Category: Inspiration

Categories
Cleaning

Get rid of ants in your house

What causes an ant infestation?

The most common reason why you see ants in your house is that you have a food source for them. Ants can survive on tiny crumbs in your kitchen as well as the food your kids and pets leave behind. You might have an infestation on your hands due to the moisture that the bugs need. Not only are they attracted to your pet’s water dish, but ants can also pull moisture from wet or damp wood. While garden and green ants are common in Australia, you may see other types, including:

  •  Blackhouse ants
  •  Sugar ants
  •  Pavement ants
  •  White-footed house ants
  •  Fire ants

How to get rid of ants naturally

Create ant bait

The best way to get rid of ants might be with homemade ant bait. Combine equal parts borax and sugar before sprinkling the mixture around your home. The sweet smell of the sugar attracts the ants, but the borax kills them. You should keep borax ant bait away from pets and children as it is not safe for them to consume. 

Use sprays to deter ants

When you look at how to get rid of ants in the house, you can learn how to deter them and make them avoid your house. Natural sprays are easy to make and use. Peppermint is available in an essential oil form and only requires a few drops of oil mixed with water and pour into a spray bottle. If you have distilled white vinegar on hand, use one part of the vinegar to two parts water and use it in a spray bottle. You can also try pepper. Both black pepper and spicy peppers work when mixed with water or vinegar. Apply the solution around your home, making sure to focus on the areas where you saw ants. 

How to get rid of ants in the kitchen

Immediately clean up food scraps

As any food scraps will attract Australian ants, it’s important to try to clean them up as soon as possible. You should also empty the trash into the outside bin regularly.

Food scraps are a common cause of attracting ants / Source: Shutterstock

Use sealed containers

Another great tip on how to stop ants is to use sealed containers. Ants have a keen sense of smell and can smell food in containers that are not air-tight. Sealed containers made from glass or plastic block out food odours and prevent ants from getting to that food.

Leave out strong-smelling herbs

Finding a natural ant repellent is as easy as looking at the herbs in your garden. Strong-smelling herbs make your home smell nice at the same time that they repel ants. Rosemary and lavender are two of the best herbs to use. You can also try thyme and peppermint. If you have cats, consider planting some catnip. It repels ants as it grows and becomes a fun treat when you dry it.

Spray vinegar inside your bin

One of the top home remedies for ants is vinegar. Both apple cider and distilled white vinegar work equally well when sprayed in your bins. Bins are a buffet for ants, especially if you don’t rinse the bin or clean it every week. They can survive on the smallest of food scraps clinging to the bin and any crumbs that get outside. Simply spray the vinegar inside the bin and let it sit. The strong odour of the vinegar will repel the ants.

Rinse pet food bowls

Learning how to keep ants away from your home will require that you clean up after your pets, too. Instead of leaving food sitting out all day, get your pets on a schedule where you feed them at set times throughout the day. After they finish eating, throw away any of the food that they left behind and rinse out their bowls. You should also keep dry food stored in sealed containers.

How to get rid of ants outside

Boiling water

Boiling water is one of the easiest ways to get rid of ants naturally outside. Ants live inside nests that look like small hills in your yard. Once you find a nest, you can get rid of the ants with plain boiling water. The easiest way to do this is boiling a kettle and pouring it directly on the nest. Not only will the water kill the ants in the nest, but it will remove the scent trail that surviving ants use to get between the nest and your home.

Vinegar

Another easy DIY ant killer that you can try outside is plain vinegar. Check your lawn and garden for anthills before grabbing a bottle of vinegar. It’s usually easier to apply the vinegar with a spray bottle than straight from the bottle. Spray enough vinegar on the anthill that you saturate the surface. Though you can use equal parts water and vinegar, straight vinegar is much stronger and gets the job done faster. The smell of the vinegar turns off the ants and causes them to seek a new home. If you find that one application of vinegar fails to kill the ants or make them leave, try using multiple applications.

Contact local pest control experts

Lawn ant killer

While chemical lawn ant killers aren’t safe to use around pets, they will eliminate your ant problem and usually work with only one application. Depending on the product that you buy, you may want to wear goggles and other gear to stay safe while using the substance. Liquid killers are easy to use and work on both the ants inside your home and any anthills that you see outside. You can also use bait products that infect ants that eat the bait. They carry the bait back to the nests and kill the other ants.

How to hire a pest control expert

Out of control infestation

If you’re tired of searching the web for tips on how to get rid of ants and want to take care of the problem as soon as possible, now might be the time to hire a pest control expert. Experts will spend some time in your house to find out why you have ants and the severity of the problem. They also let you know about the best remedies and how much each one costs.

Licensing and qualifications

Whether you want a pet safe ant killer or need to eliminate anthills outside, make sure that the pest control expert you hire has the right licensing and qualifications. Australian pest control experts need to take courses in the field and any special areas where they want to work. They also need a pest control license, which usually requires that they apply for one and show their qualifications. 

Categories
Pets

How to pet proof your home

Welcoming a furry friend into your home and heart is new and exciting but knowing exactly what environment is needed for a new pup is hard to pinpoint, especially for first-time dog owners. With almost 4.2 million pet dogs in Australia, there’s no doubt we love our four-legged friends and whether it’s your first dog or another furry addition, here are some simple ways to make your home dog friendly.

1. Let ’em run free!

An outdoor space is essential to cater for energetic dogs. While it can depend on the breed – a German Shepherd will require more space to run free than a Dachshund – a back or front yard will be loved by all dogs. An outdoor space will also help with the potty training.

While you want them to get plenty of exercise, you’ll also need to make sure your fences are up to scratch.

The best way to avoid your pet getting out of your garden and onto the main road, or into someone else’s space and causing a mess, is to ensure that your fences and gates are high enough for them not to be able to jump or climb over.

If you have hedgerows, it’s also a good idea to put some metal netting along the hedging, so they can’t burrow their way through the hedge and into your neighbour’s garden too.

2. Harder the floor, the better

The harder the floor of your home, the better it is for your dog. 

After a daily walk, your pet’s paws are going to accumulate germs and not to mention a buildup of grass and dirt from a visit to the park. Let them have their fun without harbouring the hair, bacteria and lovely smell of an afternoon walk. If you live with a carpeted floor, keep your family away from unwanted germs with the right carpet cleaner near you.

Better yet, convert to tiles or hardwood flooring to keep your floor scratch-free, and provide a cool place for your dog to nap on warmer days.

For dogs, hardwood or tile floors are best / Source: Karin’s Pet Sitting Services

3. Lock it up

Some people tend to underestimate the brain power of a pet, but it’s not at all out of their reach to be able to open a door and find their way out! Animals are clever! For this reason, whenever possible, keep your doors locked, or at least the ones they have access to. It’s not difficult for someone to pop around to your house and open the door, and not realise they’ve not closed it properly, which gives your pet an excellent opportunity to go outside.

Similarly, gates should always be kept locked. The reason for this is that they aren’t as secure as doors are, and can quickly flip open or not be closed properly when someone goes outside. This means that the slightest impact against them, e.g. your pet jumping up at the gate, can cause the latch to open, and your pet can easily get outside. Keeping both options locked will ensure that your pet can’t escape out onto a busy main road, or explore the local area where there might be cars or other animals around.

3. Protect your furniture

You should also consider the types of couches and chairs you already have. A faux leather couch is your best bet because it won’t absorb odours and it’s easy to wipe clean from shedding of hair. Don’t forget that couch slip-overs are also an option as they are easily machine washable.

The best way to keep your furniture stink-free is to groom your dog from time to time.

4. Secure your bin lids

Regular flip bins are very easy for pets to get inside, where there is all manner of delicious leftovers for them to munch away on. Of course, this issue has two sides to it, because leftovers could be entirely unsuitable for your pet’s stomach and cause illness, and it will undoubtedly leave a mess on your floor at the very least.

It ultimately depends on how eager your pet is to get inside your bin. Some pets will never even try it, but some might be very determined! On the whole, regular swing bins aren’t a great idea, and a bin which pulls out of a cupboard (with a lock on the cupboard door) is an excellent way to go. This means your household garbage is contained and can’t be reached, and you don’t have to worry about cleaning up a mess or your pet becoming ill.

Of course, you should take your trash outside regularly, but what if your pet likes to rummage through your outdoor bins? This is more of an issue, but it is possible to make sure these are less accessible. If you have a large free-standing wheelie-bin, prop it against a wall and put a heavy weight on top of the lid, which can’t be tipped over. Make sure you put this centrally, so your pet can’t jump up and knock it over, which could cause injury. Alternatively, a better option could be to invest in clips which fit on your bin lids and keep them closed.

If you can keep your outdoor bins in a section of the garden or yard where your pet can’t access, even better!

5. Keep anything harmful well out of reach

When it comes to pet proofing, think like you would when proofing a home for a child. A lot of this is common sense, and being one step ahead. That means that anything potentially harmful, such as medications, chemical cleaning products, wash powders, etc., should always be kept out of reach.

It’s easy to put washing powders on lower levels or the floor, near to the washing machine, but a very inquisitive pet could get into this and perhaps eat it, which would cause illness. The same can be said for any medications or cleaning products.

Source: Rhiannon’s Devine Pet Grooming

Keep items such as high on higher levels, perhaps a shelf which is way above any height they could reach. This means you can gain the access you need, but your pet can’t. While cats are agile and can climb, they’re unlikely to climb up high to items such as this, and it’s mainly dogs which are more likely to do so. Also, always make sure that you place medications in containers which have tight lids on them (plastic boxes are ideal), that you keep the lids screwed on tightly on any chemical cleaning products. If you can put wash powders into a plastic box with a lid, even better as an extra precaution.

Consider things like stair gates, and cupboard and draw locks to keep your pet getting into anything they shouldn’t.

6. Build a doggy door

A doggy door is a small frame with a flap that is installed into a door so that your dog can enter and exit your home whenever they choose, reducing the need for you to have to let them in. Doggy doors are available in a variety of sizes and can be installed on all types of doors and in some cases, even a wall. When you are done using the doggy door for the day, there is a security panel that you can latch into place, securing your house from other animals. 

Installing a doggy door is an easy DIY job, however there a few instance where it’s best to leave it a professional:

  • Installing onto a glass door
  • Onto a wall – as you may disrupt the wiring or structural integrity

To install the door yourself, you will need to measure your pet to ensure your doggy door will be big enough. Using the doggy door as a guide, mark each corner then drill a hole in each corner and use a jigsaw to begin cutting out the space where the door will go. Sand evenly around the edges, then screw the doggy door into place.

Categories
Building & renovations

DIY: How to paint a ceiling

Painting your ceilings is a terrific way to elevate your home’s aesthetic appeal. After all, the ceiling can be considered your fifth wall. Even without repainting all your walls or revamping your furniture, you can dramatically change a space by touching up the ceiling. 

In this guide, we’ll take you through how to paint a ceiling and share a few tricks to make the most of your painting project. It takes a few steps and a few hours on a stepladder, but the results will be worth it.

Tools you’ll need for painting ceilings

Painting an empty kitchen white | Source: iStock

Unsure about what paint roller to use for ceilings and what kind of paint to use? Here are the tools you’ll need to get started with your DIY project:

  • Stepladder
  • Drop sheets, plastic sheeting and painter’s tape
  • Protective gear (e.g., goggles, a dust mask, overalls)
  • Ceiling brush or broom
  • Interior putty
  • Putty knife
  • Sanding pole
  • 22-cm (9-inch) paint roller frames
  • Paint roller covers 
  • Paint roller tray and roller extension pole
  • 5 to 7-cm (2 to 3-inch) angled brushes
  • Stain-blocking primer
  • Your choice of paint

You’ll also need to allot around a day to paint a regular-sized (40 sqm.) ceiling. This includes a couple of hours for prep work, around 30–60 minutes to prime, 30–60 minutes to apply the first coat, and 2–4 hours to wait for this first coat to dry. You can do touch-ups or a second coat as needed. Lastly, you’ll need time to let it set and clean up.

A step-by-step guide to painting your ceilings

Once you have all your tools ready, it’s time to prep and paint! Here’s a beginner-friendly guide on how to paint a ceiling.

Step 1: Preparation

First off, put on your safety goggles, dust mask, and overalls. Get started in removing all the furniture and items in the room, or cover them with drop cloths and plastic sheets. Secure these in place with painter’s tape. If you’re painting an empty room and are doing the walls later on, you can skip this extensive masking.

If you have ceiling fixtures such as lights and ceiling fans, turn the power off, then uninstall or cover all electricals.

Next, sweep or brush the ceiling to clear the dust and cobwebs. You could also use a mop and mild detergent to clean it thoroughly.

Spot any cracks or holes? Apply some interior putty to fill them. Afterwards, sand the whole ceiling down for an even surface.

Step 2: Priming

Prepping the surface before painting | Source: iStock

The best way to paint a ceiling involves priming.

If your ceiling is pretty much stain-free, use any stain-blocking primer. But if there are already splotches, you’ll want to get an oil-based primer for water stains or a shellac-based primer to address other stains.

Use the angled brush to cut into the ceiling. “Cutting into” means outlining the edges and corners of the ceiling. Make 4 to 6 cm-wide strips of primer all around the ceiling. Then, apply primer to the rest of the ceiling. 

Step 3: Cutting into the edges

Check if the primer is dry. Once it’s all good, get another angled brush, your chosen ceiling paint, then cut into the edges, just like you did with the primer. Use a brush to fill the corner with paint, then make a straight line along the edge of the ceiling. You should end up with a nice 4 to 6-cm wide border to fill in at the next step.

Step 4: Painting the rest of your ceiling

Painting the ceiling grey using a paintbrush | Source: iStock

While the edges of your ceiling are still wet, start on the middle portion.

Imagine your ceiling is a grid with many little sections. Pick a section near one corner to start with a wet edge. This helps avoid streakiness and brush marks.

But before you go trigger-happy with your paint, here’s how to properly paint a ceiling with a roller:

  • First, load the paint onto the paint tray. Dip the roller into the deep portion, then run it across the tray several times to spread the paint evenly.
  • Lay the roller on the unpainted portion of the ceiling, then run it towards the wet edge with light pressure. Roll slowly, overlapping each stroke. You’ll also want to change the direction of your rolling–go in rows, columns, and zigzags for an even coat.
  • Once you’re done with one section, move on to the next part, ensuring you roll towards the last wet edge.

Try to finish painting the ceiling in one session to ensure uniform drying and minimise streaks.

Afterwards, wait two to four hours or until the paint is completely dry. Keeping the windows open can help speed up the drying process.

Step 5: Additional coats and touch-ups

This step is optional. But if you’re using a bright colour or flat white, going for another coat can help improve coverage.

The key here is to roll in a direction perpendicular to the first coat to even the paint out.

Once your ceiling is dry and ready for inspection, check the whole area for missed spots. Carefully brush paint onto these spots, then blend them out with a roller. For streaky areas, use the sander to sand these down before reapplying paint.

How to paint the cornices on a ceiling

Carefully painting the cornices | Source: iStock

If the room has cornices or coving, you should use a brush since this will give a more even wash of colour versus a roller.

Begin by cutting in at the edges with a brush and some primer, just as you would with a regular flat ceiling or wall. Apply primer to the rest of the cornice after cutting in. 

Let the primer coat dry completely, then apply the paint. Flat or matte paints are popular, especially since glossy paints can highlight imperfections in the cornice’s designs later on. If needed, use smaller paintbrushes to get into the cornice’s nooks and crannies.

The dos and don’ts of painting ceilings

Now you know the basic steps. But that’s not all there is! These rules for painting ceilings will make the process easier save time and money, and could even help you avoid accidents.

DO’s

  • DO paint the room from the top down, starting with the ceiling and ending with the walls.
  • DO get help when working with electricals on your ceiling, such as when removing or reinstalling your ceiling fan.
  • DO use painter’s tape to mask around the edges for straight lines when you “cut.”
  • DO have rags on hand for drips and splatters.
  • DO choose your ceiling colour wisely. Dark colours look dramatic and make the room feel cosier, but they may make rooms feel smaller. Light colours give the illusion of more space. They’ll also reflect more light.
  • DO choose a flat or matte colour to help hide defects in your ceiling.
  • DO “box” your paint for uniformity. If you’re using multiple cans of the same colour, you should pour them all into one large can or bucket to even out any minor colour differences. 
  • DO maintain a wet edge while painting to hide roller or brush strokes.

DON’Ts

  • Don’t just use any roller cover. Use thin or “low nap” roller covers for smooth ceilings and thicker ones for textured ceilings.
  • DON’T forget safety equipment and precautions. Wear a dust mask and goggles to avoid paint or dust getting into your eyes or inhaling paint fumes. Also, keep the room as ventilated as possible.
  • DON’T attempt to deal with mould in the ceiling by yourself. Ask an expert instead about how to remove mould from the ceiling before painting it.
  • DON’T use too much or too little paint. Excess paint can cause splatters; too little can result in patches and streaks.
  • Don’t attempt to paint a high ceiling by yourself. For your safety, hire a pro instead.

Hiring a professional painter to do the work

Considering hiring a local painter to do your ceilings? This could be a good choice if you’re in a time crunch or simply don’t feel comfortable working so high up for hours.

Make sure your contractor is licensed and qualified. Ideally, they should be insured, too, so you can safeguard against any accidental damage to your property while they’re on the job. You can ask to see the painter’s license, qualifications, and insurance papers before you hire them.

As for painting quotations, you can request a written quote and timetable in advance. This avoids miscommunication and puts you both on the same page. If you’re still canvassing, avoid getting the offer with the lowest quote since this could mean low-quality products and less experience in the industry.

Don’t forget to ask the painter for references or reviews. You can call up these references, read online reviews, and even ask these former customers about the prospective painter’s performance.

Now that you know how to paint a ceiling, get ready to roll!

Painting a ceiling can be an exciting and fulfilling DIY project. Follow this handy guide, and you should be ready to redecorate your home.

But if you think it’ll be a challenge, hiring a pro painter is worth the cost, as they can get the outcome you like. You’ll get the revamped ceiling you’re looking for, plus a perfectly smooth paint job!

FAQs on painting ceilings

How many coats of paint do you need for a ceiling?

Most ceilings only require one coat of paint. But if you’re covering a darker ceiling with a brighter-coloured paint, you may need two to three coats of paint to get the best coverage.

Painting your walls in the same colour as your ceiling? You’ll need a lot more paint since walls typically need two coats, minimum.

How long should you wait to apply the second coat of paint?

You can safely apply a second coat after four hours. Most paint takes two to four hours to dry, but this can change depending on the weather, how well-ventilated your room is, and even the type of paint used.

How do I paint popcorn ceilings with a roller?

When dealing with popcorn ceilings and other textured ceilings, it’s best to use a thick paint roller cover. This holds more paint and distributes it better in the nooks and crannies.

A word of warning when dealing with popcorn ceilings: these may contain asbestos, a dangerous chemical. You may want to hire a professional who can test for asbestos before proceeding with your painting project. 

Categories
Construction

How to build a deck

Adding a deck to your home is a great way to have a place for gathering and enjoying the outdoors. A deck can add value to your home and give you more living area. Many people choose to install a DIY deck in their home. This can be an excellent way to save money on labour. However, it often turns out to be a more complicated process than many anticipate in the beginning. 

What do I need to do before I start building a deck?

Some areas of Australia require local council approval for you to build your deck. Before you begin sourcing materials, there are a few things that you need to do first. 

Research deck building standards

The first step is to research deck standards in your area. They will differ, depending on where you live. It is best to research how to build a deck off a house before you begin any planning and approval work. 

Take measurements and make a plan

Next, you will need to take measurements of the deck area, home attachment, and height. Make drawings because you will need them to submit to the council for approval. 

Apply for council approval

Each locality has its own application and approval process. At a bare minimum, they will need to see your building plans, and you might need to pay a fee. Some local areas require periodic inspections at specific points along the building process. 

Some of the items that council regulates on decks include the type of material that can be used, site setbacks from property lines, and construction standards. In some cases, you might need to meet special requirements in storm-prone, flood-prone, and bushfire-prone areas. They will also regulate stairs, handrails, and height. 

A deck can extend your entertaining space / Source: Willo Green

What materials and equipment do I need to build a deck?

Once you have council approval, it is now time to begin serious planning on how to make a deck and the things that you will need to do the job. Here are the bare minimum tools and materials that you need to consider having on hand. 

Tools

  • Shovel
  • Hand or powered saw
  • Screwdriver or rachet set
  • Measuring taps
  • Hammer
  • T-square
  • Builder’s line
  • Electric drill and appropriate drill bits
  • Adjustable wrench 
  • Bubble Level 
  • Wooden stakes 
  • Metal paint
  • Glue
  • Nail Gun 
  • Fastener

Materials

  • 6×6 or 4×4 posts
  • Treated wood for floor joists
  • Treated band boards
  • Concrete mix
  • Carriage bolts for band board at the house
  • Carriage bolts for the beam at posts
  • Single joist hangers to attach joists to house band
  • Galvanized joist hanger nails
  • Galvanized ringed nails 
  • Galvanized screws
  • Deck boards 
  • Railing pickets
  • Railing boards
  • Stain and/or sealer

The amounts of these materials will differ according to the size of the project. Building a deck on the ground is much easier than building a raised deck in many ways. Here are the steps of how to build a timber deck at ground level. 

How to build a deck

  1. Set out the deck plan: This is the most important step because a mistake here can spoil the entire project. Make sure everything is level and square. Make your lines with a builder’s line and spray paint. Take your time on this step and make sure that it is right. 
  2. Install stumps and bearers: This phase creates the foundation. It must also be done correctly so that the deck will be sturdy. In some areas, you must have an inspector come out for an inspection once the holes for the stumps are dug before proceeding. When installing decking bearers and joists, Australian standards must be followed precisely. 
  3. Install joists: Next, you can begin the framing process for the deck. These are the beams that will support the decking boards. 
  4. Lay decking: This is the final part of the deck and is the part that people will see. Make sure to stagger the seams so that there are no two ends in a line. 
  5. Seal deck: The last part of the process is to stain, paint, and seal your deck so that it will last for many years to come. 

When installing deck framing, decking bearers, and joists, Australian standards must be followed for spacing and attachment methods. 

Contact local decking experts

How to build a deck on concrete

Building a deck on concrete is different from building one on the ground. Many homeowners choose to cover their concrete deck with something a little more attractive. You will need sleepers and concrete screws to attach the wood to the concrete. This will require special concrete drill bits, concrete screws, and other specialty fasteners. The posts are then attached to the sleepers, and the joists and decking are installed, just like any other deck project. 

If you have an existing concrete patio, you can easily extend it with a wood deck to create the outdoor living space you’ve always wanted. Here are some tips on how to extend a concrete patio with a wood deck:

  1. First, measure the size of your concrete patio and calculate the size of the wood deck you want to build.
  2. Use a power washer to thoroughly clean the patio surface and allow it to dry fully before beginning construction.
  3. If the patio is not level, create a level surface by using leveling compound or installing a sleepers system.
  4. Install flashing around the patio’s perimeter to protect the wooden framing from getting wet.
  5. Begin building the deck using pressure-treated wooden beams as joists. Building on top of the concrete surface may require special care and usage of special fastening techniques to secure the wooden parts to concrete.
  6. Attach decking boards onto the joist with screws or hidden fasteners.
  7. Finally, add railings, stairs, and finishing details to complete the deck.

Extending a concrete patio with a wood deck can create a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor living areas. Be sure to consult with a local contractor or building code for additional support and guidance on building requirements to ensure a safe and sturdy end product. With the right tools and materials, you can have the outdoor living space of your dreams in no time.

How to build deck stairs

There are many different methods and techniques for building stairs. You can purchase pre-cut stringers, or you can cut them yourself with a saw. One method uses a series of stacked, framed boxes that are set on top of one another. You can also cut two boards and place the stringers and footing between them. 

The most important tip is to make sure that there is not a significant difference between the tops and bottom steps, as this can cause a tripping hazard. When the steps are finished, you might need to install a secure handrail according to your local building codes. You will also want to consider installing a rough tread for better footing. 

A multi-level deck with stairs / Source: Mitroteam Projects

How to hire a decking expert

As you can see, building a deck frame is a complicated process. When it comes to deck construction guidelines, NSW and other territories have different requirements. If you do not have the skills, time, tools, and know local regulations, the process can be challenging. Many times, it is more cost-effective in the long run to hire a professional who can get the deck installation done quickly and professionally. This means that you can start enjoying your deck sooner and without the hassle. 

Licencing and qualifications

The person that you hire will at least have to be a licenced builder. Australia has several different classifications of builders that include commercial, restricted residential, unrestricted residential, restricted to special structures, and other classifications. In your location, you might need to hire a specific type of builder for the job. Ask to make sure that the person you hire is not only licenced but that they are familiar with your local codes and regulations. 

Before making your decision, be sure to call several different ones for a price quote. Make sure to ask for references and to see pictures of completed projects. Make sure that you understand what is included in any quotes that you receive, and don’t forget to ask if the builder offers a warranty with their work. 

Categories
Building & renovations

Your essential guide to café design and fit-outs

Everyone in the hospitality industry knows; the café business is cut throat. Every year hundreds of Australians take the plunge and open their own cafe or coffee shop, often realising a lifelong dream.  Unfortunately, many will fail long before they have made their owners any money.

The café fit out is usually the biggest expense a new café owner will face. Get it wrong and the business is destined to fail, but get it right and you will have a thriving business on your hands.

So before you start, we’d like to offer some common sense advice on how to plan a successful fit-out and start your café business off on the right foot.

Know your budget

To lay the foundations for success, every new café owner should have a tight business plan. Managing ongoing costs will be key to the long-term success of your café, but initially, set up costs (including the cost of your fit out) will be your biggest expense, and the biggest risk you take.

There are several factors to consider when completing a cafe fit-out / Source: Blank Creatives

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, more than 60 percent of small businesses cease operating in the first 3 years. A major reason for this is a lack of capital. If you spend too much on your fit-out you won’t have sufficient cash to run your business and will be destined for failure.

It will be very tempting to break the bank creating the café of your dreams but always remember, the more you spend on your fit out, the more you will need to turn over to break even or service any debt you incurred starting the business.

Whether fitting out a hole-in-the-wall coffee shop or a sprawling garden café, you need a realistic budget that you can stick to, and that all starts with a solid business plan.

Know your audience

First and foremost, your fit out must meet the needs of your customers. During planning, you should have spent plenty of time considering who your customers will be, and how your café will meet their needs. New café owners often try to be all things to all people. Most would be better off focussing on the needs of their core customers first.

For example, if your target audience is busy office workers collecting takeaway coffee and food, your fit out design will need to focus on customer flow and use of space. You will need clearly defined areas for ordering, waiting and collecting. Large signage that can be seen from anywhere in the cafe will speed up your line. Furniture and barriers can be used to gently guide customers where you want them to go.

If you want your clientele to sit down, relax and stay a while, your fit out needs to be spacious, comfortable and welcoming, it’s all about knowing your customer and designing for their needs.

Know Your Space

With good planning and design, a café can work in almost any space. Good design is making the best of what you have rather than trying to fit the right café into the wrong space.

The size and shape of your premises will dictate the kind of fit out that will work. Even if your dream café has luxurious soft booths or banquette seating, if it doesn’t fit, or reduces your seating capacity you will have to compromise if you want to stay in business.

Don’t neglect outdoor areas. If you are lucky enough to have a garden or courtyard area, consider a fit out design that makes the most of your extra space.

Take a good look at the bones of your building. You may discover some lovely old features you can use as a design element in your fit out. Exposed brickwork, hardwood floors and structural beams all add character to space and tie your business to the history of the building it is in.

To theme or not to theme

Kids and families love themed cafes! If that’s your target market, a big, bold, novelty theme is a great marketing strategy to get large profitable family groups through the door.

As with any design ideas, there are thousands of good, bad and downright ridiculous examples. A theme that is charming to one customer is tacky to another. When considering a theme, you should keep your customers front of mind in your designs. Try to resist indulging your own quirks too much. Remember your café is a business first,  if the customers don’t like your shelves of Star Wars memorabilia, they’ll have to go.

Instead of a specific theme, consider including a common design thread or colour that runs through the name, menu and fit-out design of the café.

Coffee is king

The espresso machine is the single most important decision you will make when fitting out your cafe. When picking a coffee machine for your café you need to consider:

Size & position: Your coffee machine (and barista) need to fit in your café. It will also need to be near a power supply, water supply and waste drainage.

Group heads: As a part of your business plan you should have estimated how many customers you will be serving at your busiest time.  Most cafes have a 2 or 3 group machine but you will need to factor in how many baristas you have working and how much coffee you will be serving per week when making your decision.

Boiler: Commercial espresso machines usually have 1 boiler, 2 boilers or a heat exchanger. Talk to your barista, they may have a preference or consider your clientele, the main drawback of a single boiler is you cannot draw coffee and froth milk at the same time, which can limit capacity.

Automatic or semi-automatic: Automatic machines take the pressure of your barista to control water flow, freeing them up to perform other tasks. However, some baristas prefer to be in control of the extraction process so will prefer a semi-automatic machine.

Price: Espresso machines vary greatly in price. Consider a reputable brand, that has the right mix of features and capabilities of your business. Your coffee machine is a big expense, but as the heart of your business, it should be seen as an investment. Some makers offer to lease and rent-to-own options. Servicing and maintenance may be an additional expense or built into your lease agreement.

An espresso machine is one of the biggest investments in a new cafe / Source: ADSWORK

Use your ears

If you are installing a sound system as part of your fit out, consider what your customer will be doing in your cafe. Whether business people in for a meeting or friends catching up, most customers won’t want their conversations overheard but won’t want to have to shout to be heard.

The acoustics of your space will affect how sound behaves in your café.  Hard flat surfaces will bounce sound around and will sound ‘noisy’, while soft surfaces at a lot of different angles will soak up the sound, letting customers hear the music, or each other more clearly.

The system you settle on will influence the ‘vibe’ of your café and is another cue you are giving potential customers about the experience they can expect at your café.

Give your compliments to the chef

Your kitchen fit-out will be one of the biggest expenses you face. If you have the budget, it is best to get professional advice about the equipment and installation you will need. At the very least, talk to the people who will be using the kitchen to produce your menu, they may have specific ideas about the layout or equipment that they prefer.

Lighting is key

The key to good café lighting is flexibility. Your café will probably be mostly open during the day and if you have nice big windows you may be able to make do with natural light. Customers need to be able to see their coffee, food and your menu but apart from that, the lighting should reflect the mood you think suits your customers best.

Contact local interior designers

Pick the right people

As you can see, a lot goes into a successful café fit out. A lot of new business owners get themselves into trouble by not preparing for the expense and complexity of a successful café fit out. If you haven’t started a café before, it may be a good idea to enlist some professional help from either a designer or a hospitality industry consultant. You may save money in the long run by avoiding common mistakes new business owners often make when starting their café.

Categories
Walls & flooring

How to paint a wall

How to prep walls for painting

Fill in surface cracks

Before you look for easy painting ideas, make sure that you know how to prep the walls. You should start with a quick inspection for cracks in the wall. Filling in those cracks with putty and letting it dry overnight ensures that your paint goes on smoothly and that you don’t need multiple coats.

Sand down

If you filled in surface cracks, you need to sand down those cracks before painting. Fine grit sandpaper removes any excess putty and won’t leave behind scratches and gouge marks. You generally want to let the putty dry overnight before sanding it.

Clean walls

As you look for painting tips, you will find that many people recommend cleaning your walls before painting those surfaces. All you need is a little dish soap that you mix with water and apply it to the walls. Cleaning the wall removes any substances that can keep the paint from sticking.

Apply tape a lay a drop sheet

When preparing walls for painting, both painter’s tape and masking tape works well. It goes on smoothly and comes off cleanly without leaving residue behind. Use the tape to block off your outlet and baseboards as well as any other surfaces that you do not want to paint. It’s also a good idea to lay a drop cloth will protect the floors from the paint.

Laying a drop sheet is an important part of preparation / Source: MMPC

Purchase enough paint

Always determine how much paint you need before starting the job, especially if you choose a custom blend. Though home improvement stores follow paint mixture recipes, they cannot guarantee that a new batch will perfectly match your old batch of paint. One litre of paint will cover up to 6.5 square metres. Measure the size of the room and divide it by 6.5 to roughly see how many litres of paint you need.

Required tools

  • Paint/masking tape
  • Drop cloths
  • Primer: Tinted primers match the colour of the paint that you choose and reduce the amount of paint needed. When painting interior walls, you should always use at least one coat of primer first.
  • Brushes: Brushes are helpful for painting areas that you cannot reach with a roller and blending the borders and corners of a room with the rest of the wall.
  • Rollers: To paint a large room in less time, invest in one or more rollers. Rollers are also reusable. Once you finish painting, rinse off the rollers with some clean water and let them sit outside for a few hours to dry. You can use them when you need to repaint or touch up a room later.
  • Tray
  • Ladder: A ladder helps you reach the top of the room and apply both the paint and primer. It also helps you stay safe until the job is done.
  • Clean cloth: Having a few clean and dry cloths nearby can help you take care of accidents as they happen. If you knock over a can of interior wall paint, you can quickly mop it up before it creates a permanent stain. A dry cloth will also help you remove paint that drips onto other surfaces. 

Tips for painting a wall

How to cut in painting

Cutting in painting is a technique that helps the areas around the corners and baseboards blend with the rest of the wall. Whether you use a brush or roller, go over those surfaces with a brush. Use the brush to apply smooth, streaks of paint around the border or corner and pull the brush towards the centre of the room. You can then go over those areas with a roller to smooth out any rough spots.

Contact local painters

How to paint a wall with a roller

Learning how to paint with a roller can save you some time because the roller covers a larger area with paint in less time than it would take with a brush. Pour enough paint in your trap to completely coat the bottom and fill it halfway up the sides. Run the roller through the paint and along the base of the tray. When you pull it towards you, the tray removes any excess paint from the roller. You should then paint a large uppercase “W” in the centre of the wall. As you use more paint, expand the size of the W and move the roller in different directions. This helps you fill in gaps and provides a smooth coat of paint.

How long does it take paint to dry?

The amount of time it takes for the paint to dry depends on the type of paint that you used. It typically takes six to eight hours for most interior house paints to dry. If you use a primer, you need to wait at least an hour for it to dry before applying the paint. You should not remove the tape or move back into the room until you give the paint a full 24 hours to dry. High humidity levels and cold temperatures are two factors that can increase the drying time.

How many coats of paint do you need for a wall?

Most walls need a minimum of two coats. Even if you use a primer, you need two coats of paint. Apply the first and let it dry completely before applying the next coat. If you find that traces of the old paint are still showing, you’ll need to apply a third coat. You may need multiple coats to hide brush marks and other mistakes, too.

Darker paint colours make a great feature wall / Explore Painting

How long does it take to paint a room?

It’s difficult to say how long it takes to paint a room because it depends on the size of the space and how quickly you work. Plan on spending at least four hours to paint a smaller room and up to six hours to paint a larger room. If you use any unique or custom painting techniques, the process will take even longer. 

Tips for painting a feature wall

A feature wall is usually a different colour to the other walls and serves as a focal point in a home. When painting a feature wall, choose colours that work together and use a roller to provide an even coat of paint. You may want to use stencils to add a unique design to the wall, too.

How to hire a painter

Licensing and qualifications

Whether you want to know how to repaint a wall or where to start on your project, consider hiring a pro. Painters in Australia need a Certificate III in Painting and Decorating. They can get this through a registered organisation or a specialty institution. Some also receive their training through an apprenticeship program. 

Categories
Kitchen

5 simple kitchen renovation ideas

1. Vinyl wrap kitchen cabinet doors

Kitchen cabinets don’t just provide storage; theyre also a primary focal point for any kitchen. Switching up your kitchen cabinets is an easy way to add a decorative touch to any type of kitchen space, no matter what the size. Vinyl wrap are durable enough to stand up to everyday wear and tear, and they also look fabulous. Made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF) thats been cut, shaped and coated with glue, and then covered with pressed vinyl that goes completely around the door so that there are no visible joints.

Vinyl wrap doors are incredibly versatile, as MDF panels can be cut and shaped in a huge range of styles, from simple, flat designs to ornate surfaces that resemble carved wood. The vinyl wrap is available in a wide array of colours, textures and finishes, including simulated wood veneers and glosses.

Source: Ryan Linnegar Photography

Vinyl wrap doors are extremely popular with homeowners on a budget because they can replicate the look of wood so well. They cost significantly less than natural wood cabinets, but you have to look closely to see the difference. In addition to smooth wood grains, vinyl wrap can also simulate the look of different varieties of textured wood. This means that if you already have wood features in your kitchen, you’ll be able to select vinyl door coverings that will tone in beautifully.

Caring for vinyl wrap doors

Vinyl wrap doors are ideal for kitchen cabinetry because theyre incredibly durable. The MDF material is scratch resistant, so you dont have to worry about chips and marks. It is also engineered to seal out water and moisture, so your cabinets wont be in danger of warping. In addition, vinyl wrap doors require very little maintenance. You’ll never need to sand, paint or revarnish your vinyl wrapped doors, and they’ll never need furniture oil. To clean them, all you need to do is wipe them with a soft cloth or sponge and warm soapy water, and then allow them to air dry. Avoid using chemical cleaners, as these may damage the vinyl. For stubborn stains, you can apply a bit of methylated spirits, and then rinse clean. Otherwise, the only other maintenance you’ll need to do is oil the hinges occasionally.

2. New benchtops

What is the first thing to wear out in the kitchen? Often it is the benchtop. From all the spilling, chopping, and general wear and tear that benchtops take, upgrading to a new laminate, granite, or even marble top can make a vast improvement to the overall modernised look of your kitchen.

There are several different factors that need to go into your benchtop selection. First, think about how big you’ll need to make your benchtop; as a general rule, they should be between 600-900mm deep. Remember, if they’re too wide, you won’t be able to reach all the items you’ll need – but don’t make it too small as to detract from the food preparation! Figure our how many people are going to be preparing food, and get a benchtop that has room enough for all of them to do the work.

After that, you’ll have to figure out what your benchtop will actually look like. This is important, since the benchtop is such an important, dominating part of the kitchen.

Benchtop materials

You want to pick out a tiled benchtop that both fits into the existing decor and is practical enough to fit into your lifestyle. More serious cooks might want to go for heat and scratch-resistant materials, while casual cooks might want to go for laminates. Additionally, figure out how much of a renovation you’d like to do. Just replacing the benchtops might be more complicated than it seems – you might have to figure out how structurally sound your kitchen is before you do any work.

Granite is durable and resistant but needs to be sealed on a regular basis. The blended material Corian is seamless, stain- and heat-resistant and available in a range of options. The marble looks great but requires plenty of sealants. Quartz is low-maintenance and very durable. Concrete is very popular nowadays and can be cast right on-site, but has to be sealed often. Laminate is economical and versatile. Tiled kitchen benchtops offer plenty of designs, and are available in several different materials. Hardwood is sturdy and perfect for the home cook who wants to get serious.

Contact local kitchen renovators

From bargain to expensive, kitchen benchtops are available at a variety of prices. However, even if you are on a strict budget, do not skip the laminate benchtops. They are highly cost effective and will last for many years with little maintenance. Also, they are available in a variety of colours, effects and patterns. There are finishes that resemble stone or timber, so you can have that look without the cost. Additionally, laminates are available in designer options to provide stylistic flare to your kitchen. Use laminate benchtops in conjunction with laminated splash backs, doors and drawer fronts.

5. Splashbacks

Consider filling the gap between your new counters and cabinet doors. Connect your cupboards and benchtop elements by installing new splashbacks. Options for this feature include acrylic splashbacks, glass splashbacks, and even LED splashback which can install straight over your existing one.

Source: Mitroteam Projects

4. Small, personal touches

One of the quickest and least expensive ways of giving your kitchen the makeover it deserves is to add some personal touches. Let’s take a look at how we can do this on a budget:

  • Grow flowers on your windowsill: Find a colourful flower or useful herb to grow indoors on a windowsill.
  • Update your small appliances: You do not have to run out and buy a new stove or refrigerator unless you really want and need to. Instead, you can just update some of the smaller, frequently used appliances in your kitchen. Think about adding an element of colour while you’re out shopping for these; it will bring a new element to your kitchen countertops.

Also, think about swapping out those old handles and hinges for some new, interesting ones. There is a lot of freedom in this upgrade, as home decor suppliers have a huge range of options for you to choose from.

5. A fresh coat of paint

One of the easiest and most effective ways to hit refresh on a tired space is a fresh coat of paint. Depending on the layout of your kitchen, this could be a great option.

Another option to revamp your kitchen is a door respray or finish. You could paint over suede paint with a more durable and easier-to-clean 2-pack paint, or opt for a Japan black finish for a sleek and modern look. However, if you’re not confident in your DIY skills, it’s best to leave it to the professionals to avoid a potential floor disaster.

In addition, if you have a display cabinet that does not seem to be getting the most attention, think about painting its back wall with a bright vibrant colour that can breathe a new life into it.

Categories
Design & technology

How to market your small business online

Getting a small business off the ground is a challenging, time consuming and costly exercise. After going through the effort of planning and setting up, the next thing you need to focus on is getting found by potential customers.

Usually, this means paying for ads. Thankfully though, there are ways that you can get around paid advertising, to begin with, especially when your budget may be a little low after paying for setup. Instead, you could invest in a professional graphic designer to revamp your logo or animation on your site. Or maybe you don’t yet have an online website and need to hire a qualified web designer or developer. Below, we’ve gone through the top 6 advertising methods that you can engage in to get your small business off the ground.

Source: Blue Platypus

Google my business

If you’re wondering how thousands of businesses manage to appear on Google Maps, then the chances are that they have a Google My Business profile. These are completely free and are a great way to help potential customers discover you.

Many internet users perform search queries which include terms such as “near me” e.g. “lawyers near me”. With an optimised Google My Business profile, you could appear in both Google’s search results and Maps for related customer queries.

Some of the key benefits of owning a Google My Business profile include:

  • You can get found on Google Maps
  • A potential customer can build their trust of your business through customer reviews
  • Information such as opening/closing and peak visit times is available on demand
  • An optimised GMB profile helps improve your search rankings

Google My Business also offers insights on how many people visited your profile, and whether they did so via Maps or a search query. If you see that it’s beginning to pay off, you can always pay to show up at the top of the maps pack, which will help your business generate even more enquiries.

Social media

Social media networks are visited by billions of people every day. As a result, they’ve become a mighty competitive space between businesses. In fact, social media websites Facebook and YouTube are the second- and third, most visited websites in the world.

It’s no secret that just about all social media channels have become a “pay to play” environment in terms of exposure to new customers. Though there are always ways to beat the system.

Generally, posting content across Facebook, Instagram and YouTube are completely free, albeit with limited exposure. With Facebook in particular, though, you can take things one step further.

There are many neighbourhood community Facebook groups, each presenting an opportunity to reach a localised audience. Every time a new post is made within these groups, users are notified.

To find a neighbourhood community group, begin by typing in a suburb name in the Facebook search bar. Then, you will see a list of related groups under the “groups” tab. When you find your group, join and then you can begin posting away. Just be mindful of any community posting rules.

Another great way to increase exposure via social media is with the use of “stories”. This is a feature derived from Snapchat and has been adopted by Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Email marketing

The letterbox drop of the 21st century, email marketing is among the most effective online advertising channels. You can take advantage of email marketing platforms such as Mail Chimp who offer their services for free for up to 2,000 subscribers.

The trickiest part is building up a relevant subscriber list. Depending on how aggressively you want to generate subscribers, this could be a costly exercise, though we’ll keep to the free methods.

The easiest and cheapest way to acquire a new email subscriber is to ask a customer in person. If someone has engaged with your business already, then the chances are that they will be more open to receiving emails from you due to familiarity.

Another great way to obtain new email addresses for free is through the use of lead magnets. For example, if you own a pool cleaning business, then you can offer a free downloadable pool safety checklist in exchange for website visitor emails. This is something that you can ask your web design expert to setup for you.

The final free method that we’re going to is the method of blogging. Essentially, this is offering free and useful information to your website visitors. Take this article, for example. At the end of the article, you can place a newsletter sign up form. Then, users who find your articles useful might be inclined to subscribe.

Abandoned cart emails

If you own an e-commerce site, chances are you’ve experienced customers leaving your site before finalising their purchase or completing a form. This is can be referred to as an abandoned cart. A way to win back these customers is to implement an abandoned cart email strategy for your business.

Firstly, this involves capturing the customer’s right email in the early steps of your online form. As long as you can successfully capture your potential customer’s email, you can target them with a personalised follow-up email.

There are multiple reasons why a customer may have leave part-way during your checkouts process, from the shipping costs being too high to getting distracted. Strategies for your abandoned cart emails can include sending easy steps to complete their purchase or creating a clear call-to-action.

Another strategy can you implement is applying a multivariant split test on both your email campaigns and landing pages. By implementing this technique, we were able to convert 60% of users who landed on our abandoned cart landing page.

Local citations

Local citations are the digital version of those thick Yellow Pages books that were once delivered to your door on an annual basis. Here you can input your business details such as name, address, phone number, trading hours, services you offer, website address and more.

Admittedly, these have become less effective as free advertising methods, and many businesses have moved over to paid services such as ours where you only pay when you get a potential customer.

Online directories mainly apply to businesses with physical addresses. If you don’t operate from a physical address though, you can look for link roundups related to your services online. Then, ask these websites to include your site as well.

Contact local SEO and SEM experts

Review websites

Many customers turn to review websites to find out whether or not a business is worth visiting or not. Think of Word of Mouth. Not only is it the best way to get free publicity, but on this Australian site, customers can leave reviews about businesses such as restaurants and bars, dentists, beauty salons, doctors and more.

The best part about Word of Mouth is that the brand has built trust among its community members, meaning that all you have to worry about is getting some positive reviews. The Word of Mouth website receives thousands of visitors on a monthly basis, so this represents a massive opportunity in terms of reach.

Thankfully, Word of Mouth allows you to list your business for free. Using the free profile, you can respond to customer reviews, upload photos and even post your own deals. There are also paid options, which allow you to create targeted ads, including customer support and even remove competitor ads from appearing on your profile.

Categories
Gardening & landscaping

A complete guide to indoor plants

Indoor plants have become a calling card of the millennial decor, and with good reason. Once extremely popular (the 1970s saw a boom in indoor plant life), this style is suddenly back in vogue. Try it out – you might be pleasantly surprised at the difference in the house after you bring some flora inside.

If you’re looking to hop onto the trend and unsure where to start, here’s some helpful tips on which plantlife might be the best addition to your home.

Benefits of indoor plants

Indoor plant life can add a real boost to your home. A few of the right kinds of plants can add a touch of beauty to any room in the house, especially for extremely urban environments where nature is limited to what springs up between the cracks in the cement. In those cases, you should definitely try to add just the slightest touch of green to your life. Having plants around is also very relaxing. Coming home to see your plants grow is automatically revitalising and helping to take care of them can serve as a calm, soothing release after a long day.

Indoor plants look great, and also help to purify the air in your home / Source: Alice Bonicelli Interior Design

Another bonus? Plants will help clean and purify the air around you – removing pollution. So not only will your house look better, you’ll breathe better in it. You don’t even need a whole garden’s worth of plant life; just one or two will work wonders! 

Types of indoor plants

There are a myriad of options when it comes to selecting a type of indoor plant. While considering your options, it’s important you consider how much maintenance and light they require – and if that fits your home and lifestyle.

If you decide to bring a few plants inside your house, there are a few specific species you should try. 

  • Weeping Fig plants are extremely durable. If you’re the forgetful type who might go a few days without watering or caring for your plants, this kind of plant should still be just fine. Weeping Figs also last for quite a long time. 
  • Peace Lily plants are quite beautiful and grow fine in darkened parts of the house; just be sure not to overwater them.
  • Philodendron, or”Xanadu” plants are compact plants that also do very well in darker areas.  
  • Lady Palm trees grow very slowly but look very beautiful – just ensure that they are placed in rooms without air conditioning. 
  • Dracaena trees are also very elegant, but need to be watered constantly. 
  • Poinsettias aren’t just for Christmas anymore. They do very well as indoor plants and add a nice touch of colour to any apartment. 
  • Orchids add an exotic, gorgeous touch to any home, and they also come in plenty of beautiful varieties.  

Caring for your indoor plants

Select plants which go with the overall room decor. Indoor plants are the perfect way to decorate an empty corner, or as a room divider, or as a connecting link between your indoor and outdoor areas.

Tending to your indoor plants

Plants need to adjust to a new environment before they can be permanently left indoors. They can be taken indoors anytime, if you have a year around regulated heating system at home. If not, try to get the plant acclimatised before bringing it indoors fully, in order to avoid damage. Place it on the southern end of the house where it will not get direct sunlight, while also reducing the quantity of food and water afforded it. You can ascertain whether it has adjusted well and take it indoors when it shows signs of new growth.

Plants have growth spurts during the warmer season, and should be taken outdoors to have fertiliser applied. Water soluble fertilisers have an advantage over organic ones as they are odourless. Fish and organic seaweed are perfect fertilisers as they allow the plants to absorb the essential nutrients. For aesthetic value and rapid growth, it is advisable to prune your plants occasionally. To keep away sap sucking pests, you could spray the plant with a special oil meant for the purpose.

Where to place indoor plants to give them adequate light

Exposure to direct sunlight is detrimental to the health of your indoor plants. On the other hand, lack of sufficient light can lead to pale and unhealthy plants, with thin, long, and weak stems; stunted new leaves, and overall stunted growth. They thrive best in well-lit areas with filtered sunlight. When leaves mature naturally, they turn yellow and fall off.

You need to understand the temperature and sunlight needs of your plant in order to position it best in your home. Plants which thrive in darker places are the Rochford holly fern, the Parlor and Kentia palms, aspidistra and sansevieria. Plants like the Devils ivy, Boston ferns, African violets, the Madonna lily, weeping figs and dracaenas, do well in bright spaces.

Water requirements of indoor plants

A plant needs more water during the summer, and less water if it is kept in dimly lit areas. However, it is advisable to check the soil for dampness before adding more water. Leaving water in the saucer can lead to rotting of the plant root. Brown spots on the leaves signal over watering, which is the greatest cause of plant death.

The best plants for your bathroom

The bathroom can be a tricky room in your home to decorate with plants and flowers. The limited amount of light and excessive humidity can be a nightmare for many plant species, but there are actually some that thrive in just these conditions. Here are some plants that you can keep in your bathroom to add some personal style and help keep the air fresh.

  • Aloe Vera: Just like many other members of the succulent family, aloes do not require too much attention. They can get by just fine with a dash of sunlight and some water once a week or so.
  • Bamboo: Lucky bamboo, despite the name, is not actually bamboo. It is a tough indoor plant that will thrive in either water, soil or crystal soil. If its green colour begins to fade or dull, simply make sure your bamboo gets an extra dose of sun.
  • Chain of hearts: Aptly named, this is one house plant you will love! Its heart-shaped leaves look especially stunning when this plant is displayed as a hanging arrangement. This plant also only needs to be watered moderately during the warmer summer months.
  • Dieffenbachia: You may know this plant better as dumb cane. It has broad, oval-shaped leaves and can do very well without much light at all. On the other hand, this cream and green beauty will need some extra water to help it flourish.
  • Ferns: Ferns are known to enjoy rainforest type settings. This means loads of moisture in the air and indirect sunlight.
  • Figs: With their glossy leaves, figs can handle moderate light but will need some extra water in the summer.
  • Orchids: Nothing quite compares to the beauty of an orchid. Whether in bloom or not, they will give your bathroom a real touch of class. They do very well with a medium amount of light. You can ease off on the watering during the winter months, but summer calls for a regular watering routine.
  • Spider Plant: This plant is part of the lily family and does very well without much care at all. It will need an adequate amount of light and looks especially stunning when displayed in hanging form.
Stylish modern white bathroom with bathtub and indoor plant on windowsill
Source: Ryan Linnegar Photography

Spotlight on maidenhair ferns

Who wouldn’t love to have a maidenhair fern in their living room or their kitchen? With its delicate, lacy appearance and soothing green hues, a maidenhair fern is a resilient plant that can make an ideal addition to your house.

As the name suggests, a maidenhair fern is a type of fern that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. There are many varieties of maidenhair ferns and some varieties, like the \”Fragrans,\” thrive better indoors as they cannot tolerate excessive sunlight. Similarly, other varieties, like the Valley Mist and Rough Maidenhair, are commonly grown outdoors. 

Contact local gardeners

Caring for maidenhair ferns

Location: If you are growing an indoor maidenhair fern, choose a spot that is not prone to temperature fluctuations, like the bathroom. At the same time, make sure that the position remains fixed as maidenhair ferns are very sensitive to changes in moisture, temperature, etc. Indoor ferns can be grown in pots, hanging baskets, or terrariums. Finally, never place them in a dark spot, and protect them from temperature extremes.

If you are interested in growing outdoor ferns, select a spot that is partially shaded since these ferns require only moderate sunlight and an appropriate level of moisture. 

Sunlight: They require adequare, yet moderate sunlight. Place them in a well-lit spot but out of direct exposure if outdoors

Water: You will need to water your maidenhair fern regularly as they thrive under high moisture conditions. They also require regular application of liquid fertilisers for proper growth and development. If you are worried that you might forget to water your maidenhair fern regularly, invest in a self-watering pot. These pots have a reservoir of water, which is released into the plant at regular intervals.

Pests: Maidenhair ferns are also prone to infections in the form of pests. Therefore, make sure that you use a protective spray like Confidor, but always use the spray outdoors where there is decent ventilation. 

Repotting: Typically, these ferns need to be repotted once in two years. In the meantime, if the ferns become too large, repot and divide them into two or three parts. To ensure regular growth, use high quality potting mixture with adequate levels of sand and peat. While potting, be careful not to insert the crown of the fern inside the soil as this would arrest further growth. Finally, prune dead ends with a simple pair of scissors every now and then. 

Categories
Building & renovations

4 ways to create a self-sufficient home

There is a lot of talk about sustainability these days, especially when it comes to home design. Finding a sustainable home design is important not only for your budget’s sake, but also from an eco-conscious view point as well. Australia now has stringent requirements for builders of new structures to create buildings that are sustainable and energy efficient.

Designing a sustainable home

Designing a sustainable home is about choosing materials that are not necessarily cost-effective now, but will last the longest and provide the most wear. It is important when designing a home that you ensure that the design will work for some time to come with energy efficient aspects such as a north facing living room, energy efficient windows, open floor plan, and more.

Source: S.F.D Caringbah

What is sustainability?

Sustainability is the ability to endure through change and requirement. A sustainable home design is not only appealing and attractive but energy efficient, spacious, and provides effective use of square footage. Other aspects of sustainability include good insulation, sealed windows, energy efficient heating system and minimal use of natural resources.

Sustainable home design principles

Sustainable home design principles include:

  • Prime location, orientation and landscaping to maximize exposure to natural sunlight and breezes.
  • Solar energy elements
  • Water recycling and efficiency
  • Alternate energy sources such as solar or wind power
  • Low energy consumption
  • Recycled materials

Ways to create a self sufficient home

1. Save water

Unless you have a well somewhere on your property, going completely off the grid when it comes to the water supply is nearly impossible; still, it doesn’t mean that there’s nothing you can do to save water and minimise its consumption. You can collect rainwater from your own rooftop and use it for the toilet, washing clothes, and watering plants. What is more, if you properly maintain your rainwater tank and follow the Department of Health’s guidelines, you can use it for cooking too. Having a rainwater tank can save you a lot of money. You can also save water you used for washing your hands and use it to flush your toilet, for example.

2. Waste management

We all make a lot of waste every day, but if you start sorting it, recycling, and making compost, you will be able to minimize the impact you have on the environment. Compost is easy to make, all you need are organic materials you can layer: scraps of vegetables from your kitchen, grass clippings after mowing your lawn, dry leaves and twigs in autumn, as well as shredded paper. You will also need a bit of soil in order to create a concoction which becomes humus which you will be able to use to fertilize your garden naturally. Keep in mind that dairy and meat products shouldn’t be thrown in compost bins, as these attract the ‘wrong’ kind of insects.

3. The sun is your friend

It’s possible to produce your own electricity and not pay for it by installing solar panels on the roof of your home or pick free-standing ones and leave them in an open area. Solar panels use the sun’s rays and warmth and convert them into electrical energy which you can use to power your home in any way: for cooking, electrical appliances, charging your phone… You name it! Even though they used to be rather expensive and difficult to get, solar panels are more affordable today than ever. They will allow you to save a lot of money too: a 5kw solar system will save you up to $1800 a year. As the electricity prices rise every day, solar panels are a common sight everywhere.

Solar is a renewable source of energy and can help save you money on bills / Source: Hot Water Heroes Pty Ltd

4. Natural heating & cooling

Your heating and cooling systems are taking up a lot of energy and money, so by switching to solar panels, your monthly bills will be significantly lower. Your reliance on these can also be reduced, however, if you make small changes in your household: if you opt for increased ceiling and wall insulation as well as double glazed windows, you won’t have to rely on artificial heating and cooling. The best thing is that both of these things can be added as building sustainability upgrades for your modular home. Also, you’ll want to close off areas of your home which you aren’t using all the time: living room during the night and bedrooms during the day.

Wrap up

Turning to alternative sources to provide your own heating, cooling, and water, as well as to manage your own waste is a great way to do something for our planet. You might think that it’s not much, but you’d be surprised to discover how much those ‘little things’ matter when you consider the bigger picture. Attaining self-sufficiency is challenging, but definitely worth it, and if you’re willing to put in more effort, you’ll manage to get your own self-sufficient home and do something for the environment.