Published on: 10 May 2019
Last Updated on: 30 October 2024
Outdoor living is in, especially during the sweltering summer months. Turn a staid, screened-in porch into a tranquil oasis with some comfortable furnishings and ambient decor. These are our favorite tips for creating a screened space you’ll want to live in all year long.
Treat It as Your Home:
Don’t be tempted to skimp on furniture for your screened-in porch. Many homeowners rely on basic patio furniture rather than adding comfortable cushioned couches and chairs that create an inviting space. Outdoor poufs are a versatile choice that does triple duty as extra seating, a footrest, or a convenient side table. Choose options with weatherproof fabric that provides easy maintenance and care.
The cozier you are on the screened-in porch, the more likely that you (and your guests) will want to spend time there. Think of this area as a natural extension of your home. When choosing furniture, picture how you want to use the space. If you plan to entertain, are you envisioning cocktail parties or boisterous family dinners? Pick your pieces accordingly.
Add Accessories:
Those little details are a major part of making the patio feel like an extension of your indoor space. Think colorful throw pillows, durable rugs, side tables for snacks and beverages, and accent lighting. Choose colors that coordinate with your indoor palette for a seamless transition from inside to out. Pillows and throws in various textures will add visual and tactile interest. Potted plants add more life to space while emphasizing its natural elements.
Keep It Cool:
For a three-season porch, you can use from spring to fall, consider screened-in, porch-cooling options to see you through the hottest days of August. Ceiling fans are more effective than a window AC unit, and they create a cooling breeze that will provide relief. Evaporative coolers lower the temperature by using humidity. With these units, cold air is blown over water droplets that chill the air as they evaporate.
You can also install shades that can be pulled down to keep the cool air in during the summer and to block the cold air out on chillier nights. Look for transparent versions that will preserve the outdoor feel of the porch.
Promote Relaxation:
Both real and battery-powered candles create a romantic light that enhances the porch’s appeal. String lights provide a similar function. If your home is in a suburban or an urban area that tends to get noisy, consider outdoor speakers through which you can play relaxing ambient noise, such as ocean sounds or birds chirping. You can also plant a row of trees or shrubs to dampen the noise, provided it doesn’t block your view. Consider adding a fireplace to your screened-in porch, which has the added benefit of allowing you to enjoy the space when the weather cools.
By incorporating these design ideas to add life to your screened-in porch, you’re expanding the usable square footage of your home and increasing its value. Best of all, you’ll have a space your entire family can enjoy together for years to come.
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With industrialization taking the spotlight in many cities, it’s easy to understand why there are a lot of people who choose to find a temporary or permanent residence in the rural areas near their workplace.
Condo unit in Cebu is among the most popular picks both for locals and non-locals who wish to have an accessible property within the central city. Given the huge number of real estate companies that now have a lot of units offered, it shouldn’t be much of a problem to find a place that fits your preference and needs well.
For those who already purchased their units, the next challenge comes with the need to beautify and enhance the looks of the current unit they own. Condominiums tend to have synonymous designs on all their units so it’s in the hand of the unit owner to personalize the space however he or she wants.
Take a look at the following expert tips that can help you achieve that stunning look you hope for.
Plan every detail:
There is no substitute for planning in interior design. Even professional designers spend time creating a blueprint on how they would beautify an interior. You must do the same. By planning, you get to identify the specific areas of your home in need of enhancements as well as those that can do well without the current furniture you’ve placed on them.
If you want to move your furniture around the condo, you need to ensure that you do not end up damaging the same or scraping the new and expensive floor. One great way that you can manage this is by using furniture wheels. This will allow you to move your chairs, sofa sets, and other items without worrying about the need that you will damage them.
The more detailed you are in the planning, the better. This also saves you time from having to decide while working.
Maximize the use of graphic images on doors or walls:
Condo units have vacant spaces that look dull in the absence of accessories. A lot of homeowners use paintings or huge, laminated photos to hang on those vacant spaces, but your option is not just limited to such.
You can go for customized printed glasses or wallpapers to add color to those spaces. By personalizing the prints, you’re also adding a hint of identity to your unit.
Place accessories such as tables and drapes in front of a full-length window:
Full-length windows are attractive because they give you an awesome view of the outside landscape. However, they may not look that attractive when it comes to the overall quality of your interior design. They can look intimidating and may give the illusion of dullness especially if you don’t have much furniture inside.
Read also: Experts Recommend: Top Interior Design Trends For 2017
A good way to remedy this would be to put tables directly in front of the window or set up drapes to help provide the frame.
Pick bright, minor accessories:
Choosing the right accessories can be tricky as they need to highlight the main aspect of your interior without stealing the spotlight from it. Experts suggest that you pick small accessories like vases, flower pots, candles, and pen holders in brighter shades.
Achieve balance in the interior. Darker furniture may look great in your personal office space.
Balance is a necessary element in interior design. Experts found that using darker furniture makes the available space look bigger. Plus, they can blend well in just about any area within your condo unit.
Read also: Interiors to Reduce the Heat Build-up in Your Homes
The brighter accessories will do great on these items too.
Don’t overcrowd:
One common mistake a lot of homeowners do is to place too many items inside their place. While the idea of buying many pieces of furniture may seem like a good thing, it’s not necessarily a strategic thing to do especially when you have a small unit.
If any, this would only make the place look smaller and will most certainly impede mobility. You can decorate without having to buy too much. A good rule of thumb would be to settle for the item you need most.
There is no use in buying tools which you will not be using.
The looks of your personal condo unit are dependent on how well you design it. The tips we mentioned are guidelines on how to make the place look appealing, but at the end of the day, the decision lies in your hands.
If you can’t decide where to start your redesign, a good way to be motivated is to look at images online and see how other people improved the looks of their units. Be inspired and start decorating your own place!
Stone veneers are a popular but often misunderstood product, though they’re slowly increasing in popularity. Installing stone veneer is a rather affordable way to add value to your property and improve the overall curb appeal. Let’s take a look at what stone veneers are and the main types of stone veneers on the market. Then we’ll share how you can increase the value of your home with stone veneers and where you may want to have them installed.
An Introduction to Stone Veneers:
Stone veneer refers to any outward facing material made from stone that is not designed to be load bearing. You can find both thin and full stone veneers. Full veneers are three to five inches thick and weigh far more than “thin” veneers. Thin veneers are three-quarters of an inch to one and a half inches thick. Because they are thinner, there is less time and labor required to install them. Thick “full” veneers may require advanced engineering to keep them in place, while thin stone veneers may be supported by the wall. Thin veneers can often be used on taller or higher projects. Now let’s look at how stone veneers add value to your home.
The Aesthetic Value:
Stone has a natural look and feel. Kafka natural stone veneer, for instance, comes in a variety of styles and finishes, so you can select the type that either matches the natural environment or accentuates it. You’ll create a look that will not only be a timeless classic but one that appears upscale, as the real stone is so expensive. This explains why a stone veneer project has roughly a 92% return on investment when you sell your home. Your home will also stand out from those around it that are clad in brick or vinyl siding.
The Simplicity:
Stone veneers meet pretty much all applicable building code requirements. Note that if you like the look of stone but don’t want to redo the entire home, you could have a stone accent wall put on the front of your home, or create stone pillars on the porch. Or you could put stone veneers around a gas or electric fireplace to make it resemble a real, stone fireplace without the time, cost and engineering changes necessary for a new stone fireplace installation.
The Structural Benefits:
Stone is very durable. After all, it takes a long time to weather. This makes stone an excellent choice for the exterior of your home; it will survive repeated freezes and thaws. A stone veneer wall can typically weather abuse by mother nature and casual impacts. It is water-repellent, pest-resistant and otherwise one of the most durable options on the market.
The Economic Benefits:
A properly installed stone veneer is maintenance free; you won’t have to repaint it as the colors won’t fade on exposure to sunlight or flake off with rain and wind. You won’t have to replace it in a few years because it has warped due to exposure to the elements. And as mentioned, stone veneers make a home appear high-end, resulting in higher offers for the property when you try to sell it.
Stone veneers provide you with the best of both worlds. They provide the durability, attractiveness, and strength of stone. This is all without the high cost and advanced engineering requirements necessary to install full stone walls.
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Featured Image: Royalty
Healthy living requires a clean and safe environment, but with the prevalence of many microorganisms such as mold damage, this can be challenging. This is because they are invisible to the naked eye and release spores into the air, which cause major health problems when inhaled.
Mold is a fungus that grows in the form of hyphae, which are multicellular threads. It is composed of microorganisms that can be found almost anywhere. They are useful outside for breaking down garbage and composite materials, but when found indoors, they are extremely detrimental to human health.
Mold damage produces allergic reactions or irritation and must be removed as soon as possible. To stop it from spreading, early detection and removal are essential. Mold remediation or removal is not something just anyone can do. To achieve a proper sanitization of the entire building to avoid the existence of mold, you will need to contact professionals or follow the complete guide about damp wall treatment procedures. This way, you will be sure that your home or office will be properly treated.
Finding a good remediation service is not always a stroll in the park, especially if you have not worked with one before. However, with the right guide handy, you can easily find a professional company that will properly clean and sanitize your building. If you do not know how to find a good company, and you need recommendations on reputable companies to work with, you can visit the Long Beach mold removal company for help.
Types of Molds Damage:
Here are some common types:
Aspergillus
This type does not need much ventilation and can be found in attics, textiles, walls, dry food, and basements. It has a powdery appearance and may be white, green, or gray in color, with dark dots. It has several carcinogenic forms, but when detected within the home, it causes serious respiratory problems.
Cladosporium
This can be found in both warm and cold places. It can also be found on carpets, clothes, wood, and heating and cooling ducts, among other things. The color is usually black, or green.
Alternaria
This fungus has a white background with black dots and can be found near windows, in fabrics, bathrooms, kitchens, air conditioning units, and wallpapers. However, it is commonly found outdoors.
Trichoderma
This fungus is commonly creamy-white in appearance, but as it releases spores, it becomes green. Windows, baths, kitchens, and wood are among its favorite areas.
Penicillium
This type is fuzzy and comes in a variety of colors, including blue, green, and yellow. Basements, insulation, and carpets are all common places to find them. It is usually present anywhere a water-damaged structure is found. Penicillin, an antibiotic, is derived from it. You can learn more about penicillin by reading this article.
Key Materials for Mold Removal
Mold damage removal requires a variety of tools, depending on the size of the fungus and the type of surface to be cleaned. There are natural cleaning methods that may be utilized to get rid of it as well.
Plastic Sheet
A plastic sheet is used to separate the infected region from the rest of the room, preventing spores from spreading. It is used to block openings to air vents, doorways, and the rest of the building.
Biocide
It is critical to use a high-quality cleaning product for removing mold damage. The fungus will only be hidden if you use poor or regular household bleach or cleaning agent. Biocide is particularly effective at killing and inhibiting this bacterium's growth.
Vinegar
Despite its strength, it is quite effective against fungus. Baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and lemon juice can all be added to it. Wear safety clothing such as goggles, gloves, and a breathing mask when using it. To remove the mixture, wipe the area with a clean moist cloth.
Sodium Bicarbonate
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, has a wide range of applications, including the removal of fungus. It should be sprayed on the damaged surface after being combined with vinegar or water. After spraying, scrub the area with a brush, rinse, and then spray again.
Dehumidifier
This gets rid of the moisture and prevents future growth. It is best used after the cleaning procedure to air the place and remove any remaining moisture, but it can also be used as a preventative strategy. As a solution, a portable one can be stored in a room with an infestation.
If you need tips on how to use a dehumidifier, you can check here: https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Dehumidifier
Lemon Juice
This natural cleanser is efficient, non-toxic, and has a pleasant scent. Before spraying it, clean the surface with soap and water. It can also be applied daily to keep fungus at bay. It is an excellent choice because it is both environmentally and pet-friendly.
How to Keep Mold Damage at Bay
Here are some methods to guide you:
Regular Checks
They can be found in open regions, but they can also grow in secret spots. This means that regular inspections of damp, dark areas like basements should be carried out to detect the infestation early before it worsens.
Repair any Leaks
If there is a leak from pipes or faucets, fix it immediately and dry the area. Also, inspect drains and pipelines on a regular basis. Liquid storage areas should also be checked because they can leak from their bottles.
Make Use of Cleaners
While it is necessary to deep clean your home on a regular basis, you should do so with a mold-prevention agent. Natural cleaners such as natural lemon, white vinegar, baking soda, as well as other citrus-based treatments are recommended. In addition to keeping fungi at bay, these solutions leave a fresh smell around the building.
Allow Sunshine In
Mold does not thrive in natural light and fresh air. This means that you have to open the windows and curtains to allow sunshine in. You can also turn on your ceiling fan to prevent the survival of mildew. Keep in mind that mold damage is detrimental to human health and this should guide you in taking the right steps to prevent its growth and survival. You can read articles explaining how mold affects human health for more information.
Wrap Up
Mold growth can pose a danger to human health; therefore, it should be nipped in the bud. Always inspect the bathroom, roof, pipes, and foundation for cracks, leaks, or damages. Delaying treatment as soon as the condition is discovered can worsen the condition and increase the cost of treatment, especially if toxic or black mold is present. This article outlined tips to help you prevent mold damage in a building. Feel free to check them out.
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