Studying away from home is one great challenge especially if in your entire life you haven’t tried sleeping in places other than your room. However, time will come that there’s a need for to move out and learn to live on your own. You can start practicing it by living in a dormitory during your college days. If in case you’re lucky enough to secure a dorm room wherein you won’t be having any roomies, then you can fully decide on how you would want it to look like. You can place any dorm room wall decor you want and freshen it up with your choice of air freshener. That’s the beauty of it. However, if you would be placed in a room of for or two, then you can only just decorate the wall near you.

[Photo courtesy of Pixabay/pexels.com]

Since, going to college is already expensive, make sure to spend your money wisely. Visit some garage sale or scout for decorative few months ahead of time. You can also make use of the some major sale days like the Black Friday sale and similar events.  You can also bring along some stuff from your house like your favorite pillow, bed sheet, study lamp an some other things so that you won’t buying anymore. If you would be able to make your dorm room look similar to the one you have at home, then there would be a lesser tendency of feeling homesick an you would be able to adjust easily.

Most homemakers today are adorning their homes with a sheer window treatment because of its functionality and aesthetic appeal. The design of sheer coverings is associated with wealth and class. Even log and country homes in a rural setting look more beautiful when embellished with a sheer drapery panel.

The fabric itself is one reason why drapes of this style are elegant, light yet strong to block the glaring UV rays. Some sheer drapes are accentuated with generous amount of trims, laces and accessories that make them look expensive and luxurious.

[Photo courtesy of bestproducts.com]

Drapes do not only enhance the appearance of your home, they are an excellent barrier towards stalkers who use your windows to see what you are doing inside. Not only that, they offer natural insulation because the fabric which is usually made of voile, silk or faux satin has lined finish that sets off the light from harming your interior.

If you live in the countryside, the sheer drape can provide you a breathtaking view of the greenery woods and the blue skies. While you are protected from strangers and elemental, you can enjoy fresh air because the softness of the fabric allows the sea breeze and the morning dew to get inside the house.

Its simplicity makes it a perfect window embellishment for a provincial abode that makes it an ideal setting for a romantic interlude. This is perhaps the reason why sheer drapes are so popular in modern homes. They look more beautiful if you adorn on top of them some layers of curtains or a scarf. Make sure their colors are not contradicting.

Aside from giving a fashion statement to your window, the sheer drape is a reflection of your fine taste. They can turn your living room into a perfect venue for informal gathering and the dining area for sharing your culinary expertise. When you are faced with economic difficulties, the drape is a perfect decorating alternative if your budget is limited. If you are planning to change your curtain, this one is worth considering.

What is it that makes a house feel like home? The people, the decor, or the accessories? It’s probably down to individual tastes, but living in a homely, personalized house is important for our sense of well being, belonging, and relaxation. There is a whole host of different things you can add to your home if you think it still needs a homely touch, from books to rugs, and everything in between.

1. Sentimental photographs

There’s nothing more comforting than being surrounded by people you love, so when they can’t be there, make your home feel special and personal to you by filling it with beautiful pictures of your nearest and dearest. It immediately adds a sentimental edge, which can be both reassuring and grounding.

2. Cozy rugs

Whether you have hardwood floors or carpets, nothing quite says comfort like rugs. Layer rugs of different textures and patterns to create a really comfortable look – faux sheepskins are especially great for this. Bedrooms and living rooms have never been cozier.

3. A fire

Is there anything more romantic than snuggling in front of the fire in a room you love? If your home is fireplace-less, you’re seriously missing out, and this needs rectifying immediately. Check out the fireplaces on this blog to choose one which fits your decor, and see how much difference a fire can make to the comfort of your living room.

[Photo courtesy of Counselling/pixabay.com]

4. Soft layers

Without rugs, blankets, throws, and cushions, homes can see quite sterile, with lots of straight lines and sharp edges. Layer fabrics to soften these harsh lines. It works in any room – dishcloths in the kitchen, towels in the bathroom, fluffy blankets in the bedroom, and you can really go to town with cushions and throws in the living room. Soft layers can really make a house a home and add a sense of luxury.

5. Feature walls

Painting all four walls in neutral colors might be the easiest to coordinate, but it’s not pushing your style to the next level. Consider creating a feature wall as a focal point in a bedroom or living room. Dark or bright paint, wooden cladding, or even a curtain wall all act as a point of interest, making the room feel cozier and more unified in style.

6. Reading nook

Every bookworm’s dream is a reading nook, and every home should have a library, so why not combine the two, while also making use of a little space that’s always been forgotten before? All it takes is a few book shelves, a wall lamp, and loads of comfy cushions to create the reading nook of your dreams.

7. Fairy lights

The soft twinkle of warm fairy lights can make a space really relaxing in the evening, but can also add classy elegance to any space.

8. Something fluffy

Every home needs something fluffy to curl your toes into on a cold winter’s evening. Whether it’s a cat, a fluffy cushion, or a faux sheepskin rug, it immediately brings the home to next level cosiness. Throw in a fluffy housecoat and slippers, and you’ll never want to go outside again.

Fill your home with beauty and things that you love, and you’ll see that making a house a home is as easy as pie.

Is your backyard dull and bland and crying out for a change? I thought so.

Does doing something different with your backyard require a lot of money? Certainly not. The following are a whole raft of backyard ideas you can try out for yourself that won’t break the bank. So without further ado, let’s get started.

Marble Fence

Does your wooden fence lack a bit of spark? Probably. But fear not.

One cool thing that you can do is drill holes in your fence and then glue marbles into those holes. Dot the marbles at different heights and distances from each other. And play with different sizes. When the sun shines through them, they’ll glow differing colors and look amazing during a sunset. Just remember to ask your kids first whether they mind their marbles being used for decoration.

Make A Floating Cooler

This one is great if you have a pool in your backyard. Get a plastic box, like one you’d put files and folders in. Then glue foam tubes along all the top edges so that when you submerge it in water, it will float.

Then, fill the tub with ice and your favorite drinks and pop it into the pool. On a hot day, the water from the pool will keep the drinks cool, so you don’t have to continuously trek back and forth to the kitchen fridge.

Make A Throwing Game For The Kids

Grab a tarpaulin and cut a few holes in it that are big enough, so a ball to fly through. Label the different holes with different numbers, depending on their size. Bigger holes will have smaller numbers, and vice versa.

Then find two trees in your garden, roughly 15 feet apart. Suspend the tarpaulin between them, so that it is hanging like a picture. Then take aim with a soccer ball and fire.

Use Rope Lighting

Rope lighting is all the rage right now, partly because of its versatility. But it also looks incredible at night as one, continuous line of light.

[Photo courtesy of Hans/pixabay.com]

You can use rope lighting to line your garden, separating different regions from one another. It works well for lighting the edges of paths and for delineating the edges of flower beds.

Use Epsom Salt Fertiliser

Few people know it, but Epsom salt makes an excellent fertilizer. So if your pot plants are looking a little drab, and you don’t want to go out and spend a load of money on fertilizer, use Epsom salt.

It’s simple to apply. Just mix two tablespoons of salt into each gallon of water. Then use this mixture once per month instead of regular water when watering your plants. If you’re planting seeds right now, you can just sprinkle the salt on the soil and wait for the rain to do its job.

Use Pool Noodles For Kickball Croquet

Do you dream of being able to entertain the kids on a dime? Well, now you can, with kickball croquet. Just grab a few pool noodles – the foam tubes that I mentioned earlier for the floating cooler. Cut the noodles in half. The fashion them into an arch before using garden stakes to peg them down into the ground. Then just gather up a few balls and take it in turns to kick them through the hoops, just like you would take turns with a regular game of croquet.

[Photo courtesy of en.wikipedia.org/Pool noodle]

Use Faux Stone Walls

Real stone walls are expensive. Faux stone walls? Not so much. Faux stone walls from sites like www.FauxDirect.com/product-category/stone-2/ go for less than you might think. Usually, faux stone walls are made from polyurethane – a cheap plastic. Yet, surprisingly, they look and feel just like the real thing. And, just like real stone walls, they’re ultra-durable.

Use Fire Crystals

There’s nothing like having the family sit around the fire pit on a long summer evening chatting about life’s foibles. You can spruce up your fire pit with attractive colors by using fire crystals. These burn blue-green and purple, adding a beautiful twist to the already mesmerising fire.

Grow Your Own Summer House

Summer houses have been all the rage since Victorian times in England. But building another house in your garden has never been cheap. Traditionally, it was only something that the rich could do. Even today, wooden summer houses can end up costing thousands of dollars.

But why bother buying one when you can grow your own? It’s easy really. Make a circular shaped flower bed in an appropriate location in your garden. Then plant some meter-long garden stakes in the bed, woven together with some garden twine. In the bed, plant a fast-growing plant like sunflowers, that will eventually grow tall enough the provide a wall and a canvas. And then just let nature take its course.

[Photo courtesy of Donnawetta/pixabay.com]

If you do it right, you’ll end up with a beautiful, natural summerhouse that you and the kids can relax in whenever you like.

Remodel Old Tree Stumps

Most of us have some sort of tree stump, lying around in our back garden. Instead of waiting for it to rot away, why not make use of it. You could transform it into a table if it’s tall enough. Or use it as a planter, if it’s in among the flower bed.

[Photo courtesy of Los Angeles/en.wikipedia.org]

Use Mirrors

Most interior designers will tell you to use mirrors if you want to make a room inside your house look bigger, . But you don’t have to just use mirrors on the inside of your house

If you’ve got a couple of mirrors that you don’t want, you can hang them on your back fence to make your garden look bigger.

Use Glow-In-The-Dark Paint

Gardens in the daylight are stunning. Gardens at night – not so much. But it’s at night when the glow-in-the-dark paint can make a real impact. You can light up just about anything you want using it. But most people opt to highlight just a couple of features. Perhaps you’d like to make your plant pots glow. Whatever it is, glow-in-the-dark paint is an excellent way to instantly light up your garden.

Use Fast-Growing Plants For Ground Cover

Your garden probably has at least one dreary looking paths. It would look a lot better if it were a little greener along its length. You can use plants like sedum sarmentosum to cover patches of dull ground quickly. These little green plants will shoot up in no time and are ideal in harsh conditions. Then all you have to do is place stepping stone conveniently along the path and hey presto – you’ve solved the problem of your boring path.

Plant Lemongrass

You might think that lemongrass is just a herb used in South East Asian cuisine. And you’d be right. But what fewer people know is that the herb is also great at fending off annoying bugs, like mosquitos.

Don’t let mosquitoes ruin your time in the garden. Plant some lemongrass today to keep that annoying buzzing away.

Make A Tarp Splash Pad

Pools are expensive. But you and the kids want somewhere that you can cool off on a hot afternoon in the summer, especially if you live in the South.

The solution is to make a tarpaulin splash pad. Get a hose and attach it to a sprinkler. The place it on top of a tarp, spread out on the ground. The sprinkler will create a cooling splash pad, and the tarpaulin will create a fun, and slippery, surface.

Make A Wind Chime

Wind chimes made from brass are expensive. But if you’ve got a creative streak, you could make yours out of whatever you like. One option is to use a stick, some string and some old keys you don’t use anymore. Just paint the keys, strings, and branch in different colors. The suspend the keys from the branch, using the string.

Here’s another example, using old CDs.

[Photo courtesy of Windell Oskay/flickr.com]

Make A Garden Swing

Got an old, wooden chair lying around that you don’t use anymore? Why not make it into a swing? Just hack off the legs and put to one side. Then throw some rope around a sturdy tree branch, connecting it to a base made from wooden beams. Then attach the chair to the beams, and voila – you’ve got a new swinging chair.

Get Inventive With Pot Plants

When planting, you don’t have to stick to the generic plant pots from the garden center. You can use pretty much whatever you like. Got a rustic-looking crate lying around? Why not fill this with different varieties of plants and put it in your backyard?

Repaint Your Back Door

Perhaps you’ve got a wooden back door. If so, giving it a fresh coat of paint is an excellent way to make your garden look more vibrant. Why not go for a deep gold color paint to complement the summer?

[Photo courtesy of Arpingstone/en.wikipedia.org]

Use Wall Decorations

Walls aren’t always the most attractive feature of a back garden. But you can do a lot to improve their appearance. One cool thing to do is to hang bottles or pot plants, brimming with flowers. And don’t be afraid to use a lot. The more, the merrier.

Curtains are an important part of your home’s décor. They also provide privacy and can help to keep your home cool when the hot sun is beaming in. However, curtains can be expensive so you want to look for discounted curtains. These are just as effective and stylish as their more pricey counterparts so you can save cash while still getting the privacy and decorative effects that you are looking for.

Blinds Only

Gone are the days where our only blinds choices were those white blinds that collected dust and were terribly difficult to open and close. Today, there are blinds out there that can stand alone as a window treatment. To make this even better, these tend to be pretty inexpensive. If you have a more modern home, go for wooden blinds. These will fit into just about any modern décor scheme. If you are going French country or shabby chic, try white blinds that are made of wood and wider than the old ones. These can also be paired with curtains, but can stand on their own.

[Photo courtesy of VinnyCiro/pixabay.com]

Flat Panels

A flat panel curtain is so easy to put up. These simply slide onto a rod and then the rod is put into place. These are made from a variety of different fabrics, and come in every pattern and color that you could want. These are also inexpensive and you really will not pay more than $20.00 for a pair of curtains. They are also easy to care for as they can be quickly and easily taken down, washed, dried and then put back up. This is a good option for those with allergies to dust because curtains tend to collect it, but since you can clean them so easily, you will not have to worry about dust collecting on them.

Create Them Yourself

This is an option if you are a crafty person. You can buy plain white, cotton curtain panels and then dye them in any color or pattern that you need. You can also buy panels and then use fabric paint to create a one-of-a-kind curtain panel.

If you’re looking for a really great DIY project for your home this year, why not consider giving your spare room a makeover? There are lots of things we can use this space for. If you don’t need to use it as a bedroom, why not consider a big change? Perhaps you have a hobby or interest you’re passionate about. You can use the spare room to provide all the space you need to enjoy your hobby fully. Here are some of my favorite uses for a spare room:

Sewing

If you love to create your own home furnishings, then a sewing room could be a perfect choice. Perhaps you love creating your own fashions? Or maybe you enjoy decorative needlework? There are plenty of different ways to enjoy creating when you have your own sewing room. Start by painting the walls a fairly pale and neutral color. This will help maximize the light in the room.

[Photo courtesy of Harlow Heslop/flickr.com]

You could install a good quality worktop along one wall. This could support your sewing machine or other equipment. If you enjoy quilting, consider a wider width to support the larger fabric as it grows. You can find out more about the best sewing machine for quilting online. Check the size and weight before you build your workstation. Don’t forget you’ll need good lamps around the room. A mannequin could stand in the corner. Full-length mirrors will help you see the fabric from all angles.

Music Room

For the budding musicians around you, a music room could be the perfect use of your spare room. Perhaps you have some beautiful instruments you would like to display or hang on the wall? Before you start this project consider some extra insulation or soundproofing. Larger acoustic instruments like pianos are also incredibly heavy. Check if your floor needs a little reinforcing if your room is on wooden supports.

[Photo courtesy of Miguel Mendez/flickr.com]

To create the perfect practice room for you and your instruments you need good light. Some music stands can be fitted with a sheet music light. Alternatively, consider directional spot lights. If you’re setting up a mini recording studio or a digital workstation, make sure you can stack your equipment safely. You may want to build a custom shelving unit. There may be a lot of cables running across the floor of your room. Try to keep them tidy to avoid a trip hazard.

Art Studio

If you love drawing or painting, why not create a studio for your art? A small workbench may be all you need. Then a simple stool and easel near the best light in the room. Natural light from the window is usually ideal. You might want to install a sink and running water so you can clean your brushes and pallets. A blue roll dispenser can save you fiddling about when you’re in a hurry to wipe something clean.

Photography Studio

If you love taking digital photographs, why not set up a photography studio. A small room like the spare room may be all you need if you love portraits or close-ups. Your lighting equipment may get warm, so consider installing air conditioning. It’s not advisable to take on chemical photography or a dark room in a residential house unless you have the correct ventilation system.

[Photo courtesy of Illusive Photography/flickr.com]

You may need to black out the window from time to time so you can fully manipulate the light. Naturally lit portraits can be visually stunning so make sure you can remove the blind easily. Paint the room brilliant white for maximum light reflection. You can always drape material over walls for a background. Consider installing a cupboard for your equipment and props.

Model Building

If you love crafting and building models, then your spare room could be the ideal spot for your hobby. Make sure you have excellent ventilation and natural air circulating if you use glues or paints. You’ll need a full workbench set up with plenty of lamps to supply the light. Sometimes it’s necessary to heat things up like wire or glues. Choose a surface and a lip area on your workbench for this purpose.

Writer’s Studio

If there is a poet or author inside of you, then you should have your own space to put pen to paper. You’ll need soft, focused light over your writing area. You probably have a love for literature, so install some bookshelves. Then you can surround yourself with all that inspires you. Put a big wall planner up so you can see your working schedule and submission deadlines.

Home Office

If you love your work enough to make it a hobby, then you deserve your very own home office space. A good quality desk and a top of the range computer are ideal. You can have your internet router installed in here, and even a second phone line. Why not add a couple of USB ports to your wall sockets so you can keep all your devices on charge? A wall mounted TV tuned to the news channels can keep you up to date too

Cinema Room

If you’re a movie buff, then a cinema room could be the perfect use for your spare room. You’ll need one wall painted white so you can use a home cinema projector. You can paint the other walls black to help reduce the light in the room as you’re watching the movie. It’s a great way to get really immersed in the film. You will also need to block out the natural light from the window.

[Photo courtesy of gsloan/flickr.com]

Add a reclining sofa and a beer fridge so you have everything you might need. Installing surround sound speakers is easier upstairs than downstairs. You can run the cabling from the attic and through the ceiling. Now all you need to do is lay back and let the movie take you on an epic adventure.

Spare rooms often go to waste in our homes. They get filled with clutter and forgotten about. Bring yours back to life and have fun with a new hobby this year.

Sometimes you just need a change and sometimes you are on a deadline as there is an upcoming party or event to be celebrated in your home. Decorating your home is such an overwhelming business because of endless options and ideas on how to start decorating. That is why it is always a good idea to plan ahead and shop when you have time not when you are up against it.

Some of the fast and easy makeover tips that can make difference is buying new wallpaper for the wall, relocating the music instruments like piano and hamer newport or reupholstering a furniture.

One of the most frequently used rooms in the house is the bathroom; maybe it needs an update as well. A new bathroom shelves can go a long way to help reduce clutter and provide a clean and modern look. If the vanity and bathroom cabinets are looking a bit tired you don’t need to call a contractor – consider investing in new bathroom hardware. Modern drawer pulls and knobs can transform the look of a mundane vanity or medicine chest in minutes.

If you really want to impress guests then invest in a set of monogrammed towels – they are really quite affordable and add a touch of elegance to any bath or powder room. When guests recall your home they will remember the monogrammed towels and be less apt to notice any shortcomings in your décor.

Experts recommend replacing the shower curtain and bathroom window treatments on an annual basis so if company is coming it’s a good call to action. A fresh bath mat and a new shower curtain can update a bathroom in minutes.

When you’re looking to make a change or improvement to your home, new and modern furniture can sometimes provide a radical transformation!Aside from what’s hanging on the walls or lying on the floor, furniture is what defines your look and style—whether clean and minimal, comfy and rustic, hip and funky, industrial and cold, there’s a type of modern furniture and a home decorating plan for everyone. But besides getting that stylish new look, there are many other benefits to investing in new furniture—benefits that are sure to please you and the environment.

In case you didn’t know, there is something called “eco-friendly furniture.” This type of home furnishing is produced with organic fabrics, natural wood, and with BioPlushsoybean-based cushioning, made from seed-extracted oils that use much less petroleum-based fossil fuels to manufacture than those used in traditional foam furniture. Soy-based foam is also more resistant to UV degradation, emits less of an odour, has a consistent density and stability, and feels extremely natural. This is also known as “green seating,” if you’re in the market. Qualified and competent furniture dealers should also be committed to a recycling program to further reduce their carbon footprint. Environmentally friendly practices aren’t just the domain of particular industries and services; furniture manufacturers and retailers should both be equally invested in protecting our renewable resources and not damaging the planet.

[Image courtesy of JamesDemers/pixabay.com]

For the best in modern furniture, look for a trusted company that has withstood the test of time. Our suggestion would be to begin your search with The Chesterfield Shop website, which will have countless options and a very user-friendly approach. One of the benefits of shopping with a company that has been around for many decades is that they have figured out how to please their customers. They have had many years to build trust and perfect their policies. After finding the right company, you still have the difficult choice of just which pieces of furniture to purchase, but at least that’s the fun part!

 Once you’ve found a store, you can then always search the web for some decorating ideas. You could also use those images for ideas on just what to purchase.Purchasing a new sofa, love seat, sofa bed, recliner, ottoman, or all of the above can make a huge improvement to the value of your home. Redecorating does not have to be stressful or time consuming. Deciding on eco-friendly furniture and a company that produces beautiful furniture will change everything about your interiors. Be proud of where you live and enjoy the comfort of your new furniture that not only looks beautiful, but also supports and helps protect the environment.