Tag: furnishings

Creature comforts every home should have

Creature comforts every home should have

Creating a comfortable and inviting home environment is one of the best things you can do if you want to enhance the quality of your life overall. Our homes should be a sanctuary where we can relax, unwind and enjoy time with our loved ones. In order to achieve this, there are several creature comforts that you can add to your space, some of the best we’ve listed below.

1. A smart thermostat

A smart thermostat is an excellent investment for any home, allowing you to personalise your temperature settings for optimal comfort. These devices can be controlled remotely through a smartphone or tablet, enabling you to adjust the temperature from anywhere, ensuring that your home is always at the perfect temperature when you arrive.

Not only that, but a smart thermostat can also help you save on energy costs by learning your habits and adjusting the temperature accordingly. This can lead to reduced energy consumption and a smaller carbon footprint, making smart thermostats an eco-friendly addition to your home.

2. A bean-to-cup coffee machine

A bean-to-cup coffee machine is a wonderful addition to any home, enabling you to enjoy the luxury of freshly ground coffee without having to leave your kitchen. Devices like the best Sage coffee machine will grind whole coffee beans on demand, ensuring that your morning brew is as fresh and flavourful as possible.

Investing in a bean-to-cup coffee machine not only provides you with delicious coffee at home but also offers significant convenience and cost savings compared to frequent trips to the coffee shop. The ability to create barista-quality beverages in the comfort of your home can save both time and money in the long run.

3. Ergonomic furniture

Ergonomic furniture is designed to provide optimal support and comfort, helping to promote good posture and overall wellbeing. Investing in ergonomic chairs, sofas, and beds can significantly improve your comfort at home and reduce the risk of developing aches and pains associated with poor posture.

When selecting ergonomic furniture, look for chairs with adjustable lumbar support, armrests and seat height to ensure a proper fit. Choose sofas with supportive cushions and a comfortable backrest. For beds, consider a mattress that provides the right balance of support and comfort for your preferred sleeping position. By prioritising ergonomics in your furniture choices, you can create a more comfortable and supportive home environment for you and your family.

4. Indoor plants

Indoor plants not only add a touch of natural beauty to your home but also help improve air quality by removing toxins and producing oxygen. Incorporating greenery into your living space can create a more soothing and calming atmosphere, making your home feel more inviting and comfortable.

When selecting indoor plants, consider choosing low-maintenance varieties that can thrive with minimal care. Things like cacti, succulents and snake plants are all good options which are known for their hardiness and ability to adapt to various light conditions or lack of water. By adding easy-to-care-for plants to your home, you can enjoy the benefits of greenery without the added stress of frequent maintenance.

5. High-quality linens

Investing in high-quality linens, such as sheets and towels, can significantly enhance your home’s comfort. Good-quality linens are more durable, soft and luxurious, providing a superior experience compared to cheaper alternatives. They also tend to last longer, making them a smart investment in the long run.

Quality sheets can also have a noticeable impact on your sleep quality, as they help regulate your body temperature and provide a soft, comfortable surface on which to rest. Similarly, plush, absorbent towels can make your daily routines more enjoyable and relaxing.

6. Ambient lighting

Ambient lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere in your home. Soft, diffused lighting can make spaces feel more comfortable and relaxing, while brighter lights can energise and invigorate.

To achieve the perfect balance of ambient lighting, consider layering different light sources such as floor lamps, table lamps, and ceiling fixtures. his allows you to adjust the lighting levels to suit your needs and preferences, creating a versatile and adaptable home environment.

7. Soundproofing solutions

Soundproofing solutions can help reduce noise pollution, ensuring a more peaceful and quiet home environment. This is particularly important for those living in busy urban areas or near neighbours.

Some effective soundproofing methods include adding insulation to walls and ceilings, using draft excluders on doors and windows, and placing thick rugs or carpeting on floors. Investing in double or triple-glazed windows can also significantly reduce noise transmission from the outside.

8. Multi-purpose kitchen gadgets

Multi-purpose kitchen gadgets can help simplify meal preparation and cooking, saving you time and effort. These versatile appliances often combine multiple functions like chopping and grating or slow cooking and yoghurt making, allowing you to perform a variety of tasks with a single device.

Some popular multi-purpose kitchen gadgets include food processors, slow cookers and air fryers. These appliances can perform various functions, from chopping and mixing ingredients to cooking entire meals, making them invaluable additions to your home kitchen. By choosing space-saving and versatile gadgets, you can streamline your cooking process and make your kitchen more efficient and enjoyable to use.

9. Outdoor living space

Extending your home’s comfort to your garden or patio can greatly enhance your living experience. Creating an outdoor living space allows you to enjoy the fresh air and natural surroundings while still enjoying the creature comforts of home.

Consider adding comfortable outdoor furniture, such as lounge chairs or a hammock, to encourage relaxation. Adding features like a fire pit, outdoor lighting or a water feature can also help create a soothing atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day.

10. A home-entertainment system

A well-designed home entertainment system can create an immersive audiovisual experience, bringing movies, music and games to life. Investing in high-quality speakers, a large screen or projector, and the right audio equipment can greatly enhance your home’s entertainment offerings.

When selecting components for your home entertainment system, consider factors such as room size, layout and your personal preferences. Research and compare different products to find the ones that best suit your needs and budget.

11. Smart home technology

Smart home technology can greatly enhance your home’s security, comfort and convenience. From controlling lighting and temperature (as we mentioned earlier) to managing security systems and appliances, smart devices can help simplify your daily routines and provide peace of mind.

To create a connected home, invest in compatible smart devices and integrate them using a central hub or app. This allows for seamless control and monitoring of your entire home, creating a truly modern and convenient living experience that will enable you to sit back and relax instead of having to get up and down every time you want to switch something on or turn it off.

12. Dedicated relaxation space

Having a designated relaxation space in your home is a great way to reduce stress and promote better mental wellbeing for the whole family. This area should be free from distractions and designed to encourage calm and tranquillity for maximum effect.

To create a calming retreat, consider incorporating elements such as soft lighting, comfortable seating and soothing colours. You may also want to include calming scents such as lavender or sweet orange oil, relaxing music or a small water feature to further enhance the space.

13. Smart storage solutions

An organised and clutter-free home is key to creating a living environment that is as calm and comforting as possible because when your home is cluttered, your mind is likely to be cluttered too. Effective storage solutions can help keep your belongings tidy and accessible, making daily routines smoother and more enjoyable. Honestly, who doesn’t like the idea of a fitted walk in wardrobe? Even something like having miscellaneous items in rattan baskets can look super chic, too. No matter the size of your space or your home in general, it just feels so exquisitely luxurious to have smart storage solutions.

To maximise storage, consider utilising vertical space with shelves or tall cabinets, and invest in multi-functional furniture with built-in storage. You can also start with easy self storage outside of the home to make sure you have the space necessary to fit your new storage solutions. Additionally, declutter regularly to keep your home organised and comfortable. Use Marie Kondo’s methods and try to do it little and often, and it will be much easier to keep your home clean and clutter-free than you may think.

14. Aromatherapy diffusers

Aromatherapy diffusers can be a great addition to your home, filling the air with calming scents that promote relaxation and well-being. Essential oils can also offer various therapeutic benefits, from improving mood to aiding in sleep.

When selecting essential oils, consider using high-quality, pure oils from reputable sources. Start with a few versatile oils, like lavender, eucalyptus or lemon and experiment with different scents to create a personalised aroma experience in your home. Just be mindful that if you have pets, some essential oils may be toxic and shouldn’t be diffused around them; ask your vet if you’re unsure, as it’s better to be safe than sorry.

As you can see, investing in creature comforts for your home can greatly enhance your daily life and overall wellbeing. By incorporating a mix of gadgets, furnishings and other home additions you can create a truly comfortable and inviting environment. So, what are you waiting for?

disclosure*

Furnishing your living room: How to get it right

Furnishing your living room: How to get it right

The living room is, as the name suggests, the part of your house where your family lives and relaxes together. If you have guests over, then the living room is where you welcome them into your home.

However, despite how important the living room is, it’s often one of the least appreciated rooms when it comes to furnishing and decorating. Here are some tips to help with furnishing your living room and give the space the love and attention it deserves.

Avoid the show home look

One trap a lot of people fall into when furnishing their living space is trying to make it look like a show home. While some people like this look, it can come across as sterile and impersonal.

The most important aspect of your living room is that it’s comfortable and feels like home. It should also be personal to you and your family, which means that every living room should feel lived in.

One of the best way to make your living room more homely is to get framed artwork. Artwork is a fantastic way to personalise your home as you can focus on choosing art that you like and that speaks to you.

You should also make use of other smaller accessories to make your living room feel more homely. Each item tells a story and says something about you, so put some thought and care into it.

Soft furnishings

Your larger pieces of furniture have both form and function. Your living room needs comfortable seating to accommodate your family and your guests. Sofas and easy chairs are by far the most popular options, and it’s always best to ensure that you have more seating than you need rather than less. Nobody likes to be the one that’s relegated to sitting on the floor!

However, you also want your sofa and seating to look attractive. Check out the top sofa trends in 2022 for some style ideas. Another good option to style your larger furniture is to invest in plenty of soft furnishings like throws, cushions, and blankets. Sofa covers are another good way to both style your sofa and protect it from dogs or children.

Soft furnishings, in general, are a great way to make your living room more homely. For example, the perfect rug can tie your room together and break up large expanses of bare flooring. Rugs are an especially good choice if you have hardwood floors or laminate, as they make the room look and feel warmer and softer. They also protect more delicate flooring and can be easier to clean.

Lighting

The lighting in your living room has a huge impact on how it looks. A brighter room seems larger and airier. You can use mirrors to enhance this effect and make it seem even more light-filled. However, you may prefer a darker environment for relaxing in your living room. As such, dimmer lighting is warmer and cosier.

Natural light is the gold standard, as it can improve your mood and health. You can control how much natural light is in your room by making good use of blinds and curtains.

[disclosure*]

5 things for your home that are worth splurging on

5 things for your home that are worth splurging on | H is for Home

When it comes to spending money on your home, there are things that are worth investing in and others where there’s no need. So, if you’re currently decorating your home, here are five things for your home that are worth splurging on.

Boy, girl and spaniel sitting on a grey sofa

The sofa

Like many other big pieces of furniture, your sofa is going to get a lot of usage over the years by members of your household and visiting guests. There may be times where someone has to sleep on the sofa, you may eat off your lap on it and kids and pets may jump up and down off it. Hence, you want one that’s going to stand the test of time so that you don’t need to replace it every couple of years. A good quality sofa will definitely last five years or more if looked after properly.

Pair of bare feet sticking out from under white sheets on a bed

Your main bed

Again, like the sofa, a good bed can last five to eight years. Comfort is important when it comes to picking a bed because it’ll be the difference between you getting a perfect night’s sleep or just an average one. When it comes to the frame, you can probably go a little cheaper but for the mattress itself, splash out. A good company to choose is Tempur Mattresses. Their products were originally developed by NASA and adapt to the shape of your body. So, spend a little more money on your bed to ensure restful sleep.

Greek key design statement rug under a coffee table in a living room

A statement rug

Rugs can add warmth and texture to hard flooring. If stone, tile or wooden flooring is something you have in your lounge, dining room or bedroom, a statement rug can inject softness and a splash of colour. Plush rugs are particularly tactile on the feet and can make you feel like you’re walking on a cloud. Popular choices include vintage Afghan rugs and Moroccan Berber-style ones.

Glass topped coffee table on gold coloured metal legs

Coffee table

The living space is important as a place for entertaining your guests, and having a practical yet beautiful coffee table is a must. Choose a coffee table that matches your taste, style and décor. If your home is modern or minimalist, a coffee table made from metal, marble or glass is recommended. Conversely, if you prefer a country or rustic interior, select a solid wood table.

White open shelving in a home office

Shelving & storage

Unless you have a fairly big house or have a garage, places to display or stash your stuff may be limited. As a result, any extra storage options are useful to have around the home. Rather than having to keep things concealed in plastic or cardboard boxes, get a carpenter to erect made-to-measure open shelving. Similarly, you could purchase flat-pack bookshelves, consoles and shelving units. These are much more attractive options, and you won’t need to have your beautiful belongings hidden away where they’ll not be enjoyed or appreciated.

Transforming your home can be an exciting project, but not everything needs to cost a lot of money. Be extravagant with one or two feature pieces and then be economical with the rest.

[disclosure*]

Items worthy of investment for your home

Bright living room

Creating a family home is special. The furniture you buy now will welcome guests, be instilled in childhood memories, and become a place you miss when you’re not there. Your home will go through all the moments of everyday life with you. You need to make sure the items you’ll fill it with will last you, and your family a lifetime.

Grey sofa with succulants in the foreground

Sofas

The living room, as the name suggests, sees the most life in the house. Whether it’s a coffee catch up with friends, TV night, or time for a family visit, your living room tends to be the first and foremost place people spend their time. A solid sofa is an absolute most; one that can withstand a lot of visitors. Plus, it’s one of the most noticeable things in the living room. So, not only is the sofa a place of comfort, it can also act as a stylish statement.

Dining room table, chairs and bench

Dining room table

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home and we whole-heartedly agree. It’s a place where families can sit down and spend quality time together. This isn’t just at Christmas or birthdays, but those everyday moments. Making the effort to sit down and eat together as a family is so important. Cox & Cox makes absolutely gorgeous dining room tables. Yes, they’re expensive, but making that family time in is priceless.

plain white bedding

Mattresses

We spend a third of our lives asleep, so we need to make sure the place we do that is as comfortable as possible. According to the Huffington Post a good mattress can help you to lose weight, improve your memory and live longer. We say that’s definitely worthy of an investment. Make sure to get one that’s not only comfortable, but also supportive. Your body and general sense of well-being will thank you in the long run.

Person wearing blue Converse standing on a wooden floor

Flooring

Whether it’s carpet, ceramic tile or wood, your floor is going to get a lot of foot traffic over the coming years. Make sure you keep your family home grounded by investing in a sturdy floor choice. The style is completely up to you, but bear in mind it’s got to be durable for all of the household activities.

Black & white kitchen with a double-doored American-style fridge-freezer

Appliances

We know it’s tempting to bag a bargain, and feel like you’re saving money, however, in the long run those ‘bargains’ are going to cost you. It’s worth spending that extra money now on your appliances, rather than having to fork out for a replacement a few years down the line. We’re not just talking about toasters and microwaves, we mean the heavy-duty stuff, too; ovens, fridges, washer-dryers and dishwashers. It’s much better to invest now rather than pay later.

[disclosure*]