Your bedroom is one of the rooms you spend most of your time in, although a lot of that time will be spent asleep! If you’re looking at giving your bedroom a make-over – or perhaps you’re decorating and furnishing a spare room – there are plenty of options, and some that can make a room look superb at very little expense.

You will have your own choice of colour, of course, and perhaps you’ve chosen some of the curtains and other fittings, but what about furniture? Apart from the obvious – the bed – what else can you put in a bedroom? It’s a good point, especially when it comes to newer homes where bedroom space is very much at a premium.

There are some great ideas that we found when we started looking into modern bedroom décor; to begin with, what about cheap nightstands? These are a great addition to any bedroom – very practical, with some attractive and interesting designs – and they cost surprisingly little. You can choose from a wide variety of colours and types, too, and they don’t take up a lot of space. That’s  your starting point, but what else can we suggest?

Ideas for Guest Rooms

When it comes to furnishing guest rooms, or spare rooms that will only be used on an occasional basis, you want to keep expenditure to a minimum. You also want to make the best use of the available space you have, which means furniture that does not take up all of the room. One of  the  best ideas we came upon for saving space in a bedroom or other spare room is a range of cheap futons in a variety of attractive and practical designs.

Futons make a great choice as they double as a seating area when not in use – ideal for those small rooms that are just too small to house a full-size bed – but are comfortable when extended into a bed. They are cheap, attractive and very versatile, and you will certainly find a great choice within your budget. There’s a great choice of colours, too, so you can find cheap futons to match your décor. Have a look now and we think you’ll be inspired to go down this route – it makes sense, and it costs very little!

Keep it Simple

One of the key factors in getting the décor right in a bedroom is to keep things simple. You don’t want a cluttered, uncomfortable room, but one where you can relax, sleep and feel at ease. Too much around you can be distracting when you are trying to sleep, so just invest in a few small, simple and stylish furnishings, and keep the colours muted and plain.

Your bedroom is the place you go to for relaxation and calm, and you want to be able to enjoy it, so why not check out cheap nightstands and futons now, and see just how affordable it can be to buy new furniture for your bedroom.

There is something about books that makes us treasure them. Reading is, of course, taught at a young age and is intrinsic to education, but a book is something special. Whether you are a collector of certain authors, like books on particular subjects, or simple appreciate books, it’s not something that wavers with age. You will always love books! In recent years, many people have pronounced the imminent demise of books in the face of increasingly clever technology, but it’s yet to happen.

You probably have a tablet – an iPad or Kindle upon which you read the occasional book or magazine – and they are excellent device. Convenient to carry around and easy to use, you can’t beat them for when you’re on the move. Yet, we still buy books; they are wonderful to handle, and turning the page to find what happens next can be a great thrill. Which brings us on to where to store them! Bookcases are not only practical for keeping our library in order and rooms tidy, but they also look great, so let’s have a closer look at some of the bookcases Canada has to offer.

Choose Your Style

The great thing about bookcases is that there are so many styles to choose from. Long gone are the days when all you could get was a series of shelves that stood above each other in uniform fashion. Nowadays the bookcase has become an item of furniture with its own particular character, and some of them are very clever – and superbly attractive – indeed. The first thing you need to do when choosing a bookcase is to work out how much space you have, and where you want to put it.

If you want a truly modern-look for your bookcase, one that combines minimalist design with clever styling and great practicality, we strongly recommend you check out the range of HomCom bookcase designs. This innovative and fresh range covers everything from the traditional style of simple, vertical bookcase to those that have stepped shelves, and others with unevenly sized shelves that look great and add something interesting to the room.

It’s worth mentioning that, like many bookcases available these days, the HomCom range is not expensive either, and comes in a full range of colours from natural wood through black, white and more, and various materials such as solid wood models and metal, vintage-look examples that would look great in the right setting.

Check Out More

Choosing furniture should be great fun and this range of bookcases certainly allows you to visualise some interesting layouts. There are bookcases here for every room – we like the one with shelves either side and a seat in the middle which would be great for a bedroom – and you will like the prices, too, so there’s bound to be one that appeals to every possible taste.

Check out the HomCom bookcase range – they do other furniture too – now and see how you can have a classy, stylish bookcase at an affordable price.

Have you just picked up the hobby of sewing? or are you looking for ways to improve? We have collected 10 tips from the sewing experts that you can use to bring your sewing to the next level.

There are a handful of common mistakes that both beginning and more experienced sewers make. We hope to help you avoid making a few of these mistakes so that you can focus more on sewing those beautiful socks or t-shirts.

Always read the machine manual

Our first tip may seem obvious but it is something that can happen quite quickly. Reading the manual of your (new) machine. Although most sewing machines work quit similarly, there may be some surprising new features that you should have read about.

Particularly if you buy a new machine from a brand that you already know, you expect everything to be the same. This is not always the case and can lead to some serious frustrations.

So to avoid this, the experts advise you to read the entire manual from beginning to end before you start sewing. Also make sure to keep the manual closely so if you encounter any abnormalities or issues, you can quickly find if this is because of the machine model or something else. Next to avoiding problems, this may also surprise you of the many extra features that your machine may have.

Change needles frequently

Almost all new sewing machines for beginners come with a needle that you can start sewing with. This is, in itself, not a problem. But if you notice any problems with the tension, you might want to get a new needle.

A surprisingly large part of sewers don’t know how often to replace the needle or that they have to replace the needle at all. Very often when tension problems begin to develop, this can be lead back to an overused or wrong sized needle. This brings us to the next tip:

Use the right type of needle

Although we won’t go very deep into all the different types of needles, we do want to mention that picking the wrong needle can have disastrous effects on your sewing work. As you might know, you should base the type of needle on the type of fabric that you are sewing with and base the size of the needle on the type of thread that you will use.

An easy trick to find out wether your needle has the right size is to pull a piece of thread that you will use through the needle and see if it slides freely from one side to the other. If this is the case, the needle is the right size, if not, you should use a bigger one.

Use the spool pin caps

These little plastic tools often simply disappear in the accessory pouch. But they exist for a reason and of your machine has the option of putting one on, you definitely should. Note that there are different sizes for different sized spools.

You will notice that when you use a spool cap, the thread will more easily wind of your spool and down to your thread. And although this probably won’t make a big difference, it is these little things that will allow you to sew longer on end and provide you with neater and prettier results.

Wet the needle

For those of you that have a machine that does not have an automated needle threader, the well known trick is to wet the end of your thread so you can more easily put it through your needle.

And while this may work, the lesser known tip is to wet the back of the needle so it attracts the thread which makes it so much easier to find that eye with a little less pain for the eyes.

But don’t watch the needle

Another often made mistake is to watch the needle while sewing. It can be very mesmerising and satisfying to watch the needle while you are sewing but this is one of the main reasons sewers aren’t straight.

There is in almost all cases a throat plate guide that can help you sew in straight lines. If you use the guide or some other technique like tape or a rubber band, you will notice that your accuracy will improve significantly.

Invest in a specialty foot

If you buy an expensive model, specialty feet are often included. But the older or cheaper models don’t usually come with any extra or specialty feet. Luckily a lot of other brands make specialty feet that are applicable to your machine.

Make sure to check that out and choose a foot that fits your style of sewing and is adaptable for your machine. This will really help you keep your fabric straight and under control.

Keep temporary adhesive spray nearby

This tip may seem like a bit of a cheat but considering how helpful it can be with slippery or hard to control layers of fabric,

It can be a real timesaver. If the fabric that you are sewing is hard to control, slipping all the time or for some other reason hard to sew together, adhesive spray is the way to go. Simply spray the sides of the fabric that you want to sew together, place them on top of each other, sew them together while leaving a little entry on one side, turn the piece inside out through the hole and wash it. When it comes out, the spray is gone and you will have a neatly sewed piece.

Polyester or Cotton?

A very important thing to remember when sewing is the stretchiness of your thread. When you are sewing a piece with stretchy fabric, you should always use stretchy thread as well.

So remember; cotton does NOT stretch while polyester DOES stretch. So many projects fail simply because of the stretchiness of the thread. Simply buying the right type of thread will save you some big disappointments.

Iron and press

The last but definitely not the least important tip is to thoroughly iron before you start sewing and to carefully press while you are sewing. This significantly improves the professionally of the end result.

Often the reason of a project looking amateurish is because the sewer didn’t properly sew or press. You might want to invest in a quality iron with good steam functions to give your pieces that professional and neat look.

Thank you for taking the time to read our ten expert sewing tips and we hope we have helped you improve your sewing quality. If you are currently looking for a good sewing machine or if you are in need for a new one, we would recommend Brother CS6000i Sewing Machine which is a great model for both beginners and advanced sewers.

Be sure to let us know what you think and tell us any sewing tips you want to share.

Check out our other articles for more tips and tricks and good luck with your future sewing projects. Sew you later!

Whether you’re thinking of listing your property for sale in the near future, or you’re simply protecting your investment while you live in your home, remodeling your home can increase your property values. Using high-quality, durable materials, creating a visually pleasing and functional space, and paying attention to even the smallest details can increase your home’s value.

Remodel Your Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the highest-traffic areas of your home, and many times, the focal point of your entire interior. When you list your home for sale, and outdated kitchen can make thousands of dollars worth of difference in your home’s asking price and the offers that potential buyers make. Remodeling your kitchen with modern, updated materials will increase your property values as well as the entire aesthetic of your home.

• • Replace Your Countertops – worn down countertops can make your kitchen look outdated. Consider replacing your countertops with wood kitchen countertops or extremely durable stone countertops. Keep in mind that it is important to consider the amount of maintenance you are willing to do when remodeling your kitchen. For example, when comparing quartz vs marble countertops, it is important to note that quartz is more durable, while marble is more easily repaired.
  • Upgrade Appliances – upgrading your appliances is not only safer for the occupants of the home, modern appliances are very likely more efficient, bringing energy bills down.

• Customize with Color – Consider the options when it comes to solid surface countertop colors, flooring, and backsplashes. Prepare your home for market by recreating the entire aesthetic of your kitchen. 

Backyard Upgrades

A well-kept, cared for backyard can increase your home’s property values. Upgrading your fence and the components of your backyard can have a significant impact on your home’s value as well as increase the enjoyment of your home. Consider the following when redesigning your backyard:

• Add a Deck – a deck can provide somewhere for you to relax and spend time outside while increasing your property values when you go to sell your home. When adding a deck to your home, consider the quality of the materials. Compare the safety profiles of wood vs composite decking, and keep in mind components like hidden deck fasteners, that create a smoother appearance.
• Upgrade Your Fencing – Durable, high-quality fencing can be a selling point when listing your home on the market.  Modernize by replacing your old fence posts with concrete fence posts to increase the integrity of your fence.
• Add Drainage – poor drainage can affect your home’s foundation as well as creates a welcoming environment for termites, mosquitoes, and other pests. Installing proper drainage can maintain your home’s structure as well as your property values.

Deep Cleaning 

A clean house is not only appealing and welcoming, but it is also imperative to your health, and sometimes, the actual functionality of your home. When deep cleaning your home, keep in mind that deep cleaning is more than cleaning the inside of your home; deep cleaning also involves the parts you can’t see, as well as components on the exterior of your home.

• Clean Your Air Ducts – in order for your HVAC system to work with complete efficiency, your air ducts must be clean. Prolong the life of your HVAC and your air quality by having your air ducts regularly cleaned.
• Treat Salt Damage  If you have a concrete driveway, increase your curb appeal and your property values by treating any salt damage to concrete.
• Address Efflorescence –  if you have stone surfaces in your home, such as your walkways, floors, or countertops, chances are you are familiar with efflorescence. Consider an efflorescence treatment to remove the unsightly white splotchy powder forming on the top of your stone surfaces.

Add an Extension

Adding an extension to your home can increase your property values, but your use of space, the quality of materials, and the functionality of your extension play an integral role in how much your property values will increase.

• Be strategic with space – Even the largest homes sometimes don’t have enough closet space, especially if your family is growing. You may want to build a closet to keep your home clean and organized. 
• Use Modern Materials – A common trend in modern home design is metal house siding or fiber cement panels. Unlike wood frame construction, these durable materials are visually appealing as well as termite and rot resistant, keeping costly home repairs down.
• Consider an ADU – turn your home into an income generating property as well as add more space by adding an accessory dwelling unit. Whether you turn your garage into a self-contained one bedroom apartment or build a tiny house behind your main home, an ADU can become a rental property, extra space for a growing family, or a guest suite when you have friends and family come to visit.

While the upfront investment of remodeling your home may seem high, your investment will yield high returns as your property values increase, giving you leverage in a seller’s market. 

Matt Lee is the owner of the Innovative Building Materials blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value.

Trends come and trends go, but great classic furniture and design will never go out of style. By investing in pieces that are timeless and refined you can be sure that your home will suit you, your family and your needs for the long term. Shed any temptation to veer towards furniture fads with these 5 decor classics:

Invest in style

Classic interior design is defined by it’s understated, elegant look and feel. Typically classic furnishings are light-neutral in colour with simple lines and unimposing structures. This is a perfect option if you like a clean but inviting aesthetic, or if you’re looking to combine two decor styles. For example the classic style pairs well with the country or the industrial design categories.

https://www.1825interiors.com.au/torquay-sofa

Designing your home within the confines of the classic look will mean that you will have a consistent space that flows well. Use the category to guide your bigger investments, like your bed-frame, dining table and sofa set.

Suitable Lighting

Lighting really can do more for your home than you think. By employing professional looking lighting you can transform any space and create an instantly classic effect.

Chances are, your home didn’t come ready equipped with picture perfect lighting. If this is the case then you can make a few changes to create your own illuminations. Purchase lamps, pendant lights or other add ons to help enhance the feel of your space. Keep these within the classic design style aesthetic to be sure that they won’t begin to look dated in a few years time.

Understated neutrals, clean lines and decorative bases are all characteristics of beautiful classic light sources. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different sizes and shapes to create some design interest and to pack a creative punch. Be sure that you’re constructing a coherent mood by sticking to purely warm or cool tones for every light addition.

https://www.1825interiors.com.au/ashwood-table-lamp

Decorative Artwork  

Artwork is a great addition to any home. A beautiful piece of art will add expression to your walls, and they can even create the illusion of more space with some clever placement. For a home that has a timeless feel, the artwork that you and your family collect has to have a personal feel.

Personality is key to investing in pieces that truly reflect the tone of your home and those who live in it. By selecting works that the whole family connects with, you will have a space that’s both unique and classic to you.

Natural Materials

Natural material is a long time classic in all of it’s uses. Resources such as wood, ceramic, cotton, leather and metal are a staple of almost every single industry, especially home decor and interior design.

By investing in home fixtures and furnitures that are crafted from natural materials and resources, you will be sure to achieve a classic and enduring look. Choose resilient and sturdy materials such as slate, stone and wood for your floors, kitchen cabinets and walls to have a home that is long lasting in look and function.

Natural materials are a fabulous option for your homewares and furniture. Look for pieces that will create the right mood for your home. Looking for a classic but warm, relaxed feel? Explore classic timber furniture options. If you’re more of a minimalist who likes a clean look, then consider metal and leather items.

https://www.1825interiors.com.au/vaucluse-coffee-table

The Tried and The Tested

You can put your trust in any movements in the decor and design industry that have stood the test of time. A good time guide for you to follow is if a trend or decor feature has lasted for more than half a century. This is an indicator that it is a timeless and universal choice that has catered for the needs, tastes and preferences of a wide demographic and multiple generations.

Great examples of this rule are plush leather sofas, persian or turkish rugs and statement pops of colour around the room. If you find a style that you really love and that has been around for more than fifty years it’s time to take the plunge and invest – even if it does come in and out of style, keeping a hold of it is a smart decision for your future.

Whether you’re designing an entirely new space or you’re simply looking for a few new additions to your home, by making timeless and functional choices you can be sure that your home and it’s look will work for you and your family, now and in the many years to come. Furnishing your home certainly isn’t cheap, and your Classic furniture is the perfect opportunity for some clever budgeting. These pieces will never go out of style, so keep your eye on furniture clearance deals or sales. You’ll be able to pick up amazing, timeless pieces at a budget friendly price that will last you a lifetime!