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Decoration ideas for 2017

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Have you just moved into a new home? If you have, then you are probably thinking about decorating it to put your own stamp on things and really make it a home. If you are not exactly the creative type, then you are probably finding yourself stuck for ideas. If this is the case, then don’t worry – we are here to help. Below are a few ideas that will help you to put your own mark on your new home.

Consider laminate flooring

For most people, the ideal flooring for most of the home would be carpet. However, this can not only be expensive but also problematic, especially if you have children and pets. However, there are plenty of alternatives that will not only save you a lot of money but also make your home look very modern. Laminate flooring, especially wood-style, is hugely popular and can really make a room stand out. Many people will only use this type of flooring for kitchens, but it also looks great in other rooms in the home. You don’t have to be an expert to lay the flooring either. You can even buy wood-effect planks that are self-adhesive and very easy to lay with a few tools.

Consider some bright colors

If you are planning on sticking to a neutral color, this is totally understandable. However, if you add a block of a bright color to one wall in the room, this really can make a huge difference and completely make a room stand out to the crowd. Consider colors that are easy to match, such as blues and greens. You will definitely notice a huge difference to the room once you are done.

Choose furniture made from driftwood

If you really want to add a peaceful, homely feel to your property, then why not consider getting some driftwood furniture? This type of furniture looks great, lasts a long time, and there will never be two pieces exactly the same. From coffee tables to shelving, there are some lovely driftwood options available out there. You can either buy your furniture online, or you can take a look at some local furniture stores and see what they have to offer.

Choose shutters

Curtains and blinds are great, but what can really make your home stand out from the rest is a good set of shutters. The great thing these days is that there are so many different options from which to choose. There are so many colors and styles available that you can really customize any room in your home. You can even get waterproof shutters. One tip though – make sure that you take measurements correctly and choose a style that will match the rest of the décor in your home!

Keep things simple

When it comes to decorating a home, the main thing to remember is that it is always better to keep things simple. Many people make the mistake of overcrowding their rooms with furniture and ornaments. While it may feel nice to have everything around you, you will probably soon find that the room starts to feel very cluttered. By keeping things minimal and simplistic, you will find that the room feels light, airy, and comfortable. This will make sitting in the rooms in your home a pleasant experience, rather than feeling like the walls are closing in on you.

Make your own decorations

If you are creative and you really want to make your home stand out, then why not consider making some homemade decorations for each room in your house? With a few simple craft items and a bit of imagination, you can make anything. Maybe even consider going to the beach and picking up some sea glass and driftwood and see what you can come up with. You never know what you might find there!

These are just a few decorating tips to get you started. The main thing to keep in mind is that you should definitely not be afraid of getting creative. Once you let your creativity loose, you can really make your home your own. It doesn’t have to be expensive, and as we have mentioned above, you can even get some materials for free.

If you are stuck for more ideas, then why not take a look at some craft blogs online? You will see that there are thousands upon thousands of different ideas out there for projects that can be made to add something special to your home.

New Door and Window Designs For Your Home Renovation

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When it comes to renovating an area of your home, it is not just the interior that you should be laying your focus on. In fact, in order to give your home that new look that you are after, one of the highest impact ways of doing so is through replacing all of your windows and doors.

This may seem like an expensive move and it can be, but you can still do all that you can to maintain on a low budget for your doors and windows. If you are still unsure as to whether this is the right path for you to take, here are just a few reasons why you should look to have your windows and doors replaced.

A Radically Different Appearance

The biggest reason for installing new windows and doors in your home is the appearance which you will be able to see from inside and out. It can be difficult to image just what a difference this change will make but once you see the result, you will realize just how large the difference really is. Installing new windows and doors puts the perfect finish on your home renovation project and it is something that should definitely be considered.

Improved Energy Efficiency

Whilst you may not notice it, having new and secure windows and doors can greatly help in terms of your home’s efficiency and ultimately save you money. If you have windows or doors that are not completely draught-proofed, you will be letting the warm air out when it is cold, as well as allowing the cold air to enter. This means that you could be heating your home, and losing a lot of the heat which you are pumping around your house. Brand new windows and doors will ensure that your home is completely locked down when it comes to leaks and you can count on a more energy efficient home.

Additional Security

Security plays a huge part in the door and window industry and if you want to ensure that your home is completely secure, you will need to start with doors and windows. The most common forms of burglaries involve the breaking of windows or the breaking of door locks and it is your responsibility to make sure that you are making it as difficult as you can for people to break into your home. The new doors and windows that are on the market have security as their number one objective and when you have installed new fittings, you will be able to rest easy knowing that you have secured your home as best as possible.

It may seem like a great expense to add on to an already pricy renovation project but if you are able to squeeze your budget so that you can afford to pay for new doors and windows, you will see a huge benefit. Why not get some prices to see if you are able to afford new doors and windows, you may very well be surprised!

9 Steps to Repair Your Drywall

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If you have drywall that looks like it is in need of repair, it is recommended that you phone in a professional. People like Lloyd Claycomb will be able to tell you just how bad the damage is, and what can be done. However, if you have some experience as a DIY-er and you feel confident about the fact that your drywall only needs a repair, then the following tips will be of benefit of you.

Tools and Materials

Before you do anything, you have to get the right tools and materials ready. These can all be purchased from a local hardware store and are:

  • A drywall knife.
  • A mud pan.
  • Joint compound.
  • A sanding sponge.
  • Drywall primer.
  • A paint brush.

Steps to Repairing a Drywall

  1. Start by taking sufficient joint compound (or mud) from your plastic tub with your knife, scraping it into your mud pan. In so doing, you will keep the compound fresh, stopping it from drying out. Essentially, you should use the mud you took out within 10 minutes, or it will start to clump and dry.
  2. Work the compound backwards and forwards for a few minutes, as if you are kneading bread dough. This takes any remaining air out, preventing bubble formation.
  3. Apply a little bit of the compound to the dent or crack. Scrape it flush with your knife. Leave to dry and apply a second coat, then a third coat. Do not apply it too thickly, as the surface will not be even.
  4. Leave your compound to dry. How long this takes depends on which mud you use, how thick you applied it, and how much of it you applied. The humidity and temperature of the room in which it was applied. You can accelerate drying time by using a hair dryer.
  5. Once it has properly dried, put a drop cloth underneath the repaired areas, because things are going to get messy now! Use your sponge to fully sand down the area that you have fixed, so that it becomes flush with the rest of the wall. Wear a mask and consider having someone with you to vacuum the dust as you are sanding.
  6. Use a damp cloth to wipe down your repair, so that no dust remains. You can also ‘wet sand’ it, which will make it look even smoother.
  7. With your paintbrush, cover your repaired area with a light coat of primer. This will make sure the joint is completely sealed. It will also hide the area that is being repaired and will make it ready for painting.
  8. Paint not just the area that you have repaired, but a wider area as well, as this will make the difference less obvious.
  9. Last but not least, you should be ready to take a step back, look at how well you have done, and give yourself a pat on the back. This is possibly the most important of the nine steps!

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