Published on: 14 October 2017
Last Updated on: 16 August 2019
When you are renovating your home or building a new one, it’s easy to visualize the big details, like the color of the roof and the walls. Something you may not necessarily be thinking of immediately is the color of your window frames, and yet this is such an important color to consider. It may help to think of them as something similar to the frame on a painting — it adds a finishing touch to the artwork, or in this case, the house. If you are not sure how to choose a color, here are some tips that may help you in your choice.
Choose a color palette: It helps to include the color of your window frames in the complete color palette you choose for your home. If the amount of color choices is overwhelming, keep it simple by choosing either a warm or a cool palette.
Pick a color that highlights or hides: If you are repainting your home, you can highlight your beautiful window frames by painting them a color that makes them stand out. Conversely, if they are ugly as sin, paint them a boring white, or any color that makes them blend in with the walls.
Select a color that complements your home’s exterior: Your walls should have a big say in what color you paint your window frames. If you have exposed brick walls, you should choose a bright contrasting color, and avoid warm browns and dark colors. For painted wood siding, it could work well to pick a darker accent color that complements the rest of the color palette of your home.
Consider neutral colors: Neutral colors are trendy again. The current variety is a far cry from boring beige, so you don’t have to fear to have a sterile hospital look. The new generation of beiges and grays are soulful and colorful, and they will prove to be timeless at the same time. No need to be embarrassed about bright lime or electric pink, or any such garish eyesores in a few years from now.
Choose a color that fits the style of your home: It is very important to choose a color that is appropriate to the style of your house. Certain colors go well with certain types of architecture. A red brick building already imposes a limit on the color palette due to the characteristic hue of the walls. A historic manor would benefit from modest colors that fit in with the time period in which the house was built. If the architecture is more modern, choose colors that enhance that particular style. But if it’s just your typical family home without any noteworthy architectural provenance, you are free to choose colors that match your personality and sense of style. It should be something that you like, and feel comfortable looking at every day.
Use bold colors wisely: For most people who doubt their stylishness, it would be best to stick to neutral colors. But if you are brave and daring, and you are sure you can pull it off, bold colors can add an unexpected twist to your decor.
Apex Window Werks is home and Commercial Window Repair Company with the headquarters in Chicago, IL. If you are looking for a reliable and experienced contractor to get the fog out of your windows, replace broken glass or repair rotten wood window frames, then AWW is your expedient choice. Feel free to give them a call to leave a message.
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When push comes to a shove and you have guests arriving in an hour, you better believe that you will turn into a superhuman and manage to clean your apartment in less than sixty minutes. Even if you won’t have the time to do a proper thorough cleanup, you can do a lot in an hour to make your home presentable, but you have to be efficient and light on your feet. Let’s get to it.
Spotless Living Room
You will need 10-15 minutes to get this area tidy and you should be as meticulous as possible without getting stuck on details. The first thing to do is to de-clutter quickly – clothing, trash, cosmetics, books, get it out of the way and into their rightful place. You don’t have to go back and forth, but organize stuff into different piles and then get them to their designated places as you move through the house. After that, straighten everything as much as possible, fluff the pillows, do a super quick round of dusting and use wet wipes to wipe your coffee table clean. Finally, get your vacuum cleaner out and run through the room, but do it for five minutes tops, you’ve still got other matters to attend to.
Next up – The Dining Room
If you plan on making dinner for your guest or just serving snacks, don’t neglect the dining room in your cleaning spree. If you’ve got a mountain of stuff on your dining table, the first priority is to remove it stat (this is also the time to throw away all the trash from the living room). Whip out a new tablecloth and make sure that chairs are straightened and free from any bags and clothes hanging from them (nobody is impressed by chairdrobes). Scan for dust and get it out of the way, vacuum the area super quickly and if you’ve got windows, wipe them clean with a coffee filter (just give it a try, it works). Get the glasses and plates, snacks, and drinks on the table and the dining room is prepped and guest-ready.
Now to the Kitchen
Chances are you’ve moved all the dirty dishes from the dining room and living room into the kitchen and now it’s time to pop them in the dishwasher. You don’t have to get them clean and arranged right away, though it might be a good idea to let the dishwasher do its magic while you’re cleaning around, that way, you’ll have more clean dishes at the ready. Stovetop and countertops should be in your focus – clean them as efficiently as possible without losing too much time. Then move to the sink, wipe it clean and you can also put a few slices of lemon into the garbage disposal, it will make the entire kitchen smell fresh and clean. Sweep the floors and if your trash can is full, take it outside, so that it doesn’t stink up your work.
Then We Have the Bathroom
This is one step you shouldn’t overlook since your guests will definitely need to use your bathroom eventually. Get to the toilet, spray it with a cleaner and let it sit while you’re busy with other things. Make your mirror spotless and do the same with any shelves you’ve got around it – wet wipes will do the trick here nicely. Tidy the shower curtain, wash the bathtub with hot water and rearrange the toiletries to look neat. If you’ve got a shower, wipe it clean with a rag or microfiber cloth. After that, get back to your toilet, scrub it quickly, flush, and voila, you’re done. Take the trash out too, get out clean hand towels and for a final touch, light an incense stick to make everything smell better.
Yes, you can clean your home in under an hour, and now you’ve got a system to work by. Honestly, sometimes it’s easier to hire a part-time cleaning lady than to scramble and clean when you’ve got someone coming over. There’s nothing wrong with getting some help when you’ve got a packed schedule and if you’re thinking about it, you can browse through your options at helpling.com.sg/maids to see if you find a suitable match. If not, we suggest finding time to clean a bit every day, it will be much easier to tackle chores one day at a time.
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Starting the process of tidying up and arranging your home might feel overwhelming, but it's incredibly rewarding.
A clean, organized space not only brings a sense of calmness but also sets the stage for enjoyable moments with loved ones.
This beginner's manual on cleaning and organizing equips you with the essentials to kickstart your journey towards a serene living environment.
So, let's get started with it.
Step - 1: Begin Your Journey with Something Small
Beginning with a small area can help alleviate the overwhelming feeling of cleaning and organizing your home. For example, starting in just one room or a tiny section within a room can reduce the stress associated with the task.
Once you've tidied up and organized that small space, it tends to inspire further progress.
It's like a chain reaction— as soon as you initiate the process, you'll often find the motivation to continue. The sense of accomplishment from cleaning that initial space acts as a catalyst, propelling you to tackle more cleaning and organizing tasks.
Step - 2: Declutter Your Rooms. All of Them!
Before diving into organizing, it's crucial to declutter thoroughly.
Start with a smaller space like your fridge. Empty its content, discarding expired or inedible items. Clean all of the surfaces using a damp cloth and your preferred all-purpose cleaner.
When clearing out various areas in your home, prioritize keeping only the things you truly need or cherish. If it's challenging to part with certain items, remember they might serve someone else while giving you more room at home.
Consider donating or selling belongings you no longer adore. Discard broken, incomplete, or heavily worn-out items. Items that are no longer in use—like old toys, baby gear, clothes, or furniture—can find new homes through donation or sale.
This decluttering not only creates space for other purposes but also makes it easier to access and appreciate the things you genuinely value and use.
Step 3: Get a Cleaning Caddy for Yourself
Before starting your home cleaning routine, it's helpful to prepare a portable cleaning kit that you can easily carry around.
You don't need a multitude of cleaners or tools—just include what you'll actually use. Your cleaning kit can be as simple as a bucket, plastic bin, canvas bag with handles, or any larger container that suits your convenience.
Whether store-bought or homemade, the key is to have a portable solution that suits your needs as you move from room to room.
Step 4: Keep the Surfaces Clean
After completing the decluttering process, it's crucial to tidy up the space before organizing. Quickly cleaning the area will impart a fresh feel, enhancing the likelihood of maintaining its cleanliness for an extended period.
Here are some cleaning tips that you might need…
Create a cleaning caddy for easy access to supplies.
Then clean from higher surfaces downward to catch falling debris as you progress.
Utilize a vacuum attachment to clear drawers, shelves, cabinets, or closets of any remaining debris.
Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe surfaces, ensuring thorough cleaning. Remove any items that don't belong in the cleaned area.
Step - 5: Organize Everything
The crucial element in home organization is to gather similar items together.
Whether it's your refrigerator, pantry, kitchen cabinets, bathroom, living room, kids' rooms, closets, or garage, arranging items of the same kind is essential for easy access and visibility. Scattered items make it difficult to locate what you need and can lead to clutter.
By grouping similar items, you create a clear system that helps in both finding items and guiding your family when it comes to tidying up.
I: How to Organize Your Kitchen?
It's beneficial to begin organizing your kitchen by focusing on a small area first, as this can inspire you to tackle other spaces. The kitchen often serves as the hub of a home and sees frequent use, making it a great starting point.
Once you've sorted out your kitchen, the task of taking care of the rest of your house becomes more manageable. A smart step in this process is to begin with your refrigerator. Streamlining your fridge organization can serve as a catalyst for organizing other areas.
II: Organizing Your Fridge
Arranging your refrigerator involves categorizing similar food items–together for better organization. With adjustable shelves and doors, along with additional bins, you can optimize the space quite easily. Clear plastic bins are particularly helpful as they allow easy visibility of their contents. They're convenient for accessing snacks, packing lunches, and planning meals.
Here are examples of foods that should be grouped together either in bins, on shelves, or in drawers for a more organized fridge...
Bagged fruits and vegetables
Cheeses and lunch meals
Fresh vegetables and fruits
Sauces and condiments
Salad dressings
III: Organizing the Other Parts of Your House
After you've sorted one area, take the same approach to the rest of your house.
Use the refrigerator organization tips as a template for each room: clear out unnecessary items, tidy up, and then arrange everything neatly.
Remember, the key is to tackle each room gradually to avoid feeling swamped, following the same method each time.
If there are any similar types of items available in your house, group them together.
Clean the area once you are done with the former step.
Get rid of anything and everything that you don't want to use.
Step 6: Disinfect the Surface Areas and Countertops
Clean the hard surfaces around your home thoroughly, including countertops, appliances, cabinets, doorknobs, light switches, TV remotes, and phones.
Disinfect surfaces that are commonly touched to reduce the spread of germs.
Create a natural disinfectant by combining one-fourth to half a cup of white or apple cider vinegar with one cup of water. They'll work like magic for you.
Make It a Group Activity
Collaborating as a team is a top-notch method for swiftly tidying up a house. Plan ahead with your family for a designated time and distribute specific chores among everyone.
Joining forces not only injects some enjoyment into the cleaning process but also ensures a sparkling home in no time.
You can also opt for a reputable cleaning service that can help you with the process. It can seem a little more expensive than usual, but it's much more sustainable per see.
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The global housing market is reportedly shifting. Now, some of the most luxurious homes around the world are being sold at a fraction of what they cost a few years ago.
While it may be the dawning of a worldwide seller's market, there are plenty of expensive homes exceeding the average buyer's price range.
Even if you can't fork over mega-millions for a mansion of your own, it's fun to imagine what it might be like to live in the world's most luxurious residences.
Amazing Abodes: 10 Stunning Homes Around the World
Read on for an inside peek at ten of the world's most stunning abodes!
1. Beverly House, Beverly Hills, California:
The Beverly House is within walking distance of the iconic Sunset Boulevard and has been in many major motion pictures. It appeared on-screen in major box-office hits, such as "The Godfather" and "The Bodyguard".
Designed by the famous architect, Gordon Kaufman, the Beverly House is on the market for a cool $135 million dollars. But, if you don't want to commit to a mortgage, you can rent the star-studded digs for a mere $600,000 dollars a month.
If you're looking to move out west, you could always sell your home to Otranto Real Estate. It won't get you $135 million, but it's a start, right?
2. Luxury Italian Villa, Otranto, Italy:
This luxury Italian villa has stood the test of time since its construction, which dates back to 1840. Perched on the coast, overlooking the sandy shores, and full of charming courtyards and gardens, this one-of-a-kind 16-room property is breathtaking, even in pictures.
It's currently for sale, but the price isn't open to the public. The price tag on this stunning display of Italian architecture is available by application only.
3. Buckingham Palace, London - One Of The Most Famous Homes Around The World:
It's easy to see why this royal beauty is fit for a queen.
As the home of Queen Elizabeth, there's no chance of buying this castle for yourself. But, you can visit and tour the castle's grounds. Buckingham Palace is open to the public during specific times throughout the year.
It's unlikely that you will get around to viewing all 775 rooms. But, many of the staterooms are available for viewing and they are every bit as glorious as you might imagine. In fact, every inch of Her Majesty's royal homestead is worth the price you will pay for admission to the royal grounds.
While you're there, make sure that you swing by Windsor Castle, which marks 900 years of royal architecture. If you want to see the actual home of the Queen, you will want to head to Edinburgh where you can visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Both are open to visitors all year.
4. Antilla, Mumbai, India:
The Antilla is a 27-story skyscraper that's owned by the fifth richest man in the world.
Mukesh Ambani, the world-famous billionaire, had the luxurious tower built for his own private use. His wife visited New York and fell in love with Asian interior design, causing him to design the tower for her.
Antilla is the world's largest and most extravagant residential property. The home cost the businessman around $2 billion dollars.
5. The Playboy Mansion, Beverly Hills, California:
It's not the original Playboy Mansion, which was in Chicago, but Hugh Hefner's final party house is bigger and better than the first.
Hefner, known for his partying lifestyle and hosting exclusive soirees, placed his mansion on the market for $200 million. However, the deal included a caveat that he would be able to use the address to party until he passed.
Eventually, the Playboy Mansion sold for half of the original asking price. The Greek millionaire who owns Hostess, the brand that makes Twinkies dessert cakes, bought the home.
6. Fleur de Lys Mansion, Los Angeles, California:
The former home of Mariah Carey recently sold for $102 million dollars, paid in cash by an anonymous buyer. Its spread includes 12 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms. There's also a 3,000 square foot wine cellar, tasting room, two-story library, expansive ballroom, swimming pool, tennis courts, and a spa.
The Fleur de Lys Mansion, built in 2002, modeled the French castle known as the Palace of Versaille, which had been the most decadent home of its time. The Palace of Versaille was the home of Marie Antoinette, who became famous for her narrow-minded extravagance.
Supposedly, a crowd of peasants once stood in arms outside of her palace complaining that they hadn't even a crumb of bread to eat. The wealthy Mademoiselle supposedly responded "Let them eat cake", even though we now know that isn't accurate.
The socialite's supposed response, absurd to those hearing it, has defined Antoinette as one of the most out of touch characters to ever grace the pages of history books.
The quote is still cited when referring to the overwhelming differences in thought between social classes.
7. Xanadu 2.0, Medina, Washington:
Owners Bill and Melinda Gates built their sprawling Washington home with many cutting-edge features. As the mastermind behind one of the century's most notable companies, Gates created the tucked away abode to match his tech-savvy image.
A few of the unique amenities of Xanadu 2.0 include an underwater music system, a separately-housed swimming pool, and a trampoline park with 20-foot ceilings.
The 66,000 square foot home has 24 bathrooms in all, 10 of which are full baths.
In addition, it also has 6 kitchens, male and female locker rooms, a sauna, and a 2,300 square foot reception hall. The reception hall has a wall-to-wall limestone fireplace and a massive video screen for entertaining. It can seat up to 150 people or accommodate up to 200 guests if standing.
Also interesting is the home's heating and light system. They are controllable using a pin-passcode that guests can set according to their personal preferences. The house's sheltered design aids in reducing energy usage and regulating temperatures.
Gates also houses his ancient Da Vinci manuscripts here, which he acquired in 1994 for over $30 million dollars at an auction. He can display additional artwork, stored on $150,000 worth of storage devices, via the $80,000 computer screens adorning the walls.
8. Acqua Liana, Florida:
This property's claim to fame is that it holds the title for the world's most luxurious eco-mansion.
The 15,000 square foot home boasts 7 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, a waterfall spa that's lit with fire, floating sun terraces, and an arched aquarium wet bar. It's almost hard to believe that such extravagant details could also be eco-friendly.
Still, for any doubters, there are plenty of "green" qualities throughout the luxurious homestead. Acqua Linea has superior air quality, $120,000 worth of solar panels, ultra-efficient appliances, and extra LEED features. This helps the eco-mansion to maintain an energy-neutral setting most days.
Its' designer created the home, not only to be sustainable living quarters but also as a work of art. His visits to exotic tropical locations such as Bali and the South American rainforests inspired him.
9. Palazzo Di Amore, Beverly Hills, California:
Jeff Greene, an LA real-estate mogul, owns the Palazzo Di Amore, which is Italian for "Castle of Love". He listed the home for $195 million dollars but has since lowered the asking price by at least $66 million.
The sprawling compound is an entertainment mecca. It features a rotating dance floor, laser light system, and a high-tech DJ booth. There's also a bowling alley, game room, theater, and parking space that can accommodate up to 150 cars at a time. The hard part is getting your friends to come over, it's getting them to leave!
10. Kensington Palace, London:
Valued at $222 million dollars, Kensington Palace sits on one of Britain's most exclusive streets, which also known as London's "Billionaire Row".
When the homeowner, Laski Mittal of India, purchased the 55,000 square foot palace for $128 million dollars, it was the most expensive address on the market. In addition to owning the famous mansion, Mittal also owns the world's largest steel manufacturing company.
Kensington Palace was once home to the de Rothschild family. It's located near the current home of Prince William and Duchess Kate Middleton.
Looking Into Buying a Mansion of Your Own?
If you're interested in purchasing one of the mansions above, you'll be happy to know that several of these properties are currently up for sale. But, there are also plenty of other homes around the world priced for much less in the event you aren't prepared to spend millions (or billions) of dollars.
But, before you invest in any type of real estate, there is some crucial information that you need to know.
Ready to start searching for your own dream home?
Check out this post for a list of essential things to know before buying a new house!
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