close

Home

Home

Making Your Small Place Feel Like a Big Space

Few of us are lucky enough to live in a place of our dreams, which means most of us must work with what we got. No matter how small your place might be, there are simple techniques to create the illusion of additional space. Manipulating things like color, texture and patterns won’t add any square footage to your home but will help you feel less cramped and claustrophobic. For example, using a monochromatic color palette will make a room feel more airy and open, compared to a room with loads of contrast.

The accompanying guide contains many more ideas on how to make your small place feel like a big space. Apply them to your home and it will feel much closer to the dream space you’ve always wanted.

Small Place Big Space from Downtown Apartment Company, a Lincoln Park Luxury Apartment Rental Company
read more
Home

Average Bathroom Size for Standard and Master Bathroom

Besides the bedroom, the bathroom is a private space that hugely influences the comfort level. In most homes, the bathroom stays attached to the master bedroom. Make sure that you do not end up with a very small bathroom while trying to expand your master bedroom. This can make using your bathroom very difficult. Try to keep the size of the master bathroom proportional to the master bedroom size. Traditional homes feature master bedrooms that range somewhere between 75 to 100 square feet. On the other hand, modern master bedrooms are slightly larger and can range from 115 to 210 square feet.

In most modern bathrooms, you will find a toilet, bathtub, shower enclosure, and sink. There are many other fixtures available as well. People can get various options while buying these options. Depending on the preferences of the homeowners, the items will be chosen. However, the size has to be chosen properly so that all the items can fit and the space can be used conveniently. If you are not sure about the master bathroom size for your master bedroom, here are a few ideas you can consider:

01 of 04 Full-bathroom sizes

The full master bathroom size is the best option available for a master bedroom. It is very versatile and can make your bathroom decor more functional. This bathroom design has all the features you can get in a well-designed bathroom. These include the bathtub, toilet, shower, and sink. In some bathrooms, the shower and bathtub come together. Others feature both spaces separately. This is only done when sufficient free space is available in the bathroom.

All homes have at least one full bathroom. Spacious and slightly expensive homes can feature more full bathrooms. If budget is a concern, the bathtub and shower area are combined as well. It reduces the construction price. These full-size bathrooms require around 40 square feet. In many homes with just one full-size bathroom, the bathroom stays attached to two bedrooms instead of one. This helps to use space more efficiently in smaller homes.

02 of 04 Half-bathroom or powder room size

 Powder rooms are very common in modern homes. They are also known as half-bathrooms and are constructed next to the living room. These bathrooms do not have as many fittings as full-size bathrooms. Rather, they focus on a few essentials and help in saving space. These feature only a toilet and a sink. Hence, it is perfect for your daytime guests. Homeowners opt for these bathrooms because they will be able to entertain the guests during the daytime while keeping the rest of the home private. These are the smallest bathroom designs you will find in homes.

The average size of these bathrooms is 20 square feet. They range around 3 feet wide and 8 feet long. However, this is the size of powder rooms in modern homes. Traditional homes have powder rooms as small as 11 square feet.

Just because the bathroom size is small, it does mean that the bathroom decor cannot appear appealing. You can look for various stylish fittings and fixtures to decorate the space, like a large vanity mirror, lighting fixtures, etc. Most people prefer giving the space a luxurious look because visitors frequently use this bathroom.

03 of 04 Three-quarter bathroom size

A bathtub not only occupies a lot of space but can increase your expenditures significantly as well. Hence, many people consider skipping it while decorating the bathroom interiors. Only a standing shower area is available in the bathroom. Most economical homes you will find in India do not feature a bathtub. This is why these are called three-quarter bathrooms. The standard size of these bathrooms is 36 square feet, 6 feet wide, and 6 feet long.

Experts mostly recommend these bathrooms for the guest bedroom. This is because the bathrooms in guest bedrooms do not require a lot of storage space and can be accommodated in a small space easily. However, you will surely find all the basic fittings available in these bathrooms. Also, sufficient space should be available to move around conveniently. These bathrooms have gained immense popularity in the last few years. This is because people are slowly adapting to sustainable living and bathtubs waste a lot more water than showers.

04 of 04 Quarter-bathroom size

As the name signifies, a quarter-size bathroom is quite smaller than a regular bathroom. If a half-bathroom can accommodate two bath fixtures, a quarter bathroom features only one fitting, the toilet. Hence, it is popularly known as a utility toilet as well. They were quite popular in traditional home basements.

However, they have been back in demand for the last few years. This is because it can be used by your daytime guests, and you do not have to worry about them wandering around in your private spaces. These range from around 5 to 10 square feet.

read more
Home

Tips For Creating A Cozy She Shed

Congratulations! You’ve added a she shed to your backyard, built a craft room addition above your garage, or turned an extra bedroom into a cozy reading room. No matter where your sanctuary is, now is your opportunity to decorate the comfy space especially for you. Here are some ideas to get creativity flowing.

Decide on a decor theme: Maybe your home yoga studio will have a boho flair, complete with a rattan sofa, Moroccan ottomans on the floor, or a macramé hammock suspended from the ceiling. Or perhaps you want to give a Hollywood glam vibe to your walk-in closet by including a tufted sofa with hobnail trim. Whatever suits your tastes.

Incorporate versatile, dimmable and smart lighting: Your private room might have several purposes. If that’s the case, include versatile lighting. You will want over-the-shoulder lighting for reading, task lighting for crafts, and soft, glowing light strings for long winter naps. Look for floor lamps with dimmer switches and attached reading lights. If you want to go high tech, investigate voice-activated smart lights, for when your hands are full. There are even smart light bulbs that change colors.

Use “hide-away” furniture: If your book nook still needs to double as a guest room, free space by incorporating convertible furniture, such as a sleeper sofa or a pull-down Murphy bed.

Wrap up: Keep a cozy electric blanket or warm afghan handy for chilly days. 

Make room for your BFFs (best furry friends): Cats and dogs appreciate good naps, too. Be sure they have separate comfy, color-coordinated beds and pillows to snooze upon, while they keep you company. 

Bloom where you are planted: Plants are good for your body and mind. Having plants in your space can lower blood pressure, increase attentiveness and raise productivity, which makes them well-suited for home offices. The aromas of plants can benefit your physical and mental health. For example, the scent of eucalyptus may help relieve cold symptoms, and the scent of lavender is said to be calming. If you’re a foodie, stock potted herbs to use in your cooking, such as rosemary, basil and thyme.

Store important beverage and snack equipment: Include a coffee maker, electric tea kettle and mini fridge. (Pro tip: This is where to keep your favorite ice cream that you don’t want your kids to find.) 

Make it personal: 

  • Gather your vacation photos and group them into shadow boxes with souvenirs from your trips.
  • Frame your kids’ early masterpieces and hang them on the walls.
  • If you still have your old record collection, display favorite album covers.
  • Unpack all your boxes and plastic totes that are stored in the garage to uncover forgotten treasures.

Now that you have your cozy space, create the look you’ve always wanted. See the accompanying resource created by the experts in online furniture shopping.

Infographic provided by Sofas & Sectionals, experts on sectional couches for sale
read more
Home

Tips For Moving House With A Newborn In Tow

Moving to a new home can be demanding, though not quite as much as a newborn. When faced with the prospect of handling both tasks simultaneously, parents might be stressed, to say the least. Not to worry: Despite the heavy load, there are ways to make the upcoming move a success. Below are a few words of advice on juggling moving boxes in one hand and a baby in the other.

First, it’s essential to go over the move with the baby’s pediatrician. Because a newborn doesn’t have a developed immune system, it’s important to make sure travel will be safe beforehand. Whether with precautions specific to the child or just general recommendations, these experts can get parents going on the right path.

It’s also a perfect opportunity to gather any necessary documentation to take to a new doctor or ask for a referral. Having healthcare and childcare providers lined up in advance can make the transition easier, especially as they may have waiting lists.

One of the top suggestions from parents who have handled a relocation with an infant is to stay on routine as much as possible. By following the same established patterns day-to-day, the baby may adjust to the new home sooner, and moving day itself may not be so problematic. Accomplishing this can be done several ways, but a tried-and-true tip is to save the baby’s room for last in terms of packing.

While decorations can be wrapped up and ready to go, it’s advised to pack diapers, wipes, a few outfits, toiletries and formula last. Likewise, these supplies should be kept readily available during the move and unpacked first on arrival at the new place. If it’s a long move, pack a box with everything needed for the first night and keep it separated from the rest. The goal of this is to prevent unpacking a bunch of boxes out of order or making a late-night run to the store for lost items.

Another recommendation is to hire a moving company to take on some of the heavy lifting. Finding a reliable company to not only haul the big items but to unload boxes and even unpack them can make all the difference. What’s more, this allows parents to focus on the baby while calmly delegating tasks and avoiding any moving-related injuries.

Lastly, parents should keep in mind that there could be a few hiccups along this journey. The key is to prepare ahead of time, take deep breaths and avoid stressors when possible. For additional pointers on moving with a newborn, please see the accompanying resource.

Infographic provided by On Call Moving Company
read more
Home

Everything You Need To Know About Refugees

The United Nations estimates that 65.2 million people have been forcibly displaced by war and persecution worldwide. This crisis affects the lives of millions of people and millions of people around the world. It’s important to be familiar with the refugees and refugees’ plight.

The plight of refugees has been a sore spot in the United States in recent years. There has been much debate about the number of refugees the U.S. should admit every year. However, what isn’t discussed as much is who these refugees are—and how many of them there are.

Who is a Refugee?

The refugee system was created to protect the most vulnerable people on Earth. The word “refugee” comes from the Greek REFUGE, meaning fleeing or seeking protection. Refugees are people who, because of war, persecution, or natural disaster, are unable or unwilling to return to their home countries or habitual residence. The USA Ukrainian refugees are the perfect example. Many women and children are forced to flee their homes to escape war, violence, and persecution.

The difference between refugees and a migrant is not always clear, and immigration policy officials regularly confuse the two. A refugee has been forced to flee their country because of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political views, or membership in a particular social group. A migrant, on the other hand, is someone who migrates either for economic or social reasons but does not necessarily seek refuge. In the U.S., refugees are protected under American law through the U.S. Refugee Act of 1980. However, migrants are not.

Last year, the U.S. accepted 84,491 refugees worldwide, and that trend shows no sign of slowing down. As the world gets smaller, more people are displaced from their homes—and those people are finding safety in the United States. But how are people categorized when they first come into the country? Is every person a refugee, or is someone just a voluntary entrant?

Types of Refugees

As mentioned above, a refugee is a person who has been forced to leave their own country to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster. Their reasons for leaving their home country can also vary, but the most common is because their home country’s government is threatening their lives or they are afraid of being attacked or tortured.

Here are the different types of refugees.

Asylum Seeker

An asylum seeker is a term for a person who has fled their own country and is seeking asylum in another country. These people hope their new country will provide them with the protection and shelter they did not receive in their own country.

An asylum seeker is closely similar to a refugee, a person who has fled their own country and been officially recognized as a refugee by a country. The refugee is given legal status and protection within the country they have fled to and are no longer an asylum seeker.

Normally, the process of obtaining asylum in the United States is a long and hard one. The application process alone can take more than one year, and those who are denied asylum are not eligible for appeal and must leave the country where they sought protection.

Asylum seekers spend most of their asylum application process in the U.S. without work authorization, and many live in poverty during this time. Asylum seekers are also not eligible for government assistance and have no health insurance. As a result, many live in poor conditions in refugee camps or rely on the support of family and friends.

Internally Displaced Person

A U.N. report estimates that more than 42 million people are displaced from their homes because of armed conflict, persecution, or natural disaster. United Nations agencies use the term “internally displaced person,” or IDP, to refer to civilians who have been forced to abandon their homes but have not crossed an international border.

These individuals seek safety anywhere they can find it—in nearby towns, schools, settlements, internal camps, even forests, and fields. In 2016, there were more than 40 million IDPs worldwide. For these individuals, the ability to return home is a distant dream.

Stateless Person

A stateless person is not officially recognized as a citizen by any country; such a person does not have a nationality. Stateless people are not necessarily without citizenship. Some countries apply the term “stateless” to people who are “under the protection of” that country but do not possess its citizenship.

Statelessness has today been affected by the ‘war and terror’: many people have been deprived of nationality for security reasons. Today, many USA Ukrainian refugees are left in legal limbo, unable to obtain a passport or other official documents from any State.

 The stateless population is estimated to be 11 million people, according to the UNHCR, but the true extent of statelessness is much higher than that. That’s because fewer than half of all countries worldwide report on statelessness. Some of the most populous countries in the world with large suspected stateless populations don’t report on statelessness at all.

Returnees

Refugees who have returned to their home country are called returnees. They are people who have been forced to flee their homes due to persecution, war or natural disasters.

 The term returnee is used by different organizations to describe those who have returned, are returning, or are planning to return to their countries of origin.

By country of origin, we mean the country of last or former habitual residence of the person.

Returnees – and returns – are different from forced returnees. These refugees and IDPs have been forced to return against their will.

This confusion stems from using the term” return” in the context of voluntary and involuntary return (also known as forced return) and the difference between returnees and returns.

Conclusion

Refugees face many obstacles in their home countries, often given little to no protection. Refugees often face discrimination, harassment, and violence. They can also face deportation or persecution.

Though refugees face these obstacles, they are more than this. Refugees are people who have survived their ordeals and deserve the right to live their lives freely and with dignity.

read more
Home

DIY Project: Relax Bottles

There are a lot people going through hard and frustrating times. You can help them channel and release their frustration by making Relax Bottles: water bottles decorated and filled with glitter. Watching the glitter settle after shaking the bottle can be relaxing. Check out the instructions below from Points of Light. 

What You Need:

  • Clear plastic water bottles. (We recommend sturdier bottles)
  • Clear Elmer’s Glue
  • Hot water
  • A mixing bowl (preferably one with a pouring spout to easily put it in the jar or use a funnel with the bowl)
  • A whisk
  • Food coloring
  • Glitter
  • Super glue 

Steps:

  1. Buy the appropriate amount of glitter, food coloring, glue, and hot water. This depends on the size of the water bottles you are using, as well as the number of bottles you’re making.
  2. To make the Relax Bottles:
    1. Pour Elmer’s clear glue and hot water into a mixing bowl, along with food coloring (add drop by drop until desired color is reached) and glitter.
    2. Mix with the whisk and pour right away into the water bottle.
    3. Clean the residual glitter out with a paper towel before rinsing and cleaning out the bowl.
    4. Shake the bottle to make sure the lid is secure. The glitter will settle at the bottom after 5 minutes roughly. Increase or decrease the wait time by adding water or glue.
    5. Repeat until all the bottles are made.
    6. Let the bottles cool with the lids removed (and out of reach of any children or pets).
    7. Once cool, secure the lid with superglue and let the glue dry.
  3. Clean up!
  4. Present the Relax Bottles to others in your home. 

Reflection Questions:

  • How did this project help you or others in your home?
  • Do you feel you made a difference?
  • How else can you help others in your home relax?
read more
Home

Should You Hire an Experienced or First-Time Maid?

Is experience something to consider when you hire a domestic helper? What you will notice is that aside from skills, qualifications and traits, experience is one of the pivotal things that many clients require from most myanmar maids. However, not everyone needs to go with an experienced maid, sometimes a first-time maid will be just as good. Here are some of the things to keep in mind.

Price point

Generally, an experienced maid will usually have a higher price point. However, it’s justified based on the large number of skills and services that the maid can provide. A newer maid doesn’t provide a poorer quality, but she has less skills, and that means her price point will be lower. So if you’re on a budget, a newer maid can be an option. Yet if you are in need of a maid with multiple skills, the main agency will send a more experienced professional.

Previous records

A new maid doesn’t have any previous employment records, so you have to rely on the interview. In the case of an experienced maid, you can check her employment history, reviews and testimonials. This shows that it’s easier to determine whether an experienced maid is better according to your needs.

Trainability

Generally, newer maids are much easier to train so they can meet your requirements. Experienced maids might find it harder to adapt to some requirements, so they are not as easy to train. However, you can ask your maid agency for a newer maid if you want someone that you can train and adapt to your requirements.

Adjusting to a new location

First time Myanmar maids might find it harder to adapt to Singapore, not to mention it’s hard for them to work so far from home. Experienced maids already know how to tackle these challenges, as they already acquired various skills to surpass any problems like that.

Taking care of kids

Experienced maids are known to have experience when it comes to taking care of kids. That’s what makes them ideal when it comes to taking care of kids properly. If the maid lacks such experience, then tackling younger family members can turn out to be a very difficult task. The same thing can be said when it comes to taking initiative, newer maids lack confidence and they need specific instructions from the employer. An experienced maid knows how to handle all kinds of tasks and when to take control, so they will try to solve various issues even without being told to do so.

Conclusion

Picking between a first-time maid or an experienced maid can be difficult, yet it all comes down to your needs and your budget. First time Myanmar maids are usually more affordable, however they need more guidance and assistance, and they also lack some skills. Experienced maids are more expensive, however they have lots of skills, they take initiative and can always adapt to your requirements. First Maid is always here to help with professional maid services, and we can assist with both first time and experienced maids, according to your requirements. Don’t hesitate and contact us today for more information!

read more
Home

Benefits Of Cleaning Your Chimney

When was the last time you cleaned your chimney? Many homeowners tend to neglect this important task, but there are several good reasons why you should make chimney cleaning a regular part of your home maintenance routine. And the good thing is that you can hire professionals to do it for you.

Cleaning your chimney can have a number of benefits; in this read, we will look at 6 of them. Keep reading.

  1. Improves air quality

One of the most important benefits is that it improves air quality. A dirty chimney can cause the air in your home to become polluted, which can be harmful to your health. Additionally, a dirty chimney can lead to the formation of soot, which is a known carcinogen.

  1. Prevents chimney fire

Fires are dangerous, and they can result in huge losses when they happen. One of the best ways to prevent fires in your home is by cleaning your chimney. Chimney fires often occur when there is a build-up of creosote in the chimney. Creosote is a black, sticky substance that is produced when wood burns. It is highly flammable and can easily ignite and cause a fire.

  1. Increases the chimney’s efficiency

A dirty chimney is not as efficient as a clean one. When the chimney is dirty, it does not allow for proper ventilation, which means that the heat from the fire will not be able to escape properly. This can lead to increased heat levels in your home, which can be uncomfortable and dangerous. Additionally, cleaning the chimney can help you save on energy costs and make your fireplace more effective.

  1. Increases its lifespan

A dirty chimney can also shorten the lifespan of your chimney. The build-up of creosote and other substances can cause the chimney to corrode and deteriorate. This can lead to expensive repairs or even a complete replacement of the chimney. And did you know that you can hire a reputable chimney cleaning playa del Rey firm to help you?

  1. It helps get rid of foul odors

Have you been wondering why your house smells bad, even though you have cleaned the floors and the kitchen? The answer could be that your chimney is dirty. Foul odors can often originate from the chimney, and the best way to get rid of them is by cleaning it. These smells can be unpleasant and can also be a sign of danger.

  1. It gives you peace of mind

Lastly, cleaning your chimney gives you peace of mind. Knowing that your chimney is clean and in good condition means that you won’t have to worry about it causing a fire or polluting the air in your home. Make chimney cleaning a regular part of your home maintenance routine and enjoy some peace of mind.

Take Away

Cleaning your chimney is an important task. By understanding the benefits of doing so, you can be sure to make it a regular part of your home maintenance routine. Keep these benefits in mind the next time you consider skipping this important chore.

read more
Home

Questions To Ask Your Myanmar Maid Agency

Working with a Myanmar maid is no more seen as a deluxe for numerous Singaporeans yet instead a requirement. From the increase of dual-income parents due to the increasing cost of living to the growing ageing populace and also sandwich generation, lots of Singaporean family members work with house cleanings to assist reduce the load from their daily obligations in your home.

Prior to taking the plunge as well as going straight into hiring an assistant, there are a few factors to consider that you need to bear in mind of such as the essential demands, cost, and also the various housemaid firms available.

Employing An Excellent Housemaid

Working with simply the best housemaid can be life-altering for the busy household. No time to keep your house as arranged or tidy as you would like.

Are they up to date?

Professional cleansing companies keep up to date on the current and finest cleaning techniques as well as products. It is very imperative to ask the housemaid solution if they will certainly be providing the equipment needed to cleanse your house prior to hiring. Most business are recognized to come completely furnished.

What kind of training do they offer?

The typical sector turn over is rather high, a great deal of solutions are just searching for warm bodies they can send. It’s not uncommon for brand-new hires to be anticipated to find out on duty. The best companies will certainly have official and file training processes that they have actually fine-tuned and also exercised given that opening. On-going training makes sure premium quality as well as results in lower turn over.

That Offers the Cleaning Equipment?

The general guideline is that the cleansing brings their own supplies, however it doesn’t hurt to ask ahead of time if you’re selecting a smaller cleaning service to make certain. It should be a warning to you however, an excellent housemaid service need to have standardized requirements for equipment and cleaners to accompany whatever training they give.

Professionalism and trust?

If you uncover a firm after a comprehensive company research study, you end up with expert house cleaning solutions that is not simply professional however likewise extremely experienced in its job. You guarantee your house continues to be tidy during cleansing and therapy procedures, using the correct products.

The length of time Have you remained in the business?

It takes even more than a base degree of cleansing understanding as well as a wipe container to start and run an excellent sustainable house cleaning solution. This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t go with the newer business, but more well established house cleaning solutions that have actually been about longer often tend to be a lot more reliable, seasoned, as well as professional.

read more
Home

Make Your Produce Last Longer

Many households shop for food and produce at least once a week — whether it is at a farmer’s market, a superstore, a neighborhood grocer, a specialty store or even a combination of resources. However, several families not only purchase produce regularly — they dispose of it often, as well.

Growth Of Food Waste

Food waste is a growing issue, especially in America. It is estimated that about 40% of food is thrown out in a year. A family of four trashes around $1,500 worth of food annually. That equates to about 80 million pounds of food, amassing to $161 billion in food waste. It has become a massive contributor to landfills, taking up approximately a quarter of landfill garbage. The most common product to be trashed is dairy and other dairy products, followed by fruits and vegetables.

What’s the leading cause of food waste? Spoilage. However, food and produce are often thrown away despite still being edible. Consumers may not be able to decipher expiration dates correctly or trash food that they do not want to eat anymore. That’s an unfortunate pattern, but there is hope for those who have issues with spoilage. There are many ways families can help their produce last longer which will save money, reduce food waste, and help overcrowded landfills.

Keep Track Of Waste

Firstly, it’s beneficial to keep track of what your family is throwing out the most. What kind of food products are you mostly disposing? Are you trashing produce every week because it has gone rotten, or do you just not wish to eat it? What’s the value of these foods being thrown away? Consider freezing food if possible or creating a compost heap for your home garden. Planning and organizing a weekly menu before heading to the store can help cut out impulsive spending and encourage smart, efficient purchases.

Upgrade Your Storage

Additionally, your family can upgrade the family refrigerator or add an approved purification system to your fridge that utilizes ozone and ionization technology to lessen ethylene. This can further delay decomposition in food and produce. Properly storing fruits and vegetables can also help them stay fresh for a longer period of time.

The infographic below provides more information about proper food storage and other tips and tricks.

Infographic provided by Greentech Enviornmental
read more
1 2 3 4
Page 2 of 4