Top 5 bedroom renovation ideas to consider this year

Are you ready to take on your bedroom renovations for the year? It can be a daunting task, and with so many ideas out there, it can be tough to decide exactly how to go about making your vision into a reality. But don’t worry! Here’s a list of the top five bedroom renovation ideas this year that will have you rethinking and redesigning in no time. These tried & tested tips will inspire your home makeover dreams! With countless possibilities available within the confines of any budget or timeframe, these expert recommendations look great while bringing comfort and luxury back home.

1) Start small

One of the best ways to begin a renovation is by starting with smaller changes. Before you go all in and redo everything, focus on changing the fixtures and finishes. New paint colours, wallpapers, light fixtures or ceiling fans can instantly refresh any space. This type of switch-up can breathe new life into your bedroom without requiring a major overhaul or a large budget.

2) Invest in quality furniture

Investing in quality furniture is another excellent way to upgrade your bedroom. Purchasing high-quality bed frames, dressers, bedside tables and chairs can go a long way. Buying these items can make all the difference when you’re looking for comfort and style in your bedroom renovation.

If you want a more personalised touch, consider bespoke fitted furniture to maximise your bedroom space efficiently and add a unique touch that aligns perfectly with your style. Custom design furniture allows you to personalise each piece according to your aesthetic preferences, ensuring your bedroom truly reflects your vision. Additionally, made to measure furniture ensures that each piece fits precisely within your room dimensions, adding both functionality and style.

3) Add impactful artwork

Incorporating art into your bedroom décor and design can really bring the room to life. Whether you’re a fan of classical paintings or modern photography, choosing pieces that match your colour scheme and overall aesthetic is key to ensuring it all ties together nicely. Art doesn’t have to be expensive, either; you can find artworks online at affordable prices or even create some yourself, depending on your DIY skills.

4) Consider adding an en-suite bathroom

Including an en-suite bathroom in your bedroom is a terrific way to boost the value of your house and provide convenience for you and your family. You could also transform the space into a quiet refuge from the rest of the house by adding an en-suite. This may be done with little inconvenience and will give your bedroom an instant increase in size.

5) Get creative with storage solutions

Storage solutions are essential in any bedroom, no matter the size. If you’re stuck on ideas for storage solutions that work within your space, there are plenty of options to choose from. You could get creative solutions, including under-bed storage containers, wall-mounted shelves, and baskets to store items for easy access. Fitted furniture can also provide an organised, space-saving solution that integrates beautifully with your bedroom layout. Customisable pieces, such as the options from DAY & KNIGHT, ensure every corner is functional, allowing for a clutter-free and aesthetically pleasing design.

Final thoughts

There are plenty of ways to give your bedroom the makeover it needs this year. Remember, when you’re tackling any renovation project, start small, invest in quality furniture and artwork, consider adding an en-suite bathroom and get creative with storage solutions to complete the look. Remember these five tips as you begin your journey towards a beautiful bedroom renovation!

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Beat the chill: Getting your central heating system ready for winter

As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, the thought of cosy evenings by a warm fire becomes increasingly appealing. But before you can fully enjoy the comfort of your heated home, it’s crucial to ensure your central heating system is ready to tackle the colder months ahead.

Neglecting your heating system can lead to costly breakdowns, inefficient heating and uncomfortable living conditions. So, take a proactive approach and follow these steps to get your central heating system ready for winter.

1. Bleed your radiators

Air trapped in your radiators can hinder their ability to heat efficiently. Bleeding your radiators releases this air, allowing them to fill with water and distribute heat effectively. If you’re unsure how to bleed a radiator, there are plenty of helpful online guides and videos available.

2. Check your boiler pressure

Your boiler needs to be at the correct pressure to function optimally. Consult your boiler manual for the recommended pressure range. If the pressure is too low, you can top it up using the filling loop. If it’s too high, you may need to bleed some water from the system.

3. Inspect your boiler and controls

Take some time to visually inspect your boiler for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Check for leaks, corrosion or any unusual noises. Also, ensure your thermostat and timer are working correctly, allowing you to program your heating schedule effectively.

4. Clean or replace filters

Your boiler and heating system will have filters that trap dust and debris, preventing them from clogging your system. Clean or replace these filters regularly, as recommended by the manufacturer. This simple step can significantly improve your heating efficiency and prolong the life of your system.

5. Consider a service

A professional boiler service can help identify any potential problems before they escalate into costly repairs. A qualified engineer can carry out a thorough inspection, clean the boiler components and ensure your system is safe and running efficiently.

6. Insulate your pipes

Uninsulated pipes can lose heat, affecting the overall efficiency of your central heating system. Consider insulating any exposed pipes, particularly those located in unheated areas, to reduce heat loss and save energy.

Beyond maintenance

Consider smart thermostats: These adaptable devices allow you to control your heating system remotely and optimise energy consumption.
Regularly check for leaks: Small leaks can quickly escalate into bigger problems; address any issues promptly.
Understand your heating system: Familiarise yourself with your boiler’s manual and the basic workings of your central heating system.

By taking these steps, you can ensure your central heating system is in top condition for the winter months. You’ll enjoy a warm and comfortable home while minimising the risk of unexpected breakdowns and maximising your energy efficiency.

Don’t wait until the first chill hits – prepare your central heating system ready for winter today!

7 easy money-saving home ideas

Money-saving home ideas seem like a good idea right now, given the recent budget update and the cold weather approaching. Making small changes around the home can save big money, even though some may require initial investment. However, when combined, your costs can come right down.

Modern doors and windows

Old doors and windows become degraded over time, and this stops their insulation from working correctly. Replacing them with fully fitted composite doors or windows, for example, helps keep the warmth in and the cold out. With most new doors and windows, even the glass works much better. You can capture the sun’s heat and keep it in the room with double and triple glazing. This can significantly boost the temperature of a room by a few degrees to save money.

Money-saving home ideas in the kitchen

The kitchen is probably the most power-hungry room in the home, given all the appliances we have. So, saving power in the kitchen means saving money on your bills. Low-power alternatives such as microwaves and air fryers can bring energy bills right down. But food waste is also a problem. UK families waste around 140 meals per year, which is also money in the bin. Planning meals and cooking in batches helps reduce food waste and lower your food costs.

Energy-efficient lighting

When it comes to saving energy, one of the most popular methods is switching to LED lights. LED light bulbs are an ideal way to lower your bills as they use up to 90% less electricity. But that’s not all. You can control some brands of LED lighting with your smartphone. This means you can remotely turn off the lights if you leave them on, further reducing how much energy you use. With timers, they also make a great burglar deterrent instead of leaving the TV on!

Bathroom money-saving home ideas

Next to the kitchen, we can also use a lot of energy in the bathroom. Gas, electricity and water are used in most family bathrooms, which can add up to larger bills. But there are a few things you can do to reduce how much energy your family uses every day when using the bathroom:

Reduce the length of time you spend in the shower in the morning.
Turn the boiler temperature down to save gas, and shower heat to save electricity.
Install low-flow devices that can help use less water without compromising on pressure.
Use a pressure-boosting shower head instead of installing a power shower.
Use bathroom products until they’re actually gone and not just half finished!

Simple changes such as taking five minutes in the shower adds up to big savings over the course of a year. However, reducing waste and prolonging product usage also helps.

Using only what you need

Many people are guilty of using too many everyday products. Whether it’s water, energy or even shampoo, we often waste a lot of what we need each day. Think about how many times you boil a kettle with more water than you need for tea or coffee. That’s wasted energy and water right there! The same goes for things like filling the sink to wash the dishes, cooking food and even bruising your teeth. Small changes like this make things last longer for savings in the long run.

Money-saving home ideas with laundry

Perhaps the most power-hungry appliance is the washing machine. Washing machines are a Godsend and make laundry a breeze. But convenience can add up costs. However, you can use eco-mode on your appliances, which is designed to perform well and use less energy. For instance, a cold laundry wash at about 20°C uses around 60% less energy. You should also check manufacturer instructions for loading the machine to its optimal capacity.

Monthly and seasonal maintenance

When you look after things, they usually tend to last longer. This is true of almost everything, including appliances, electronics and your home. Monthly and seasonal cleaning and maintenance routines are a great way to get the most out of the things you use all the time. For example, you can prolong the life of a washer-dryer by using cleaning products like Calgon. Your car will run smoothly if you keep it clean and do the necessary vehicle checks each week.

Summary

Installing new doors and windows is one of the most powerful money-saving home ideas when it comes to energy use. However, even making the switch to LED lighting uses a lot less energy. Of course, any efficient family home relies on monthly and seasonal cleaning and maintenance.

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From home to hospitality: Evaluating the pros and cons of Airbnb for self-employed landlords

For self-employed landlords, converting a property into an Airbnb can be highly attractive, especially with the growing trend of holiday rentals. Airbnb and similar platforms offer a flexible way to earn income by hosting travellers for short stays, providing opportunities for increased revenue, especially in high-demand areas.

In this post, we explore the pros and cons of Airbnb hosting, from increasing your revenue to managing guest expectations and understanding legal regulations. With these practical insights, self-employed landlords will gain the confidence and know-how to succeed in the Airbnb market.

Financial advantages: Maximising income with short-term rentals

Short-term rentals often allow landlords to earn more than they would with traditional long-term leases. Here are some key financial benefits of Airbnb:

Increased nightly rates: Unlike fixed long-term rentals, Airbnb offers the flexibility of nightly rates, allowing income to increase significantly during high-demand periods.
Dynamic pricing: Airbnb’s pricing tools allow hosts to adjust rates based on local demand, events and market trends, helping you optimise revenue.
Peak season strategies: In popular travel destinations or during holiday periods, short-term rates can be significantly higher than standard monthly rental income.

However, managing competitive pricing and seasonal demand effectively can be challenging. Smarthost, as Airbnb management company, offers comprehensive services for self-employed landlords, helping you maximise your rental income with data-driven pricing insights and effective property management strategies. Learn how Smarthost can boost your Airbnb earnings here: https://www.smarthost.co.uk/

Flexibility and control: The freedom to manage your property on your terms

One of Airbnb’s greatest benefits is the flexibility it offers landlords. You control when your property is available, blocking dates for personal use or taking breaks during slower months. Plus, Airbnb gives you the freedom to:

Set availability on a monthly or even daily basis to fit your schedule.
Hosts can set specific guidelines for guests, ensuring the property is treated according to their preferences.
Airbnb enables hosts to review potential guests, helping you find those who are likely to respect your space.

Operational challenges: Handling day-to-day Airbnb management

Hosting on Airbnb involves a range of responsibilities that differ from traditional rentals; including guest communications, post stay cleaning and ongoing property maintenance. Here are some of the operational challenges self-employed landlords can expect:

Guest communication: Engaging with potential guests, handling inquiries and coordinating check-in/check-out logistics.
Regular cleaning and maintenance: Each booking requires a fresh setup, which can be both time-consuming and costly.
Property appeal: Airbnb listings are highly visual, and consistent presentation can affect your ratings and income.

To streamline operations and reduce the day-to-day workload, many landlords hire professional management services. Smarthost provides expert Airbnb management services, including guest communications, cleaning coordination and maintenance oversight, ensuring a smooth experience for hosts and guests.

Regulatory and legal considerations: Navigating compliance and tax obligations

Listing a property on Airbnb also involves understanding local regulations, tax obligations and licensing requirements, which vary significantly by location. For UK-based landlords, the following compliance factors are important:

Zoning laws: Some areas restrict short-term rentals, while others may require licences or special permits.
Tax requirements: Rental income from Airbnb is taxable. Staying updated on tax obligations is essential for avoiding penalties. For more information, refer to Smarthost’s comprehensive Airbnb tax UK guide covering the latest tax regulations for 2024.
Insurance and liability: Airbnb offers host protection insurance, but additional insurance is often recommended to cover potential risks.

Understanding these factors is essential for avoiding fines and legal issues. Gov.uk provides additional resources on short-term rental compliance, which can serve as a reliable source of up-to-date legal requirements and responsibilities for UK hosts.

The pros and cons of Airbnb hosting for landlords

Turning your property into an Airbnb can offer substantial rewards, but it’s essential to consider the benefits and challenges involved. Here’s a quick summary to help you weigh your options:

Pros:

Potential for higher income, especially during peak seasons
Flexible availability to align with personal or business needs
Greater control over property use and guest selection

Cons:

Increased operational workload with frequent guest turnover
Possible legal and regulatory challenges
Additional costs for cleaning, repairs and insurance

With a balanced understanding of the pros and cons, self-employed landlords can make a strategic decision about whether Airbnb is the right fit for their property. Smarthost offers industry-leading support, helping landlords navigate the complexities of short-term rentals, optimise income and provide an exceptional guest experience.

With a thoughtful approach, self-employed landlords can set up a strategy that delivers rewarding results in the Airbnb market.

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