Category: entry

  • Creating the Perfect Airbnb Retreat: Interior Design Tips and Tricks

    Creating the Perfect Airbnb Retreat: Interior Design Tips and Tricks

    Airbnb is a popular choice for backpackers and digital nomads. Living in hotels and motels forces travelers to live out of a suitcase, which can be hectic for family vacays. Airbnb offers a home-like environment where you can cook and do your laundry without worrying about being asked to check out before 10 AM.

    As an Airbnb host, providing a memorable and comfortable experience will earn you many repeat customers. Creating a welcoming and pleasing retreat will attract guests and ensure that you get positive reviews and repeat bookings. Herein, we share valuable interior design tips and tricks to help you make a homely Airbnb.

    used with permission from M&M Design Consultants

    Understand Your Target Audience

    Think about your target audience before you call in an interior designer. Factors like the location of your property and the type of guests it will attract will come into play. For example, adding a kids’ play area to a family-sized retreat will make the place look better.

    Go for neutral colors to create a timeless and calming atmosphere that appeals to various guests. You can add throw pillows, sculptures, and artwork on the wall to bring in more appeal and add color. Designing with visitors in mind will enhance their experience during their stay.

    used with permission from M&M Design Consultants

    Versatile and Functional Spaces

    Versatile and functional furniture allows the guests to customize the space to their needs. Instead of adding regular sofas, why not go for a sofa bed and foldable chairs? This works well for tiny homes with limited space.

    While you’re at it, invest in high-quality Airbnb amenities and furnishings. You don’t have to go overboard with the amenities keep it simple with the necessities. Most people will carry their snacks and toiletries, so you don’t have to overstock.

    used with permission from M&M Design Consultants

    Ample Lighting

    Ambient lighting will elevate your Airbnb, especially if you can get natural light to flow in during the day. Work with an interior designer to create a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

    You can add in mirrors on the walls to improve natural light flow into the rooms. Placing a mirror opposite a small window will double the light in the house. Besides boosting light flow, mirrors also make the rooms look bigger.

    used with permission from M&M Design Consultants

    Regular Maintenance

    Maintaining your Airbnb on a regular will attract more clients. No one wants to spend time in a house with broken window panes or paint peeling off the walls. Ensure that all of the appliances are in good condition and working.

    Items like shower heads and power sockets can wear out quickly if you have guests over most of the time. Schedule maintenance routines with an expert to check everything is working well. Also, ask clients to report any appliances or parts that need repair.

    Final Thoughts

    Converting an extra room into an Airbnb can be a nice way of earning passive income. The tips shared in this guide will help you create a perfect retreat that will leave your guests impressed. You can go the DIY way with interior design or hire a professional for a touch of elegance and class to the furnishings. Thanks to iGMS for consulting.

  • How to Use Patterns In Your Home Décor

    How to Use Patterns In Your Home Décor

    As you were looking online at mini French bulldogs for sale, you saw a picture of a room you want to copy. The picture showed how you can incorporate patterns. Patterns can be a powerful and versatile tool to enhance the aesthetics and ambiance of your home decor. By incorporating various patterns strategically, you can create a cohesive and visually appealing space that reflects your personality and style. From subtle accents to bold statements, patterns can be utilized in numerous ways to add depth, interest, and character to your living spaces. In this article, we will explore different ways to incorporate patterns into your home decor and offer some tips for achieving a harmonious and balanced look.

    used with permission from Blackband studio

    1.Start with a Theme: Before diving into incorporating patterns, it’s essential to establish a theme or color scheme for your home decor. Whether you prefer a classic, contemporary, bohemian, or eclectic style, choosing a theme will guide your pattern selections and ensure a coherent design throughout your space.

    2. Mix and Match: One of the key principles of using patterns effectively is to mix and match different patterns. However, be cautious not to overdo it. Start with a primary pattern that serves as the focal point and build around it with complementary or contrasting patterns. For example, if you have a bold floral pattern on your curtains, you can balance it out with geometric patterns on your cushions or rugs.

    used with permission from Blackband studio

    3. Consider Scale: When incorporating patterns, consider their scale and size. Mixing patterns of various scales can add depth and visual interest. For instance, pairing a large-scale striped rug with smaller-scale polka-dot pillows can create a dynamic contrast and keep the design visually engaging.

    4. Stay within a Color Palette: While you can mix and match patterns, it’s crucial to stay within a cohesive color palette. This will ensure that the different patterns complement each other instead of clashing. Utilize different shades and tones of the same color family to tie the patterns together cohesively.

    used with permission from Blackband studio

    5. Choose Patterns with Similar Motifs: Another approach to using patterns is to select designs that share similar motifs or themes. For instance, if you have a nautical-themed pattern on your wallpaper, you can choose cushions with anchor prints or wave-like designs to reinforce the theme.

    6. Combine Textures and Patterns: Introduce texture along with patterns to create a multi-dimensional and visually stimulating space. For example, pair a plush velvet patterned sofa with a woven patterned throw for an appealing contrast.

    7. Limit Bold Patterns: While bold patterns can make a strong statement, it’s essential to use them strategically and sparingly. Too many bold patterns in a confined space can overwhelm the senses and make the room feel chaotic. Reserve bold patterns for key focal points to create an impactful visual effect.

    used with permission from Blackband studio

    8. Use Patterns in Unexpected Places: Patterns don’t have to be limited to conventional areas like walls and textiles. Consider using patterns in unexpected places, such as the back of bookshelves, cabinet interiors, or even on the ceiling. These surprising touches add an element of surprise and delight to your home decor.

    9. Layer Patterns Gradually: If you are unsure about incorporating patterns, start with small steps. Begin with a single patterned accent piece, such as a rug or a throw pillow. As you become more comfortable, gradually add more patterns to the mix.

    10. Don’t Forget the Floor: The floor offers an excellent opportunity to experiment with patterns. Whether it’s through patterned tiles, rugs, or carpets, the floor can serve as a canvas to anchor your design and tie the room together.

    11. Personalize with Patterns: Patterns can also be an excellent way to infuse your personality into your home decor. Consider incorporating patterns that resonate with your interests or cultural background to create a space that feels uniquely yours.

    12. Incorporate Patterns through Artwork: Artwork is another creative way to introduce patterns into your home decor. Choose paintings or prints with patterns that align with your theme and color palette, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to your space.

    13. Consider the Mood: Different patterns evoke different moods and emotions. For example, floral patterns can create a serene and calming atmosphere, while vibrant geometric patterns can add energy and playfulness. Choose patterns that align with the mood you want to establish in each room.

    14. Balance with Solids: To avoid overwhelming the space with patterns, balance them out with solid-colored elements. Solid walls, furniture, and curtains can act as a neutral backdrop that allows patterns to shine without competing for attention.

    15. Experiment with Temporary Solutions: If you’re hesitant about committing to permanent patterned elements, experiment with temporary solutions like patterned removable wallpaper or adhesive decals. These allow you to test different patterns and see what works best for your space before making a long-term decision.

    In conclusion, patterns are a versatile and effective tool for elevating your home decor. Whether you prefer bold and vibrant designs or subtle and understated motifs, incorporating patterns thoughtfully can transform your living spaces into visually stunning and personalized environments. Remember to strike a balance between patterns and solids, stay within a cohesive color palette, and mix and match patterns with care. By following these guidelines and experimenting with different combinations, you’ll be well on your way to creating a home that reflects your unique style and personality. Thanks to Royal Frenchel for consulting.

  • Understanding PVA Manufacturers

    Understanding PVA Manufacturers

    used with permission from AKG Design Studio. photos by @RyanGarvin

    PVA, also known as polyvinyl alcohol, is a synthetic plastic that is colorless and odorless. It is water-soluble and often sold as granules or pellets.

    It is used to make paper and for packaging products. It improves the absorption of water-based inks on paper and helps to hold colored dyes better. It is also a reliable alternative to starch for bonding multi-ply paper boards.

    PVA manufacturers produce the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) used in various industries, including packaging. They offer a wide range of grades, which allows customers to choose the most appropriate product for the specific application.

    Aside from its uses in the food and beverage industry, PVA has important pharmacological properties that make it an excellent choice for use in ophthalmic formulations. It is a synthetic, biocompatible, and toxicologically well-characterized polymer that can be easily tailored to meet individual requirements in formulation development.

    One of the most important things to consider when selecting a PVA is its compatibility with the API and other excipients used in ophthalmic formulations.

    A PVA’s hydrolysis grade, which refers to the amount of residual, unhydrolyzed acetate groups within the polymer chain, is also essential for drug delivery. Higher hydrolysis grades enhance API solubility and can improve gel-forming capabilities, while lower hydrolysis grades may be better suited for poorly water-soluble APIs.

    used with permission from AKG Design Studio. photos by @RyanGarvin

    Packaging

    Packaging is a broad term used to describe the layers that hold or protect a product. It can include paper, plastic, or other materials that make it easier to handle and transport.

    PVA is often used for primary packaging, as a sachet or pouch that holds a liquid, especially one that dissolves in water. However, it also can be used in tablet capsules for medicine.

    The critical property of PVA bags is that they can dissolve in water in minutes. It is due to a particular property known as the ‘degree of hydrolysis,’ which determines how water-soluble the polymer is at different temperatures.

    In addition, PVA is also a great alternative to LDPE plastic bags for groceries and other items that don’t need to be rinsed. As a result, it can help reduce the amount of plastic in landfills.

    used with permission from AKG Design Studio. photos by @RyanGarvin

    Cosmetics

    Cosmetics are a wide range of products that alter and improve the appearance of the skin, lips, eyebrows, and eyes. They include skin care products, hair care products, makeup, and perfumes.

    Many people use cosmetics every day. Therefore, it is essential to understand how cosmetics are made and what ingredients go into them.

    PVA is an adhesive, emulsifying, and film-forming agent commonly used in shampoos, cosmetics, facial masks, sunscreens, and mascara. It also has high tensile strength and is resistant to grease, oil, and solvent.

    Although PVA is a common ingredient in many beauty products, it can be unclear how it’s manufactured. Hydrolysis usually makes it, where polyvinyl acetate is dissolved and replaced with water.

    used with permission from AKG Design Studio. photos by @RyanGarvin

    Household Cleaning

    Regarding household cleaning, PVA is a critical ingredient that helps create safe products for people and the environment. That’s because it’s water-soluble and designed to biodegrade.

    To make PVA, laboratory and industrial chemists produce nature-identical ethylene, which is then turned into vinyl acetate through a chemical reaction with oxygen and acetic acid (in a diluted form known as vinegar). After the polymerization process, it’s dissolved in alcohol to become a water-soluble polymer or polyvinyl alcohol.

    PVA is used in various products, including laundry pods and dishwasher detergent tablets. It’s also popular in baby wipes, diapers, and contact lens solutions. It can also help strengthen textile yarns, improve color cohesion, and make the paper more grease and oil resistant.

  • Where Can I Buy Home Décor

    Where Can I Buy Home Décor

    Introduction It’s the small changes in life that matter the most, according to experts. You can practically feel this statement when you make slight changes to your home décor. Simple things like changing your furniture or wall color can bring about a massive difference in the entire visual appeal of your home. Here, let’s look at some important points about choosing the right place to buy items for decorating your home. coastal living room via Kara Miller Interiors What is the first step when you are planning to buy home décor items? Are you planning to do a little re-jig to your home? If yes, you need to choose the right place to buy all the relevant items that you might need. However, even before deciding the retailer, you have to ask yourself one important question – “How exactly do I want my home to look after decorating it?” Are you looking to style your home in a traditional way by investing in a lot of vintage items? Are you looking for a more contemporary style with lots of bright colors all over your home, including your furniture and walls? What do you want the focal point to be, and what is the theme that you have in your mind? coastal bedroom via Kara Miller Interiors As you can see, there are lots of questions you need to ask yourself before you choose the right retailer to shop. All of these questions will give you the much-needed clarity on the budget that you can allocate for decorating your home. Then, you can go ahead and search for the best shop that sells classy and useful interior décor pieces that are in line with your taste & budget. coastal entry via Kara Miller Interiors How to choose the right place for your interior décor needs According to experts, one of the most important interior décor tips is to compare the prices of your favorite items across various sites and retailers to get the best deal. Once you have a clear idea about the style & theme you want, you can choose a retailer that specializes in those specific items. For example, if you have a very tight budget for your interior décor project, you may have to look for websites or retailers that sell second-hand items at affordable rates. It is all about finding the right supplier for your demands. However, it is highly recommended that you choose specialists who are reputed and have a long-standing in the market to avoid being exploited by unscrupulous sellers. Thanks to Lunares Home for consulting
  • Luxury Living: How to fake it  or make it in your home

    Luxury Living: How to fake it or make it in your home

    It’s nothing new that we are spending more time in our homes than ever. Due to social distancing, working from home, and quarantining because of COVID we are out and about less.  It also makes sense that with all of this time spent in our home, we want to make our abodes as beautiful and as comfortable as possible.  This means it’s time to make some luxury upgrades for your home! For some of us this might be easier than others.  Between watching my kiddos the first half of the day and then working the second half, I can barely keep up basic home-keeping.

    Some of you might have a little more time on your hands after working for the day. You no longer have to slog through a commute or other activity that would normally keep you out of the house.  If this is the case, be grateful! Read below for a few tips on how to make your small or average-sized home feel like a little slice of luxury-living.  

    via McAlpine

    1. Create a grand entrance

    You know the saying about first impressions right?  Well homes are no different than people in this respect.  Creating a beautiful entrance to your home will make you feel like an VIP every time you step in and out. Even just to fetch your mail!  It also makes you feel like your home is being well kept and maintained. Even if the back flower beds might be overcome with weeds.  And there is no need to adorn your steps with ornate glass railings like those from glassrailings.ca (unless you want to!).  Potted plants on the front steps or small statues are easier and more affordable to swap out with the seasons or holidays.

    via McAlpine

    2. Add a statement piece in your bathroom

    When selling our first home I remember being told “kitchens and bathrooms sell homes.” Even if you aren’t looking to sell, this philosophy can really improve your day-to-day satisfaction with your home. Now, I’m not saying you need to install a top of the line indoor pool and solar water heater for pool . Though let’s be honest, how amazing would that be? Depending on your budget this can be something as small as using something decadent and unexpected for your sink, like an urn. Or spend a little bit more money and buy that bathtub you’ve been dreaming about.  After all, less time going out to happy hours after work means more time for long soaks in the tub. 

    via McAlpine

    3. Make a bed fit for royals

    This tip is one I’ve really been wanting to do for myself for a long time. I just need to commit.  Scour your normal inspirational sources for beds. Then, compile a list of what you consider to be the most beautiful beds.  Once you are set on your favorite look and feel of your dream bed, go to work! Source the materials that will make your bed absolute heaven.  Euro pillows? A pillow top mattress pad?  Silk pillowcases (yes please!) Once you do this you might find you want to do this in your kid’s rooms, the guest room, a live in companion room,  the inlaw suite, you name it!

    luxury bedroom

    via McAlpine

    Now it’s time to pick one of these luxury upgrades for your home and get started! I’d love to hear (and see) what you guys come up with and the results.  Do you have any tips for creating small (or big!) luxuries in your home!? Thanks to Majestic Writing for consulting.

  • How to hack your way through woodcare

    How to hack your way through woodcare

    I don’t know if you’re like me, but when it comes to doing any sort of decorating or DIY when it gets to the necessary parts and maintenance, I often find it can feel like a massive drag. Yes, taking the simple steps of prep or applying a finish can suck all the fun out of decorating when working with wood indoors and outdoors.

    Any way at all to reduce the amount of time spent doing the graft is a good idea in my books. One area in particular that I’ve searched high and low for any and all tips is in the not so mysterious realm of woodcare. Stains, varnishes, and fillers are an essential part of woodcare, and it is hard to argue that it sometimes can feel like a drag.

    So how can you make woodcare fun? By finding hacks to “cheat” your way through the process so it is quicker, easier, and can let you get on with all the fun parts of decorating. Here are just a handful of tips to hack your way through woodcare.

    via Amy Bartlam

    Hack 1: Choose a stainless stain

    Stainless stain? What does that even mean? Always think of wood stains as shades to apply on your wood. If you want a nice stain on, opt for a shade which best matches the natural colour of the wood. For example, if you had a cheap bit of flatpack furniture made of plywood and didn’t want to spend time with an intense finish like a teak or grey can give, stick with a light walnut or pine finish. 

    That way, you’ll have a similar finish that you could slap on quickly and not have to worry about touch-ups.

    via Amy Bartlam

    Hack 2: Know about protection

    This, to me, is the biggest red flag I see people misunderstand. A lot of folks think that a wood stain will protect the wood. After all, you are applying it on top, so it has to be protective, right?

    Wrong! Wood stain is there to stain and nothing more. People will waste time using stains and finishes together when you only need a good finish if that’s all you want to do. When it comes to woodcare products, it really helps to know the distinctions between your finishes, so try and remember the following:

    • Gloss will always have shine
    • Eggshell will let you wash
    • Satin works on furniture
    • Opaque when you’re utterly lost

    Stick to those rules, and you’ll always know which finish to use.

    via Amy Bartlam

    Hack 3: Scratches lead to gashes

    If you have wood you want to apply a protective coat or stain to, and you can see there’s a scratch there, you can’t just fill it over as you would with paint and hope it sits perfectly.

    I’m putting down sanding as a hack as it can be a two-minute job that is the difference between your wood looking great, and a finish that will annoy you for years to come. Also, a quick once over with a sander or sandpaper before you apply any woodcare product helps the product to absorb the liquid more quickly. Think of it like you’re exfoliating the wood and helping to open pores.

    via Amy Bartlam

    Hack 4: Get foamy

    While there is nothing wrong with regular paintbrushes that are cleaned before woodcare, if you know you’re going only to use a brush once, get a foam brush. They are surprisingly more adept at getting into problem areas like chair spokes, can hold stain or varnish for a good time, and can be thrown away after use.

    Hack 5: Polyurethane on the label

    Finally, if you want to do the job as quickly as possible, opt for a stain which says it has polyurethane in it. Polyurethane is used as a sealant, and if it isn’t already listed on the can, you may find yourself needing to do the seal work after everything has dried. If you’re not bothered at all waiting around, check it’s in your stain or varnish.

    Now get to DIY action

    Thanks for reading and I hope you found these hacks useful if you’re going to be doing any woodcare soon. Don’t forget, you can always get the best DIY tips by visiting the tutorial section of the site right here.

  • Questions you should be asking when thinking about a new floor

    Questions you should be asking when thinking about a new floor

    Getting a new floor in your home is a big undertaking. While it can be a lot of work, it can also make a huge difference to how you view and the overall design of a room. As with any large purchase for your home, there are some questions you need to ask yourself before you go ahead and put an order in.

    via Jenny Keenan Design

    Is it practical?

    Practicality is crucial with flooring and making sure any floor you choose for a specific room is practical for that space is vital. Some rooms have very different requirements for their floors, and this needs to be taken into consideration. The clearest example of this is where a carpet isn’t suitable or practical. Both bathrooms and kitchens are rooms where a carpet is completely impractical because of the high amount of moisture present and the issues this can cause in carpets.

    via Jenny Keenan Design

    Unless you live on your own, as with any piece of furniture, you’ll need to consider how this new floor will impact your family. If you have young children, a floor which is softer so that they can play on comfortably is a good idea. Also, one which is easy to clean and unlikely to stain is also useful for families. This leads us nicely to the next question you should be asking yourself.

    via Jenny Keenan Design

    How easy or difficult is it to maintain?

    Maintaining any floor is something you need to keep on top of if you want to keep it looking its best. Different flooring material have different maintenance requirements, and this is something you have to consider when making any decision on a new floor. To keep wood floors looking their best, they need to be sanded and oiled from time to time, and carpets require special machines to clean them thoroughly. If you’re looking for a floor which requires less work, vinyl flooring is a good option.

    Asking yourself if you want and have time to go to the lengths it takes to clean and maintain some floors will help you narrow down your options when initially looking at flooring types available.

    Is it within your budget?

    via Jenny Keenan Design

    As with everything, there are different price ranges for all types of flooring. In general, though some flooring options are more expensive than others. Once you know exactly how big the space you need to cover is, it’s worth asking around to find out a general price for all the options you have in mind. The key thing to remember is to stay within your budget. You also need to factor in the cost of fitting the floor. Unlike a piece of furniture, such as a sofa, where you pay for the item and potentially the delivery, with flooring never assume that fitting is included as often it isn’t. It’s vital to check before you buy the flooring how much fitting will cost because that could impact how much you can spend on the floor itself.

    For all that buying a new floor can be challenging because it is a big decision, if you take the time to ask yourself these questions and do your research, you’ll end up with something you can love and enjoy for years. Thanks to Amtico for consulting

  • CREATIVE IDEAS TO SPRUCE UP YOUR HOUSE

    CREATIVE IDEAS TO SPRUCE UP YOUR HOUSE

    Nowadays, everyone is observing social distancing because of the current situation around the world. Most of our time is spent inside our homes, which is more like a haven for all of us. With so much spare time on hand, people are planning to redecorate their houses and play a little. After all, what can go wrong with being creative and all pumped up to spruce up your house?

    Normally, we hardly get the chance to look around our house because of the busy schedules. Our lives are always cluttered with countless activities, which takes away the time to pay attention to our house. Well, one might think about redecorating or taking inspiration from interior design, which is great. Since we have all the time in the world right now, we can do something creative and enjoy it while it lasts.

    Due to various online shopping websites, you can easily place an order online and buy some home makeover accessories. Honestly, everything is available on the internet nowadays, so why not take advantage of it? Just go online and shop for your home from wherever you want to and spruce up your house within a matter of days. All you will need is a little bit of motivation to do something worthwhile. So what are you waiting for? Let’s check some creative ideas to spruce up your house and give it a completely new look.

    From AGK Design Studios
    photographer Andrew Burns

    1- Invest in some good curtains

    Often, people tend to ignore the importance of curtains that can change the overall look of the house. You cannot decorate the house without some good colored and prestigious textiles curtains. The best part about investing in some good curtains is the wide availability of super affordable curtains out there. They come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and textures, making it easier for you to make a decision.

    2- Play with different paint colors

    From AGK Design Studios
    photographer Andrew Burns

    Home decoration is nothing without a fresh dose of paint on the inside. This is probably the most fun thing to do as you have free will to play with colors. For instance, you can rejuvenate the kid’s room with some texturing and lighten up the living area with pastel colors. Over here, the possibilities to create something new out of the blue are endless. Just a pop of new color will bring out the inner beauty of your house, and it will not even cost much.

    3- A big no to messy cords

    If you think you can get away with the home renovation without dealing with messy cords, then you are wrong. Nobody likes looking at this type of mess while spending time at home. So try to clean up this mess by being a little crafty. No more hide and seek with them, just try to reorganize them and tape them if possible. By doing so, your house will look extremely neat and clean.

    From AGK Design Studios
    photographer Andrew Burns

    4- Do not forget to place some mirrors

    Accentuate the beauty of your living space by putting in some mirrors of different sizes. Mirrors can make the rooms look bigger than usual, and they light up the room as well. A little tip, try hanging them in areas you would like to brighten up. Also, get rid of the old ones, like the rusty ones placed in the bathrooms.

    From AGK Design Studios
    photographer @RyanGarvin

    5- Plan something for the entryway

    This is the place that is highly utilized by the family members and some outsiders. So do not forget about decorating it. Some creative ideas to design this place will be:

    • Installation of some small benches
    • Placing printed rugs
    • Addition of plants and flowers
    • Investing in some aesthetic entryway accessories

    You can always look for some other ways to enhance this area, like a mudroom or something a little more sophisticated.

    From AGK Design Studios
    photographer @RyanGarvin

    6- Shelving matters

    Shelving is an amazing way to make the house feel and look more spacious. There are lots of corners in the house that can be utilized in a much better way. With the help of shelving, you can transform those corners and increase the storage space. However, this will require woodwork, but you can ask a professional or follow some tutorials online. Try to place the same types of shelves in a room to make it look more organized. In the end, it will be worth all the woodwork.

    7- Light it up

    From AGK Design Studios
    photographer @RyanGarvin

    While we are at it, try changing your lights to uplift the whole ambience. Instead of putting up white bulbs everywhere, place some warmer and yellow LED lights. This will light up the whole place with a much calmer tone of colors. Place dimmers too, to adjust the brightness according to the time and your mood.

    Conclusion:

    Surely, even the littlest of things can make a huge difference in your house. Now that you know where to begin with, why not have a go at these creative ideas to spruce up your house? This way, you will not have to spend much money, and only little effort will be enough to update your living space. Thanks to Prestigious Textiles for contributing

  • Fall decorating ideas

    Fall decorating ideas

    Beautiful fall porch decorating ideas

    I’m a sucker for a beautifully decorated porch or container garden. I though Friday would be a good time to share these ideas with you incase you were looking for a weekend activity.

    I love this swing and the cozy tartan blanket. I’d go out there in the morning with my coffee and baby son and we’d read.
    via Country Living

    A burlap sack filled with flowers is a unique way to decorate your door.
    via Country Living

    Kale and pumpkins make a pretty pairing in this container garden.
    Unique by Design Landscaping

    Another pretty container garden – I love all the layers.
    Unique by Design Landscaping

    If you like a brighter look, a blue door with a painted magnolia leaf wreath makes for a cheerful welcome.
    via Country Living

    If you’re into more is more – stacks of pumpkins and lanterns stuffed with string lights is an attention getter.
    via Pinterest via ?

    How do you decorate your porch for fall?

  • The Benefits of Residential Lease Agreements

    The Benefits of Residential Lease Agreements

    We always use the terms rental agreements and lease agreements interchangeably. However, these terms are different from each other. Because of this common misunderstanding, we must learn the key differences between the two types of residential arrangements. Lease agreements offer more stability to tenants and landlords, while rental agreements offer more flexibility in terms of payments.

    Rental Agreements Vs Lease Agreements

    A rental agreement is a type of contract where the landlord can sign with a tenant. It is different from a lease agreement in so many ways. A rental agreement usually occurs every month and doesn’t offer a long-term contract. This month-to-month contract expires and renews every month upon the agreement of the resident and the landlord.

    Rental agreements are usually short-term. As a matter of fact, it’s common for these types of agreements to be valid for at least 30 days. They can be shorter, in some situations, where they can last for at least a week. Generally, they automatically renew as soon as the original term expires. When this happens, all the terms both parties agreed on the original contract will still be valid. This means that if the original agreement covers 30 days, then the agreement will renew for another 30 days automatically.

    Sometimes, landlords can change the terms of the rental agreement. This may include the changes with the rental price or the length of the agreement. For this to happen, landlords need to give proper notice to their tenants.  This written notice may vary, depending on the state of law, but it should be 30 days normally. Some states may require 60 days to make any changes. Once the changes are made, the tenant must agree and sign the new rental agreement.

    A lease agreement, on the other hand, is a type of contract that documents the amount of monthly rent which cannot be changed. This assures the tenants that landlords cannot just raise their rents. This also assures the landlords that their tenants can’t just leave their property whenever they wish, without any repercussion. The lease agreement ends on the date specified in the document. If the tenants remain in the property, both parties will need to enter a new lease agreement.

    Landlords don’t need to renew the terms of the old lease agreements. They can change the rental amounts and the terms if they want. Because of this, most tenants choose a longer-term lease if their monthly rent is affordable.

    Lease agreements are a lot longer compared to rental agreements. In fact, the most common lease term lasts 12 months. Leases may even be longer, and that’s acceptable if both the tenant and the landlord agree to the length. They can last from 6 months up to 30 years (which is more common in commercial leases).

    Unlike rental agreements, lease agreements don’t automatically renew. Once the original lease term ends, then the tenant will need to sign a new lease agreement with the landlord. In many situations, the term of the lease that has recently expired becomes shorter.  

    During the term of the lease agreement, landlords cannot easily change the clauses of the lease agreement. For instance, if the tenant agreed and signed a year-long lease, and the landlord wanted to raise the tenant’s rent, the landlord would need to wait about a month before the lease term expires. In this situation, the landlord needs to send the tenant a notice of rent increase, 30 days before the lease agreement renews, and before any changes with the term take effect.

    It’s obvious that almost everyone is in favor of entering lease agreements rather than a rental agreement. But how does this benefit us?

    What are the Benefits of Residential Leasing Agreements?

    Leasing agreements have their benefits that can outweigh the advantages of purchasing a home. Below are the benefits of entering a leasing agreement:

    1. To stay up-to-date with the current trends. Today, you’ll notice that a lot of people are more mobile than in previous years. For employees to stay relevant and updated with the current market trends, they need to constantly relocate and travel. Thus, static homeownership isn’t the best option for many people. Buying and selling homes can lead to tax issues and potential equity losses. It may also make it difficult to sell the home when you need to.
    2. To get a good sense of neighborhood and community. Another benefit of leasing is for people to get a good sense of community and neighborhood before purchasing a home. Buyers might end up regretting their decision to purchase a home if the community turned out to be unfit for individuals. Contrary to the homeowner, the individuals who are just leasing can decide to move on to their next place as soon as they’re done with their agreement. If the community turns out to be tolerable enough that the individuals decide to stay, they can enjoy living in their homes. Eventually, they can look for options to purchase the home.
    3. Enjoy the financial benefits many homeowners don’t have. People who opt to lease can enjoy the benefits that aren’t available when purchasing a home. Lease agreements can give tenants the rights to the properties. However, it holds the landlords responsible when it comes to maintaining the costly and most important aspects of it.

    The landlords ensure that all sanitation, plumbing, appliances, cooling, and heating devices are working properly. If they don’t, the landlords must remedy the situation. Homeowners deal with these certain issues, whereas the individuals who lease are spared from the financial costs associated with these. This is a very important aspect of leasing, especially the ones who aren’t don’t want to commit to homeownership responsibilities.

    • Enjoy other benefits for taxes and insurance payments. The landlords are responsible for all insurance payments and taxes on the home, as well as gardening services or association dues. Although the landlords can add these to the lessee’s monthly payments, both parties can negotiate on these obligations before signing a lease agreement.

    These are the benefits of leasing instead of purchasing a home. While many people dream of homeownership, we also need to realize the advantages and the personal benefits of leasing instead of purchasing. Individual preferences and needs are the ones that determine if you should buy or lease. However, knowing that leasing has many advantages for the lessee compared to purchasing in some situations, then you should consider leasing as a legitimate alternative. Leasing is so much more than just paying a mortgage to the landlord.

    Before you sign a leasing agreement, there are different things to consider to prevent any issues in the future. You might think that leasing is just a temporary arrangement and ignore the factors, but these factors can become a problem later.

    What to Consider Before Signing Leasing Agreements

    Below are some factors lessees should consider before signing the leasing agreement:

    1. How to terminate lease agreements. What happens if you need to terminate the agreement? To answer this question, you must read the contract and know what kind of contract you’re getting into. The term “lease” means it’s for a longer-term contract. If you leave the property before the contract is up, then it could leave you on the hook for whatever amount is left to cover the lease period. Some things you need to be aware of are as follows:
      1. How many months’ notice do you need to provide
      1. Is there an automatic reduction in your security deposit?
      1. Cleaning requirements
      1. How long do you get your security deposit back
    2. How much will it cost to break the lease? This information shouldn’t be a secret to you when you sign lease agreements. The amount changes depending on the number of months you’ve paid for the lease. For example, in a 12-month lease, you had to leave on the 6th month because of your job. The agreement may need you to surrender 2 months rent after moving out, which will give the landlord the time to release the house to another tenant while still receiving money from you.

    However, you should be careful, as some penalties are stiffer. Sometimes, landlords need you to pay out the rest of the lease term, even if somebody else is already renting it. If this is going to be challenging for you, you should negotiate with the landlord to get a better arrangement prior to signing the agreement.

    • Is there a renter’s insurance? Whatever you move into the rental won’t be covered by your landlord’s insurance. So, if you’re left homeless because of a damage to the property, the landlord’s insurance will not help you. If you need such coverage, you’ll need a renter’s insurance.

    A renter’s insurance covers all your personal belongings from theft or damage, and can also provide help such as relocation assistance. So, if your room gets burglarized, or if the building burns down, you wouldn’t need to worry anymore. Your renter’s insurance will be able to help you.

    These are a few of the things you need to consider before you sign any lease agreement. Lease agreements are a blessing, but always pay attention to what you’re getting into. Read the agreement, and negotiate with the landlord if you must. Thanks to EZ LandLord Forms for collaborating.

    all image via https://blackbanddesign.com