Category: Home tips

  • Indoor Fish Pond Tips and Ideas

    Indoor Fish Pond Tips and Ideas

    There are many ways to bring nature to your home. One of them is by building fish ponds in certain corner of the house.

    Many people claim that having the pond brings another joy for the family. They could spend hours standing near the pond and observe the fish swims here and there.

    Learn the tips to make this happiness last for a long time.

    Read also: Small Living Room Decor. 

    INDOOR FISH POND TIPS AND IDEAS

    1. Build Twice Size

    If there is any regret the pond builders have ever shared, it must be about the pond size. Their initial plan turns to be a lot smaller than expected.

    Since many of them build the solid pond, there is no way they can rebuild the fish pond, unless they start from scratch. Thus, the first rule is to double the size of the pond in your blue print.

    Another way to solve the size problem is by building the pond using rubber liner. If you ever heard that this tool takes a lot of efforts, it is not true.

    The plastic material gives you flexibility for the depth and width. No matter how deep or wide you prepare the area, rubber liner could fit in.

    Indoor fish pond ideas for koi with pot plants
    Image: pondpictures.org

    2. Dig Deep Enough

    In the beginning, you might say that you don’t want any fish inside the pond. Days later, you might change your mind.

    This should not be a problem if you have provided the proper depth for the fish you are going to raise.

    Any pond shallower than 24 inches doesn’t fit for any fish. In summer, the water will evaporate, and winter will turn it into an ice pond.

    The ideal depth for raising goldfish is 36 inches at the minimum. Bigger fish like Koi certainly need deeper pond; 48 inches at the minimum.

    If you are not planning to throw in any fish, then make it into 24 inches depth. This measurement ensures a nice pond in any season.

    Indoor mini fish pond

    3. Install Filtration System

    Even for an empty pond, filtration is crucial. It prevents stagnant water by making waves. Otherwise, your pond would be the home of mosquito larvae. The filter is even more important when you have fish inside.

    Make sure you install proper size of filtration system. The safest step is to purchase the biggest filter you can afford. It could ensure the healthy water flow and the habitats inside.

    Indoor fish pond with fountain and waterfall
    Imae: homedit.com

    4. Build Level Shelves

    A great pond is surrounded by natural plants. In order to get this impression, you need shelves for plants. In general, you have to make two levels.

    The first level goes 24 inches deep in the pond. It is a perfect place to grow submerged plants and water lilies. The second level has to be 12 inches deep. It would be a fertile land for marginal plants.

    While building the fish ponds, considering about the construction is not enough. You have to think about the beauty and the practicality. Double the size of your original pond size, as long as the area is available.

    Dig the earth deep enough, so your fish could get enough oxygen supply. Also, don’t omit the filtration and plants around the pond. Enjoy!

    Indoor fish pond waterfall

    Originally posted 2020-05-10 02:32:22.

  • Home Office Design Tips

    Home Office Design Tips

    For a few days in a month, you have no choice but to bring your work to home.

    Since it will happen anyway, why don’t you dedicate a small corner in the house to be a home office?

    Having this area ready is nice, but you have to learn the tips to make clear line between comfort and working pace.

    Read also:

    HOME OFFICE DESIGN TIPS

    1. Setting The Equipment

    Remember, you are going to design a home office. It doesn’t have to have a complete office supplies.

    Before you spend your money on color laser printer, think about how important it is for your job. If walking to the neighborhood copier could solve the problem, why should you give up the space for an equipment you will rarely use?

    Since you might move around the house, make sure the laptop connection is wireless. Cables will limit your movement and might make you trip over.

    Once you install the wireless connection, do a simple test. Try to access a website from your desk and the area around it. A great connection should be stable.

    2. Getting The Light

    The perfect place for you to put the office table is close to the window. Through this ventilation, natural daylight could give proper and costless lighting. Nothing could beat the white balance of the daylight.

    Even though season and geographical season affect the white color a sunlight reflection produce, including the daylight as the main light would be great.

    Some office can’t afford above-the-ground space and go in the basement instead. In this case, you want to combine general and task lighting.

    It is better to grab high-quality bulb, so you don’t have to change it in rainy days or late night. Try to find the bulb that could replicate white daylight in the closest spectrum.

    Home office design layout ideas
    Image: designtrends.com

    3. Finding The Privacy

    To work on your papers and projects, quiet environment is required. Thus, you can’t compromise with any disturbance from your surrounding. Take the first step by eliminating eye distraction.

    Move the screen projector to limit the view of neighbor activities. You could also move a bookshelf or divider walls. Placing a bookshelf would be more practical, as it could turn into a helpful storage.

    Next, set the air purifier or fan to quiet mode. It’s a big NO to paint the wall with colorful tones. Pastel or white colors work best for maximum concentration. Don’t forget to warn your family members that you are in working time. Hang a “don’t disturb” or “busy” sign on the door.

    Home office design and color ideas

    4. Organizing The Office Supplies

    A messy working table could stretch your working hour. It is simply because you cannot work efficiently. Every time you need a highlighter, it is hidden under the pile of papers.

    Mixing finished and unfinished paper will make you confused. Therefore, office supply organization is important. Gather stationary in one box and don’t forget to put it back in the box after use.

    Working in a home is another form of blessing comfort. You can stay away from office riot, particularly at the last seconds to deadline.

    However, being too comfortable could create another problem; slower working pace. In the end, you might miss another deadline. Make sure you set the balance of a relaxing and conducive office.

    Home office design contemporary
    Image: dandsfurniture.net

    Originally posted 2020-05-09 12:43:52.

  • Most Popular Secure Window Designs

    Most Popular Secure Window Designs

    Windows are one of ventilation in your home. Windows also provides sun light comes to your home.

    Homeowner like to open the window to give air circulation circulates properly in your house.

    You want the secure window to protect it from any harm situation, like pest, burglar and other.

    So, we will provide information about the Most popular secure window designs. Your safety starts by selecting the right window style and types, and we suggest to invest your money to improve your security system.

    It prevents you from any burglar.

    Simple Tips to Choose Secure Window Designs

    1. Choose Window Styles with Your Own Home Security

    It is public secret that we cannot categorize all home have the same level of security. Homeowner will see lock as the main aspect before they choose the windows.

    Mostly, operable windows need a good locking system that to ensure that burglars cannot open and climb into your house.

    Keyed locks, cam-action locks, swivel-action locks, lag screw and window latches are the best types of window lock recently. Each of them have different level of security system.

    2. Casement Windows

    Most homeowner believe on double hung or single hung windows. But, there is a type of windows that is more secure than both This is type of window designs that are able to be opened using hand-operated crank from the interior of your home.

    Casement Windows is more secure than double or single hung type. Casement Windows are effective for ventilation process than either single or double hung.

    Casement windows living room
    Image: houzz.com

    Another positive side of casement windows is that hinge is the only part that can move. Casement windows use solid piece of glass instead two glass.

    It creates a more air-resistant barrier. Moreover, casement windows offer a good insulation level in your home.

    3. Sliding Window

    This type of window slides across horizontally to open. It means that you cannot open the window from outside.

    Horizontal security and cam type locks can be used to give extra feeling of protection. It guarantees that window cannot be opened surreptitiously.

    Sliding windows is suitable for short walls. It occurs because sliding windows offers more room and it seems taller that it is.

    The windows use more the wall horizontally, but they do not expand far on the wall. It seems that you have taller room with the same size openings.

    Another benefit side of sliding windows is that this style offers simple design. This design use simple design to open and close the window.

    It means that it is easier to operate and less chance to break. Remaining the windows is as simple as lubricating the slides and vacuuming the dust out.

    Sliding window shutters indoor

    Related windows design ideas:

    Having a secure window is good to prevent any bad and harmful situation in your home. Nobody want to live with a worried situation. They will cost and invest much money to provide feeling of security in their home.

    Hopefully, the information above about the Most popular secure window designs gives you other experience to choose or select the best window for your home. Do not take a risk by providing windows with lack of security.

    HOW TO CHOOSE MOST POPULAR SECURE WINDOW DESIGNS

    Originally posted 2020-05-03 04:51:59.

  • How to Get Better Air Circulation in your House

    How to Get Better Air Circulation in your House

    Air circulation has a great impact for your house. Appropriate air circulation will give you a lot of positive impact.

    It happens because air circulation provides you safe and comfortable breathing environment.

    On the other hand, bad air circulation has a negative effect for your health. If you think that the air circulation in your home tend to be stagnant, you should do something to solve this problem.

    Make decent steps to obtain gentle wind streaming for you a healthier and pleasant home.

    So, we provide you tips How to get better air circulation in your house. Check it out:

    1. Having Appropriate Ventilation

    Most people seems under-valued ventilation, proper air circulation and good air flow. When your furnace is not working properly in the winter, you will aware that in a couple of hours. You need time to notice that something is not working well.

    Of course, it occurs in ventilation problem. You may not notice the insufficient ventilation as swiftly as it needs time for the symptoms, like foetid air, moisture level and mould to live.

    It is a public secret that everybody needs fresh air all the time. So, people need to plan and design their house with appropriate ventilation. If you do not provide it, you will cost much money to cover your health.

    2. Open your windows

    It is useless even though you have appropriate ventilation and you rarely open it. Opening windows is the simplest and easy way to promptly increase your indoor air circulation.

    Some people think that it will invite pest to come to your house, but opening windows on a day will bring fresh outside air into your home. It will give a positive effect for you.

    Read also: Front Window Decor Ideas

    How to Get Better Air Circulation. 4 Ideas to Get Better Circulation for your House

    3. Utilize exhaust fans

    Exhaust fan is the viable option to improve your airflow and air circulation in kitchen and bathroom. It works like traditional fans in reverse.

    We suggest you to use exhaust fans than blowing air outward. Blowing air outward draws moisture outdoor and air inward, so you may feel stuffy in the room.

    Exhaust fan increases outdoor ventilation, avoid humidity in your house and release the air contamination.

    See also: How to Install Outdoor Porch Ceiling Fans?

    4. Use ceiling fans and window fans

    Ceiling fans can guarantee that the air continues to circulate. We suggest you to apply this in conjunction with HVAC units to facilitate the air circulate properly in your room from lower zones to higher zones and attain every zone in your house.

    For that reason, we suggest you to use ceiling fans and windows fans.

    Window air conditioner ideas

    Actually, you can use air conditioners and heaters to ensure the air circulation and airflow in your home work properly.

    However, these options provide big energy consumption. In other word, these options may be a viable option for those who are afford to use much energy in their house.

    Providing good and proper air circulation in your home is the matter. Sometimes, people forget this aspect.  We hope that this article above helps you to get more aware with air circulation or airflow in your home.

    The tips above about How to get better air circulation in your house is a cheap and simple tips to be applied

    HOW TO GET BETTER AIR CIRCULATION IN YOUR HOUSE

    Originally posted 2020-05-02 03:31:52.

  • How to Prevent Dirt Dust into the Closet and Other Home Areas

    How to Prevent Dirt Dust into the Closet and Other Home Areas

    Dust is an accumulation of tiny particles that is consisting of hair, pet dander, dirt, skin cell and more.

    Tolerating to live around you is a bad decision and habit, then it will give negative effect for your health.

    It is a good decision to control it in your house. Thus, we gives you tips How to prevent dirt dust into the closet and other home areas.

    Closets are a heaven for dust. It is full of fiber clothes which is dust haven. If you think that you are able to relieve 100 percent dust in your clothes or other areas, you are wrong and you cannot do that. But, you still have chance to make your closet and other areas clean.

    How to Prevent Dirt Dust into the Closet and Other Home Areas. Cleaning floor with vacuum

    1. Change and Wash Your Bedding Every Week

    Your pleasant bed, pillows, sheets, blankets and comforters are a major dust distributors. The dust can double like mouse if you do not try to keep under control it.

    It happens because bedding gathers sheds, skin flakes and sends swirls of dust every time you roll over on your sleep.

    The way to prevent it is to change and wash pillowcases, sheets routinely particularly if one of your family members have dry skin or pets.

    You do not need to go to dry cleaners every week to wash items that are not machine washable. We suggest you to bring bedspreads and blankets outside your house and jiggle them.

    But, we suggest you to wash it at least twice in a month. You can apply it on the pillows, but for the total cleaning, we suggest you to wash them.

    2. Use the Appropriate Vacuum

    Vacuum cleaner is the most helpful invention to clean the dust. Suction is not enough to clean much dust out of carpet.

    For the thorough cleaning, we suggest you to use vacuum cleaner with a powerful agitator.

    But, we suggest you to use canister vacuum cleaner without an agitator, when you have intention to clean something that the media is not carpet.

    3. Clean the Agitator and Air Conditioner Filter

    Vacuum cleaner use agitator to clean the dust meanwhile air conditioner has filter to separate the dust and the air.

    The dust stay on the surface of agitator when you have just used and settle in air conditioner filter.

    You can rid the dust on the surface of agitator before you use the vacuum and clean the air conditioner filter.

    You can clean the air conditioner filter by brushing off. It is simple and easy to clean it. But, most people do not have awareness to clean it.

    Cleaning air conditioner filter is important to maximize the air conditioner function and prevent the dust circulated in the room.

    Read also:

    We may feel annoyed when you see dirt dust in your home. Moreover, if you rarely clean the dust, it will effect on your healthy or you may be allergic with the dust.

    We hope that the tips above about How to prevent dirt dust into the closet and other home areas help you to avoid allergic in dust.

    Cleaning wood floor from dust and others
    Image: ambiencehardwoodflooring.co.uk

    HOW TO PREVENT DIRT DUST INTO THE CLOSET AND OTHER HOME AREAS

    Originally posted 2020-05-01 05:11:04.

  • Exterior Games: How to Decorate a Brick Wall Outside

    Exterior Games: How to Decorate a Brick Wall Outside

    Designing the exterior is a fun thing; there is something that you can do outside but not in the inside.

    The Brick wall in the outside can be the platform to deliver the ideas.

    Here are the most popular 5 tips to make your brick wall flare.

    1. Color the Ideas

    The first step to do is to paint. Consider that the brick wall is a blank canvas; you can begin to paint it beautifully.

    It is your own choice either you want to apply your favorite color or enhance the colors with the concept. If you like a bright theme, draw a colorful geometry wall like a rainbow or do some graffiti.

    Read also: How to Decorate a Wall with Photos?

    How to decorate outside brick wall. Most popular decorating for brick wall home design

    2. Use the Power of Visual Impacts

    Do not waste the function of the wall, use it as displays. It will be eye catching to put empty frames on it. Hang some ancient wall plates is the best ideas if you like the vintage things.

    The metal wall art makes the wall has dramatic impacts as a display. The other option is by doing the string art; spell the massage to your family in the art. Every time the people see it, they you will impress by the ideas.

    3. Be Creative

    You do not have to hire a designer to decorate the exterior. Being the expert in designing by applying this third step. Use recycles things, It will less expensive.

    Take a look at your warehouse, if you have old windows or weary things use to accessorize the wall. Exposed the old windows and put it in the wall. You also can put recycling things, like a homemade basket full of flowers next to it.

    Outside brick wall designs
    Creative brick wall outside decoration, image: homedit.com

    4. Lighting Design

    When the night comes, do not forget to bring the light in your design.  Lighting is the powerful aspect to make a great impact. If you like contemporary concept, Use a contrast light to expose the brick or you can add multiple bright lamps in the garden.

    It is tricky move to splash the color. Track lighting will look trendy mi with the outside scenery. If you want to make it simple just attach the lamp into it and let it showers the greatness.

    5. Make It Useful

    Living room in the backyard, why not? Decor the wall perfectly till you can use it as your secondary Living room or place to work. Try to use fence as the last step. It will be convenient to add something from your own garden.

    This charming approach will get along with the space. In the fence you can add a vertical succulent garden. You can water it in your spare time. It is the beautiful combination for the brick wall itself.

    Make the brick wall outside convey the meaning of the inside. You can make the exterior design as creative as possible; therefore people are intriguing to know what your interior would be.

    Be confident with the ideas, there are no wrong idea. Apply it with the perfect strategy that can expose the wall. Then, you will find happiness just around the corner.

    Chandelier for front porch brick wall outside decoration ideas
    Image: homedesignbiz.com
    HOW TO DECORATE A BRICK WALL OUTSIDE

    Originally posted 2020-04-30 02:06:00.

  • How to Fix And Prevent Wall Paint Peel Off

    How to Fix And Prevent Wall Paint Peel Off

    Are you living in an area with high humidity? Then you have an intriguing problem of paint peeling.

    Those who install water pipe inside the wall also expose the material to the risk of wrinkle paint, in case of water leakage.

    Learn the way to prevent as well as fix the dull wall paint.

    Read also:

    How to Fix And Prevent Wall Paint Peel Off

    1. Eliminate The Problem

    It is important to find the source of the problem before deciding the right action to take. If you install the plumbing inside the wall, there is no other way than breaking down the wall.

    Trace the leaking spot and check where the plumber should work at. If the pipe requires total reparation, don’t take the risk and plan the project as soon as possible.

    The cost to break down and rebuild the wall would be too much if you have to do it repeatedly.

    If you find the chapped paint happens only on several parts of the wall, it indicates different cause. The drying prime or paint is not applied evenly and not absorbed well by the materials.

    In this case, you could treat only the affected area. There is no need to repaint the whole sides.

    Read also: How to Clean Concrete Walls before Painting. 

    HOW TO PREVENT WALL PAINT PEEL OFF

    2. Clean The Peeling

    Depending on how severe the scrappy paint is, you could use different tools to clean it. Oil based paint would be peeled easily with a pair of gloves, leaving a clean material behind.

    Don’t forget to protect your lungs from fine paint dust with a mask. Lay drop cloth near the wall, so the peeled pieces could be piled up.

    If you apply water based color, things might go a little bit complicated. Still using the same protection gear, apply light to strong rub on the wrinkled paint. Make sure no paint or stain left on the material.

    Wall paint peel off

    3. Prepare The Wall

    For a wall that often exposed to the moisture, you need to redo the process from the start. Apply generous amount of prime and let it sir for an hour at the minimum.

    Learning from previous experience, you might want to try oil—based primer, equipped with stain-blocking property. Only then, you are allowed to stain the wall with colors.

    If the peeled parts are not severe, you could apply patching compound. Spread thin and even layer to cover the area. Wait until the compound dry. If cracks are still seen, repeat the process.  You are aiming for smooth, crack-less surface.

    4. Final Coat

    Painting step will be much easier when you have to repaint all the job. However, patching several areas only requires particular skill. Take the leftover paint from the previous project.

    If you don’t have any, it is enough to purchase the small can. Dip a sponge or bristle to the paint and dab lightly inside the area. Repeat the process until you get similar tone.

    Read also: How to Remove Crayon from Walls?

    Noticing the cracked wall paint gives off mixed feeling. Some might feel sad, while the others are ashamed. You can be sure that this condition is the result of imbalanced moisture.

    The culprit might also be the inappropriate method of preparation. In either case, you have to block the moisture to slip inside the wall materials. Apply prime and proper coating before you paint.

    Green and orange wall painting with wood laminate flooring
    Image: interiordesign777.com

    Originally posted 2020-04-29 22:11:00.

  • How to Fix Wall Paint Peel Off

    How to Fix Wall Paint Peel Off

    Wall paint can bring both proud and disgrace to your house. In the beginning when you successfully cover all surfaces evenly, you could brag at how smooth and bright your wall is.

    Now that it starts to wither, you cannot help but feel ashamed of your own house. Peeling off wall paint spreads from the corner, creating spooky effects from your house.

    Here’s a simple step to fix wall paint peel off. Check it out.

    Read also:

    1. Peel Of The Paint

    First of all, you have to remove the tangling paint of its place. To do this smoothly, you can use paint scraper, wire brush or sand paper.

    Don’t forget to wear safety mask to cover your nose and mouth. Lay plastics around the wall area, so your cleaning after peeling off won’t be too much to handle.

    If the base of your wall is fragile, sand paper would be the most recommended tool for this purpose. Sometimes, the peeling paint is too hard to clean.

    Resist from using excessive strength. Change your equipment to wire brush instead. It scrubs harder with the least power possible.

    2. Flatten The Surface

    Observe the surface you just cleaned. Since the paint is peeled, the woods would leave unprotected. Particularly when the condition happened for months, you will definitely get holes.

    Before transforming the shabby wood walls into a brand new face, you have to cover these holes with putty. Apply the wood filler with special putty knife. It has flat edge, pushing the practicality to the maximum.

    Give at least two hours to let the wood filler dry. If you refer to the manufacturer instruction, the time is shorter: 45 minutes to an hour.

    Those who have tried the suggestion say that this time is too short. Don’t be in a rush, so you will get the best result.

    3. Smooth And Clean The Surface

    The next step you are going to do is sanding the surface. Lightly scrub the wood with applied putty to eliminate the smear.

    There are some things that might make you reluctant to continue the process; the crack in the middle or the sides of holes area.

    If you want to take the extreme step, you may replace the whole board. Just for your information, it will be hardly noticed once the board gets painted.

    Before you move to the painting step, wet some clothes. Dab this damp cloth on the surface. You want to make sure that the surface is clean from grain and any fine dust. These two particles will create rough painting.

    4. Prime And Paint

    Are you fighting with moisture? Then apply prime to prevent paint peeling in later months.

    Then you need another hour to let the prime absorbed by the walls or you can follow the manufacturer instructions.

    Finally, the last thing to do is painting. Put any colors you want. If you have any cracked area, then apply several coats on the affected spot. Enjoy your new wall!

    Most of wall paints cannot survive the drastic temperature change that mostly happens during seasonal change. You cannot let this condition happens for too long.

    Otherwise, you just set an embarrassing display of your living place. Do the above steps to bring the charming wall back.

    HOW TO FIX WALL PAINT PEEL OFF

    Originally posted 2020-04-28 10:21:00.

  • How To Get Rid Termites On Wood Floors

    How To Get Rid Termites On Wood Floors

    Among all the furniture in your house, some of your favorite items might be made from woods. But then, you can’t forget that wood has its forever enemy; termites.

    Once your dearly belonging has termites in it, you can start the countdown of decay for a month. Without any proper treatment, the tickling time might go faster than expected.

    Read also: Home Pest Control DIY

    Spot the Infestation

    Just like any war, your enemy gives some signs before the battle begins. It is up to you whether to ignore or answer the call.

    In this case, however, you should answer even from the first siren. Inspect the wooden area in your house. Don’t forget to bring flashlight with you.

    1. Scattered wings

    Termites have wings, and they occasionally discard their wings and change into the new one. The size is as big as an ants.

    So if you spot these tiny wings while mopping the floor, you can be sure that there are termites in your house.

    2. Hollow Wood

    Using your fingers, tap the wood surface. The sound of solid and hollow wood is totally different. Once you hear light sound, hold your flashlight and observe the surface. A wood infested with termites has a lot of holes.

    3. Mud Tube

    This is one clear sign from termites to tell you about their existence. The tube is actually their excretion, found around the area of decaying wood. Some even stick to the wood where the termites live.

    Get Rid Of The Pest

    Now that you have evidence of termites manifestation, there is no excuse to delay the treatment action. There are several ways to get rid of the destroying termites. Pick one fit to your budget and condition.

    1. Cardboard Trap

    You can’t say that this method will take the termites out of your house, but it does help to remove hundreds of pests at once.

    To set the trap, you are going to need several flat, thin cardboard. Wet them and stack them on the area where you spot the termite nest.

    This setting is an irresistible trap for the tiny destroyer, since they feed on cellulose in cardboard.

    Within days, the cardboard will be the termites second home. Carefully take it out and burn it down.

    2. Beneficial Nematodes

    Some termites could life in both soil and wood. Thus, it would be hard for you to reach the spot. In this case, you could shove in the beneficial nematodes.

    It is the natural enemy of termites, as it would be a dangerous parasite, leading to death within 48 hours.

    You can purchase it at local garden supply. When putting them to the nest, make sure you do it at night or dawn.

    UV filter will kill your potential wood saver. If you plan to use them later, don’t forget to seal it inside the refrigerator.

    Read also: How to remove mold from hardwood floors

    Online information gives you plenty of numbers to call when you have problems with termites. These professionals, however, are focusing their service to moderate to severe termites attack.

    Therefore, initial observation is important. If you can do the prevention steps, why should you spend money and take a risk to expose your future investment?

    HOW TO GET RID TERMITES ON WOOD FLOORS

    Originally posted 2020-04-26 02:55:00.