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How Do I Benefit Myself By Owning A Leaf Blower? Is It Worth?

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Leaf Blower

A leaf blower is a reliable power tool when it comes to leaf cleaning of your yard or garden. If not, you would need a rake to do it, and that’s where things get complicated. While a rake beats a leaf blower when referring to some calorie-burning rounds or going environmentally friendly, but then there are certain benefits that leaf blowers deliver which make it worth paying the price for.

A man with a leaf blower in a park

Typical Benefits of Using a Leaf Blower

Replacing your leaf raking job with a leaf blower makes it quite easy-going in terms of efficiency and physical comfort. Let us look at a few distinct advantages of using this amazing power tool.

Get Things Done ASAP

The first and foremost benefit of using a leaf blower is time-saving. Instead of hours of raking, you get your job done in just under a few minutes.

Comfort While Using

When compared to the hardship you have to go through raking, a leaf blower, on the other hand, gets the work done with way more convenience, thus, serving a distinct advantage over the counterpart tools available for the same.

Freedom from the Ergonomic Constraints

Your efficiency of work on the yard or field while clearing the leaves and other similar jobs depends on the ergonomic compatibility of the tool you use. This fact needs to be considered well when using a rake. The length of rake, its overall width, weight, etc., are few such factors. But when talking about leaf blowers, you don’t have to worry about all those ergonomic constraints. No matter the variant of leaf blower you buy, they are all easy to use.

A man with a Leaf Blower in front of a house

Your Benefits Depend On the Type of Machine You Use

The weightage of pros that leaf blowers have overraked when it comes to utility way surpasses that of the latter when compared. However, the main point to consider here is that the actual benefit that you would make from using this powerful machine also depends on certain other factors such as the type of leaf blower you buy, its fueling/powering options, the size of your lawn or garden, besides noise & emission.

There are three different types of leaf blowers available in the market, namely the hand-held, backpack, and the walk-behind blowers. How you benefit for a leaf blower pretty much depends on the type of the tool you use.

Hand-held leaf blowers are compact sized, and of course, low in terms of power compared to other counterparts but are quite convenient and easy to carry. The electric-corded leaf blowers might offer the portability limitations, but that’s not the case with battery-powered versions as well as the hand-held gas leaf blowers. The walk-behind model goes as the name says and comes with the easiest of the handling systems. However, the benefit that the walk-behind models deliver also comes with a price, which can often be more than you would expect.

The Size of Your Yard or Garden Area

When talking of their best usage, the light-powered hand-held version of leaf blowers is suitable for cleaning patios, home sideways. In contrast, the heavy-duty ones can be used to clean up driveways, lawns, gardens, and yards that fall under a quarter acre in carpet size.

If your yard size is more than a quarter acre, its best to use backpack models, the backpack gas leaf blowers work exceptionally well in handling the job effectively and also are sound & convenient in terms of its size and weight. While the electric backpack leaf blowers are lightweight, the corded versions suffer from mobility deficiency. And the battery-powered ones are equally heavy and also come with limited run-time specifications on the other end.

However, the corded electric leaf blowers are not always on the downside when talking about portability. Their cord can be easily extended to up to 150 to 250 feet in length, which makes it cover quite a large area, especially if your yard size falls within this range of length and breadth. For a larger space, consider going for a reliable gas leaf blower.

A man in a red jacket is using a leaf blower

Make the Starting –Up Process Easy

 While this particular factor doesn’t concern the electric-powered models (as all you need is a cord connection or a charged-up battery) but the gas-powered ones, these tools usually come with a pull start mechanism and need some extra labor before you can use the tool. To make it convenient, manufacturers offer separate starters that make it happen on a click of a button. This particular step would take your hassle away from starting the machine each time you use it, especially if you are planning to buy a gas-powered leaf blower.

The Perpetual Dilemma – Is It Worth?

While most of the pros of these exceptional pieces of power equipment have been considered, there’s also a little downside that can make you question your choice. First, these devices make noise, and in some, it has been loud enough to make some communities impose a ban on the use of such machines. You better check for any relevant information from your neighborhood about the noise levels in your locality and cross-check it with the specifications on your tool of choice before making the purchase.

The powering options are also an issue. For instance, the portability issue with the electric corded leaf blowers and on the other hand, the fueling storage problem and demand for regular maintenance that comes with the gas-powered leaf blowers.

But then compared to all the already mentioned benefits that this power tool has to offer, it goes without a doubt that purchasing a leaf blower is always worth it. And that’s not just for the leaf blowing job. Still, it comes in handy in a variety of other applications as well such as car-drying, clearing off debris and dirt from driveways and walkways, remove light snow from near around your house, or vacuum mulch the existing dry-leaves out of the equation to deliver more clean garden and lawn, etc.

This tool has a variety of purpose to serve, all you need to make sure is you understand your requirements and how you are going to manage the added hassle that comes with the machine, plus the features that you need in your leaf blower, and you are good to go for handling the chores of leaf cleaning as well as a variety of other tasks with this fantastic and robust equipment for lawn-caring.

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Clever Ways To Blend Your Outdoor HVAC With Your Exterior Home Design

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outdoor HVAC

Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems are part of nearly every American home, with the number of new air-conditioners and centralized systems growing by nearly 4% in 2018. HVAC systems have become essential items in everyday living by removing contaminants in the air while heating and cooling homes and buildings. Unfortunately, these systems are often huge and unattractive. Finding ways to blend them into the exterior of a home is a challenge because you don’t want to reduce your curb appeal by littering your home with HVAC outdoor units. Although it is not often easy to merge aesthetics and functionality, it is possible to combine the comfort and health safety of an HVAC system with architecturally-pleasing home design.

Distribute Units Around the House

Distribute Units Around the House

Heating and cooling systems are important features of a home for comfort and health. In designing an HVAC system, it is vital to calculate the heating and cooling load of the system. Furthermore, you must install 16x25x1 filters so that clean air circulates in the heating and cooling system. Filters help trap fine particles, dust, dander, pollen, and other airborne matter that can find their way into your ventilation system and eventually, your home.

One of the ways to integrate your condenser is to distribute the units around your home. Build lattice vine walls, raised pallet planters, or painted screens in different areas for instant appeal. Another option is to enclose a unit or two with rocks that can also double as a bench. Make sure that the stones you use blend with the cladding of your home for harmony. Whichever option you go for, your projects should not block airflow nor access to the outdoor units for maintenance and repair activities.

Centralize HVAC Compressors

Centralize HVAC Compressors

It is also possible to put all of the exterior units in one area of the house so that there is only one place where you can see the HVAC. Build a terrace on the second floor of your home to centralize all the units of your heating and cooling system. A patio blends well with the exterior of your home while providing a safe place for your outdoor condensers. Also, it is easy to access the units if they break down or simply need maintenance.

For ranch-style homes, a latticed shed made of concrete or wood or both can be erected behind the house. Use the raised roof to grow vines to improve curb appeal. Alternatively, you can just build an enclosure with a small gate for access around several condenser units and decorate the surroundings with colored stones and potted plants.

Outdoor HVAC

Conclusion

HVAC exterior units need not be eyesores that can reduce the curb appeal of your home. With a little imagination, you can find smart ways to make them less intrusive, improve the exterior look of your home, and at the same time, cool, heat, and ventilate your abode.

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How to Decorate Garden at Home

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Decorate Garden at Home

There are times that you won’t be able to leave your home. Perhaps there’s a global pandemic on the loose. Or maybe it’s not the best time or weather to get out of the house. But despite all of this, there are still a lot of things that you can accomplish. You can spend more time on your hobby, or get one if you don’t have any. For some people, gardening and decoration are their things.

If you’re stuck at home for any reason, you might find it hard to do gardening and decorations. But the truth is, you don’t need to go far to do these things. You can upcycle unused objects in your home and transform them into ornaments. Even construction projects are accomplishable without needing to get professional services, with a few helping hands from friends and family. 

When stuck at home, you’ll find it easy to design your garden if you use some imagination. Of course, you can also follow some DIYs to decorate your home. But what can you accomplish at your house? 

A patio with a couch, table and chairs

DIY Composite Decking

When we hear decking construction, we often think that it will be a big project. While it’s typically a big project, creating a patio all by yourself is certainly possible. All you need to have is the knowledge to know-how and some materials, of course. 

DIY Composite Decking

For the materials, you will need something sturdy without compromising its beauty. Composite plastic decking materials suit perfectly for that role. If you already grabbed some, all you need to know is how to build your very own deck. 

A close up of a wooden floor with a price tag

In building a deck, you will need to plan each step. The first thing you should do is make a joist frame. After that, you’ll only need to assemble the flooring with screws. And with composite decking, it’ll be so much easier to install it. You can find a detailed guide on the internet on how to create your very own deck, without the help of contractors. It’s the perfect time to do so. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also learn some excellent construction skills.

Upcycle Some Cans

Upcycle Some Cans

Do you have some cans lying around your house? You might even have used a few of these due to staying at home for a long time. If so, you can use them as pots for small plants like succulents, aloe vera, spider plants, and other flowering plants. Remember to poke a hole at the lower part or bottom of these cans. These can give way to water drainage and prevent root rot.

What if metal cans are not your thing and you don’t like the look of it? You can make use of papers, ribbons, and fabrics to decorate the tins. You can use colors that will match your garden’s overall aesthetics. To do this, you will need to wrap the cans with the material of your choice. You can also cover it with blank papers and draw your design yourself. When using paper, make sure to place them in a dry place, to avoid them getting wet from the rain or moisture. 

Reuse Old Furniture

Reuse Old Furniture

If you have some old furniture, you can bring them out to your garden. With a little fix, these pieces of furniture can breathe a new life in your garden. 

For instance, you can use an old drawer to make a cascading planter. You can plant different flowering plants in each drawer. If you have some tables and chairs, you spice them up with a few ribbons and fabrics. You can also paint them if you have some paint in your storage.

If you have experience working with wood, you can also dismantle the furniture and make something new out of it. It’s only a matter of using your imagination. Keep in mind, however, that not all wood can withstand the outside. If you do decide to use some wood, you can place them under a cool and dry place. 

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Building Noise Control – The Latest Guidance

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building noise controls

Introduction

When it comes to new homes, some of the most common complaints relate to noise transfer from inside and outside the home. However, the most common is between rooms as this means that it is possible to hear almost every movement and sound. In the below article we cover how housebuilders can pass the UK building noise regulations – advice that applies to many other countries.

building noise control system

Limiting Noise Between Rooms

Limiting noise between rooms is one of the most important aspects of ensuring a home is comfortable and this means that builders and developers will need to follow section E2 of the building regulations to ensure that noise transfer is kept to a minimum and meets the specific regulations.

To do this, you might need to consider sound-blocking materials or sound-absorbing materials and what you choose will depend on what you need to achieve. While most people want their homes to be quiet, many will still want some noise to be heard, such as being able to hear children playing safely in their rooms. What this means is that the noise needs to be dampened instead of completely blocked.

As a result, it is a case of determining the correct materials for the task in hand.

Choosing the Right Materials

For flooring, a soundproof floor has to be used either, direct to the joist or over an existing subfloor. As a result, the floor joints must have soundproof insulation while ceilings should be double-boarded with acoustic plasterboard that is hung using sound breaker bars. Acoustic insulation musty be used between floor joists as this will ensure that airborne sound transfer is both blocked and absorbed.

Noise can also come from party brick walls and so, using wall soundproofing panels that are applied directly to the walls to meet the regulations. These panels will ensure that the correct sound levels are met without compromising on living space.

For internal stud walls, the right solutions will help to reduce the sound that travels between the rooms. Therefore, using a combination of acoustic insulation as well as sound breaker bars along with soundproof plasterboard will help to ensure that the property meets the required levels of sound reduction. For information on the material to choose to soundproof walls, view the Nova Acoustics guide.

building noise control with Choosing the Right Materials

So, the aim is to add mass in the form of heavy layers to help reduce and absorb sound. However, it is also possible to create an air gap by separating layers to dampen sound while you could compartmentalize rooms so they are separated, which can help to keep sound at a minimum

Conclusion

Sound is a real problem for homeowners and that is why the regulations relating to sound can help developers to make the right choices when it comes to making their homes soundproof. With a range of materials and options available, it is possible to find a solution that meets regulations and reduces noise, ensuring that homeowners can live comfortably.

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Complete Your Hardscaping with Integrated Accent Lighting

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Integrated Hardscape Lighting

Hardscaping bridges the interior comforts of your home with the openness and serenity of the outside world. Think about lounging on your patio with a good book as a light breeze blows, or grilling up lunch at your outdoor kitchen station while the kids splash in the pool. Hardscaping brings new comfort, utility, and appeal to any landscape.

Integrated Hardscape Lighting

Without proper hardscape lighting, all these benefits disappear when the sun goes down. Turning on the backyard floodlight or lighting a dozen tiki torches just doesn’t offer the same ambiance as strategic outdoor lighting that’s integrated with your hardscape.

A Look at Hardscape Lighting

To understand the value of integrated hardscape lighting, look past traditional concepts. Today’s modern landscape accent lighting is more than gaudy walkway lamps or imposing floodlights—it’s a nuanced part of the hardscape. It’s purposeful, delicate, and multifaceted.

Ledge and well lighting bring safety and ambiance to flatwork and hardscaping at night. Sconces, post caps, and bollard lighting illuminate vertical hardscaping, for depth and dimension. Even LED water feature lighting and outdoor living space accents contribute to dynamic property appeal after hours.

Integrated correctly by a professional electrician charlotte nc (or wherever you are), hardscape lighting can contribute to a property’s ambiance, safety, and enjoyability when the sun goes down.

A patio with a grill surrounded by trees and bushes

Accent Lighting for Ambiance and Atmosphere

Imagine sitting outside after dark, stargazing. It’s a clear night and you can pick out the constellations above, as easily as you can look over at your partner and see their smiling face. That’s the power of hardscape lighting for ambiance.

Gentle well, ledge, and bollard lighting are great opportunities to keep your outdoor spaces available after dark, without detracting from the natural mood. These lighting installations fall to the lowest points in a person’s field of vision. As a result, everything level and above are still beholden to the night. The moon and stars are visible; the romance of nighttime preserved.

Remember the purpose of “accent” lighting. The goal isn’t to bathe your hardscapes in a blinding light—it’s to soften the darkness without dispelling it.

Safety and Utility Make Hardscape Lighting Worth It

While good accent lighting creates a natural ambiance, purposeful hardscape lighting also has utility. The last thing you want is to step blindly off a step and twist your ankle or lean back in your chair unaware of the paved fireplace behind you. Imagine plodding into the pool!

Rather than illuminate the features of your hardscape with broad lighting, simple accent lighting will suffice. Tasteful up lighting is great for large features, while path lighting and simple ledge lighting identify thoroughfares. Consider strategically-placed lighting solutions for safety—near steps, water features, or anywhere there’s terrain changes or obstructions.

Consider form and function when placing lighting. First, decide where it’s most practical, then find ways to integrate it beautifully.

A patio with a table and chairs under a pergolated roof

Simple ideas for Integrated Hardscape Lighting

The best part about modern hardscape lighting is its simplicity. You don’t need ornate lighting to get the benefits—you just need vision. Take a look at some simple ideas for integrated hardscape lighting:

  • Paver path and patio lighting: Stake in a small LED lamp every six to eight feet along a pathway for gentle illumination. Then, use well lighting to distinguish the perimeter of your patio.
  • Outdoor kitchen lighting: Use sconce lighting behind your cooktop and prep station to cast practical light on usable areas. Rely on bollard lights around the area to avoid the glare of harsh floodlighting or impractical good lighting underfoot.
  • Lighting for pools and water features: Cast broad light on larger water features using strategic uplighting. For smaller features, use water-safe LEDs or submersibles for definition.
  • Firepit accent lighting: Ledge lighting around the perimeter of a fire pit enclosure creates comfort and safety, and won’t detract from the ambiance of a roaring fire. Alternatively, well lighting around the pit itself lends utility.

Thanks to the many types and styles of outdoor lighting, it’s easier than ever to outfit your hardscape with appropriate illumination. Consider different lighting combinations or various outdoor light circuits and the possibilities grow even larger. Circuit A is for minimal lighting; Circuit B sheds additional light, for when you’re entertaining. Even solar lighting makes it simple to effectively light your hardscape without any effort.

A pool at night with lights around it

No Unlit Hardscape is Complete

Integrated accent lighting for hardscapes is a must-have to complete any outdoor space. Not only does it add regal appeal and a sense of completeness to hardscapes, but it also ensures the utility and enjoyability of your space long after the sun goes down.

Take in the stars without a backdrop of blinding floodlights. Give yourself peace of mind that every step is on solid ground. Light the path back to your home in an unobtrusive way. Lighting is such a simple addition to any hardscape design, and one with limitless possibilities and benefits.

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A Complete Guide to Super King Size Duvet

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Super King Size Duvet

There is a famous proverb, “simplicity is the ultimate beauty”. Then why do we run after several super king bedding elements to make the bedding when we have the super king-size duvets in the house. To keep the minimalism and follow this proverb, we are gifted with super king-size duvets. Here is a complete guide to super king duvet to help you choose the appropriate duvet for your bed.

Fabric & Filling Material of the Duvet

Fabric Material

A duvet is a flat bag filled with insulating padding or filling material. These flat bags contribute to the functionality of the duvets, like keeping the duvets in place, absorbing body moisture, and providing comfort. Cotton, Egyptian cotton, linen, velvet, chenille, polyester, microfiber, satin, Pima, percale, and faux silk are widely used for making the duvets. All these fabric materials vary greatly in the properties. 

Among all the previously sated fabric materials, non-shedding and anti-pilling fabrics like Egyptian cotton, linen, high-quality chenille, polyester, and cotton blends are preferred for duvets because they provide the exceptional comfort and are super soft & smooth.

Super King Size Duvet

Padding Material

Duvets are used for their thermal insulation properties. Padding or filling materials are responsible for the thermal insulation and warmth of the duvets. These filling materials can either be natural or synthetic. Natural padding materials are cotton, wool, duck and goose feathers, and down. These are traditionally used filling materials. 

Natural filling materials are heavy and create a thick layer. As for the synthetic filling materials, they include microfibers and hollow fibers, these are anti-allergic and are lightweight. Synthetic paddings are preferred over natural paddings because they are light weighted, budget-friendly, anti-allergic, warm, and breathable.

Tog Rating of the Duvet

Tog rating refers to the thermal insulation of the duvet. It is measured on the tog rating scale where it varies from 1.5 to 15. Based on the tog rating, duvets can be classified as the summer duvets, fall duvets, and the winter duvets. 

Summer and Fall Duvets

Summer and Fall Duvets

The tog rating for the summer duvets varies from 3 to 4.5, these are lightweight duvets that are super breathable and allow easy passage of air and do not let you feel extra warm or cozy. Fall duvets are heavier than the summer duvets, they provide moderate warmth and can be used throughout the year provided that your house must have a heating and cooling system. The tog rating for fall duvets varies from 7.5 to 10.5. 

Winter and Extra-warm Duvets

Winter and Extra-warm Duvets

The winter duvets are the thickest and the heaviest one, they do not let the air passage and provide you with exceptional thermal insulation. They have a tog rating of 12 to 13.5. Whereas the duvets with a tog rating of 13.5 to 15 on the scale are called the extra-warm duvets. They are suitable only for those areas where it snows throughout the year and the temperature is several degrees below zero. They are extra cozy and warm. 

Super-king Duvet Covers

Super-king Duvet Covers

Duvets are mostly found in the neutral and light colors, so duvet covers are the best way to dress up your boring duvets and make them vibrant and vivid. Super-king duvet covers are 260cm by 220cm. Also, duvet covers are replaceable and washable. They keep your duvets clean and stain free. 

They also tend to increase the lifespan of your expensive super king duvets and save you money that’ll have to spend in buying new duvets. All these factors make the duvet covers a necessity when it comes to bedding sets. Duvet covers are mostly a part of the bedding sets. If you are looking to find affordable super king size duvets then visit the shop.

Some duvet covers are reversible and can be used from both sides. This reduces the frequency of washing the duvet covers. Moreover, it is easy to swap and replace the duvet covers. Duvet covers have zips, buttons, or ties that are used for opening or closing them.

Conclusion

Duvets and duvet covers are the best investment. They can bring a prominent change in your place or can transform it completely. Duvets are mostly durable and you can use duvet covers to transform the look and match them with your bedding sets and create a perfect and balanced look. 

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8 Tips On Choosing A Colour Front Door

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dual color front doors

Picking a colour for your front door and complementary door knobs can be a daunting part of your home decoration. The choices of colour are numerous and we are not thinking about bright colours. You can choose one of the numerous shades of white, grey, or black. For statement hardware, a lever on rose door handle is a great look

As you can appreciate, it takes a lot of time and thought to choose the right colour for your home. Herein, we will explore the top 8 tips on how to choose the best colours for your front door.

color front door

1. You Do Not Have To Match The Door colour To That Of Your Windows Or Garage Door

So, do you think contrasting colours will work for your front door? If not or if you find the contrasting colour too much of step, consider going for a lighter or darker shade of the same colour as the frontage. Taking this approach will help your front door stand out, making it a special part of the front of your home. Importantly, it will add interest to your door and create a welcoming aura.

2. Look Beyond grey If You Are After A Neutral colour 

While the anthracite grey is on vogue, it is not the only neutral colour that can complement grey windows. You should consider choosing a colour that complements (not necessarily match) with the other elements of the structure. You can go a level up by choosing a colour that means something to you. Additionally, you should note that grey does not have to be a dull colour. There are shades of grey that have a kick in their hue. Consider going for such shades of grey. 

Look Beyond grey If You Are After A Neutral colour 

Using neutral colours allows you to build up colours in other parts of your house, such as the hallway. It is worth following this approach as well when choosing a neutral colour for your door.

3. Consider The colours Of All The Building Materials In The Structure 

Keep in mind the colours of the cladding, brick, and roof when deciding which colours to go for. For instance, when you use a zinc roof, consider going for a black shade. If you have timber cladding, you have free reign on choosing a colour for your front do as long as it stands out. When you have walls made of brick with a colour pallet of brown, white, and dark red, choose one of these colours for your front door.

4. colour Your Door To Brighten Up A Dark Exterior

It is always welcoming when the front door can shout, ‘hello, and welcome home’. You can explore the examples of how turquoise and yellow help the front door stand out and create a welcoming environment. Given that the front door is meant to create an impressive first impression, you ought to make it a stand feature of your house. When you see a Miami blue front door, you do wonder what lies inside or who lives there. The same case applies for front doors coloured purples, orange, lime green, or lemon yellow.

5. What About A Dual coloured Door

What About A Dual coloured Door

With the frontage and the hallway having different characteristics and needs colour-wise, you should consider dual painting your door. Pain the outside part of the front door with a colour that best works with the frontage colour. Likewise, paint the inside of the door with a colour that best works with the hallway colours. You can use colour to add value and a statement to your home, even when you are not trying to.

6. Monochrome Shades Never Go Out Fashion 

While whites and blacks are considered dull choices, there is a potential to make them bold and masculine when adding a touch of style and mystery.

A lot of the older houses tend to have black and white front doors. However, you should note that black comes in many shakes – charcoal black, pitch black, midnight blues. Pebble colours or light grey colours from afar appear as white colours. These shades of black and white colours yield a dramatically different effect, softening otherwise bold colours.

7. Consider Your Frontage As A Blank Canvas

Why not make the door an accent to your frontage, just as the cushion on your sofa does. As such, think of your frontage as a blank canvas that you need to accessories and the door as the perfect place to do so. Use a different colour on your door to accessorize the whole frontage especially when the door is large and or impressive.

8. Do Not Try To Match Metallic colour Shades With The Non-Metallic colour Shade Equivalent

Do not attempt to match metallic colours with normal paint colours. You might be tempted to choose a murky brown to match copper or using a light grey colour shade to complement aluminium. This approach to colour matching is difficult to get right. It is in your best interest to steer clear of this approach.

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The 5 Most Envy-Inducing Architectural Homes in Mount Waverley

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Envy-Inducing Architectural Homes in Mount Waverley

Mount Waverley or Mt Waverley, situated near Melbourne with its historic and trendsetting modern architecture, has its gems when it comes to residences. Homes are luxurious whilst still affordable, with cutting edge envy-inducing features. These prestigious houses may be the home you dream of if you’re looking for Mount Waverley houses for sale. When taking a stroll through this peaceful neighborhood, five particular residences stood out as the most significantly-designed homes and real estate in Mt Waverley including – 

  • The House of Primary Colors
  • 262 Lawrence Road, ‘Hazelwood’
  • Les Serin ‘Swansong’ 
  • 34 Park Road
  • Sienna Mt Waverley 

1. The House of Primary Colours

The House of Primary Colours

Modernist in design and stunning on inside to match it’s premier outer appearance, this home is designed by architect Maria Danos, a Melbourne architect, who currently lives here with her family. Materials include face brick and timber-framed window joinery, with varying ceiling heights that were designed to encourage the interplay of natural light.

This beautiful home was designed with a sense of ‘richness’; the intention was to create an inviting and unpretentious abode. Danos enthuses about the home’s ability to entertain; it is a welcoming place for all invited friends and family. 

The color Cobalt blue is used to enliven private open spaces. It is then accented with a vibrant yellow and framed with a red pivot door and carpets. Living room floors are painted black, to add interest where granite adds contrast.

2. 262 Lawrence Road, ‘Hazelwood’ 

262 Lawrence Road, ‘Hazelwood’ 

Going back to a historic tradition, this home, endearingly named Hazelwood, is an example of the early 20th century and is a design of Federation Farmhouse architecture. It is nestled amid a rose garden, with a landscape that covers approximately 1579m2.

Arched with high, 3.3m (11ft), ceilings and gorgeous leadlight windows, this masterpiece also features a centerpiece hallway with feature fretwork. Beautifully landscaped gardens are just outside the living rooms, where light is abundant and it is apparent that the landscaping is a special feature of this historic home.

One of the private bedrooms overlooks the enchanting rose garden. Although designed in the Federation Farmhouse style, the house has myriad modern enhancements that include a gas ducted heating, a gas flame fireplace, double glazed windows (front & rear windows), 4kw solar panels, split system cooling and a classically styled makeover in the family bathroom with a deep spa bath and Fowler vitreous china vanity.

This house is where modern meets historic and preserves the heritage of Mount Waverley. It was built in 1909 as a home for Bill and Catherine Hoare and their family of 10 children, as mentioned in the records of the Mount Waverley Historical Society.

3. Les Serin ‘Swansong’

Les Serin ‘Swansong’

The last project by the building designer Les Serin before his retirement, this “swan song” house was influenced by the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright and the Prairie School of home design. Rock, timbers, and limestone inspire the powerful verticals and equally strong horizontal lines in this highly crafted, very handsome home.

The house features a large photography studio, specifically built for the working photographer who owns it. Powering this marvel, German solar panels sit flat on the roof are part of the design, presenting clean lines as seen from below.

Views of the outside are enhanced through tall front windows. High clerestories are framed in cedar and present clean lines. A private south facade faces parkland, and an alfresco terrace provides a setting for the feeling of the grand. Entertaining on the beautiful terrace would provide a unique and relaxing experience.

4. 34 Park Road

34 Park Road

Mid-century modern is the style of this home designed by Chris Connell in a 1960s residence. It is nestled close to Damper Creek Reserve and offers tranquility to those who live here. Its breathtaking garden adds a sense of peacefulness, where the pool provides a place for the family to share time.

High ceilings, dark timber floors and great expanses of glass define the generous sitting room, vastly proportioned living and dining room. Opening to a stunning blue stone-paved terrace with BBQ and picturesque heated and self-cleaning infinity pool, the living room is magical and creates a true ambiance to enjoying life at home. A deep northeast private native garden backs directly onto the reserve adjacent to it.

Lapped in luxury and opening to a surrounding deck, wine lovers will enjoy the extraordinary wine cellar and fitness enthusiasts will enjoy the gym on the lower level.  Serenity is radiated throughout the house with spectacular views and an overall peaceful setting. It is the home to escape to after a busy day in the city.

5. Sienna Mt Waverley 

Sienna Mt Waverley 

The most recent design destination in Mount Waverley is a new development adaptly named Sienna Mt Waverley which includes a premium selection of individually designed homes presiding over picturesque water views in the green heart of Sienna, named Aqua. Aqua is an absolute waterfront. The bespoke modern architecture is defined by the highest levels of quality and function from one of Melbourne’s most vibrant architectural studios.

Both inside and out, purposeful design and crafted detail give each home an air of exclusivity with the luxury of space and customized appointments. These homes are large in scale and grand in liveability the dual-level, 4 bedroom free-standing homes featuring high ceilings, two living zones, powder rooms to both levels, spacious outdoor entertaining decks and remote-controlled, 2 car garage with internal entry.

Reside at Mount Waverley’s award-winning residential destination, where luxury becomes part of your daily routine and intuitive architectural design transforms your lifestyle.

Homes across Mount Waverley consist of beautiful homes with architectural touches that are envy-inducing and Mount Waverley houses for sale are always in high demand. Clean lines, strong horizontals and verticals, a myriad amount of natural light and the most modern and ultimate in kitchen appliances are all marks of the best in homes in, Mount Waverley. Combining history and tradition, whether the early 1900s, the modern 1960s, 1970s or the 21st century, enviable modern architecture thrives in Mount Waverley, as evidenced by these five unique and sensational homes.

Conclusion

From historic grandeur to modern masterpieces, Mount Waverley’s homes weave a tapestry of architectural envy. Whether basking in Hazelwood’s heritage or reveling in Sienna’s Aqua waterfront, these five gems showcase Mount Waverley’s magic: where history whispers, light dances, and luxury lives. Find your dream amongst these envy-inducing abodes.

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A Beginners Guide To Fences

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Fences

A fence is one of those essential elements that seemingly every house has. Sometimes it plays a purely aesthetic role while at other times it’s a practical barrier that protects the privacy and property of homeowners. Whichever purpose it serves, a fence is a very common object in most homes throughout the world. If you are planning to build a home or if you are looking into purchasing one, here’s a few very worthwhile things you should know about fences!

Dimensions Come first

3 meter (10 feet) tall, thick concrete or knee-high sparsely laid out retro wooden fence? What floats your boat?

The most important dimensional aspects of the fences are their height, perimeter and sometimes the thickness. Why the two former aspects are important is probably self-explanatory but the thickness aspect could probably turn a few heads.

However, it’s all quite simple. If a fence is immensely thick which is often the case with concrete examples, it becomes time-consuming and extremely expensive to do any modifications. For example, if you decide to add a new passage or add a second driveaway, it is much more work to do that on concrete and a singular metal fence rather than with a wooden unit.

Other dimensions impact maintenance costs and efforts.

A black and white photo of a white picket fence

Maintenance can be a Pain

In every case, almost all fences require some or lots of maintenance. Requirements are mostly associated with the scale and the material of the fence.

Plant fences are quite maintenance-demanding and you might even have to hire gardeners to do your job for you. Metal and concrete are not demanding, but putting up a fence like this is much more expensive than when choosing wood, vinyl or other similar, more affordable materials.

A wooden fence might require varnish application or re-painting. It depends on the type of wood your fence is made from. Painted wood is a frequent and basic choice but remember that your paint has to be very resistant to be able to withstand direct sunlight, moisture, temperature changes, hailstorms, contact and other elements that it might come in contact with. Usually, people re-paint their fences every 2-3 years, but that is a very abstract estimate and can differ. Varnish application might need to be done more often, but it is a quicker process than painting.

A white picket fence in front of a large house with trees around it

Do You Know About Exclusive Materials?

Aluminum, chain links, regular wood, PVC, vinyl, and concrete are the materials that we see used most in fence construction. This is great if you don’t want something exotic, exceptional or unique.

But are you aware that even something that sounds very simple like a wooden fence can have an interesting twist to it? For example, did you know anything about the Ancient Japanese wood charring technique of Yakisugi? Yakisugi turns regular wood into Shou Sugi Ban (charred timber) which is carbonized. Besides being fireproof and vermin-proof, a Shou Sugi Ban fence looks a whole lot more luxurious than regular wood. More profound colors and a much nicer texture adds a sense of exclusivity – a feature that regular wood usually lacks.

There are also a ton of interesting variations of metal, vinyl, PVC and even different twists to wooden fences – make sure you know about them before finalizing your decision.

A white picket fence in front of a house

Animals

Do you have animals? Are you planning on having animals? Well if it’s a super athletic dog or a cat – a fence has to be adequate unless you have the utmost confidence of your pet coming back.

Big dogs can leap over lower while chasing something while cats always remain independent. But in the end, think about your present or future pets and maybe install a mini gate for them as well as pick an adequate fence height to prevent them from running away.

Permits

It is not a common factor, but you have to be aware of the possibility that the community or local homeowners association could step in and prevent you from building a supremely extravagant fence. Even if the land and the home are your property, the community interests could interfere with your dream project.

A white picket fence in front of a house with a small garden

Most associations and communities limit the height and material choices. The fence shouldn’t be too high or too exuberant. Otherwise – you’re good to go!

Conclusion

From basic wood to Yakisugi’s charred elegance, explore the fence beyond function! Choose wisely – pets, permits, and a touch of the unique await. Dimensions, upkeep, and materials galore; craft your haven, one fence at a time

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A Step Back in Time: A Guide to Rustic Workplace Decor

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Rustic Workplace Decor

Several offices today have adopted the minimalistic look, opting for white walls and sleek furniture. There is no denying that this style certainly has its place. Nevertheless, it isn’t suitable for all office spaces. 

If you want to have a warm and inviting space for your clients and employees, rustic decor is perfect for creating such an environment. Furthermore, this style helps to keep things interesting and makes your workspace stand out. If you would like to learn how to wield this trend to your benefit, here is what you need to know: 

Choose an Appropriate Paint Shade 

Choose an Appropriate Paint Shade 

As mentioned, you want to create a space that is as warm as possible. One of the best ways to do this is with warm-toned paints. Look for shades that mimic natural elements such as stone or wood. Shades of brown and red are excellent for this. 

However, there’s no need to limit yourself to just warm tones. If you want to branch out, cool tones work just as well. Grey, violet, and even navy blues work well to make a statement. If you are opting for a cool tone, just make sure to pick one that looks moodier. 

Get the Right Flooring 

Get the Right Flooring 

Now, you would think that most people don’t pay attention to the flooring in a room. You would be right. Nevertheless, flooring can make all the difference when it comes to setting up the ambiance of a space. This is especially true for a workplace that has a rustic effect. 

The good news is that it should be fairly easy to create this look. This is because there is a type of hardwood flooring known as rustic. The main difference between this and other hardwood materials is the appearance. Rustic hardwood has more “imperfections”. 

This, of course, is done on purpose as it gives the flooring a more realistic feel. When laying it down, it’s a good idea to alternate between short and long strips of wood for an even more authentic style. 

Round It Out with Furniture 

Round It Out with Furniture 

As you can imagine, there is little use in making an effort with all the other features if you are going to opt for modern looking furniture. Thus, as the final touch, look for rustic executive office furniture for your space. This means that the majority of the pieces should be wooden. 

At the same time, pay attention to the design as well. Look for hardy pieces that have notable features carved into them. If the furniture looks like it is from another era, this is a good place to start. 

Balance Out the Elements

Balance Out the Elements

Of course, you don’t want your office to feel too rustic either. Thus, look for ways to balance out different rustic elements with modern ones. This way, your office looks modern, but there will be plenty of interesting and notable features as well. 

These are all the ways you can add rustic elements to your workplace. Make the effort and you’ll behave some seriously impressed clients and employees. 

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