Do you desire a warm, rustic Southwestern-style home but don’t want the hassle of a major interior design overhaul? Whether you’re short on time or funds, you can achieve the look you want by making just a few decorative changes. Best of all, these design tips make it easy to transform any space on your own.

Accent with Area Rugs

While area rugs may seem like a modest change, they can alter the vibe of a room instantly. Incorporating southwestern area rugs with hardwood flooring or terracotta tile is a great way to add depth to a room and highlight existing furniture. Most stores offer a variety of traditional and contemporary designs, so you can find the ideal rug for your unique space.

Select Earthy Paint Hues

Both homeowners and interior decorators know that paint is a cost-effective way to transform a room. You can choose bold shades for your color scheme as long as they provide a warm, inviting feel. Natural tones of red, blue, green and gold are all popular options. The size of the room should also be considered. Darker shades will make a large space seem cozier while bright colors add volume to smaller living areas.

Add Terracotta Pottery Pieces

No Southwestern home is complete without the addition of beautiful terracotta pottery. You can display the pottery in its natural orange shade or paint it with bold, bright colors to add contrast. These traditional pots and vases can be used throughout the home to add a personal touch to any room.

Choose Rustic or Vintage-Style Furniture

Whether you prefer wood, leather or wrought iron furniture, items that have a distressed or vintage feel work best. You can even distress furniture on your own with a few basic items including sandpaper, paint and polyurethane. The furniture you select shouldn’t compete with your flooring colors. For vibrant furniture choices, an area rug in neutral tones from Roth Rugs is one safe option.

Finish with Accent Accessories

Once you’ve made some basic changes, you can slowly add Southwestern accent pieces to your home. From rugged animal skins to delicate Hopi Kachina dolls, you can create a separate theme for every room.

With all the warmth and personality Southwestern decor has to offer, it’s easy to see why this style never loses its appeal. With a few fresh coats of paint, some new area rugs and traditional pottery art, you can transform your home into an inviting desert oasis.

For most new or experienced developers buying a cheap home and then renovating it to a high standard brings in substantial profits. However, in order to make a successful initial purchase, you should consider a number of factors when viewing potential projects.

Be Proactive

The estate agent’s job is to sell; don’t expect them to give you a comprehensive guide to the house. However, you can ask them how long the property has been on the market. Good deals shift in no time, with professional developers keen to turn each new project as quickly as possible. If it has been on sale for a number of months, there may be a costly problem that is putting off other buyers.

Location Location Location

The most important aspect of any home is often said to be its location, buying a cheaper rundown property in a desirable area could be a money spinner. From a renovation perspective, the structural integrity of a house is far more important than the interior. However, average buyers can be put off by homes that are badly presented, most sellers would declutter before viewings, but with renovation projects, this is rarely the case. Turn this to your advantage by snapping up a less than immaculate property, and then simply employ the services of Anyjunk to clear the refuse before you start work.

Warning Signs

No home is perfect, especially those being sold as renovation projects. However, there are some tell-tale signs that may suggest more serious work is needed. Damp can indicate a plumbing leak, so check for mould or discoloured areas under baths and sinks, as well as on the inside walls. Also check ceilings and the loft space, if rain is getting in a new roof maybe required.

Any problem with masonry could add significant expense; sizeable cracks, missing plaster or uneven floors will require repairs or replacing. However, unseen work like asbestos insulation or chimney flues can also present a risk. Never attempt to remove asbestos yourself; there is a government webpage that explains who to contact for help, there are specialists who can remove and dispose of this hazardous material safely.

Call the Experts

Some properties may not have been lived in or maintained for a number of years, so before you commit to buying, get a professional opinion. You may need builders, plumbers and electricians, and they will be key to the completion of your project. Only choose legitimate, recommended tradesmen, and take them to view the property. They will warn you of any major spends that you may have overlooked, like faulty wiring or outdated plumbing, and give you a rough estimate of costs. Similarly, when you need to declutter the property, Anyjunk are happy to give free estimates for the removal of waste.

Get your Paperwork in Order

Find out from the local council what the planning requirements are, if the property is a listed building you could be looking at extensive time and budget increases. When you have established what will be required, check your finances. Make sure you have a quote to cover every aspect of the job, and also the materials required for the tasks you will be attempting yourself. Go back for a second and third viewing to make sure you haven’t missed anything, be sure to take a notepad and consider each room in turn.

As you go about your annual spring cleaning, it’s time to tackle the garage. The cluttered mess often means a weekend chore, but you can keep the garage looking stellar with a little organization. Get back to parking your car in the garage where it belongs with the use of storage cabinets and workbenches.

Dedicated Workspace

The mechanic in your life probably enjoys working on the car much more than you do. Inevitably they cannot find a tool they need. Giving them garage workbenches and storage makes working on the cars or other projects that much easier. Their tools are within easy reach. Plus, if they can find the tool they need, they are less likely to insist on a replacement. Fewer trips to the auto parts store mean more time working. The project finishes faster and you have more time for other things. The dedicated workspace makes working in the garage more enjoyable.

[Photo courtesy of Lisa Fotios/pexels.com]

Declutter Seamlessly

Decluttering the garage makes moving around the space easier. Workbenches with storage built-in let you store the tools for a specific project right at hand. Additional storage provides cabinets, drawers, shelves and pegboards for other items from gardening tools to a ratchet set. Everything has a place in an organized garage leaving fewer things to trip over on the floor.

Safer Storage

Add a garage cabinet with a lock on it for items you don’t want the kids to have access to such as paint or pesticides. Locking the cabinet regularly ensures little hands can safely play in the garage. Install a lock on the drawer on the workbench itself to keep specific items from being moved out of the workbench itself.

[Photo courtesy of Mikes Photos/pexels.com]

Increased Functionality

A garage workbench makes working in the garage more functional. If you enjoy gardening, you can use the flat surface to paint a new pot and store potting soil, pruners and shovels. A workbench on caster wheels moves around, so your tools are right where you need them. An attached pegboard is a great place to store loose tools that are hard to store in cabinets such as gardening tools. Attach a surge protector for electricity right at your fingertips for power tools.

Whether you choose a simple workbench for a nice flat work surface or one with all the bells and whistles, your garage benefits from the increased organization, functionality and safety. A workbench can be an aid whether you’re a regular mechanic, gardener or woodworker. Include a workbench in your next garage organization system.

There are so many places to choose from when deciding where to take your next vacation. Are you looking for something different from the typical destination spot? Maybe you should consider checking out the accommodations around Beavers Bend State Park in Oklahoma. The area has numerous activities on water and land, plus an array of beaver bend lodging choices. You can stay in a secluded cabin tucked away in the forest while still enjoying the comforts of home, including HD TV’s, hot tubs, fully equipped kitchens and more.

Activities in the Area

Taking in the breathtaking surroundings is entertainment enough, however, if you’re looking for some more activities there are plenty of things to do around Beavers Bend State Park. If you fancy spending a day with your favorite golf clubs, you can visit the highly-rated eighteen-hole, par seventy-two course. If you’re not interested in a serious game of golf, there is a mini-course you may enjoy instead. Tennis courts are also available for those who want a more intense activity to start the day. Of course, you may decide to take advantage of all three.

[Photo courtesy of Pixabay/pexels.com]

The Sights You’ll See

If you’ve got an explorer’s soul, there are extensive trails to traverse in the park for hikers of every skill level. Perhaps spending the day at Broken Bow Lake is the type of adventure that interests you. Boats, jet skis, paddle boats, kayaks and canoes are all available to rent. You can even take a ride through the area on horseback or by miniature train. Fly fishing for trout on the Lower Mountain Fork River may be your chosen method of relaxation. If you prefer bass or catfish, you can try fishing on the lake. All these experiences come with a wilderness view.

Lodging Options

[Photo courtesy of Pixabay/pexels.com]

Arranging lodging is sometimes the hardest part of any vacation, but it doesn’t have to be at Beavers Bend. There are several options for accommodations. From lodges and cabins to houseboats and campgrounds, you can find whatever works best for your needs. If you want a night off from kitchen duty, there are plenty of fabulous restaurants within 10 miles of the park.

Take in the sights. Connect with nature. Look into Beavers Bend. Experience a vacation you can enjoy with the whole family, your significant other, a group of girlfriends or hunting buddies or your co-workers. You can make new memories in Beaver’s Bend or even start a new tradition.

If you are looking to update your home, chances are you will be looking at spending some serious time and money if you don’t have a plan in place. Although painting and changing out draperies could be quick and cost-efficient fix, a total room makeover inevitably includes new flooring. Without the right know-how and in the interest of your budget, you might settle for a boring but finance-friendly fix. You might be surprised to find out how economical epoxy floors can be when compared to other materials.

Epoxy flooring moves beyond commercial applications.

Professional garage shops and commercial buildings are typically places where you will find the shiny and durable application of an epoxy-coated flooring system. The coating is a combination of hardeners and resins which creates a solid surface that bonds to many material types once it has dried. While it does provide an industrial strength application, there are also decorative elements of metallic flecks, designer-inspired patterns and colors or tints to make it more appealing for residential use.

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Epoxy flooring has a durability that surpasses other materials.

If you are familiar with hardwood floors, you will know that wear and tear can occur through water or liquid spills, moving furniture and everyday traffic. These floors need to be refinished in order to return their shine, and for an installation that was already quite an expense, this only adds to the cost of upkeep. Tile floors offer durability that can last for decades, depending on the quality and type of stone or tile placed. The installation costs more, as cutting and grouting add to the labor involved. Tiles can crack or chip if heavy objects are dropped onto them, and they can also be slippery when wet. Carpet is the other popular choice, but despite luxurious look and warmth higher end grades tend to offer, there is more maintenance involved in its upkeep. Vacuuming and preventing spots and stains can get tiresome.

Epoxy floors stand out above the rest.

When compared to other common flooring choices, epoxy stands out as a real winner. Durability is no longer a problem, as it won’t get cracked or dented with dropped items or heavy foot traffic. It is easy to clean and resistant to stains and water damage. An epoxy coating is also dirt and dust resistant, giving it a cleaner look but also maintaining a better air quality over time. Affordability and beauty tie for first place in what makes an epoxy floor a great choice.

Many are wondering what rod pocket curtains are. These curtains are styled with size pockets on top of it to accommodate the curtain rods for shirring. The pocket size could vary but the standard is between 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches. Modern homes look appealing to this type of curtain. Some curtains have clip rings or header to give the window a unique appearance.

Curtains can reinvent your home by changing its looks compared to a window without coverings. It is important that when you buy a rod pocket curtains or tailored curtains, you have to determine the exact size of the wall against the size of your window frame by removing the curtains. Let the rod hang without the curtains and measure the curtain size by including the allowance for the curtain rod that is extended on both sides of the window.

[Photo courtesy of wayfair.com]

Low ceilings look good if you adorn it with ticking stripes, music stripes or Celia rod pocket curtain to make it look taller. For high ceilings you can choose a Moire plaid or buffalo check curtain to lessen the height in the room. Floral, diamond or paisley printed discount curtains are fit for plain walls while plain and simple colored curtains look good when you match it with floral or printed wallpapers. Avoid hanging printed curtains on a printed wall because it can distract your attention and the mismatch can create confusion.

Modern curtains give added attraction to your home because of their versatility and functionality. Most contemporary and Zen-inspired homes look appealing with these curtains as they bring out the essence of the house design. When it comes to home improvement, hanging a rod pocket curtain is safe because of its simplicity. It does not have so many frills and ruffles and it is easy to mount. The design is tailor-made for your modern or contemporary home.

You spend a third of your life sleeping, and even more than that physically in your bedroom. While many of us keep a desk in our bedrooms for space-saving reasons, it’s still best to keep your bedroom as comfortable and tranquil as possible, so that it can help you get a healthy, rejuvenating night’s sleep.  Many people ignore the colours of their walls, perceiving them as permanent or hard to change, whilst some people aren’t allowed to because of their contracts with landlords.  However, the colours of your walls can play a vital role in the atmosphere your room provides and the resulting level of rest you can obtain in it.

Imagine if the walls of your room were painted bright red.  You would probably have a hard time falling asleep, knowing such a shocking colour was waiting to assault your opening eyes.  While neutral colours won’t have the same effect as bright red, they don’t help calm you like some other colour combinations can.  Read on to see how these different colour combinations can create a tranquil yet modern atmosphere, providing you with the best night’s sleep you can get.

Browns and Greens – Deep Forest Relaxation

Imagine chocolate brown walls, cream-coloured trim, and emerald-green accent furniture. Sounds bold, but people often feel most comfortable in nature, and using browns and greens to mimic nature’s most common colour combination is one way to bring the wild inside.  Line the windowsill with plants and put a ficus tree in the opposite corner, and voila, your bedroom has been transformed from a drab cube to a tranquil, natural sanctuary, where even the most unsettled mind can enjoy deep rest.

[Photo courtesy of bottlein/pixabay.com]

Light Blues and Pastel Greens – Ocean Breeze Tranquillity

Some people may not want bold colours like chocolate brown and emerald green, but that doesn’t mean nature doesn’t have a palette to fit.  While not everyone has a sea-facing, wall-sized window, you can appreciate the calming effect of sea can have on the mind and harness that effect in your own bedroom.  Light sea-green walls with white trim (imagine cresting waves), with light blue furniture and sheets can provide a calming, oceanic atmosphere.

20 Shades of Grey – The Colours of Night Itself

Really only two or three shades will do the trick – a light shade of grey around the entire room, with one accent wall deep and luxurious, opposite the bed, and a large black and white print of a calm empty street at night.  Grey can be very calming and accenting it with a light green can bring in a little more nature as well.  Such dark colours wouldn’t be recommended for a home office, for example, but in the room in which you sleep, muting sources of background light can help you rest and even be good for your health.

Whatever colour combination you choose, be sure it is one that fits you. Searching online can help you get the right furniture, accents, and accessories to make your tranquil natural bedroom come to life.

A big picture window in your kitchen can give you and your family wonderful lighting and a refreshing view of your garden. You also need less heating or cooling while you are cooking or preparing meals because kitchen windows can let natural light and warm sunshine in. You also get fresh and cool air. With all these benefits that your kitchen windows offer, it is only ideal to find the perfect curtain style and color for it. Many homeowners buy cheap kitchen curtains but most are not sure which styles to go for.

For kitchen windows, one of the most preferred types of curtain are the café curtain styles. A curtain made from light net material is a wonderful option for the kitchen especially during those warm and toasty summer days. These styles of window sets are quite popular in French cafes and home interior decorators brought it into residences.

[Photo courtesy of Republica/pixabay.com]

Designers suggest hanging curtain in the middle part of the window to achieve chic café ambiance on your kitchen. It should leave the upper part of the window exposed, but it will still depend on what you want. You can hang the curtain from different heights to create different effects and for you to control natural lighting. You may also tie your curtains to the window’s side to let more air and natural light in.

Kitchens are the perfect place to recreate that French café air because it can be a casual and informal place for dining. When hung in the right places, these curtains can create a lovely mood and effect. However, you must still consider the colors and styles of the fabric you are going to use. It should complement the overall design of the kitchen not stand out like a sore thumb simply because of its contrasting color or design. Go for light materials, net and Jardinière material can make small kitchens look more spacious and airy. You may also work on layering net materials over colorful patterns during the colder season.

Vintage interior design refers to the furniture, fabrics and other elements that create a nostalgic feel in a room. Generally speaking, vintage designs may draw from a number of periods, including the Victorian and Edwardian periods; the 1920s and Art Deco era; the post-WWII era and the 1950s and the psychedelic 60s and the 70s disco era. More specifically, vintage refers to design elements and style that recalls the look and feel of the 1940s and 50s.

Incorporating vintage design into a room, for example the kitchen, may begin on a small scale. Simply adding in vintage canisters, an old-fashioned bread box or advertising imagery can create a vintage 50s look in a modern kitchen. There are a great variety of furniture pieces and accessories to be found in specialty stores, antique stores and even at local sales and flea markets, to help create the look. With the addition of popular paint colors and finishes from the era and some simple window coverings, a vintage-style kitchen is easy to achieve.

[Photo courtesy of jill111/pixabay.com]

Vintage kitchen accessories and furniture

Furniture designs from the 50s made use of many, at the time, new materials; one of the most popular and iconic being chrome. A mainstay of the 50s-era diner, chrome can be used to form the base of a Formica-topped kitchen table, vinyl-covered chairs or swivel bar stools. Caned-back chairs are a slightly more formal way to go when paired with a coordinating table.

Appliances from the 50s are still to be found and some may even be in working order; however, many of the old designs for these durable metal machines have been reproduced to blend well with vintage kitchen designs, among them lever-handled refrigerators, ice boxes and Chambers cook-stoves.

Vintage 50s accessories include red and white enamelware dishes and cookware; glass milk bottles and vintage milk cans; bread boxes and vintage and reprinted art designs and advertising images.

[Photo courtesy of alluregraphicdesign/pixabay.com]

Vintage colors and finishes

The color palette in the 50s was characterized by a wide array of hues, ranging from natural stains and white to Mackinac green, a soft forest green. In addition, golden yellow, light gray, medium gray-blue, desert sand and pale mist green were also popular throughout the period. Enamel paints and finishes were widely used in 50s era kitchens, from the furniture and cabinetry, to the walls and even the floors.

Directional design was a popular and functional choice during the 50s. Using the direction in which a particular room faces as a guideline, directional design guides the choice of color to be used, based on how much natural light enters the room and its overall temperature. On account of their exposure to the sun, south and west facing kitchens tend to be described as “hot”, so cooler blues and greens are the best choice. North-facing kitchens tend to be “cold”, so choosing “warm” or “hot” colors, including yellow, orange and red, work best. East facing rooms are flexible and can pull colors from both palettes.

Vintage window dressings

Vintage 50s-era window coverings are both simple and decorative. Full window panels in gingham fabrics, with clean white tie-backs; valances featuring charming and animated motifs, such as teapots, fruit or vegetables; white curtains edged in colored bands and custom shutters painted in period colors, are all great examples of the style.

Renovating your home can feel as though your life is being turned upside down, but there are ways to maintain some order in your life as you await the completion of your project. If you plan to have your home remodeled, here are a few ways that you can survive the chaos.

Protect Your Belongings

You don’t want any of your prized possessions to get damaged while your home is being renovated. It’s important to add protective padding to fragile items or remove them from your home and keep them in storage so that they don’t get broken. Many of your furniture pieces can be covered to prevent them from becoming heavily soiled. There is even protective padding that can be used to prevent damage to your floors.

[Photo courtesy of jossuetrejo_oficial/pixabay.com]

Keep It Tidy

Even though your home will likely get dirty and be rather disorganized during your project, you can still take measures to tidy up your living space as the work progresses. At the end of each day, try sweeping and dusting accessible areas to prevent massive dirt buildups. Clearing out any extra scraps or debris will also be to your advantage. There are cleaning companies that offer post-construction cleanings Sheboygan residents can depend on, and you can hire one of these service providers to do a thorough cleaning of your home after your project is complete.

Treat Yourself

You’ll likely want to be at your property as much as possible to oversee the work, but you should still allow yourself the opportunity to escape the chaos and do something enjoyable. A day at the spa or an afternoon of golf will be a great outlet and may be just what you need to de-stress. You can also get away by visiting a local museum or theme park. By treating yourself to some fun time away, you’ll have a cleared mind and be able to address challenges with greater ease when you return home.

Surviving a home renovation project is possible and can be done with less difficulty if the appropriate steps are taken. By putting in some extra effort, you’ll be able to minimize certain hassles throughout the remodel.