Home Office Nook Ideas

Office Nook Ideas for Home

Two years after the global shutdown, it appears that the workplace will never be the same again. On a permanent basis, more businesses and employees are trying the hybrid work model (part work-from-home, part in-the-office) or full remote.

Makeshift “lap offices” are turning into permanent home features. And the limitation of space isn’t any longer a problem. If you’re not familiar with the term, a nook desk is simply a deskspace that’s been ingeniously carved out of another room.

These days, more and more people are opting for nook desks in their homes; whether it’s because they don’t have enough space for a separate study/office, or because they want to make better use of the available square footage.

So are you on the hunt for office nook ideas? We’ve got you covered with these great picks!

The Ultimate Guide to Office Nook Decorating Ideas

If you’re running out of ideas for your home office, try some of these methods to use the space you already have, or construct a new area. You can create a small workspace in any home, no matter how big or small, with some creativity.

1. Make use of an alcove to your advantage. Alcoves are one of the ideal places in your home to put a small desk. You can find a new place for your car keys or coffee maker, and use the alcove as a computer desk.

2. Use the kitchen table. By placing shelves or a cabinet in the corner behind your kitchen table, you can turn that space into an office during work hours, and put your work away before dinner so that you can enjoy some leisure time.

kitchen dining table as work desk for mom and daughter

3. Take a look at what’s hiding under your staircase. The space under your staircase is often unused and overlooked. If you can’t fit a small desk and chair underneath, consider adding shelving for books and use the area adjacent to it as your workspace. this is also a great spot for a cozy reading nook like these examples.

4. Make the most of your walls. If you don’t have a lot of space to work with, consider going vertical. Pegboards, floating shelves, and narrow bookshelves are all excellent solutions. You can use shelving all the way up to the ceiling if you want.

5. Create a work space in a cupboard. One or two shelves in the top portion, a monitor or laptop in the middle, and a runner to keep a keyboard create an office from an old cupboard. A pin board or family photos make great decorations for your cupboard doors.

A cupboard into a home office

6. Turn an old media console into a fabulous desk. A desk that has a floating media console may look elegant. It may be modified to fit the available space. Even if you have a little wall, building out a desk with floating shelves is feasible.

7. Consider dedicating a corner of the room as a workstation. Don’t be afraid to convert a portion of your living room or bedroom into a home office. You may utilize your furniture to create a tiny working space with some imagination. Positioning your desk in your bedroom can be a bit tricky, so take a look at this post which discusses where to place your desk in your bedroom.

8. Convert a shed into an office. A popular trend during the pandemic is converting tool sheds and other small outbuildings into small workspaces.

9. Make room in the attic. Angled eaves in your attic may appear to be a restricting space, but if the area is already drywalled or planked, why not turn it into an office nook by painting it, adding a rug, and turning it into an office nook? One advantage that many attics have is small windows that let in natural light.

Home office placed at the attic of the house

10. Keep things hidden from view. Even the most well-managed offices might distract you from other things. To hide all of your workplace equipment, designate a hutch or wardrobe.

11. Reuse old furniture to prevent waste and save money. If you have any old furniture taking up space in your attic or garage, breathe new life into it by revamping it into a desk or shelf. End tables, sewing machine treadles, and antique chest-of-drawers are all excellent choices.

12. Color is essential for defining your workspace. Choosing a single hue palette to use in your office nook is an excellent way to give it a sense of independence. Choose distinctive wall decorations or choose a theme for your workspace.

13. Make a multipurpose workstation. If you’re struggling for space in your home, be creative with how you use the furniture you already have. A great example is turning a makeup table or vanity into an office nook.

14. Consider having a mobile office. If you don’t have room for an office, buy a fold-out table and put your equipment on that. Keep your laptop, keyboard, and mouse in a messenger bag with your pens and notepad. This mobile office will enable you to work from any peaceful corner at home or even on the road.

Conclusion

No matter how big or small your work area is, be sure to have enough light so you can stay focused. Not only is it important to have a tidy work area, but organizing your cords and cables can also help increase productivity. By following these tips, you can create an office nook that meets all of your needs.

How Can Furniture Affect HVAC System And Vice Versa

attractive young woman sitting on sofa and pointing at air conditioner with remote control

Seasons change in Australia from freezing winters to scorching summers. In such weather changes, you need to invest in a sound HVAC system to ensure comfort when the temperatures get to the extreme. You need a heating system during the cold weather. Did you know that the 2020 summer had parts of Sydney hit 48.9C? Well, you need an AC unit for such heat. 

Investing in a sound HVAC system should be determined by many factors. One of the crucial factors that are also less discussed is the type and amount of furniture in your home. The choice of the furniture, including the material, will affect your HVAC system. In this guide, we are looking at ways furniture affects the HVAC system and vice versa 

1. Airflow Issues 

One of the ways that your furniture can affect the HVAC system is the airflow into the house. The furniture placement can significantly affect the effectiveness of the heating system to keep the room warm. Similarly, it can affect how your air conditioning system is cooling the room during the hot season. Do note that air conditioning installation factors in the location of the evaporator coil.  

If a piece of large furniture is placed near the vent or evaporator coil, it will alter the airflow path into the room. The vent placement is designed so that the coming air, whether cool or warm, will get into the room without obstruction. The HVAC system’s effectiveness will be affected by the blocking of the airflow. It will not heat or cool as expected. 

2. Solar Shading 

Solar shades have a significant impact on the HVAC system. The amount of sunshine that gets into the house determines how hot the room gets. The more sunshine you allow into the room, the hotter it becomes. This means, during the cold season, you can reduce the cost of heating by opening curtains to let more sunshine. 

Interior of modern design room with yellow beanbag

If you have furniture blocking the path of sunlight, it will create shadows in the house. This means the room will get cooler and will make it easy to keep the house cool during summer. If the path of sunlight is blocked during cold seasons, it will cost you a lot to keep the room warm. Therefore, you can play around with furniture to get the most out of the HVAC system depending on the season. 

3. Quality of Air 

Your furniture could affect the quality of the air that the HVAC system is circulating in the room. Some components of the furniture can pollute the air, especially for new furniture. Some of these components could be producing hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which have been classified as dangerous air pollutants. Some of these compounds are also classified as irritants and are likely to cause allergic reactions. 

Some of the major culprits of air pollution are the glues used for the making of furniture. Other raw materials such as leather are produced through chemical processes, and thus, some of the chemicals can find their way into the house. The paints and finish products on the furniture could also be the source of poor air quality. You need to check the condition of the furniture and the materials used. Avoid buying newly made pieces of furniture. 

4. Component Wear 

Most people have no idea that their furniture could be accelerating the HVAC system rate of wear. A good example is the corrosion of the air conditioner parts, such as the evaporator coil. Most of the polluting gases produced by your furniture are acidic. When the coils suck the gases during the cooling process, they combine with moisture forming on the coils. 

What is formed is an acid on the coils. As the furniture releases more and more toxic gas, the acid becomes more concentrated. The acid will corrode these coils, and they start developing leaks. If you are lucky to clear the acid early, you will have already increased the coil’s rate of wear. 

5. Cooling/Heating Load 

House living room interior furniture background.

The HVAC system load also includes the pieces of furniture that you have in your home. Do note that furniture also absorbs heat. If the day has been freezing and you need to warm the room, the room’s amount of furniture will add to the heating load. The heating system will need to heat the furniture for the room to have a comfortable temperature.  

The material used for the construction of your furniture will determine the cooling and heating load. For materials that absorb heat from sunshine, they will help reduce the heating load. Similarly, they will increase the load during summertime since it will take longer to cool the house. But if you have wooden furniture with very little leather and other materials, the impact on cooling and heating will be negligible. 

6. HVAC system performance  

The HVAC system comes in all sizes, depending on the load factor. However, most people forget the load and keep adding pieces of furniture into the house. With every piece of furniture added into the house, the HVAC system load is increased. This means if the system can only handle a small amount of furniture, you would be overloading it. 

The load for the heating and cooling system affects the unit’s performance. When too much furniture is put in the house, you could be overstretching the system. This means a reduced performance as the system works harder. The heating or cooling will take longer than it should because of the reduced performance. 

7. HVAC system Efficiency 

The other way that furniture can affect the HVAC system is efficiency. If the system is overworking due to overloading, the efficiency will start going down. Poor efficiency has numerous effects on the cooling and heating system.  

First, low efficient unit increases energy consumption. This means you will be paying more to heat the same house. Second, low efficiency accelerates the rate of wear and tear. That means high maintenance cost. Make sure that you have the amount of furniture to avoid overloading the HVAC system. 

In conclusion, it is recommended that you work with a professional plumber when installing the HVAC system. Work with the top rated Sutherland Shire air conditioning company in Sydney for quality and reliable services. They will help you get the right HVAC system for your home. 

Your Ultimate Guide To Bathroom Remodelling

Bathroom remodelling is one of the most rewarding improvement projects. But it can also be one of the most challenging projects. In this guide, we are providing you with a remodelling guide that will deliver a functional, comfortable and beautiful bathroom. Here is your ultimate guide to bathroom remodelling:

What’s The Objective? 

modern bathroom

The first thing you need to ask yourself is why you need to renovate the bathroom. It’s one question you need to get answers to before proceeding to any remodelling work. Have the reasons written down as to why a remodelling will be necessary. What do you like about the current bathroom? What would you like to be changed? The answers will tell if the project is viable. The objective helps you to avoid spending money on an unworthy project. 

Space Design 

With the objective, you can start working on the design. The best design is one that helps to realise the set objective. The first thing you need to get right is the space design. Depending on the size of the bathroom, you have several designs to select from. For tiny bathrooms, you might not need a bathtub. But if it’s more spacious or a posh bathroom, the design can be a bit complex. If you are renovating the bathroom for the first time, work with a professional. They will provide a range of designs or a custom design. 

Set the Budget 

Depending on the kind of bathroom renovation you want to do, or the design you’ve chosen, set a realistic budget. If you are working with a professional contractor, they will help you determine the project’s cost. There are several things that will determine the budget. One of them is the kind of materials used. If you want the top of the range bathroom, then you will need to spend on materials. But if you are remodelling your bathroom for resale, avoid a costly project. You might fail to recoup the investment after the sale.

Check Hot Water Supply 

install new hot water unit in bathroom

A classic bathroom remodelling won’t be felt if the hot water system is inefficient. So, check the condition of your hot water system. If the unit is too old, replace it with a new one. You will also need qualified plumbers from Hot Water Brisbane Northside to install a new hot water unit in areas such as North Brisbane and Kenmore. Our client’s hot water system in Kenmore was in need of a new installation due to a large number of gas hot water systems in the area. Homeowners in the suburbs like Chapel Hill, Toowong, Indooroopilly, Tennyson and Graceville should also consider changing their gas hot water systems to electric hot water systems for benefits such as high energy efficiency.

Time Frame 

For the actual bathroom remodelling, you need to come up with a time frame. A typical bathroom renovation can take weeks, a month or two months to complete. This is quite a long time to have your bathroom, and other house activities disrupted. So, if you have family, get a renovation time that has less impact on them. If you are planning to go out for a holiday, then this would be the perfect time to renovate the bathroom. You can also choose schooling time. Children will not be at home when the contractor is working during the day.

Money-Saving Tips 

bathroom plumbing install

Up to this point, you have almost everything you need to start the renovation project. But before you start spending, it is important to check whether you can find ways to save money from the project. Are there ways you can reduce the budget and still get the same results? For example, there are cheaper materials that offer the same quality? A good contract should help you with money-saving tips.

Buy Materials 

Now that you have set the best time for the project, then the next thing should be buying materials. Make sure that everything, as in the quotation, has been brought to the site before the actual work can start. This includes all construction materials as well as bathroom fixtures and accessories. Do forget to include finish and decorations. Buying material in advance makes the project easy. Note that some contractors also supply materials. They might offer you a good discount as well.

Bathroom Renovation

With a contractor, material on-site and right timing, you can start the renovation work. The renovation work will be following the design you made. The contractor should be able to do that. Your job is to follow the construction work to ensure that everything is going as planned. Avail yourself during the renovation to help identify any left-out areas. This is very important, especially for a customised bathroom remodelling. Sometimes the original design may not capture everything that you wanted. That’s why you should be there monitoring the progress.

Decorating the Bathroom

bathroom renovation

After the bathroom renovation has been complete with all fixtures and accessories in place, give it the final finish. There are many ways that you can spruce the space. It doesn’t have to be big and expensive things. Even a small thing like bring plants in the bathroom goes a long way. Bring fresh shower curtains, vanity trays, portraits, and wallpapers in the room. Just make sure that you have improved the calming effect in this space. However, the decorations should be compatible with the hues and other elements in the remodelled bathroom.

If you are planning to renovate your bathroom, follow this guide. Start with assessing whether it’s worth the investment. If yes, come up with a plan and the best design for your dream bathroom. Set the budget and everything to decorating the updated bathroom will go smoothly.

How to Set Up the Best Kitchen with the Best Sinks and Accessories?

woman in the kitchen washing hands using sink

There is no doubt that the modern kitchen is the most expensive room in our homes. With all the expensive appliances and accessories, no other room is valuable than the kitchen. We also spend a lot of time in this, and that’s why its aesthetics matters. The good news is that you don’t need a lot to enhance your kitchen decor. The setup of your sink and other accessories is enough to give this room a unique look.  

The choice of the sink and other accessories such as the faucets and their setup can make a huge difference in your kitchen décor. From the mounting type to the size of the kitchen sink accessories, you can transform not only the space décor but the efficiency of doing things in your space.

Here are simple ways you can set up the best kitchen with sinks and accessories:  

1. Single-Bowl Sink  

If you have a small kitchen, then you should consider installing a single-bowl sink. These types of the sink are usually designed with a large and deep bowl that helps to maximise space. Apart from small kitchens, there are instances when installing this sink setup would be the ideal option. If you do a lot of cooking in your kitchen or use large cookery, then you need this large, deep single-bowl sink.   

However, going for a single bowl sink means that you will be sacrificing the multitasking benefits. However, you can deal with this downside by introducing a dishwasher. However, you need just single plumbing for this setup- one faucet and a drain system. Check out the 3monkeez stainless steel kitchen sinks range. The store provides some of the best stainless-steel products.  

2. Single-Bowl Sink with Integrated Drainboard  

If the typical single-bowl kitchen sink is not working for you, why not consider a single-bowl sink integrated with a drainboard. This is a perfect sink setup that will make cleaning dishes in the kitchen much easier. Unlike the typical single-bowl sinks, these sinks come with a drainboard that somehow acts as the second sink. The board allows you to wash dishes, rinse, and then set them aside to dry.   

With this single bowl sink, you will not need to invest in an expensive dishwasher to address the lack of multitasking when washing dishes. These sinks also help to reduce the amount of time that you spend cleaning dishes. In addition to that, the design used for the construction of these sinks adds to your kitchen aesthetics.  

3. Two Single-Bowl Sinks  

two single bowl kitchen sink

You can make your kitchen more efficient by introducing our third sink set up- two single bowl sinks. It is a hybrid setup of the single and double-bowl sink, which is designed to offer a better experience in the kitchen. One thing that makes this setup popular is the advantage of experiencing both the benefits of single-bowl sinks and the double-bowl sinks.   

With a two single-bowl sink setup, you can wash dishes in one sink and rinse in the second one at the same time. This setup helps to save time by improving kitchen efficiency. However, it works great for a spacious kitchen because the two large sinks need space. The downside is that you will need double plumbing for the two sinks. That includes piping, faucets, and also sink drains. However, they offer incredible convenience.  

4. Two Single-bowl Plus a Prep Sinks  

Imagine a situation where you have a large kitchen that’s also is very active. Probably, having two single kitchen sinks may not be enough to handle all the activities. Imagine a situation where the two sinks are engaged, and someone wants to wash their hands or fetch a glass of water. That is where the setup of two single-bowl sinks plus a third prep sink comes in. The third sinks (prep sink) is for random use.  

However, this setup works great for a home with a spacious kitchen. You have enough space for this setup to work. Although the setup makes things super-efficient, it comes at an extra cost. For example, you will need a plumbing system for each of the three sinks. This includes sinks, faucets, and workmanship. Therefore, it is a bit costly.  

5. Double-bowl Sink  

This is probably one of the most common sinks in most households. The design of this sink allows you to enjoy two sinks, yet it is just a single sink with two bowls. The ease of use and the relatively lower cost compared to using two separate single-bowl sinks is what makes it popular. In addition to that, it requires just single plumbing as opposed to using two separate sinks.   

A Double-bowl sink is an excellent choice for people who wash their dishes by hand. You can easily clean dishes from one sink bowl and rinse them in the second. The faucet is set to supply water to both sinks hence reducing the overall cost plumbing. However, it is essential to note that their bowls are usually small and shallow. This makes it challenging to wash large dishes.  

man washing the dishes near the kitchen sink

6. Triple-bowl Sink  

If your kitchen is spacious enough, you can opt for the triple-bowl sink. The sink setup is usually designed with two large bowls and a small bowl at the centre. This type of sink is designed to address some of the downsides of the double-bowl sink partly. The third bowl could be used for other things such as washing hands or fetching water by other people.   

The triple-bowl sink setup usually helps to remove inconvenience in the double-bowl configuration. However, it works best in a generously spacious kitchen. It also works great for an active kitchen or large family. If you like alone, this may not be the best choice for you. However, its stainless-steel material will significantly improve your kitchen aesthetics. It could cost you more, but it is worth it.  

If you were wondering which sink setup works great for your kitchen, these are some of the best options you can select from. However, we recommend that you seek specialist advice to help you get a perfect kitchen setup

What Is Contemporary Home Decor?

contemporary home

When it comes to decorating your house, there are three main options that you can pick from. You can go for the vintage, modern, or contemporary décor styles. However, most people are unable to distinguish between the last two. They think that modern and contemporary interior designs are the same, which is not true. They may be used interchangeably, but in design, they are quite different.

What is Contemporary Home Décor?

The term contemporary in home décor means things that are trending or more current. The main difference between these designs with the modern ones is that the latter refers to designs of the mid-1900s. Therefore, contemporary home décors are the more current designs that are already causing ripples in the industry. At the moment, minimalist home décor are some of the contemporary home décors in the industry.

The Best Contemporary Home Décor

If you want to update your home décor with contemporary ideas, there are many options that you can choose from. In this guide, we have rounded some of the best minimalist contemporary home décors that you can select from.

Water Filters For Your Kitchen

Ever visited a friend’s stunning Australian home and been impressed by the sleek decor and modern kitchen? Installing an undersink water filter in your designer kitchen not only gives you access to filtered water which is great for health. It also creates a modern look and is easy to change regularly, another important health factor when it comes to clean drinking water.

Simplified Colour Palette

Colour is one of the main contemporary interior styles. There are many colour options you can pick from, but we highly recommend that you try minimalist colour ideas. These colours are the trendiest decor in the industry. Neutrals, white and black are the most popular due to their minimalist properties. You should have the room painted with minimalist colours and extend it to the main furniture pieces in the rooms. It is also important that you select the main, accent, and your bold colours carefully to get a harmonious colour palette.

Lines

The use of lines in home decoration has been one of the biggest interior decor trends. Decorating with lines offers a simple and cheap way to get minimalist home. There are three main types of lines that you can select from horizontal, vertical and curved or dynamic lines. Each of the lines will have a different impact on how your home looks and feels. So you can easily manipulate your space visually using these lines. You can paint the walls with these lines or use wallpaper with these lines.

Open Space Décor

Decluttering or open space is another contemporary décor that is doing very well in the market. In fact, it is one of the easiest and cheapest minimalist décors in the industry. Open space décor is also one of the best DIY home decor projects. What you need is to remove extra pieces of furniture that you don’t need in the room. You can also streamline your furniture by downsizing them. Every piece of furniture in the room should have free space for a minimalist home. You can also remove some of the walls to make the room spaces. The idea behind the open-space décor is to allow natural energy to flow into the room freely.

Large Windows

Allowing natural energy to flow freely into the room is one of the key factors for any interior décor. One of the simplest ways to achieve this is allowing more sunlight into the room. That is why large windows are recommended for minimalist homes. What you need to do is to enlarge your room windows to allow more sunlight to come in. This will make the room look even large and more elegant.

Indoor plants

indoor plants

The use of the indoor plants for the house decoration has always been a trending décor. It is one of the few decors that fits in both modern and contemporary interior décors. Plants come in various types from which you can pick one that works for your space. However, if you live in condos and having a problem of ample sunlight, then you will need to consider succulents and cacti plants because they excel in any condition. In addition, the choice of planters matters. Make sure that the colour of the planter mix harmoniously with your colour pallet.

Contemporary Furniture

There are new pieces of furniture that are designed to make a bold statement in your space. Most of these pieces of furniture designs are very new in the market and thus would make a big transformation to your interior décor. However, it should have the characteristics of minimal decorations. So, it should be simple and uncluttered. Look for smooth, clean, geometry shapes as they create a perfect minimalist space.

Flooring

Flooring plays a critical role in home décor. For a minimalist contemporary decor, bare and smooth floors are the most popular. However, the choice of material is what determined whether it’s a minimalist contemporary flooring or not. Tiles, wood or vinyl are some of the best contemporary flooring materials. If you have to a carpet to this floor, then you need to a quality commercial grade, and its hue should be in harmony with your colour palette.

To decorate your space with trending styles, then you cannot ignore contemporary décor. There are many options to pick from, including minimalist options. However, selecting what works for your space is the most crucial factor.

Mini Modern Bathroom Decoration Ideas

small bathroom basin and mirror

Let’s face it: big bathrooms are a luxury many of us can only dream about. However true that maybe, compact bathrooms can be just as gorgeous! Just because your bathroom is small, that doesn’t mean it can’t be super modern and stylish. Clever storage options and smart finishes mean that even the smallest of bathrooms can be stylish as well as practical. Whether you opt for traditional detailing or a streamlined look, there are plenty of ways to not only maximise the space but make it a stylish little bathroom too.

A small space doesn’t have to look cluttered or cramped when you incorporate a few clever tricks of the trade: and if you throw bathroom caddies and holders in the mix, you can create a modern stylish bathroom with plenty of storage. Below are our top tips for making the most of even the smallest of bathrooms.  

Keep It Simple

If you’re really struggling to know how to decorate your small bathroom, just keep it simple with soft, natural shades. Choose furniture and accessories with clean lines, and aim to keep the room as clean and unbusy to the eye as possible.

Listen To The Experts

To give a sense of space, it is best to keep a small bathroom feeling open by not crowding too many things into it. Keep patterns to a minimum, and hang your towels on bars or hooks. As above, remember to keep it simple. More expert tips: use a pedestal sink rather than a bulky vanity, a clear glass door rather than shower curtain, and reflective surfaces such as glossy ceramic tiles to create the illusion of space.

Use Multi-functional Furniture

If your bathroom is verging on the small side, consider using freestanding furniture that you can move around at a moment’s notice. Freestanding storage and seating have the advantage that you can move your scheme around whenever you like and, unlike fitted bathroom units, you can take freestanding pieces with you when it’s time to move out. Alternatively, using wall-mounted hooks and storage which can be easily moved is another great option. 

Trick The Eye With Tiles

mini bathroom in green tiles

We all know the eye can play tricks on us, and this is worth bearing in mind when designing a small bathroom. Play with the boundaries of perception by tiling the side of your bath and the wall with the same design. Blurring the lines where each begins, and fooling the eye, will make your space feel larger.

Create An Illusion Of Height With Clever Painting

Another trick you can play on yourself (and your guests) is to paint halfway up a wall, and then stop. This will help to create an illusion of height, and thus, space. By lowering the eye with a darker paint shade, you can also create a distance from the upper portion of the wall. A simple paint trick to make a small space appear larger than it really is.

Use Feature Wallpaper To Distract The Eye

Another sneaky way of fooling the eye, the wallpaper will not only make a statement, but it will also distract from the size of your space. A downstairs cloakroom is a perfect space to use wallpaper, as bathrooms with a shower or bath will require more work to prevent damage from steam. If you want to cause a distraction, use bold or interesting print to maximise the impact. 

Save Space With Tall Tiered Storage

Smaller bathrooms can be challenging, as storage space is hard to come by. That’s why freestanding pieces are a godsend to the small bathroom design. Tiered, wire storage means all your products are on show and easy to grab. If space is limited, you can take the stand from bedroom to bathroom when needed.

Buy Furniture To Scale

Large items of furniture can dwarf a small room so always buy pieces that suit the scale of your space. In a small bathroom, stick to the basics of a vanity unit and storage rack that you can either hang on the wall or rest on the edge of a bath. 

Choose Furniture and Accessories Well

overly accessorised bathroom

Space-saving wall-mounted taps, hooks, and shower holders are also a great option. The more of the floor you can see, the more spacious your bathroom will feel, so go for a freestanding basin unit if you’re really pushing the boat out.

Accessorise white with black (or blush)

Many of us don’t have the budget to give our entire bathroom a makeover. Luckily, accessories will do wonders for a compact space. Choose a theme, and stick to it.  Monochrome is bang on trend and easy to implement, or you could choose blush tones for another up-to-the-minute look. 

Stick To A Monochromatic Palette

Keep your decoration to a monochrome scheme, and then add colour, texture, and pattern with accessories. White will open up any space like no other colour, making it feel much larger. If you’re retiling, white tiles and black grouting works really well for small bathrooms.

Use Mirrors To Create The Illusion Of Space

Another way to trick the eye is to use mirrors to transform the look of your bathroom, and also give the illusion of space. Don’t just take it from us: this is a great trick technique that interior designers use all the time. You can hang a mirror on the wall, or go for adventurous mirrored tiles, either way, the reflection is guaranteed to brighten your bathroom.

Using these simple tricks, you should be able to transform your mini bathroom into a modern, stylish space. Not only this, but you can also find plenty of extra storage space, meaning your bathroom will not only be a great place to be but functional and uncluttered to boot!

If you wanna know about costs associated with renovating bathrooms, you may contact:

Michael Heerings
Mobile: 0405 063121
Email: michael@absoluteplumbingandgas.com
Absolute Plumbing and Gas Solutions
4/4 Eerie Creek Rd, Noosaville QLD 4566
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=2238503469497394981

Creating A Modern Ergonomic Home Office

modern home office

The number of people choosing to work from home has been on the rise. However, one of the areas largely ignored is the ergonomics features of the home office. Some people, unknowingly, work under very unhealthy conditions. From poor working posture, long sitting hours, poorly lit spaces to a very small room, some of the home offices are simply a danger to your overall health. 

The good news is that you can easily create a modern ergonomic home office. If you are working from home, there are several ways you can give your office improved ergonomic features to enhance your productivity and overall health. Here are tips on how to creating a modern ergonomic home office: 

1. The Right Height 

One of the crucial things to take into consideration when designing an office is the posture. That includes the home office. How are you sitting in the office? Are slouching because the desk is too short? Well, you need to get the right desk/chair height and more so customised height to address the problem of bad posture.

2. Adequate Lighting 

One of the highly recommended minimalist home office designs is proper lighting. With most people working from home spending most of the time in front of a computer, they are likely to experience squinting and straining of eyes. This impact can be diffused by introducing more natural light in the room. Start with opening windows to allow for more natural light. You can also enlarge your windows to allow more natural into the office. If you still need more light, a supplemental desk lamp will do magic.  

3. Desk Space 

For a home office with desks, you need to consider the issue of space. Small and squeezed offices are ineffective and less productive. You might also be forced to bring the computer screen close to your eyes, hence affecting your screen view. To enhance your productivity, you need to create enough space for your desk. If space limited, hang your screen on a suitable monitor arm for easy adjustment. The recommended distance between you and the screen is 800 mm.  

home office desk spacing

4. Extra Leg Room 

How does your desk allow your legs to move? Well, for efficient working and peak productivity, you need to have your legs moving freely. There should be enough space for you to stretch your legs freely. Free legs movement is crucial as it promotes circulation, which crucial for efficient work. Otherwise, you will feel bored, tired and uncomfortable after working for short hours. Tip: if you are hitting the wall when you stretch legs, you don’t adequate space. The minimum space to the wall should be 600 millimetres. 

5. Keep The Office Tidy 

One of the biggest mistakes that people working from home makes is keeping office untidy. To design a modern ergonomic home office, you must keep your room tidy. The trick is to keep what you frequently use close to you. Besides, everything in the right place. If you have files, keep them in the right place. We recommend small wooden cabinets for filing purposes. You should remove anything you don’t need or use in the office. If you have extra chairs, remove them to create space and keep the office clean. 

6. Get a Perfect Perch 

Getting the right office chair height is another factor that significantly affects your office ergonomic features. Unfortunately, most people don’t get this right, and it ends up effects that sitting position and the overall posture. Getting a perfect perch is pretty simple. Just stand next to the office chair and check whether the sitting position is knee height. That’s the recommended height. 

7. Take a Stand  

Studies have shown that people working in the office are the biggest victim of lifestyle diseases. The most highlight reason is sitting for long hours. Standing regularly can help to improve not only your healthy but also your productivity. Sitting for long hours can cause poor digestion and circulation. Take some time to stand or use height adjustable desks to keep working while standing. Similarly, standing for long hours is also harmful. So, if your work includes standing, take regularly sitting breaks. 

8. Avoid Using Laptops 

Are you using a laptop for your office works? Well, that is something most people do but what they don’t is the damage they exposing themselves to with these gadgets. Laptops promote poor posture. Due to the position of the screen, you will find that you are slouching to type. So, if your work includes using a computer most of the day, consider investing in a quality desktop to avoid poor posture. 

9. Keyboard and Mouse Position 

keyboard mouse correct positioning

When it comes to ergonomic features for modern home office, everything around your workstation matters. The keyboard and mouse positions are a key thing to take into consideration. They greatly affect your posture, and that’s why you need to put them in their right position. If you are struggling to reach these devices, then you will definitely experience excessive fatigue or injuries. Have them in a place where you can access them without breaking any of the neutral positioning rules.  

10. Get Some Green 

Various researches have should that exposure to nature have a positive impact on worker’s productivity and performance. That’s why getting some green into the office is highly recommended. Having plants in the room helps to reduce stress. Stress is one of the biggest contributors to low productivity. So, with plants in your home office, you will boost your moods and at the same time enhance productivity. There are many indoor plants to select from, but you can also get some from your garden. 

Creating a modern ergonomic home office is not as difficult as most people think. What you need is to get everything right, including the features that improve posture while at your work station. Boosting your mood while working is also crucial, and that’s why plants are crucial. Try these tips, and you will be surprised by your home office transformation

Minimalism Home Decor Trends in 2019

minimalist homes on trend

If you are planning to update your home décor, you simply cannot escape trends. Every often, there is a new trend in the market that defines how things should be done. You must take into consideration new trends to get the latest interior decor designs. Among the best trends that have done very well in a while now is the minimalist home décor.

What Is Minimalism Home Décor?

As the term suggests, minimalism home décor means less detail for your decorations. It is more of living in a less cluttered space compared to a clumped area with multiple focal points that end spoiling everything. So the idea behind this trend is to allow a free flow of natural energy into your room.

Minimalism styles are effortless to incorporate in your décor, and you don’t need to be an interior designer to create a chic space. However, you need to know a few things about what to do and what to expect. To get that, it is only wise to first learn about the characteristics of a minimalist home decorating.

Characteristics Features Of Minimalism Home Décor

Minimalism characteristic features are crucial when it comes to designing a style for your space. Otherwise, you might fail to get the expected results, especially if you are doing it yourself. Several features distinguish from the available interior décor alternative. Here are some of them:

  • The style requires a lot of space. So you will need to get rid of clutter in the room as well as any partition in the room.
  • Minimal style requires a lot of natural light into space. Therefore, you might need to install massive windows for the space to receive maximum natural light.
  • Colouring is an essential factor to consider when doing minimalist decorating.
  • Simple geometric shapes for the furniture, table, and chandeliers work the best for this style.
  • Consider horizontal or vertical blinds for your windows instead of curtains.
  • For minimalism flooring, try some neutral rug on it to bring some contrast.

Best Minimalism Home Decor Trends In 2019

plain sofa for minimalism style

If you look around, you will notice that there are many minimalism trends that have dominated 2019. If you are planning to update your home décor with this style, here are some of the top trends that you can pick from.

#1. Simple but Restrained Colour Palette

Light or simple colour palette is one of the trending minimalist home décors in 2019. There are several light colours you can pick from but white with some understated neutrals such as greys, beige and pastels make a perfect pick. Do not be tempted to add brighter colours as that would make space look complicated. Instead, stick to one or two colours. Just try a combination of white and beige or indigo and turquoise colours and see how well the room will get lit.

#2. Empty Spaces and Focal Points

Empty space is another trend that many people have picked in 2019. You will be impressed by the results of this minimal style. Minimalism is all about giving the room ample space to allow natural energy to flow in. Therefore, you need to reduce the number of furniture pieces in the room and create a striking visual balance. So, you must create a focal so that your spacious room does not have unwanted distractions. It is also essential to ensure that the colour of the furniture, walls and the floor are complementing.

#3. Natural Elements

Bring plants in the house is an interior trend that never grows old. It is one of the minimalism trends that have been doing very well in 2019. Plants make a perfect addition to your home décor, especially when you have an empty, spacious room. They also help to reduce distractions in the room as well as bring nature vibe in your space.

simple design with plants

#4. Invest in Quality

When choosing a minimalism style for your space, you must always keep quality in mind. For the home décor to produces the expected results and last for longer, quality must never be compromised. From the colours, wall portraits, pieces of furniture, and so on, you must get the best quality the market can offer. Cheap décor doesn’t last since it fades away very fast.

Minimalism home décor does not mean going cheap but investing few but quality décor accessories. Fortunately, there are many minimal décor trends you can choose from when updating your home décor. The trick is to make the room spacious for the free flow of natural energy.

How Indoor Plants Can Benefit Your Minimalist Home

succulents at home

When upgrading your home décor, one of the interior décor tips that work for all spaces is indoor plants. It is one of the minimalist home décors that works magic for any space it touches. What most people don’t know is the numerous benefits that come with indoor plants apart from giving your home a new look.

There are many benefits, including health benefits that you get from house plants. You will be surprised to learn that plants can make your day productive. This guide has rounded up some of the main ways that indoor plants can benefit your minimalist home:

Here are the 6 main benefits that you get from indoor plants:

Helps Breath Easier

One of the major contributions of plants to the environment is cleansing the air. During the day, plants take carbon dioxide that we released and in turn, releases oxygen which we breathe. So we need each other in the sustenance and more we need plants. When you have a couple of plants in the house, they will provide you with clean oxygen hence making breathing easier. Certain succulent and cacti plants take carbon dioxide and produce oxygen even in the night. So, if you want to improve the quality of air in your house, then you need to consider adding house plants.

Improves Your Focus

Studies have shown that indoor plants can help improve your concentration and mood. There is something about plants that make your mind settle down and avoid unnecessary distractions. That is how these plants help to improve your focus, which in turn improves your overall productivity. It could be the colour, the texture of the plant, or how the plants look naturally that captures your mind. Either way, you will feel more relaxed and at ease with plants in your house or office. In addition, studies have shown that plants can help alleviate depression and loneliness. That’s another why you should consider bringing house plants as a décor for your minimalist home.

They Can Heal

The other benefit of indoor plants is the power to heal. Some of the succulent and cacti plants have incredible medicinal properties. Do you know that agave is a natural antiseptic? Well, studies have shown that this plant can be used to treat cuts and burns. So, if you get a cut while in the house, you just need to apply the agape gel and you will be good to go. Aloe vera is another plant that offers a range of healing properties. Aloe gel can be used to alleviate sunburns and treat cuts and bruises. Aloe vera has also been used to treat bowel diseases, fever, and other conditions.

Some Plants Can Live Anywhere

Whether you are living in an apartment, house, or condo, indoor plants such as succulents and cacti can survive in all conditions. So, if you live in an area where some of the plants may not be doing very well, such as places with less sunlight, then you need to consider succulent and cacti plants as your best choice. These plants require a very little amount of sunlight to survive. They are also easy to maintain since they don’t grow leaves and branches that fast. They also do not require daily watering since they store a lot of water within themselves.

plants anywhere

Improves Your Home’s Humidity

Humidity in your house should be maintained at a certain level. When the level of humidity is too low, then you will have a problem with the skin getting dry as well as losing a lot of water to compensate for the deficit. You can also start experiencing sore throat, dry cough, itchy skin, and the common cold. But when you have indoor plants, they produce water, which helps to improve the humidity in your space. So, you will avoid getting a dry cough, common colds, and other conditions associated with dry air.

They Enhance Your Memory

According to research conducted by the University of Michigan, it shows that there are many cognitive benefits that come with interacting with nature. Whether it is a walk in the park, outdoor gardens, house plants, or floral images, they can help boost your memory retention. So, having plants in your home or office can help enhance your memory.

Apart from transforming your space by giving it a natural vibe, there are other benefits that come with indoor plants. However, you need to get the best plants for your space. For many reasons, succulent and cacti plants are very adaptive to all places.

6 Simple Interior Decor DIY Projects

interior decor

As a homeowner, one of the hardest things is affording the expensive home décor that suits your taste. Sometimes, you have to trim your budget to give your home a new and amazing look. What some homeowners don’t know is that they can give their homes a sleek look with DIY décor projects.

The good news is that there are many sleek DIY home décor projects you can pick from. In fact, there are tens of them, and you still have room for your own creativity. In this guide, we have rounded up some of the best interior decor DIY projects.

Here are the best 6 simple interior décor DIY project:

For simple home DIY décor, we highly recommend that you capitalise on the minimalism styles. These home décor ideas concentrate on making the room more spacious by removing clutters and using simple décor ideas such as colour palettes, amongst others.  Here are six simple interior décor DIY projects that will transform the look of your space appeal.

Decluttering and Redesigning Furniture Layout

Removing some of the stuff in your space can make a huge transformation to your home décor. If you have excess chairs, tables, and sofas that you don’t need in the house, then you can remove them to create space in your room. Once you have decluttered the room, rearrange the furniture to create a new focal point. Move the focal point to a new point in the room, and you will be impressed by the changes. Change the position of the sofa set, table, Chairs, and so on to give your home a new look. This is a simple minimal décor idea that won’t cost you even a cent.

Painting Walls

painting walls

Painting your walls is one of the simplest minimal home décors. By just adding a fresh layer of paint, you can give your home a new look. When it comes to colour palettes, you need to be very selective in choosing the best option. However, do not bring an array of colours for your space. One or two colours will do magic if painted properly. White colour with some understated neutrals such as beige or greys is the most recommended combination. In addition, indigo and turquoise colours are quickly growing as a popular choice in the market. The trick is to paint bond colours that will make the room more lit.

Floating Bookshelves

If you several books in the living room, you use them for your interior décor. You can create an eye-catching illusion in your living room or the study room by installing a floating bookshelf. These are simple shelves made appear as if the books are floating on the wall. What you need is to install small shelves the size of the book and place the books on them. It would be great if you can shelve in different heights to create something that appeals to the eye. Then, mix books in different colours.

Introducing a Vintage Ladder

A vintage ladder is another simple home décor DIY project that every homeowner should try. The wooden ladder can be used to change the appeal of almost every space in your home. You can use these ladders for your living look, bedroom, bathroom, and the kitchen. For the living rooms, you can use it to hand extra blankets, placing books as well as placing planters. For the bathroom, you can use vintage ladders for placing soaps, towels, and other cleaning products. If you want to have a wooden ladder in the bedroom, it can be used to hold blankets, amongst other things.

Natural Plants

natural plants

Natural plants work magic when it comes to decorating your home using minimalism styles. Natural plants are very versatile in application and can work for any room. Plants work great for spacious rooms after decluttering. You can use plants in your living room, and it will have dramatic changes in your interior designs. You can also bring plants in the kitchen as well as your bedroom. We recommend the use of metallic gold flower pots as they produce an exquisite appeal to your space. You must also ensure that you are selecting the best flowers for interior décor. Succulents are the best choice for interrior décor.

Use Past Artefacts

If you love travelling and you have collected a number of artefacts in your past vacations, then you have a cheaper way of decorating your homes. Artefacts are unique, and it’s difficult to find its copy. You can use these items to decorate your house, and the result will be astounding. If you had bought a handmade basket, then you can use it in the living for placing keys, remotes, and other small items in the house. If it is some that you can on the wall, such as an artwork, then you can find a perfect place to hang it. There are many types of artefacts, and each of them can make a huge difference in your interior decor.

If you are looking for the best simple interior décor DIY projects, consider minimalism options. They offer the simplest, cheap, and yet elegant interior decors. However, pick what works for your space.