The kitchen is the heart of the house, and a home without a proper kitchen is a place where family happiness and warmth is lacking.
It is the place where many families spend a lot of their time together, and rather than being considered just another room it acts as a social club in the home.
If you haven’t, this is the perfect time to find kitchen sinks online to make it trendy with exciting new designs and products.
There are many reasons why you need to modernise it.
Most of the activities we undertake at home from socialising, helping the kids with their home-work, entertaining, planning ahead to cooking these days take place in the eating space.
Since for most of our day-to-day functions and activities we depend on the kitchen, it is only sensible to make the space as functional and as inviting as possible.
It is true that many people faced with the task of upgrading their kitchens are at a loss on how to proceed.
That should not stop you because in this article, there are important tips and advice on what you need to do to modernise the space.
A good kitchen design needs to have proper ergonomics coupled with a thoughtful and innovative layout.
It also incorporates durable kitchen products and tasteful finishes which should help you to make the right decisions when you are renovating your kitchen.
Here are the things you need to consider about kitchen sinks online for you remodelling.
Layout and Design
Kitchens are today shared family spaces that allow eating and working in the same place.
The spaces in the kitchen should therefore borrow from other areas of our lives to permit versatility.
The design should allow flexibility for things like integration of a bench top dining table to double as workspace for home-office.
The design should be spacious enough to encourage family chit-chat and social vibe for the family.
A secondary prep or bar area in the kitchen layout can be created in an island position to allow group interaction while cooking is taking place.
To help create a homey ambience in the space, you can try to use colour palettes that are darker and moody like charcoal grey or black palettes.
Many modern kitchens have black features such as stone splash back, feature tiles or black appliances.
New designs incorporate various colour layering and texture that have mixes of mediums for creating practical spaces that are visually interesting.
Some choice colours to think of are slate bench tops or dark porcelain with splashback tiles that are 3-Dimensional.
Bench tops of Caesarstone with polished shining mirror finish imposed on cabinetry of super matte black coupled with brass, copper or gunmetal taps can add to the beauty.
To balance the sleek finishes, use organic elements that look natural for the island, flooring and tiling. Another popular look is the tuxedo look which combines two colour schemes.
Kitchen Hardware and Cabinetry
The way forward for kitchen cabinets seems to be colour blocking with contrasting colours for the wall cabinets.
The colour combos are muted gray with navy, black and white or timber and grey.
But it is generally expected that for 2017 navy will be the kitchen colour because it combines perfectly with brass accessories.
In order to maximise on space for storage, many wall cabinetry reach to the underside of the ceilings in many kitchen designs.
Last week I was in Venice, and went along to the 2017 Biennale. a festival of the ‘Best International Art’.
I thought I would show you some of the exhibits that you replicate in your Living Room for just a few dollars.
First up we have the ‘Ikea Wastepaper Basket Full of Shredded Paper’.
I was almost taking things seriously at this point so I can tell you the real name is ‘Shredded Masaccio Book’ by Ciprian Muresan.
The next one is “Bunnings Garage Shelving With Assorted Plastic Boxes’
I was laughing too much at this stage so I had to move on without getting the details (Didn’t want to upset those ‘Arty’ people who seemed to be taking this stuff very seriously!
. . . . and finally
‘Stack Of Coloured Plastic Baskets with Funnels From The $2 Shop’
Although all this seems fairly silly the reality is somewhere taxpayers are shelling out thousands for this sort of stuff!
For more Unusual House Photos, Wins, and Fails, have a look at: What the………………….?
What You Need to Know About Buying Investment Properties in Australia
Buying an investment property is one of Australia’s popular long-term forms of investment.
However, many people become overwhelmed by the process, or are left scrambling to finance the purchase and on-going management of their investment property.
Where and what you buy will affect your return on investment, as will maintenance costs and taxes.
Here is what you need to know before buying an investment property, including some tips to help you identify a good investment property and popular financial strategies to help you receive the most from your returns.
Financing an investment property
House and land packages offer an affordable home loan solution, allowing you to bundle the financing loans for the house and land.
One of the main benefits from the package approach is that the construction loan allows you to ‘draw down’ on an agreed amount to pay during each stage of the building process.
This means that you only pay interest on the specific money you are using during each stage that the home is built.
It also means that you do not have to pay stamp duty, as it only applies to established homes.
Leveraging equity in your home, or equity from another property investment, can be another effective way to buy an investment property.
Most lenders and mortgage insurers have valuable data on different locations and property developments.
Accessing this information can assist you in choosing the right loan and investment property for your financial situation.
Your study and research about vacancy rates will indicate whether the property is in a desirable area that will make it easy to rent the property out, or sell it in the future.
Finally, when considering the area in which to purchase the property, it is also vital to find out about any proposed changes which may affect future property prices includngi factors such as zoning changes or major new developments.
What to buy
There is many things to consider before buying an investment property, choosing a property type is one of the earliest and most important decisions you will make.
There are numerous benefits and disadvantages for different property types.
Units can be easier to maintain than houses, but you will have to pay costly body corporate fees. It is also important to consider the cost of maintaining the property.
Older houses can be cheaper to purchase, maintenance costs may result in spending more than you originally intended.
Similarly, while pools and extensive landscaping are attractive features, it is important to consider the maintenance costs involved.
It is advisable to engage a professional building inspector before you purchase an investment property which will allow you to find any potential problems and expenses associated with the purchase.
Features that will make your investment property appealing to as many people as possible, include proximity to nearby schools, shops and transport.
It is important to find a property that will attract all segments of the rental market; such as singles, couples and young families which will ensure that you keep your vacancy rates low.
Negtive gearing
Negative gearing has been a popular strategy for Australian investors for many years.
It occurs when the costs of taking out and maintaining an investment are greater than the income you receive from it. You can then use your investment loss to offset the other income you earn, allowing you to pay less tax.
This means that as a whole you will be required to pay less tax to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
The investment expenses that you can claim as a tax deduction are generally expenses associated with the management and the maintenance of the property.
The three main categories that you can claim deductions on are:
Revenue deductions (interest on money you borrowed)
Capital items (large items such as dishwashers) and;
Building allowances (depreciation over time for building works).
Seek advice from a tax accountant in order to determine which expenses you may be eligible to claim.
Investing in property is one of Australia’s favourite ways to invest.
As with other types of investments, it’s important to do your research and seek professional advice.
Speaking to an experienced financial advisor and attaining the services of a property manager, are vital to ensuring the success of your investment.
Bio: Laura Costello is in her final year of a Bachelor of Law/International Relations at Latrobe University. She is passionate about the law, the power of social media, and the ability to translate her knowledge of both common and complex topics to readers across a variety of mediums, in a way that is easy to understand.
Redesigning your home is an exciting project that can snowball very, very quickly.
It can begin with simply changing the colour of the walls or cabinets and can end up in a complete overhaul of your entire home.
Ideas can grow and develop quickly, until before you know it, you’re pulling up the carpet, reupholstering the furniture and knocking down walls between rooms without any real plan.
Before things get out of control, set attainable goals for your renovation, consider the scale of what you are undertaking and start putting together a realistic plan regarding your timeframe and budget.
Consider the important décor elements of each room in your home and make sure you reach your redesign goals.
Follow our advice and ensure that your home renovations go smoothly and you get the results you’re looking for.
1. Curtains and Blinds Should Complement The Decor
Choosing the right pattern, colour and material for your curtains can go along way to tying a room together.
According to the team at Quickfit Curtains and Blinds, full-length curtains can add a refreshing splash of colour to any space, while a set of well-appointed blinds can add a real sense of sophistication.
Timeless sheer curtains can be an excellent choice for tying together mismatched windows or also work very well in rooms with a lot of patterns, providing some much needed visual relief from busy prints.
2. Fitting Furniture
One element of your new décor that is overlooked far too often is your selection in furniture.
Find furniture that fits the space well and is in keeping with your new décor.
Consider repainting or reupholstering furniture you already own, visit antique shops or try upcycling furniture from second-hand stores.
A unique piece of furniture serves as a new focal point of your space and can give a room a whole new feeling.
In living rooms, incorporate the light into the overall décor, using a combination of table lights, floor lamps and track lighting.
Bathrooms are best lit either very brightly, especially in the vanity area, while bedrooms should feature soft reading lights and a bright light for getting dressed.
Remember, nobody notices excellent lighting, but everyone notices bad lighting, take your time and get it right.
4. Choose the Right Colour Scheme
In conjunction with lighting, both natural and artificial, colours are an integral design element of any redesign.
Your choice of colours can transform any space; give it a different feel and a new lease of life.
Adding bright colours to walls, cabinets or accents can brighten up even the smallest of rooms, giving the illusion of space and light.
Soothing colours like powdery blues look great in a bathroom, while light colours such as pinks, soft yellows and lavenders give an air of tranquillity and restfulness making them fantastic choices for the bedroom.
From elegant to vibrant, soothing to moody, your choice of paint colour is a crucial one in any redesign.
5. Incorporate Mirrors in Your Design
Mirrors can be a fantastic addition to any space as they add an extra element to any room.
A gilded mirror, for example, can easily function as a standout, feature piece of furniture that easily changes the dynamic of a room.
They can be a beautiful addition to any living room, dining room, bedroom and of course bathroom.
Get creative with your mirrors and add some bespoke mirror art to your home and give people something to really look at!
Tying it all Together
There’s no denying that every home renovation comes with its own set of challenges and difficulties.
Depending on your time-frame, budget, space and style, the possibilities of what you can achieve are endless.
Get your project off to the right start by focusing on the five important décor elements discussed above and your redesign will come together more effortlessly than you ever thought possible.
These days I see a lot of Display Homes that feature a built in al-fresco area. . . . . It might seem a good idea when you are choosing a plan, but is it going to be the best solution?
How much are you really going to use it?
Should you commit to something before the build?
Here are some of the problems I see:
Poor Orientation
Have you thought about how it will feel to be out on the Al fresco.
Will it be too hot and have too much glare because its exposed to the afternoon and evening sun.
If it is on the North Side it might keep the warming winter sun away from warming the house
Will it be cold and damp because it faces south.
Will it have a view, or just a view of a fence?
Expensive construction
If you just want an outside covered area a built in alfresco is an expensive way of going about it.
Rather than a lightweight roof and relatively inexpensive paving, you are getting a full tiled roof and house foundation slab standard as a floor.
Fire and Smoke Issues
Because it is under the house roof smoke being trapped against the building can be an issue.
If the barby should catch fire then the problem just gets bigger.
Cost
The display house al fresco may look great . . . but if you look at the one above there are around $10,000 dollars of extras.
Down lights.
Laser cut steel screens.
Extra Roof.
Marble tiles.
Water feature.
Built in barby.
And then the furniture.
Don’t forget when you move in the alfresco is initially going to look more like this photo on the right.
With a big mortgage how long is it going to take you to afford to have to finish your al fresco like the display home?
One of the things that I notice when looking at new display homes is the size of the bedrooms.
My first house had a master bedroom with a floor areas of approximately 15 square metres. . . . and we had room for a freestanding wardrobes and drawers.
Now 20 square metres plus a walk-in-wardrobe isn’t unusual.
So what are you going to do if you have all that space?
Well I would suggest go up a size for your bed.
For me one a big advantages of a king sized bed is if I am restless then I am less likely to wake up my wife with my tossing and turning.
