You wouldn’t think it but there are a lot of things to consider before you purchase a rug. One of the most common mistakes that people make when buying a rug is going for the cheapest option,  which is why we’ve put a little step-by-step guide to follow and make sure you make the best choice for both you and your home.

First of all you need to remember that everything looks different in a showroom setting and this includes rugs, which is why you really need to take your time when it comes to choosing the one you want. Consider your options and don’t rush into anything, the rugs aren’t going to run away and if the retailer offers them; always ask for samples. Samples are great if you have a few different ideas in mind and you can actually take them home with you to see how the rug may fit with your decor.

So what else is there to consider? Well, the simplest of things can make the biggest difference for example, the size of the room that you will be placing the rug. The thing about rugs is that they they can make a room appear smaller than it actually is, so if you are thinking of placing a rug in an already small room then it’s probably best to avoid rugs with intricate and busy-looking patterns as well as dark rugs. If you are planning on placing a rug in a smaller room then the same rule applies as does with decorating, lighter colours will make the room appear more spacious and bright.

Another important factor when it comes to choosing your rug is the texture that you opt for. The texture of the rug can add different depths to the room, for example if you chose a pile or shaggy rug then this would make the room feel cosier than your standard modern rugs, which tend to act as more of a feature.

You don’t always have to worry about your rug directly matching the decor of your room, one of the trendiest options in the rug world for the last couple of years has been antique statement rugs. You know the kind? They seem to make their way into charity shops quite a lot but in all honesty they look ideal in modern spaces. Go on, be unique and bring something ‘stand out’ to your room!

[Photo courtesy of Pixabay/pexels.com]

It’s also worth thinking about the kind of home you run in accordance with the rug you choose, for example if you were to purchase a crisp white sheepskin rug it probably wouldn’t be best placed in a home with pets and toddlers running about. That being said, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a nice sheepskin, you just need to make sure everyone knows the rules!

If you do buy a high-quality rug then there is more of a likelihood of it needing to be professionally cleaned, in fact that goes for any rug, especially if it is kept in a high-traffic area. It is advised that you have your rugs cleaned at least once or twice a year by professional cleaners, this prevents the rug becoming unsanitary and can be done on top of regular cleaning on a weekly basis.

So there you have it, just a few pointers to help make the decision of buying a new rug that little bit easier. Take your time to ensure that this rug can be the one you and your family will enjoy for years to come.

If there is one universal truth it is this: nothing beats a good old backyard bash. Nothing. That’s a fact (like an actual fact; not one of those facts El President Trump loves to spew on Twitter). There is just something extra special about being in your little slice of the great outdoors, enjoying the winning combination of good food, great drink and perfect company; the weather holding up as laughter warms the air even more than the setting sun.

But no matter how good your food is or how amazing your cocktails are, they can only go so far in marking this occasion as amazing. That’s because creating the ultimate backyard oasis requires you to create the ultimate backyard oasis.

If you don’t know what we mean by that, then read on for our top tips on what you need to play hostess with the mostess at your next garden bash.

Win In All Weathers

It doesn’t matter whether you in live in a small locale that enjoys fantastic weather all year round or somewhere that is susceptible to more rain than the poor Vampires in Twilight; being able to pull off a garden bash in all weathers is important. We’re talking shelter and shade. It could be that you get an open structure built at the bottom of your garden, something with a solid roof and drop down walls, or it could be that you decide to do something extra unique and get a yurt. Either way, these will allow you to party on no matter what and remain chic the entire time.

Next Level Chef

If you really want to be the hostess with the mostess then being able to spin plates is a talent you need to master. That means being able to cook and entertain simultaneously, and the easiest and coolest way to achieve this is by looking at some outdoor kitchens and picking the one that will suit you best. We’re talking about bringing all the comfort, ease and luxury of the indoors out. It could be something as simple as adding a barbecue, a table, and some seats, or it could be as intricate as installing a completely furnished kitchen finished with modern appliances and seating. Whatever is going to snazz up your backyard most and make your meals stand out that much more, that’s what you should look at investing in.

Must-Have Heat And Light

It doesn’t matter that your big little bash has landed on the hottest day of the year, the evenings always tend to drop off a few degrees, which is noticeable even when you’re six cocktails down. That is why you need ramp up the luxury you offer to create a splash of extra comfort and get some heaters dotted around your eating area. The other thing you can do to add to the ambience of a warm evening is get your lighting on point. That is an absolute essential when it comes to summer parties. Lanterns, tea lights, string lights and just about anything else that will lead the charge in creating an Arabian Night’s vibe.

What could be better (and warmer) than eating a nice Moroccan Tagine you’ve cooked outside, fine wine slipping down a treat, and the fire pit keeping you toasty as little lights flicker about around your outdoor space.

One of the biggest design trends to come out of recent years has to be the vintage look. Cropping up in new builds, cafes and work places up and down the country, the vintage look has earned itself a firm place at the top of the design world as of late. The vintage style is an easy to recreate design and is a great way of revamping a bathroom to breathe a new lease of life in to your home.

Wall Tiles

The key step to achieving that vintage look is by installing white metro tiles. Metro tiles are an iconic feature of any vintage look thanks to their historical use in the London Underground. Not only this, but a white tile will help to make any room feel larger and more airy, transforming an otherwise drab space in to one that feels spacious and inviting. For a true vintage look, use a gloss metro tile. Their shine is unparalleled and will bring in a beautiful sense of light to a room while also being unbelievably easy to clean. To further enhance this vintage look, use a contrasting grout colour. With a while metro tile use a grey or black grout to make the tile really pop. This gives an authentic vintage look and gives your tiles a chance to shine through as a design feature. Don’t feel as though you are restricted to white tiles, you can still get that vintage look using other colours such as black or grey. While colour is less important, it is worth noting that the metro tile is your best bet design wise compared to other tile types.

Floor Tiles

For your floor use a patterned tile, ideally a black and white design. The contrast of the block colour from the wall tiles and the black and white pattern on your floor creates a gorgeous sense of dimension to your bathroom. The patterned tile is perfect for the vintage look as it introduces a more sophisticated design theme. Try to aim for a geometric pattern as opposed to an abstract or floral design. The geometric design is far more true to the vintage look and will automatically improve the general aesthetic of the room.

Accessories

No vintage bathroom is complete without the use of copper or tarnished metals. When looking for faucets for example, copper is an excellent way of emulating that distressed look. Similarly, a feature bath makes for a beautiful centre point in a room. When trying to achieve the vintage look its important to remember that often more is less. Think exposed radiators, bare floorboards and light fixtures without lamp shades to give that stunning industrial and stripped down look. As well as this, try including vintage furniture pieces such as metallic soap dishes or toothbrush holders, the vintage looks works by combining all of the little things to create one truly unbelievable look.

Creating the vintage look has never been easier thanks to its popularity over recent years. The focal point of creating the vintage look however is in the tiles. Choosing the right tile will propel your bathroom in the right direction in an instant. Tiles are essentially the blank canvas from which you build your whole design, so it’s important to plan them meticulously before you buy and install them. From there, the rest should come with ease until you have your dream vintage bathroom.

Your outdoor space should be somewhere you and your family can spend time and have fun as a family unit. It should have useful features that make your life better and easier. That’s not too much to ask. So, if you’re wondering which changes you should make to your garden next, let the useful ideas below guide you and give you the inspiration you need.

A Decking Area

Without a great decking area on which to put your table and chairs, your home will lack the space for you to gather with friends and family when the weather is good. You won’t have anywhere to eat and entertain outdoors. In the summer especially, that’s a real shame. So, you should definitely think about having a decking area put in place in your garden if you haven’t done so already. When the weather is good, you will get plenty of usage out of it, so it will be worthwhile investment to make.

Herb Plants

Herb plants are great for adding a little something to your cooking, and growing them in your garden is a good way to save yourself some cash. There is no need to pay high prices to get your hands on a small amount of dried herbs when you can grow your own and then use them from fresh. If you’re into cooking and love making meals for your family, this is one great addition to your outdoor space. You’ll get plenty of use out of it, and it’s very simple to do as well.

[Photo courtesy of Suxu/pixabay.com]

Secure Fencing

Having the right fencing in place in your home can make a big difference. In terms of its use, it’s all about making your garden a safe and enclosed area. If you have a dog or even young children, you don’t want them to be able to get out and get near the road and all the dangers that lurk there. That’s why you need safe and secure fencing that clearly demarcates the area of your garden. Long Fence Chain Link Fencing offers security with a nice design. Browse all the options and see which is for you.

A Shed or Greenhouse

The great thing about having a shed or a greenhouse in your garden is that it gives you an indoor space in your outdoor space. If you enjoy growing fruit and vegetables and things like that, you should certainly opt for a greenhouse. This will allow you to grow strawberries and tomatoes in the summer. A shed is more for the handyman or woman. It gives you the space to carry out minor fixes and DIY jobs away from the main house. You will be free to get messy without having to worry about spilling oil on the carpet.

If your outdoor space has been starting to look and feel a little limp, these additions will do a lot for it. There is nothing better than having a garden with usable and useful features, so start putting them in place.

Decorating the nursery is a joyful part of planning for the new arrival – so many hopes and dreams and so many possibilities are all part of what you consider as you create this special place for nurturing your baby. Everything must be just right, especially the baby and crib bedding because proper sleep is essential for every baby.

Choosing a crib mattress

If you are using a previously owned or borrowed crib you will want to be certain to get a new crib mattress; even if the crib is brand new many parents select a mattress other than the one that is included, especially if they want all natural materials Whatever crib mattress you choose it should be encased in a mattress protector to prolong mattress life.

[Photo courtesy of Pixabay/pexels.com]

Perhaps you seek organic cotton bedding or only want items which feature low impact, environmentally friendly or soy based inks – this requires some research to determine what best meets your needs and the internet is the ideal resource. Take a look at the websites of your favorite bed and bath stores: Target.com, Amazon.com, BedBathandBeyond.com and others because you know they will stand behind the goods they sell.

The typical crib ensemble consists of:

• a fitted crib sheet,
• a crib skirt (which is like a bed skirt)
• some crib bumpers.

You can buy a complete ensemble or buy individual pieces; most parent like to have extra crib sheets in case laundry gets backed up.

Cribs may or may not have padded headboards which is why crib bumpers can be helpful; experts have weighed in both for and against the use of crib bumpers so you may wish to check with your pediatrician for guidance and more information.

In our heads, we all love the idea of being out in the garden, enjoying our little slice of the great outdoors. However, the reality is somewhat different if we don’t look after our garden and encourage it to be the hub of blossoming beauty that we have dreamed it would be for so long. That is why you need to start your clean up as soon as possible. Yes, everyone with an avid interest in gardening will tell you that spring is the ideal time to get stuck in, but we’re here to tell you there’s no time like the present.

[Photo courtesy of Pixabay/pexels.com]

So, without further ado, here is our list of gardening tasks you should get going with right away. Trust us, by the time spring comes round, you’ll be grateful you did.

Love Your Lawn

Nothing oozes beauty like a well-mown lawn, which is why it’s so important that you keep on top of it all year round. Mow it, keep it level, fertilize it when you need to, encourage root growth by aerating, scratch at it with a rake, and stay on top of the whole de-weeding, especially when it comes to the white-flowering clover. A healthy looking lawn is the foundation of outdoor beauty.

[Photo courtesy of Skitterphoto/pexels.com]

Pruning And Trimming

How you prune depends on what sort of plants, shrubs, and trees are in your garden. But trimming your garden back now is probably the best thing you can do, as it will hold up pretty well between now and Spring. The other thing you should do is sort out any tree removals before fall arrives, which is best done by speaking to someone like www.gordonprotreeservice.com/full-tree-removal. Not only will this improve the sense of space in your garden, but it could also protect your home from the threat posed by dead trees, including stumps.

Weeds And Compost

These are two of those things that are best done in the spring, but there will be no harm done by popping on your proactive weeding hat and going around your garden now. Your best bet is to do this in the morning or wait until the ground is damp, and then pull your weeds and any seedlings that may still be growing. Then add what you clean up to your compost pile ready for use next spring. Planning ahead, that’s what we’re all about.

[Photo courtesy of Lukas/pexels.com]

More Mulching

When was the last time you mulched? Spring. Maybe even last year? Well, if that is the case, then you need to set to and start mulching now because so many wonderful things can come off the back of this, as discussed at www.yardapes.com/benefits-of-mulching/. It conserves water (which is needed in summer), cools the roots of the plants (also needed right now), allows food to get to the roots and, yes, also smothers those pesky roots. Basically, your garden deserves to be munched, and you deserve to do the mulching.

Paint And Treat

Your garden fence and decking probably took a bit of a pounding over the winter months, and then took another kind of assault over spring and summer, which is why now is a great time to give your wooden bits and bobs a bit of a revitalization with some painting and treating. This will improve the looks, by bringing back some health and color, but it will also ensure that your fence and patio last that much longer too. Hot sunny days can be just as detrimental as a Game of Thrones style winter, so make sure do your bit.

In the experiences of many, getting adjusted to life in a new home can have something of a rocky start. It’s only natural that we take a little time to adjust to a brand-new space. It might be yours, but it can still feel alien, especially as you start to discover the little quirks you don’t love as some of the other features. But the best approach to change your mood on something is the proactive one. If you want to start feeling at home in your new home, you have to hit it running.

[Photo courtesy of BusyHomeschoolDays/pixabay.com]

Taking care of the essentials

One of the biggest mistakes of homeowners is waiting to find out that their new home has flaws. The vast majority of places, unless they’re new builds that you designed yourself, are going to have them. The trick is not let them catch you by surprise. When you move in, start looking over all the essentials that might lead to problems. Start with the utilities, testing every light, every socket, and every tap, as well as learning where the mains and shutoff valves are. Consider the security of doors and windows, the possibility of air leaks in the windows and roof, and more.

Bring out the comforts of home

Regardless of what you didn’t like about where you lived before and why you moved from it, there’s a good chance that there will be some aspects of it that you liked. You might have even been able to bring some along. It might be some of the photo displays you put up. It could be familiar smells that aroma providers like www.livelyliving.com.au can help you replace. Bring out some of the more emotionally engaging parts of the new home first to really establish your identity in the home and make it feel more ‘you’.

[Photo courtesy of kaboompics/pixabay.com]

Making changes

A real issue is moving to a new home when you don’t really have any ideas on what you want to do with it or you have few pieces of furniture or décor ready to be put up. No-one likes living in an empty space. The best way to avoid that issue is to prepare in advance and start buying items to put them in storage. If you neglect to do so, however, then teams like www.therenovationcompany.com.au can help you get a running start at it. The longer your home feels like a “project” rather than a home, the longer it will take you to start feeling at home.

Thinking outside the box

Don’t neglect the outdoors while you’re making changes inside, either. If they haven’t been maintained by the seller, overgrown gardens and faded exteriors can remove any trace of welcoming from the home. Give the grass a cut, add some living space outdoors and give the front door a lick of fresh paint. It can make a huge difference to entering the home.

If you’re content to sit and wait for your home to suddenly become everything you wanted, you might find that you never quite end up getting that. Instead of waiting, take it into your own hands and finish what you started when you first moved in.

We’re often asked “how can I make sure my floor is environmentally-friendly?” And although there have been plenty of measures put in place to protect our forests etc many people are still reluctant when it comes to buying solid wood floor. With this in mind it often comes as a shock when we recommend Solid Bamboo Flooring, but in our mind it’s one of, if not the most eco-friendly options on the market! So lets go into a little more detail as to why we love it so much..

What is bamboo?

Bamboo is probably best known as being a pandas favourite food as oppose to a flooring material. What you may not know is that bamboo isn’t actually wood, instead it comes from the grass family. Although it isn’t your stereotypical grass that is found in gardens across the world, in fact it’s of a much superior grade! So how is it that a type of grass is strong enough to be made into flooring? Well, once the bamboo is fully mature it acquires characteristics that strongly resemble those of hardwoods. It becomes really durable and can even offer better stability than most real wood floors! The main type of bamboo that can be used for flooring grows in China, it is known as ‘Moso Bamboo’ and is the most suitable species of bamboo when it comes to flooring. Many people are concerned about the potential damage that the flooring industry could do the pandas’ habitat, but the truth is that due to the quick growth-rate of the bamboo there is no real threat and the pandas will remain well fed!

How is bamboo flooring made?

Okay, so it’s a pretty tricky process but the end result is impressive. First of all the bamboo needs harvesting, this step alone has it’s implications as everything must be kept at the right temperature etc. Once harvested the bamboo is then split into strips that are boiled, this helps to get rid of any remaining bugs and dirt that may have remained on the bamboo. After they’ve been boiled the strips are heated up which carbonises them. Next it’s time to weave the strips together before they are stacked and left to dry for as long as necessary. The strips are then pressed under an extremely heavy weight and dried using intense heat, what this does is fuses the raw materials together resulting in planks! This is when the bamboo starts to resemble hardwood flooring, in fact, you’d struggle to remember it merely started as grass. All that’s left to do now is mill the tongue and grooves on to the planks (these are what help you to install the floor), before applying the UV protection, along with the finish and a moisture seal treatment. Once all of the above are done the pieces of bamboo are boxed up and shipped out to some lucky folk!

What makes them so eco-friendly?

First of all, because bamboo is a grass and not a tree it’s automatically much more renewable than other flooring materials. For example, instead of having to wait for 25 years for a tree to reach full maturity, bamboo is fully mature and ready to be harvested in about 5 years. What’s more is that due to it’s regenerating properties, bamboo doesn’t need to be replanted once it has been harvested, instead it simply grows back on its own accord. Pretty impressive eh? As stated earlier, bamboo is mainly harvested in China and this is also where it is manufactured, by harvesting and manufacturing the product in the same area it is helping to reduce the carbon foot print. To ensure that the bamboo flooring you buy is really eco-friendly then it’s important to check that the company you’re purchasing it from have Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certificate for the flooring itself. The FSC is a global organization who are dedicated to the responsible management of various forests across the world, their aim being to ensure that the harvest of both bamboo and timber allows the population of the said material to be maintained. If you see that a company has this certificate then you can be assured that every company involved in the production of your floor has adhered to the standards as issued by the FSC.

[Photo courtesy of Pixabay/pexels.com]

The pros and cons:

With the summer in full swing, being able to go out and enjoy the garden is an expected luxury. Your plants are green and flowering aplenty, and your apple tree is dropping fruit by the minute. But how easy is it to keep a garden in this condition? Even moreso, what’s with all the hot new trends on the horizon about garden styling? Whether your garden is big or small, or just consists of a few plants next to the window, here are a couple of tips on keeping it special to you.

[Photo courtesy of Lukas/pexels.com]

Plant the flowers you want to see

It’s good to have a conundrum of colour amongst the greenery of leaves. In your garden, be sure to buy and plant the seeds of flowers you found interesting and pleasing to the eye, instead of based on reviews. If you don’t know what the flower is or the logistical side of mixing it with other species, you can do a little research and then design your garden around your own choices.

Sunflowers are a staple of the good garden dream and everyone loves the sight of them. They’ll also grow to humongous heights which is always a pleasure to see! Bring back a little of that childhood magic by including a couple of sunflowers next to your shed or at the back of the foliage.

Similarly, planting a few marigolds here and there is an easy task to accomplish. The rich golds and reds you’ll be greeted with when you step outside is both rewarding and warming.

If you’re environmentally conscious, both of these plants are great for attracting to bees to your eco system! Just be sure to use seed varieties instead of pre-grown plants from garden centres if you’re worried about dangerous elements.

Get used to mowing the lawn

Mowing the lawn can seem an arduous task, and having your legs out whilst working on the grass means you’re in for quick sting with every strimmed blade. However, mowing the lawn allows you to take pride in your work and a heavier sense of satisfaction when you see how it looks at the end. You know you’ve grafted hard to enjoy what you have. Buying a lawn mower isn’t a hard task really either. Shopping at sites such as Beacon equipment ensures you have an easy way to make a return or exchange if you experience a fault. You want to know you’re getting bang for your buck and that your efforts will pay off, so get yourself a warranty and get that summer tan you’ve dreamed of at the same time.

Having a healthier grass condition means you won’t be seeing any of the dry and brown variety any time soon. It’s so much nicer to be outside when you’re not ashamed of the weeds you have cluttering your space, and will allow your hosting abilities to skyrocket.

Keep your garden special to you by keeping in mind a few practical elements of the care process.

The bedroom is the inner sanctum of a home, the place where you go to rest, relax and rejuvenate. Because a bedroom is not a common area which will be seen by family and friends, many people scrimp on decorating the bedroom and go with a simple Hollywood bed fame, skipping headboards or any other sort of ornamentation. They have the basics – a nightstand or two, a dresser and perhaps a chair.

When you think about it you spend almost a third of your life in bed – don’t you deserve to treat yourself at least as well as you might treat company? It does not cost much to outfit a bedroom in a style that is warm and welcoming; creating a bedroom that is a reflection of your personal style can be a rewarding effort that pays dividends for years to come.

[Photo courtesy of Burst/pexels.com]

If your mattress is a bit tired you can easily improve conditions by investing in a foam or feather mattress pad or mattress enhancer – these help to extend mattress life and provide a better sleeping surface. New bedding is a fast and easy way to change the look of a room and you don’t need to be a designer or interior decorator to create an amazing look. Most bedding ensembles include a bed skirt, quilt or comforter and one or two pillows shams, all of which have been selected to coordinate perfectly.

A net canopy enhances any bed – the simple mesh netting can be draped at the head or foot of the bed or gathered to one side as a swag; bed canopies add drama and romance to the look of a room and are easy to install in minutes. A bed throw is another way to add visual interest to a mundane bedroom.