Category: Interior Design

How to Accommodate a Pet in Your Loft

How to Accommodate a Pet in Your Loft

Posted on by Fred Connolly

If you’re a pet owner and are considering moving into a loft, you may be wondering how to accommodate your furry friend. Lofts can be great spaces for pets, but there are some things you need to keep in mind. In this article, we will discuss some tips on how to make your loft pet-friendly!

First, you’ll want to make sure that your loft is pet-friendly. This means that it has a designated space for your pet to sleep and eat, as well as enough room for them to move around. If your loft doesn’t have these things, you may need to create some makeshift accommodations until you can find a more permanent solution.

Next, you’ll want to make sure that your pet is comfortable in the loft. This may mean bringing their bed or toys from home, or buying them some new ones once you’re moved in. Pets can get scared or overwhelmed in new environments, so it’s important to make them feel as at-home as possible.

Finally, you’ll want to consider your pet’s needs when it comes to the loft. For example, if you have a cat who likes to climb, you’ll want to make sure that there are no dangerous ledges or heights for them to fall from. If you have a dog who loves to play fetch, you’ll want to make sure there’s a designated space for them to run around in.

By following these tips, you can make your loft pet-friendly and ensure that your furry friend is comfortable in their new home!

Two of Us: Designing a Home for Two

Two of Us: Designing a Home for Two

Posted on by Fred Connolly

If you and your significant other are planning on building a new home, or remodeling an existing one, it can be difficult to figure out what features need to go into the design. There is a lot of pressure for couples to have their own space in the house- but how do you balance this with maximizing floor space?

The truth is that designing a home for two people can be tricky. You want enough room so that both partners feel comfortable, but also don’t want to waste any money by overdoing it! In this article we will outline some tips and tricks for designing homes just for two people.

1) Choose the Right Location

One decision you have to make when building new is choosing where exactly the house should be. For couples, this can mean balancing between living in a city or country setting, with easy access to entertainment and jobs versus being able to enjoy rural peace and quiet. If one partner wants more space than another then it may be possible for both to compromise by looking in a specific area.

Another thing to consider is the layout of the house. If you are short on space, it might be better to choose a location with more outdoor space that can be turned into communal areas (like a garden or patio). Alternatively, if you want each person to have their own defined space then look for a house with more windows so that you get plenty of natural light. Remember, if space is limited it might be better to go for multiple small rooms than one big one (this way each partner can have their own private area).

You should also consider where your home will be when under construction. If the location has little infrastructure then this can mean you will have to deal with a lot of disruption. Make sure that the location is suitable for building, and also has access to all utilities (so it doesn’t disrupt construction).

2) Consider Design

Sometimes, the layout of a house is best suited for couples. How you use space depends on your personality type and goals for living in that home. For example, if one person likes to have their own private activities then it might be better to design multiple rooms rather than trying to squeeze everything into only two or three spaces (this way each partner can have their own defined space).

If you and your partner enjoy spending time together, then it might be better to design an open-plan home. This will allow for more interaction and bonding between the two of you (plus it’s great for hosting parties!). Alternatively, if one person likes to work from home or needs some peace and quiet then it might be better to have a home office space that is separate from the main living area.

When designing your home, make sure you think about how you will use the space. If one person likes to cook and the other doesn’t, then maybe consider having an eat-in kitchen or a breakfast bar so that both can share in mealtimes. If one partner likes to relax in the bath and the other doesn’t, then maybe include a Jacuzzi tub.

3) Future Home Planning

One thing to consider when planning a home is how it will grow. If you are building new and don’t have any children, then the design of your home can be adapted later on with ease (maybe add an extra room or two). However, if one partner wants kids in future and the other doesn’t this could become problematic. It is better to have an open dialogue when designing a home so that the couple can agree on how they want it in future.

If you are building a new house, then one thing to consider is having separate entrances or access points into individual rooms. This means each person has their own space which can be easily kept private (for example if they want to work from home).

Unexpected Necessities for Your Loft

Unexpected Necessities for Your Loft

Posted on by Fred Connolly

It’s finally time to move into your new loft, but before you do there are some things that you’ll need. Whether it be a futon or an air mattress, these items will make your transition much easier. Here are the top five unexpected necessities for your loft:

Futon/Air Mattress

This is a sleep surface for guests and can even double as a bed in case of emergency. A good rule of thumb is to purchase a queen size if space permits, otherwise get something smaller like twin or full size. When buying an air mattress, ensure it has at least two built-in pumps so the process can be effortless when inflating and deflating.

Dining Table

A dining table is a must for any loft, as it can be used for both eating and working. When choosing one, make sure to pick something that has enough space for all of your guests and is the right height for you.

A lot of people forget about chairs when furnishing their loft, but they are definitely a necessity. The space will be much more functional if there is a place for your guests to sit while you prepare food or do other activities.

Kitchenware

There are several options when it comes to kitchenware, but the most important thing is that they all fit in the cabinets and pantry of your loft! It’s best to go with something simple like a toaster oven, blender, and coffee maker.

You’ll also need to ensure that your appliances (ie: refrigerator) are the right size for your loft’s kitchen space. Also think about getting an outdoor grill if there is room in order to cook al fresco when possible!

Bathroom Accessories

A loft often doesn’t come with a bathroom, so it’s important to stock up on the essentials before you move in. This includes towels, shower curtain and rings, toiletry organizer, and a bathmat.

If your loft has a washer and dryer in it, make sure to get laundry detergent and fabric softener as well.

Entertainment Area

This could be anything from a television to a gaming system. Make sure that whatever you choose is the right size for your loft and has enough storage space for all of your cords and games.

Having a comfortable place to relax and unwind is key when living in a small space, so make sure to invest in some good entertainment area furniture as well.

Fireplaces and Their Alternatives

Fireplaces and Their Alternatives

Posted on by Fred Connolly

There’s no question that adding a fireplace to your home makes it more desirable. It provides a central place in your home for your family and your guests to gather and enjoy an evening. They look great and they add a little bit of extra warmth to your home when you need it.

Traditional fireplaces are obviously a bit tricky to install if you don’t have a chimney. While you can certainly take on the project of installing a full chimney, it’s no small feat. Luckily these days there are some alternative options you can consider if you want to bring the benefits of a fireplace to your home.

In this article we’ll take a look at traditional fireplaces and their alternatives so you can have a better idea of which option is best for your home improvement project.

Is The Real Thing For You?

If what you really want is a no-frills, real-deal fireplace, then you don’t have many options. You’re going to need a full brick chimney properly equipped with everything you need to safely burn a fire in your home. If you already have a chimney then you’re in good shape, you’ll probably just need to make sure it’s up to par and fully operational before you use it. It can be a good idea to call in a chimney sweeper to give it a clean and a look over.

If you don’t have a chimney already, then you’re going to have to install one. This isn’t the end of the world, people do it all the time. It’s going to be a bit of an expense though, and it’s certainly going to take up a bit of a footprint in your home. If you’re not willing to compromise when it comes to having a real fire in your home, then you have no way other way to go. However, if you are willing to compromise you might want to consider one of the alternative options.

Electric Fireplaces – The Best Option For Convenience

If your main concern is that you have something that is aesthetically pleasing as a centerpiece for your room, then an electric fireplace may just be the way to go. They aren’t the most realistic alternative you’re going to come across, but they are still quite realistic and will certainly do the trick in many cases.

The great thing about electric models is that you don’t need any chimney or really any ventilation at all. They can be installed just about anywhere, and you have a range of styles to choose from. Better yet, they work at the click of a button and you don’t even need to set them to put out any heat at all if you don’t want to. They are a modern, stylistic, and convenient fireplace alternative. Just don’t expect truly real flames if you go this route.

Gas Fireplaces – A Nice Compromise

If the idea of an electric fireplace just doesn’t quite seem authentic enough, but you’re all on board with avoiding a chimney then a gas fireplace is probably a good compromise for your situation. You’ll still need a way to adequately vent the heat and fumes that are generated by it’s operation, but with simple ducting this can be much easier to install.

One thing to keep in mind if you want to go this route is how the gas is going to be supplied. If you already have a natural gas connection in your house then it can likely be tapped into to supply the fireplace as well. If you don’t then you’ll probably need a propane tank to hold the fuel. Otherwise, gas fireplaces are a great option. While they don’t look 100% real, they still have real flames and can be quite pleasant.

Hopefully by now you’re on your way to choosing the perfect fireplace for your home. Any questions please go ahead and ask!

Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

Posted on by Fred Connolly

Perhaps, it is the time of the year that you’re planning to remodel your kitchen. But, you have no idea as to how things should be done. There are many ways for you to be inspired if you are looking for a design and style for your future kitchen set up. You can also seek a designer’s consultation to make sure that you get the thing correctly just the way you wanted it.

Another fun the fact that you can be inspired by a design and style for a kitchen is to visit kitchen showrooms and list down all the necessary items that you need. This is an excellent way to you know the type of design that you’d like to have in your home. Everything may look perfect, but you need to keep in mind that you have a budget to maintain. To make sure that you get the right design, space and style, here are the following tips and ideas for kitchen remodeling.

1. Get a professional advice- as mentioned; you need an expert opinion on that matter. You don’t have to approach things in a rush which is why before you’re going to visit a showroom make sure that you have talked to a PRO kitchen designer.

2. It is worth the splurge- whether you’re on a tight budget or not you need to think about what items you should be spending and what materials for kitchen remodeling should you be looking for. Does it suit your taste or would you instead downgrade it to a more cost-effective type of materials? There are so many things that you need to consider and the fact that knowing whats worth the splurge is often difficult to decide.

3. Designer’s recommendation- even if you’re remodeling, creating a comfortable and a good looking kitchen is important. Consider installation tips for countertops, lighting, and cabinets. The most convenient way to accumulate money is to keep your present layout of the kitchen and take down walls if necessary, ensure the plumbing connections and electrical wiring as well. Make sure that everything still fits within your budget range.

4. Saving your cabinets- if the materials of your cabinets are still in good shape, there are ways for it to be recycled. All you need is to have experts that can rebuild cabinets and make it unique again.

5. Utilize every corner of the kitchen especially when it comes to cabinets- this is why designers come in handy regarding upgrading kitchen spaces. Through their expertise, you will be able to utilize the functionality of a new kitchen.

6. Double sliding and pulling out shelves- take advantage of anything that can be slid or pulled out shelves. You will see so much space can be occupied without worrying how to organize your kitchen tools and utensils.

Now that you have an idea regarding upgrading your kitchen, it is best that you take down the necessary items that you need to remain and decide which ones should you take out.