Why Happy Tenants Matter

If you want to be a successful rental property investor, you need happy tenants. That might sound like an odd goal, but it serves as the foundation of every other financial goal you have. Here’s why happy tenants matter:

• Steady income. Happy tenants are much more likely to pay on time and renew their leases. This provides you with a more predictable and steady stream of income. 
• Lower turnover. Frustrated tenants don’t re-up their leases. Happy ones do. This leads to lower turnover, which means fewer expenses over the long haul.
• Better property care. Satisfied tenants often view the property as their home and are more likely to take good care of it. This means less wear and tear, fewer repair issues, and ultimately, preservation of the property’s value.
• Faster tenant acquisition. Happy tenants are your best referral source for other properties. They give you positive word-of-mouth marketing and allow you to secure your next tenants without needing to put up listings or pay expensive marketing and advertising fees.
• Rent growth. At the end of the day, a satisfied tenant is much more likely to accept a rent increase because they understand the value in their living experience. (That being said, you don’t want to go crazy with the increases. A happy tenant who pays on time is already worth more.)

5 Ways to Make Tenants Happier

The more you prioritize happy tenants, the more of these benefits you’ll get to enjoy. The question is, where do you start? Here are a few suggestions:

• Create a Great Living Environment

You can’t view your rental property as a “product.” You need to start seeing it as a home. That’s because a rental property is more than just a space with four walls and a roof. For tenants, it’s their home. You need to foster a sense of belonging and comfort so that renters feel safe, comfortable, and satisfied.

• Respond to Their Needs

Part of creating a great living environment is responding to your tenants’ needs as they arise. The more attentive you are, the more likely they are to feel respected. 

For most landlords and real estate investors, it’s difficult to constantly juggle the various needs and requests of tenants at each property they own. This is where it’s extremely valuable to hire a local property manager who can oversee tasks like rent collection, repair coordination, and other important action items.

• Build Trust Through Communication

Clear communication is absolutely paramount to your success as a rental property owner. Provide your tenants with multiple channels for communication and be extremely clear about your expectations so there are no misunderstandings.

If there are changes or inconveniences, let tenants know! Whether it’s planned maintenance, community updates, policy changes, or anything else, advance notice is much appreciated and will make tenants feel respected.

• Offer Fair Lease Terms

Don’t try to squeeze every last penny out of your tenants. Offer them fair lease terms that are competitive with the marketplace. Again, this makes them feel respected and will encourage them to stick around (rather than constantly looking for other properties that are more affordable or in line with their budget).

• Show Your Appreciation

Recognizing important dates such as move-in anniversaries or other personal milestones can go a long way in making tenants feel valued. A simple note or small gesture can create a sense of community and appreciation.

Random acts of kindness or thank-you notes for being a great tenant can also foster goodwill. These don’t have to be expensive; even a thoughtful note can have a significant impact. It’s about making tenants feel recognized and appreciated.

Building Your Real Estate Empire

Everyone can build their own real estate “empire” if they play their cards right. Whether that’s owning five properties or 50 is up to you, but it all starts with having happy tenants who pay on time, take care of your properties, and continue to sign lease agreements year after year. 

Use some of the tips from this article to develop a plan for turning your renters into happy, long-term tenants. Good luck!

Here we’ve explained what cable railing systems are and why they are preferred over traditional railings.

What are Cable Railings?

Cable railings are a type of safety railing made up of steel cables that run parallel to the stairs. The cables are anchored to the wall at both ends and attached to a railing, typically wooden in between. They can be used on stairs with any incline, but they’re most common on straight staircases. 

Cable railings are generally a secondary barrier to a more traditional railing, such as on balconies and decks. They’re most commonly used in pairs, with one cable railing on each side of the steps. The biggest benefit of cable railings is that they can be less expensive than other safety railings because they don’t require posts or crossbars that would have to be attached directly to the wall. This means that when using cable railings, you don’t need to worry about the material your home is made of or special attachment systems needed for concrete walls or brick homes. A cable railing will work on any type of surface where you need safety protection for your stairs.

Here are some of the significant advantages of using cable railings;

Cable Railings are Sleek, Simple, and Beautiful

Cable railings are sleek, simple, and beautiful. They’re a stylish choice that can add character to any home.

Cable railings are also strong and durable. Because they don’t have any knots or joints in the wood like other types of wood railing, they won’t splinter or rot out over time. In addition to this durability, cable railings are easy to install because they don’t require brackets or connectors like other types of a wood railing. They come pre-assembled with cables already connected to each post. You won’t have any additional steps before installation except for attaching them to your deck posts or whatever structure you want to be attached. It makes cable railing extremely easy for do-it-yourselfers who wish for an attractive alternative to traditional wooden railings but aren’t up for tackling complicated projects on their own.

Cable Railings Are Customizable To Your Home’s Needs

 No two homes are alike, so why should every railing system be? Cable systems allow homeowners flexibility by letting them choose from several different sizes, styles, and colors available through one supplier, then having those systems installed by qualified professionals at a reasonable price. Hence, there’s no need to worry about getting ripped off by shady contractors who’ll charge you an arm and leg just because they know what side of town you live in.

Less Obstruction to the View

A cable railing is the best option for homeowners because it is less intrusive than a traditional railing. Cable railings are a thin profile that blends in with the rest of your deck and doesn’t block views as traditional railings do. Cable railings are also lighter than solid wood or metal, so they won’t weigh down your deck structure and make it more prone to collapse in high winds or heavy snowfall.

Cable Railings are Safe

Cable railings are solid and durable. Also, they are quickly inspected and flexible, making them ideal for curved surfaces. However, they are still sturdy enough to withstand high winds, heavy snowfall, and other environmental elements that can affect your home’s exterior.

Lightweight

Many assume that cable railings must be heavy because they appear sturdy, but this isn’t true. Because their design comprises thousands of strands, they’re quite lightweight compared to traditional wood or iron railings. You won’t need to hire a professional builder just because installing these types of railings is challenging to work.

Keeps Cost Low

Cable railings bring down the overall cost. It is because the materials used in creating them are economical and less expensive than other types of railings. Cable railings can be used in both residential and commercial settings, making them very versatile. They are also easy to install, meaning you won’t have any trouble with this part of your project if you manage it yourself or hire someone else for this purpose.

Cable railings are made using steel cables linked together at regular intervals using metal clamps or brackets. These clamps hold each cable securely into place while allowing enough movement so that they don’t stress out over time due to constant use or abuse. Whether you choose one-inch thick steel tubing or three-inch thick galvanized steel pipe for making your cable railing system will depend on how much space between posts and whether those posts need reinforcement before being attached with strong bolts where required.

Easy Maintenance

Cable railings are easy to maintain and clean. The cables don’t rust, chip or crack, so paint is not needed. In addition, the wires are flexible and can be moved out of the way during maintenance if necessary.

Part of the Design

Cable railings are an excellent choice for homeowners who want to make safety a top priority. They’re often used as part of the overall design in homes and offices, making them an attractive addition to your home’s architecture. Cable railings come in various styles, from sleek and simple to ornate and detailed. The beauty of cable railings is that they can last for years without needing maintenance or replacement parts. They’re made from steel, so they’re strong enough to hold up under any weather condition, rain or shine.

Conclusion

The best thing about cable railings is that they are a part of the design. They are not an add-on feature like other types of railings; instead, they blend in with your home’s existing architecture to provide you with a safe and secure railing system while still looking fabulous. No matter what style or look you want for your home, cable railings can help achieve this goal by providing a modern twist on traditional railing systems.

Room assessment

First of all, you’ll want to consider your rooms, their uses and the overall layout of your home. If you have a garage that you use for DIY or crafting, for example, you need an extinguisher in there. Kitchens should always have a fire blanket – cooking-related fires are one of the most common fire emergencies in the home and, because of the potential for the fire to be oil-based, blankets are the most versatile and easy to use fire-fighting kit.

Ensure that you have some kind of extinguisher on each floor of your home – if for no other reason than you might need to clear a route out of the home.

Know your extinguishers

There are different types of fire extinguisher, suitable for use with different types of fire. You and your family members need to be familiar with the extinguishers you keep in your home and what they can be used for. The common types of fire and extinguisher are:

Class A fires involve solid combustibles, like wood, paper and textiles

Class B fires involve flammable liquids, like petrol, diesel and oils

Class C fires involve gases

Powder fire extinguishers can be used for all three classes of fire, as they operate by using a compressed nitrogen ‘powder’ to smother and starve the fire of oxygen.

Water fire extinguishers can only be used on class A fires – they work by cooling the heart of the fire and thus removing the fuel from the equation.

Foam fire extinguishers can be used against class A and B fires. They work in a similar way to water extinguishers, but with the added ‘foam’ component, which seals off the surface of the fire so any vapours cannot reignite.

CO2 fire extinguishers can be used only against class B and electrical fires. These extinguishers work by displacing the oxygen from the fire, causing the flames to immediately die out.

Fire blankets are usually made from a fire-resistant fibreglass, and used to smother the fire, starving it of oxygen and preventing it from spreading. A popular choice in the kitchen and in smaller spaces like caravans and boats.

Training

It is not enough to simply buy an extinguisher or blanket, put it in a cupboard and forget about it. You and your family should be familiar with how to use it – when a fire starts, there won’t be time to read and understand the instructions. Follow the P.A.S.S. method for a quick and easy way of remembering what to do with an extinguisher:

• Pull the pin
• Aim at the base of the fire
• Squeeze the trigger/lever
• Sweep the nozzle side-to-side

For blankets, they are typically supplied folded in a storage unit. Pull the tabs or straps at the bottom of the unit and the blanket will come out. Spread it out (it should have been packed for quick deployment) and position over the fire.

]]> https://colonianarinense.com/a-guide-to-fire-extinguishers-and-fire-blankets-for-home-use/feed/ 0 https://colonianarinense.com/how-to-choose-between-a-walk-in-shower-vs-tub/ https://colonianarinense.com/how-to-choose-between-a-walk-in-shower-vs-tub/#respond Tue, 22 Jun 2021 06:45:39 +0000 https://colonianarinense.com/?p=2286 Choose between a walk-in shower and a tub for your bathroom design depending on their convenience and your preferences. In both cases, you will get plenty of options when it comes colours, designs, and styles. However, there are a few other factors that have to be taken into consideration besides thinking about your bathroom decor design. Here is a list of things that should be considered while choosing between a walk-in shower and a tub:

Time required to take a bath

When you need to take a bath fast, a shower is always the best option. After a long and tiring day when you want to wash your body quickly, a shower is more beneficial. Also, showers are more suitable for daily grooming because people often do not have the time to take long baths. Contrary to that, a tub may be more relaxing but a person requires more time while taking a bath in it. Most people may not be able to spend so much time in the morning before going to work. Hence, if you want to save time and take a quick bath, a walk-in shower is a far better option than a bathtub for your bathroom decor design.

 Family’s needs

While choosing between a walk-in shower and bathtub, you need to consider not just your needs but your family members’ need too. For instance, some family members have mobility issues in many households. At times like this, a curbless shower proves to be very useful as the person can easily enter and exit the walk-in shower. Similarly, people who require a wheelchair or walking stick will find a walk-in shower more convenient to use. This is not the same with bathtubs. Old family members might find sitting in the bathtub or standing out of it difficult. On the other hand, young parents with little kids prefer bathtubs for them until they are old enough to clean themselves properly in a shower. The decision strictly depends on the needs of the family.

 Consumption of water

To protect the environment, people should ensure minimum wastage of water. Hence, we should all consider opting for options that are more eco-friendly. Compared to bathtubs, showers use just two-third of the water. In some cases, the consumption of water can increase depending on the size of the bathtub. Hence, it becomes crucial to upgrade the home’s water heating system so that it can handle such abundant use of water.

On the other hand, the amount of water consumed during a shower also depends on the type of fixtures used and the length of the shower. The consumption of water can increase drastically in longer showers. It is estimated that a 10-minute shower with an average showerhead can consume up to 70 to 80 liters of water. You can control the consumption of water by reducing the shower time. However, it is not the same with bathtubs. Irrespective of how long you want to take a bath, it will consume the same amount of water. If you want to take a long bath, a tub will be a better option.

 Cleaning & maintenance

Just like every element of your bathroom design, you have to ensure that cleanliness is maintained at all times irrespective of what you choose. While cleaning walk-in showers can be easy, maintaining and cleaning a tub are quite difficult. Many people do not find a tub beneficial when compared to the effort required to clean and hence, sell it. Contrary to a bathtub, cleaning a walk-in shower is very comfortable and convenient. The only thing that needs cleaning in a walk-in shower is the glass enclosure. You can just wipe it clean with a clean cloth and any cleaning solution instead of bending over and scrubbing the surface.

If you are still confused and do not know what is the best option for you, you should consider adding both a tub and shower together in the bathroom. This will add a touch of luxury to your bathroom design and make it more functional. A tub is a statement fixture and will attract more attention to the bath. Look for a shower that has a similar design and an equally elegant look. The combination will give your walk-in shower a spa-like appearance.

Sometimes it might feel as though getting that privacy you want and need is impossible, especially if you live in a particularly built-up area. However, there are some easy things you can do to make your home more private; read on to find out what they are.

Fencing

Fencing in your yard is not only one of the best ways to ensure your privacy or improve the privacy you already enjoy, but it’s also one of the easiest. When you have a good fence installed, you can enjoy your yard without the fear of being watched or seen by anyone. Plus, a tall fence will deter criminals from trying to get inside your home, so it makes you safer and more secure too.

What’s great about modern-day fencing is that you can find all kinds of different designs and styles to match your aesthetic and budget. You can even find eco-friendly fence panels if you want to make your garden and home a more environmentally friendly place to be. Take a look at this website for more details on these amazing fence panels.

Security Doors

Although security doors are really for security more than privacy, since they offer an extra barrier between you and the outside and any potential burglars that might be there, they can be ideal for privacy as well, and for the same reason. Putting up this extra barrier is a great way to keep yourself private in your own home.

Window Tinting

When you think of tinted windows, the first thing that will probably come to mind is car windows, but window tinting for your home can be just as effective when it comes to privacy. It’s cheap, too, especially when compared to other window treatments, so if you’re on a budget but still want privacy, this could be the perfect solution for you.

Although privacy might be the main reason for having a tint added to your windows, this action brings other advantages. For example, it will keep your home cool in the summer since the sun’s rays won’t be able to penetrate as much.

Electronic Door Locks

We’ve already seen how closely linked security and privacy are, and the use of electronic door locks is a great example of how true this is. When you use electronic door locks, you’ll know that the only people who can get into your home are the ones you want to be there. There are no keys involved, which means that you don’t have to worry about anyone who shouldn’t have a copy finding one or being given one, and you won’t ever get locked out of your home again.

Conclusion

You should never feel bad for wanting more privacy in your own home; if there is one place you should be able to feel safe and secure, it’s there. If you want to make it more private, we hope the above points have given you some pointers on how to do it.

The biggest concern people may have with online work is that it’s not always the most reliable. Since you’ve never met your employer in person and mostly have to rely on online reviews and secondhand experience, it may seem a bit experimental, and at times, even risky, considering you’re depending on it for your livelihood; for this purpose, here is a list of reliable online jobs that you can do from the comfort of your home.

Content Writing

As the internet has expanded so much, there is an almost endless need for online content on an unlimited number of platforms. This constant and rapidly increasing need for content also leads to an increased demand for writers. Content writing is one of the easiest ways to earn money online, granted you have the proper skillset required. There are a lot of platforms that are hiring at any given moment, all you really need is a strong resume and a good grasp on certain writing techniques, and you’ll most likely have yourself a fairly secure job.

Graphic Designing

This is one of the most in-demand jobs at the moment. Graphic design is a skill that not everyone has, and it is also linked to several other skills that could help you throughout your career. A good grasp on even a few programs from Adobe Suite can help you out along the way if you’re looking to get into design. Not only can you work full-time with complete job security, this career path also allows anyone who doesn’t want a strict 9 to 5 schedule to work as a freelance designer. This means flexible hours, good money, and all while doing something you love.

Online Tutor

With school mostly being online now, online tutoring has become more popular than ever. A lot of kids that previously needed help in school can now no longer receive it after hours with their course teachers, which means that external tutoring is something a lot of parents are looking into for their kids. Online tutoring can earn you a good amount of money, and is reliable enough in the sense that students will need you for at least a full term before quitting. Moreover, you will know and be in direct contact with your clients, so there’s almost no chance of getting scammed with this particular job.

Online Creator

While a lot of people started doing this for fun, being an online creator has some definite perks. If you play your cards right, starting a YouTube Channel could land you with sufficient passive income, which you can earn while having another job on the side! Each piece of content you put out is often a one-time investment for a regular supply of income that you can live off of. If you’re not desperate for instant cash, there’s no reason not to try it out.

Proofreader

A lot of big companies need their content to be double-checked before it’s actually released to the public. This is the job of a proofreader, the final review of any written work before it’s published. Since this job is very important, it also pays well enough and can be relied on to live off of. Proofreading is an important job and can be a bit tricky for someone who is inexperienced, so make sure you know exactly what you’re doing before accepting any such offers.

Web Designer

A web designer is responsible for basically creating everything that makes up a website. They design the layout, the color palette, the format. This is also a job where you can easily freelance and pick your own work hours, so if you’re already in the field, there’s no harm in trying to fit this into your schedule.

Conclusion

An online job is certainly nothing to shy away from. If you’ve managed to find something that suits your needs, you can get started at once. If, however, you don’t think online work is for you, then a Spectrum TV Silver Package should keep you entertained enough until you can actually get back to work.

]]> https://colonianarinense.com/reliable-online-jobs-that-you-can-do-from-home/feed/ 0 https://colonianarinense.com/the-5-elements-of-a-perfect-kids-playroom/ https://colonianarinense.com/the-5-elements-of-a-perfect-kids-playroom/#respond Thu, 18 Feb 2021 07:14:41 +0000 http://colonianarinense.com/?p=1950 What makes the perfect playroom? Of course, the toys play a big part, but there are a few other elements that can also make a big difference to how enjoyable the space is. For little ones, their incredible imaginations are every bit as important as the things they play with, so a great playroom will try to tap into this and help it grow.

The myriad of ways children choose to play should be catered for; however, that doesn’t mean there needs to be a huge amount of playthings available. Remember, it’s the quality of play, not the quantity of toys that will make this space a childhood play space to remember.

Storage

Before you consider how to fill it, it’s important to get your storage options right. Big drawers, boxes, or baskets make it easy to throw stuff back into its rightful place at the end of the day, and if you make a game of it, children love to join in too. Plus, a bookshelf is a must for all those childhood classics, from Guess How Much I Love You to Harry Potter.

It’s easy for children to become overwhelmed if they see everything at once, so toy rotation makes a lot of sense. Put a selection of items out on show in easy reach of the children, and put the rest away out of sight in a closet or cabinet.

After a certain amount of time, you then pop the toys they have been playing with away and bring out a selection of different toys. Keep rotating toys like this, perhaps on a weekly basis or whatever works for you and your children, to help little ones not get distracted. It also feels a bit like Christmas every time you rotate because they’d forgotten about all the fun things hidden away and so play with them with renewed interest.

Toys

Children will spend a lot more time over open-ended toys rather than something which does everything for them. If a child can actually engage with what they are playing with, it’s much more fascinating. So forget about all those noisy flashing toys and keep it simple.

Falling into this category are classic toys such as balls, dolls, cars, building blocks (including things like Legos), and animal figures. Children are working with logic and puzzles from the very beginning, so, depending on age, include something which fulfills this interest, such as sorting and stacking toys for younger children, jigsaws, and tangram games for older age groups.

Make sure you cover imaginary play with items such as a dressing-up box and tea set or toy kitchen. Dressing up boxes don’t have to be full of mini-uniforms like firefighters or surgeons. Children will spend hours poring over a box with a couple of pairs of your old shoes, blouses, and scarves, as well as a few interesting hats. This way, they can pretend to be the real-life characters they see every day with is endless fun to little minds.

Indoor climbing frames and physical toys like a wobble board will burn off some of that endless energy that little people have. Of course, no playroom would be complete without a selection of books and a few card and board games – especially as they get older. These are great options for when you have a little spare time to get in there are play with them too. Sharing a book on your lap or playing a game with you are lovely memories for a child to keep.

Seating

Children are almost always on the floor. Sitting still on a hard chair is just not a natural place for them to be, so seating can really be kept to a minimum. Somewhere comfy to throw themselves down while they investigate an object or look through a book is almost all that’s needed, so a huge bean bag from SumoLounge would fit the bill here.

In addition to this, a child-sized simple table and chairs where youngsters can sit to do crafts or role-play a trip to a restaurant, for example, is another worthwhile addition to the space.

By having no large furniture that children can climb on and potentially fall off makes this a safe space children can explore with independence not always afforded to them, and it gives you peace of mind that they can be left to play without fear of injury.

Décor

When thinking about who you will decorate the playroom, framed pictures of characters from a favorite book or scenes from family movies will make the space seem more welcoming. Equally, scenes of changing seasons of different landscapes can offer a view outside the space they are in, sparking their imaginations.

Cushions and blankets are a nice touch for when the little ones need to take a break, as well as being great tools for den building. The bean bag chair would come in handy here too.

A selection of rugs on the floor offers different textures, as they will just love exploring with their bare feet, and don’t forget the all-important road play mats to drive their toy cars around on too.

Add just enough to make children feel at home but don’t be tempted to add too much as this can create visual “noise,” which might be distracting, taking their attention away from the important task of playing.

Entertainment

If children spend too long being entertained and not enough time entertaining themselves, they start to lose this important skill, so keeping entertainment to a minimum is best. A speaker or CD player is a nice option to play nursery rhymes and put audio books on, and you could also include a bubble machine, just for the sheer joy of it!

With a little planning and the right toys, a playroom can be the perfect spot to start learning independent play and developing a good concentration span, along with many other essential life skills.

The opportunity to make their own choices in a safe environment is essential to growing children into independent, confident adults. The importance of play should never be underestimated.

Going retro can be anything from the bold monochrome palette and modular furniture of the sixties, the homely feel of a 1940s theme, to the decadence and glamour of the eighties.

You can opt to go the whole hog and redesign your entire room or choose statement pieces to complement a more modern room design. There’s no right or wrong, so just do as much as feels right to suit your taste, space, and budget.

Have fun with it, and let interior design take you on a journey through the decades.

Living room

If you want to make a statement in the living room with a single piece of retro-style furniture, the obvious choice is to go with the sofa.

On-trend right now are the striking designs of 1960s sofas. In shape, fabric, and color, they really broke the mold at the time, and to this day, they are still head-turners.

If the sixties just isn’t your vibe or a new sofa is out of your budget, you can easily add a retro look by scattering a couple of bean bags to your seating arrangements. Check out Fombag, who makes 1970s style hippy foam bags that some refer to as Lovesac knockoffs.

If you’re in need of storage that stands out from the crowd, opt for a mid-century cabinet — designed for practicality yet whose design perfectly describes the look of the era. However, if your budget is tight, check out your local thrift store for vintage soft furnishings or even get some funky fabric and make your own cushion covers for some instant design history.

Kitchen

There are some obvious choices when it comes to a retro-styled kitchen, a 1950s diner, for example, or a vintage country cottage feel. The design you opt for may be dictated by budget or whether or not a fitted kitchen is a deal-breaker.

An iconic AGA stove makes a beautiful and practical centerpiece for a kitchen. Surround with eggshell blue cabinets and solid wood countertops to achieve a rustic retro look. For a sixties influence, choose a bold colored SMEG fridge, and then team it with bright wallpaper and acrylic furniture.

If you can’t afford new cabinets and large appliances, the good news is, there really is no other room so easy to style with retro accessories than the kitchen. Vintage-inspired small appliances such as toasters and kettles are easy to find right now as well as vintage storage and decorative pieces. It’s so on-trend, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding items to match your chosen era.

Another quick win for those on a smaller budget is simply painting cabinet fronts instead of replacing them, swapping out your splashback tiles, or change up the flooring with inexpensive linoleum.

Bedroom

The bedroom offers the perfect opportunity to go wild with sumptuous fabrics and statement wallpapers.

Finding a bed with the wow factor is a good place to start. You can opt for secondhand by picking something up in a thrift store or online marketplaces, or you can buy a new bed based on a vintage design.

Look for chintzy wallpapers and soft floral furnishings for a homely feel. Piling the bed with soft cushions and throws will make bedtime all the more inviting. If you prefer a later 20^th Century look, try to find some of the iconic furniture of the time. Brown is back, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding autumnal colors to complement the theme.

As an alternative to wallpaper, wood paneling is another great option and can be used to good effect in Victorian-themed rooms. Plain walls can also be given a more lively twist with minimal cost by hanging some framed posters that fit your theme.

For lighting, pendant lamps work well in a minimalist scheme or go for a chandelier to add impact in elegant, formal styled rooms. When it comes to accessorizing, Etsy is a great place to look for both genuine vintage pieces and retro-inspired handmade items.

Bathroom

If you like to luxuriate in a room with old-world charm, you won’t go far wrong with a roll-top tub. The elegance of these freestanding bathroom classics is complemented by vintage bottles and jars and wooden flooring.

For something more playful, opt for the pastel peaches and avocados of a 1970s bathroom suite. These colorful washrooms are full of personality so can be teamed with white accessories, such as towels and shower curtain.

If you feel like something a bit more recent retro, why not go all out on glamour with an eighties style? Achieve the look with black and white contrasts, gold taps and accessories, and even a flamboyant dried flower arrangement for ultimate theatricals.

Study

Creating a comfortable and stylish study is all in the furniture. For a formal space, dark wood, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves will offer a 1950s elegance, or for something more light and airy, 1960s style curved, monochrome chairs and desks offer a lighthearted take on this sometimes too serious space.

If your home office is little more than a corner of another room, giving it a retro edge will set it apart from the rest of the room, making it feel like a completely separate space too.

Add interest with pops of color using accessories, greenery from a few strategically placed house plants and pull the whole look together with appropriately styled storage options like magazine files, trays, and pen holders.

Whatever look you’re in love with, don’t forget accessories can make a huge difference, so if you rent or you’re low on funds, don’t let that stop you from having some fun with retro interior styling.

Also, don’t feel like you have to stick to just one era per room. An eclectic mix of styles can offer an impactful modern feel to a space, so don’t be afraid to use your imagination and mix it up a bit.

If you are struggling to make the most of your lounge, this guide outlines some simple but effective steps you can take to make your large lounge feel cozier.

Insulate your windows

If your windows are letting cold air in and warm air out, you will struggle to keep your lounge (or any part of your home) feeling cozy. You should check the seals around your windows for any gaps that need to be sealed and choose thermal curtains to keep more heat inside. If your home has single-glazed windows, consider upgrading to double or even triple-glazed windows to not only make your home more comfortable but also to make your home more energy-efficient.

Paint the lower part of your walls

A great way to make high feelings appear lower is to paint the lower part of the walls a different color to the top part. It is a trick that draws the eye down and can make the room feel much cozier. You can do this by applying masking tape horizontally to segregate the two areas and paint the lower portion in your chosen color. It can be difficult to paint a straight line around the room, but a spirit level can help.

Create a large seating area

A big benefit of a large lounge is that you have plenty of space for seating, but spreading seating around the room can make the space seem sparse. There are numerous ways that you could achieve this, but the most common is probably to bring in a deep and soft L-shaped sofa. This not only provides the ultimate place for snuggling up with loved ones and relaxing after a long day but also somewhere to entertain guests. An L-shaped sofa can also help to divide the room into two spaces, e.g., a dining area and a living area. An alternative technique is to use individual chairs like armchairs and benches to create a seating area.

Choose tall plants and indoor sculptures

High ceilings can be a great advantage in terms of giving a room a light and airy feeling, but they can also make a room feel lonely. To address this, you can place tall plants and sculptures in the corners of the room. Of course, you will need to look after the plants to ensure that they get enough sunlight and water or choose fake plants. The additional benefit of having real plants in your home, however, is that they absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen improving the quality of the air in the room.

Divide the room into zones

If the space is large enough, you could divide it into two areas. There are multiple ways to do this, including placing an L-shaped sofa, benches, a chaise longue, or a daybed between the two areas. Rugs can also help differentiate different room areas and provide a soft, comfortable feeling under your feet.

Use a chunky ottoman as a coffee table

Having too much space between the sofa and a coffee table, or having a small coffee table, can make the room feel sparse and is not practical. Instead of choosing a wooden or glass coffee table, a large ottoman with a tray on top for drinks can provide functionality, style, and a softer edge to the room. In addition, many ottomans double up as storage space for your personal possessions.

Screen off a cozy corner

When you have a large room, it is good to create a cozy private space and snug. You can do this by placing a decorative screen in front of your chosen area and filling that space with comfortable seating like an extra-large and soft bean bag or a large armchair with a footstool. In this area, you can also add shelves for your books, a lamp with a warm glow, and anything you need to help you relax. Throw in some chunky knitted throws and squishy cushions, and you have the makings of the perfect haven for your quiet relaxation time.

Decorate your walls

With so much wall space, it can be difficult to know where to start. You may want to place seating in the middle of the room to create a feeling of coziness, but this tends to leave a lot of wall behind. Placing furniture such as a console table, benches, bookshelves, and cabinets along the walls, hanging shelves, and decorating the walls with photos and artwork can help alleviate this. You could also add some feature chairs as decorative pieces along the walls that can be pulled into the room’s center as needed. A large mirror might make an already large room appear even bigger, but several smaller mirrors can add interest to the walls.

Set up a special space for two

A large lounge is ideal when you have a big family or are regularly hosting parties, but in most cases, a lounge is used by two to four people. In addition to having a large dinner table, consider creating a space just for two. By placing a small but stunning table and chairs in the corner of a room, you can create an area for eating, drinking, talking, and playing games. You could even decorate the space differently from the rest of the room to make it stand out.

Thankfully, this process can be much easier than you anticipate. By choosing the right facility for your aging parent, you can make them more comfortable with the change and even more excited about moving into a beautiful facility that has loads of amenities and comforts.

With that in mind, here are three suggestions for choosing the right assisted living facility for your aging parent so they can be comfortable and excited about the new transition in their life.

1. Look into Amenities

When you are trying to find a facility that your parent will be happy to move into, it is important to consider the amenities that are offered. Things like walking paths, housekeeping services, and good dining options will play a significant role in how comfortable and content your parent is in their new home.

If you are able to find a facility that comes with all of the amenities that your parent would want to take advantage of, they can start to become excited about what their new life will hold. Places like Bella Terra senior living have so much to offer that your parent will be able to look forward to in their new home.

2. Consider the Level of Care

While all assisted living facilities are going to offer a certain level of care and easy access to emergency services, it is important that the facility you choose can handle any and all medical matters about your parent’s health and well-being.

If they have to take certain medications every day, you should choose a facility that can assist with this and ensure that your parent is taking what they need. If your parent needs higher levels of medical care, you should make sure that the facility you go with is equipped with the staff and other necessary things to administer that care.

3. Location

As with any decision involving a move, the location should play a significant role in the process as well.  Even if you find a facility with everything your parent wants and more, if it is too far away from you and other friends and family members, they won’t be very happy there.

Choose a facility that is located close enough to you and others so that your parent can enjoy frequent visits. This can go a long way in helping them feel more comfortable with the change in general.