Furniture and Fixtures you can easily make at Home

Guest Post by Trent Anderson

The furniture and fixtures in your home should be personal; they reflect your taste and your personality.

Unfortunately some of the best pieces have price tags that may be above your current budget.

Fortunately this doesn’t need to be an issue!

You can actually make your own furniture and fixtures.
Not only will you have the satisfaction of creating your own unique furniture; you’ll also have the opportunity to help the environment by up-cycling materials.

All you need is the right tools which can be easily gotten from Tradeline tools; the necessary
materials and a little time.

Some imagination helps; you’ll be amazed at what you can create!

Pallet Chair

This is a great introduction to making furniture.

All you need is a few pallets; your local warehouse will probably be happy to give you some.

Then bolt one pallet to the back of the other at a 90° angle; use what supports you feel are appropriate to hold it in position.

You can leave it as a low chair, add legs or simply sit it on top of other pallets.

Cushions

Your pallet chair or sofa will need a cushioned seat and a few cushions dotted round the home will add a delightful touch of color.

All you need is a piece of material large enough to make the cushion you want.

Sew it together on three sides and then fill it will foam.

You can then either sew the last side up or, if you’re feeling adventurous you can add a zip; allowing you to wash the cushion cover in the future.

Shelving

This is one of the easiest projects you can do.

Simply use a new or old piece of wood and some shelving brackets to secure the wood to the wall.

You’ll need raw plugs and a spirit level.

You can personalize this by using an old skateboard or tree trunk to create the shelf and make it
more distinctive.

Table

You can create a skinny table or a large one; all you need is some old table legs and a piece of wood, or even a surf board for the top.

The style, design and color are completely up to you!

Indoor Swing

This is a great fun and practical idea.

You’ll need some good quality rope that should be secured to your ceiling joist.

This should then be angled out on both sides and attach to a flat piece of wood as wide as the swinging chair you want.

Knot the rope and reed it down to the rear edge of the material and feed it through to the front before re-securing it to the wooden board.

Do this on both sides and you’ll have a delightful looking chair which is surprisingly comfortable.

Kitchen Island

Plywood is all you need to create a perfect kitchen island.

Simply create the box shape to the size you want and then cut door openings and add shelves.

Finish the kitchen island with a coat of paint and admire your handiwork.

There really is no limit to what you can make with a little imagination!

DIY Christmas Decor that even Kids can Help with

Guest Post by Edward Francis

Christmas is approaching and everybody will be purchasing unique decor.

Kids will be excited to receive Christmas themed gifts, cards, crafts, and ornaments too.

Children are more energetic than grown-ups and rather than buying decor this season, you can let them use their energy to help you make Christmas decor.

DIY activities are a fun and exciting way of keeping kids happy and occupied as well as igniting their imagination and creativity buttons.

Furthermore, your kids get to enhance their limp coordination and develop their skills concurrently.

Below are Christmas decor items that your children will love making.

Ornaments

Ornaments can be made from readily available items in any commercial holiday decor company or around the home.

In addition, ornaments are easy to make and children can easily make them with minimal assistance.

You can have them create attractive ornaments to hang on the Christmas tree.

You can keep these as mementos to relive the memories once the kids are all grown.

Below are some Christmas themed ornaments.

Icicle Ornaments

Creating icicle ornaments plays a major role in enhancing your kid’s fine motor skills.

In addition, it is a chance to have your kids exercise their creativity with different patterns and colors.

For these ornaments, you will need a thread, beads, and metallic pipe cleaners or foil.

This exercise requires lots of focus to thread a pipe cleaner or foil through the beads.

Curl the pipe cleaner several times at the top and last beads to prevent the beads from falling off.

Ensure to leave some space between the beads to reveal the silver or metallic feature between them.

If you want to achieve a coiled effect, you can have the kinds wind up the pipe cleaner around a pen, slide it off after a few minutes, after which they can slightly stretch it.

Complete the ornament by sliding a thread on the topmost bead and knotting it.

Hang your finished icicle on your Christmas tree and enjoy how they glitter in the light.

Paper Candy Rods

Paper candy rods are easy and fun to make and you can have your kids hang them on the Christmas tree.

Still, you can exhibit them in a huge container, use them as a table or gift toppers, or curl them up to form a garland.

Paper candy rods are addictive and you can trust them to keep your kids occupied for a long time.

Kids get to exercise with a variety of color combinations which helps them improve their creativity.

You will need various items to make paper candy canes which are; scissors, markers, tape, and white paper.

To roll up the candy rod you will need to square the paper and use markers to draw 4 to 5 lines across the bottom and down one side of your paper.

You do not have to achieve perfect straight lines.

Now turn the paper and roll it diagonally beginning with the blank corner and finishing with the opposite corner.

Secure the end using a piece of tape.

It is easier for kids to curl up the paper around a pen or pencil.

Roll up one end of the candy rod around your finger to achieve a curved effect.

Ribbons and Bows

What is a festivity without ribbons and bows?

They bring out a holiday flair everywhere they are used.

Tying perfect bows is not an easy task for both adults and kids.

However, you can buy pre-made bows and have the kids use them creatively to make beautiful crafts.  

They can hang them on the Christmas tree or twist them on candlesticks.

Drape a ribbon across tables or garlands to form irresistible craft pieces.

Christmas Tree Pieces

You can have the kids create a well cut out Christmas tree.

You need a Manila paper, glue, scissors, and different colored paints.

Since kids may have difficulties cutting the Christmas tree.

You can cut it and have the kids decorate it according to their preference.

This craft requires extra patience and is, therefore, ideal for kids who can sit still for long.

Conclusion

Do not spend huge amounts of money this Christmas on decor..

Try these simple DIY crafts and ornaments together with your children.

This is guaranteed to nurture their talents and skills and cuts down your festive season expenditure.

Who Should Pursue a Career in Construction

Guest post by Andre Smith

The world offers a seemingly limitless number of choices when it comes to choosing a career.

Some people know what they want right away, while others take most of their life to discover their calling.

Most places of employment require the usage of some sort of structure, so the world needs people who work in construction based careers.

A person who would enjoy construction will have a few different qualities.

One of the qualities a person in construction should have is an interest in buildings.

Without this, a person will likely feel stuck in the job and as if they have wasted their life.

When choosing to work in construction, a person should be satisfied with what their life will become.

People who like problem solving and pay attention to detail are people who may benefit from a career in construction.

There are many problems that may be present in construction.

For example, the plan for a building may not work out the way it was predicted, so a worker will have to work around this issue to complete the project.

This would also require an attention to detail so that the problem is solved without creating more problems.

Organized people who are motivated to meet deadlines would do well with a career in construction.

Deadlines are important to meet because construction projects can cause inconveniences for people.

By staying organized, a person will be able to get the job done efficiently because the person will already know what things are and where those things are needed.

A person who wants a meaningful career may also consider construction a nicely suited career.

People who work in construction build many places that are necessary for society.

Hospitals, political buildings, and houses are just a few of the things are person could build.

Without these buildings, society would have a challenging time functioning.

Without construction workers, these buildings would not be built.

People who enjoy traveling should consider a career in construction.

There are jobs all over the place for construction workers, so all a person has to do is secure one. after that, the person
gets to work in new place and experience a new culture.

There are not many other jobs that offer such a great ability to travel to far, diverse places, but construction is one of them.

Getting a job in construction is not necessarily hard, but there are things a person can do to improve their opportunities to get a job.

One of these things is taking a course to earn a Diploma of Building and Construction.

This can give a person a head start on earning jobs such as foreman or site supervisor.

To earn this diploma, a person can take an online course, giving people the ability to choose when to begin and study within the confines of their schedule.

The course will give students the skills needed manage, plan, supervise, and finish the construction of medium rise buildings.

As such, the course is relatively in depth to ensure students master the skills for these sorts of jobs.

The course will teach students skills that allow them to make cost estimates, manage different areas of construction jobs, and sustainable design techniques.

Additionally, the course will allow students to become licensed in many different countries and states.

While a career in construction is not for everyone, there are some people who will thrive in this career.

Organization, time management, and problem solving abilities are a few examples of
traits people who should consider construction may have.

The diversity of construction makes it an excellent career choice.

Home Haven

5 Secrets to Staying Safe in Your House

Guest post by Hubert Dwight

Source: pixabay

You may think that home burglary will never happen to you, but the unfortunate truth is that it’s a real possibility.

With most families embracing a tech-forward lifestyle in which they own many expensive devices, it’s easier than ever for burglars to enter your home and steal thousands of dollars worth of possessions in one hit.

Instead of putting yourself at risk of becoming a victim of crime, read these tips below to get some ideas on improving your home safety:

Beef Up Home Security

Not everyone knows that a low-end system is often not enough to stop a high-end burglar.

If your home security systems aren’t up to date or lack the necessary features to keep a burglar out of your home, you run the risk of them being a minor inconvenience for a thief rather than a complete deterrent.

Alongside a standard burglar alarm, you should also incorporate sensors, lights, and 24/7 monitoring by an alarm company to ensure maximum security.

You can even opt for a security system you can monitor from your smartphone that alerts you any time there’s unexpected movement in your home.

Light Up Your World

Using outdoor lighting can add a beautiful touch of ambiance to your property, but it can also boost your home’s security.

By eliminating dark spots around your yard and keeping your entire property well-lit, you can deter would-be thieves from entering your home.

When burglars know that they’re in full view of cameras and other people, they’re less likely to strike.

Given the alarming number of burglaries that occur each year, every little thing you can do to protect your property will help.

Spare Key Safety

If a burglar is trying to gain access to your home, the first place they’re going to look is under your doormat or flowerpot for your spare key.

Even if you have a home security system in place, a swift thief will be able to unlock the door, make a beeline for the closest item of value and run away.

In some cases, your insurance may not even cover your loss. Instead of leaving a key outside, give it to a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member that you can contact should you get locked out.

Lock Everything

When you believe you live in a safe neighborhood, it’s easy to get complacent and leave your children’s bikes on the lawn, the garage unlocked, and garden tools on the front porch.

All it takes is an opportunist to pass by and swipe your belongings in seconds.

To prevent this from happening, make a point of locking everything up when you finish with it – that includes your front and back doors!

Even though burglary has been on the decrease in the United States since 1991, there are still on average 470 cases per 100,000 people each year.

This means that, unfortunately, you’re more at risk than you think you are.

Be Wary of Visitors

Burglars often want to make sure they’re visiting the best houses, so it’s not uncommon for them to sniff around before making their move.

Always be wary of those asking to use your phone, trying to sell you something at the door, or offering to do odd jobs around your home.

Never let a stranger into your house unless they can provide you with formal, valid identification.

 

Take the time now to check all your locks, remove that spare key from under the mat, and install outdoor lighting. These quick and simple measures are all it takes to prevent becoming a victim of burglary and most importantly, ensuring the safety of you and your family.

Classy Kitchens

5 Easy Ways to Make Your Kitchen Look Beautiful

Guest Post by Hubert Dwight

Photo by Naomi Hébert on Unsplash

The kitchen is the heart of the home.

In addition to being the area where you prepare all of your meals, it’s also the ideal setting for catching up with family, entertaining guests, or brewing a pot of coffee to start your day off on the right foot.

Considering the kitchen is one of the most-used spaces in the home, it’s essential that it looks tidy and welcoming. Fortunately, making your kitchen look beautiful doesn’t have to involve costly, full-scale renovations; with the five useful tips and tricks below, you can have a kitchen that’ll be the envy of your friends in no time:

 

Upgrade Your Cookware and Utensils

If your pots and pans are scratched and rusting and your cutlery stained and bent, it’s time to consider an upgrade.

After all, it’s difficult to have a stunning modern kitchen when your tools don’t look the part!

There are plenty of beautiful cookware sets on the market that can replace your worn equipment and make the process of cooking easier – say goodbye to burned, unevenly cooked food and welcome in a new era of perfectly seared fish, steak and vegetables, while adding a gorgeous visual touch to the heart of the home.

 

Declutter Your Countertop

A cluttered counter top can detract from the appearance of your kitchen and make it appear untidy and disorganized.

Instead of storing all your appliances on your benchtop, keep your coffee pot, kettle and blender stashed away in cupboards.

Accentuate the counter with a beautiful wooden or marble chopping board to make it pop.

Not only will having a clutter-free benchtop make your kitchen look beautiful, but it’ll also give you more preparation space and streamline your cooking process.

 

Cut a Rug

While putting down a rug in your kitchen may seem counter-intuitive, it can help to bring your décor together and make the space seem homely and inviting.

To create a cohesive look, you can either match the rug to your cabinetry or choose a contrasting palette that will give your kitchen a bold, exciting look.

Additionally, if you’re renting your home and can’t update the flooring, laying down a rug is the ideal way to conceal scuffed, drab floorboards or tiles and refresh the area.

 

Plant Some Herbs

Nothing is as effective in livening up a space as the presence of greenery.

To add a splash of color to your kitchen, plant herbs such as basil, coriander, chives and oregano in small pots on your windowsill.

As well as freshening up your kitchen, having your own herb garden means that you’ll never be at a loss for garnishes and seasoning for your culinary creations again!

Just make sure to do your research on which plants will thrive in your kitchen’s lighting conditions before visiting the nursery.

 

Update Your Hardware

The hardware on your cabinets and cupboards can be thought of as the jewelry and accessories of your kitchen.

By simply switching outdated knobs and handles for current options, you can transform the look of your entire space and breathe new life into old cabinets and drawers.

Installing a sleek faucet can also assist in giving your kitchen a modern edge, especially if your current faucet is leaky and dated.

 

Creating a beautiful kitchen doesn’t have to be an expensive, time-consuming process.

With the five suggestions outlined above, you’ll soon be on your way to establishing a space you can be proud of in just a matter of days or weeks.

Happy updating!

Much Ado About Bedding

Guest Post by Hubert Dwight

Putting together a gorgeous bedroom set can be stressful and often quite expensive.

With that said, a couple of key pieces and quality purchases will result in a timeless creation generating the right ambience for your boudoir aiding a peaceful sleep haven.  

Understanding the difference between down quilts, doonas, coverlets and comforters will help you ascertain what it is you are after, how to use it, what works best with what, all in the hope of helping you achieve a beautiful night’s rest in complete comfort.  

Down Quilts

Goose down quilts are the ultimate in warmth and being premium – last for years and years.

Thanks to the count of goose down, warmth is assured providing superior insulation as their pocket like design keeps the down in place, simultaneously ensuring it settles naturally for the most wonderful, cozy feeling as you snuggle underneath it.

Chinese made quilts offer those on a budget value for money too, as they still provide warmth and durability.

Australian made woollen quilts are also a fantastic alternative and are perfectly suited to those who find goose down too warm.

To protect your down quilts (also known as doonas), ensure you purchase a quality bed topper or mattress protector along with a breathable cover.

Doonas

A doona is essentially the same thing as a down quilt.

Like down quilts, we recommend doonas are inserted into a removable cover, much like a pillow and pillow case.

Doonas with their covers are designed to be used alone (with no sheets) as the insert can be removed and dry cleaned/placed on a gentle wash cycle and obviously the cover can be laundered also.

In Winter, many choose to use doonas with sheets but most like doonas as they reduce the complexity of making a bed due to it being a single covering versus using a combination of bed sheets, blankets, quilts and other bed covers.

Coverlets

Fantastic for hot sleepers or perfect during Summer!

A coverlet is a lightweight, often non-reversible bedspread that is usually woven.

Designed as a decorative layer to go over thicker bedspreads, coverlets are quite thin, making them appropriate for use as stand-alone bed covering, depending on their weight and season.

They can also be used as throws on a bed or sofa.

A coverlet will often have matching pillowcases, but like any interior styling – it’s not mandatory that all pieces match.

Premium Egyptian cotton, silk or bamboo make wonderful coverlets and with classic, or colourful designs, enhance the feel of a room in an instant.

Comforters

Thick and sometimes quilted, a comforter differs from a quilt in that colours are generally dyed into the entire fabric and patterns are not ornately sewn in.

Typically, comforters are filled with layers of material ranging from polyester or synthetic fibres, down feathers, wool or silk.

The amount of filler, determines the amount of warmth comforters generate.

Comforters are stitched or quilted to ensure the filling is evenly distributed.

Comforters are intended to sit on top of bed-sheets, but those who want to create a layered look should let their creative juices run wild.

Scarves and throw blankets

For a splash of colour, contrasting pattern or texture – it’s amazing how a simple throw blanket or even a scarf can add to the overall look and feel of your bedroom’s design.

These can be placed along the foot of the bed, laid vertically or even placed along the bottom of pillows.

When it comes to bedroom interior designing and styling, if it looks good, is functional and feels right – it works.

Trust your instinct.

Just remember to always read the care instructions for all your bedding purchases.

Boom of Self Storage Units (Compactus Type Systems)

Sponsored post by Martin William

Self-storage facilities are experiencing unprecedented demand all over the country but putting possessions in these units long term can be expensive.

Research suggests that as more people than ever before are moving into functional yet compact apartments, intelligent storage solutions like the Compactus system are becoming an interesting alternative.

Growth of Self Storage

In terms of self-storage, current figures suggest that the number of units available across Australia is expected to increase by more than 10% within the next two years alone.

At least 30 new self-storage facilities are set to open their doors across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane over the next two years, of which many will be operated by completely new companies.

Just to put this into some kind of perspective, the typical annual opening rate for such facilities is no more than three per year.

As far as the experts are concerned however, this enormous growth in both demand and available inventory comes as no real surprise.

Apartment living and smaller homes have become something of a new standard across many of Australia’s most populous towns and cities, driving demand for intelligent and accessible storage solutions.

For example, between the years 2011 and 2016, the number of people living in apartments in Brisbane has increased by almost 26%.

During the same period apartment dwelling in Melbourne grew by more than 9%, while the number of
people living in apartments in Sydney increased by almost 19%.

“Urbis has observed a strong correlation between higher-density living and the demand for self-storage in areas such as Waterloo in NSW, Hawthorn in Victoria and Fortitude Valley in Queensland,” said director David
Blackwell. “Demand for self-storage will continue to grow in areas such as Macquarie Park in NSW which is undergoing higher density residential development and significant population growth.”

A Home Solution

Along with self-storage facilities, apartment dwellers are increasingly exploring the available options in terms of a dynamic and intelligent storage solutions to be used within their homes.

Flexible and scalable Storage Systems like the Compactus system have become extremely popular, as has furniture and
fixtures that double-up as convenient storage units.

Compactus mobile shelving living up to its name by effectively and efficiently compacting a much larger shelving system into the smallest possible installation with minimum requirement for floor space.

As far as most experts are concerned however, we’ve really only just begun to see the shape of things to come.

As available floor space in desirable locations diminishes by the day, developers and property buyers alike are finding themselves with little choice but to focus on increasingly compact apartments.

Intelligent storage solutions at home are making it easier and more comfortable for residents to make use of the limited space they have available to them.

Still A Place For Self Storage Companies

Self-storage facilities  will provide lifelines for those looking to store larger and/or abundant items away from their property.

One of the key benefits of the wider availability of self-storage facilities across Australia being the gradual yet inevitable decline in associated costs.

Whether looking to store a few items of furniture or the contents of an entire household, doing so should become significantly more affordable over the coming years

Understanding Safety Switches

Sponsored Post by Jordon Vellutini

A lot of people don’t understand the difference between circuit breakers and safety switches so here is a video that explains the difference, and how important they are for your family’s safety.

If your budget for upgrades on your new house is tight I think that spending extra on electrical safety is much better value than cosmetic upgrades.

Compared with the overall cost of the house the additional cost is quite small.

Already moved in? . . . . . perhaps you should get the switchboard checked by a electrical contractor Perth.

Picturesque Potential

A Guide to Framing Your Holiday Photos

Guest Post by Hubert Dwight

From static.pexels.com

The holidays are a time of love, fun and creating memories to last a lifetime.

Displaying these memories can make our house feel like a home and remind us of these times and what better way to display your holiday memories than hanging them on the wall?

Though framing pictures can seem rather daunting, there are many ways to make it simpler and fun.

Placement

Placement is key when hanging photos.

You don’t want them to be hidden away in a dark corner, rather, you want them placed to compliment the room.

Try hanging the photo in a well-lit area without much clutter, as we don’t want to overpower the room, just accessories it whilst displaying happy memories.

Frame choice

You want to pick a frame that compliments the room and the photo, whether that is large or small, simple or ornate,  etc.

Make sure the frame is the right size for each photo. For example, get an A3 frame for an A3 photo.

You have the choice of a ready made frame, or a custom picture frame.

There are so many options and choices to choose from, so just have fun!

Complement it, don’t overpower it

The photograph itself is where you want the focus to be, not the frame.

If you do choose to go a more complex route with your frame, you can find subtle ways to complement the photo.

For example, you might choose a textured frame that works to complement (but not detract from) the work.

A textured frame can provide a room and the work with more personality without overwhelming and add can accentuate the feel and style of a room.

From www.pexels.com

Colour

Depending on whether your pictures are in colour or black and white, there are different frames and choices for each.

Colour photos give you a lot more to work with in terms of frame design – you can keep it simple, or you choose to play up the colour scheme of your photos with a complementary framing colour scheme.

With black and white photos, however, you’re limited to a greyscale colour palette.

That is, generally speaking, black and white photos work well with either black, white or silver frames

Matboards

Matboards are cardboard surrounds for your photographs that come in an array of colours and can be as slim or as wide as you choose.

Photos are usually full of detail, and a matboard can provide a visual “breathing space” between the photo and the frame, this helps the frame design look balanced.

They also provide protection from the glass.

In humid environments picture frame glass can experience condensation which  can cause your photographs to stick to the glass permanently.

How to frame them

The holidays can sometimes mean a lot of photos and you have the choice of framing them all singularly or in a multi-window frame.

Whilst framing them all in a multi window frame is very convenient and perfect for larger rooms such as living rooms, they aren’t as moveable as singular window frames.

 

With so many creative options to choose from, you can really express yourself and display your holiday photos with style.

Framing these holidays memories should be fun and enjoyable but when in doubt, you can always ask professionals for help.

Planting Shrubs

A lot of gardening web site tell you that you need to improve all your garden soil before you start planting.
Well in the case of shrubs I take a different approach, which has worked well for me.

Starting

The ground of a typical site following the build is in pretty poor condition.

Little top soil so even the weeds are struggling to survive.

A week before planting I look to kill all the weeds using  a weedkiller containing Glyphosate. (If you want a non chemical solution I would suggest using a steam gun) You are aiming to kill the roots , not just the foliage.

I normally follow up with a second weedkiller the day before planting.

Planting

Rather than improve the whole area and give potential weeds a break I concentrate on the area where the weeds will spread over the next 2-3 years.

I dig a hole around 3-4 times the diameter of the shrubs pot and around 100mm deeper and place the plant on a bed of compost in the hole.

I then backfill around the rootball with a mixture of 50% compost and 50% material excavated from the hole.

If you have got a worm farm it’s a good idea to include a couple of trowels of that material, with a few of the worms.

Make sure the backfill is firm so the plant doesn’t move around.

Mulch

Rather than buy expensive wed mat I simply use a layer of newspaper, typically at least 3 sheets thick with generous overlaps.

I then cover the paper with a mulch, either gravel, or bark as in the photo.

If you are doing a big garden don’t buy your mulch by the bag, it’s cheaper to buy it by the cubic metre from a garden supplier.

 

 

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