Summer is just around the corner. Imagine inviting your friends to chill together in your backyard. The weather is superb, you’re all in a great mood, you laugh and you listen to good music. Everything is perfect and your beers are kept perfectly cold in the fridge. The fridge in the kitchen, that is. And you have to get up and go back and forth every time someone finishes their drink.
Home
Home Home
Step Up Your Sleeping Game with Bamboo Pillow
We spend about one-third of our lives sleeping and that is why the choice of material we put on our beds plays an important role in our health. In the past few years, bamboo fabric has become a very popular choice among eco-friendly individuals. More and more people are starting to notice the benefits of using bamboo-based products, especially bedroom items made from bamboo fabric. Bamboo sheets, blankets, quilt covers, pillows and especially bamboo pillow cases seem to be no-brainers when it comes to sustainable and durable bedroom goodies.
Choose the Right Pillow Case
Most people don’t pay much attention to their pillowcases. However, they are very important bed linen elements that come in touch with your face and hair through the night. Bamboo fabric that is used for pillowcases is eco-friendly and a sustainable choice that will surely satisfy the taste of eco-lovers.
Source: ettitude.com
Benefits of Bamboo Pillowcases
Breathable
If your pillow is not breathable enough, it can affect your sleep quality and make you toss and turn all night long. The breathability of bamboo pillow cases allows them to maintain an adequate temperature that means your pillow will be cool enough during warmer days and prevent you from freezing when it’s cold. Since bamboo pillow cases are made of a highly breathable textile, they have natural properties against allergies and dust mites.
Hypoallergenic
A ferment called “bamboo kun” is an antimicrobial agent that’s found in bamboo fabric. It prevents the growth of pathogenic bacteria which results in a decrease of odour and helps pillowcases stay fresh for longer. People with acne or sensitive skin can benefit from its antibacterial function as it prevents pathogenic microflora from growing on the skin. Those with asthma and other breathing difficulties can also benefit from using bamboo pillowcases as bamboo produces fewer allergens and is antibacterial, perfect for the Australian climate.
However, people with allergies and skin irritations often think that the problem is in their pillow and not the pillowcase which may not be entirely true. It is well known that high-quality pillows, especially ones with a bamboo filling can alleviate allergies, but using regular pillowcases for bamboo pillows may not deliver the best results. That being said, bamboo pillows may be a better option than cotton pillows, however, dressing them in a bamboo pillow case can further reinforce these benefits.
Source: maestrablankets.com
Smooth Texture
Bamboo pillowcases have a soft, smooth texture that’s ideal for reducing frizziness. Unlike cotton pillowcases, which can create too much friction on the hair, rough up the cuticle and leave you with a “bedhead” in the morning, bamboo pillowcases allow your hair to glide over the surface without friction. These pillowcases are bliss for all hair types. If your hair is damaged, curly or textured, give bamboo pillowcases a try. They do not absorb the moisture from your hair while you are sleeping which is the key for having healthy and strong hair.
Bamboo Sheets and Clothes
Not only bamboo pillowcases have become increasingly popular over the last couple of years, but bamboo sheets too. They come with an abundance of health benefits that will also improve the quality of your sleep.
Bamboo plant has an incredibly rapid growth speed and ability to self-replenish, which means that doesn’t require any chemical pesticides or fertilisers. Furthermore, bamboo sheets are manufactured without the intervention of any harsh chemical processes. Bamboo sheets have antibacterial properties and protect you and your bed from unwanted bacteria.
Organic bamboo sheets are naturally smoother with no sharp spurs to irritate the skin. They are extremely gentle on all skin types and are known for soothing sensitive, allergy-ridden and reactive skin. Moreover, they have thermo-regulating properties which means that your sheets will keep you cool in summer and warm in winter.
Bamboo sheets are moisture-wicking which means they draw the moisture away from your skin making them perfect for those who sweat a lot during the night. They are both, attracted and not attracted to water which means that moisture is pulled away from the skin into the bamboo material where it quickly evaporates, leaving your skin dry.
Source: mulberrythreadsco.com.au
Bamboo fabric is not only good for bedding items but for clothing too. Bamboo clothing has become very popular and trendy in the past few years, especially among people with sensitive skin. Even though it’s a little bit more expensive than cotton or synthetic materials, it will pay off with its unbeatable durability.
Care Instructions
Bamboo pillowcases are incredibly durable, machine washable and look brand new no matter how many times you have washed them. Make sure you don’t wash bamboo in hot water because they may shrink. When using a detergent, it is advisable that you use gentle washing liquids or powders that guarantee to be kind to your fabric. Look for natural ones that don’t contain brighteners and bleach that may stain your pillowcases. Moreover, use a gentle cycle and do not mix them with any abrasive fabrics while washing.
If you lead a busy life and you rely on your tumble drier, dry your pillowcases on a cool and delicate cycle. If you want to iron them, as long as you iron on a cool setting you will be fine. Occasionally, you might see some pilling on your pillowcases, sheets or towels, but don’t worry, for bamboo as a natural fibre it is normal. During the washing and drying process, the pilling will naturally shed and it will be removed after 5-6 washes.
Steps to Giving Your Living Room a Modern Twist
The living room should be a place where we feel totally at easy-relaxed and unbothered. There’s no doubt that it’s everyone’s favourite room in the house where families spend quality time together, and friends visit for drinks and chit-chat. To always feel comfortable in it, you should keep it cosy and up-to-date.
Step up Your Home Décor with Velvet Cushions
Velvet is a soft fabric characterized by a dense pile of evenly cut fibers with a smooth nap. It was initially made of silk and therefore very expensive – used as a material for evening wear and dresses for special occasions only. Today, other materials are also used for making velvet, such as cotton, linen and synthetic fibers, making it more affordable, but still luxurious. With its shiny appearance and plush feel, velvet is incorporated not only in fashion design, but also as a fixture of home décor, in the form of cushions, curtains, upholstery fabric and more.
Introducing Velvet to Your Home Décor
Velvet has always been favoured for its glamorous reflective qualities that fit perfectly in any room lighting. Velvet cushions come in different colours and shades and are the most effective way to add a touch of luxury to your home and here are some of the benefits these cushions offer to your home interior.
Timeless Look – Velvet has a long history, and has been associated with royal and noble classes and ceremonial robes over the centuries. Adding a velvet cushion to your sofa or bed can bring a sense of old-times charm to the room, and you can’t go wrong with it. If you want to include some modern motifs, you can choose from a number of plain designs, contemporary patchworks and animal print creations that will enrich your home décor.
Softness – You can create your favourite spot in the lounge with a few sofa cushions, give an extravagant look to your bedroom with new cushion covers, or even upgrade the sitting area in your dining room by choosing from a wide range of velvet cushions. To avoid overwhelming the interior with velvet, layer up cushions in different fabrics, such as linen, cotton, polyester that will soften the look.
Refreshment – When decorating with cushions velvet allows creative and endless opportunities if you like playing with styles. You can use them for country style interiors, retro and modern, contemporary approach to your home, depending on your preference. In some cases, simply a plain velvet cushion can make a design statement.
Perfect Match – Velvet cushion covers match well with many other fabrics, thanks to their sophisticated look. You can perfectly match velvet with fur or silk, or create a contrasting effect over linen or cotton, whether plain or printed.
Long-Lasting Colour – If not exposed to direct sunlight, velvet cushion covers will keep their vibrant colours, highlighted subtle shades and coordinated patterned designs for a very long time.
Understanding Velvet
Pile is the raised surface of the fabric that gives velvet its soft surface, while nap stands for the direction the fibers lie. Most velvets are directional and reflect light differently, depending on the nap’s direction. That makes velvet visually appealing, looking lighter or darker when you run your hand across its plush surface.
Types of Velvet
As velvet can be made from natural fibers, synthetic products, or a combination, here are some of the most common types of cushions on the market.
Silk Velvet – Luxurious, soft and smooth, this type of cushions is the best choice for home décor pieces that will not get heavy use and not exposed to direct sunlight.
Cotton Velvet – This type of cushions has a matte finish, it’s soft and smooth, but can crush easily. That’s why cotton velvet is very often blended with another fiber, like high quality polyester that improves its durability. Same as the silk velvet, it’s recommendable not to be exposed to direct sunlight.
Synthetic Velvet – Usually made of polyester, these cushions are not prone to marking or crushing, but may not have the same depth of colour as natural fabrics. For this matter, the production of synthetic velvet has improved significantly over time. However, some manufacturers still prefer to blend synthetic and natural fibers and get the best out of both. Synthetic velvet can resist fading, but it’s always better to keep it away from direct sunlight.
Linen Velvet – This type of velvet takes dye very well, which results in a deep and rich colour. These cushions have matte look and very often come with irregular striping because linen yards have different thicknesses. Linen velvet is a breathable material, very popular in warmer climates, but it can crush easily if not properly taken care of.
Wool Velvet – This is a durable and flexible material, mainly used in colder climates as it’s warm to the touch.
How to Care for Your Velvet Cushions
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to take proper care of your velvet accessories. Velvet is known to be challenging to maintain and may require more attention than other fabrics, however, most people agree that it’s worth it.
If you’re a pet owner, you should know that pet hair will end up on your velvet cushion covers, but the good news is you can easily brush it off with a soft brush or velvet brush. Another way to avoid pet hair on your velvet is to consider cushions in a colour that matches your pet’s hair colour. It will not save you from brushing away the hairs, but it will be less visible. For all cat owners, here is an interesting fact you’ll love about velvet – cats can’t get their claws into velvet as easily as they can into other fabrics with an obvious weave, so that’s why many times they keep their claws away of it.
In order to avoid crush marks on your velvet cushion covers, rotate the cushions regularly and prevent pressure marks from arms, elbows, and where the cushions rest on each other. Keep in mind that wrinkles can mark the velvet, so plump your cushions every now and then, so they will look wrinkle-free all the time. In case your cushions get crush marks, brush gently in the direction of the nap and if the fabric code allows it, use water-based cleaning solutions, spray the area that has crushed with clean water and then brush gently.
For spillages, first, try to shake off the liquid and prevent it from soaking in the velvet, then dab the area with a clean white cloth, from the outside towards the centre and avoid creating a larger wet spot. Never rub or use pressure because it can flatten the pile. If there is a stain, look for the manufacturer’s care instructions and follow them accordingly.
Small Decór Steps for a Beautifully Accessorised Home
If you are someone who has a rather precise image in your mind of how you’d like your home to look like, but when you try and recreate it, things slip away, and something just doesn’t feel right, you are not alone… Even people with the ability and talent to draw sometimes can’t make their hand draw what they can see so clearly in their imagination.
Regardless of the size of your house or apartment, or your interior design skills, there are a few simple steps you can follow to transform your living space into a warm, welcoming home. And the best news is you don’t have to spend too much money either. I am talking about harnessing the power of the jewellery of your home – home decorative accessories.
Plan Ahead and Don’t Overdo It
Planning ahead before buying decorative items will save you a lot of time and money. Know your space and its limits, and write them down. This way you will know how tall and how wide can your accessories be, and you’ll be able to fit them perfectly.
Source: nytimes.com
Slowly but Surely
Resist the urge to buy toо many items at once. Your complete home decor should be a carefully curated composition of items you love that complement each other and ennoble your home. Also, buying too many things will make you want to display them all, and you should be careful to not create a clutter in your rooms. Not only will this look messy and make a room feel stuffed and choked, but it will also make the room visually smaller. Remember to keep it simple. Make your accessories pleasant looking focus points.
Embrace Diversity
One more thing to try not to do is overflooding your space with similar things. Over-matching things may result in a boring, themed room that doesn’t feel like a home. This includes patterns, textures, colours, sizes, shapes, and even design styles.
Instead of using too much of the same, mix the decor from the style you like with some different items. Break the patterns: add one or more big items to a bunch of smaller ones of the same kind, such as vases in different heights.
You can choose one item with different geometrical shapes, such as one throw pillow with a different shape from the others. If you have a contemporary furniture, add something old-timey, something vintage like a small piece of furniture, or a decorative item. Alternate styles and colours of different items as well.
Play with tall, medium and short things on the same shelf for instance. Or put together items with different texture, pattern or colour. Variety is the key. But keep in mind that even variety can be overdone, and should be matched. Going back to the clothes analogy: you may love your jeans and t-shirt, but every now and then you like a nice dress or a nice suit.
Source: housebeautiful.com
Play with Asymmetry
Symmetry may be nice, but in small doses. Keeping everything symmetrical might seem like a good idea, but it can end up looking plain and boring. Instead, try asymmetrical decor arrangements and see how aesthetically pleasing it can be.
Throw in Some Throw Pillows
Throw pillows are a great way to accent a colour, to add more of a colour you want to highlight, or to attract attention. They can help show off a piece of furniture, and they can make a room look richer and more coherent.
Display Meaningful Items
Things that remind you of important people in your life, items from your travels, other memorabilia, collectables, they are all important to incorporate in your home. Enrich your home decor by adorning a shelf, an end or a side table, or a counter as if you were creating a stylish mini “museum of you”.
Not only will this decorative time capsule put a smile on your face, reminding you of pleasant experiences, but it will also make your home yours, while telling a story about you to your visitors.
Lastly, you can mix aesthetic home decorative accessories with your collectibles or souvenirs. Add items with colours that complement or contrast your memorabilia, or the other way around.
Source: www.lnart.ne
Artwork
Art is very personal and full of meaning, not only for the artist, but also for the person that will make it a part of their home. No one can tell you what you should or shouldn’t like. And, of course, what you don’t like has no place in your home. Of course, taste can change over the years as we grow, or as we obtain more and more art knowledge.
If you have art you want to display, you can try choosing your decorating items according to your art, so they complement it and give it an even clearer focus point. There are some rules of thumbs about hanging artwork, mainly regarding proportions: big walls – bigger pieces of art; small walls – smaller pieces art.
Books
Books are artwork on their own. They are meaningful in many, many ways, and this includes style. If you already have a lot of books, a big part of your decoration is done. Try playing with their placement on the shelves. Alternate between vertical rows and horizontal stacks. Add a few decorative elements on the shelves as well.
You can use a stack of books you have as base to decorative items, to elevate them, so that you achieve some height diversity. Even if you don’t have a lot of books, you can use the ones you already have in a smart way. And what’s more, they’ll be a great addition to the story your home tells about you.
If you can invest in more books. Not only will they enrich your home, but they’ll also enrich your life. Books will fill your place with stories more than anything. However, it’s preferable to buy books you actually want to read, rather than just for the purpose of decoration.
Source: designcafe.com
Be Yourself
Your home should represent the real you, or the “you” you are trying to reach. Your home should feel like the safest and cosiest place on earth. So, remember to follow only your own taste and baits of advice that don’t go entirely against it. Don’t add something to your home only because it’s trendy, or because other people like it.
Mulching Services – Step Up Your Garden’s Charm this Winter
What is Mulch?
Once you’ve planted your garden, you should keep the soil healthy and protected. Mulch is a layer of material, like decaying leaves, bark or compost applied to the soil’s surface, which helps to enrich or insulate the soil.
Benefits of Mulch
Mulch benefits the plants’ growth, mainly because of the physical processes occurring at ground surface. The first, and probably main reason, is that mulch prevents the soil from drying out, keeps it moist and reduces watering by around 60% to 75%. Also, mulch controls weed growth and weed seed germination and promotes soil microorganisms activity. By keeping the soil from splashing onto leaves, it prevents the risk of disease. Another benefit, especially for the cooler days, is that mulch moderates the soil’s temperature and keeps it warmer during the winter season.
Mulch needs to be applied properly and with a lot of care. Over-mulching can lead to suffocation of the plants, or cause the tree trunk to become diseased.
Source: goodhousekeeping.com
Types of Mulch
There are various types of mulches, both organic and inorganic. Main factors that may affect the choice of mulch are durability, nutritive properties and aesthetic appearance. Here are the most common types of mulch and their specifics.
1. Organic Mulch
Organic mulch naturally breaks down with time, that’s why you need to check on it on a regular basis and top up when necessary.
Straw – This is an excellent choice for vegetable gardens. It decomposes very fast, improves the soil and helps you grow your veggies easily.
Sugar Cane – This mulch is made from fried sugar can leaves, and not only that it stimulates helpful soil organisms, but also makes a beautiful finish in your garden beds.
Hardwood – This is the best choice for suppressing weeds. Wood mulch looks great in any garden and it decomposes over time, so you won’t need to replace it so often.
Wood chips – Similar to hardwood, this mulch provides effective weed control and adds to your garden’s charm. Black mulch is made of hardwood chips that are dyed with a carbon dye, absorbing the excess heat and protecting tender plants.
Source: theconversation.com
Leaves – You can gather all the leaves lying around the garden, shred them and use them as mulch. Turn the waste into a useful feature for your garden’s look!
Lucerne – As the soil breaks down, this mulch gives an extra nitrogen and is ideal for growing flowers, veggies and fruit trees.
Grass clippings – If you’ve always wanted to grow a thick green lawn, this mulch is the best choice. Once you’ve mowed the lawn, dry out the mulch and add over it.
Pine bark – With its dark colour, the pine mulch blends in easily in any garden and is the perfect choice for garden pots and beds.
2. Inorganic Mulch
This type doesn’t positively affect the soil’s fertility as organic mulch, but they’re very good soil insulators. Inorganic mulch doesn’t break down and lasts for a long time.
Gravel and pebbles – They offer beautiful design solutions, permanent and mostly recommended for foundation plants.
Black plastic – If you decide to use this mulch, bury it under the soil or otherwise it can break down due to the sunlight. It is most effective for controlling weed growth.
Landscape fabrics – Similar to plastic, but lets more air and water come through. If using it, add an extra of 6 to 8 cm organic mulch on the top.
There are many reasons for using mulch in your garden, but to ensure you get the best mulch, first determine the reasons for applying it. Once you know what your goal is and which improvements you’re hoping to make to your garden, you can choose your mulch accordingly.
Source: abc.net.au
What is Mulching Service?
Mulching is the practice of breaking down garden and land clearing waste using mulching machines, like chippers. The best thing about mulching service is that they can take out a tree and turn it into mulch for you. Also, they can assist you with processing green waste, wood chipping and spreading mulch in your tree and garden beds.
What is the Best Time for Mulching?
If you’ve been wondering what’s the best time for mulching your garden, the truth is that any time is better than never. Mulch can be spread at any time of the year. You put the first layer somewhere in mid-spring or mid-autumn, and then you can top up an existing mulch whenever needed.
Remember not to mulch too close to young or tender plants because it can cause mould issues as the organic material will decompose. In order to avoid bugs, you can use mulch made of melaleuca tree or cedar tree. They are packed with natural oils and chemicals that repel insects and termites away. Besides, they are good options for your landscape.
Prepare your garden trees and beds for winter by applying a thick layer of recycled wood mulch, or any other mulch of your choice. Remove weeds and clean up the beds before spreading the mulch. Winter mulch is not supposed to stay in place all year round, so you need to take away the excess mulch when you see new growth coming out.
Source: travstrees.com.au
Storing Mulch
The most important thing for proper storing of mulch is to keep it dry the entire time. If the mulch is dry, then you can store it in trash bags or cans. But, if it’s not dry yet, the best option is to pile it up and turn it frequently until it’s completely dry and you can store it as recommended.
Recycle Your Organic Waste
In most Australian towns and cities, the local council has a recycle system where you take your green waste for recycling. You can put your excess lawn clippings and tree cuttings into compost and then put them out to be collected for recycling.
Steps to Success When Planting a Vegetable Garden
There has been a higher interest for growing veggies as in the last few years. Vegetable gardening offers numerous benefits – fresh-grown vegetables and herbs are tastier, crisper and healthier than what you can find at the store. Needless to say, you can improve your health by increasing your consumption of fresh vegetables, but also by increasing your physical activity by taking care of your garden. But while growing a garden is rewarding, it can also be a challenge. Some people naturally have a green thumb while others struggle to maintain their plants.
Steps to Incorporating Rattan Decor Pieces into Your Home
A decorative element, synonymous for outdoor furniture, has started making its way back into the interior game – yes, I’m talking about rattan! As is the case with most trends, they come and go then resurge after a while. That’s exactly what happened with this trend too – back in the 70s of the previous century, it was very much the go-to choice for all-things furniture. Then, it somehow lost its spark and new trends overtook the spotlight.
After being the preferred option for balconies, terraces, backyards, patios and decks for a while, it’s finally taken the indoor spotlight back again in the form of various types of furniture and home decor pieces in all shapes, sizes, colours and designs. The reason for this variety lies in both the strength and flexibility of the tropical vine-like plant that’s closely related to palm trees. So the outcome of creating furnishings with its pliable stems is pieces that are lightweight yet durable and can be stained and coloured just like any wood.
Source: rattandecor.my
Though sometimes used interchangeably with the terms cane and wicker, they aren’t to be confused because cane simply refers to the rattan vine skin whereas wicker implies a type of woven construction, a weave and not a plant as the material. Read along to see just how stylish rattan can be and why it should become part of your abode too.
A Touch of Natural Texture
As it’s derived from plants, the furniture and home decor pieces alike have the natural and earthy appeal (more so if the rattan is in its natural colour) that’s bound to complement any room. Simply said, it brings the outdoors in!
Thanks to its subtle elegance, you can go as big or as small as you like in your choice of furnishings when introducing the material in your nest, from chairs, sofas and beds, to accents in the likes of room dividers, picture frames, bags, baskets, mirrors, planters, and pendant light fixtures.
A Match for Various Styles
Having in mind that goes seamlessly well with different design styles, you won’t have to worry about your existing style not being a proper match for rattan. Some examples where it would make the perfect addition are tropical, cosy chic, vintage, eclectic, contemporary as well as minimal and Scandinavian decor.
Source: blackmango.com.au
An Element to Tone Up or Down
As a material, it’s ideal for both casual and formal settings alike, even though it has a more relaxed vibe. It can be easily combined with the right set of accessories and furniture. For instance, its natural texture calls for more natural textures in the form of throws, cushions and rugs like those made of organic bamboo, cotton, and jute. If you want to make it seem more luxurious. opt for silk instead.
An Element with a Personal Twist
Rattan furniture and modern home decor accents made from it are eye-catching, which explains their huge comeback. But regardless of their great styles and designs, some people want to take things a step further and add their personal touch. The great news is you can do this easily with the help of fabrics and other furnishings. Moreover, you can change their paint yourself, undertaking a DIY project. You can do this either by spray painting or with a sponge brush, after cleaning the pieces first and using paint primers for a better result.
Source: hommes.studio
Incorporating Rattan in Your Home
Now that you know a little bit more about it, the styles it goes with and the ways you can customise, here are some ideas on how to welcome rattan in your home décor.
Take it Slow – If you aren’t sure that rattan is the right choice for your home, try implementing bits of rattan décor. Add frames in the hallway, try separating the living room with a divider or use it to keep something out of sight stylishly. You can also hang up rattan mirrors in the bathroom and see how they integrate into your decor. Keeping it simple is better than going overboard with it and ending up with a home that looks outdated.
Choose the Right Colours – What you pair rattan furnishings with also matters, not only in the sense of designs but in colours too. Since rattan has a natural appeal, you can easily use any earthy tones with it without worrying you’d create any visual mess. In case you need some inspiration, the hashtag #rattanfurniture on Instagram features a huge range of photos that might inspire you.
Splurge on Greenery – Since it helps to bring more of the natural feel indoors, feel free to invest in greenery because plants combine extremely well with woven textures. You don’t have to get rattan planters to make the most of the combination, any décor accent or furniture piece that’s made from the material would look good when combined with greenery.
Steps to Create More Storage Space in Your Home
With house prices being on the rise, more and more Aussies are deciding to buy smaller spaces and apartments as they are more affordable and easier to take care of. Although our homes are getting smaller, unfortunately, our stuff isn’t, and for many of us, downsizing to fit the needs of a place we may only call home for a few years doesn’t make much sense. But here’s some good news! With smart storage and a little creativity, we can go a long way in making our space more spacious, cleaner and better organized. Here are some steps that you can follow to create a more comfortable and organized home.
First Things First: Get Rid of the Stuff You Don’t Use
Learning how to declutter is one of the best ways to maximize your space. Clutter drains your energy, costs time and money, and makes your home feel cramped. If your rooms are large and complex, consider breaking them up in zones. Work quickly and decide which items you should toss and which ones you want to keep. For the items you’re getting rid of, there are a lot of options other than just throwing them in the trash – you can always donate them if they’re in good shape.
Find the Best Storage Solution
Scandinavian inspired designer home storage boxes are a stylish and versatile option to consider. Exhibiting a simple yet functional design and available in a variety of styles and colour, Scandinavian storage boxes are great for living spaces like dens and bedrooms. Clear plastic containers are another great storage solution to consider. Although they are not very stylish, they allow you to see inside the container, saving you precious time when quickly trying to retrieve an item from your storage. Make sure you label all of your storage boxes to make things easier. Even if you decide to use containers that are clear, putting labels will only speed up the retrieval time.
Choose the Right Things for Your Storage Space
Double-measure your storage space (like the inside of a closet door) before buying home storage boxes, storage baskets, racks or trays. There’s nothing more frustrating than getting home and having to shove a container into a closet to make it fit. So, plan ahead and bring a notecard with you with the measurement of your closets and other storage spaces. Also, try to buy products that can be stacked together easily.
Get Things Off the Floor
Experts recommend avoiding using the floor as storage space whenever possible. It’s common for parents to keep their kids’ big toys in the corner of the floor, which sooner or later makes that space become a dumping ground, looking messy and unorganised all the time. Investing in some inexpensive shelving to place the big toys in and some home storage boxes to hold the small toys will make the area feel less cluttered. Even your closet can become more organized if you get your shoes off the floor. How you may ask? With a closet system. Use inexpensive bins to hold your shoes and keep them organized.
Make Use of Vertical Space
When you are constrained by small rooms and can’t go “out”, go up! This can be especially helpful in a small kids’ rooms – you can install bunk beds, a vertical shelving unit for toys, and even a vertical arts and crafts corner. You can also try to use the vertical space in your home office, adding bookcases and mounting a pegboard on the wall to hold office supplies.
Repurpose Wasted Areas
Corridors in homes are storage goldmines waiting to be put to good usage. Building bespoke cabinets into wall cavities is a great way to create storage space and make a home feel far more spacious and uncluttered. The hollow area under the stairs is a great location for installing a couple of extra shelves, a shoe closet or a computer workstation.
Get More Storage in Your Garden
When it comes to how to create more storage in your home, don’t overlook the importance of your garden. Sheds, summerhouses or innovative bike storage facilities will all help you make your home far less cluttered, especially if you don’t really use your garden.
Use Your Space Creatively
Just because a room is supposed to serve a certain function that doesn’t mean that it can’t serve another purpose. For example, you might have space in your basement that was originally designed for storage. However, if you can fit all of your stored items in the garage, you may be able to use that space for another purpose, like as a workout area. You can place a TV to watch inspiring training sessions and still have room for you to work out and store your weights, bands, mats, etc.
Garden Sheds: Organise Your Backyard in One Simple Step
Although not a new concept, backyard garden sheds have gained great popularity in the last decade. Smaller home designs and the need for more storage space explain the fact why more and more homeowners are adding a garden shed to their backyard. While a lot of Aussies are wasting money every month on self-storage fees, others have realized that garden sheds are a much smarter alternative.
What Is The Purpose of a Garden Shed?
A garden shed is a small building used for storage. It can be simple or more complex, small or large, store-bought or a DIY project and it can be made from different materials to match your house’s exterior. It can be used for various purposes, including:
- Storing gardening tools, a lawnmower, and other miscellaneous items;
- Storing bikes and winter sports equipment;
- Greenhouse or potting shed;
- A child’s playhouse;
- An office or a gym room, separated from the main house.
But aside from having a place to put bikes, tools and other stuff away, sheds are not a merely clearing-backyard-clutter innovation. They are primarily designed to protect your stuff from the elements. In other words, investing in a quality shed will save you from making other investments, hence the importance to choose it right. Today, there is a wide range of materials, sizes and styles to choose from which means you will need to consider your needs and preferences and choose accordingly.
Material
Garden sheds can be made from wood, metal or plastic. Many would say that wooden sheds are the most durable as they have been used for centuries. They are also considered the most attractive. However, wood is a natural product that is subject to warping. It is just a natural consequence of the material being exposed to different weather conditions. While it can be nice to have a natural-looking shed in your garden, make sure you are ready to treat it annually with paint or preservative to keep its good look.
Metal backyard garden sheds offer a number of advantages over their wooden counterparts. They feature an integrated locking system which prevents the door from being prised open. Some models don’t have windows to keep valuable items out of the sight of potential burglars. Metal sheds also give homeowners peace of mind that pests will be kept at bay, so the shed and its contents will remain unaffected. These units are also covered in a powder coat paint that makes them weatherproof and very durable.
Plastic sheds are the cheapest type of storage space you will come across on the market. Aside from the damp-proof membrane needed when installing them, plastic sheds require very little maintenance. However, these units are not very stylish and they can’t be repainted.
Size
When buying, you should also consider how you plan to use the shed and what you’ll store in it. If you want to keep your garden essentials in it, such as a lawnmower, rakes and small garden tools, then a small shed will provide just the right storage space you need. If you need enough room to store a BBQ and small garden furniture, a medium-size shed would be more suitable. For multi-uses, large sheds are the ideal choice as they enable you to store a wide array of goods. With a large shed, you might have enough room to create your own workshop.
The size of your yard will also be a determining factor when it comes to the size of the shed you can fit into your space. For small gardens and patios, a small shed (4×6 or 4×8) will provide much valuable outdoor space. Medium-sized gardens can make great use of medium-sized sheds for keeping gardening tools and medium-sized furniture. If you have a large garden, you can benefit from the extra storage space that large sheds offer.
Style
Don’t worry if your garden doesn’t have much space to offer. With the diverse range of shed styles on the market today, you are bound to find one that suits your garden. Pent or lean-to sheds, for example, are designed to be positioned on the side of a property, which means you don’t have to compromise on garden space. Corner sheds are also a great choice for small gardens. When style and size are important factors, metal sheds that feature sliding doors keep the unique compactness and tidiness while maximizing the space where they are placed.
Store-Bought or DIY Sheds?
Although building a backyard garden shed is not Quantum Science, buying a finished product is most certainly the easiest way.
But if you are interested in how to make a backyard shed by yourself, here’s a short tutorial to help you out in the process.
Prev
RECENT POSTS
