diy Archives - Serendipity Mommy

How to Design a Playroom in a Rental Apartment

March 11, 2020 by Mandy

Life with kids is unpredictable. And, because there’s a great need for flexibility, many people choose the freedom that comes with renting instead of traditional homeownership. Although renting an apartment may mean you’ll need to make several adjustments that require a landlord’s approval, there are also smart ways to make the most of your living situation.

Even if you’re renting in Washington, D.C., New York City, or Seattle—cities that are notorious for small apartments—there are a variety of tricks you can use to design the perfect spots for your kids, including a beautiful, creative playroom. Here are a few to consider.

Outline

The location you choose for the playroom can make all the difference. If possible, choose a corner of a room next to a window. This will maximize the space that can be used. Plus, natural light is extremely important, so try to pick a spot with a large window. Next, divide the corner into two worktops—which can also double as storage space—along each wall; these will serve as places where you and your kids can read, doodle, color, or play whenever a flat surface is required.

The center of the space will then be available for activities such as playing with toys, dancing, reading, pretend play, and more. This will simply be a space marked by a nice, comfy carpet. If you’d like, you can even add some comfortable chairs or bean bags, just nothing that will block the way.

Furniture

The items you choose for the playroom need to be as efficient as possible to save room. For example, for the worktops, consider using storage cubes and instead of stacking them on top of each other, line them up against the wall to keep the top at a low level so your kids can reach it. Just make sure to anchor heavier pieces of furniture to avoid any risk of injury.

You can also add foldable, fabric cubes to hide away toys and other objects. Display some books and a number of toys or puzzles so the kids can make their own choices from a limited selection without becoming overwhelmed. You can also use one of the cubes as a tiny desk; just add a small chair and a lamp. You can keep crayons and pencils there, as well.

For the middle of the action, invest in a high-quality carpet. You and your kids will be there quite often, so it’s essential that the carpet is easy to clean, safe, and comfortable. Also, don’t overdo it on colors for this area as that can become tiring. Instead, go for a neutral-colored rug.

It’s also a good idea to include some items for when your kids are tired; think about bean bags or comfortable armchairs, which can double as resting spots. Also, keep some throw pillows and blankets nearby to cozy up the space in no time.

Décor

As mentioned above, too many bright colors can be overstimulating. The playroom should be a soothing place, so select more balanced color combinations. Don’t be afraid to use darker colors, as well; in fact, you can actually paint part of a wall with charcoal paint to give your kids a designated area for wall doodling.

As for the décor itself, invest in a high-quality lighting system to provide natural-like light on cloudy days. Hang some artworks on the walls—such as your kids’ own drawings and doodles. You can also have a small sound system to play some relaxing music every now and then. Whatever you think might stimulate the kids’ imagination and foster their creativity is good; just don’t overdo it.

One extra tip is not to cover the window entirely. If there’s rain outside, let the kids see and hear the drops; it will make the space all the more tranquil. Conversely, if there’s sunshine, allow it to diffuse into the room and fill it with warm light.

In the end, the most important thing is how you feel when you spend time together in the playroom. The environment influences these feelings, so make sure to think about the design and fit it to your specific needs.

About the author: Mihaela Buzec is a passionate reader and writer with an affinity for language and linguistics, as well as the latest technological developments. She discovered her passion for real estate at RENTCafé, and you can read more of her articles on their blog.

What’s the best flooring for your living room?

February 28, 2020 by Mandy

Alongside our kitchens, the living room is most likely the most used room in your home, with it being both somewhere to relax after a long day and an area to entertain guests on a Saturday night – it really is the heart of the home! With flooring often being the main feature of the room, we need to do our research before we set our heart of a particular type of flooring. Whether you come from a busy family household with lots of foot traffic or you live on your own, there’s an appropriate choice for everyone. Let’s have a look at what the best choices are and hopefully we can make your decision a little easier…

As much as we’d wish it wasn’t a factor, durability and practicality is something that we all need to take into consideration and put as a priority when deciding on a new floor. Especially in the living room where heavy usage is common and is exposed to dangers such as scratches and stains.

As a first rule, we’d stay away from carpet. Although still used widely in modern homes and new builds, we’d keep the carpet in the bedroom and guest rooms. The reason being is that carpet tends to look worn and trodden in after a while and can discolour if exposed to too much sunlight. So, since your living room will see lots of foot traffic and depending on your window, lots of sunlight!, we’d recommend a different approach to flooring your living room. Stains are another issue when it comes to carpet, as soon as anything that can stain lands on it it’s game over, the only way you’re likely to get them out is by getting your carpet professionally cleaned.

Now that leaves us with more practical options: wood, vinyl and laminate. Although all of them are more manageable and practical than carpet, they all come with their own advantages and disadvantages. So, let’s play them off against each other.

If you’re wanting to go down the completely practical route, then we’d recommend laminate or Luxury Vinyl Tiles as the safest options. LVT is water, scratch and stain proof – you’ll have no worries with LVT and is probably the most practical and easy-going option. Laminate is largely similar; however, it is only resistant to these so be aware of this when deciding. Laminate is generally cheaper, perfect for those of you on a stricter budget. You’re not even sacrificing aesthetics with these options either – both of which coming in very convincing imitations of natural products such as wood and tile.

That leaves us with solid and engineered wood – we’d say the perfect choice for the living room. Wood flooring is famous for its incredible durability and luxurious appearance. Wood has been used on floors for centuries, offering us a real timeless and beautiful appeal; what better place to show it off than the living room? Although requiring a little more maintenance than the aforementioned LVT and laminate, particularly if anything is spilled on it, wood does hide scratches well and can be sanded down multiple times. Having said that, this should not normally need to be done for at least 15-20 years, so your beautiful floors are likely to last a lifetime!

You might find yourself asking the question: what’s the difference between solid and engineered wood and how do I decide on which is best for me? The main distinction between the two is that due to the nature of the plank construction, engineered wood is able to cope with fluctuating temperatures which means you can install under-floor heating. This is something that is growing significantly in popularity and certainly a feature that you’ll want in your living room of all rooms, so bear this in mind!

How to Get Creative When Adding Shade to Your Back Yard

February 20, 2020 by Mandy

Your back yard should be a place where you and your family can relax and enjoy the outdoors. Depending on your situation, it may be a spot where you opt to install a vegetable garden, patio area for grilling out, and more.

However, during the torrid summer months, the back yard can be rendered virtually useless due to extreme temperatures. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to add shade to your backyard so you can enjoy it even when the sun is beating down.

Install a Pergola or Gazebo

If you have the time and skill, you may want to consider building a pergola or gazebo. Although these structures are slightly different in design, both can provide excellent shade. Gazebos can even be used for parties and even backdrops for the wedding officiant and the lucky couple.

A pergola is a structure that uses lattice for the overhead shelter. Combined with climbing plants such as wisteria or various vines, the shelter can provide complete shade from the sun.

A gazebo uses a solid roof rather than a lattice one, meaning that you get 100% shade immediately, without waiting for plants to come in. The disadvantage of a gazebo is that it may be more costly than a pergola.

Regardless of which structure you choose, building one can be accomplished in a weekend. If you don’t feel that you have the skill to build one, there are numerous kits available online or at your local home improvement store.

Consider the Use of a Shade Sail

If you don’t have the time to build a pergola or a gazebo, or you just don’t want to incur the cost, using a shade sail is a very affordable way to increase the shade in your back yard.

A shade sail is exactly what it sounds like: a piece of cloth or similar material is hoisted between 3 or 4 posts, creating an instant patch of shade. Shade sails are excellent choices when you need shade right away, as they only take a few minutes to put into place.

Although a shade sail will not be as durable as a pergola or a gazebo, a high-quality shade sail should last you several years with the proper care. For this reason, and due to the ease with which you can switch them out, decreased durability should not be a major concern for you.

Another advantage of a shade sail is that you can cover a larger area than might be feasible with a gazebo or pergola. While those structures tend to cap out at 10 feet to a side, shade sails come in much larger sizes.

Finally, a shade sail is an excellent choice if you are looking for temporary shade. The vegetation in your back yard needs sun to thrive; if you were to shade a large area for an extended period of time, you would find some of the plants struggling to survive. Using a shade sail lets you enjoy the shade while you need it, while giving you the option to take it down when you are finished, allowing your plants access to the sunlight they need.

Champagne Tastes: How to Create a Luxury Bath for Less

December 23, 2019 by Mandy

You stare at your bathroom in disappointment. You just got back from vacation and the differences between your bath and the hotel are astounding. Time to redo your bathroom.

The problem is that you don’t have a lot of money to turn your bathroom into some type of luxury resort. What if we told you there are plenty of ways to get the look you want on a budget that’s friendly to your wallet?

To create a luxury bath for less all you need is a few basic tools, a device that can pull up DIY tutorials, and a dream. Keep reading for a few ideas on how to get started.

1. Use Light-Colored Paints

The most basic trick you can do to add a bit of class to your bathroom is to slap on a new coat of paint. When you’re at the store picking out colors, always go for lighter ones. Painting your bathroom white and splurging on white accessories to go with it will get you that hotel resort look.

White is also a godsend for smaller bathrooms because it makes them look much larger then they are. The only problem with white is that it may make your bathroom look a little too cold.

If that’s your fear then you can use gray instead. Gray will go with about every fixture and countertop in your bathroom. Especially wood.

If you want a color that will make your bathroom look more like a spa then light aqua and blues will be the way to go.

2. Tile Diagonally

Another way to open up space and make your small bathroom look larger is by tiling diagonally. It will also add a little bit of texture and interest to an otherwise dull space.

Now, we know what you’re thinking, tile is expensive. You can get off a lot cheaper if you buy the tile and do it yourself if you feel comfortable. There are plenty of tutorials you can look at online.

3. Use Plants

You’d be amazed at what adding a little plant life can do for your bathroom. Plants are colorful and add an interesting visual piece. Due to the fact that they draw the eye, they have the potential to make your bathroom look a little larger.

They also act as great natural air fresheners. You may feel a bit weird about putting live plants in your bathroom because of the heat and humidity.

Rest assured there are some plants that actually thrive in bathrooms. Boston ferns, aloe vera, and orchids are all great choices.

4. Classy Containers

Keeping your handsoap in the container it came in doesn’t have the same flair as using a glass handpump. This can be said about most soaps and products that live on your bathroom counter.

Consider purchasing fancier containers and putting all your products in those. You can find tons of these gorgeous glass containers on Amazon or even at a dollar store.

5. Open Shelves

Having a bunch of stuff scattered all over your bathroom counters isn’t a good look. You can clear up some space by adding in open shelves. This will allow you to fully utilize your vertical storage space.

It also gives you a place to display those plants we were talking about and any other pieces of interest you have for that matter.

6. Paint Your Furniture

Flea markets and thrift stores are goldmines when it comes to finding furniture for your bathroom. Thing is, sometimes it doesn’t always go with the overall bathroom theme you’re going with. Either, that or they look a bit dingy.

One way to spruce up these fixer-uppers is to paint them. All it takes is a fresh coat of paint to turn an old dresser into a beautiful vanity.

7. Get New Towels

Buying new towels is most likely the easiest thing you can do to freshen up your bathroom. You can find a wide array of inexpensive embroidered towels with colorful trim.

When you’re looking around for towels make sure you consider material. You can get regular cotton towels or you could get Turkish ones that are much softer and have more of a luxurious feel. Treat your self.

8. Unique Mirror

A bathroom is nothing without a mirror. The larger the better. Not only do big mirrors catch the eye but they make any space they’re in look much larger.

Consider getting one that’s a unique color or shape to add even further visual interest. If the only mirror you can find is a rough edge one, you can put a frame around it. A frame will add a little touch of class while protecting the mirror.

9. Replacing Your Countertops

Lastly, it’s time to freshen up your countertops. We’ve got plenty of bathroom countertop ideas that can help you out here. For one, look around for special offers from your nearest hardware stores.

Countertop materials will get pretty expensive otherwise. Having someone come in to install the material can be equally as expensive. If you feel comfortable you can look up a tutorial and do a DIY to add on to your savings.

Creating a Luxury Bath for Less in Your Home

Do you want to turn your bathroom into something out of a hotel brochure? Creating this look doesn’t have to be as expensive as you think. Use some of the tips you read here today to create a luxury bath for less and get the relaxation you deserve.

Did this article help you create the bathroom that you’ve always wanted? Check out our blog daily for even more helpful tips and tricks.

DIY Home Repairs: Why You Should Always Leave Home Damage to the Professionals

October 11, 2019 by Mandy

As a responsible homeowner, your to-do list seems to go on forever. There’s always another repair or maintenance project that needs to be done.

Consider the following statistic regarding homeowners throughout the United States. It indicates the average homeowner spends one to four percent of the home’s overall value on home improvement every single year.

That can add up to a lot of money. That might be why you like the idea of DIY home repairs if possible. You’d rather avoid hiring someone else for your home improvement projects.

Still, some home damage is not worth trying to handle on your own. This is true, in particular, when it comes to severe structural damage from a natural disaster or something.

The good news, though, is you’ve come to the right place by reading this article. Detailed below is everything about why it’s best to hire professional home repair services.

Consider the Long-Term Cost of Doing an Improper Home Repair

You probably want to handle your home repair project to save some money. It’s true that investing in professional home repair services can get expensive. Still, investing in those professional services is a worthwhile endeavor.

Consider the long-term effects of mishandling a home repair project. You might tackle that project on your own, thinking you’re saving money. It’s possible, though, that you only worsen the issue since you’re not experienced with these projects.

As a result, you’ll only be costing yourself even more money in the long run. Instead of taking that financial risk, leave it to the professionals right off the bat. That way, you can trust that the home repair is done properly the first time.

DIY Home Repairs Put Yourself and Others at Risk

One of the key reasons to avoid handling home repairs on your own is for your own safety. It’s an unfortunate truth that many home improvement projects can be dangerous. This is true, in particular, when the person doesn’t know what he or she is doing.

For example, it’s dangerous to try and trim tree branches by yourself. That’s why professional tree trimming services exist in the first place.

Instead of putting yourself or others in danger, leave it to the professionals. That way, you can trust that they have a better idea of what they’re doing while avoiding injuries, too. You and your family should remain safely out of the way.

It’s No Secret – Home Improvement Projects Are Stressful

At the end of the day, you and your family want to live in a comfortable, secure environment. You already work a full-time job. It’s understandable that having to handle home repair projects on top of that can be stressful.

Don’t underestimate the value of convenience when it comes to home repairs, then. Save yourself the headache of handling these projects by relying on professionals, instead. After all, that’s what they deal with on a regular basis.

Plus, many times, home repair projects can put a strain on relationships. Avoid that stress, then, by hiring someone else to deal with it on your behalf.

Some Home Repair Projects Can Be Covered by Insurance

There’s another significant perk to relying on professional home repair services. In some cases, the cost of those services could be covered by your insurance company.

This is true, for the most part, in many cases of home damage from natural disasters. If your home is experiencing severe structural damage from a major storm, for instance, check your insurance policy. It might be the case that your home repair project is entirely covered.

If it is, this alleviates the concern of spending your hard-earned money on a home repair project. For more specific details, check out more information on property damage claims to see if you may be eligible.

Professionals Will Have All of the Necessary Tools and Equipment

Many home repair projects require specific tools and equipment. This is yet another reason to rely on professionals to handle the project on your behalf. They have everything necessary to complete the project.

For example, it’s not likely that you have a large set of plumbing tools. A professional plumbing service, though, will be sure to have everything needed to get your home in working order again.

It’s true that you can go out and buy those tools and equipment on your own. Still, if you’re going to spend that money anyway, why not spend it on a plumbing service? That’s why it’s worthwhile to invest in professional labor to handle your home repair projects.

Establish a Long-Term Relationship with Your Professional Home Repair Service

As mentioned above, you have a lot of responsibilities as a homeowner. There will always be another repair or maintenance project for you to handle.

When you hire professional home repair services, then, you’re establishing a long-term relationship. By working with those services, you’ll get insight as to whether you can trust them for future projects. That way, you can give them a call the next time you need something repaired around the house.

Continue Investing in Your Ideal Home and Lifestyle

At this point in the article, you have a thorough understanding of why it’s best to avoid DIY home repairs. It’s understandable that DIY projects are tempting to save yourself some money. There’s no need to cut corners when it comes to your safety, though.

Plus, home repair service pros have more knowledge and expertise on the matter. You can trust these qualified professionals to complete your home repair project in an efficient and timely manner. That way, you can rely on the fact that the home repairs will stand the test of time.

After all, you deserve the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is secure. You and your family should feel comfortable enough to live your lives with ease and fun.

In fact, that’s where this website can come into play. We prioritize bringing our readers the latest and greatest advice in maintaining beneficial lifestyle habits. For that reason, we encourage you to browse through the rest of our website for more guidance on making the most of the rest of your life.