Our homes are definitely our castles. Somewhere to spend time with family and relax so we’re ready to face the world, whatever it throws at us. A home that you feel happy and comfortable in is so important. Are you making the most out of yours? Is the space being used to it’s maximum potential, and does it make you feel happy and inspired? If not, it’s time to fix that.

One option could be a complete refit from a company such as MillionDollarMakeovers.net.au. Alternatively you could pick and choose areas of your home which you want to upgrade. This will make the space functional and beautiful, and will allow you to fully enjoy your home. Here are some of the ways you can make the most of your property.

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Add Extra Space

This could be in the form of an extension, a conservatory, a garden room or a loft conversion. If you need more usable space this could be the ideal choice. It could be for a home office, a guest bedroom or studio. Why not make the most of the space on your property and turn it into an additional usable and functional room.

Tackle Repairs

This could be niggly things like a wobbly toilet seat or a leaking tap, or be a case of finishing up half-done projects. Make sure everything works well and looks finished. This will make your home functional and aesthetically pleasing, making it enjoyable to spend time in.

Make The Layout Work For You

If you love hosting dinner parties for friends and family but constantly find yourself running to and from the kitchen all evening, then your current layout isn’t working for you. Consider transforming the space into an open plan area, or changing the doorway to a large arch. The same applies to things like bathrooms. If you have to traipse down long hallways or even up/down stairs to the bathroom during the night, you could consider having an en-suite fitted. Don’t adapt your lifestyle to fit your home. Instead, make your home fit the way you live.

Make it Cozy and Comfortable

Beds, living room furniture, and even garden furniture should all be chosen with the utmost comfort in mind. Having comfortable areas to relax gives you the opportunity to fully enjoy your home. Choose good quality mattresses for beds, and sofas with large, deep seats that you can sit back and lounge on. In the garden, instead of flimsy plastic chairs how about a garden three piece suite or a comfortable swing seat? Since your home is the place to relax, the right furniture will enable you to do this.

Make it Reflect You

Bring in your taste and personality to make it into a space that you really enjoy spending time in. Choose colors that you love, if you’re unsure you could go with neutral decor and bring in color with accessories. Hang artwork that you find beautiful on the walls to inspire you. Find places to display the things you love. Grouping smaller items onto trays is a good way to prevent the space becoming cluttered.

Most of us are aware of the difference a good night’s sleep can make to our health and wellbeing. While it’s normal to have nights when you don’t sleep like a baby, missing out on good quality sleep on a regular basis can be harmful. Not only will you feel grumpy and groggy. You’ll also lack energy and focus, and you may be more susceptible to illness and stress. There are many reasons people struggle to sleep. Pressure at work, financial problems, and health issues can make getting to sleep tough. But have you ever wondered if your home is keeping you awake at night? If you experience sleep problems on a regular basis, here are some tips, which may help to restore peace and quiet.

Creating a peaceful bedroom

Your bedroom is the most important room in the house when it comes to good quality sleep. Ideally, your room should be a tranquil haven, which makes you feel relaxed and prepares your body and mind for sleep. Many people experience disturbed nights as a result of noise and light. If your room isn’t already an oasis of calm, there are easy ways of achieving this goal.

The first thing to address when it comes to sleepless nights is your sleeping environment. If it’s light outside and there are neon beams pouring through the curtains, it’s no wonder that you’re having issues drifting off to sleep. Blackout blinds or heavy curtains are a marvelous investment. Blocking out light creates a setting much more conducive to restful nights. Once you’ve drawn the curtains, block out any remaining lights, such as standby lights on televisions or music players. If you can, try to keep all technology out of your bedroom.

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Once you’ve conquered the issue of light, move onto noise. How often do you get woken up by phones beeping or next door neighbors playing music? Even the slightest disturbance can wake light sleepers and once you’re awake, it can be difficult to nod back off. Ensure all phones are on silent, or leave them downstairs. If you live in the town center or close to a restaurant or bar, consider using ear plugs. This is particularly beneficial on busy nights, such as Fridays and Saturdays. If you’re having trouble with your neighbors, knock on the door and ask them if they could be a little quieter late at night.

Your decor can also help to make your bedroom a relaxing and calming space. Try to avoid bright colors and garish designs, and opt for muted shades. Duck egg blue, chocolate, cream, and lilac are popular choices. Use storage to prevent clutter and create a cozy feel with candles, lamps and dimmer lights. Soft furnishings, such as throws and cushions, are a great way to finish off the look. Check out https://www.pinterest.com/explore/calm-bedroom/ for ideas.

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Choosing the perfect mattress

When it comes to a good night’s sleep, there’s nothing more important than your mattress. We’ve all been there, lying awake in a hotel and tossing and turning all night because we can’t get comfortable. There are springs sticking out, or the mattress is too hard or too soft. When you sleep, your mattress should provide support for your spine. This is particularly important if you suffer from chronic back, shoulder or neck pain.

If you search online or visit a showroom, you’ll find that there are hundreds of different brands and types of mattress out there. This can make choosing a new bed confusing. Where do you even start? If you’re looking for a new mattress, it’s best to draw up a list of priorities. What kind of mattress would you prefer? How much do you want to spend? Are you looking for special features, such as a mattress suitable for people with back problems? Research is incredibly valuable. Read some reviews online and visit warehouses and shops. Try the mattresses out and see how they feel. Some people prefer a soft mattress while others opt for something firmer.

If you don’t find your existing mattress comfortable, you may wish to consider switching to a different type of bed. Waterbeds may be an option if you struggle with muscular aches and pains. If you’re interested in a waterbed, it may be possible to view it online at www.BoydWaterBeds.com. If you see options that interest you online, you can usually arrange a trip to a local retailer to give the mattress a trial run before you buy.

Once you’ve decided on a mattress, why not go the whole hog and buy some new pillows? The Sleep Council recommends replacing pillows every two years. Go for pillows, which offer support for your neck while you sleep. Try to avoid piling your pillows too high, but make sure that your head is raised.

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Heating and air conditioning

The temperature of your home can have a significant impact on the quality of your sleep. If you’re too cold or too hot, you may find it tough to sleep through the night. Most people like to feel cool when they get into bed, especially in the summer. Keep your windows open during the day and consider investing in air conditioning if your bedroom is stifling. Swap heavier duvets for lighter options, or sleep under a sheet. You could also place a fan by the side of your bed. In the winter months, when it’s cold outside, keep windows closed and adjust your heating so that the temperature is just right. You don’t want to get into a freezing cold bed, but you also don’t want to wake up in the middle of the night dripping with sweat.

If you have an old house and creaky pipes wake you up, it may be worth getting a heating engineer around. They will be able to give you a quote for a more modern and efficient system.

DIY and interior design tasks

When you’ve got a to-do list as long as your arm, it can be tricky to stop your mind from working overtime when you crawl into bed. You may be thinking about deadlines at work or all the jobs you’ve got to finish around the house. If DIY is keeping you up at night, now is the time to tackle outstanding issues.

Take some time to conduct a tour of the house and note down everything that needs completing or revamping. Prioritize the tasks in order of urgency, and draw up an action plan. Devote your free weekends of evenings to getting things done at home. If you don’t have time, call in some favors from friends and family, or get the professionals in. Call around for some quotes, and schedule a rough timetable. Once you’ve got everything done, you’ll feel much better, and you can start enjoying your home.

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Pests

Many of us have trouble with household pests, and even minuscule creatures that you can’t even see can keep you up at night. Bed bugs, fleas, and rats can all make sleepless nights a common occurrence. If you wake up covered in tiny bites, or you feel itchy, you may have bed bugs or fleas. If you have pets and they sleep on your bed, check them for fleas using a fine-toothed comb. You may also be able to spot flea feces on your duvet cover. Look out for tiny black specks, which turn brown on contact with water. When you comb your pets, have a glass of soapy water at hand. Once you’ve run the comb through the fur, submerge it in the glass. This will ensure that any fleas are contained within the cup. If you don’t have pets, and you have small, itchy bites, you probably have bed bugs. Vacuum your home from top to bottom, and wash your bed linen at a high temperature.

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If scuttling noises in the attic are causing you problems, it’s possible that you have rats. Look out for rat droppings and holes in walls and skirting boards. If you have rats, they can be tricky to get rid of, and it’s best to call in the experts. Rat infestations can quickly spiral out of control and nipping the issue in the bud is the best option. Call some local firms and ask for quotes. You’ll probably find that someone will visit and have a look around before they start the extermination process. You may need to move out temporarily while treatment is underway.

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Nothing sets you up for the day ahead like a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, sleepless nights are fairly common. While most of us cope well with a disturbed night every once in a while, prolonged sleep problems can really take their toll. Missing out on sleep increases your risk of mental and physiological health problems. It can also make you feel lethargic and irritable. If you’re having trouble sleeping, have a think about whether your home could be to blame. Often, making simple changes to your daily routine and blocking out light and noise can make a positive difference. Invest in a good quality mattress and remember to swap your pillows regularly. Address any issues that are stressing you out. Hopefully, you’ll be enjoying blissful nights again before you know it.

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.

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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.