From The Floor Up: How To Create A Functional But Fashionable Living Space

Guest post by Natalie lge

Your living space not only gives people a view of who you are creatively, but it is also fully connected to your mental health and well-being.

If your living space is one that you don’t enjoy being in, that is going to cause reoccurring issues over time.

This is your home and you need to ensure that it is functional, fashionable and a space where you feel content and comfortable.

Whether you own your home or you are renting, the space you live in should be a space that you love, and one that brings you positivity, productivity, and happiness.

Having a functional, organized, and beautiful living space will enhance your home life and could be a catalyst for even more positive changes in your life.

Continue reading for some useful tips that will help you to create a beautiful and functional living space that you can truly call home.

Budget Is Highly Important

You don’t need to be ultra-wealthy to budget for a truly impressive and functional living space, but it is essential that a budget is reviewed beforehand.

While there are certainly a variety of ways to do interior design and decoration on a limited budget, there is still a price tag that needs to be considered.

For example, top-quality affordable materials such as structural plywood might be cheaper than solid oak but you will still have to budget.

There is no rule on how little or how much you can spend on your design, but you do need to set an official limit and stick to it.

When you have an idea of how much money you can or want to afford towards your living space, don’t forget to add room for incidentals.

There is no project too small, nor too cheap to go over budget.

In fact, it happens more than it doesn’t.

An extra ten to twenty per cent of your original total should be sufficient, and if needed, reduce the original budget accordingly.

Storage Is Essential To Function

Whether you are single and living alone, or have a family of twelve, you are going to be far less happy and productive when your living space is constantly cluttered.

When planning your living space, ensure you put enough attention to convenient and functional storage.

If you are typically a cluttered person, it is a good idea to get into the habit of regularly de-cluttering your living space.

With the right storage in your living space, you won’t feel like there is stuff everywhere, and it will completely open up the area, creating the illusion of more space.

This will lead to better overall functionality in your home, and if you have a family, less risk of being injured by things like kids’ toys strewn about your floors.

Flow And Lighting Add Value

If you have ever lived in an old apartment or home, you will understand the concept of a home having no flow.

Flow really refers to how convenient the living space is designed.

For example, if you have a kitchen on one end of the home, with the dining room on the other end, it creates horrible flow and cold meals.

Along with the way a living space flows, is how you can literally see in the space.

Lighting has come so far in the last few decades that it is absolutely essential to take advantage of newer designs and technologies.

The right lighting is going to allow you to have clear vision throughout the space, and also highlight anything that may be a point of interest.

When you pair your lighting with an overall design, it also makes the entire space look better.

Furniture Must Be Fitting

Your furniture is one of the most important things in your home, and it comes in all different shapes, sizes, and prices.

The main focus here is to ensure that the furniture you use is going to be appropriate for the space.

If you live in a smaller apartment, having an oversized leather sectional is going to cause some problems.

You want your furniture to be sized properly for the room it will be placed in, as it can quickly overtake a room and make it feel tiny.

It is also a good time to think about the type of material your furniture is made from, as functionality is increased when things are easier to clean and maintain.

Do What Makes You Happy With Your Living Space

Ultimately, the only thing that matters when designing your living space is that you are pleased with the finished product.

There are endless options out there to add a unique, fashionable spin to your living space, and it’s important to remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Your living space is for you, first and foremost, and your choices here need to reflect that.

Once you have created your own beautiful, fashionable, and functional living space, you will understand how important it truly is.

Live your best life at home, keep things neat and organized, and keep that positive energy flowing with an interior design that you truly love.

Architectural Bridge – Fail

It’s not a new house but it is architecture and my wife or I used it every day for several years.

It’s the footbridge at Footscray Railway Station.

Looks fairly impressive and very modern with its round shape………….So why is it a Fail?

Well you would think that one of the main purposes of this bridge, with a roof, would be to keep you dry as you walk across it on rainy days.

This is where it fails, most of those transparent panels you can see in the roof are in fact steel plates with lots of holes drilled in them.

Consequently when it rains you get as wet walking across the bridge, as if there was no roof!

Not only that but these panels are over the stainless steel handrails on the stairs.

If you stumble on the stairs its no use relying on grabbing the rail as with the water streaming down them they are as slippy as ice!

A triumph of architecture over practicality!       A truly Epic Fail!

For more Fails and Unusual Houses go to What the………………….?

 

Laundry Door Fail

I don’t know if builders are still providing patio doors in the laundry.

It was fairly common in 2005 when we last bought a new house.

I really don’t understand the concept!

  • What’s the point of a full length window looking at the side of the laundry tub
  • Because of the window the trough can’t be against the outside wall wasting space in the room.
  • Most laundries seem to face a fence so there is no view.
  • Minimal insulation value.
  • Lower security.
  • Experience has shown me that with daily use the life of patio door wheels is around 5-6years.

About the only positive I can think of is its cheaper for the builder!

 

For more Fails and Unusual Houses go to What the………………….?

 

Beer Bottle – Recycling?

I was walking along a street and saw this unique garden edging…….Upturned beer bottles.

Apart from showing everybody how much you drink I don’t think its very safe if you slip when you are digging…… all that broken glass.

Although looking at the flower beds I don’t think much digging is going on!

Don’t think they are beer bottles/ Here is a close up:

 

For more Fails and Unusual Houses go to What the………………….?

 

Display House Window Fail

Two of the things that the human eye likes are:

  • Symmetry.
  • Regular repeated patterns.

For example:

  • If you split something down the middle the left side is a mirror image of the right.
  • If you are going to have several windows keep them the same.

It’s a pity no one explained the above to the person who designed this display home.

With all the windows looking different it looks a mess to me.

Perhaps they got a mixed lot of windows cheap. 🙂

For more Fails and Unusual Houses go to What the………………….?

 

What Goes Into A Knockdown Rebuild?

Guest Post by by Natalie lge.

A knockdown rebuild is a process of demolishing an existing property and rebuilding a new one in its place.

This type of project is often undertaken when a property requires significant repair or renovation, offering several advantages over traditional building methods.

For starters, knockdown rebuilds allow for complete flexibility when it comes to design.

Rather than being restricted by the existing layout of the property, you can start from scratch and create a custom home that perfectly suits your needs.

In addition, knockdown rebuilds offer the opportunity to incorporate modern features and finishes that can add value and appeal to your home. 

A knockdown rebuild may be the perfect solution if you’re considering undertaking a building project.

What Is The Process Of A Knockdown Rebuild?

A knockdown rebuild is when you demolish your old house and build a new one in its place.

It’s a great way to modernise your home and add value without moving house.

The first step is to engage a registered builder and an architect or draftsperson to help you plan your new home.

Once you’ve finalised the plans, you’ll need to submit a building application to your local council.

Once the application is approved, the demolition process can begin.

Once the old house has been demolished, the builder will prepare the site for construction.

This includes pouring footings, laying slabs and erecting scaffolding.

The project’s construction phase will depend on your new home’s size and complexity.

Once the shell of your new home is complete, the internal finishes can be installed, such as walls, ceilings, floors and joinery.

Finally, the landscaping can be completed, and you can move into your brand-new home.

When Should I Consider A Knockdown Rebuild?

If your home is starting to feel a bit outdated, you may be considering a renovation, but sometimes, a renovation just won’t cut it.

If your home needs major repairs or you want to change the layout completely, a knockdown rebuild may be the best option.

Of course, starting from scratch is a big decision, so here are a few things to consider:

  • The age of your home: If your home is getting up there in years, it may not be worth renovating. It may be more cost-effective to start from scratch.
  • The condition of your home: If your home needs significant repairs, a rebuild may be cheaper than a renovation.
  • Your desired changes: Sometimes, the changes you want to make to your home are just too significant for a renovation. A rebuild will allow you to start from scratch and design the perfect space for your needs.

If you’re considering a significant change to your home, a knockdown rebuild may be the best option.

Weigh your options carefully and consult with professionals to make sure you’re making the best decision for your home.

How To Prepare For A Knockdown Rebuild

Before you start any building project, you need to be well prepared.

This is particularly true for a knockdown rebuild, as a lot of work is involved in demolishing an existing home and then constructing a new one.

If you’re thinking of undertaking a knockdown rebuild, here are some important tips to keep in mind:

First, make sure you have all the necessary approvals in place.

You will need to obtain planning permission from your local council and any other necessary permits.

Once you have these approvals, you can start demolishing your old home.

Next, it’s essential to choose the right builder.

A reputable and experienced builder can guide you through the entire process, from demolition to construction.

They will also be able to advise you on the best materials and methods to use to ensure that your new home is strong and durable.

Finally, make sure you budget carefully.

A knockdown rebuild can be costly, so it’s essential to get quotes from several different builders before making a final decision.

By preparing properly, you can ensure that your knockdown rebuild goes smoothly and results in the home of your dreams.

The Benefits Of A Knockdown Rebuild

A knockdown rebuild can be a great way to get the home you’ve always wanted, without having to deal with the hassle and expense of moving.

By demolishing your existing home and starting from scratch, you can design a space that perfectly suits your needs and lifestyle.

And because you’re not restricted by the existing layout or footprint of your home, you can really let your imagination run wild.

Whether you’re looking for a more open-plan layout, extra bedrooms or a designer kitchen, a knockdown rebuild can make it happen.

Plus, with today’s advances in technology and materials, you can build a brand-new home that is more energy-efficient and sustainable than ever before.

So if you’re thinking about making a change, a knockdown rebuild could be the perfect solution.

Consideration of Others – Fail

Here is something that really gives me the 5H!T5 and it seems all too common.

Some inconsiderate person leaves his car parked across the footpath because they are too lazy to walk another 5m.

No consideration that they have to make people walk in the road.

What about someone who is vision impaired?

Is it my imagination?……….. or is it really true that 90% of the people that are guilty of this trick drive Holden Commodores?

 

What do your neighbours do that annoys you?

 

For more Fails and Unusual Houses go to

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