospects linked to luxury property ownership is its most basic advantage—having a place to come home to. You can raise your own family in comfort and safety. Plus, you can invite loved ones every time there's something to celebrate. Or, even if there's nothing specific to celebrate, you can welcome guests just for the sake of, well, getting together.

To make those get-togethers even more interesting, make sure your home is equipped with interior design pieces that are sure to prompt inspired conversations. Here are some must-have conversation starters.

1. Coffee table book

A coffee table book in the most prominent spot of your living room will be a nice ice breaker. Have reading materials that capture your interests. Whether those include books and magazines on cars and culture, or travel and technology, the key is to let your unique personality shine. If you share the same proclivities as your guests, conversations are bound to progress organically.

Make sure to pick a coffee table book that's nice to look at in itself, too. Something made of authentic hardwood will be a stand-out. Think reddish-brown mahogany, which grows darker with age.

2. Pop-culture inspired decors

Are you a lover of pop culture? Star Wars, for instance? Then, you can't go wrong with a Kenneth Cobonpue piece from the artist's Star Wars collection. Or better yet, collect them all. Profess your love of George Lucas's brainchild without restraint.

The collection boasts four chairs that look like they're taken straight from galaxies far away. There are cool accessories to be had, too, including the Little Jedi Hanging Lamp and a Chewbacca-inspired rocking stool. If these interior design pieces don't get your guests talking, perhaps you need a new set of friends who share the same love you have for Star Wars.

Of course, you don't have to limit yourself to these. There are also display kits and collectibles that will express your love for all things popular.

3. Home automation devices

With home automation devices, your options run the gamut. For example, there are smart curtains—you can set the time for when they close or open. In the morning, you won't have to draw your curtains manually to greet the sun. At night, you can go straight to bed without worrying about whether those curtains have been shut.

So that you can sleep even better, why not get your door locks automated, too? Some door locks come with an app from where you can monitor your home even when you're miles away. Surely, your friends will admire your high-tech abode.

4. Original paintings

You don't need a degree in art studies to appreciate a good painting. And you don't have to be an expert in art history to own original paintings. If you got the money and spacious walls to boot, feel free to take home a masterpiece from your favorite artist.

No, you don't have to splurge your life savings on a Picasso. You can start with modest goals. For example, patronize a local artist. You'll never know if the painting you buy today will end up ballooning in value in a decade because the artist you supported ended up being hailed as this generation's Monet.

Plus, those paintings can evoke thoughts and emotions from your guests that are enough to inspire lovely conversations about arts and culture in general.

5. Burlwood dining table

Burlwood is not a type of wood—it's more of a condition that can happen to any kind of wood. Suffice to say, burlwood comes from a tree that has a burl, which results from an unsprouted bud tissue. Burlwood has character. It's quite fitting for a luxury home because it's rare and, of course, pretty.

A dining table made from burl wood will help create an elegant dining room that will mesmerize your guests. As you share a fancy and protracted 12-course dinner, you'll have one interesting subject to talk about—what is burlwood?

6. High-end ladder

You've probably seen this piece of interior decor from the feed of Insta-famous influencers in the interior design niche. These ladders usually serve as a room accent, but they also host all sorts of design pieces, from handwoven rugs to travel pictures. Yes, you can get creative with your ladder. And the more creative you get, the more likely it is for your guests to take notice.

Of course, there's no stopping you from using your decor ladder as a functional tool, too. Have something to retrieve from the kitchen cabinet? Get that ladder working.

7. Persian rugs

Authentic Persian rugs are expensive. That owes to how difficult they are to make and, of course, to the cultural and historical weight associated with them. Expect to shell out at least a thousand dollars for a quality Persian rug with a 300-knot count. The higher the knot count, the more expensive it is.

However, that's an investment worth making. Your guests will realize they're onto something special, quite literally, as soon as they step on your Persian rug.

8. Bold mirrors

Mirrors are not just for looking into and appreciating how the Almighty has blessed you with the finest features. Think mirrors shaped unconventionally or mirrors with borders boasting cool patterns. Yes, some mirrors can look like works of art. And if you luck out with one, you'll find yourself with your guests huddled in front of a mirror, waxing poetic.

Get them talking

Since you have already spent a considerable amount of money on luxury property investment, why not take your efforts a step further by taking home interior design pieces that are sure to catch people's attention? And they don't have to be just pretty either. They can be functional, too. The goal is to invest in home decors that marry form with function.

About the Author

Benjamin Galang is a content strategist for Ayala Land Premier in the morning and a part-time writer for his village gazette by night. He received his bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts from the De La Salle University Manila. He likes doing D.I.Y. projects and home furnishing so much so that he likes writing about what he discovers project after project. He likes living his life to the fullest, going on adventures with his bike, and hikes unimaginable heights. Ben is currently residing in a townhouse with interiors that reflect his personal taste and lifestyle.

Exterior Repairs You Might Need to Make to Your Home Before Winter

As winter draws closer, make sure you can handle the dropping temperatures. Although winter brings about festivities, it also comes with heavy snow, strong winds, and ice. Therefore, make sure you can enjoy your home’s comfort and survive through the season.

Also, the last thing you need during spring is to recover from the winter damage. Before snuggling under the blanket during winter, it is vital to ensure your house is in the right condition. Take care of your home so it can protect you better. Before the onset of winter, handle some repairs around the house to avoid costly maintenance practices and replacements. Here are some exterior home repairs to prepare for winter and enjoy peace of mind.

Roof Repairs

The winter winds may be pretty ruthless, and you don’t need some missing shingles. Check on your roof for any signs of damage. Determine if there are any missing or broken shingles that would cause water or snow damage. Consider hiring roofing contractors to check on your roof and handle any necessary repairs. If you have a flat roof design, consider clearing any dust, debris, or vegetation that may clog your drains. Walk around the house to determine if there is extensive roof damage and plan on scheduling a repair. This way, you can ensure your roof is in proper condition to handle all the weight from snow buildup. Add ventilation or maintain roof temperature to prevent ice dams that would cause damage to your walls or ceiling.

Furnace Repair

You need to keep your indoor temperature at optimum levels and ensure it’s warm. Thus, it is imperative to keep your HVAC unit in running condition. Check on your outdoor furnace to maintain energy efficiency. Clean your furnace and repair any broken parts to keep your home properly heated. Have a professional check on your furnace and ensure all parts are clean from debris and plant material.

Gutter Repair

Ice dams can cause damage to your roof, insulations, and ceiling. Apart from maintaining your roof temperature, check on your gutter and ensure the drains work properly. Check for any loose gutters and fix them in place. Free your gutters from any dust, dirt, and plant materials that would cause water damage and ice dams. You can clean and repair the gutters or call a professional to do it.

Go through various parts of your home and check for any damage. Ensure your foundation is free from cracks that would damage your home’s integrity. Plan your budget, determine the repairs you handle yourself, and don’t ignore anything.