Friday, 20 April 2012

How to Gain Storage Space in Your House


With so many treasured possessions, it is only common to run out of storage space in your house. Different people have different needs as far as storage is concerned. Still it is not difficult to come across individuals who feel at a loss on to manage all the stuff in their limited premises.

Have you ever thought that you can actually gain storage space in your home? No? Read on to find out surprisingly effective ways to getting more storage in your home. No matter how challenging it may seem, with a little planning here and a little rearranging there, you can easily make living more comfortable.

Do Not Miss High Storage Spaces

Look up and you will be surprised to find out how much you can store in higher places. There must be things that you have to take out only a few times a year and you can always have such stuff stored in higher places. Areas above your cupboards or closets can be used. All you need is a stepladder and you are all set to go. You can also consider installing shelves for items you do not adore much, but cannot get rid of as they add an aesthetic sense to your interior.

Do Not Forget About Those Low Spaces
The next step is to duck low and identify all the spaces that can be great for storage. You can have things placed under your bed as no one minds reaching under the bed to get anything if one has to do it only once in a while. If you are a clean freak, you can have storage containers that will seal all your things and can easily be placed under the bed.

Use All That Space behind the Walls

Have you ever considered using up the space behind your walls? If not, now is the best time to do it. Most homes have wallboards placed with a sizable distance in between, which means that you can have space from one wallboard to the next, all to yourself. Determine if you would like to leave them uncovered or if you want doors to cover them. You can have shelves placed to store all the little things you just cannot dispose of. This definitely adds beauty to your interior and you get a chance to store items in a creative fashion.

Transform Storage Containers into Decoration Pieces
Just imagine having your blanket placed into a wooden pillowcase with an attractive piece of cloth on top. How does it sound? Amazing, right? You can think of even more ideas for your makeshift storage that achieve the perfect balance between convenience and fun.

Use Your Closets Smartly
You may have unknowingly wasted a lot of storage space in your closet. All you have to do is add a few shelves and increase the hanging capacity and you will be able to find a lot of storage space for all the things that never seem to be in place.
Take a look at what you have got and you will have no difficulty finding enough storage space for all your belongings.

Tom has been writing about home improvement, decluttering and home organisation. Aside from blogging, he organises international removals at Walkers

Tuesday, 3 April 2012

Vacation Home Style

Cottage style interiors are lovely because they remind you of long days spent at the beach, sailing under blue skies, and the warmth of the summer sun. This décor is not only beautiful, but it is very comfortable and familiar which makes it all the more appealing. It’s the ideal style for a beachside vacation home. Influence for this décor can come from the crisp nautical style to eclectic beach style. There are so many different nuances to choose from, that you can be sure you’ll find one to suit your home and personality. While each home is different, there are elements of this style that unify it and set this charming décor apart from others.

Color
The color palette in a cottage style interior often reflects the beauty of the natural surroundings. Beachy neutrals and aquatic colors set the tone for the whole room. A neutral palette allows the outdoor landscape to really shine. Crisp white reflects starchy canvas sails, while nudes and tans mirror the warm sand on the beach. You can even introduce a toned down shade of green reminiscent of mossy stones. To highlight a neutrals like these, blue is a tried and true solution. A variety of shades work in this decorating scheme. Try a pure cobalt blue to echo the clear skies or a stunning turquoise to mimic the sea. If you want a warmer color, a pink-orange reminiscent of underwater coral will make a bold statement against a neutral backdrop. You could also use a true red or sunny yellow.

Texture
If you’re lucky enough to have hardwood floors or even exposed rafters that bring that earthy, organic feeling into your home, you’ll find that cottage style will fit well. If not, don’t worry! To bring a more natural feeling to your home bring in natural fabrics and textiles like crisp linen and soft cotton. These fabrics are homey and familiar but are still lightweight and perfect for summers by the seaside. Throw a slipcover over the sofa for a relaxed look. Rattan or wicker furniture is also very common in cottages both inside and out. If you like the look of rattan but don’t want to commit to an entire set of furniture, try using a few rattan baskets for storage or decoration.

Seaside Flair
Of course the easiest way to deck your home in cottage style is to bring in some seaside flair. Decorating with natural elements from and inspired by the sea will bring the beauty of the outdoors in. Fill glass apothecary jars with the seashells you and your family collect on the beach and set them up on the mantle or coffee table. Driftwood can be picked up and used in a variety of ways in your home. Bundle small pieces together around a votive and secure with twine to add a little costal feeling to your candles. It can also be arranged into a wreath you can hang on your front door as a welcome to friends and family. Other seaside touches like sand, beach glass, wooden oars, or anchor décor would add cottage style to your rental.

Lighting

Lighting is important in any home, but especially at the beach! Cottage style is light and airy. Light window treatments, like sheers, will help let in the most amount of light possible while still giving you privacy. Heavy fabrics will block the sun and surroundings and shouldn’t be used in this kind of home. When the sun fades and the stars start to shine, shed some soft light inside your home. Using a few smaller lamps instead of a bright overhead light gives your home a cozy cottage feeling.

This article was written by Erie Construction. Follow Erie Construction on Twitter for daily updates on home remodeling, home improvement, and more.