Month: August 2020

Categories
Wellbeing

Health benefits of a soundproof & quiet home

Studies have shown consistently that stress levels can cause health problems. Noise is one of the biggest factors which contributes to increased stress levels. We live in a busy and hectic life in which silence has become a rare thing. If you are subjected to such high noise levels regularly, then soundproofing your home is a good idea. It can reduce your stress levels and help you to lead a healthier life. Keep reading to learn about the key health benefits of living in a quiet home.

Stress reduction

One of the biggest health benefits of living in a quiet home is it helps to reduce your stress levels. If you live in a noisy house, you can be subjected to high levels of stress, without you even realizing it. Noise increases the stress hormones in your body.  If left ignored, it can lead to chronic stress and cause health problems like hypertension, hearing impairment and cardiovascular diseases. A soundproof home which is noiseless will help you to relax and communicate better with the family members. Reduced stress levels can also cause significant improvements in your body’s immunity levels.

Better brain functioning

Your brain is bombarded with numerous stimuli every day. You come across many visuals, sounds, and other forms of stimuli which are processed by your brain. The greater the number of stimuli, the lesser time your brain has to recover. Your brain can recover effectively in a quiet environment. You will be amazed to know that experiencing just 2 hours of silence every single day can create new hippocampus cells. These cells are core to regulating your motivation levels, emotion, learning and memory.

In addition to helping your brain to recover and function better, silence can help you focus better and improve your problem-solving and decision-making skills. People are also known to be more productive in silent settings compared to loud and noisy places.

Sound sleep

Lack of sound sleep is becoming a significant problem in today’s world. Common sleeping disorders such as insomnia and are triggered by stress which is a direct result of a highly hectic and busy lifestyle.

Insomnia can cause other health disorders and can reduce your ability to complete your daily duties effectively. You can overcome insomnia by spending some time daily in a quiet setting. You can use techniques like mindfulness and meditation in a calm environment, which will reduce your fatigue and help you get sound sleep. You should spend at least 30 minutes of downtime in a noise-free environment before going to sleep. Also, adding noiseless bed frames and having a soundproof room can considerably reduce your stress levels and ensure that you get a sound and peaceful sleep.

Improved creativity

Living in a less noisy and peaceful home can lead to improved creativity and enhanced self-awareness. When the noise reduces, the stress levels automatically go down. When high-stress levels do not plague you, your mind can express its creativity to the fullest. You can come up with new and more innovative solutions which were otherwise not possible in a loud and noisy environment. You can also work on executing those ideas while working in a quiet setting.

In addition to increasing your creative juices, a soundproof home can also make you more aware and appreciative of your surroundings. Becoming more open and receptive to self-reflections can bring about a positive change in your lifestyle.

Reduction in headaches & migraines

A noisy environment is linked to triggering consistent headaches and migraines. While some people may experience short-term headaches, which can disappear after some time, others may experience more pesky headaches. A headache or migraine, which is long-lasting, is very irritating and it can be symptoms of other health disorders. Headaches and migraines are generally caused by stress. Stress levels are higher in a noisy house as noise stimulates the body’s stress signals. Taking regular medication for such headaches and migraines can also have other side-effects. Living in a noise-free professionally soundproofed home can reduce stress levels and reduce future headaches. Even in case of the occasional headache, you will notice that you won’t need medication to treat it and it will disappear on its own.

Prevents cardiovascular diseases

When you live in a soundproof home, you experience greater peace. This can lead to regulation and maintenance of your blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration rate and ensure that they are maintained at healthy levels. Living in a less noisy home is known to be better for stress control. You will experience lower stress levels in such an environment. It will also reduce harmful habits like uncontrolled and unhealthy binge eating, smoking, drinking, and a sedentary lifestyle. When you start controlling your unhealthy habits, you can improve and maintain a much healthier lifestyle. Reduced stress and less noise are crucial for a healthy heart.

Categories
Cleaning

5 reasons cleanliness can affect workplace productivity

The employees are the most important component of any company. Luckily, there are various ways to make a positive impact on your employees’ lives and boost their productivity. This includes maintaining a clean workplace. Mind you, 89% of Australians believe that a restroom’s condition indicates how a company values its workforce.

If you’re not convinced of the connection between cleanliness and productivity, read on.

1. Reduces overwhelm

A cluttered desk can make an employee feel overwhelmed with tasks even if they are ahead of schedule. On the other hand, a clean and organized desk allows an employee to feel that they are under control. As a result they are inspired get their work done.

That said, you can boost your employees’ productivity by encouraging them to clean their work desk. Here’s some ideas of ways to keep things tidy around the office:

  1. Make a “No Eating on Your Desk” policy
  2. Host a work desk decluttering hour
  3. Have designated waste bins and recycling bins
  4. Organize a “Clear Desk” challenge
  5. Go paperless!

Surprisingly, a clean and organized workspace can boost an employee’s mood, and it can affect his productivity in a profound way. So think of encouraging your employees to clean your desk as one way to make them contribute to your company’s success.

2. Drives determination

In a study conducted by Jeffrey Campbell, Ph.D., chair of facilities management program at Brigham Young University, it was revealed that cleanliness has a direct impact on a student’s ability to learn.

As for the case of employees, clutter can heighten their levels of stress. And when they are stressed, they are less likely to focus at work. They are not determined to do their jobs, which means that it can negatively affect their productivity. On the other hand, a clean workplace drives your employees’ determination to work.

Maid Sailors, an Office Cleaning Service NYC, says that ensuring the cleanliness of your office creates a positive first impression and improves employee morale and work ethic. And when your employees are determined, the more productive they can be.

3. Improves health

Cleanliness is connected to hygiene. Therefore, a clean workplace promotes good health among employees. That’s because you prevent germs and illnesses from propagating in the workplace.

According to a 2014 study, bacteria found in office doorknobs and tabletops spread to 40% – 60% of employees within 2 – 4 hours. This can lead to employees getting sick often and an increase in absenteeism, and this could be detrimental to the company. That’s because it can also affect the company’s bottom line.

Here’s the thing: An absent employee cannot fulfil his work. More so if he needs to meet a deadline.

Absenteeism can impede an employee’s ability to complete projects, which can ripple to other people in the department. The rest will be unable to begin their work because the project is still incomplete somewhere along the line.

4. Maintains focus

Pixie, an iPhone location app, released a survey revealing that a person spends an average of 5 minutes and 20 seconds looking for misplaced items. And if you think that this is just a simple matter, think again.

A lot of opportunities were missed, and money was spent because of lost items:

  • 60% of the respondents got late for work and school
  • 49% have missed an appointment or meeting
  • 22% missed their plane, bus, or train
  • 67% spend about $50 per year to buy replacements

On the other hand, an organized work area allows an employee to reach the tools that he needs to use with ease. Thus, it helps maintain his focus at work. This can result in an increase in productivity.

5. Maximizes work time

We have already established that clutter is a major productivity killer. That’s because it causes distraction to you and to other people in the office.

That said, it is important to keep your desk clean and clutter-free to maintain your focus. Doing so will also prevent you from rummaging through your belongings just to get things done.

Remember, a person spends an average of 5 minutes looking for lost items. When your desk is organized, you get to save these precious minutes and spend it on fulfilling your task instead. This allows for better results to take place.

As Shawn Mike, a web developer and copywriter puts it, “When your working area is organized, less time will be spent on hunting for a crucial document and more time will be spent on performing the tasks that matter.”

Wrap up

Having a clean and hygienic workplace is one way to make a positive impact on the productivity, health, safety, and satisfaction of your employees.

For one, it prevents them from getting overwhelmed with the tasks that they need to do. This can drive their determination to tackle their work and get things done.

Categories
Kitchen

9 small kitchen ideas

We cook, eat, drink, and socialise in this space. Kitchens are more than just a place to make a meal, and they are a design statement within homes. Whether you live in a high rise city apartment, or a classic, narrow terrace house, you might be dealing with a kitchen on the smaller side. But that doesn’t have to be negative! There are certainly ways to accentuate and embrace your cosy kitchen.

Here, we’ll take you through 9 small kitchens all with unique qualities that make them stand out from the rest.

Timeless style: Industrial

Small kitchens in industrial style decor
Source: Pinterest

An industrial-style kitchen is a timeless trend that never phases out. While this style is predominantly found in larger spaces, these three cooking areas use just the right amount of stainless steel appliances and fixtures, wooden block surfaces and rustic metal accents.

Classic rule of thumb: White

Small kitchens with white decor
Source: Pinterest

It’s a basic rule of thumb that lighter colours and plentiful natural light can make a room feel larger than it actually is. The far left kitchen challenges this notion and uses a light grey hue – and it works!

Uprising trend: Accent walls

Small kitchens with bold, accent walls
Source: Pinterest

While white can make a small room look larger, it also works on the other end of the spectrum. Accent walls using dark colours create a sense of boldness and edginess that doesn’t come with a stark white colour scheme. A bold-coloured wall can accentuate the frame of a kitchen and it gives more dimension.

Dare to go all out: Accent appliances

Small kitchen with bold appliances

These tiny kitchens all have one thing in common – and it’s pretty hard not to miss – the brightly coloured objects in the room. The bright pink fridge as well as the bold classic red fridge pair perfectly with the otherwise dull setting. If you opt to use an accent colour as bold as this, make sure there are no other conflicting bold colours within the space.

Categories
Gardening & landscaping

How to prepare your garden for winter

With the drop in temperature and the sun setting earlier, the thought of spending extended time in the garden seems less appealing, not to mention not all plants survive the frost. There are plenty of things you should to make sure your garden is protected through the cold and will bloom again brighter and more beautiful in the spring. Here’s our guide to keeping your garden strong through the winter months. 

Preparing your garden for winter

Take a moment to sit back and look at the layout and design of your garden. Winter is the ideal opportunity to consider what seeds you’d like to plant or how you want to landscape your outdoors.

Place your plants in areas where they can take full advantage of whatever sunlight is available. Winter plants need plenty of room for optimum air circulation, so they need to be placed further apart from each other. This also prevents fungus and diseases from developing.

Source: B.I.G Big Image Gardens

Mulch & weed

The first thing you need to do is lay down some mulch you can think of mulch as a blanketing insulator for your garden. It will protect your plants from the cold and frost, and when the mulch decomposes, it will add all of its rich nutrients right back into the ground. They’ll make your plants that much stronger when they start to grow back.

Next, it’s time to weed. That’s right, get down and dirty in there before the weather gets cold. Yank out every weed that you see, or just treat the area with plenty of weed-killing products. This is a necessity. It reduces the risk of unwanted seeds and spores spreading through the garden, which could take root and disrupt the lives of all of those plants you worked so hard to grow. You want those plants to bloom in the spring – not some undesirable weeds. 

Compose some compost

Begin a new compost heap in the time leading up to the winter months. Throw in all of the organic stuff that your house produces – grass clippings, leaves, plant shavings, household scraps. Over the cold winter months, all of this material will break down, and when spring breaks, you’ll have a heaping pile of compost that will sustain plenty of plant life in the garden!

Keeping up the garden

The time leading up to winter is also the perfect time to do some maintenance tasks – remove old plants and chop off dead and dying leaves or branches. Don’t prune plants (that just encourages growth), unless they’re perennials – those will just grow back stronger. This time is also the time to start rearranging plants and thinking about your garden layout for next year. You can also start to plant bulbs and bare-rooted shrubs, and it’s also the right time to divide up perennial plants. 

Source: All Round Gardening Services

Oh, and one last, very important point – be sure to store your gardening tools for the winter. Clean them thoroughly, oil the blades, and put them away in a secure location. You don’t want the elements dulling the stuff you’re going to need. 

Plants that thrive in winter

Some plants can grow considerably well in the winter so don’t shy away from planting flowers, vegetables, or plants that thrive in the colder months. If you’re interested in keeping blooms and buds around you all year round, here are some tips for planning a lovely winter garden.

Go Native

When planning a winter garden, the best place to start is by looking for native plants that are indigenous to your area. In Australia the majority of native plants start flowering in autumn and continue until early spring. These native flowers help to provide nourishing proteins and carbohydrates to the birds during the winter months.

Here are a few colourful plants you should consider for your winter garden:

  • Grevilleas: These popular plants come in a wide range of gorgeous colours and continue to flower throughout the winter season. You can choose groundcover varieties in addition to different sizes of shrubs and trees.
  • Correas: With more than 30 different varieties of correas, youll be able to choose from colours such as vermillion, green, bright red and pink.
  • Hakeas and banksias: These have gorgeous, show-stopping flowers that produce a heavenly scent.

Winter Soil

For native plants, it’s important to enrich the soil with compost and mulch as well as to aerate it regularly so that the soil will stay loose. If you have clay soil, youll want to loosen it first and then add gypsum, which will help break the clay down to make it more manageable. Fertilisers are also good for native plants, but make sure that they’re low in phosphorous. You can fertilise once or twice every year; the optimum times are early spring, late summer, early autumn and late winter.

Effective Foliage Plants

Because so many plants lie dormant during the winter months, consider adding some colour to your garden by using foliage plants. These come in solid or variegated shades and can bring touches of red, purple, grey, yellow and black to an otherwise monochromatic winter garden. For added drama, chose plants that have a variety of textures and shapes. Spiky-leafed plants, for example, look striking when placed next to plants with broad, curving leaves.

Here are some other flowers that can grow well in the winter:

  • Mahonia
  • Kniphofia or ‘Winter Cheer’’
  • Camellias
  • Pansies
  • Calendula
  • Stock and nemesia

For a garden that blooms all year round, consider also planting some winter veggies

  • Cabbage
  • Radishes
  • Peas
  • Coriander
  • Broccoli
  • Brussel Sprouts
  • Cauliflower

Preparing your lawn for winter

Just because winter is coming does not mean you will lose all the work you put into your lawn over the summer. Preparing your lawn for winter is your best insurance for having it come back next spring, as lush and green as ever.

Source: Foresight Horticulture
  • Weed Control: These prolific species are one of your biggest challenges because they are such hardy, stubborn bunches. The fix? Do thorough weeding during early winter and these weed-fests won’t stand a chance in the new season.
  • Breathable Soil: Ever notice how rock-hard your lawn becomes over the summer? This natural tendency discourages lawn growth and encourages weed growth. Over the summer, buy a lawn aerator from a garden supply store. Aerators will oxygenate the soil and balance water flow when the rainy season comes.
  • Fertilisers and Soil Conditioners: Ideally, your soil should have a pH balance ranging from 5.5 to 7.5 – you can check this with a test kit or by taking a sample to a local nursery or agricultural office. Fertilisers are like antioxidants for plants. They spur healthy growth at fundamental stages during winter, spring and summer. Choose a liquid fertiliser, such as Nitrosol or Seasol to use on the lawn. Alternatively, you can add slow release lawn food or a complete lawn food. Consult an expert in your town to test the pH level and to recommend the best products for optimal results.
  • Fill Dirt Patches: A good time for seeding dirt/dry patches is late fall, or you can try transplanting from an overgrowth area of your lawn to fill these patches in.
  • Regular Winter Maintenance: Even when your lawn is near or in hibernation, you should perform regular maintenance. Pick up debris and keep your lawn clear of leaves. Your lawn needs light to nourish it, even in the cold months. A buildup of debris could result in dead spots come spring. Also pull any weeds that pop up to prevent them from spreading. If you have pets, give your lawn a light watering once a week to dilute the urine. This will also help prevent dead spots.
Categories
Kitchen

Modern kitchen trends: Introducing the galley sink

Everyone desires to own a kitchen that offers them the utmost ease and comfort while preparing meals or hosting guests. You, too, can be in the same league as them. You must be looking for ways to make it more functional and attractive. If that is the case, then you don’t need to scurry here and there for ideas. As per the latest trends, one of the must-have features of any modern kitchen is the workstation sink (or galley sink). Why? A typical sink allows you to wash fresh produce and dishes. However, workstation sinks offer you much more than these necessary conveniences.

With the newly curated galley sinks, you usually get a variety of accessories, including drying racks, cutting boards, bottom grids, and serving boards. Due to these accompaniments, these multi-purpose sinks become an exemplary functional piece no matter whether the size of the kitchen is small or big. You can use them to accomplish your cleaning tasks as well as to prepare meals. Alongside this, you can also take advantage of their extension as the countertop when it comes to entertaining or serving guests. So, it will not be wrong to say that the first thing that you can think of adding to your kitchen is the workstation sink.

Modern kitchen with black cabinetry and fittings with stainless steel appliances and a white benchtop.
Galley sinks allow for convenient preparation of meals and cleaning / Source: Precise Kitchens

There are several galley style kitchen sinks available, from stainless steel to composite. If you intend to give your kitchen a fresh look within a limited budget, then stainless steel can be an ideal choice. However, when it comes to increasing the overall interior aesthetics, choosing composite granite sinks can be a better idea. With this, you can decide on the mounting options, such as drop-in, under-mount, and farmhouse. Every installation type has its purpose. You can go through the pros and cons of each of them to understand what suits your kitchen habits the best.

Now, let’s see what else you can select for your kitchen to make it friendly, stylish, and more productive.

Countertops

Integrating the sink with your benchtop will create a beautiful continuous surface and allow for easy cleanup. If you are looking for a sophisticated look, then this seamless design is a good choice.

Earlier, granite used to be the ubiquitous choice everywhere. But maintenance and cleaning challenges cropping out of its porous characteristic made people watch out for some alternative. This situation gave rise to composite granite. A mix of natural stone and resin, this surface turned out to be far more durable and more reliable than the granite slabs. And the best part was it retained the charm of the natural stone as well. For your kitchen, you can also go with this option. If you still want to explore more, then porcelain can be another choice. Porcelain worktops have been trendy in Europe, and now, American homes are also embracing this joyfully.

Modern kitchen with black cabinetry, marble island benchtop and splashback.
Integration of benchtop with sink / Source: Handy Kitchens Pty Ltd

Porcelain surfaces can match the elegance and appearance of wooden, granite, marble, and other materials effortlessly. Plus, it can provide excellent resistance to stain, bacterial growth, and heat.

With this countertop, your choice of the workstation kitchen sink will mingle well. It is just that you have to take a call on the type of installation and surface available in the market.

Flooring

The open floor is the new-age choice. It overflows into your living space, creating an illusion of spaciousness so that you don’t feel the pinch. For continuity, designers usually extend wood flooring of the living area into the kitchen. Wood tends to be susceptible to water damage. However, it doesn’t feel as hard as a tile surface. Plus, it can remain moderately cold and warm, unlike other materials. A lot of kitchens these days showcase this style. Hence, if you desire, you, too, can benefit from this popular choice. A combination of porcelain or granite worktop, wooden flooring, and workstation sink can prove wondrous.

Brown hardwood flooring in a bright kitchen with white cabinetry and island bench.
Hardwood flooring is a popular choice for kitchen renovations / Source: Aspect Cabinetmakers

Kitchen Taps

There is an incredible number of choices for kitchen taps. Design and function are the two elements to be pondered when making a selection. Single levers are a great choice in an open-plan kitchen. A two-handle lever looks wonderful in a more traditional kitchen.

Gooseneck spouts are a popular choice, as they can add a sleek and polished look or a more vintage look. Consider spouts with pull-down sprays or with sensors that let you turn the water on or off with the touch of a hand.

Marble kitchen benchtop with dark grey sink and tap.
Gooseneck kitchen taps are becoming increasingly popular / Source: Focus Building & Renovations

Cabinets

White has dominated the choices for far too long until people faced maintenance challenges. It is still everyone’s favourite, but many homeowners are now inclining towards other colours. Even today, white cabinets can be visible in many homes. To break the monotony of the tone, interior designers use wooden materials on shelves, pullouts, and drawers where white is the leading theme. If you want to add vibrant colours instead of white, then choosing from greens and blues can be the right thing. From the family of blues, navy colour emerges as the classic choice. Other than this, hues like teal, spring green, and deep forest green can also look exciting in the kitchen cabinetry.

Small kitchen with dark brown and white cabinets
Be sure to match the choice of cabinetry with your workstation sink / Source: Hudson Construction & Renovations

Anyway, whatever cabinet you choose, make sure that it supports the choice of workstation sink and installation type you select. Some materials tend to be heavy and hence, require full support from cabinets where they are installed.

Kitchen appliances

The sink is a small plumbing fixture. Still, it magnificently contributes to the overall look of the cooking area. So, when it comes to tools that occupy ample visual space in the kitchen, you can imagine the kind of responsibility you have to shoulder while selecting them. Stainless steel surfaces continue to be a prominent part of any modern kitchen. But the challenge with them is that they leave behind the fingerprints. To avoid this, you can switch to shades like black, blue, yellow, red, and orange. The more colourful choices you make, the stronger the personality your kitchen will acquire. Then, you can keep modifying colours to deal with the boredom of seeing the same thing.

Bright kitchen with white cabinetry, marble benchtop and splashback and stainless steel oven/cooktop.
Stainless steel appliances continue to be the main feature of modern kitchens / Source: Focus Building & Renovations

What are your plans now? If you desire to transform your kitchen, you can buy a workstation sink, and with that, work around other areas too. A blend of all these changes can elevate the overall appeal of your kitchen while taking care of practical aspects. No matter whoever comes to this part of your house, he or she will surely gush about the way you planned and executed the entire thing. And yes, even if you thought nobody is going to notice your workstation sink, you will get a reality check when guests appreciate this choice for being thoughtful and smart. Even when you get acclimatized to your new kitchen, you would still be praising your decision to buy a workstation sink for it.

Categories
Doors & windows

What is an awning?

Awnings are an exceptional method of shading windows and outdoor areas. Luckily, there are many options available for homeowners.

Types of awning

There are many different types of awnings including:

Automatic: These are extremely popular types of awnings. Automatic models run on guides, so they can be easily adjusted to any entertaining area. Also, since they are available in a variety of lengths, automatic awnings are compatible with all homes.

Fixed Guide: These awnings are best when used on the upper levels of residences because they utilise guide bars that are permanently fixed. Fixed guide models are suitable for automation.

Heavy Drop: For a more European feel, heavy-drop-arm awnings can be adjusted within a 90-degree arc and can be motorised for additional convenience.

Retractable: Retractable awnings are ideal for patios and decks. They are installed directly onto the side of the house and extended to cover outdoor areas when necessary. When these are not being used, retractable awnings are stored inside the housing unit. These models area available in manual or automatic and can be customised for your specific needs. Additionally, retractable awnings are available in a variety of colours and patterns.

Straight Drop: As an alternative to verandah awnings, straight-drop models are recommended for pergolas, patios and verandahs. These models can be spring-loaded or have an attached gearbox.

Verandah: Finally, verandah awnings are the perfect choice for privacy and protection from the sun. They are typically operated through the use of pulleys. These are the most aesthetically pleasing of the group.

Materials used in awnings

There are several materials that can be used for awnings, including:

  1. Acrylic
  2. Aluminum
  3. Canvas
  4. Galvanised steel
  5. Woven mesh
Source: PANEZA Window Fashions

Automation

Manual awnings are operated by turning a crank. To provide shade, wind it up; to provide sunlight, wind it down. On the other hand, motorised awnings utilise a motor to extend and retract the unit via a switch or remote control. It is even possible to automate using a home automation system.

Benefits of installing awnings

There are several benefits to installing awnings; not only are they practical, but they also look great. Here are some of the main benefits of installing awnings on to the exterior of your home.

1. Awnings help protect your windows

Protection against the weather is one of the main reasons you’ll want to install exterior window awnings. Protecting your home is vital if you live in a climate prone to high winds and frequent thunderstorms, perhaps even hail. Installing something like straight drop awnings – either manually operated or motorised – means that as soon as the weather starts to turn, you can quickly drop those awnings and add a layer of protection for the fragile glass.

Even something like pivot arm canvas awnings that protrude out above the window will help protect your windows to some degree as well.

2. Window awnings help insulate your home’s interior

No matter what style of awnings you choose to go with, apart from offering window protection, one of the main functions of awnings is to help keep the temperature inside your house cooler.

Awnings help block out some of the sunlight. Even if you have thick blinds on the interior of your windows, if the summer sun can shine directly onto the glass, it gets hot very quickly and therefore heats up your house. With the protection on the outside, preventing the sun from baking the glass, your home will be much cooler.

No one wants to live in an oven during the long Australian summer, so awnings can undoubtedly help with climate control.

3. Enclose your patio or balcony

Once again, something like straight drop awnings is the perfect solution for enclosing a balcony or patio area and protecting you from the elements.

Imagine you’re out on your patio one evening enjoying some snacks and drinks with friends. It’s a breezy, but pleasant evening and things are going well. Soon the atmosphere is spoilt when a wind suddenly picks up, tugging at your clothing and giving you the chills.

You could duck back inside, or you could lower those awnings to protect you and your friends against the wind.

It’s the same out on your balcony. Highrise balconies, in particular, are prone to lots of wind, so having some awnings in place that you can use when needed is a blessing. Enjoy your alfresco balcony lifestyle in comfort and style.

Awnings are a great way to provide shade over outdoor entertaining areas / Source: Smart Canvas

4. Window awnings are very easy to maintain

Don’t think that because you’ve installed some awnings on the exterior of your home that you’re going to be spending hours every weekend cleaning them up to keep them looking good.

Modern awnings are extremely easy to look after. Often all you’ll ever need to do is hose them down with some freshwater from time to time to keep off any grime. Every once in a while you might run a sponge and some soapy water over them before hosing them off.

Today’s awnings are also extremely strong, durable and highly weather resistant. They are designed not to fade in harsh sunlight, nor split or crack from constant exposure to the elements. Your awnings will serve you well for many years.

5. Awnings add style to your home’s exterior

Window and patio awnings have come a long way in recent decades. Not only are they very functional, but they possess a lot of styles as well.

You can have awnings made to order in a variety of materials, styles and colours that blend in well with your existing colour scheme. The installation of awnings will also add a lot of value to your house, should you ever decide to put it on the market, way more value than the cost of the awnings themselves.

Categories
Lighting & electrical

The best Scandinavian lighting ideas

The Scandinavian style of home décor has been trendy among home owners for many years. There is a distinct and inherent charm that appeals to many lovers of Scandinavian home décor. Scandinavian interiors are a balance of simplicity, functionality and elegant aesthetics.

Although incredibly simple in design, the clean lines of the Scandinavian style can be incorporated seamlessly into any décor. The end result of which is a minimalism elegance and warm functionality that helps to give your space the homey atmosphere. Here, we’ll take you through exactly what this beautiful interior design style is, and how you can use their bright ideas for your lighting solutions.

Source: DK Lifestyles

What is Scandinavian style?

Minimalist in form with a maximum function, The Scandinavian style originated in the 50s as part of a movement by five Nordic countries namely Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Finland, and Denmark. Because of the style and affordability of the designs, the look caught on with the rest of the world and became all the rage in the early 1960’s. Here we are over 50 years later and the style is still as sought after and cutting edge now as it was back then. What exactly is Scandinavian Style and how can you imitate this look in your home?

Scandinavian style is basically taken from the idea that functional, beautiful, everyday objects should be available to everyone, not just the wealthy. With a nod toward minimalism, functionality and practicality, the Scandinavian countries of Sweden, Norway and Denmark began mass production of furniture between the first and second World Wars. Ornate designs were scrapped as clean, easy lines and aesthetically pleasing, ergonomic designs were put in their place. The affordability of the furniture, as well as the design and colour schemes had many adopting and embracing this new look. Scandinavian design includes some of the following:

  • Space: airy and open. Windows adorning every wall, sliding or folding doors opening up to the outside, open floor plans… all allow for a feeling of space.
  • Light: loads of natural light, daytime, evening or night. Skylights and glass doors allow as much natural light as possible to fill the space.
  • Materials: all natural materials are preferred. Wood, stone and bamboo are just a few to choose from. Natural timber flooring as well as floating floors and stairs create a natural look and feel of space in the home.
  • Colour: white or a muted neutral colour is usually primary, complimented by a bold, refined colour scheme. Bright or bold colour should be added as an accent to provide character and excitement to a room.

Most design trends of our modern era are influenced by our concerns for finding and utilising sustainable resources. Finding ways to reduce wasted light and energy and helping to make our homes more efficient, all tie directly in with the Scandinavian style and design. We want more functionality and space out of our homes. We have the technology to help us and the minimalist designs and maximum function of ideas that born within Scandinavian countries to draw from for inspiration.

Scandinavian lighting styles

Due to the Nordic region’s long winters, it has always been more suitable to have bright and well-lit interiors. Today, this minimalist style of a Scandinavian style home has become popular especially among people that prefer clutter free and well-lit homes. So how can you create a beautiful Scandinavian home?

Since Scandinavians rely heavily on lighting, Scandinavian light fixtures have to be practical, simple and neutral. Scandinavian lighting also has to share the same clean lines as the interior, furniture and home appliances.

This means that extravagant lighting like the use of massive crystal chandeliers is not applicable in a Scandinavian style home. The good news is that Scandinavian light fixtures designers are among the best in the trade so you can always rely on them for high quality and superior lighting for your space. Light is usually incorporated in so many elements of design so you will always find an impressive collection of fixtures to choose from.  Here are the top lighting ideas for living room, dining room, kitchen and bedroom:

Living room lighting ideas

The Scandinavian living room has to be spacious and extremely well lit. Light helps to create a warm natural atmosphere principally in the Scandinavian living room. While Scandinavian design insists on utilizing as much natural light as possible, modern living room lighting ideas must also be incorporated into the décor.

Source: Custom Home Builders Adelaide

Most Scandinavian living rooms tend to mix contemporary lighting for luxury and warmth. White on the wall is the obvious go-to colour. However, Scandinavian wall lights can be a great addition to your décor. Nordic light walls can make the living room feel fresh and airy.These lights also help to break the monotonous white backdrop as there is an extensive collection of silhouettes and designs to choose from. Along with greenery and warm wood tones, wall lights help to add instant style to your space.

A unique curved indoor wall light can make your interior look stylish and elegantly designed. To save on energy costs, you should consider getting LED indoor wall lights for long time use. You can also go for wall lights that have bronze or aluminum finishes that can give you a complete Scandinavian rustic look.  You can also include different Scandinavian table lamps to complement your Scandinavian wall lights.

The best bathroom lighting

The best lighting for the bathroom has to be Scandinavian pendant light. Pendant lighting is flexible enough that it can be used in so many other rooms aside from the bathroom. As always, a Scandinavian bathroom has to be free of clutter and simple.

Scandinavian bathroom lighting such as pendant lights are inexpensive, and there is a huge selection that can be used in many different settings. This type of bathroom lighting can be used beside your bathroom mirror or right above your bathtub. Pendants lights maintain a simple and natural look that is ideal for keeping the light muted or bright.

Source: Visualising Interiors

Dining room lighting ideas

It is the small details in décor and Scandinavian lighting that make a Scandinavian styled dining room magically come to life. The use of simple but unique floor lamps can be just what your Scandinavian dining room needs. This dining room lighting idea requires that you keep the adornments to a minimum.

You can include a floor lamp that has a unique design to give your guest a welcoming feeling as they arrive. A natural timber finish or one with a tapered fabric shade can help you realize a classic Scandinavian minimalist look. Floor lamps that have been made with natural wood can also blend into Scandinavian décor without standing out.

The best kitchen lighting

Several components can help to create a decidedly Scandinavian kitchen. Scandinavian kitchen lighting should take into account the hues and colours used in the kitchen. Pendant lighting, which is used commonly in Scandinavian kitchen lighting, adds an understated visual appeal to a clean-lined kitchen interior.

If you have a Scandinavian ceiling fan in your kitchen, you can also alternatively opt for Scandinavian wall lights or Scandinavian table lamps if your dining area is also in the kitchen. The wall lights can help to illuminate your kitchen area, especially if it is small, while the table light can help to create a romantic ambience.

Source: Little White Label

How can I introduce Scandinavian lighting at home?

There isn’t just one style of Scandinavian lighting out there; there are endless designs that can suit your preference, taste and design. Try and mix vintage, as well as traditional elements to get a combination of clean lines, which are fundamental in Scandinavian décor.  When it comes to choosing your preferred Scandinavian light fixture, always remember to pay attention to:

  • The functionality of the lighting that you choose.
  • The textures and construction materials of the lighting that you would like to buy.
  • The furniture and the wares in your house.
  • The colour of your walls and flooring.

Wrap up

Scandinavian style can suit almost any individual. From the contemporary, urban house dweller who prefers black, grey and white colour themes to a more natural or neutral soul who prefers light woods and water themes, every budding home designer can find exactly the right fit with Scandinavian styles and designs.

Categories
Pets

Essential hot weather safety tips for pets

While summer often means barbeques, beach days and music festivals for us, the season may not be as fun for your pet. While the extra time off and glorious weather seems like the perfect opportunity to take them for walks, the increased heat, higher numbers of pests such as ticks and snakes, as well as the bushfire risk, makes summer a tough time for our four-legged friends.

The dangers of heatstroke in pets

In summer, it’s not just our safety we have to think about. Cats and dogs don’t have the same body cooling systems we do and easily get overheated. The main causes of heatstroke in pets include:

  • Hot and humid environments with bad ventilation (such as being in a car or windowless room)
  • Limited or no access to shade
  • Limited access to fresh drinking water
  • Too much exercise

Some of the main signs you need to look out for include:

  • Excessive panting
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Drooling and salivating
  • Restlessness and agitation
  • Extremely red or pale gums
  • Vomiting and diarrhoea
  • Confusion and delirium
  • Lethargy
  • Seizures and collapsing

The best cure for heatstroke is prevention. To help your furry friend stay cool over summer, make sure the environment they spend most of their time in is well-ventilated with access to plenty of drinking water. For outdoor dogs, make sure they always have access to shade throughout the day. You should never leave your pet in a car, even on cooler days, and avoid over-exercising them in hot weather.

Exercise for dogs is still important for their physical health. Check temperature forecasts ahead of time and take your dog for a short walk at the coolest time in the day, which is usually in the early morning or evening.

But what if your pet is suffering from heatstroke? Don’t panic – simply get them to a cool environment right away, spray cool water (not iced water) on their skin and fur, and take them to the vet. You don’t want to take any chances because heatstroke is an emergency and shouldn’t be ignored.

Don’t forget to keep your pets cool and comfortable during the warmer months / Source: Shutterstock

Breeds who need special summer care

Some pets deal with the heat better than others. From heatstroke to sunburn, it’s important to know how vulnerable your furry friend is to the Australian summer. It’s usually breeds with thick double coats that are prone to matting, those with limited hair, or those with short noses, broad skulls, and structural issues with their upper respiratory system that are most at risk of overheating.

For dogs, these include:

  • Pugs
  • Boxers
  • Bulldogs
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
  • Maltese
  • Chinese Crested
  • Golden Retriever
  • Saint Bernard
  • Alaskan Malamute

For cats, these include:

  • Persians
  • Himalayans
  • Exotics
  • Sphynx

For all breeds, it’s also important to pay extra attention to elderly, obese or very young pets.

Think twice about shaving your dog

We’d do anything to make our pets feel comfortable. But is shaving them in summer such a good idea? It might seem like a no-brainer, but your pet’s hair isn’t like a human’s. While there are some exceptions, most experts recommend against shaving your dog’s or cat’s hair altogether.

When it comes to dogs, shaving actually doesn’t keep them cool. This is particularly true for many double-coated breeds such as retrievers, terriers, and herding breeds. To explain the science behind this, let’s start by describing what a double coat actually is. Basically, the term refers to a combination of long, stiff guard hairs (outer layer) and short, fluffy dense hairs (undercoat).

In summer, your dog should naturally shed its undercoat, leaving only the guard hairs. The role of these guard hairs in summer is to protect your dog from the sun, as well as allowing cool air to insulate them from the heat. If you shave your dog, you’re actually exposing them to sunburn, skin cancer and even heatstroke.

The same can be said of cats. Like dogs, their coat is designed to keep them cool during the summer and warm in the winter. By shaving them, you’re interfering with their inbuilt temperature regulator. Because cats are usually more mobile than dogs given their adventurous nature, they will naturally find it much easier to move to a cooler spot when the heat rises.

There are exceptions to the rule, especially with dogs. But it’s less about shaving, more about grooming. Some older dogs need help to self-groom, as do pooches that spend a lot of time outside and are prone to matted or wet coats, or have skin diseases such as hot spots or myiasis. In these cases, it’s best to first consult your vet and consider hiring a professional groomer.

Snake and tick bites

As the temperature rises, so does the risk of snake and tick bites. Both of these pests love the warm weather, so take precautions should your pet be bitten.

Snakes like areas with rocks and tall grass, so maintain your garden to deter any of these reptiles from setting up camp in your backyard. If you suspect your pet has been bitten by a snake, keep an eye out for these symptoms:

  • Shaking
  • Twitching of muscles
  • Vomiting
  • Paralysis
  • Enlarged pupils
  • Loss of bladder control
  • Weakness

Ticks are also a big danger in summer as their bites release a toxin that induces paralysis. Symptoms for tick bites are:

  • Choking
  • An inability to bark properly

If your pet is showing any of these symptoms take them to the vet immediately.

Bushfire safety for pets

Bushfire preparedness is a must for anyone who lives in affected areas. When you put together your bushfire plan (the NSW Rural Fire Service has some great tips on bushfire preparedness if you need help) make sure your pets are accounted for!

Make sure your pet’s crate, water bowl, food, medication and blankets are together in an accessible area which will be easy to transfer from your home should you need to evacuate. This way your pet will have all their essentials with them.

At the same time, keep your pet in a secure area so you know where they are should the need for evacuation arise. The last thing you want to do is be trying in vain to round up a panicked and stressed pet during an emergency.

Categories
Wellbeing

What are the health benefits of a standing desk?

Do you ever face the issue of back pain while sitting on the chair? Well, if the answer is yes, then do not worry because now it is time for innovation to get some help. Yes, you heard that right — adjustable sit-stand desks are a popular choice people like us who wish to increase the comfort of work.

Sit-stand desks have captured the market of electric sit stand in Australia. You can think of them as a mini desk that you can place onto your existing desk and adjust when you wish to stand. Similarly, you can achieve these with standing desks. These desks differ, as you can adjust the height of the entire desk.

Sit-stand desks are available in a variety of heights. They can have a fixed height, adjustable height, mobile, and whiteboard surface.

So how do you choose the best one for you? The answer will differ as every person has specific requirements. Since these desks come in different sizes and wireframes, you might need some prior information before spending money on one.

What are the features of a sit-stand desk?

There are many benefits that attract customers to a standing desk but let’s start by understanding the elements of a sit-stand desk.

  • Twin Motors – Sit-stand desks can come with manual or motor adjustable mechanics. If you invest in one with a motor, they are usually designed with twin motors along with three stages of motorised legs. This means you can easily adjust the height of your desk, as well as feel assured that your desk is completely stable.
  • Construction of Desk – These desks come with a sturdy leg frame along with motors that work for optimising the framework. The tensile steel frame has strong integrity with the framework of the structure, which can bear heavy loads.
  • Alignment – They have three postures of memory. They come with safety features for both anti-collision and anti-tilt.
  • Framing and Style – The sit-stand desk is available in different styles and frames that will surely attract customers of all ages. They optimise for different types of colours, and if you want the ultimate personalisation, you can consult with an expert to manufacture a desk for you that perfectly fit your needs.
  • Pricing – The price for your sit-stand or standing desk depends upon functions and features you require. The price starts from $200 and can increase up to $1,000. They come in different frames, and you can purchase them from all around the world.
  • Upgrades – They are available in different upgrades, like modifications in various types of cables.
  • Variety – There are a variety of places where a standing desk can be used. For example, the library, hospitals, and offices because they come with a variety of features, so they will be an excellent option to opt for the above three services. There are varieties of sit stands that are available in the market. Here are a few sit stands:
    • Electronics sit-stand table
    • Back to back height adjustable table
    • Electric height adjustable chair
    • Electronic height adjustable desk
    • Electronic height adjustable workstation
  • Other features – They are using different data and power cords for making workplace tidy. They come with compatibility with Android and Apple operating systems so that your cell phone will act as a remote controller.

What are the benefits of sit-stand and standing desks?

Standing desks can do wonders to your job satisfaction and productivity; here are a few immediate benefits:

  • Customisation of height – We understand that everyone has different heights, that’s why sit-stand desks can be adjusted between 150mm to 500mm high. If you’re looking for a standing desk, they have a height range between 500mm to 1,500mm.
  • Increase mobility in your body – Sitting all day, especially with a bad posture can cause back pain. Breaking up your posture to stand at your desk can reduce this pain and allow your muscles to stretch.
  • Increasing productivity – Standing up allows you to be more creative and think of solutions to problems faster compared to sitting.
  • Weight loss – There have been studies that conclude that using a standing desk can burn about 80 calories per hour!
  • Reducing the levels of stress – Relieving your body from stressed postures such as shoulders touching your ears and curving your back by standing can instantly reduce physical stress on your body.
  • Satisfaction in your job – If you can make daily changes to your physical stress, which can, in turn, reduce your negative stress levels. By reducing stress, chances are, you can become more satisfied at the end of each workday.

Wrap up

The most attractive part is that you can choose the sit-stand as per the interior of your room or office. There are a lot of different options that will allow you to select as per the matching criteria of your workplace or residence. If you have a home office or are looking to introduce a standing desk into your home or office, it might be worth speaking to an interior designer to improve your new working space!

Frequent asked questions

What’s the best part about a sit-stand desk?

Well, the best part is that if you are a student, you can even carry them as your briefcase and travel to any place. They are most suitable in classrooms, and you can take them to coffee shops and do your work while enjoying a tasty sip of coffee.

Will my laptop slip if I put it on my sit-stand desk?

The answer is no because they optimise as per the requirements. They are not only suitable for business or the workplace, but they are also ideal for schools and universities. You will be glad to know that they are now replacing old furniture on educational premises because they are comfortable, and they resolve your back issues which are caused by using chairs in the wrong posture. They are ideal for environments that require focus every time.

What are the features that students look while selecting the sit-stand?

They look for following technical terms that complete their requirements. The wedged frame will full structure, which tells about the durability and strength of the sit-stand. They come with duty castors for moving the desk freely and conveniently.

Does fixing the height of furniture worry you?

Well, don’t worry because they come with a locking device that makes the furniture durable and convenient to use for every person.

Are you getting worried that the sit-stand got damaged if they are ship directly to home?

The answer is no because they follow safety guidelines and assure that you receive the package as per requirements and on time.

Categories
Doors & windows

Why should you apply home window tinting?

Who says only car windows can be tinted? Home window tinting is now a popular trend among homeowners and interior decorators – and not just for aesthetic purposes. Also called ‘solar window film’, window tinting your home by applying specially designed film sheets to the interior side of your glass windows has several benefits.

The benefits of home window tinting

1. Protect you & your family

The primary purpose of tinted windows at home is to protect you and your family from direct sunlight and harmful UV rays. At certain times of the day, sunlight causes more harm to the skin, which, as you may already know, may cause premature aging or even skin cancer. Window tinting helps deflect harmful UV rays by up to 99%. This is good news, especially to those who may have children or family members with extremely sensitive skin. You can easily have fun in the sun – but outdoors. Inside the home, you should be spared of sun exposure as much as possible.

A protective film not only helps combat harmful UV rays in your home – it can offer protection against hurricanes, tropical storms, bomb blasts, projectiles, break-ins, and more.

2. Protect your home

To those unfamiliar with home window tinting, it may come as a surprise that tinting home windows protect your house and your furniture as well. Sunlight is one of the many natural elements that cause the deterioration of home furniture like drapes, blinds, and the carpet. Window tinting effectively absorbs up to 70% of solar heat that will otherwise make its way into your home and onto your material possessions. This way, your furniture is bound to last much longer.

Beyond prolonging the life of your upholstery, window tinting also offers a measure of privacy for your home that can assist with security concerns.

3. Save on electricity

Another significant benefit of tinting your windows at home is for the environment. Believe it or not, tinted windows can quickly help you save up on electricity bills. As tinted windows absorb heat and deflect light, your house will be relatively cooler on the inside as compared to when you did not have window tints.

In fact, it can reduce the amount of heat that enters the home by up to 80 percent, helping you maintain a comfortable temperature – and cut back on expensive, carbon-producing air conditioning.

Applying home window tinting

Keep in mind that there are various products available. Some products are completely clear, which makes it possible to maintain the beautiful view of your home. Other products are opaque and help reduce heat transfer, while also adding privacy to your home. Consider which option is right for you, keeping in mind that there are numerous options.

In order to get the most out of the use of window tinting, it is often best to turn to a professional service for these needs. The company will work with you to determine what your needs are for this type of product. They will tell you if it is a good idea for your glass, what types are available, and how much it will cost. You can then make the decision to install it or not.