Home Improvement Archives - With love from Lou

Elevate Your Bathroom Experience: Choosing the Perfect Shower Tray for 2024

15/01/2024 by Louise Leave a Comment

Are you tired of outdated bathroom fixtures and ready to bring your space into the modern era? The shower trays you choose can make a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your bathroom. But with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for you? By considering factors like material, size, and installation, you can make an informed decision that will elevate your daily routine.

Let’s explore the latest trends and features that will transform your shower experience in 2024.

LATEST SHOWER TRAY TRENDS

Discover the latest trends in shower trays, from innovative materials to sleek, modern designs that elevate your bathroom experience.

Embrace the trend of low-profile shower trays, which offer a minimalist and contemporary look while also providing easy accessibility. The ultra-slim shower trays are gaining popularity for their seamless integration with the bathroom floor, creating a sleek and sophisticated appeal.

Another trend to consider is the slate effect shower tray, bringing the natural and earthy texture of slate into your shower space for a modern yet organic feel.

When it comes to safety and functionality, the anti-slip shower tray is a must-have trend. It offers peace of mind and reduces the risk of slips and falls in the shower, making it ideal for all ages.

Stay ahead of the curve by incorporating these latest shower tray trends into your bathroom design, ensuring a stylish and practical shower experience.

MATERIAL OPTIONS FOR SHOWER TRAYS

When selecting a shower tray, the variety of materials available allows you to tailor the look and functionality to suit your bathroom design and practical needs.

For a sleek and modern appeal, consider acrylic or acrylic-capped stone resin options. These materials are lightweight and durable and come in a range of colours to complement your design aesthetic.

If you prefer a luxurious feel, natural stone resin and gel-coated stone resin trays offer an elegant touch, bringing a spa-like atmosphere to your shower space.

For a rectangle shower tray, natural stone resin provides a solid and substantial foundation, while an offset quadrant shower tray benefits from the durability and easy maintenance of acrylic-capped stone resin.

A square shower tray can be elevated with the sophisticated appeal of gel-coated stone resin. In contrast, a quadrant shower tray may be best suited to the sleek and versatile qualities of acrylic.

Each material option offers unique benefits, allowing you to create a shower space that not only looks stunning but also functions seamlessly.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SHAPE AND SIZE

Consider the spatial constraints and design aesthetics of your bathroom when selecting the size and shape of your shower tray. The shape of your shower tray can complement the overall style of your bathroom.

For a compact space, a square or rectangular tray might be the best fit, while a quadrant or offset quadrant shape can maximize space in a corner. If you’re aiming for a more luxurious feel, a D-shaped or pentagon tray can add an elegant touch.

Additionally, the height of the tray is another factor to consider. A standard raised tray can create a defined shower area, while a low-profile or wet room option can provide a seamless and accessible shower experience.

Be mindful of the dimensions of your bathroom and the placement of other fixtures when choosing the size of your shower tray. Ultimately, the right size and shape won’t only enhance the functionality of your shower but also elevate the overall ambience of your bathroom.

INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE CONSIDERATIONS

To ensure a seamless installation and easy maintenance of your chosen shower tray, carefully review the compatibility of the tray with your bathroom layout and plumbing configuration.

Before installation, ensure that the shower tray is suitable for the type of flooring in your bathroom. Low-profile trays are ideal for easy access and a minimalist look, while wet room formers provide a seamless and accessible shower experience.

Consider the material of the shower tray as well. Acrylic, ABS, gel-coated stone resin, and natural stone resin are standard options, each with its own maintenance requirements. Additionally, opt for anti-slip trays to enhance safety and consider whether upstands are necessary to prevent water leakage.

When it comes to maintenance, choose a shower tray that’s easy to clean and resistant to stains and scratches.

Lastly, ensure that the chosen shower tray is of the right size for your bathroom space, and consider any additional features, such as cut-to-size options or coloured trays, that complement your bathroom’s aesthetic.

ENHANCING STYLE AND FUNCTIONALITY

As you enhance the style and functionality of your shower space, consider how the seamless installation and material choice of your shower tray contribute to the overall aesthetic and maintenance ease.

Opting for a low-profile tray can create a sleek, modern look while also ensuring easy accessibility. Natural stone resin trays offer a luxurious feel and exceptional durability, elevating the visual appeal of your bathroom. Additionally, the anti-slip feature provides added safety without compromising on style.

Upstands or no upstands are another design consideration that can impact both the look and functionality of your shower space. Choosing a coloured shower tray can also be a bold style statement, adding a pop of personality to the room.

It’s essential to select a size that fits your space perfectly, ensuring that the shower tray complements the overall layout.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What Are the Environmental Impact Considerations When Choosing a Shower Tray Material?

When choosing a shower tray material, consider the environmental impact. Opt for eco-friendly options like natural stone resin or gel-coated stone resin. These materials are durable and sustainable, helping minimise your bathroom’s ecological footprint.

Are There Any New Technology or Innovation Trends in Shower Tray Design for 2024?

In 2024, new tech and innovation trends in shower tray design include smart drainage systems for easy maintenance and digital controls for personalized shower experiences. These advancements elevate your bathroom with convenience and luxury.

Can Shower Trays Be Customised to Fit Specific Designs or Space Requirements?

Yes, shower trays can be customized to fit specific design or space requirements. You can choose from various shapes, heights, materials, and features to create a shower tray that perfectly suits your needs and preferences.

How Can I Ensure That the Installation of My Shower Tray Is Done Correctly to Prevent Leaks and Water Damage?

To ensure the correct installation of your shower tray, start by carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a high-quality sealant for waterproofing and ensure the tray is level to prevent leaks and water damage.

Are There Any Special Maintenance Tips for Different Types of Shower Tray Materials?

For acrylic trays, use mild soap and water. For stone resin, avoid abrasive cleaners. Gel-coated stone resin needs gentle care. ABS can handle more vigorous cleaning. Regularly clean and maintain to preserve the quality.

CONCLUSION

Get ready to elevate your shower experience in 2024 with the perfect shower tray.

From sleek and low-profile options to customisable sizes and anti-slip surfaces, there are endless possibilities to create your dream shower space.

Consider the latest trends, material options, and installation considerations to enhance both style and functionality.

With the right shower tray, you can transform your bathroom into a luxurious oasis that meets your specific needs and aesthetic preferences.

What’s your favourite shower tray trend for 2024?
Be sure to let me know in the comments below. With love from Lou Signature Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram | Pinterest

Collaborative Post

Home Improvement Projects: 5 Top Tips on How To Transform Your Home on A Budget

30/08/2019 by Louise Leave a Comment

Home improvement on a slimline budget can feel like a daunting task. Aspiration and funds can frequently come to blows, particularly when you have high standards. However, having a tight budget shouldn’t stop you from renovating your home at all; it’s just a case of deciding where to put your money. It may take a bit more planning and estimation, but the pay-off will be worth it when you have a newly-spruced home.

Estimate the total cost

If you are working with limited funds, it is important to preserve the money that you do have. You will need to make a list first, which should include the following:

What your total budget is
Do you have any wiggle room? How much money do you have to spare if something goes wrong?
What you want to achieve
How many rooms you want to transform
Cost of materials and appliances

This may seem like an intimidating list to work through, but by approaching it one step at a time, you will be able to plan your project accordingly. Helpful websites such as Moderniser provide information on what to expect, as well as handy estimates on job costs.

What can be saved?

Here’s where you need to make the most of your budgeting skills. What can you realistically scrimp on? Or more importantly: what are you fully prepared to save on? Do you really need the most luxurious brand of egg-shell blue paint?

Assess your possessions

Before you turn in your old pieces of furniture to a second-hand shop, have a think about what you can save and what could be up-cycled. Taking a look at your current possessions and thinking about what you could do with them to spice up the appearance of your room could save you plenty of money. Either stripping wooden pieces back and re-varnishing and painting, or simply just moving them around, could have a profound effect on the style of a room.

New lighting

The lighting in your home should be the secret weapon to a quick and easy transformation. How you shape and use the light in each room can be incredibly powerful when it comes to changing how each room feels. Using metallic and reflective lampshades is a great way to add more light to a small and dark room.

Keep it simple

Sometimes, the best transformations are made by simple decisions. If you have a living room that has an old carpet, an old sofa and is full of clutter, then your best bet is to remove all of these tired features. Stripping a room to its basics and giving it a fresh lick of paint could be just what it needed.

Transforming a home on a budget is about being realistic and ambitious. Don’t be afraid to pull out old features that make it feel dated, and always try to get the most bang for your buck. However, don’t neglect what you already have; that coffee table in the corner of your living room could become a proud centrepiece.

Do you have any other top tips on how to transform your home on a budget?
If so, be sure you let me know in the comments below.
With love from Lou Signature Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram | Pinterest

Collaborative Post

Clever Ways To Update Your Kitchen On A Budget

28/11/2018 by Louise 7 Comments

The kitchen is one of the most used rooms in the home. It is the place where our families congregate to cook, eat and chat about their day. If your kitchen has seen a few too many spillages, it may be time to give it a much-deserved revamp. But what if a full kitchen renovation isn’t in your budget? Here are some clever ways to refresh your kitchen on a budget this winter.

Go Bold With Your Blinds

Replacing old, drab blinds with bold and bright ones will give your space a new lease of life. With many chic options to suit any style, companies like Direct Blinds are a great place to start. For kitchens, they offer a range of moisture resistant and waterproof materials such as PVC Vinyl. These options are much more durable than traditional materials and will survive any spills and splashes – perfect for the kitchen! Go for a light and bright colour or pattern to transform your kitchen from dull to dazzling.

Re-Paint to Refresh

If ripping out your old cabinets and replacing with new is not within budget, have no fear, a lick of paint goes a long way! Dark coloured cabinets can make a kitchen feel a lot darker and smaller than it really is. Re-painting your cupboards in a light and bright colour will completely transform your space, making it feel bigger and more modern. Choose a contemporary colour – creams and neutrals are usually a great option as they work with any colour scheme. This is an easy task which you can do yourself, so you won’t have to splash any cash on a handyman!

Let There Be Light

If your kitchen feels dull and drab, simply adding more light will make all the difference, especially during the dark winter months. If your ceiling light is small with only one bulb, replace it with a larger light fitting with multiple bulbs that push light into all corners of the room. Avoid fixtures with lamp shades, as they block a lot of the light and only concentrate on one area. Go for fixtures with glass or wire instead, to let as much light into the room as possible. Triple pendant lights are really on trend now and are a great way to spread light throughout your space. You could always add a floor lamp too if you have a dark corner – the lighter the better!

Using these clever tips and tricks will completely refresh your kitchen, without breaking the bank.
What do you guys think of them? Let me know in the comments below.
Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram | Pinterest

3 Ways To Bring Your Skirting Boards Into The 21st Century

12/10/2018 by Louise 17 Comments

When it comes to cutting-edge interior design, one of the absolute last things that will probably spring to mind is skirting boards. In my mind skirting boards are rather boring and a bit of a non-entity. I rarely ever notice them and can’t say I’ve even thought about them that much.

They briefly crossed my mind a couple of years ago when I noticed that the ones in our living room looked like they’d seen better days. You guys know how it is – layer upon layer of gloss paint sitting on them. Not very attractive at all. I happened to mention to Nathan that I’d like to replace them. But he said if we did we’d be running the risk of ripping the plaster off the wall and ending up with a much bigger job on our hands. And that was the last time I gave them a second thought. Until now, that is.

You see, I’ve been noticing a bit of a new trend when it comes to skirting boards recently. They’re not boring anymore. We’re used to seeing skirting boards similar to those in the picture above, aren’t we? Skirting boards painted with pristine white gloss no matter what colour the wall is.

Have you ever been into a home that doesn’t have white or, at a push, natural wood coloured skirting boards? I know I haven’t. But in the last year or two, I’ve been noticing a change of approach in the way that interior designers and paint companies are treating the humble skirting board. And today I thought I’d talk about 3 of these approaches so you can get an idea of how you can bring your own skirting boards into the 21st century.

01. HAVE THE SKIRTING BOARDS THE SAME COLOUR AS THE WALL

It’s a lot more common nowadays to see the skirting boards, doors and door frames all painted the same colour as the walls. And there’s a good reason for this! Having the same colour all the way down from the ceiling to the floor creates a strong, clean look and generates a sense of calm in a room. This approach works well in a small space as the absence of a clearly defined outline around the room really exaggerates its size, making it look much bigger than it is.

02. HAVE THE SKIRTING BOARDS A DARKER COLOUR THAN THE WALL

For a bold, striking look you could try painting the skirting board a much darker shade than the walls, just like in the picture above. The use of a dark colour on skirting boards not only makes the walls appear lighter in contrast, but it also creates a strong contemporary aesthetic, making everything above it feel elongated and brighter. I would like to try something like this in my own home.

03. PAINT THE SKIRTING BOARDS TWO DIFFERENT COLOURS

And, finally, I just had to talk about this brilliant idea featured in the image above, where the skirting board has been given an awesome 3D effect by being painted in both black and grey. I think it looks really effective. Especially alongside the pop of colour from the yellow stair risers. Not only does it immediately grab your attention, but it also reduces the risk of tripping or falling on the stairs. Brilliant!

So there you have it, we may only ever see white gloss skirting boards, but there is a whole world of exciting design options out there just waiting to be explored. Next time you decide to replace your skirting boards don’t just opt for brilliant white. Stop and think for a minute. Decide what you’d like to achieve with your skirting and consider all your options. Maybe, just maybe, I’ve convinced you to be a little bolder with your choices and go for something a little braver?

Let me know in the comments below if you’d be willing to give coloured skirting boards a try at home.
If so, which approach would you go for?
Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram | Pinterest

To DIY or Not to DIY? When to Call a Pro for Home Improvements

10/10/2018 by Louise 1 Comment

Building, designing and decorating living space is every homemaker’s favorite hobby. Most people take personal interest in deciding how their homes should look like, what kind of draping and upholstery they want, what should be the color theme of the walls and how well-lit or dimly lit their bedrooms should be. Unfortunately, everything ages with time and so do your home structures and fixtures. Over a period, your home may require to undergo full or partial home improvement. A window hinge might need some fixing, your roofing might need some renovation, and your walls might need a repaint.

There was a time when people used to rely on professionals for all kinds of home improvements and restorations. However, thanks to the internet, craft boards on Pinterest, and crafting blogs and DIY tutorials have triggered the DIY trend. Anyone who has the slightest bit for arts and crafts prefer going for a DIY home improvement project rather than calling in a Pro. One, it’s fun and therapeutic plus it gives a sense of achievement when you cherish something that you created yourself, and two it saves up on the costs. However, no matter how tempted you are to DIY your home restoration projects, they are not always a good idea, and at times you do need to rely on a professional. Here are a few points that will help you decide if a professional service or need or not.

Do You Know The Requirements?

The DIY tutorial that you just bookmarked on the Pinterest board might tell you about what you need to pull off a DIY restoration but there are still a lot of technical specs involved, and some decisions need to be altered according to the situation. This is something the online tutorials will rarely tell you, and you should only go ahead if you feel you have the required information. For example, you might be tempted to repaint a wall by following a “How to repaint a wall” tutorial. However, do you know how much paint will you need? Do you know that there could be different paint requirements for indoor and outdoor walls depending on the conditions they are explored to? Do you remember hot choose the right paint and which one is the most suitable for your walls? If you do not know all that, better leave it to those who know the job.

The Time and Energy

Let’s assume that you do have all kind of skills, knowledge, and tools that are possibly required for the home improvement project that you want to work on. However, every restoration process needs you to invest time and energy. You might have work deadlines to meet, meetings to attend, children to tend to and meals to prepare. With all that on your plate, do you think you will be able to take out enough time and will you have the stamina to DIY a time-consuming home improvement projects?

Licenses and Permits

While minor home improvements can still be made on your own if you are planning to work with something that involves structural work such as installing a chimney, or restoring the roofing, know that there are a lot of safety issues involved. At such times, taking the help of a professional team is what you should consider. You can go through this website to get an idea of how professional companies assist when it comes to home improvement.

Do you call a pro when you have any home improvements to be done? Or do you do them yourself?
Let me know in the comments below.
Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram | Pinterest

Getting More Use Out Of Your Attic

26/03/2018 by Louise 18 Comments

When it comes to living inside a house, there’s a lot of space that can go a-wasting. But it shouldn’t! We’ve looked at how easy it is to get the coziest bedroom ever, let’s apply the same principle to the rest of the house! Let’s stay on the top floor for the time being, and focus on the little thought of area known as the attic. Here’s some tips on how you can get some more use out of it!

Clear Out the Junk

Your attic is going to be the most likely place you store everything you don’t need, and where you keep all of your momentos from times gone by. However, not everything needs to be kept! If you don’t get any kind of use out of some of the objects up there anymore, it’s time to clear them out.

Either you can take them to be donated, sell them off if they’re in good enough condition, or simply throw them away. The latter option is always the easiest, and if you just can’t stand the condition your attic is in anymore, it’s the best one to sate your frustration. But if you’re too attached to what you have stored away, it’s time to make some compromises; or simply get someone else to do it for you! When it comes to clearing the items away for good, you could consider convenient options like local dumpster delivery and pick up to make the process hassle-free.

When clearing out the attic, you may find you have unwanted guests such as squirrels. In this instance, you should consider squirrel attic removal to ensure your new space remains comfortable and critter-free.

Make it Livable

Now that you’ve cleaned out some space in your attic, it’s time to turn it into the nicest room in the house. The place you can retreat to when you need some time alone, to relax or to work, or to soak up the sun that comes in from the skylight you had installed years ago but never used.

Before you start structural work, think about how people will reach and move between floors – a compact, durable access solution can make everyday use far easier. For many loft conversions and storage-focused attics, fitted retractable ladders mounted on a sturdy headboard provide safe, space-saving access without sacrificing ceiling height. For example, Surespan’s ZIP retractable ladder systems are designed to be installed on an 18mm blockwood headboard with customizable tread sizes, offering a practical compromise between permanent stairs and flimsy pull-down steps. Choosing a built-for-purpose ladder improves safety for regular access and keeps the room feeling uncluttered.

You might need to undergo a attic conversion, but sometimes we don’t have the time or money for that. So instead, make do with some cheaper additions. There’s a good chance you’ve got exposed wires; you can install an easy access panel to make this a safer room for everyone, whilst still being able to access any building services stored up there when you need to. Thankfully, Access Panels Next Day Delivery exists out there, and you can soon have your lofty aspirations well underway!

In your journey to transform your attic into a liveable space, don’t forget to consider installing a new loft hatch for easy access and ventilation throughout the area. You can check out an array of loft hatches here to give you some inspiration.

Keeping it Tidy

Now that you’ve got your new room, and it’s just starting to look cozy, make sure it stays that way! You still need to use this extra space for the excess storage you can’t keep in your bedroom, and that means you’re going to need some shelves.

Buy some easy assemble ones and place them against the back wall. Line up all your possessions on those, to keep them organized and out of the way. It also means the storage doesn’t detract from the rest of the room.Sometimes it just takes a bit of elbow grease to find an easy solution for your home decor dreams. Hopefully you can implement some more space in your house with these tips, as well as holding onto the objects you love the most.

Do you have any other tips for getting more use out of your attic?
Why not let us know in the comments below.
With love from Lou Signature Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram | Pinterest

Summer House Ideas for the Family

25/02/2018 by Louise Leave a Comment

The summer is a time for rest and relaxation, and if you have a summer house in the garden, this provides a perfect platform for relaxing outdoor activities, and with a level of independence from the main property, your stand-alone summer house can host a range of activities, including weekend sleepovers. Families often spend time and money on traveling to a nice natural area, setting out the blanket and picnic basket, and enjoying the sun, and while this is very enjoyable, you could do it at home in sheer luxury if you had your own. If you are looking to purchase a sunroom you can take a look at https://www.scottsofthrapston.co.uk/sunrooms/ for some inspiration.

Year Round Use

Perhaps the term “summer house” is not a true reflection of this versatile stand-alone structure, and with some double glazing and good roof insulation, you can use your summer house for most of the year. It might be the perfect place for the kids to study for their A-Levels, or you might run your small business from the summer house, and whenever you have an overnight guest, the perfect accommodation awaits. If you are looking for an established supplier, the garden summerhouse supplier 1st Choice Leisure Buildings have a wide range of quality units at affordable prices, and they even have a free installation service.

It’s All In The Design

The style and size of your summer house should very much depend on what you want to do with it. Larger units have sleeping quarters, and all have an outdoor decking area, which is essential for those hot summer days. Roofing can be flat or gabled, depending on the customer’s preference, and if you deal with an established supplier, you can be sure of the quality of the materials and the workmanship. If you would like some further reading on the benefits of good room design, there are several informative articles that highlight the principles.

Weekend Parties

Summer is here and you love to spend the evenings in the company of good friends, and with your very own summer house, you can entertain and have everything you need on tap. Weekends are a time for relaxing, and there isn’t a more serene setting than your own garden, where you do not have to face the rigours of the outside world. A few steaks on the BBQ and some beer in the cooler, and the weekends will be the ideal recharging of the batteries, ready for another gruelling week at work.

Purchasing a summer house is indeed a wise investment, when you consider how many years of enjoyment it will give you and your family, and by choosing a suitable design, you will soon have your own little oasis where you can really lay back and enjoy the summer in style. If you would like to explore the possibilities, an online search will land you on the website of an established summer house supplier, and with their extensive range, they are sure to have the idea unit.

Have you guys ever thought about getting a summer house?
Let me know in the comments below!
Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram | Pinterest

Home Improvements It’s Worth Spending More On

21/12/2017 by Louise 29 Comments

Home improvements can get ridiculously expensive, especially if you’ve got a lot of rooms you want to change or structural improvements that you can’t afford to leave. Sometimes, there is a lot you can save money on. You can repaint a wall to brighten up a whole room, add lighting to change the mood or change your accessories and soft furnishings instead of decorating to change the atmosphere of a room.

But, sometimes it’s worth spending a little extra for a job that’s lasting and well done. In some areas spending a little more can ensure that your home is safe, comfortable and well protected from the elements. It can also look much better, last a lot longer and even increase the value of your home. Here are a few of the areas that you can’t afford to scrimp on.

Windows

You don’t necessarily need to get fancy frames or spend a fortune on the best windows on the market when shopping for replacement windows near me. But, your windows are an essential part of your home, and it’s worth spending money on windows that you trust if they need replacing. Your windows get constantly battered by the elements, and your home can lose 35% of its heat straight out of the windows. Even more, if they are damaged or the seals aren’t working at their best. So it’s an important thing that’s worth getting right.

Flooring

Cheap carpets fade, wear through, stain, become uncomfortable on your feet and fail to insulate a room. Good quality flooring looks fantastic, lasts years, keep heat in and sound out and give you, without doubt, the best feeling in the world when you put your feet on it first thing in the morning when you get out of bed, or when you first take your shoes off after a long day at work. Whether you prefer a modern laminate or a cosy carpet, contact Factory Direct Flooring for advice on how to get the job done right.

Insulation

Loft insulation can be a large expense, but, over the time you live in your house it could save you a fortune on heating. 25% of your homes heat leaves through the roof and another 35% through the walls. Most modern homes are now built with great insulation. But, if your home is older it is worth spending a little to install loft and cavity wall insulation to keep your home warm. If your attic is accessible by a fixed staircase, you may be eligible for an insulation grant to help with the costs, so it’s definitely worth doing.

Heating

Often, our boilers work great all summer, then as soon as they start getting a lot more use, they die. Leaving us without heating and hot water as we head into the coldest days of the year. Boilers can expensive, but you can spend money before they breakdown to reduce the risk. Install a smart heating system, to make sure it’s as efficient as possible. Get the boiler insured, and make sure you have it serviced at the end of summer every year to keep it in good working order and pick up on any issues before they become more serious.

What home improvements do you guys think it’s worth spending more on?
Let me know in the comments below.
With love from Lou Signature Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram | Pinterest

Equip Your Home With a Fantastic Home Cinema Setup

28/09/2017 by Louise Leave a Comment

At this point, we’ve probably all seen some sort of fancy entertainment or tech-related setups such as a home cinema with a sound system and a huge television, or a spotless and organised desk with the most hi-tech PC riddled with LEDs and pulsating lights that you can imagine. Be it online or in person, at a friends house or you just happened to scroll by it on your social network feed, chances are you’ve seen one that you liked and probably considered setting one up for yourself

Now the few of you who actually went ahead with the idea are probably reading this very post on their huge 8K television with your laptop plugged into the HDMI port with your wireless mouse and keyboard on your designated mouse and keyboard table, the rest of the people reading are either not tech savvy enough or just too lazy to make the jump, because let’s be honest with ourselves, who doesn’t want a home cinema in their living room?

Getting Started

With the world of television advancing so rapidly in the past years, it’s hard to keep up with all the different types. Smart Tvs, 4K TVs, LED, OLED, HDR, with all these acronyms it’s not easy to just pick one unless you just take a salesman’s word for it or trust a review from someone you don’t know.

The first thing you want to consider when setting up your brand new Home Cinema is how much space you have. The television’s size will most probably be determined by the amount of space you have available. In this day and age, you should ideally go for a 4K television as HD is slowly being replaced by higher resolution screens, 4K will most likely be the standard in the near future when it comes to home television sets. As for the actual size itself it would depend entirely on the amount of space you have available. The typical size that most consumers are happy with tends to be between 55 and 65 inches.

Current Technologies

Curved screens are all the rage nowadays. While they look sleek and modern, they are nothing but a fad that will most probably go away soon. They don’t improve image quality at all—it is literally just a curved display. OLED TVs however, are just plain better technology than LED TVs and if you have the money to spare they are definitely worth it. The colours are more vibrant and the image tends to look a lot sharper. To finish it off, get a semi-expensive speaker set that is within your budget. Look for 5.1 surround speakers from a well-known brand with decent reviews and you should be fine.

The Finishing Touches

To finish it all off, your home cinema setup requires a complementary piece of furniture: a stand to house your television, the speaker system, Blu Ray and DVD player, your consoles and whatever else you might have. Looking for a new TV stand? Pick one that’s the right height for your room and fits the decor, but set a budget first. If you don’t know where to start looking, then do some research on the internet to look at different designs that will help you decide on your perfect TV stand as well as the amount of money you should consider spending on one.

Hopefully, this guide has given you some insight into how you can create your own home cinema setup. Don’t be afraid to splash out for this, because it’s everyone’s dream come true to have their own personal cinema setup.

Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram | Pinterest

How To Increase The Value Of Your Property Before Putting It On The Market

26/09/2017 by Louise 1 Comment

In this day and age, getting on the property ladder is a tough task for many people. However, keeping your foot on that ladder can be just as challenging when it comes to selling your home, unless you opt for a quick sale with buyers such as those at https://webuyhousesinatlanta.com/sandy-springs/. This can enable you to sell your home in any condition, with no closing fees. However, traditionally selling can take time. This can be due to repairs that need doing, or the competition on the market at the time being more appealing than your home. In this article are a few ways of how you can increase the value of your property before putting it on the market.

Solar Panels

We’ve all heard of the benefits of having solar panels installed into our homes. They are environmentally friendly panels that sit on the roof of your home. They generate power to then use in your house by absorbing the sunlight and turning it into electricity which in turn; reduces power bills by a lot of money. Many customers of solar panel companies comment saying that in the summer they barely pay anything for energy bills because the wonderful weather has generated enough for them to live on.

The fact that they reduce energy bills allows them to add massive amounts onto the value of properties. Getting them installed might be pricey, but they pay for themselves within a year. Definitely worth thinking about making the investment into your property before selling it.

Windows

It’s likely that over time your windows and doors have become worn and old through weather. Or, you simply might have never had them replaced due to them being fine for your needs. Whichever your situation is, consider replacing your windows and doors to add value to the property of your home. While they may not massively change the look of your home, they will add benefits like the heat being able to stay inside, and in the hotter months they will help keep the heat out so your home stays nice and cool.

Showing prospective buyers around your home and mentioning that the windows are brand new will also show them that the expense of replacing windows and doors is off the cards for many years; therefore you will be able to add a substantial amount to your asking price.

Garden

One thing that many people look for when they are buying a house, is the size of the garden and also the condition that it is in. If you’ve never taken the time to do anything special to your garden, not to worry. There are many easy ways of sprucing up your garden so that it’s more appealing to potential buyers.

Doing up your garden so that the new owners of the property won’t have much work to do when they move in will also give space to add value to your home. You may want to contact some local environmental consulting firms before you start, to ensure that everything you want to do maintains an appropriate measure of compliance with environmental regulations.

And what’s more, while you’re in the process of selling you can enjoy the work that you’ve put into your home, especially if the weather is nice enough to sit out!

Decor

Even though many people would love to buy a home that’s perfectly decorated, it’s unlikely that they will ever find a home that’s perfect for them. The best way to approach this is to keep the colors neutral throughout your home so that when people come to view it, they can see it as a ‘blank canvas’ for them to turn it into their own living space when they move in. If your home is already nicely decorated, then of course leave it as it is, but if it’s in need of a spruce up then consider sticking to neutral colors.

A good idea to keep the value of your home high, is to put down flooring that is hardwearing, yet still looks good.

Miscellaneous

There are often other small improvements that you could make, so that your asking price remains high. Try to do as many of these repairs as possible:

Mold or damp on the walls
Uneven walls or holes in walls
Dented cupboards
Squeaky doors
Dodgy switches
Make sure your electrics are working correctly
Make sure every room has a light bulb
Keep the house as clean as possible
De-clutter before viewings happen

Even though the thought of making all of these changes to your home might seem expensive and like a lot of effort, the improvements that you make will be worth it in the long run so that you can make as much money from your property as possible, and start thinking about your next dream home. Good luck with your move!

Do you have any other tips for increasing the value of your home before putting it on the market?
Why not let me know in the comments below.
Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram | Pinterest