4 Essentials to Maintaining a Home of Serenity and Style

Everyone loves going home to a private haven of rest and comfort. If your home isn't exactly the way you want it, the following affordable tips can help you to remake your residence into an oasis for the entire family.

Add Fresh Paint

Don't worry about repainting the entire house. Just paint a few rooms where the family spends time relaxing and enjoying leisure activities. You may want to paint an accent wall instead of a whole room, and you can just paint the trim around the doors and windows for a fresh look. Soft pastels are especially relaxing and likely to contribute to a serene environment.

Update the Utilities

For optimum convenience, have your home's primary utilities inspected by licensed professionals about once a year. The HVAC system should be running efficiently and quietly to provide cool air on warm days and warmer air during the winter. If the units are not working correctly, schedule a furnace or air conditioning repair if either unit is malfunctioning. The experts should also ensure the filters are clean to prevent dust and debris from circulating throughout your home and aggravating someone's allergies.

Include Plants and Flowers

Living greenery will enliven your home to make it look and smell more natural and cleaner. Certain kinds, like snake plants, help to clear the air of toxins and germs. Although they can cause mild tongue swelling and numbness when eaten in large amounts, these plants are considered safe when you keep them away from children and pets. Many people consider them to enhance a home's feng shui and may help to enhance mental health. Colorful seasonal blooms bring beauty to the home and link the outdoors to a relaxing indoor atmosphere.

Accent Your Furnishings

Make your furniture even more relaxing by adding strategic accents. A knit throw laying on the back of the sofa adds a pretty pattern as well as covering if needed. Throw pillows provide a splash of color to chairs, sofas, or other spaces in the room like a window seat. Hang framed pictures or display thematic sculptures to create a peaceful ambiance. An accent rug in complementary colors can serve as a focal point as well as a comfortable place for the kids to hang out with their friends or when watching television as well as listening to music.

With a few inexpensive adjustments, your home can become a serene escape from the public stresses of life. Try ideas like these to create a welcoming environment for family members and guests.

Easy Ways To Rejuvenate Your Home With Feng Shui

Creating a pleasant home is about more than adding a couple of pretty decorations here and there. To create a calming and positive atmosphere, you’ll need to use feng shui. Feng shui is an ancient Chinese practice that creates balance, harmony, and positive energy within a home. So how do you use feng shui? Read below to learn some easy ways to rejuvenate your home with feng shui.

Dispose of Clutter

A cluttered home isn’t the most pleasant environment. However, a clean and organized home creates a sense of harmony and relaxation. Clean every part of your home, including the junk drawer, attic, garage, or other spaces that collect clutter easily. To bring positive energy into your life, remember to clean and organize your home.

Create Space and Balance

Creating balance and space is another one of the easy ways to rejuvenate your home with feng shui. When you decorate your home, remember to keep these principles in mind. In fact, a simple way to arrange your furniture is to create balance and space. Your rooms should never look crowded, awkward, or lopsided.

Grow Indoor Plants

Living plants are an excellent way to bring positive energy into your home. They also provide fresh oxygen and reduce airborne contaminants. Leafy plants, flowering plants, and succulents are a few examples of indoor plants that are pretty to look at and easy to maintain.

Use Your Mirrors Wisely

In ancient China, people believed that mirrors could reflect either positive or negative energy depending on their locations. If you have a mirror that reflects something unpleasant, such as a crowded room or a dying plant, it reflects negative energy. However, if you have a mirror that reflects something pleasant, such as a beautiful painting or flowering bush, it reflects positive energy. When you place mirrors around your home, remember to use them wisely to reflect positive energy.

Guest Post - 11 Things First Time Owners Should Consider When Designing a New Home

What can be more exciting and daunting than building a new home? The possibilities are endless when you’re starting with a blank slate. You get to create spaces that perfectly match your style, needs, preferences, and lifestyle.

But it can get very overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with a variety of options that seem too good to be true. Plus, it requires a great deal of time, patience, and determination from start to finish—from the design and site preparation to getting permits, managing construction, and all other aspects of the work. 

Despite the difficulties, designing and building a dream home can be a very positive and fulfilling experience. The good news is, you don’t have to go through the time-consuming process alone. You can seek the help of architects and other experts who can bring your visions to life and guide you in making the right home building decisions.

Features that Make an Ideal Home

The biggest advantage of designing your dream home is that you get to have full control over every detail and inch of space—from the floor plan and layout to the size and style of the closets and bedrooms, residential exterior glass, safety and security systems, and more.

And since everything about your home is brand new, you get to enjoy all the benefits of a property that comes with less maintenance and massive savings in the long run.

Here are some of the most modern and energy-efficient features you can include in your custom home.

1. Smart technology

Any new home or renovation will not be complete without turning home automation ideas into reality. 

From home security and communications systems to built-in entertainment systems, temperature control, and smart lighting options, homeowners can explore a wide range of smart home technology devices. These can bring more control and customization over their properties while saving on energy and expenses. 

2. Flexible spaces and bonus rooms

More and more homeowners are looking to make flexibility a key part of their modern homes. This involves the addition of bonus rooms that can easily accommodate changing lifestyles and needs. Bonus rooms can be converted into guest suites, nurseries, at-home gyms, entertainment and media rooms, play areas, and more. 

3. Water and energy-efficient appliances

Homeowners are prioritizing home features that empower them to live green, sustainable lifestyles. These can include solar panels, water-saving appliances, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and bamboo flooring. 

4. Storage and open floor plans 

Today’s modern homes feature personalized built-ins and functional storage options that enhance the property's visual appeal. Examples of these built-in storage solutions and areas are shelving units, extra drawers and cabinets, huge closets, attics, and deep pantries.

Building homes with open floors is a major trend that is here to stay. With open floor plans, homeowners can maximize the square footage, play with the layout, and enjoy multifunctional spaces that add value to their homes. 

5. Outdoor living areas

What better way to make the most out of building a new home than to add outdoor living spaces for entertainment and relaxation? Outdoor living areas need not be extravagant. It’s all about choosing the right elements like an outdoor kitchen, firepits, or gardens that will take your home’s overall value to new heights. 

Factors (and Tips) to Ponder When Designing a Custom Home

Here are some important aspects and tips you need to keep in mind as you build your new home.

6. Budget and pricing

Determine how much you are willing to spend for your home and figure out how you’re going to pay for the design and construction process. Check out installment buying options that can work best for you and your finances.

Plan your budget well and stick with it. Develop a spending strategy and consider the costs of the land, materials and construction, builder fees, structural essentials, taxes, landscaping, furniture, decorating and furnishing, and other expenses that can pile up.

It’s always best to have a spending limit and prepare a contingency budget for any adjustments and unexpected problems down the road. 

7. Location and timeframe

Deciding where to build your property is a crucial first step to bringing your dream home to reality. The piece of land on which you’ll construct your home will affect what you can do with the property, both aesthetically and structurally.

Placement is everything. You’ll have to take note of the topography of the land and all its aspects, including its natural surroundings like trees, fields, and parks, the orientation of the plot, sunlight, the style of other homes in the neighborhood, and zoning and building restrictions.

As a homeowner, you would also want to look for a neighborhood that matches your lifestyle. Consider the area’s privacy and security, access to major roads, and proximity to schools, hospitals, shopping centers, and other amenities that matter most to you. 

8. The right builder

Work with the right designers, architects, and home builders who are passionate about your vision for your property. Teaming up with the right people will give you peace of mind and confidence in knowing that you’ll achieve the results you need. 

Ask for recommendations from family, friends, and real estate professionals or search online and find out more about the background and portfolios of experienced home builders. Check online reviews about their finished projects and make your decision based on reputation and track record.

A good home builder will pay close attention to your unique needs and requirements, give recommendations and options, and help you navigate all the challenges to get the most out of your investment. 

9. Size and layout

When brokers sell a house fast to you, you should already be thinking about what size your home should be.  Are you going for a single-story, two-story, or three-story property? How many bedrooms and bathrooms are you planning to include in the layout? Will you need additional rooms for recreation or study, a home office, a home gym, an entertainment area?  

You’ll also have to determine the arrangement of specific rooms and spaces because this will influence your home’s traffic flow, privacy, and how the residents and guests will interact inside the property.

Most modern homes feature outdoor and indoor spaces that flow into each other seamlessly. Still, some homeowners prefer the classic feel of individual rooms and areas tucked away in quiet corners. Keeping the layout of your home as simple as possible will help you lower costs. You can always leave open, unfinished spaces in your new home that you can work on in the future. 

10. Design, style, and quality

Figuring out the design and style aspects that you want to integrate into your home may be the most fun part of building your custom home. But the myriad of choices can still make the experience nerve-wracking. To narrow down your options, always think about how you can integrate your lifestyle into your humble abode. 

Are you leaning towards a modern theme, a more traditional architectural style, or a mix of both? What kinds of materials and accents do you wish to include? These can go anywhere from brick, wood, stone, and stucco to steel and concrete, marble, and the like. You’ll also have to choose your color palette, kitchen appliances, and finishing.

Incorporating green design features that work best with your custom home will boost your property’s energy efficiency and water conservation. Not only will it reduce your property’s carbon footprint, but it will also lower your utility bills and improve your home’s overall resale value. When in doubt, you can always consult with your architect or home builder for expert advice.

11. Home hazards 

A critical aspect that often gets overlooked in the custom home design and construction process is safety. With upfront and thorough planning, you and your home builder will be able to avoid the dangers of home hazards and keep residents safe and protected. 

Find out if the location of your home is prone to earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters. If so, ask your builder to employ additional safety measures and consider these factors when choosing the construction materials. 

Install fire protection systems and similar safety mechanisms that will allow you to better protect your family and your most valuable possessions. In addition, stay on top of structural elements like plumbing, heating and cooling, and electrical systems, and make sure that these are up to code for your property’s protection.

Build Your Dream Home

Building a home is exciting, but it’s nothing like a walk in the park. Take all the time you need to explore all options and consult with experts who can help you visualize your project and smoothly guide you through the entire home building process.

Don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild but always be realistic and carefully plan each component of your home. Try to strike a balance between your wants and needs and prioritize all the elements that complement your lifestyle and empower you to stay true to your goals. 

Make homebuilding a more memorable and less stressful experience. With the right attitude, mindset, and determination, you’ll be able to reap the rewards of your hard work and dwell in a home that you will love for years to come. 

Author: Diana San Diego is the VP of Marketing for SAFTI FIRST with over 15 years of experience in public relations, marketing, and the architectural glazing industry. She enjoys golf, wine, and travelling. 

Upgrades for Your House During Spring

During springtime, many people tend to focus on deep cleaning and decluttering, but there is so much potential for renewal in the spring other than just minimizing belongings. Once you’ve cleared out your closet and scrubbed your baseboards, you may still feel a need to refresh. Check out these easy DIY upgrades for your house during spring.

Accent Wall Upgrades

Accent walls make all the difference in the way a room feels. If a room in your home is starting to feel stale or bland, consider giving it a quick and easy upgrade through the addition of an accent wall.

Textured Wall

Adding texture to your wall is easier than it sounds. Simply go to a local home improvement store and find some thin particleboard strips. Glue or nail them to the wall in a fun design. Then, paint over the particle board and the wall to create an interesting yet subtle pattern.

Stick on Wallpaper Wall

Another way to give your wall a noticeable update is by using stick-on wallpaper. Pick a bright or bold color or pattern and adhere it to the wall. This is a quick and easy way to make your home look brighter and more welcoming in the new season.

Bathroom Beautification

People spend a large amount of time in their bathrooms. It’s where most self-care takes place, from showers to face masks to hair care. It’s a space that should be relaxing, fun, and reflective of your personality. If you have old, boring tile in your bathroom, consider ripping it out and installing something a little more fun and unique, such as colorful mermaid tile. Adding new tiling that reflects fun and excitement can be transformative.

Garage Functionality Update

Garages are so often wasted space. They store cars and other items that people rarely use. With a little bit of organization and a coat of fresh paint, a garage can be transformed into a functional space. Need a home gym? Renovate your garage. Want some space for a small business to run out of? Update your garage. Garages have endless potential with the right amount of TLC.

Spaces within your home should serve you. If there is any form of space that isn’t producing joy for you right now or feels like wasted potential, give it an update. These are just some of the countless upgrades for your house during spring to try this year for a home renewal.