Bold Decor Moves For Your Home

Photo courtesy Wicker Paradise

We have all seen something on Pinterest that we thought would look so cool, but then said, “I could never do that.” Yes, you can! Aside from things that you may have to ask your landlord for permission for, there are still many things you can do to take risks as you decorate--from furniture, to rugs, to accessories. So here’s that motivation you need to actually put those Pinterest boards to use, courtesy of Apartment Therapy.





1. Decide to do it — This is both the easiest and hardest part. You've thought it through, debated endlessly and now it's time for a simple yes or no. It's liberating! No more, "Gee, I'd really like to have..." or "Someday I'll try a..." That day is today! Don't dawdle, say yes and don't look back.




2. Get inspired — Time for the eye candy. You have a general plan, sure, but browsing some great inspirational images will help you really nail down what you love and what turns your stomach (and with risky decisions, it's usually one or the other). This is also when you'll start to get really excited about your project, which will further cement your decision to do it. Remember: this is fun!




3. Tell everyone — Now that you've made your decision, it's time to share. Telling everyone your plan is an insurance policy that you'll actually follow through. You're accountable, see? Sure, people will have their own opinions (and may decide to share them, unsolicited) but that won't bother you because you're solid in your knowledge that you've made the right decision for you.




4. Baby steps — Don't get overwhelmed and derail your decision. No matter how big or small, breaking down your project into baby steps will help you see a clear, do-able path to the finish line. It may be scary to paint a wall pink, but it's not scary to drive to the paint store — you can do that. It's not scary to grab some paint samples, piece of cake! Now, wash your wall, no problem. Baby steps are everything.



5. Repeat after me: nothing is permanent — There's nothing you can do to your home that you can't undo; it's as simple as that. Don't overthink this. If you don't like it, you'll try something else. Yep, you've spent some time and money to learn what you don't like (a very valuable lesson by the way) and next time you'll do better. The journey to your perfect home is never-ending and that is part of the fun, so don't be afraid to make a mistake once in a while.

Make Your Apartment The Home Of Your Dreams

Apartments should be your home. You should come home and feel relaxed and comfortable in your rented space. Here are four ways to make your home the most comfortable area in your life. Apartment Therapy has some great ideas for all budgets.

Lounge-ability

I used to have this apartment with an eat-at bar at counter height. I rushed out and found a set of stools I loved the look of, dreaming of hosting breakfast for guests and lounging every morning to enjoy a cup of tea. But, boy they were uncomfortable. You don't have to turn every room into a giant floor-level bed, but you should evaluate every seat in the rooms you find yourself not spending a lot of time in — they could use a comfort makeover. And don't just consider the seat; sometimes an addition of a footrest can help make an existing seat more lounge-able.

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How easy it is to get to stuff

Usability is a close second to whether or not you can lounge in a space in terms of enjoyability. How is easy it to use your space? Get to the things you want to use? Pull out chairs to sit at a table? Reach your board games? Do you have to rearrange the room when you want to watch some TV? A functionality-based makeover is something everyone should undertake from time to time to make sure it's not a poorly-working space keeping them from enjoying their entire home.

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Whether the light hurts or helps

You've got to evaluate both the artificial light in a room you want to spend more time in, as well as the natural light. More natural light is usually a good thing, unless the sun is beating down on a seat and you aren't in the mood to bake. You might want to invest in some shading options so you have more control over the sun as its position changes throughout the day.

When it comes to artificial light, you want to do everything you can to ban overhead lighting from dominating your space since it's pretty unpleasant and often too glaring. Spreading warm light evenly through your space will create an inviting atmosphere you'll want to stick around in.

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The temperature

You're probably already doing your best to regulate the temperature throughout your entire home, but thanks to the way your home is positioned on its lot, you just might need a little more help when it comes to getting the temperature just right. The addition of fans and small heaters are a great way to help this element get to just-right, but for the winter months don't doubt the power of some cozy blankets on hand, as well. If the trouble is you're trying to keep the bills down, consider implementing energy saving ideas to help keep you cooler or warmer.

Get Rid Of Those Pests

With over 10 quintillion insects in the world, it’s no surprise that some of them find their way into our homes. If you find them crawling in corners and shacking up in your pantry it’s time to do something about them! If you’re looking for ways to keep them out without expensive bug sprays and traps, you can try these much more aesthetically pleasing options. Head here for more info on the best plants for keeping critters out of your home.




Feverfew

Feverfew is great for repelling mosquitoes and other flying biting insects. It is ideal for planting around outdoor seating areas, pathways and close to doorways and windows; for maximum benefit, plant in conjunction with citronella grass and lavender (see below).

In addition to its insect repellent qualities, feverfew also has many medicinal uses. It is historically used to help treat nervous disorders, headaches and it also works as a laxative and helps ease bloating.


Pyrethrum also known as Chrysanthemum

Pyrethrum helps to repel a whole host of insects and bugs, including: aphids, leafhoppers, spider mites, harlequin bugs and ticks.

Pyrethrum is best used as a ‘companion plant’ to protect other plants with its insect repellent properties. It is planted close to plants which are affected by the insects above.

Additionally a natural pesticide can be made with pyrethrum flowers. The flowers need to be dried and crushed and mixed with water. It is beyond the scope of this article to give specific instructions on potency etc., so please carry out further research before trying this, as even though the pesticide is completely natural, it can still be harmful to humans in certain situations.




Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal helps to repel mosquitoes, gnats and also ticks and fleas!

Pennyroyal is often used in commercial natural insect repellent creams and sprays. Pennyroyal is great to plant in the garden, but it is best utilized as a topical insect repellent applied to the skin.

If you crush pennyroyal leaves and rub them onto your skin, this acts as an effective insect repellent. Additionally, you can also crush the stems and put them in pockets, bags and hats.

Crushed pennyroyal leaves and stems can also be rubbed on dogs to help repel ticks and fleas. Actually you will often see dogs rubbing in pennyroyal patches when outdoors.



Lavender

Lavender is most useful for repelling mosquitoes and gnats when planted in the garden; it can also be planted in pots and placed by doorways and windows. As with feverfew and citronella grass; lavender is best planted in the garden around seated and eating areas and also around windows and doors.

Cut and or dried lavender can also be placed on windowsills to stop mosquitoes entering the house. Additionally, dried lavender flowers can also be used in wardrobes to repel moths and keep clothes smelling fresh.

Lavender also smells amazing and has many medicinal properties, it aids relaxation and helps promote restful sleep.



Marigolds

As with pyrethrum, marigolds are best used as a ‘companion plant’ to help protect other plants; however, marigolds do also have some mosquito repellent properties, so it’s a bit of an all-rounder.

Marigolds contain a chemical compound called thiopenes in the roots. This plant repels aphids, cabbage maggots, white flies and many other pests. Marigolds are particularly good at protecting tomato plants.


Citronella grass

Citronella grass is an old favourite; everyone knows it is commonly used as an insect repellent in outdoor candles, which are used around outdoor eating and seating areas. Citronella grass is a great mosquito repellent and it can be planted and used in a similar way as citronella candles, to keep flying insects away.

For best results, plant citronella grass in the garden and use in conjunction with feverfew and lavender.

Additionally, citronella grass has also been found to have a calming effect on barking dogs, which is worth considering if you have a dog which barks excessively day and night. Your neighbours might thank you for at least giving it a try!