Top Luxury Features to Consider for Your Custom Home

Building a custom home is the chance to get exactly what you want out of your space. You don’t have to settle for practical features like granite countertops or bigger closets. You can take the opportunity to indulge yourself and get some of the things you’ve always wanted in a home.

If you are thinking of building a custom home in the near future, consider adding some of these top luxury features into the design:

Heated Floors

You may not think that heating the floors will do much for warming you on a cold day, but you would be surprised. Heated floors feel like a warm embrace that moves up your whole body. The heat inside your home doesn’t even need to be up that high; your heated floors will make you feel cozy and comfortable.

You can run heated floors through your whole home, and you can choose from materials like hardwoods or polished concrete. You can even put them in your bathroom. Just imagine how good that will feel when you step out of the warm shower! No more shivering as you desperately grasp for the towel when you hit that cold air.

Dressing Room

Don’t stop at asking for walk-in closets. Build an entire dressing room in your home. The dressing room should include plenty of rods and shelves for clothing and shoes, as well as room for you to move about and try on clothes. You might even put a bench or other seat in the middle of the room.

Ask for extras like floor-to-ceiling mirrors and ambient lighting to get the most out of your dressing room. You may even consider adding features like a vanity or specialty armoire.

Home Spa

A huge bathtub is a must for relaxing after a hard day. However, you can turn your bathroom into a full home spa with the right design features. Ask your custom home builder for things like walk-through showers, multiple shower heads, wide ledges around your tub for seating, soft lighting and even a built-in music system.

For your tub, consider features like whirlpool jets or chromatherapy, which filters lights through the water to create a soothing effect.

Specialty Wiring

Outlets aren’t always where we need them to be. In fact, they are often in out-of-the-way and inconvenient places. When you are designing your custom home, consider adding outlets where you’ll need them most. For example, outlets in your kitchen island will be convenient for plugging in your blender or other appliances. Outlets in your medicine cabinet will make it easy for you to plug in your curling iron or blow dryer. Outside, outlets in your garden or under your roof eaves will make it easy to plug in landscape lighting or holiday decorations.

Also consider talking to your custom home builder about specialty wiring for a home theater system. With the right structure in place, you can easily wire built-in speakers, video game systems and more without cluttering your space with electrical cords.

Driveway Alarm

If you are investing in a custom home, chances are that you are also investing in a sizable piece of property. If you have a long driveway leading into your property, a driveway alarm will prove very convenient. You will be alerted when people pull into your driveway so you can take a peak outside and see who is coming.

A driveway alarm can help you prepare for unexpected guests — like when family members pop round when you are slumming in your pajamas in the middle of the day. A driveway alarm is also a good security feature since it lets you know if unwanted trespassers are on your property.

Outdoor Features

Make the outside of your home as comfortable as the inside. Talk to your custom home builder about a beautiful patio that includes features like an outdoor kitchen, fireplace, and lounge seating. Include a bar for easy entertaining.

Outdoor water features can also make your home seem very sophisticated. These can include fountains, small waterfalls and more. You can incorporate these into a pool area or install them independently on your patio or in a garden area.

Take advantage of the possibilities that designing a custom home offers you. Work with your custom home builder to incorporate these and other luxury features in your new home. You’ll feel like you’re coming home to your own private hideaway. You’ll love coming home — in fact, you may never want to leave.

How to Incorporate an Eco-Friendly Design into Your Custom Home

Choosing a custom home gives you the opportunity to control every aspect of the design. Not only can you choose features that will make your home more enjoyable—such as huge, walk-in closets and garden tubs—but you can also choose features that will lessen the impact that your home has on the environment. Your choices can affect the kinds of materials that are used and how much energy your home will consume.

Here are a few choices you can make to ensure that your custom home design is more

eco-friendly:

Foam Insulation

Proper insulation is key to reducing the energy consumption of your home. With good insulation, your cooling system won’t have to work as hard in the summer nor will your heating system in the winter. Your home will naturally maintain a more consistent and comfortable internal atmosphere.

The fiberglass insulation that is typically included in new home builds offers only the minimum protection. Foam insulation will greatly improve the energy efficiency of your home. You can choose from options like spray foam insulation or foam blocks.

Choosing the right insulation will reduce your home’s demand for natural resources and will help you save a lot on heating and cooling costs.

Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo is considered an eco-friendly material because it grows quickly. Unlike hardwoods, which require decades to grow to the length required, bamboo can grow to a usable form within just a couple of years.

Bamboo is also a beautiful material. Bamboo floors create a clean, inviting look for your home. It is also very easy to clean, and it doesn’t require constant refinishing. By choosing bamboo, you’ll increase the value of your home and reduce your home’s environmental impact.

Vinyl Windows

Vinyl windows are another all-star for energy efficiency. These windows feature double and triple panes, and they have a pocket of air between them for additional insulation. You can significantly lower your heating and cooling costs just by choosing vinyl windows.

Vinyl windows are also an eco-friendly choice because they do not require frequent maintenance or replacement. You won’t have to seal, stain or paint the windows, and they will last for 50 years or more. By choosing vinyl windows, you’ll reduce the overall demand for new materials, which consume natural resources.

Roofing

You have multiple eco-friendly options for your roof. Clay tile, slate, metal and foam are all excellent choices. Clay, slate and metal are all recyclable materials, so they can be reused after your roof has to be replaced. Clay, slate, metal and foam all have longer life spans than shingles. Clay and slate can last 50 years or more; metal can last about 75 years; and foam can last 100 years or more.

All of these roofing options are also eco-friendly because they are highly energy-efficient. Installing any of these roof types will help you significantly cut back on the heating and cooling demands of your home.

Recycled Material

Just about any of the materials used to build your home can be created from recycled or reclaimed goods. You can use the wood and windows from a structure that is scheduled for demolition. You can use metal roofing panels that have been recycled from scrap. Or you can use wood that is taken from a fast-growing and easily sustained resource, such as pine or bamboo (technically a grass, but dries to the hardness of wood).

Choosing recycled and repurposed material wherever possible will reduce the demand you place on new resources.

Location

Where you choose to build your home will have a big impact on its energy consumption, as well. For example, if the majority of your windows face south, the house will absorb more heat from the sun during the winter and won’t put as much demand on your heating system. Overhangs prevent the opposite from happening in the summer.

Using the natural landscape can also have a big impact on energy consumption. If you build your home amongst a lot of trees, you’ll keep it naturally cooler during the summer thanks to all the shade. In the winter, the trees will lose their leaves, allowing the sun to shine in and warm your home.

Your home is your personal realm. You have power over it and, therefore, power over how it affects the environment. Do your part to save the world’s natural resources and keep the earth healthy for a long time to come. Talk about these eco-friendly choices with your custom home builder and get recommendations for other ways to make your home more green.

A Guide to Choosing a Roof for Your Custom Home

When you are working with your contractor to design your custom home, your roof may be one of the most important choices you make. Not only will the roof have a big impact on the overall look of the home, but it will also have a big influence on the longevity of your home and how well iy regulates energy.

There are many considerations that go into choosing the right roof. Here are a few things you’ll want to talk about with your contractor:

Maintenance

Some roofs require more maintenance than others. They must be cleaned regularly to prevent the growth of moss and mildew, and it must be inspected annually to ensure that none of the shingles have shifted or the underlayment has broken down.

Roofs that require more maintenance may also put your home at greater risk since damages are more likely to happen if you are not vigilant.

Life Span

Replacing a roof can be quite expensive, so you want to minimize the number of times you will have to do it. The best way to do that is to choose a roof with a longer lifespan and to properly maintain it.

Popular asphalt shingle roofs can last from 15 to 30 years. Clay tile roofs can last up to 50 years. Foam roofing can last a lifetime — at least a century or more. Make sure you understand how long each roof that you are considering is expected to last.

Conditions of Your Property

Some roofs will break down faster in certain conditions. For example, if your property is heavily shaded, your roof is likely to get more moss and mildew because of the damp conditions. Therefore, you’ll need to choose a roof that is more resistant to moisture.

Discuss your options with your contractor, who can alert you to the conditions on your property that could influence the health of your roof.

Local Climate

Your roof can take a beating from the conditions of your local climate. For example, if you live in a place with extreme heats in the summer and extreme cold in the winter, you’ll need a material that can withstand the contraction and expansion without breaking down. Tile is a good option. If you live in a place that gets heavy rains and winds during the summer and heavy snow during the winter, you’ll need a roof that is strong and sturdy. Yalk to your contractor about your choices. Your contractor will let you know how different materials perform and give you recommendations that are suitable for your local climate.

What Your Home can Bear

Not every roof type is suitable for every home. For example, foam roofing cannot be applied to homes that have steep-pitched roofs. Clay tile and slate require a strong support structure below the roof.

These are issues that you can’t know without talking to your contractor. Fortunately, if you have these discussions while you are still designing your home, you can make adjustments to the design to accommodate the roof you want. Therefore, if you want a slate roof, the contractor can make changes to the architectural plan to include the right support for the weight.

The Look

Of course, your roof will have a big impact on the look of your home. When you choose to design a custom home, you do so because you have a very specific idea about the way you want your home to look. Make sure you choose your roof with the overall look of your home in mind.

Beautiful stone materials like slate will not only make your home look gorgeous but will also significantly increase its value. Materials like wood shake can give your home a quaint and rustic look. Explore all your options to make sure you are getting the look you want.

Sustainability

The materials you choose for your home not only impact the energy it consumes but also the environmental footprint it makes. For example, a metal roof is very energy-efficient, and it is also good for the environment since it can be recycled. Other eco-friendly options include solar roofs and green roofs — those that actually plant a garden on the roof.

Take advantage of the opportunity that building a custom home offers you and get exactly what you want and need in your roof. The right choice will save you a lot of money in the long run, as well as increasing the value of your home by improving its energy efficiency and enhancing its look.

Simple Shade Structures for Your Backyard

Deciding what type of shade structure you would like for your backyard can be a difficult task as there are many different shade solutions available. It is important to consider your options and what you want out of the area including comfort, functionality, design and style.

There are many options for shade solutions which are simple and cost effective to suit your needs. Whether you want something permanent or portable, your list is endless. Below are a range of simple but effective designs and styles that will not only give you shade but enhance your area for you and your guests.

Fabric

If you are looking for a chic and stylish look, drape some fabric over a simple timber frame. This is a very inexpensive way to create a shaded area that can be done yourself or by a contractor. This design allows your imagination to run wild as there are no limits to the style of fabrics and colors you use. If you decide to opt for this option, choose a material that is suitable for outdoor areas as it will allow your shaded area to be low maintenance. Fabric stores will have a large range of fabrics to choose from that will allow you to spend as much or little as you would like.

Shade Sails

Shade sails are a simple and effective way to create shade keeping a sense of openness in your backyard, which will simultaneously protect you from the sun’s harmful rays. With its quick and easy installation, the shade clothes can be removed at any time due to bad weather you may face, and placed back whenever you like. Most of the materials used for shade sails are water and fade resistant but always double check before making your purchase as some may not have these properties. The shade cloths can be angled or twisted giving your space a contemporary look which can allow you to continue the modern look of your home. Sails are also a great option to shade your children’s sand pit and or play area to also protect them from the sun.

Umbrellas

Umbrellas are a quick and easy way to get shade in your backyard. This is a very practical shade option as they can be moved to any area of your backyard depending on where shade is needed. There are countless styles, colors and materials that shade umbrellas are available allowing you to give your backyard character. Umbrellas look great around pool areas and are good for small spaces, which can be folded away when they are not in use. If you go for this option, ensure that you secure them down so no gust of wind can take them away. This is a very simple and inexpensive way to shade your backyard however prices will vary due to the quality, size and design you opt for.

Retractable Awnings

Retractable awnings are a great shade option. They not only protect you when you are outdoors but they also protect your adjoining area you have attached your awnings to from the heat. These can be retracted back when not in use manually or with a motor depending on your budget. Awnings are designed to take all sorts of weather conditions. If you opt for a motorised awning, many of them have a mechanism to close if the weather conditions are particularly bad. Compared to other simple shade options, retractable awnings can be a more expensive but they look stylish and chic in your backyard allowing you to extend your outdoor living area.

Trees

Looking for a natural way to create shade in your backyard? There is nothing better than planting trees to create a simple and natural way to produce shade. Compared to many other shade designs and styles, this is a cheap option that will also give you great privacy. Make sure you choose a tree with plenty of foliage providing your backyard the best amount of shade possible. Keep in mind, this option can create mess with the leaves falling in certain weather conditions.

You won’t believe the various ways you can create simple shade structures in your backyard. Each has different characteristics, design and style but they all possess the same thing – shade.

6 Ways to Customize Your Deck

Give your outdoor decking a unique look by customizing your area with different features and characteristics. Whether you go for a big or minimal change, you can be sure you’ll create some visual interest.

1. Railings

Railings not only provide a safety barrier for your deck, but also give your deck style and character. There are many designs and materials that can be used to compliment whatever look you want to achieve.

Wooden posts are one of the most popular options for deck railings. Whether you decide to keep them all the same width or choose different sizes running through your design, your deck will have character. If you like wood but you want something that has more flair, lattice is a great choice which is ideal for families with small children. This is a safe option still allowing your railings to look attractive and permit breeze to run through the gaps.

Not a fan of wood? Iron is a great material used to create an industrial or classical look. With this attractive railing, iron allows you create a classical style to your deck by creating curves in the spindles. There is a lot of diversity when using iron as it can be moulded into many shapes and designs depending on what style you want to achieve.

Glass is a very popular option if you want to achieve a modern look. This will allow you to enjoy the view beyond the decking while allowing your deck to be child friendly and safe. Whether you want a low rail or a high rail, the advantages of glass is that it will never obstruct your view.

2. Lighting

Illuminate your area by adding lighting to your deck, permitting you to enjoy your outdoor area in the evenings. From floor lighting to lamppost lighting, ‘the sky’s the limit’ when it comes to design and options. Adding lighting near railings and steps also adds safety. Lights underneath your stairs will allow your steps to sparkle in the night giving you clear visibility.

LED lights are a great option for your deck, with a longer lifespan than other lighting options. They are also energy efficient which will help you save on your energy bills. When choosing lights, you can’t go wrong with LEDs.

3. Staining or Painting

If your deck is beginning to look tired, give it a face-lift by staining your boards, making them look fresh and new once again. This is a simple way to customize your deck and can be done by any amateur – no need to call in an expert.

If you fancy something a little different, customize your deck by painting it with something other than stain. Whether you like solid colors, stripes or other abstract patterns, the choices and colors available are endless. This will allow you to have a little fun with your decking, creating an area that is a true representation of you.

4. Spa

Don’t have room for a pool? Why not remodel your deck area by adding a spa. Whether you want your spa recessed or above ground, deck flooring is a popular anti-slip surface choice, helping avoid any unnecessary accidents. Having a spa on your deck is a great way to give your area a wow factor and allow you to relax in the midst of your backyard.

5. Pergola

Adding a pergola will allow you to enjoy your decking space in all different weather conditions. Whether the sun is shining or raining profusely, a pergola will allow you to enjoy the outdoors. Enhance your area with an extra element by adding café blinds. These will keep the wind and heat out creating an enclosed area in your backyard. Café blinds are extremely versatile and can be left up if you prefer the openness.

6. Multi-level

Add architectural interest by creating a multi-level decking to your existing deck. This will separate your decking area into different sections making your area more functional and giving you more outdoor space. This will also give you a unique view of your backyard and surroundings, as you will be able to see it from more diverse angles compared to what you once did.

Whether you are looking to give your deck a major makeover or just a simple one, there is something for everyone. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and explore your options, customizing your deck true to your style.

Complete Guide to Upgrading Your Basement

Having a basement can add to the value of your property significantly. Having a finished basement can add even more.

Everyone likes having a basement, even if it is unfinished. It is an extra space where you can store boxes, old furniture and other things that you need but don’t use every day. But if you finish your basement, you can turn it into much more than a storage space. It can become an extra bedroom, a space to entertain guests, or even a whole apartment under your home — perfect for an aging parent, a child who comes home after college, or a rental opportunity.

Upgrading your basement takes a lot of work, and it requires a lot more than just slapping up some drywall. It is essential that you work with a general contractor to learn about all the issues involved, ensuring that you meet code requirements and you make the space safe and inviting. A general contractor can also give you some design ideas you might not have considered.

Here are a few things you’ll want to talk about with your contractor when upgrading your basement:

Moisture Issues

Basements are notorious for experiencing moisture problems. They are, after all, sunk under the ground. Water surrounds the walls, and it will easily come inside if the basement is not properly water-proofed.

If you start hanging drywall under those conditions or laying down flooring, you’ll quickly have mold and mildew spreading throughout the room. You must work with a contractor to first solve any moisture issues before you can begin any of the work for the upgrade. This may include sealing the walls, installing strong moisture barriers and more.

Even after the basic moisture issues are addressed, you’ll still want to choose specialty materials for completing your finished basement. For example, instead of using traditional drywall, you may want to choose a treated drywall or specialty wall covering that is designed to resist moisture.

Insulation

In addition to being damp, basements are also notorious for being cold. They are not well-insulated. Unless you want to dress for outdoor weather every time you go into your basement, you’ll need to have it properly insulated before you start finishing it.

It is important to choose insulating materials that will be resistant to moisture damage and mold. You’ll need to insulate the floor, ceiling, walls, and pipes.

Exposed Pipes and Joists

Pipes and ducts are often run through the basement, and covering these can prove challenging in some basement upgrades. In addition, you will likely have exposed joists for your home’s flooring on the ceiling of your basement.

You can cover some of these by putting up a ceiling or drywall on the walls. However, you may end up losing a lot of space in the room in doing so. You may also lose vital access to plumbing and ductwork in case you need to make repairs.

Many finished basements still have an unfinished ceiling. You can just hang recessed lighting above the joists, and stain the beams for a stylish, rustic look. You don’t have to finish the walls either. Painting the exposed brick can create a nice look that is very popular right now. You can also leave the brick natural and hang some strategic wall coverings for a nice design.

Flooring

Adding flooring can create a nice, finished look for your basement, but it is not necessary. You can paint and coat the bare concrete to get a polished look that could be featured on the pages of a home magazine.

However, a bare concrete floor can also be cold. You may choose to add flooring for the insulation and comfort. If you are on a budget, you can just lay out a couple of area rugs and still get the protection you want for your feet on cold mornings.

Talk through your flooring choices with your contractor to see what best meets your needs and your budget.

Finishing your basement can add thousands of dollars to your home’s value, but it is definitely not a DIY project. You’ll need to work with an experienced contractor to ensure that you are addressing all the underlying issues in the space when you design the remodel, such as moisture control and insulation.

Working with a contractor can also help you come up with some better design ideas for the space. Your contractor can build new walls, install crown molding, and much more. Think of your unfinished basement like a blank canvas on which to create.

Wood & Metal: The Next Revolution

Interior decorating has always pushed the boundaries and mixed the unexpected together to create a cohesive, interesting room. A new trend on the horizon mixes natural with man-made for a unique style in any room. Mixing wood and metal together in décor, furniture and the design of a room is popping up more and more often creating, functional, visual spaces.

Dark wood and dark metal. Light wood and light metal. Or a mixture of all these kinds comes together for a blend of textures and tastes that is sure to catch the eye. As a whole, wooden floors can be used as the basis for this design. Homes or offices that have old or new wooden floors lend themselves perfectly to this trend. Industrial ceilings and exposed metal is the perfect match for this type of floor. Past the floor and ceiling, adding to this design is fairly simple too.

For example, instead of traditional leather or fabric couches, metal-framed furniture plays off of the flooring and creates this interesting, on trend, balance. On a light wooden floor, light silver metal can make the room feel more open, sleek and modern. On the other hand, a dark cherry or mahogany floor with dark gray or even near-black metal promotes warmth and depth. However, there are so many more combinations than that. All different tones and hues of wood flooring and metal furniture can be mixed together depending on budget, room and personal taste.

But this of course isn’t the only way to bring wood and metal together. This can also be done just in the furniture itself. A lot of buildings have carpet instead of wood flooring, but they can still take advantage of this trend. Metal bases with fabric or leather cushions are become more prevalent in furniture stores and especially online. Chairs with metal legs and upholstered seats along with metal coffee tables that feature a wooden top can all be added to a carpeted room.

Side tables with wood tops and metal legs can add these elements to a room. In a bedroom, a wooden bedframe can exist alongside a metal dresser and vanity. A room that is painted with dark colors or has a dark design might match well with darker metal and wood. Whereas a lighter room, like light blue or gray, could be the perfect fit for light wood and metal furniture.

If you like the ideas of this trend but still aren’t sure about changing your flooring or furniture, you still have another option. You can find, purchase and utilize décor that adheres to this trend – or you can make décor that’s inspired by this trend. Metal finished frames are a great start, for elements like branches or knotted wood. A framed piece that features actually pieces of wood not only adds interest but texture to a room. Shiny or dull metal vases with bouquets of long wooden branches are another idea for on top of a dresser or side table. These vases can be moved, changed season to season and of course aren’t a permanent design decision.

All of these types of décor, frames, vases and branches can be purchased at almost any home good or department store. The more popular this trend becomes, the more accessible these types of items will be. But some designers like a more hands-on approach, especially when it comes to such a natural element.

A great example includes glass candleholders in which the candle sits in the middle and the glass surrounds it like a vase. These can be found in all different sizes and a relatively inexpensive. Taking these candleholders and painting them a metal tone brings in the more industrial side of this trend. Then, after finding small twigs, the twigs can be glued horizontally around the entire candleholder. Since they are not all perfectly straight, the metal background will be seen behind them. All in one piece of décor, metal and wood is mixed and also brings in the element of heat and fire by lighting the candle.

The best thing about this interior decorating trend is that it can be a whole room or just a few pieces of décor. The variety of wood or metal materials and objects on the market are various and plentiful. If you want something lighter or darker, bigger or smaller, there is sure to be something out there for your taste. The hardness of metal and warmth of wood mix together to compliment existing designs or create a whole new one.

Top Trends to Try for Tiny Spaces

Tiny homes have become very trendy all on their own. These small spaces are anywhere from 200 square feet to 900 square feet. Tiny homes are inexpensive, and they reduce the overall cost of home maintenance, which allows many people to live a more financially independent lifestyle. Tiny homes are also more eco-friendly, so those who are interested in a sustainable lifestyle are drawn to these homes.

Some people live in tiny homes by necessity. In large, metropolitan areas like New York City, San Francisco and London, real estate comes at a premium. Even a small home can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Therefore, many people live in homes that are smaller than they would like.

You don’t have to sacrifice style and comfort when you are living in a tiny space. You just have to be a little more creative with your design. Here are a few top trends you might want to try for your tiny space, whether you live in a micro home or you just live in a small studio in a large urban center:

Use Convertible Furniture

When your floor space is limited, you don’t have the room for multiple pieces of furniture. Even standard furniture like a bed can take up a huge piece of real estate in your home. Instead of resigning yourself to the clutter, you can open up more room by using convertible furniture.

Perhaps the most useful piece of convertible furniture is the wall bed. The bed folds up against the wall when it is not in use, opening up the entire floor for use. Some wall beds contain other pieces of furniture. For example, some wall beds lift up to reveal a sofa and others have a desk and bookshelves. You can turn your living room into a bedroom or use a guest room as an office space.

Other useful convertible furniture includes transforming tables. You can transform a coffee table or desk into a dining room table. The table legs pull apart to reveal tracks that hold additional leaves, transforming the small table into a large dining table that seats eight to 10 people.

You can get all the functionality you need without taking up more space just by using the right convertible furniture.

Take Advantage of Vertical Space

You may not have a lot of floor space in your tiny home, but you probably have a lot of wall space that you aren’t using for much more than hanging art. You can take advantage of this vertical space to get the functionality you need while also de-cluttering the room.

One of the best ways to use vertical space is to install a loft bed. The bed is raised to eye level, and you can use the area below it for bookshelves, a sitting area, or a desk.

Other ways that people have taken advantage of vertical space in small homes is to build shelves and cabinets all the way up to the ceiling.

When evaluating your space, it is important to consider ways to use every inch of it, even it’s on the walls or the ceiling.

Convert Unlikely Spaces

You may feel like your options are limited in a tiny space, leaving you room for little more than the necessities, like a bedroom, bathroom, sitting area and kitchen. However, if you get a little creative, you can get much more out of your space.

One of the best ways to convert an unlikely space is to use your closets. Take the door off a closet you don’t need, and turn it into a mini office space. Put up some shelves, and create a desk top out of a sturdy piece of wood. You’ll have your own little nook to study and do work, and you won’t have to take up more floor space for it.

Organize your other closets to ensure you still have enough storage space eve with the loss of that one closet.

Use Hidden Storage

The area underneath your furniture is typically wasted space. You can change that by using it for hidden storage — and we don’t mean just cramming random things under your bed.

Several pieces of furniture are available that offer hidden storage. For example, storage beds have a hydraulic platform that allows you to lift the mattress and reveal a boxy area underneath in which to store your belongings. Ottomans, cabinets and some sofas also provide hidden storage. You can reduce clutter in your home without having to sacrifice your belongings.

Create the Illusion of Space

Size can often be a visual trick. For example, a room will look much bigger if you just reduce the amount of furniture and other belongings that are in it.

An easy way to create the illusion of space in a tiny home is to paint everything white. The room will appear to open up and be more inviting. You can also hang a lot of mirrors around the room, creating the illusion of even more space.

Don’t sacrifice good design and style because you live in a tiny home. Use these tips to help you create an inviting space that provides everything you need and still shows off your signature style.

Tiles That Will Make Your Home Look Modern and Stylish

When it comes to flooring in your home, it can be very difficult to choose the perfect style and design to create a modern and stylish look. Tiles are a great option when deciding the type of flooring to choose for your home.

Tiles are not only durable for busy and high traffic areas but are also extremely versatile with endless options of colour, design and size available. Below are a few tile options that will help you create that modern and stylish look you have always wanted.

Faux Wood

Floorboard look tiles will give your home a contemporary and natural timber look. Available in a ceramic and porcelain tile, faux wood mimics the warmth and modern look floorboards give. Whether you like a thick timber look, slim look, grey in colour or more the earthy tones, your options are endless.

Opting for faux wood allows you to keep the floorboard style by using a material that is much more durable, lasting you longer than any average floorboard would. With faux wood tiles becoming a fast growing trend all around the world, these tiles are easily accessible and available at many tile stores.

High Gloss

High gloss tiles are classy and sophisticated, giving any room a chic and modern look. A light tone, high gloss tile is not only striking but also simple, allowing you to enhance your space with bold furniture. Choosing light colors will create an illusion of space and give your area a new dimension.

Those that prefer a gloss tile with character, opt for a textured design tile. Marble texture is a popular look, which can be recreated using a porcelain tile, which is less expensive than marble. White tiles with grey marble streaks are a very popular modern look, making your home look classy and stylish, creating a high end and contemporary appearance.

Mosaic

Mosaic tiles are available in many different sizes, shapes and colors, which will allow you to choose the right style to create a modern look. Small mosaics are great to use on walls, borders and as a feature tile in your kitchen and bathroom.

Mosaic tiles also allow you to use colors and textures, permitting you to be more creative. Whether you want minimal colour or a large burst of brightness, mosaic tiles will give your room a chic look that will draw attention.

If you are looking for a mosaic tile for your floor, opt for something a little larger. This will ensure that you do not make your room look too busy and confined. If you are looking for something a little unique creating a modern statement, opt for hexagonal tiles. Choosing a large hexagonal tile, dark in tone will make your room look like a honeycomb. This contemporary look is paving the way for diverse designs, which will definitely get everyone’s attention when they walk through your home.

Large Tiles

Choosing a large tile will not only mean less joins and grout, but will give your area a dramatic effect. Dark colors are extremely popular when opting for a modern look and make your area look bigger than what it seems.

Choosing the right tile can give the effect of polished concrete due to the minimal lines and grout used. This can be achieved by purchasing porcelain tiles that have been created to give you the look and feel of polished concrete by using certain tones and textures. Opting for grey tones will also help create the concrete effect to its maximum capacity.

Compared to carpet and floorboards, choosing a tile may not be as warm. Floor heating is available, however it can be extremely expensive, especially if you have large areas. If it is not in your budget, adding beautiful carpets and rugs around your home will give your home warmth, still allowing you to choose a modern and stylish tile.

Your options are endless when choosing a tile for your home. Not only will they be durable, but you will also be able to create so many different modern looks just by choosing diverse tiles. Take your time to look at many different designs, colors and textures. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, as being unique will create a modern and stylish look for your home.

Hottest Trends for Playrooms

No one wants to trip over toys in their living room — or the kitchen, or the dining room, or anywhere else they aren’t supposed to be. Yet many parents can find it difficult to convince their children to contain their playthings to their own bedrooms. Setting up a dedicated playroom offers the perfect compromise, giving children a place to play free while also helping you to keep your sanity by keeping the toys contained.

Playrooms also offer some fun decorating opportunities. They don’t have to be glorified toy boxes with things just thrown inside willy nilly. They can be designed just like any other room in the house to combine style and function.

Here are a few of the hottest trends for playrooms for you to consider for your own playroom:

Designer Wallpaper

Forget about old-fashioned wallpaper with dated floral designs or fairy-tale murals. The hottest trends for playrooms include designer wallpapers that would look just as home in any other part of your home. You can experiment with color and bold designs a little more freely, such as bright oranges arranged in geometric lines or blue hot air balloons all in a row across the sea blue sky.

Don’t feel like you have to cover the whole room with this wallpaper. Covering only one wall is fashionable and helps make a greater impact. Paint the remaining walls a complementary color, or even paint each wall a different color that ties the decor together.

Decals are a good choice if you want to create a patterned wall but don’t want to ruin the drywall with wallpaper. Decals are easily removable, so they won’t damage the wall and they allow you to change the look on a whim.

Grey and Yellow Color Scheme

You can design your playroom in any color scheme you wish. However, the combination of grey and yellow is particularly popular right now. You can go big with the color scheme by painting the walls grey and hanging yellow curtains (or vice versa), or you can create a neutral palette with a white wall and then place accessories in the grey and yellow color scheme. A grey couch with a yellow chevron rug and yellow pillows would look lovely. Other accessories to consider include colored fabric bins for toys, lamps, shelving, and toys that are displayed on shelves.

Poufs

Poufs are like oversized bean bags, but they are a bit more stylish than the neon or tie-dyed versions you may have had in college. They are perfect for seating for a kids’ playroom because they are soft and comfortable. Kids will love plopping down in one to read or take a rest from play. They are also malleable without being damaged, so they will withstand kids jumping on them in a way that a sofa would not.

Choose fabrics like microfiber that will enhance your design while also being resistant to stains and spills. Choose oversized poufs to accommodate the adults as well as the kids. Place a couple strategically throughout the playroom, either to complement seating like a couch or to replace it.

Timeless Design

You don’t have to limit yourself to kids’ motifs when decorating your playroom. In fact, you probably shouldn’t. Children quickly outgrow their interests, and you don’t want to have to redesign your playroom every couple of years (if not more frequently). Choose a Hello Kitty theme now, and you’ll likely be trading it out with One Direction in another year or so.

Instead, choose a more “grown up” design that will remain stylish over time. Make the room accessible and comfortable for children, but choose a design that is more attractive to a larger audience. Choose solid colors for the walls, colors that won’t look out of place with the design in the rest of your home, and designer furnishings. Make sure you include functional pieces, as well, such as plenty of shelving for toys, ottomans and low shelving, and baskets and fabric bins.

Playrooms offer an opportunity to create a fun yet stylish space in your home. You can provide a fun place for your children to play while also helping to keep your home more organized, keeping toys out of common areas to reduce clutter. These hot design trends can give you some ideas for putting together your new playroom. You’ll create a space that looks just as stylish and put together as the rest of your home, and you can also have some fun with some different design choices.