Archives for July 2015

We recently wrote about some of the major worries faced by all homeowners. This time around, we’re going to go into a little more depth – on the subject of natural disasters. Unfortunately, natural disasters can strike at any time, and there is nothing anyone can do to stop them. However, there is plenty we can do to preempt the problems that they can cause.

Putting the right security in place is vital wherever you live. But, it’s especially so if you are based in an area that natural disasters occur in with any regularity. With this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the protection you can use for your home.

Flickr

Floods and water damage

Unless you live on the top of a hill or mountain, then there is a possibility that you will experience flooding, no matter how far away you are from water. Flooding can cause significant problems to your home if you don’t have any protection. Leaving aside the damage to your property, there are significant health risks associated with household floods. You can expect contaminants, bacteria and ‘black water’ that spreads illness to enter your home – and a very costly repair job.

To protect yourself from flooding, you should consider waterproofing your home. Also, if you live on a flood plain, think about building a defensive wall around your home to prevent high levels of water coming in. If there is a flood in your area, then a healthy stock of sandbags can help as a second defensive wall.

Earthquakes and your home

Earthquakes can cause severe damage to your home. Although there is little you can do in an especially violent earthquake, there are still protective measures you should be thinking about. If your house is based in an area with a lot of tectonic activities, you should consider making structural changes. Many new builds, for example, have bolts running through the house that are attached to its foundations.

You should also think carefully about what you keep in your house. If you have furniture and utensils stored at height, you can expect them to tumble down even after a minor quake. So, make sure that everything is strapped or bolted to the walls, and that your cupboards have adequate fittings that won’t burst open.

Wildfires

If you live in a dry and hot location, then you stand a chance of seeing a wildfire at some point in your life. However, they can also happen anywhere and spread very quickly to areas that aren’t expecting it. Learning about the history of wildfires that have happened in your area is a good starting point, and may give you the encouragement to put some protection in place.

The main thing to understand about wildfires is that they won’t be stopped. It can take the combined efforts of several fire services just to keep it under a minimal amount of control. So, it’s important to think carefully about keeping anything flammable in your home because the only thing you can do is reduce the amount of damage it causes.

We hope this has highlighted some of the problems that major disasters can have on your home. And, of course, given you some ideas on how to keep the damage done to your home to a minimum.

While the weather is warm and dry, you may be thinking about making some changes around the home. Many of us tackle painting and decorating when we can open the windows all day to dry the paint and get rid of the smell. In a bedroom, the problem of smelly paint is much worse because we want to be able to sleep in there comfortably when we’re finished.

Thankfully, paint smells are far less offensive than they were years ago. But it is still a good reason to go with wallpaper in the bedroom instead. Some wallpapers have very little drying time so your room can be good to go in a jiffy. For this season, silvers and blues are making a comeback, creating a great partnership. This serene combination is perfect for the bedroom so look for swirly patterns in these colors for your bedroom.

Curtains are very important for the bedroom. They block out the cold in the winter, and the extra daylight in the summer. For extra protection against cold, heat and light, why not add a blackout roller blind? They are very quick and easy to install and provide privacy without having to unfurl the curtains. Shinier fabrics for curtains are on trend this season. Silk and satin finishes are very popular. Check out some bold colors too.

The bed is the focal point of any bedroom. It is also an important piece of kit when it comes to your health. Good sleep is key to cognitive and physical function so make sure you pick a mattress that will help you sleep well. Visit websites like thebedroomstore.com/brands/broyhill.html to see what choices you have to maximize your comfort. For a bed frame, choose something that makes an impact, but also provides practical storage solutions.

A dressing table is so handy for us girls to stow all our bits and pieces in. A good mirror on top helps us get to work on those pesky imperfections that crop up from time to time too! Position your dressing table in front of the window, so you get the best of the natural light. Don’t forget you’ll need easy access to the electrical sockets for your straighteners and hair dryer. Finally, add a colored table runner across the top to tie in the color theme of the room.

You can also place runners or fabric mats in the same color on your bedside tables. This helps bring the room into a theme or color scheme. Your bedding should also be in this color. Decorating your room this way makes changing colors much easier to do. You don’t have to paint anything or buy new furniture. Just change the covers or the runners.

This pic thanks to Flickr

Revamping your bedroom doesn’t need to be a big job. For most of us, a quick change to feature or accent wall might be all we need to do. If you are starting afresh, buying a good bed is the most important task on your to-do list. Enjoy your new bedroom.

Your garden should be a personal sanctuary for you and your family. A place where you can relax and enjoy yourself. A big blank lawn isn’t going to cut it though. It’s hardly a relaxing meadow. So how can you improve your garden to make it looks great? Here are a couple of ideas for you.

Image credit

Patio Furniture

Fashion, or function? Why not both? If you’re going to enjoy your garden you might as well do it in comfort. Get a few wicker cabana chairs out there and stick them under a canopy. In rain or shine, you can just sit out there and relax in the shade. If you’ve got guests over these will come in handy immensely. Be sure to keep a few folding chair spare too though, in case the guest list is larger than expected.

Lights

Who says you can only enjoy your garden during the day? When the twilight hours start rolling in, wouldn’t it be nice for a set of lights to start turning on to illuminate your garden?

What about the electricity cost though? Not to worry, just get some solar post caps. These caps have a solar panel on their top. Just stick them on top of a post, and they’ll take in energy from the sun all day long. When night falls, they’ll glow using the energy built up from the sun. Eco-friendly, and beautiful to look at.

Fire Pit

If you want a little heat with your lighting source, why not a fire pit? A fire pit is an inverted metal dome on legs. You fill it with firewood and fire lighters, and light it up. Place the mesh grill over the top, and wait for the flames to rise.

Water Feature

Your garden should be a place just to sit and listen. Somewhere to close your eyes and just track the birdsong in the trees. Something is missing though. The sound of running water is missing. Running water is a relaxing sound. There’s a reason the sounds of rivers and oceans are used to help people get to sleep.

A water feature can add a lot to the look of your garden foot. You can turn it into a centerpiece of the whole garden. Even if you just intend to have a plain lawn for the rest of it. Just plant a water feature directly in the middle and it’ll give a beautiful visual point of interest to the garden.

Potted Plants

Even if you don’t want to dig up the lawn, you can still have plants in pots. Just stick a rosebush on the patio and let it flourish. Just remember to trim it and water it. All plants need upkeep, and gardening can be a relaxing endeavor anyway.

Bird Feeder

Want to keep those birds coming to your garden? You’ve got to give them a reason to. A bird feeder will attract all kinds of birds. It may even bring in a few squirrels. The best addition to your garden’s design will be to make it alive as possible. What better way than to fill it with animals?