Our New Kitchen Porch
Finally took the photos and videos for this post and I can’t wait to share it because it changed our house in such a major way. Introducing… the area that we affectionately call our kitchen porch. Aka: the grillin’ spot with all the greenery.
grill | outdoor table | outdoor stacking chairs | large white planter
If you followed along on Instagram Stories for the last few months, essentially this side porch always existed, but after we closed off doors number 7 and 8 from our bedroom which led out here (yes our bedroom had 8 exterior doors & still has 6 of them – more on that here), it was just a floating porch without any door leading to it. Here’s an old photo to show you what we essentially were starting with (this is after the exterior stairs came down from the upper deck, but before we painted the house, got new railings, etc, etc).
Continue reading Our New Kitchen Porch at Young House Love.
Contemporary Electric Fireplaces
Yesterday as I was adding a touch of festive decor to my studio while the fireplace was on and I was reminded of how much I love the one in my small sitting space.
It will be my third winter with this one and it is so great for warming up this room on colder days. This electric fireplace I bought two years ago is still available but in a lighter color wood and also in white.
You can always build a frame and mantel to create a more built in style, there are a lot of tutorial online from people who’ve done it. But if you’re not feeling like all that extra work, these portable electric fireplaces may be just the thing to warm up your space too.
hollis fireplace (also in black)
marble look
portable electric (also in black or white)
off white veneer
shiplap
traditional white
antero black
antique silver
faux stacked stone
barnwood
black fluted
How to Make Your New House Feel Like a Home
Moving is one of the most exciting yet nerve-wrecking things you can go through during your life. Whether you are moving out of your parent’s house for the first time or moving into your eighth new location, the feelings are still the same. Moving provides the chance for a fresh start as well as new opportunities. There are new neighbors to meet, a fresh town to get to learn, and a place to start the next chapter in your life.
If you have ever moved house before, you likely know that weird feeling just after a move. Sometimes, it can be hard to come to terms with the fact that a new house is actually yours. It can often lead to you feeling like you are a guest in someone else’s home. However, this is only due to the fact that your home doesn’t have that homely feeling. But how do you attain that? You don’t have to wait years until you feel like you really belong in a living space. There are things that you can do immediately that can really make you feel settled in your new home. Here are some suggestions on how you can do that.
Make the Most out of Your Sentimental Items
Everyone is going to have that one box when they move that is full of items they are emotionally connected to. This could include the likes of stuffed animals, first clothing items, and medals and trophies. These are really important things to have in your home. They are all significant in terms of different stages of your life. Thanks to these items, you can be reminded of the good times in the past and where you came from. With this considered, you should try to make the most out of them when you are setting up your new home. Display them loud and proud to really make it clear that this is your home.
Work on the Garden
Part of having a home you feel like you belong is making it personal to you. This can often require a little bit of creativity. One of the best places in the home to get creative is the garden. There is so much room for unique designs that can make your garden special to you. For example, you can plant a variety of flowers that can really brighten up your garden. By finding gardening seeds sold in Australia from Happy Valley Seeds, you will be able to give your flower patch a unique combination of color and life.
Don’t Follow Layouts or Pre-set Designs
Many people will be afraid to get creative when moving into a new house. They follow the set designs and layouts, making their house look just like everyone else’s. However, there is no reason why you can’t get creative and do your own thing. Don’t follow any set of rules when setting up your home. Just do what feels right for you and your family to make it uniquely yours.
The importance of fitting new doors within your home
If you are looking to spice up the aesthetics of your interior space, then you may be forgiven for focusing on obvious avenues to pursue, such as a new wall color, furniture, artwork, or a cohesive theme that you can use throughout your house.
While all of these points are worthy of consideration, and can certainly transform the look of your home’s interior, you should not neglect the details which are often forgotten—but actually tie the whole space together.
For example, anyone who has renovated their home will tell you how difficult it is to choose new doors for each room.
This is because they are such a foundational piece of the house—both aesthetically and practically. Your doors have to match the color and theme of each room, while looking cohesive and minimalist enough to stay standing for years (or even decades) to come.
Furthermore, given how much you use doors on a daily basis, a dated or awkward one can become a regular annoyance, and even affect how you feel about your house as a whole.
This is what you need to know about fitting new doors in your interior space.
Avoid squeaky or ugly hinges
The most fundamental aspect you need to consider when fitting doors to your house is whether they function correctly. This might sound blindingly obvious, but it can be all too easy to become caught up with choosing particular colors, trying to match them with particular rooms, or searching for examples that come in on budget, that you can forget to buy quality items that will function for years to come.
For example, there is nothing worse than a squeaky, warped, or stiff door. Some of your guests may not even be able to use them properly, and it can make living within your house on a daily basis an annoyance.
Therefore, it is crucial that you source the constituent parts from a reliable supplier such as Tradefix Direct
They can keep a draft out
Doors have a far wider-reaching purpose than you might imagine. They are intrinsic in keeping each room at a certain temperature, for instance, which is particularly obvious if you live in a poorly insulated home.
Not all doors are good at fulfilling this purpose, so it is key that you find examples which block drafts out effectively. To do this, they must sit close to the floor, without any noticeable gaps between the door and the frame.
High-quality doors give your home a more upmarket feel
Another reason why doors are so intrinsic to your home interior is that they can make or break your perception of the wider space. If you have spent a lot of money on a new kitchen, for example, but the doors are cheap, dated, and don’t match the overall theme, then the rest of the room will be dragged down with them.
Contrast that with high-quality doors which feel good to touch, look in keeping with the rest of the space, and won’t date easily, and you will soon see the influence that doors have on interior design
They match the aesthetic of the wider space
Leading on from the previous point, the doors you choose need to match the aesthetics of the wider space. This sounds easy but is actually incredibly difficult to do, especially if you use bold colors in your interior space.
Like any utilitarian item, it is best to opt for an inoffensive color, such as a white, light gray, or black.
How to Find the Perfect Iron Door for your Home or Garage
Not all doors are the same, and the quality of the door will make a difference in durability and appearance. Iron doors have been around for ages; however, modern iron doors are trendy in most parts of the world. Iron doors are heavy, sturdy, and with attractive decorations. There are many iron doors to choose from depending on your taste, budget, and intended use.
Consider The Style and Design You Want
The type of door you choose is essential for your home. Doors are like clothing in that they can send a message. Iron doors have beautiful patterns that speak style and sophistication. With the variety of options in iron doors, you can create different effects with unique looks.
The style of door you choose will be the first step to creating the image you want for your home. The type of iron doors you choose can indicate what you want your home to say about itself, whether it’s Classic, Colonial, or Contemporary. You can contact Universal Iron Doors for quality and customized iron doors for your home or garage.
Iron doors are very customizable, and they can be plain, etched, or fancy. In recent years, ornate iron designs have come into style again. You can customize iron doors to match any theme or style you might want to fit with the house.
For example, exterior bi-fold iron door designs will easily fit any space and are elegant and versatile. They allow easy movement in and outside your home. You can customize the steel bi-fold doors to rhyme with your home style and taste.
The key is to think about what style would suit your home best, and at the same time, make the best first impression on visitors. Cast iron doors are also available in various colors, including bronze, Verde Gris, antique grey, and white.
Also, remember that you can have hundreds of designs to choose from and further customize these designs to meet your goals.
Choose Iron Material: Wrought Iron or Steel Iron
A wide range of door styles, sizes, and designs are available in wrought iron or steel. Both steel doors or wrought iron doors are suitable for decorative and security purposes. However, you can choose the essential material that will provide the best fit for your home’s architecture, design, durability, and ease of maintenance.
Both wrought iron and steel offer a luxurious look that can enhance the beauty of a home. And depending on your personality and the area you live in, either one can be a choice for your new front door. However, Wrought iron doors may offer a unique texture and design that few other materials can match.
The shape of The Iron Door
You will find Iron doors come in different shapes and sizes, from arches to half-rounds. The door shape you choose for your home is fundamental when planning the functionality of your home.
For example, an arched door might not fit well in a tight hallway. However, if you have a large house and want an arched doorway to pull out and surprise your guests, an iron accent will give your home aesthetics and history.
There are different types of shapes to choose from;
The semicircleThe fan-shapedThe Roman archThe paneled doorThe arched or curved shapeThe gothic-style pointed archThe wedge-shaped pointed Roman arch.
You can consult with your doorman to determine the best iron door shape for your home.
Iron Door Handles
The handle refers to the mechanism you use to pull open the door; generally, this will be a finger grip or finger hole with a trigger latch. You can select your iron door handles from the antique, traditional, chunky, craftsman, ornate or modern.
The hinges and handles on doors act as functional as well as decorative features of the door. It is essential to understand how they work and what options are available before making your choice. Aesthetics may come into play here, but also consider the difficulty of repair and long-term durability.
Two common types of handle styles are single turned and center turned. Single-turned handles are attached to the doorway with screws, while center-turned (or drop) handles are attached to the door with hinges.
Conclusion
The popularity of iron doors is growing as it is a very functional door for any home or business. Iron doors provide security and value to your commercial or residential property, but choosing the right door for your home is the most important thing. With proper care and maintenance, iron doors can last for centuries. An iron door combines the most important aspects of your home: aesthetics, security, and durability. Each entry has its unique characteristics, so it is essential to have iron doors that indicate your home’s unique charm, safety, beauty and are ready to welcome your guests.
Landscape Murals: Inspiration & Sources
I was walking through the Presidio in San Francisco and on my route was The Lodge, a hotel in the middle of the historic property. When I entered, I spied a giant ocean wall mural of the Pacific Ocean in the hotel dining room.
Landscape murals make a fantastic focal point that tell a story or create a mood. They bring a destination or travel vibe to any space.
Tropical or botanical murals started trending a few years ago, recently the landscape mural are resurging in popularity, especially the trompe l’oeil style (French for “fools the eye”) with old world pastoral scenes and panoramas.
The landscape mural has its history in centuries old painted murals from Europe. These murals always suit traditional interiors and hotels.
chateau de saulon
papiers de paris
Landscape murals are popping up in modern interiors paired with contemporary furnishings as an alternative to art or decorative wall displays. These create an instant focal point on wide walls. Consider them for dining rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, or home offices. Inspirational examples below!
wooded forest
eden mural | mural source here
japanese ink wall mural
foggy hills – pacific northwest
vintage scene
ships mural
scandinavian fall
forest mural – installation & link here
french landscape
english landscape
country landscape
bathroom niche
tropical black and white
mirage view
gray chinoiserie
neutral forest
tuft & trim nursery – susan harter murals
If you’re looking for sources for a landscape mural in your home, office, or commercial space, visit these sources below!
Sources for Landscape Murals
Papiers de Paris
Jazz London
Susan Harter
Etsy
Walls Need Love
York Wallcoverings
Designer Wall Coverings
Kirkland’s
Lowe’s
Fall Decorating: Preserved & Dried Botanicals
Welcome September! Summer is turning to fall, can you feel it? I love decorating with green plants all around, but I wanted to add some preserved botanicals for the season.
Some preserved ferns and floral buttons arrived yesterday so I arranged them and created a delicate fall display. These are dried botanicals, not artificial stems. My feathery ferns and friendly floral buttons feel wispy and boho and will last the entire season.
preserved fernsfloral buttonsset of vases
More preserved botanicals and dried flowers for fall decorating below!
coastal yarroworange floral buttons
bunny tailcraspedia bunch
seeded eucalyptusbird of paradise
pink billy buttonspink hydrangea
star grassfeather grass
natural lagurusasparagus
reed grassbraken fern
red eucalyptusreed pampas grass
Leaf Luminaries & Choosing Simplicity
It hits me every year, the last week of October. I begin to feel the expectations building, the stress of content creation, the subtle nudge to please all the people around me, and the pressure to make it look effortless. So a few years ago I made a promise to myself that I wouldn’t sacrifice my physical and emotional health during the holidays even if that meant saying “no” a lot more. I chose instead to simplify the season.
I stopped throwing a Christmas party and sending holiday cards. I make the living room festive and I hang garland on the stairs but I no longer decorate the entire house. I wait until December to buy a Christmas tree and decorate it with my kids. Once I took the pressure off myself the immediate result was I began to feel more joy during the holiday season.
I watch the stories of people I follow on Instagram and already there’s so much creativity happening. I love it, it’s beautiful, and I look forward to being inspired by more. I still like to make things and if they turn out well, I share them here on the blog.
But one thing I’ve realized as the years go by and in all the holiday seasons I’ve celebrated is that time is the only thing with real value and our energy is finite. We get to choose where we spend it.
So instead of stressing myself out during the holiday season, I opt for simplicity in decorating and entertaining. Right now that looks like leaves clipped from the backyard paired with luminaries made of leaves and wax paper.
To me, simplicity is a choice to not get caught up in what everyone else is (or seems to be) doing.
To you maybe that looks like decorating with swags of popcorn or construction paper garlands made by your kids or grandkids instead of store bought gilded versions.
Perhaps it’s the pie you buy from the bakery to bring to a party because you don’t have time to bake.
Maybe it’s prioritizing kicking your feet up and snuggling with your favorite people with just a string of twinkle lights for the mood, instead of hauling out bins of holiday decor and decking the halls for days only to have to put it away a few weeks later.
Whatever it looks like to you I guarantee, choosing simplicity means a less stressful and more joyful holiday season.
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If you’re interested in how to make these simple leaf luminaries with wax paper, I posted the supplies and instructions on Instagram Reels today. This fall craft is a return to basics – decoupage leaves as a simple centerpiece. (Just be sure to use flameless candles). I used the leftover skeleton leaves from these embellished pumpkins.
Today’s post is really just a word of encouragement and a reminder this holiday season there’s no need to stress out when decorating or entertaining. You can choose simplicity in all you do and still create seasonal beauty.
Tips to Declutter and Organize Before a Kitchen Remodel
A kitchen remodel can significantly disrupt your day-to-day life. So, before you start dreaming about improving your kitchen with the perfect kitchen color palette, it makes sense to declutter and organize before a kitchen remodel.
Making this kind of effort before the remodel will allow you to approach the renovation in carefully planned out stepsYou will be able to dismantle everything before the construction work starts, but also organize everything perfectly after the kitchen renovation. So, let’s take a look at a few organizational tips to make your kitchen declutter as effective as possible
Remove the kitchen utensils first
A good kitchen declutter may start from the kitchen cabinets and drawers. Interestingly, people usually associate decluttering their home with paring down their clothing or family belongings. As a result, kitchen utensils and appliances tend to pile up without you even noticing. This happens mostly because they seem less expendable than for instance clothes or toys.
However, just think about the number of old or useless appliances you keep stacking up in your kitchen cabinets. There is really no need to keep holding on to your old bread toaster when you have bought a new one.
Throw away anything you have not used in a while.
The same goes for kitchen utensils and silverware. Yes, they are an essential part of your household, but you just might have too many to ever find use for. And now is the time to figure out what stays and what goes out. What should you do with those items? Organize a yard sale or a charity giveaway for the items you decide are just superfluous.
Declutter and organize all kitchen items separately into labeled boxes
Once you finish the decluttering of the kitchen utensils and appliances, organizing them and packing them into boxes should be a breeze. So, instead of throwing everything into a single box, it makes more sense to have smaller boxes with appropriate labels.
Hence, designate a single box for pans, another one (with three or four compartments) for utensils, a third one for your mixer.
At this point this might seem unnecessarily complicated, but you will be thankful to yourself in the end. This kind of organization allows you to find anything you may need while your kitchen is being remodeled. In addition, you will be able to just pull everything out of a box and restore everything to its designated spot after you finish the renovations. Nothing mixed up or lost – less stress for you.
With proper organization, you will be able to use your kitchen right after the remodel.
During the home renovations, you may even rent a storage unit if you do not have enough space to keep the boxes in your kitchen or your home. In this case, a short-term solution might be good since you will be able to free up the kitchen and let the workers do their job without any obstructions or distractions.
As for family silverware and other items you might attach certain emotions or memories to, you can pack them securely in an air-sealed box to avoid exposing them to moisture or mold.
Make categories for similar items
Just as with kitchen utensils and appliances, it helps to have clear-cut categories for other items that you keep in your kitchen. For instance, you may have a cereal box or spices category, or one for canned foods and sauces.
Of course, you may not have to do this if you have a well-organized pantry or a kitchen island. However, decluttering and recategorizing your foodstuff before a kitchen remodel can be extremely helpful. There are simply no more excuses not to throw away expired food that has been laying in the back of the drawers for ages.
Also, you may decide to temporarily store your kitchen items in a storage unit. This is something many homeowners make use of when they are remodeling their kitchen. If you decide to do the same, take note that some things shouldn’t stay there for more than a few days or weeks. So, some foods should not be kept in a storage unit since they may rot. Since you surely want to avoid having to clean or pay damages to the storage service provider, make sure you know what you can and cannot store in a storage unit.
Designate one box for frequently used items
So far we have mainly discussed how to declutter and organize before a kitchen remodel by focusing on the phases before and after the remodel. However, what if you plan to stay in your home during the renovations?
Essentially, it helps to have a single box for items that you use on a daily basis. Rummaging through boxes to find your vegetable peeler might destroy all of your previous efforts to declutter and organize your kitchen. When you have such a box or cabinet, you will know where to find what you need immediately. This will save you a lot of trouble since it eliminates the need to surround yourself with boxes.
You will probably need many items from your kitchen, but you might not be able to enter the kitchen while it is being renovated. That is why it makes sense to pull everything out of the cabinets and other storage spaces.
Empty the kitchen cabinets completely to make things easier for you during and after the remodel.
Also keep in mind that your appliances or items might get damaged if they remain in the kitchen during the remodel. So, if you drink coffee on a daily basis, you should place the coffee maker in your living room.
All in all, we hope this short guide will be helpful when you start to declutter and organize before a kitchen remodel. We strongly suggest you take the time to do so since it will make organizing your newly renovated kitchen much quicker and enjoyable.
3 Furnace Installation & Repair Tips for More Attractive Home
Every homeowner craves for that beautiful-looking home. And this is why most people undertake home improvement projects. This may involve installing a new furnace, painting, updating lighting fixtures, and more. The furnace is one of the essential accessories for all homeowners and comes in handy in winter. If you’re seeking to repair or install a new furnace, there are various things to know.
Check out furnace repair and installation tips for a better-looking home:
Prepare adequately
It’s easy to call a technician when you have issues with your furnace. But, have you ever thought of preparing for repair or installation services? Well, this saves time and may save you a lot of money. For instance, if your furnace runs at the wrong temperatures, you may need to replace the thermostat.
To understand the cause of the issue, go through the user manual, and acquire the necessary parts. Learn of the essential components of a conventional furnace and, if possible, have some spare parts at home. Once done, contact the Air Makers furnace repair team for a quote.
Your choice of repair company matters!
There are different furnace installation and repair firms. All offer various services, and it’s best to find one that suits your needs. Look for professionals extending a wide range of services and furnaces. If seeking to install a new furnace, engage a company with a wide variety. This makes it to choose what you need and get something to match your budget.
Also, the experience and reputation of the company is of the essence. Hire one that has been in existence for a long duration; this is why most homeowners hire furnace repair Toronto services. The firm has received good reviews from former clients and has a vast team of technicians.
Think of the cost
If installing a new furnace as part of your home improvement project, know that the success of the upgrades relies on your budget. Therefore consider the costs and do your math carefully. There are different units, and it’s best to go for one that you can afford. In case of repairs, acquire high-quality parts to ensure durability and saves on repair costs.
Also, be keen on furnace repair companies that charge hidden costs. Get quotes and compare this among different service providers. Get to know all the pricing details before engaging the team. Additionally, seek a company offering follow-up services; this saves a lot in case things go wrong.
What are the common furnace issues that require fixing?
Multiple signs may indicate a faulty furnace. For instance, there may be low airflow from your systemsignifying issues with your motor or blower. Strange smells are also common. These indicate a dirty filter or a failing burner.
The burner may also not ignite properly, which may be a sign of a broken thermostat. Other issues include strange noise and the furnace running when it shouldn’t, and all require furnace repair services.
Final thoughts
Furnaces are great additions to any home. A furnace will not only enhance the look of your home but will also raise its value. To install or repair the old one, only engage professionals and endure that the company is licensed. Also, avoid cheap parts, and purchase superior components to lower t cost of repairs.