home design

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Improving the energy efficiency of your home is a clear and necessary consideration for many reasons. To begin with, energy prices are going up, and expected to rise a great deal in a short period. For this reason, adding some further efficiency in how we utilize that energy is key towards saving money from our monthly budget.

Furthermore, energy efficiency is environmentally friendly and good for our household. This can help you reduce your emissions and ensure that the energy you do use will be put to use as needed.

But how can you improve that efficiency? In this post, we’ll discuss this and more:

Better Insulation

Investing in your roofing and wall insulation can make a big difference, often lasting for up to and over a decade. This can help you retain the heat which will mean you need to use less of it to stay toasty and warm, without having to go without essential ventilation that can help a space stay fresh. You’ll also find that insulation comes into play via better implementation, such as well-installed new windows that are properly sealed and insulated with UPVC panelling as necessary.

7 Energy Saving Tips for Your Home in the UK

Standby Electronics

Electronics that switch to standby mode or turn off can save you a great deal of electricity draw each week. Setting plug sockets to turn off after a given amount of time, setting devices to do the same after a period of inactivity, and installing motion-sensitive lights that turn off should they not detect movement can also be key.

Bleeding Radiators

Bleeding radiators will help them become more energy efficient over time, including making that space easier to warm with less heating. The official guidance suggests bleeding them around twice a year, but if you really want to be efficient, once a season can be key (aside from the summer seasons when they’re less likely to be used, of course). 

Purchase high EPC-Rating Devices

You’ve likely seen the EPC rating symbol on electronic devices such as televisions or refrigerators, often rated on a graded number scale from A to G. It’s good, then, to purchase devices that are closer to the A than the G, which is often defined by power draw and energy efficiency, such as how much energy is converted into heat to perform its function. High EPC-rating devices can make a big difference should you combine a range of them in your household, potentially cutting out energy inefficiency by tens of percent.

Consider Timing & Convenience

You’ll likely find that timing and convenience works wonders when you wish to reduce your energy budget. Setting your heating to only come on in the winter mornings and an hour in the evenings, for instance, can give you a nice balance, while meal prepping all of your potential meals of the week via a large Sunday cooking session can also be useful. The more you do that, the better off you’ll be.

With this advice, you’re almost certain to improve the energy efficiency of your home going forward. We hope this helps you save money in the long term.

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Minimalist styles never go out of fashion; that’s because functionality and practicality are things that underpin all interior design; it’s just that minimalist homes are more focused and pared down. If the minimalist aesthetic is something that appeals to you, then follow the guide below and find out how to choose a minimalist color for your home, and how to repurpose furniture.  

Choose Minimalist Colors 

Creating a minimalist home is an art; you need to understand some theory and then put that theory into practice according to your own creative preferences. To create the perfect minimalist space, you need to strike a balance between the type of furniture you choose and the colors. 

When it comes to a minimalist color scheme, most people choose neutral colors that are bold and simple. These colors can be monochrome (a popular choice) or vibrant. The main thing to remember is that colors need to intentionally complement or contrast for a minimalist effect. 

Choose Minimalist Furniture 

When it comes to furniture, the minimalist aesthetic is teens towards simplicity and practicality. If you have conventional furniture in your home at the moment, it probably takes up a lot of space because its design has a different function. Think about replacing your furniture at Dreamo. 

If you want to create a minimalist home, think about paring down your living spaces with practical multifunctional furniture. This means pieces that are linear with curves and smooth lines; this furniture can also be used to save space, so sofas can be used indoors and outdoors.

Declutter Your Space 

One of the theories behind minimalism is the notion of living with less; everything in your home should serve a purpose or a function. If you’re new to minimalism, you will probably have lots of clutter in your home and your life, so it’s time to start thinking about the fundamental elements. 

Clutter starts to pile up in lofts, cupboards, and basements; it happens because you put things there you don’t need right away but might use at a later date. Unfortunately, many of these items aren’t used for many years; be ruthless, and give away anything that’s not been used recently.  

Repurpose Your Space 

Decluttering is one of the first (and arguably most enjoyable) ways to get started with minimalism. It gives you the chance to reflect on your lifestyle and make some changes to pare down your space and tidy things up. But when you are finished with de-cluttering, move on. 

The next task is to repurpose your space by looking at your furniture and deciding what to keep and what to donate to the charity store. When you are deciding what furniture to keep in your home, think about its purpose and look for items that can offer more than one possibility.  

Look for Consistency 

When you are designing your minimalist home, try to keep consistency in mind. One of the keys to a successful minimalist aesthetic is the combination and contrast of different materials and textures. So it’s not only the colors you need to think about; also consider ornaments and plants.

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There’s been this major shift in consumer behavior over the last couple of years. Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about the environment and are looking into ways to take action so they can help save mother Earth. This includes looking into ways to be far more aware of how they can help, what companies are doing, how to buy, how to better recycle, but also includes being energy-efficient at home as well. Since everyone is understanding that even the smallest of changes can make a massive difference if all of it’s combined, it’s helped consumers know that they can be a part of a good change.

Being a part of an eco-conscious change is great, there are so many perks to it. This can include knowing that you’re saving the world and that you’re making a difference, but it can go even further than that as well. Being eco-conscious means that you have a totally different perspective, something that was once trash can be upcycled. 

Another perk could include saving money. Sure, there is this idea that you need to be rich in order to be sustainable but truth be told that’s further from the case. Living a sustainable lifestyle and having a sustainable home can not only be incredibly cheap, but it can save you a lot of money each year.  Overall, just having a sustainable paradise at home can be a gamechanger for your whole household. 

Seal up the cracks

Not only is this going to help with cutting back on on air getting into the house, but this can help with preventing mould as well. If you know anything about mould then you know that it’s danger for your health but it’s also very dangerous to the structure of the house itself. Dampness is the breeding ground for mould. If your home has too much mould then you may need to seek assistance with a Housing Disrepair Claim. In general check to see if there are any cracks and leaks in your home. 

Consider more energy efficient appliances

There are plenty of appliances that can be swapped out for something a little more efficient. This can include checking out bathroom appliances such as low-flow toilets, showers, and sinks but it can go far beyond that as well. Did you know that your light bulbs could save you money? There are plenty of energy-efficient light bulbs on the market that can help you out. Even looking into appliances that were specifically meant to cut down on energy for your kitchen or laundry room can make a massive impact.

Embrace second hand

When it comes to living a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle, there’s this idea that you need to dispose of everything that you have and immediately make an eco-friendly swap. But that’s honestly further from the case. Being eco-friendly means detaching yourself from some consumerist tendencies, it means not buying as much. Minimalism still continues to be on the rise for many households but embracing second hand can go hand-in-hand with minimalism homes.   It also means when you need to buy second, try second hand first. This includes appliances as well.

A great way to avoid getting things thrown into the landfill would be to check the second-hand market first such as visiting flea markets, thrift shops, and even going on websites such as Craigslist, eBay, or even Facebook Marketplace. If you’re unable to find a second-hand version of the product you’re looking for, then you can buy it brand new.

Create your own little garden

Even modern apartments will have a space to do some gardening. Gardening is not only a great way to save on money, but improving that green thumb of yours can help offset your carbon footprint. Growing your own fruits and veggies means that you won’t have to go to a grocery store. Having a garden is wonderful for bees and other pollinators such as butterflies too. You can even create a makeshift garden right next to your window if you lack space outside. 

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The trend of being a minimalist has been going on for a few years now. While maximalism is slowly making waves again, there are plenty of households that have truly embraced minimalism and want to keep it around for life. Minimalism is the idea that you don’t have a lot of material, a lot of possessions to make you happy. 

This not only helps your wallet but this idea can also help your home stay clutter-free. Even the smallest changes to minimalism can have a huge impact on your home and mental health. So here are some of the biggest benefits to minimalism.

You’ll spend less money

When it comes to interior design, it’s slowly becoming similar to fast fashion. Trends are coming up almost weekly now of how trend followers should decorate their homes. That’s going to eventually get very expensive have to constantly spend money. Not just that, but also there is going to be a lot of clutter because of the sheer amount of items being purchased to fill in the spaces. Yes, self storage could be a great option. But in general, why buy items for your home if it’s only for the sake of a trend?

Less attachment to materials

There isn’t anything wrong with having attachments to material goods. There may be plenty of material goods in the home that have meaning to you as if they’re sentimental. This is something that’s completely okay too. What few items you do purchase for your home or bring into your home, you’re going to have a deeper appreciation for them. This alone will help you narrow it down on what you’ll plan to keep and what you’ll plan to depart with.

Less stress

Having too many items in your home is going to make you feel a bit claustrophobic. Not just that, but it’s going to keep you stressed out. This means that there are more items to clean, more items to watch over (and hope they don’t accidentally break), and fewer items to worry about moving when you’re dealing with a home renovation. In general, having fewer items in your home means that you’ll have to deal with less stress as well. This can be considered a very nice perk to the minimalist lifestyle.

Higher quality in your home

Since the minimalist lifestyle focuses more on spending less and having less, this gives you the chance to own less. Having fewer items means when you do spend your money, you’re going to want to invest in higher quality items for your space. Minimalism is all about quality over quantity. It’s about having fewer items so there can be higher quality items in the space. Minimalism does have its own distinct style in interior design but minimalism isn’t about the style itself as it’s a way of life too.

Fewer things to clean

One of the mental benefits (and benefits to time) would be the fact that having fewer items means there is going to be a lot less to clean up around your home. The less stuff you have around your home will also mean that the air quality in your home will improve as well. 

Children are the light of many of our lives. And they give many of us a new purpose. But there’s no escaping the fact that they can make some things more difficult. And home renovations can be one of those things. 

Home renovations are complex at the best of times. There’s dust everywhere, contractors coming in and out, and often, bathrooms and kitchens that are out of use for extended periods. So it’s no surprise that having little ones running around can add to the headache renovations bring about. 

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are 5 simple tips to help you survive a home renovation job, even with kids running around your feet. 

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1. Be Strategic

Making a plan for your renovation will help you overcome all the difficulties. Even if you do have kids around. If you’re renovating, you want to plan to get as many jobs done as you can while your house is already a mess. But you’ll have to get tactical about the order of the renovations you need to achieve. 

Many of the rooms in our home are working spaces. And that means that cutting one of them off for renovations can be incredibly disruptive for family life. So always try to have one working room available for family use. Doing the kitchen or bathrooms all at once will make your life difficult. Work on updating them in steps to keep the disruption to a minimum. 

2. Set Expectations

One of the most important things about making sure your home renovation goes smoothly for the whole family is to set clear expectations at the start. Things will get dirty, daily routines will change, and items won’t get put back in the same place. 

Explain the process to your kids before any work begins. Letting them know what disruptions they can expect will help them deal with any work that needs doing. If they know how they’ll be affected, then they’ll be able to take it in their stride. Showing them pictures of what the finished product might look like will help get them on board with the whole process. Getting them excited and keeping them that way helps them accept the renovations with ease. 

3. Organise Everything

Good organisation is key to getting anything done with kids around smoothly. Pack everything properly and label it, so you know exactly where everything is. Organisation can also help you identify places where you can easily cut costs on your home project. 

Start by decluttering your space and safely tucking away the kids’ toys well before you break ground on any renovations. Of course, anything that isn’t a necessity should be stored safely away to protect it from dust and harmful fumes. Especially when it comes to your kids’ belongings. But before you get rid of all their precious things, discuss why it’s happening with your little ones. 

Explaining why things are disappearing lets them know it’s not punishment and they will get them back. Participate in some clutter-free games and family game nights, so you still get to play as a family unit. Let them pick their favourite toy to stay with them during the renovations. You can even task them with looking after it and protecting it from the harmful dust and fumes home refreshes can create. 

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4. Include Them

Nothing makes home renovations with kids harder than not letting them in on the secret. When it comes to your bundles of joy, you can make life easier simply by making them a part of everything that goes on. Because it’s their home too. Knowing that there are exciting things to come positively affects them. And they’ll be more understanding of the mess and what’s expected of them during the process. 

Go the extra mile and let them have a say in the design of their shiny new home. It can be as simple as having them pick out their own bedding. But even the smallest gestures feel big to our kids. 

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5. Don’t Rush

Facing a home renovation with kids around is a stressful task. Even with all the best-laid plans and months of preparation. So you’ll be tempted to rush through the project thinking that it’ll cause less stress for you and your family. 

But you’ll have to stop and listen to your team of architects, contractors, and painters. Rushing them through their work will have them resent you and cut corners on the job. And cutting corners opens the door for mistakes. Which will have you fixing big jobs for years to come. So don’t cut corners. And most importantly, don’t rush. 

When you’re thinking about decorating your house, it can be hard to know where to start. You need to consider so many things when designing an interior space; from the color of paint on the walls, what type of furniture will go best in each room, and how much light you’ll need for reading—the list goes on. But don’t worry; there are lots of tips from designers who have seen hundreds of living spaces over their careers.

Here is some excellent advice from them that should help decorate your home a little less overwhelming.

Install Window Coverings

One of the first things anyone will notice when they walk into a room is the windows. Make sure that your window treatments, including curtains and drapes, match what you have already put in place for other items such as furniture and accessories. An excellent way to tie everything together within an area would be to use similar colors or fabric blinds for the windows. This will help you get a sun protection system and compliment the design of your home.

Add Texture to the Home

Adding texture to your home can be a great way to make it feel more inviting and comfortable. There are many ways to add texture, such as with rugs, furniture, wall art, and even curtains and drapes. When selecting the right textures for your home, avoid anything too busy or loud. Instead, opt for something with the subtle appeal, such as simple shapes and patterns in the design of rugs

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Add Some Big Statement Furniture Items

One way to add some personality to a room is by adding some oversized, statement furniture items. This could be a huge couch, an oversized chair, or even a bed frame with many characters. Something like this will make the room feel more lived-in and unique, which can be great for when you’re hosting guests.

The big statement furniture items may be expensive, but they also make the room feel more inviting and cozy.

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Add Some Flowers to Every Room

Flowers can add nice color to any room in your house or apartment, especially if you’re not doing much with paint colors. You don’t have to go all out either; just adding a couple of flowers to a room can make it feel more inviting and cozier.

Adding fresh cut ones every other week is also an easy way to keep the house smelling nice. However, one thing you should be aware of is that adding certain types of plants could damage your home or belongings because they’re poisonous if eaten by pets.

Use Decorative Bowls and Baskets

One easy way to add some personality and visual interest to your home’s interior design is by using decorative bowls and baskets. You can place these on tabletops, shelves, or even the floor. Choose a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to create a visually appealing display.

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Conclusion

Interior design is a fun and exciting hobby, but it can be daunting for people who have never done it before. Fortunately, interior design is not an all-or-nothing activity—you do not need to redecorate your entire home to get started with decorating completely. You need a few key pieces that will help you create the look of your dreams.

We all know a contemporary home when we see it. But describing precisely what makes it contemporary is a little more challenging. It’s not something we intellectualise – it’s something that we just know. 

However, sometimes, it’s helpful to put things down into words so that we understand why we view a particular design as contemporary. There are certain elements that set it apart from more traditional homes instantly. 

So-called “modern” home design stems from the 1950s immediately after WWII. That historical cataclysm was so great that it changed the way that people saw art and architecture. It spawned a host of new movements, many of which actually had their seed before the outbreak of war. 

Modern is not the same as contemporary. Modern refers to a specific period of design in the mid-20th century, while contemporary refers to what’s happening now. With that said, most contemporary design is an evolution of modernist tendencies. 

In this post, we take a look at some of the telltale design elements of a contemporary home. Check them out below.

Use Of Utilitarian Materials

After WWII, architects abandoned much of the opulence of the past. Instead, they focused more on creating utilitarian designs – things that would offer their owners practical benefits and long-term use value. 

Clad Roofing Supplies provides some examples of utilitarian materials for roofing. Things like sheet metal were sparingly used for this purpose in the past, but are now commonplace.

Flat Roofs

Contemporary homes also tend to have flatter roofs. They are the polar opposite of the type of rustic abodes that you find scattered throughout French country villages. 

The flatness is also supposed to be utilitarian. There isn’t much purpose for taller roofs, according to many contemporary architects. After all, water will still drain from even slightly angled roofs.

Flatness is also more expansive. Occupiers have a greater feeling of space when the roof is flat. Unfortunately, it makes loft conversions a challenge.

Minimalist Aesthetic

Contemporary designers are minimalists at heart. They reject the trappings of the material world and prefer to leave embellishments to the occupier’s imagination.
The minimalist philosophy believes that less is more. Less is actually less, but it is what the mind makes of it that counts. When people have less to worry about in the external world, they may feel more at peace in themselves.

Unusual Shape

You’ll also notice that contemporary homes aren’t afraid of adopting somewhat unusual shapes. Their design diverges from traditional formats in an attempt to rethink living and improve layout. Many contemporary homes are single-story, with only a small loft room in the centre of the home where the roof pitches high enough

Large Windows

Lastly, you’ll notice that contemporary homes tend to have large windows. They attempt to make a bridge between the indoor and outdoor worlds. Architects want to bring occupants closer to their surroundings.
Large windows usually feature as picture windows in the living room and kitchen-diner. They are also common on the upper floors if the contemporary house has them.