Go Nordic All the Way: Room Designs to Get You Inspired
Moving into a new place is both exciting and challenging. When I started thinking about relocating and starting fresh with my family, the first challenge that popped into my head was furnishing. However, I was determined to design my home in a simpler way than ever before. That is when I discovered Scandinavian design and all the principles that come with it. Simplicity, minimalism and function are at the core of this style which has become one of the most popular choices all around the world. Fortunately, I did follow it and learned firsthand how great it looks and how functional it really is, so, let me to walk you through a few room designs that will surely get you inspired. Let’s begin!
Nothing but the Best for Your Little Munchkin’ – the Essential Nursery Items
Decorating a nursery room for your baby can be both an exciting and daunting task. This empty room will receive a whole new meaning once your new joy comes to this world, so you want to make sure it will be comfortable, safe and peaceful. And of course, you want to make all that on a budget. When I was decorating our nursery room, there were so many things that I wanted to buy – not because we needed all of them but because they were so cute. So yes, I know the sweet problem you might be facing right now, but hold on – there are so many important things you need to be equipped with first. Read More
The Differences Between the Various Types of Pool Heaters
No matter where you live, a swimming pool heater enables you to extend your swimming season beyond the 4-5 warm months of the year. Generally, pool heaters are installed after the pump and filter system. The pump helps push water through the filter, then into the heater before it goes back in the pool again. There are 3 different types of heat pumps, and they all pump heat using a different method. Each type has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages, which makes knowing the differences between the 3 models quite important.
Gas Pool Heaters
Gas heaters are the most popular way to warm a pool in most regions, as they’re affordable and efficient. These heaters can be powered using natural gas or propane, depending on where you’re located and the availability of fuel. Gas heaters can maintain an even water temperature, no matter how cold it is outside, however, they might require extra fuel to accomplish this. On the downside, some gas pool heaters emit NOx, but there are some models which emit very small amounts of it, which makes them safe and compliant to the AU regulations.
Electric Pool Heaters
Electric pool heaters are more expensive, but their operating cost is much lower than the operating cost of gas pool heaters. These pool heaters pump heat slower than gas pool heaters, and you might have problems warming your pool when the temperature drops below 10°C. Most electric pool heaters last a very long time, which makes them a great long-term investment for places with a warmer climate.
Solar Pool Heaters
Solar pool heaters are becoming more popular and more efficient as solar technology keeps rapidly improving. Most solar pool heaters are very costly, at least initially, but their operating costs are almost non-existent. Furthermore, solar pool heaters last the longest out of all three types, but there are some drawbacks to them as well. First and foremost, they will only heat your pool if there’s enough sun throughout the day to power them, which makes them a poor choice for areas with colder weather.
Bottom line is, regardless of which type of pool heater you end up picking, you need to get one that’s big enough in terms of capacity to warm up your pool effectively. In order to do that, you need to calculate the pool’s surface area and subtract the temperature for the coldest month in which you’ll use the heater. The formula goes like this: pool size x temperature rise x 12 = BTUs required per hour.
Plant Where You Are – Tips on Creating an Urban Garden in the Concrete Jungle
People are becoming increasingly more concerned about the quality of food they consume and more and more people are resorting to growing their own food. This explains the new methods and techniques which help individuals cultivate their own fruit and vegetables. Even those with no experience in gardening and no gardening space whatsoever are becoming more confident to take up this hobby and see whether they have a green thumb. If you live in a concrete jungle and are looking to grow your own produce, worry not. Urban garden planters are the newest invention in the world of gardening that has made growing your own food a piece of cake.
Some people say that basically anything that can hold soil can be a suitable growing container for balcony gardens, but I don’t agree with that. Adequate urban garden planters need to offer plenty of space for roots to grow and need to have holes for proper drainage. And of course, they need to look good to match the exterior decor of your home. Modern, white plastic planters with a self-watering mechanism are my recommendation when it comes to choosing the best urban garden planters.
Plastic is a durable material that withstands the elements well and the white colour is quite easy to fit in every design scheme. The self-watering mechanism takes care of your plants’ water needs and has a system that shows you just how much water is left in the reservoir, so you don’t have to think about refilling it all the time. This kind of planters are suitable for growing both fruits and vegetables and you can use them to grow flowers as well.
Soil
You should use a high-quality potting mix to fill your planter. When shopping for potting mix, choose one that is soft, keeps moisture and gives the plant’s roots the right balance of nutrition, air, and anchorage. A mix that’s too dense or too wet may negatively affect your plants and impede their growth.
Seeds
Before you decide which seeds to plant, take a look at your balcony’s layout carefully. Vegetables usually need lots of sunlight to grow large and plentiful. Therefore, plan where you’ll place your container with veggies and make sure to put it in a sunny spot. Pay close attention to what each plant needs and make sure it fits in the conditions in your urban garden space.
Fertilize
When gardening in very small spaces such as planters, you need to pay special attention to your soil’s nutritional needs. That is because plants in containers deplete the nutrients at a quicker rate than large-scale gardening. So, make sure you add organic compost, top-dress soil and spray it with compost tea often.
How Our Adjustable Electric Bed Has Made Us a Better and Happier Couple
A good night’s sleep is essential for being energized and well-rested, but sometimes even if you do sleep the recommended 7-9 hours, you might not wake up refreshed and at your best. Unfortunately, I’m talking from personal experience here. A couple of months ago, I was waking up more and more tired every morning because my husband was snoring all night long and I was frequently waking up during the night. He had tried different solutions and snoring devices but unfortunately, nothing helped.
Pool Basics: Skimmer Baskets and Their Importance
The pool area is the place where you relax, spend time with your family and friends, or simply take a few hours for yourself and indulge in some “me time”. However you may choose to use this space, debris and bugs simply don’t match that ideal scenery. Unfortunately, I have noticed that these little buggers enjoy the water as well, and that is when I realized there must be something that can fix this problem. Of course, the pool filter and pump do work their magic by filtrating the water, but you need an additional helper for collecting the larger pieces often found in the pool. Fortunately, the solution is quite simple – I am talking about skimmer baskets. Stay with me for a more detailed explanation on what skimmer baskets are and how they work.
Ergonomic Furniture: Invest in Your Workers’ Mental and Physical Health
Today’s society brings people, chairs and desks closer together than ever before. Most people spend at least 8 hours at work, strapped to their chair. So, it is only natural that each worker should share a good working relationship with his/her chair. That being said, one great way for the employees to stay healthy and productive is to include ergonomic supplies in the form of chairs into the picture.
Gardenia 101: How to Take Care of This Lovely, Fragrant Shrub
Do you feel like your outdoor space lacks a little something to set the mood? A fragrant addition to your garden can be a great way to create a pleasant ambience that will make you want to spend more time outdoors instead of in. And when it comes to scented plants, gardenias always come to mind first.
Due to their intoxicating scent, lovely, white flowers and evergreen leaves, the gardenia’s many varieties are some of the most popular shrubs. Starting from early spring, this hedge will reward you with flowers throughout the summer and into mid-fall. What more could you ask for? However, in order to enjoy this shrub in its full glory, you need to treat it right. So, here are a few tips on how to keep your gardenia happy and healthy.
Know Your Variety
While all gardenias generally have the same requirements, some varieties can have additional needs. With that being said, it’s helpful to know which variety grows in your garden. For instance, one of the most popular varieties, the Gardenia Florida can reach heights up to 1 metre, which is great if you use it as a hedge along the borders. To promote thick and bushy foliage, prune straggly growth in early spring and them prune again after flowering. On the other hand, if you want to use the Gardenia Florida as a small decorative element, you may want to prune it more often. Other popular types of gardenias are Radicans, Augusta, First Love, Mystery and Kleim’s Hardy.
Plant in the Right Spot
Gardenias have tropical origins, which means that they can handle the sun. However, they still need protection from the scorching mid-day sun. Considering this, north and east-facing spots are ideal because the plants can get a lot of morning light and some late afternoon light, but won’t be burned during the hottest part of the day. Also, make sure that your gardenia isn’t planted in a crowded spot where there are competing roots. With that being said, it’s best to place them along pathways, fences or the corners of your house.
Meet Its Water and Soil Requirements
Gardenias grow best in soil that is moist and well-drained. The trick is to keep the soil consistently damp but not soggy by watering your gardenias with 2cm of water each weak. Whenever it rains, skip one week of watering. Be careful not to overwater your plants as this can cause problems. As for the soil, in order to improve its drainage, you can apply a layer of organic mulch. Organic matter such as peat moss and manure can also provide the soil with nutrients that help improve the plants’ growth.
Designer Modular Lounge: The Reasons Behind the Trend
When it comes to arranging and rearranging our living room spaces, as the most frequented in a home both by homeowners and visitors, often we would like to have more say in the interior décor to be able to pull off that personalised look in the comfort we want.
Luckily, the variety of designer modular lounge provides exactly that, your share of LEGO fun in your very own living room. Who said LEGO is just for kids?! Also called sectional sofas, modular lounges available in different styles, from traditional to modern, provide a great deal of freedom with the way you arrange your seating.
Led Strip Lights: Bring Out the Beauty of Your Home
Warm and comfy, this is one of the first things that comes to my mind when talking about my home. And believe me, getting it to the desired point cost me a lot, especially time and energy as my budget is always quite limited (chuckles). But one of the main things that helped me bring out its beauty were stripped LED lights. Read More
Home Storage Products That are Dual-Purpose
Whether you live in a huge house or in a micro apartment, you probably know how poor organizing can lead to an extremely cluttered space. I sure do. Well, instead of getting rid of the things I needed or hiding them under my bed, last year I decided to find a more reasonable solution for this problem and resolve it the stylish way. With the help of my friend who is an interior designer, I have managed to keep a great number of my personal things and store them properly. And, except for being functional, the home storage products I opted for are also quite appealing. Read More
Give Your Bathroom a True Polish With Accessories
When it comes to decorating your bathroom, the items you choose should not only add beauty and style to the place but also be practical and functional. In order to do so, you have to consider which items are essential and how they can be used to create a nice and polished look. To help you choose from the many options, take a look at the list of items that are simply must-haves.
Mirrors
The basic item that no bathroom can’t be considered complete without is a mirror. That being said, a big mirror above the sink would be the perfect fit if the bathrooms is spacious, whereas a small freestanding one with a wall-mounted, magnifying mirror can come in handy if you lack space. A mirror that comes with a decorative frame, stand or a cabinet can also up the style game.
Soap Dish Holder
Another essential item that has a practical purpose above all is the soap dish holder. You can find lots of choices of soap dish holder online in different shapes, colours and made from different materials. In order to avoid replacing it fast, I would recommend you to consider stainless steel or brass soap dish holder as they can retain their beauty and quality for a long time. When it comes to the styles and varieties, you can look for a soap dish holder online as that’s where you can find not only better prices, but also more choices in the blink of an eye.
Towel Bars or Rings
These items are necessary so that all the towels are neatly kept and at reach. Clean, sparkling chrome towel rings can match almost every bathroom or you can find more unique ones if looking to adorn a more rustic, shabby chic space or mid-century modern bathroom.
Bathroom Organisers
They are compact and classy and a real saviour for all of us who like to stock up on cosmetic products. They give you the chance to keep things organised and achieve the effortless clean look. You can hang it on the wall or place it on the corner of your wash counter. Or, you can use apothecary jars if you are in need of storing different things in an organised way. For instance, you can use them for storing cotton balls, swabs and cosmetic pads, or you can use them for decorative purposes as a candle holder along with some fragrant potpourri mix.