5 things all luxury homes have and your home can too.

We have all seen MTV cribs and the lives and times of the rich and famous. We all look on with admiration and sometimes astonishment. These enormous homes are filled with so many features and finishes we would all love.  So we all dream of winning a big jackpot to enable us to also have homes like these and live that lavish LA lifestyle. 

Today, Let's talk about the 5 home luxury items you can actually have in your home. 

1. A home lift

Every celebrity home has an elevator as they call it or to us brits a lift. Celebrities and the wealthy like to flex their wealth when they can and by installing a lift in their homes they are showcasing this. Why walk up that beautiful staircase when you can get the lift. I mean we wouldn't want to wrinkle our expensive dresses, would we? 

All joking aside Home Lifts are not actually as unattainable as you might think. Long gone are these reserved for only the biggest and best luxury homes. These can be installed in most homes. Making them actually a really good option as they will help future-proof your home for old age. 

2. Wine room or cellar

I hate when I take home a bottle of wine only for it to sit on the wine rack in the kitchen or in the fridge. This will not be at optimal wine-drinking temperature when I want to drink it. How could I possibly survive this?

Do not worry. There are many solutions if you are looking to make an area of your home dedicated to wine. Ok, so we might not have the space for a full-on cellar or wine room. 

One of my friends converted the area under her stairs into a mini wine room. She has a wine fridge on one side and a wine rack built-in on the other side. This is all very cleverly concealed by a door which doubles as shelving. She told me it was actually very inexpensive to do this. So it is not an unattainable dream to have. 

3. Kitchen island

Kitchen islands are becoming popular in the UK. These were once things we saw in mansions in TV shows. But these are becoming more and more popular here. If you are watching Vogue's 73 questions have you seen even one celebrity home without a kitchen island? Nope, they are the it thing when it comes to kitchen counters in these homes. 

Luckily these are more readily available in the UK now and are really affordable. They come in everything from a basic version all the way up to luxury all singing and dancing versions. There is a version for every wallet. 

4. Boiling water tap 

Whilst we are talking kitchens. It would be remiss of me to not mention something that when I first saw it blow my mind. The Boiling water tap in kitchens. In the UK we have hot water taps but these are capped at a certain temperature and would not be hot enough to make a cup of tea with or get boiling water from to cook with. 

These are now here in the UK and I am seriously considering getting one. We are about to renovate and having boiling water on tap sounds like heaven to me. I can be impatient so this is right up my street. 

5. A gym

Are you even wealthy if you don't own a home gym? No, you are not. You might not use it but they all have it don't they. It is another way to flex their wealth and how fit and healthy they are. Well, that and their personal chef but one thing at a time. 

This is another myth that only the rich can have a home gym. In fact, I am currently building one myself. My downstairs bedroom has been transformed into a gym for my family. I have two Zwift cycling setups, weights and bench, pull-up bars and much much more. I know this is not for everyone but I made it a priority as I want to be as fit and healthy as possible. We all have different priorities but I have started to do more things that I enjoy and keeping fit is one of them. Saves me an expensive gym membership too. 

We all can get sucked into the world of celebrity but not everything is as it seems and people's lives are all different. I hope you enjoyed this more tongue-in-cheek post. 

Jazzing Up Your Living Space

 The first place you head to after a long day of work is your living room. It’s also the first place anybody else has to when they first come into your home. The last thing that you want is to walk into your home and feel less than inspired by the lounge space that you’ve got. Your living room is supposed to show off your personality and show off how wonderful your home is. If your decor taste is not that great, everybody is going to see that. 

You need the right furniture, you need flame effect electric fires for that cosy winter evening, and you need to feel like you’re walking into a living space that you want to live in. Below, we’ve got some of the best ways that you can help yourself to quickly jazz up your living room.

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• Comfortable armchairs. Regular chair installations are so yesterday. If you want the perfect seating arrangement, then you need to aim for comfort. You may have sofas of all sizes in your living room already, but you also need armchairs. This is a simple piece of furniture and I can add some elegance to your current decor situation. When you buy your armchairs, make sure you go into a store and sit in them before you purchase. This will ensure that you have purchased the correct ones. If your hunt for the perfect armchair is still on, then you need to start looking now before the winter really sets in.

• Considering your table situation. Do you currently have a coffee table in front of your couch and your television? Some people choose to have more than one coffee table type, from and tables to side tables. Coffee tables can be a complete necessity – where do you put your food while you’re watching TV? Where did you put your newspaper in the morning? Where do you keep the TV remote so it doesn't get lost? If the coffee table isn’t the answer to all of these, but you definitely need to go shopping.

• Add some rugs. We love accessories and rugs are one of the best things that you can add to your living room if you want to add some comfort, familiarity and personality. Rugs come in all shapes, sizes and colours, so whether you’re looking for woolly rugs that are thick that you can sink your toes into, or you’d like something colourful and short but more practical to clean, rugs are the answer.

• Play around with your lighting options. Lighting is so important for your living space, especially if you’re trying to chase it up. It doesn’t matter how well you decorate the living room because if the lighting isn’t right it’s not going to look good. You don’t have to show away from experimenting with lighting, nor do you have to remove your ceiling lights that you currently have. Consider lamps of all heights and brightness, and you could think about adding some LED lighting behind your TV for that movie mood.

The 5 Keys to the Moving Process

 

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With everybody feeling the pinch right now, it would seem that life may appear to be more difficult, but there are those people who have been lucky enough to find a dream home during this time, thanks to slowly dipping house prices, this can be the start of an amazing adventure. So with this in mind what does it really take to make sure that you move into your new home properly? 

Get the Moving Process Started ASAP

The moving process begins before you sign on the dotted line. You need to confirm the moving dates, get in contact with a professional removalist, and start packing boxes between 6 and 8 weeks before the move. You have most likely used online conveyancing solicitors in London.

Professional removalists can be quite flexible if you need to change the moving date later, but it's also important to remember that you may need extra storage. If you want to look into self-storage, try and get this in place at least 2 months before the move. In the last 12-months, there has been a big queue for storage because of so many people having to move back in with their parents and start all over again.

Sort Out the School/Work Situation

If you are moving far away, you have to consider your working situation. If you're moving to a new area with your children, you will also need to apply for a new school. You need to make sure that all the paperwork is in order, but also keep communicating with the old school to make sure that they are in the loop.

Get the Right Insurance

There's different types of buildings insurance, and you need to make sure that you are getting the best bang for your buck to make sure the property is covered against any events like floods and fires. You also need content insurance to make sure that everything is covered against any damage, loss, as well as any break-ins that could occur.

Keep Your Important Documents Safe

Make sure that, as the moving date approaches, you keep all your documents safe. There's a lot of critical paperwork that you will need to keep a hold of. One of the best ways to make sure that you keep everything in place to have a lockbox. This is a container with a built-in lock so everything is secure. If you need to get things like birth certificates, employment contracts, or passports, you don't have to fumble around for them because they're all in one place.

Sort the Utilities 

And as you get to the final steps of being the owner of a new property, one of the first things you have to do is to set up the utilities. Before you start renovating the place and come up with amazing ideas for the space, look at the gas and electricity prices, and get in contact with the utility companies. 

Moving into your dream home should be an amazing experience, especially if you have had a tough time. However, it can be very stressful, so try these approaches and they will make life a lot easier.

Want Your Home To Appeal To Buyers? These Tips Will Help

When it comes to selling your property, there is a range of factors that impact the likelihood that it will sell. Some of these factors include: A few of the factors to take into account are the location, the interior design and the curb appeal of the home and of course, how good your instructed online conveyancing solicitors are.

. However, if you want to increase the possibility of selling your house more quickly, you should focus on making your home more desirable to potential buyers. This will increase the number of people who are interested in purchasing your property.

Here are a few pointers on how to improve the appearance of your property, which will help make it more appealing to those who might be interested in purchasing it.

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Remove as much of a personal touch as you can.

It is possible that you take great pleasure in all of the artwork that your child has created and displayed on your refrigerator, as well as the photographs of your family that hang on your walls. It is possible that you like the adorable decorations that you have accumulated for the mantlepiece as well. On the other hand, prospective customers might not. What they are looking for is a blank slate, something on which they can place their own mark. When you are trying to sell your home, it is important to depersonalize it as much as possible. You are free to hang each and every one of them in your gorgeous new house.

Consider the lighting in your space.

In the event that your lamps and other light fixtures are from a bygone era, you ought to give some thought to replacing them with more contemporary alternatives. When they go into a property, prospective purchasers do not want to have the impression that they are traveling through time because the fixtures are outdated. This is a straightforward improvement that can help you get a better deal when selling your property.

Open the windows in your house.

Get rid of any cumbersome drapes, curtains, or valances that may be hanging from your windows. It is important that you make the most of every ray of natural light that comes into your house through the various windows. It is also an effective strategy for giving the impression that a room is larger than it actually is.

Think about the appearance from the street.

The curb appeal of your property will be the first thing that prospective buyers notice, so make sure it stands out. Mow the grass in the yard, clear up any trash that may have accumulated, and put some flowers in flower pots during the warmer months. During the winter months, it is imperative that you keep the walks clear of snow and ice at all times.

Update fittings

If the knobs or handles on the cabinets or drawers in your kitchen are old and rusty, you should replace them with new ones. Things like door knobs and light switches are included in this category as well.

Your home will have a more up-to-date appearance thanks to this simple upgrade, which will not break the bank and will help you make more money when you sell it.

Throwing a Summer Garden Party: A Guide for First-Time Homeowners

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So, you have just bought your first home, got it in tip-top shape, and decorated it  - and now, all that is left to do is show it to all of your friends and family! As the days get longer and temperatures hotter, the perfect opportunity to throw a summer garden party might have just presented itself!

But how do you plan a garden party that caters to everyone? And what are the top priorities to keep in mind for a successful housewarming party? Here are some unmissable tips that can help you plan for a party everyone will remember!

Choose a Dedicated Area

First thing first: make sure that your garden is ready to host a party. Whether you have a small lawn or a spacious backyard, you should make sure to have different areas for the BBQ and dining table. 

You can make the entire area more livable by investing in a simple patio or veranda area and adding alfresco outdoor blinds. This might seem like an unnecessary investment at first, but it allows you to make the most of your garden throughout the season - and can save your party in case of rain!

Review Your Guest List and Individual Needs

Food allergies have been on the rise for years, and most restaurateurs and hospitality professionals have started to account for these dietary requirements. But if you have never worked in the industry, you might not be sure about how to create a menu that is suitable for everyone. 

To avoid incidents, make sure to ask everyone on your guest list about any allergies or preferences they might have. And, don’t forget to prepare food that can easily be eaten while standing outdoors - unless you are planning for a fancier sit-down meal. 

Create the Right Atmosphere With Lights and Music

The right outdoor lighting and music can make a difference in your party’s atmosphere. Make sure to choose lights that can withstand most temperatures and weather conditions, and are strong enough to illuminate the whole garden. 

At the same time, when choosing your music, make sure to create your playlist beforehand and stick to the party’s theme. If you are opting for an “elevated pic-nic” or “Mediterranean feast” theme for your party, pop music might not be the best choice!

Have Enough Food and Drinks

If you have never thrown a party before, it can be hard to judge how much food is enough food. While you might obtain rough estimations by assessing what you would eat times the number of guests, it is always best to err on the side of abundance. In the worst-case scenario, you’ll have plenty of left-over food to enjoy over the next few days!

Have a Theme – And Games!

If you are unsure how to make your summer garden party special, consider choosing a theme! For example, you could throw a Luau-inspired party, an American-style BBQ, or a sophisticated French buffet. Just make sure to pick the right music, food, and decorations to fit the theme, and ask your guests to join in. 

Lastly, make sure to have plenty of games planned to keep everyone entertained!

4 Great Services You Should Consider to Keep Your Home In Tip Top Shape

Maintaining a clean and tidy home is a never-ending battle. There are always dishes to be washed, laundry, and floors to be swept. But luckily, there are plenty of services that can help you take care of all the cleaning for you! This blog post will discuss four excellent services to help you keep your home in tip-top shape. So read on to find out more about these amazing services!

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1) Housekeeping Services

One of the best ways to keep your home clean and tidy is to hire a housekeeping service. Housekeepers can help you with tasks, from doing the laundry and washing the dishes to sweeping and mopping the floors. They can even take care of things like dusting and vacuuming for you! Housekeepers typically work weekly or bi-weekly, so you can rest assured that your home will always be clean and tidy. If you're interested in hiring a housekeeping service, there are plenty of great companies to choose from. Just make sure to do your research beforehand to find a reputable and reliable company that will suit your needs.

2) Gardening Services

Another great way to keep your home looking its best is to hire a gardening service. These garden maintenance services can help you with mowing the lawn, trimming the hedges, and planting flowers. They can also take care of things like weeding and mulching for you. Having a well-manicured lawn and garden can make a difference in the overall appearance of your home. If you're interested in hiring a gardening service, there are plenty of great companies to choose from. Just make sure to do your research beforehand to find a reputable and reliable company that will suit your needs.

3) Window Cleaning Services

Another excellent service that can help you keep your home looking its best is a window cleaning service. Window cleaners can help you clean the inside and outside of your windows and your gutters and downspouts. They typically work bi-weekly or monthly, so you can rest assured that your windows will always be sparkling clean. If you're interested in hiring a window cleaning service, there are plenty of great companies to choose from. Just make sure to do your research beforehand to find a reputable and reliable company that will suit your needs.

4) Pressure Washing Services

Another excellent service that can help you keep your home looking its best is a pressure washing service. Pressure washers can help you clean the exterior of your home and your deck, patio, and driveway. They typically work bi-weekly or monthly, so you can rest assured that your home will always be clean and fresh. If you're interested in hiring a pressure washing service, plenty of great companies are out there to choose from. Just make sure to do your research beforehand to find a reputable and reliable company that will suit your needs.

There are plenty of excellent services that you can consider to keep your home in tip-top shape. So if you're looking for a way to make your life a little easier, be sure to check out some of these fantastic services! You won't regret it!

How You Can Add A Touch Of Glamour To Your Dining Room

Glam dining rooms provide an atmosphere conducive to an exquisite eating experience in any setting.There are a variety of methods to infuse elegance and refinement into your dining room, whether it is via the addition of a new rug or the installation of an eye-catching chandelier. Here are some suggestions to assist you in creating a glamorous dining room.

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Furniture

The furniture is one of the most crucial design components to consider when decorating your dining room. Once you have selected the perfect marbel dining table and chair sets,  consider purchasing a complementing buffet piece to complement your table or adding a bar cart to display your cocktail accessories and glasses to complete the look.

Lighting 

You can make the space stand out by hanging a stylish light fixture above the middle of your dining table. Chandeliers are available in a variety of designs and materials, including metal, glass, and crystal, among others. In affluent houses for generations, crystal chandeliers have provided a look that is both ageless and sophisticated. Modern light fixtures constructed of metal can frequently be mistaken for works of art, and they can serve as excellent discussion starters. If you want to draw attention to other aspects of the dining area, a minimalist design light fixture is a good choice to consider.

Table centrepieces

Adorning your dining room table with glam elements may be the most straightforward approach to infuse your space with a sense of elegance and refinement. Spend a little more money on high-end cutlery and plates to amaze your dinner party attendees. Gold or silverplated objects should be paired with luxury linen tablecloths or a table runner to create an elegant tablescape for your guests. A huge centrepiece of fresh flowers seamlessly pulls the entire design together and creates a great look for everyone who is gathered around the table for a dinner together.

Decor

 

 Placing fascinating things throughout the room will provide aesthetic appeal while also generating conversation. Classic or modern pieces that suit the overall aesthetic of the room should be chosen depending on the general design of the room. Wall sconces or candles can be used to complement the primary lighting and to bring additional warmth into the room overall. When hosting visitors, do not forget to establish the tone by playing some sophisticated music in the background. It may be worthwhile to consider installing a record player in the dining area and playing some old jazz albums to help create a more intimate mood.

Rug

Incorporating a luxurious rug beneath your dining room table is a simple way to elevate the space. Classic oriental carpets are a timeless luxury standard for the house, and they are available in a range of colours and designs. To add interest to an industrial-style space, use a rug with a unique texture or a thick layer of fur. Think about choosing a dining room rug that is simple to keep and clean in case there are any spills or stains on it.

The Basic Set Of Tools Every Woman Should Own

 Most tools are marketed towards men. It’s also an unfortunate truth that a lot of women feel that they are taken advantage of by the maintenance and repair industry due to a perceived lack of knowledge. Many women don’t feel able to tackle their own household maintenance and DIY projects. There’s no reason women should be less capable of doing basic DIY or making small repairs around their homes. The first step is to own a basic set of tools.

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A Toolbox

Before you start buying tools and deciding to order Famag products, you need somewhere to store them. When you set up your work station to tackle hanging that shelf, you won’t want to have to search for the tools you need. If you don’t have much spare storage space, think about where you will store your tools and buy the right shaped box. 

Hammer

Hammers are useful to putting nails into the wall and assembling furniture, and you can’t really meet their purpose with anything else. Avoid plastic handles, as these can easily separate from the head of the hammer. You want a hammer that has a curved claw back for removing nails. A 16-ounce head weight is suitable for most household projects. This heavy enough to get the job done but so heavy that it’s awkward to use. 

Assorted Fastener Kit

Before you start on the DIY projects, you will probably be mostly using your tools to hang picture frames, mirrors, shelves, and other decor. To do that, you will need a range of nails, picture-hanging hardware, screws, and wall anchors. A variety set is an easy option to keep you well-stocked for whatever projects you need. 

Screwdriver Set

Another essential that you are bound to use a lot is a screwdriver. You should have one Philips head, and one slotted or flat-head screwdriver. A variety set is a good idea, as it gives you some flexibility for different screws. Most household projects won’t require heavy-duty screwdrivers, so you don’t need to spend much. 

Tape Measure

Whether you’re measuring the space you have for your dining table or making sure the frames on your gallery wall are properly spaced out, a tape measure is a useful thing to have. Eyeballing measurements will only lead to frustration, especially if you need to redo something or return something that doesn’t fit. 

Set Of Pliers

Some people aren’t sure how to use pliers, but they can be very useful for accomplishing all sorts of tasks. Pliers are often used when bending and cutting wire, and they’re also great for gripping and bending other things too. A simple set of pliers is useful. Look for a set with slip-joint pliers that can be adjusted to the size of whatever you’re gripping, diagonal-cutting pliers that will grip and cut wire, and needle-nose pliers that are useful for gripping and bending things that you can’t reach. Needle-nose pliers are also useful for repairing jewelery. A basic set saves you from having to buy what you need later on for specific jobs.

4 Must-have Features For Your New Home

 4 Must-have Features For Your New Home

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One significant advantage of building a new home is the ability to personalise it to your lifestyle, preferences and needs. There are many home features to consider when planning your dream home. Whatever you include in your home build will stay with you for years, from the layout to design finishes and everything else. For this reason, you might want to add some unique features you won’t find in preowned homes. If you want to maximise your investment and create a truly personal space, here are some must-have features to consider for your new home.

Kitchen finishes

If you have spent some years in the homebuilding industry, you know how crucial kitchens are for living spaces. Considered by many homeowners and industry experts as the heart of the home, it is essential to make it feel you genuinely. You can add a few features to your kitchen based on how you wish to use the area. This includes under-cabinet lighting, a walk-in pantry, integrated garages for your appliances and an oversize island. Choosing suitable finishes can transform your kitchen appeal since some can pair naturally with particular styles and colours to create a unique look and feel.

Smart home technology

With most modern-day homeowners living busy, active lifestyles, it makes sense to simplify your home routines and add convenience to your space. Technological advancement has led to many home automation and security innovations. If you are thinking of some must-haves for your new home, consider some smart-home technologies, including smart door locks and surveillance cameras, smart appliances and lighting options, power outlets with USB charging features, and so on.

A house sign

House numbering has been a successful feature for identifying particular buildings for many decades. Since its first introduction in the 15th century, the system has spread worldwide and proven helpful for mail services. However, the system varies in each country, with the UK installing fanlights on front doors in the 1720s. Presently, house signs aren’t a significant feature in most homes, mainly due to technology making it easier to identify properties.

Yet there are reasons to consider a house sign; as a legal requirement, helpful for emergencies, postal and mail deliveries. Fortunately, house plaques and signs serve their function and add style to your home outdoors.

A mudroom

Building a new home is your opportunity to get everything you wanted in your previous home. However, if you know the pain of walking through the front or garage door without a place to remove your muddy shoes or hang your coat, then you’ll appreciate the need to have a mudroom. Yet mudrooms don’t need to be large or extravagant. A space like the size of your closet with a cubbies wall and bench will prove helpful, especially during snowy or rainy days. A carefully planned mudroom can help prevent home clutter since your sports equipment, muddy shoes, school projects and backpacks won’t be scattered through the entire home.

Additional features can improve your home and increase its value, making it vital to consider. Hopefully, you’ll include these additions for a more sophisticated living space.