Category: News

Guest Post by Martin Williams

Self-storage units have become quite popular in the past few years, and they are beneficial to homes and businesses alike.

Renting a self-storage unit is an excellent way of securing your belongings that you cannot keep at your place. If you have a lot of stuff that you are unable to fit in your home or workplace, then opting for a self-storage unit is an excellent choice.

Instead of crowding your home with extra stuff, you can create more space by renting a self-storage unit.

Businesses also need self-storage units because they cannot keep all the supplies or equipment at their storefront.

A self-storage unit allows them to manage their stuff better and acts as a warehouse for small businesses.

If you are skeptical about getting a self-storage unit for your house or business, then you have stumbled on the right blog.

In this article, I have mentioned a few benefits of self-storage units that will help you understand why they are a great solution.

Let’s take a look:

Declutter Your Space

One of the major benefits of renting a self-storage unit is that it allows you to declutter your space by removing the items that you don’t need frequently.

If you have some old furniture, appliances, or trunks that you cannot adjust in your home, it is wise to rent a self-storage unit for it.

You can move the stuff into the unit and can keep it there for as long as you like. That way, you won’t have to get rid of the stuff for good.

Businesses can improve their workspace efficiency by removing the items that aren’t needed in the facility.

Decluttering will also make your business place more presentable and professional.

If you are looking for a reliable self-storage unit in Australia, you can visit Storage Sydney for more details.

Offers Security

If you have chosen the right self-storage unit facility, then rest assured your items will remain secure.

Most storage facilities offer guaranteed security which is something we don’t have at our home.

You can opt for a self-storage facility that uses the latest technology for security and offers everything from camera surveillance to smart locks.

A storage facility that has a good reputation also offers secured gate entry, exterior lighting, security guards, and secured fences.

If you have some valuables that you don’t think will be safe at your home or workplace, then putting them in a self-storage unit is an excellent choice.

Makes Moving Easier

When you are transitioning from one house to another, moving your belongings can become a huge task.

Things can get complicated if the new place’s shape and size are different from your old home and you cannot fit everything the same way it was in the previous house.

Renting a self-storage unit can solve many problems for you while moving.

You can start moving your stuff in the storage unit before making the actual moving day and make the task easier for yourself.

It will also help you move the stuff on a priority basis so you can deal with the stuff that is left behind at the end.

It is recommended that you hire a storage unit that is near to our new place so you won’t have trouble moving things back and forth if needed.

That will help you save your precious time and won’t add any extra stress on you.

You can browse storage Melbourne options if you live in the city and will be switching homes inside the city.

A Business Base

Self-storage units do not only provide solutions for your home, but they also offer you plenty of solutions for your business. It doesn’t matter whether you want to keep your stock secure or just need a place to accumulate the raw materials; self-storage units are ideal for your business.

If you are running a sort of business where you manage things on the go without a storefront, then you can use a self-storage unit as a base for your operations.

For example, if you have a sales team that sells products from door to door, you can keep the supply in a storage unit from where your staff can access it.

Depending on the kind of business you are running, the benefits a self-storage unit can offer you are endless.

Great Place to Store Seasonal Items

Not everything we own is useful in every season and putting such items away during the off-season is a great way of creating some extra space in your house.

You won’t be needing your jackets, boots, and ski gear during the summer, and you won’t be needing any pool items during the winter.

Having a self-storage unit gives you the luxury of putting off-season stuff away when it’s not needed.

Guest Post by Kamill

Water is one of those bills we all reluctantly pay from the day we first move out and continue to pay for decades to come.

So what is the average water bill in Australia? . . .and how is it calculated?

We’ll be covering this and breaking down the average water bill for each state’s water bills in Australia.

How are water rates calculated?

Your water rates are calculated in two parts – a fixed supply charge and a variable charge based on your home’s water usage.

Fixed Supply Charge

Your water supplier charges you an annual cost to have access to the water mains. This is evenly split across your quarterly water bills.

Supply charges vary between each state and can be as little as $40 and go all the way up to $270!

Variable Water Consumption Rate

The second portion of your water bill is variable based on your household’s water usage. Each state’s primary water supplier varies differently in exactly how this part works.

Generally speaking, you’re charged per kilolitre of water you use.

Your water supplier reads your water meter every quarter (roughly 90 days) and uses this reading to calculate the variable portion of your water bills.

Naturally, we use more water in summer than we do in winter so you can expect to pay more per quarter in the warmer months and less in the winter.

Average Water Bills By State

Research by Canstar Blue in 2020 found that the average quarterly water bill in Australia overall amounted to $288. That’s $22 a week, $96 per month and $1,152 per year.

When we break it down to individual states, however, the numbers vary significantly:

• Western Australia – $234 quarterly, $936 annually

• New South Wales – $246 quarterly, $984 annually

• Victoria – $259 quarterly, $1036 annually

• Queensland – $300 quarterly, $1200 annually

• South Australia – $324 quarterly, $1296 annually

• Tasmania – $365 quarterly, $1460 annually

Based on these averages, Hobart residents are paying 35% more for their water than those in Perth.

When considering the cost of your home’s water, you need to consider the energy it costs to heat water too.

This means taking into consideration the price of gas or electricity for your water heater.

The cost of utilities also varies from state to state.

This means Adelaide hot water bills will be very different than Brisbane bills, which will differ from Perth!

Are your water charges considerably higher than these average water bills?

You could install water-efficient fixtures in the bathroom and kitchen and only use your washing machine and dishwasher when they are full.

If your water bill is suddenly much higher than your usual bill but you haven’t increased your water use, then you might have sprung a leak somewhere!

It’s time to call a plumber to locate and repair this leak before you’re up for another big water bill and potentially water damage repairs too.

Guest post by Natalie lge

Your garden should provide you with a usable, comfortable space that you and your family and friends can enjoy.

Whether you have a large space or you are working with a smaller outdoor area, there is a lot that you can do to create a garden that will meet your needs.

Look at garden design ideas online, seek inspiration from gardens in your area and check out some gardening magazines for unique design aspects you can include in your garden renovation, with the right plan in place, you can start turning your vision into reality.

Before you start working on your garden renovation, you need to ensure that you have the best tools and equipment to get the work done.

If you are completely redesigning your space, you may need to hire a mini excavator such as the Kubota U17 3, to level the garden before you start work.

Be sure to wear the right protective equipment when you are working on your project to ensure you are safe and comfortable throughout your renovation project.

Setting yourself up with the right tools and equipment from the outset will ensure that you have everything you need to succeed with your garden renovation project.

Let’s take a look at a few useful tips to help you renovate your garden successfully and create a landscape design that you can be proud of.

Add A Patio And Paved Paths

Adding a paved patio to your landscape design is a great way to create a usable area for entertaining and for you to relax and unwind.

Patios can be designed to fit into virtually any garden space and help to create a focal point for which to design the rest of your garden around.

If your garden is big enough, consider adding paved paths to add some texture and contrast to your garden.

Paved pathways will help to give more direction and purpose to your space, as well as adding an additional design feature to your garden.

When it comes to creating the ideal patio, the choices you make will largely be based in the preexisting design of your home.

After all, this will make your home feel more purposeful and cohesive, allowing for a seamless transition between your interior and exterior spaces.

This, however, doesn’t mean that you can’t let your creativity loose, nor does it suggest that an older home shouldn’t have access to more modern conveniences when it comes to its outdoor spaces.

When selecting a patio design, try to think about the colours, shapes and materials that you’d like to bring over from your home’s facade and start the process from there.

This will ensure that you end up with a patio space perfectly suited to your home, which can then be styled with the fixtures, furnishings and fun of your choosing.

Choose Native Plants For Your Garden

Whilst we may have an image in our head of lush, verdant gardens filled with plants from across the globe, people often neglect the fact that this same effect can be achieved with local flora.

To truly transform your garden and bring it to life, you need to ensure that there is plenty of life in it.

Adding a range of native plants to your garden will help to make it more vibrant and attractive.

Choose native plants that are acclimated to the local weather conditions and will grow more naturally in your garden.

These plants will be easier to look after and they are typically more affordable than their exotic counterparts.

Having butterflies, birds and insects buzzing around your garden will create even more vibrancy in your outdoor space and give your garden renovation a new lease of life. 

Add A Splash Of Colour

Put your own personal style into your outdoor space by incorporating some bold, bright colours in your landscape design.

If you have outdoor walls, fencing or garden furniture, consider painting it, to refresh it and make it a feature of your garden design.

If you have a large wall in your garden, why not have a mural painted to create a unique focal point in your garden?

Soft furnishings, lawn decorations, planters, pots and lighting can all be used to bring more colour into your garden.

Let your imagination run wild and bring your own unique style to your landscape design.

For those that don’t know where to start with their colour choices, science may be able to assist.

The field of study known as colour psychology aims to determine the effects of certain colours on human mood and behaviour.

So, by doing a little research and digging into the psychology of colour, you can make informed decisions about the colours chosen based on the feelings they are likely to evoke.

Whilst personal preferences are always going to be a major driving factor, understanding how colours affect us makes for an excellent starting point with any house makeover.

Upgrade Your Outdoor Lighting

Having the right outdoor lighting installed in your garden can help you to highlight particular elements of your design.

Lighting can also be used to create the right ambience in your outdoor space and to add a touch of class and sophistication.

Whether you choose to install ambient string lights, strong spotlights or warm, gentle garden lighting, there is a range of lighting solutions to choose from.

Take some time to consider your options so you achieve the result you want from your outdoor lighting to enhance your new landscape design.

Create A Landscape Design That You Can Be Proud Of

Renovating your garden can be a lot of work and it can take some time for everything to start coming together.

When you start reaching the final stages of your renovation, you can start to enjoy the fruits of your labour.

With a carefully outlined plan in place from the start, you can enjoy the process of transforming your garden.

Once the work is complete, you will have a garden that you and your family can enjoy and a space that you will be proud to entertain friends in the future.

Guest Post by Martin William

Pests are a menace that can lead to various problems.

Apart from deteriorating your living conditions, pests are a threat to your health.

Some health issues related to pests include respiratory problems, infections, food and skin allergies, food poisoning, etc.

Hence, if you witness an ongoing pest problem in your house, it is best to take the following precautions:

Clean the rain gutters

The rain gutters prevent water from pooling on the roof.

However, if the gutters are dirty, it can lead to the accumulation of leaves, dirt, and debris.

Pigeons and other birds may make their nest in the gutters and cause a bird problem on the roof of your house.

Also, dirty gutters can be home to various insects, so try to clean your gutters every month or so.

Check the plumbing

Holes and gaps in plumbing can provide pests a point of entry.

To avoid this from happening, have a plumber check your plumbing and fill the gaps.

Moreover, seal any opening or repair the plumbing if it is required.

Clean kitchen

A dirty kitchen is bound to attract pests because it provides a food source for them.

Rats, rodents, and cockroaches can eat leftover food and contaminate it as well.

It can lead to the spread of various diseases.

It is best to remove any leftover food and dispose of it.

Clean the countertops every day to clean the crumbs and other debris.

Likewise, mop the floor and be sure to clean the cabinets every once in a while.

Hire an expert pest control service

Particular types of pests, such as termites, can be hard to control.

Hence, you may require the help of a pest control service for termite treatments.

They will identify the points of entry and try to block them.

Moreover, they will trap and remove pests from the premises.

Since pest control services have the experience, they have the necessary equipment and skills to remove pests from the premises.

They will safely remove the pest without it causing harm to anyone.

Seal the windows and doors

A lot of the time, pests make entry through cracks and gaps in the windows and doors.

Moreover, they may find entry through the basement and attic.

Hence, make sure that the sealings around windows and doors are in place.

Repair the seal if necessary. You can even use caulk for sealing.

Avoid dampness

Rain and snow can lead to a rise in moisture in your house.

Pests, such as insects, are likely to be found in such damp areas.

It is best to keep your home dry. Extreme rain conditions may lead to flooding in your basement and can cause dampness.

Moreover, leaking fixtures in the bathrooms, such as showerheads and taps, can also attract bugs.

Hence, have a plumber fix these.

Conclusion

These few tricks can help keep pests at bay. However, if you have a persistent pest problem, it is best to hire an expert.

It will cost you, but it is a better solution for you.

Guest post by Andrej Kovačević

Home design has always been one of the most exciting aspects of creating a home out of a house.

Individuals around the globe have long known this and there is a lot to be said about the fact that this is very much an aspect of building and creating a home but has been consistently going from one strength to another over the years.

There is so much value in finding a property that you genuinely loved and being able to build a home that you love on that property.

For a long time, home design was to many people very much an aspect of creating a home that was directly correlated with stress and anxiety.

Over the years, however, the process has become easier and easier all the time and as a result we are now living in the time where home design is more exciting than it has ever been before and it only continues to become more so over the years.

We are now beginning to see a stronger love for not only the fundamentals of home design and what it has always been but where home design is going from now on.

This is pinned and expected to be just the beginning of an incredible amount of attention to detail and overall emphasis in home design and what that makes possible.

As we move forward into the future and beyond, we are only going to see it continue to become better all the time.

The evolution into custom home design

When it comes to custom home design, for instance, there is a lot to be said about the fact that we have really begun to delve into an evolution that is related to custom home design rather than just strictly standard home design.

The evolution into custom home design has often come on the back of an incredible amount of awareness and understanding that while home design is fantastic, there is definitely room for improvement in terms of what individuals can do with their homes and what they think they can do when they are beginning that process.

Kitchens are becoming the key focus

Instead of the living area, the focus on the kitchen is becoming increasingly popular.

In fact, kitchen islands and a hybrid between a kitchen and a living room has become more popular than ever.

Kitchens are largely a personal touch as it often reflects the homeowner’s personality and style.

Experienced cooks might have a different idea of an ideal kitchen, when compared to someone who doesn’t spend much time in the kitchen.

One thing is true, the kitchen has evolved over the years.

From a help-designated location in the house, to the heart of the home.

The interest and investment propelling it forward

For homeowners and investors around the globe, there is so much to be said about the fact that custom home design is very much a part of the wider home design industry that continues to be prepared forward by ongoing rates of interest and investment.

Whether individuals are choosing to approach kitchen design entirely on their own or through professional kitchen remodeling companies, the point is always the same. And that point is that custom home design only continues to become more popular all the time as well as more interesting and exciting.

Guest Post

Whether you love the outdoors or not, it’s almost every homeowners’ dream to have a beautiful garden.

This kind of outdoor space is no longer regarded as a separate part of the house.

Rather, as more people have been staying home, having a dream garden is like having an extension of your indoor living space.

It’s a place where family and friends can gather to have a good time.

A ‘dream garden’ is also a very subjective thing, and a personal decision.

What would you want to incorporate?

How would it look like?

What plants do you wish to have?

All these choices, along with your personal preferences, as well as some universal guidelines you can follow, will lead this dream garden of yours to finally blossom—literally and figuratively—into a reality.

Here’s how:

1. Investigate And Take A Good Look Around Your Garden

No two gardens start exactly alike.

This is because there are certain factors that’ll make yours different.

Before you go full-blast with planning and designing, investigate and take a good look around your garden first.

You may want to consider the following:

• • • The kind of plants that can thrive in the weather you have
    • The kind of soil you have in your garden
    • The kind of care and maintenance that’s needed for the plants you intend to have in your garden

When you take this extra step of getting to know your garden first, you can avoid costly mistakes in the future, which may be difficult to undo.

2. Make A Garden Plan

Now that you’ve successfully explored your garden’s condition, you can go one step further by creating a garden plan.

You can liken this to a structural plan when it comes to building a home.

Creating a garden plan can help you have something to look back to, so you can check whether or not everything you’ve wanted to include has been incorporated well.

This also gives you a blueprint in which you can visualize your garden, step-by-step, before you even finish creating it.

If you’re not quite sure about how to design your garden, hiring the services of professional landscapers, gardeners, and tree experts such as S&B Tree Services, will come in handy.

Not skimping on your dream garden can help ensure that the job is accurately done.

3. Walk Through Several Nurseries

Just as you’d give yourself time to window shop when browsing for clothes, it’s important to walk through several nurseries and stores before finally deciding on a final purchase.

This applies to purchasing soil, grass, plants, and even other garden paraphernalia like rocks, pavers, and tiles, among others.

You’ll always want to have the best price possible, so you won’t end up overspending on this garden project.

4. Consider The Area You Have

The area you have in your property will largely determine how you can design the space and what plants you’re going to include.

For example, you may have dreamed about having a certain kind of tree in your garden, but the space available may limit your choices.

Keep your options realistic according to your space.

That way, you won’t end up overcrowding your plants, resulting in your garden looking messy.

There are also several smaller-scaled garden ideas to explore that may provide the illusion of a bigger area if that’s what you desire.

5. Avoid Impulse Purchases

There are lots of attractive plants that you might want for your garden, but if you don’t know how to take care of them because they require special attention, then don’t push through with buying them.

You’ll only end up wasting money.

Avoid impulse purchases.

Make sure that, when you see a plant you like, you can accommodate for its needs.

If you’re unsure, double-check with your landscaper about it.

6. Add Other Features

Gardens in most homes today have more than just plants and trees.

Depending on your space and your budget, it can also have other features.

You can create dimension, depth, and drama in your garden by incorporating various accessories and features. This may also help you have a cosy, relaxing outdoor living area.

These added features can be anything from the following:

• • • Decks
    • Pergola
    • Outdoor furniture or sitting areas
    • Sculptures
    • Wall or hanging gardens
    • Water features, like a pond, fountain, or a swimming pool

Conclusion

With all these tips considered, you can now start making your garden the focal point of your yard.

Whether you’ve got a sprawling lawn or a smaller one, there’s usually a means to achieve your dream garden.

Aside from being a home to greenery and flowers, your garden can also be a space for entertainment, or simply a place where you can relax with nature on a beautiful day.

The best part is that creating your dream garden doesn’t have remain a dream as there’s usually an affordable way to make this come true.

Guest Post By Andrea Estrade

Did you know that there are design trends for bathrooms as well?

Like many other aspects of civil or architectural engineering, a structure or a component becomes outdated after a while, mostly due to the constant upgrades of technologies and changes in human behaviour.

So anything trendy today, even bathroom designs, can be outdated and criticized after a while.

But meanwhile, keep reading to find out 10 bathroom trends to avoid that you might regret If you need some modern bathroom ideas, you can click here to see more.

1.     Wall Attached Faucets

For the counter-attached sink bowls, a couple of wall-attached faucets match perfectly in the bathroom design.

So, the plumbing pipes that are attached to them will be inside the walls and the walls are paved strongly. T

hat means if there are any plumbing problems, then the leaks will be concealed on the walls and will need cluttered and costly reconstruction.

So try to set the faucets on the countertop.

Then, the fittings and pipes can be reachable without too much difficulty from beneath the cabinet.

2.     Designed Floor Tiles

Designed floor tiles are very popular nowadays.

However, trends are changing fast and these patterned floor tiles are expected to go out of fashion in recent years.

So, when the trend of patterned floor tiles will be outdated, it will not be easy to simply alter the whole floor tiles.

It requires you to spend huge money for changing the floor tiles and also you will need to hire a professional for doing this.

Avoid applying patterned floor tiles on your bathroom and try other options such as a chevron or striped rug that can be changed easily with little cost.

3.     Fish Scale Tiles

For bathroom walls, presently fish scale tiles are popular.

However, this kind of design is little bit much for conventional approaches

This bathroom trend can be a problem during the selling of the house as the different tastes of the buyers and removing it can be difficult and expensive.

If you wish to put scales, then put something that can be removed without difficulty such as a wrapped art print or pattern designed on the wall.

4.     No Threshold Showers

A shower with no opening is preferable to many people.

As the shower opens continuously and makes the bathroom neat and enhances approachability.

However, you have to ensure that it is set up appropriately.

Otherwise, you may regret it after using it for some days.

Without appropriate drainage installed, it will overflow your bathroom with water every time you take a bath.

Also, it needs regular maintenance.

So, try to avoid this bathroom trend for the betterment of your bathroom.

5.     Shower Without Doors

Currently, many big showers are constructed without doors.

Because it frees up space that you required for door opening and you do not need to cleanse the door as it is absent.

Although the shower looks simple and straightforward without doors, it will create difficulty after some days and you will regret the decision of following this trend.

Without the shower door, the water from the shower will keep coming to the bathroom floor that will have to be clean properly.

Also, the door maintains the warmness and moisture within the shower and preserves freezing drafts from infiltrating. In the shower without doors, you will experience the cold regardless of the warmth of the water and you will feel the desire of having a door instantly.

6.     Excluding the Tub

For the master bathroom, many homeowners are forgetting to put the tub in there and only setting up big expensive showers.

However, you may regret this decision of not having the tubs as during the selling of your house it will not pay off.

Many people prefer a drench in the tub and then a brief shower and folk with little children will need a tub for their bath.

So, not having a tub will lower the chance of selling the house.

7.     Detached Tubs

For bigger master baths, detached tubs are very popular nowadays.

However, it can be difficult to fit them in a small bathroom.

So, make sure if you want to pay some serious money for applying this bathroom trend that will be irrelevant in some days.

If you do not use the freestanding tubs frequently, then it can become a slipping risk.

Also, it will cause a good amount of water bills for using it frequently as they need more water than the built-in tubs.

8.     Barn Doors

In every house, barn doors are present nowadays.

However, in a few years, these outdated trends will make your bathroom look too old-fashioned.

So, if you set up a barn door on the bathroom for staying up to date or free some area, you need to change it as soon as possible. . . . it will become obsolete and you will regret making your bathroom out of date.

9.     Wood on the Ceiling

There is some house design that is adopted in the bedroom, kitchen, or drawing room and then slowly adopted into the bathroom such as wood in the ceiling.

That’s why you have to be cautious here.

Humidity and wood don’t go well with each other.

The steam and warmth from the shower can bend and crack the wood.

Also, it can be the cause of the mould expansion on the wood.

After the mould becomes permanent, the wood will be difficult to treat.

So, avoid adopting wood on the ceiling.

If you wish to have a ceiling without too much maintenance, then you may go for the conventional painted ceiling.

10.  Unprotected Pipes

It is a good design to have the pipes in bathrooms unprotected aesthetically.

However, this trend will also go away as it is not so practical and also after the fading of the trend, it will be difficult and need a good amount of money to put them back inside the walls.

Also, exposed pipes create the danger of burning yourself during the shower by colliding with the heated water supply.

You may include the pipes on the bathroom design by setting them as a drape bar for the shower or above the window.

 

Guest Post

Recently, the idea of installing under-cupboard lighting has become quite popular to house owners.

While it may seem like a great addition to your house interior, lighting installations cost quite a bit, and you’ll have to find an electrician as well.

Sure, if you live in south-east Victoria, Australia, you could search up for keywords like ‘Southside Electrics Mornington Peninsula electrician‘, but unless you know a trustworthy electrician in the area, you won’t know who to hire.

Before you go ahead and purchase under-cupboard lighting, make sure you’ve considered other reasons to have them installed, aside from aesthetics.

Here’s a closer look at why under-cupboard lighting may improve your kitchen:

Doesn’t Produce Any Annoying Shadows 

If you’re the type to work in the kitchen often, you’re probably tired of having your shadow get in the way of your chores.

Since you need to be stand between the countertop and the light to wipe spills and clean the surfaces, you’re naturally going to have problems with visibility.

One of the best ways to eliminate those pesky shadows is to have the light source directly in front of you.

That’s what under-cupboard lighting is.

Since under-cupboard lighting will be in front of you, not overhead, there’s nothing standing in the way of the light source, which means it’s no longer going to produce annoying shadows.

Not only can this make things more practical in the kitchen, but it also helps with safety – especially if you work with sharp knives.

Generates A Brighter Light 

Lighting fixtures tend to be around 10-feet away from the countertop area of the kitchen.

Since light becomes dimmer the farther it travels, it would be considerably darker by the time it gets to the countertop area.

If you install lighting fixtures directly above the countertop, you’ll get higher lighting levels to help you see things more clearly, which improves both practicality and safety.

Additionally, you can cut things more precisely, reducing your chances of cutting your fingers.

Paves The Way For An Accessible Light Switch 

One of the most frustrating parts of working in the kitchen is that you have to go to the other side of the room when turning on the lights.

Frankly, it’s an unnecessary chore.

You could spare yourself from all the walking by adding a light switch to the countertop area, but you’ve probably never thought to do so before.

Since you’re installing under-cupboard lighting anyway, you might as well add a light switch near the cupboards so you can turn your new lights on and off with ease.

Not only will this addition save you time, making it much easier to change your lighting while cooking, but it can also keep you from all that walking.

Easy To Install And Modify 

Believe it or not, installing under-cupboard lighting can be as fast as 30 minutes, given that most qualified electricians will have considerable experience and knowledge.

Similarly, uninstalling this sort of the lighting fixture is typically a breeze, so if you ever change your mind, it shouldn’t take long to undo the installation.

The same goes for when you want to make some changes or modifications to the lighting.

You also have to remember that you, the homeowner, can choose what type of lighting fixtures to use. It can be as cheap or as luxurious as you want; there are options for all budgets.

Installation Is Affordable 

While the price may vary according to the fixtures you use, hiring an electrician to install under-cupboard lighting should only cost around AU$250.

The lighting fixtures usually cost around $10.

What you’re paying for is the labour and expertise of the electrician.

On that note, if you already know a suitable electrician, you may be able to bargain for the price.

Who knows, they may even do it for free if you provide the materials.

Even so, the ‘saving money’ part doesn’t end there.

Cuts Down On Your Lighting Expenses 

Under-cupboard lighting fixtures are smaller than your regular light bulbs, which is why they consume less energy than usual.

There are even special energy-saving versions available.

With that logic, it’s possible to cut down on your lighting expenses using under-cupboard lighting rather than relying on regular lighting fixtures.

Besides, you usually just need to light up the countertop area when going to the kitchen.

You don’t usually need to light up the whole room during the day.

Final Words 

Under-cupboard lighting has become popular due to its remarkable effect on a house’s design and atmosphere, but its benefits extend beyond aesthetics.

If you’re the type to value practicality and safety, you might find that installing under-cupboard lighting will tick all the relevant boxes without exceeding your budget.

Guest Post By Shine

Designing a kitchen can be overwhelming, but it shouldn’t be stressful.

You should see it as an opportunity to make the new room as functional and stylish as possible.

In a survey, it was discovered that the main reason why people renovated their kitchen was that they couldn’t stand their old one any longer.

Closely following were people who had always wanted to renovate, but never had a chance to earlier. (1)

Investing in a top-quality kitchen design will ensure a stylish and functional space.

Consider everything that you don’t like about past kitchens you’ve used, and try to avoid them in the new design.

The following are 4 key design tips to make your new kitchen look stunning:

1. Pick cabinets to suit your style

The cabinet choices for your kitchen must be considered seriously; they’re the main visual focus of the area, and will instantly catch people’s eyes.

Consider glossy vs matte kitchen cabinets when deciding on a particular style.

It’s important that they’re easy to clean, because the kitchen can be a messy place.

Food often ends up everywhere when cooking, and coffee can be spilled in the morning rush.

Extra cleaning will only add more stress to your day.

Also, consider whether you want cupboards or drawers for your bench cabinets.

Ensure that your kitchen matches the style of the rest of the house, despite whether it’s open-plan or takes up its own separate space.

For example, if the house is cottage-styled, an industrial kitchen would look entirely out of place. However, wooden cabinets with warm tones might suit perfectly.

2. Integrate lighting into the design

A well-lit kitchen is easier to use, and more inviting.

Extra light means ensuring accuracy of cutting and measuring while cooking.

It can also be used to draw attention to certain features of the design. Consider placing lighting:

• • In the pantry: Make it easy to see and get the food that you need by having an automatic light that turns on when you open the pantry.
  • Under the cabinets: Create extra bench light by running strip lights under the cabinets, to illuminate the darker spaces.
  • In the appliance cupboard: Ensure that you can see where everything is while searching for the coffee machine or the toaster.
  • Over the island: Make these a statement piece by choosing hanging lights, to stand out and compliment the design. (2)

With great kitchen lighting installed in various places, you might find that you don’t always need the main light on.

Including a smart system will make it even easier, as the lights may come on automatically when you step foot in the kitchen.

3. Allow enough floorspace around the kitchen

Functionality is essential in every kitchen.

It’s very frustrating when you can’t walk through without asking people to move, or when you have to stop washing the dishes to let someone pass.

To avoid this, design wider walkways, and strategically place cooking areas, kitchen equipment, and storage areas for ease of access.

A study found that more floor space is required around these areas to optimize functionality in the kitchen. (3)

Try these easy ways to ensure more space:

• • Don’t place the sink and oven opposite each other
  • Do place the fridge in a position where opening the doors won’t obstruct anything
  • Do allow enough space for the oven to open comfortably

However, sometimes there isn’t enough space to design a kitchen in this way.

Keep in mind that moving plumbing and electrical wiring adds time and money to the project.

4. Design space around appliances

Design your kitchen around the appliances that you already own, or the ones that you know you’ll purchase.

You’ll want to ensure that your appliances will fit in with your new kitchen.

Try to avoid big gaps around them, because take away usable space; they’ll also create more areas for dust to accumulate.

Some important appliances to consider in your design are:

• • Fridge
  • Oven
  • Microwave
  • Dishwasher
  • Stove

To incorporate your fridge into the design even more, you can build it into the cabinetry.

This may also look more sleek.

If you find that you still have gaps, consider using the space for storing brooms, and hanging hand towels or pots.

Conclusion

There are many design elements to consider when planning your new kitchen, and turning it into a stunning space.

With some time and careful thinking, you can create the kitchen of your dreams.

Remember to choose your cabinets wisely, and to ensure that they suit the rest of your house. Install lighting to brighten dark areas and create focus points.

Keep in mind that enough floor space is essential for a functioning kitchen, and try to avoid gaps around appliances to add a sense of sleekness and completion to the room.

Guest Post by Robert Carroll

Have you ever wondered what is the best type of flooring that you can use in your home?

If you are looking to redecorate your home or you have a new home that needs decorating, one of the first things that you will have to decide is what kind of flooring you want to have. With so many options available on the market right now, there are so many things to take into consideration before making a final decision.

Something that we have noticed in recent years is that laminate flooring is becoming an increasingly favourable flooring option for homeowners all over the world.

Since this type of flooring has so many benefits, it is no wonder people love using it in their homes.

Today, we will go over some of the benefits of this type of flooring!

What is Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is one of the newer flooring options, invented late in the 20th century.

It is a synthetic flooring option that looks very similar to regular wood flooring.

The floorboards are made from pressed chipped wood particles.

They are topped with an image layer to make them look like regular wood floorboards.

On top of that, there is a transparent wear layer that protects the floorboards from moisture, scratching and all kinds of dirt and grime.

Laminate flooring can be used just about anywhere, except for places that have too much moisture.

Why is Laminate Flooring better than other types of Flooring

Laminate is a great flooring option that is becoming increasingly popular because of the many benefits that it has as opposed to other types of flooring.

Here are some of the reasons why you should consider laminate flooring for your home:

1. Laminate flooring is more affordable than most other types of flooring. If you are on a tight budget or just do not want to spend too much money on your floors, you should go for laminate floors. You can find many types of laminate floorboards that come at a great price without having to compromise when it comes to the style and quality of the floorboards.
2. Laminate flooring is very durable. It does not scratch or wear off easily, and it cannot be easily damaged by sunlight as well. Overall, laminate is a great choice for high-traffic areas and most rooms in the house.
3. Laminate flooring does not require much maintenance – you will not need to buy any special cleaning solutions at all. The only thing with this type of flooring is to clean spills in a timely fashion as laminate can swell from excessive moisture.
4. Laminate flooring comes in so many designs and colours that you can find the perfect one that fits your surroundings. You can choose between floorboards that look just like real timber or stone or maybe even concrete. The possibilities are endless!

How long does Laminate Flooring Last

Laminate flooring can last anywhere from 10 to 25 years, in some cases, laminate flooring can even last up to 30 years, according to FloorVenue.

The durability of your laminate flooring depends on several things – the quality of the floorboards, the installation, the thickness of the floorboards, and your efforts to protect the floors.

You should always buy laminate floorboards from a trusted manufacturer, find floorboards that come with a warranty, and make sure that they are made from good materials.

Next, we should mention that thicker floorboards tend to last longer than thinner ones.

When installing the floorboards, it is a good idea to find a professional who would do it for you because improper installation can cause the floorboards to deteriorate faster.

Finally yet importantly – you should try to protect the floorboards with rugs to make them last longer.