Category Home Improvement

Pro-tips to minimise home maintenance errs!

Home maintenance is more than mopping, sweeping, and vacuuming. It goes beyond regular chores and needs attention from time to time. From plumbing to electrical, everything that is vital for comfortable and healthy living needs to be looked after and ensured that they are always working at their best.

But most of us tend to miss on the basic repairs and upkeeps due to lack of time and busy life which lead to poor maintenance of the house. In this article, we’ll share some handy tips that will simplify home maintenance.

Keeping an eye on faucets, plumbing issues

Over time, faucets can become leaky and rusty. When this goes unchecked, the repairs can cost you a lot of money. Hence, it is prudent to check the faucets at least once in two months. Other plumbing-related issues such as drain, water heater, and pipes should also be checked often.

Keep clogged gutters at bay

When storm drain pipes aren’t unclogged often, the dirty water will overflow. This will erode the foundation, and the waterlogging can flood the gated community’s pathway, basements/parking. To avoid this, take professional help and clean the gutters at least twice or thrice a year.

Maintain appliances

Make some time to check your home appliances like air conditioner, refrigerator, fans, etc, and service them regularly so they don’t run into trouble. When not serviced regularly, they’ll malfunction or stop functioning altogether, and the replacement expenses can burn a hole in your pocket.

Well-maintained tanks and roofs

Water tanks are more susceptible to water damage. Incorrect and improper flashing, wind damage, storm, or faulty roofing can cause roof leakage. Water tanks should be cleaned often and cleared of algae, rust, bugs, dirt, etc. It should be checked especially before and during monsoon and corrected soon if any issue should be done. This will save you a fortune in the long run.

Pay attention to electrical wiring

Though faulty or broken electrical wirings are a common issue we seldom look into it unless we experience blackouts, burning smells, or broken switchboards. To avoid this, install branded wirings and switchboard at the beginning itself even if it is slightly on the pricier end since they tend to last long. Whenever possible, check circuit breakers to ensure wires are all intact.

Exterior care matters too

Weather condition rapidly affects the exterior of the house. Go for rainproof paints and seal cracks and chips once in a year or two. If this goes unchecked, the water will seep through walls eventually eroding the building. Likewise, paint your house, both exterior and interior, once in five years.

Taking care of windows and doors

Loose and creaky windows/doors may not pose an immediate threat but when not taken care of properly, they can cause a lot of trouble in the long run. If you notice dust owing to termite or creaking, oil or grease them up. Likewise, clean and often inspect the mesh or shutters installed in the balconies too. Else, birds/bird feathers and rodents may get in.

Clean, clean, and clean!

When we say clean, we are not only referring to floors or generic cleaning but also attic cleaning. When the attic collects dust or mold, it can become a breeding ground for rodents, insects, and reptiles. This can cause health issues too. So, clean the attic!

Cleaning agent and toolkit

To maintain a house properly, you need more than water and soap. Stock your house with proper gloves, goggles, microfibre cloth, the correct mixture of acids and chemicals for cleaning. Similarly, have a toolbox that has spare nails, screwdrivers, hammers, tape, utility scissors and knife, glue, etc. These will come in handy when you need to quickly fix something. 

By using the ApnaComplex app, you can effortlessly hire experts to fix your home, raise complaints if you encounter an issue and auto-escalate it, and do much more. ApnaComplex will also help you to set early maintenance reminders on common society assets such as lifts and other equipment. To know more about the app or to schedule a free demo, kindly visit https://bit.ly/371rCxL.


5 Tips for Effective Home Renovation

Renovating a house can be quite demanding in terms of money, time, and effort. There are a few common mistakes that most renovators make, that can prove very costly at the end of the day. Here is how you can avoid these mistakes.

1. Prepare Well

Plan well before you begin the project. Do a lot of research, read plenty of books, and talk to people who have already renovated their houses. You might end up spending hours chalking out the last detail of the plan, but it’ll be worth the time and effort. If you do not have the time or interest to get things done yourself, hiring a professional would be a smart choice.

2. Take accurate Measurements

One of the most basic home renovation tips is to make sure that you take accurate measurements. You spend a lot of money, time, and effort on a home renovation project. Invest in quality measuring tools in order to avoid mistakes that will make you hate your renovated house. Also, be serious about taking accurate measurements, as even small discrepancies can result in drastic changes in the final outcome.

3. Obtain Prerequisite Permissions

While interiors are free from legal scrutiny, huge external projects often require legal permission.  Be on the safe side and avoid unnecessary fines and legal fees by getting all the necessary permissions for the renovation plan. Do keep in mind that your house insurance will not cover damages or injury if you go ahead without required permissions.

4. Invest in Quality

Although it might be very tempting, cutting corners to save money may put your home and yourself at serious risk. High-quality materials are more durable, and hence more expensive. Save yourself the trouble and future expense of frequent repairs by going for good quality products.  The same applies to the labour, interior designer, or engineer you’ll be hiring. Go for the best that you can afford at the moment. If not, wait until you have enough funds.

5. Biting More Than You Can Chew

A common mistake that most renovators make is to plan big and go over the top in their home renovation efforts. Be realistic and factor in your finances, abilities, and resources. It might be a better idea to work on smaller sections than to renovate the entire house at once. Running out of cash, time or interest midway will only leave you with a poorly renovated house.

Make sure you follow these basic home renovation tips to avoid costly mistakes. The golden rule is to plan well and know what you are getting into before you pick up that hammer or paint brush.


7 Easy Tips To Improve Your Home Office

Almost every home has an area designated as “the home office” or simply, “the study.” Often these areas double as storerooms. However, with the recent rise in usage of work-from-home (WFH) option, it has become extremely important to have a workspace that is comfortable and free from distractions.

So if you are looking to redo your study to enable productive WFH, here are 7 tips to help improve the space. Whether you’re working from home, or simply a student, we hope these tips help create a stress-free environment.

1) De-clutter your workspace

The first thing that needs to go is unnecessary clutter that you may have lying around. Your office space should follow the minimal style for interior decor. Anything that doesn’t directly contribute to your work needs to go. Also, remember to keep a dustbin next to your desk for all those balled up papers or pencil shavings.

2) Let the light in

Remember to keep your workspace well lit and ventilated. Whenever possible, let the daylight stream in.  However, if this is not an available option, make sure you have a bright table lamp.

3) Don’t compromise on comfort

If you spend a lot of time at your desk, uncomfortable furniture is a big no-no as this puts a lot of strain on your back muscles. Invest in a good chair which supports your back adequately. Supplement it with cushions and a footrest. When you’re sitting at the desk, make sure the height of the desk reaches your chest.  This will reduce the strain on your body.

4) Make it easy to track time

Make sure there is a clock that is easily visible from your seat. Not only will this help you manage your time, it also will remind you to take breaks while you work. According to psychology, it is important to take a short 5-10 minute break after every 40 minutes of continuous mental effort.

5) Get some greenery

Consider placing a potted plant nearby. Plants make a room look welcoming. They also have a mild detoxification effect on the room. Consider placing sweet-smelling herbs around the room. This can also help reduce stress.

6) Make it quiet

It may be a good idea to soundproof the room. Background noise, by common knowledge, hampers performance. So if you live in a very noisy neighbourhood, it may help to block it all out.

7) Put a dash of Colour Psychology  

Colours have a way of influencing our mind and body. For a study, always go for light, cool colours. These colours and soothing and stimulating to the brain. Hang up artwork that uses blues, greens and purples. As for the furniture, opt for light wood. This too helps to reduce stress.

A home office should ideally, help you feel relaxed and yet motivated to work. This space should also improve your efficiency rather than hamper it. We hope these tips help you do just that! Happy redecorating!

 


An Eight Step Guide to Designing a Kid’s Room

A kid’s bedroom: there is no room more challenging, yet more fun to design. Before embarking on this project, you may want to consider all the pointers that follow.

1. Safety

The first thing you need to remember is to account for the safety of your child. Make sure that the wiring, paint, furniture and decor items are all of good quality and child-safe. No matter how good it looks, avoid items that are made of glass.  This includes shelves and furniture.

2. Space

Children spend a lot of time in their bedrooms. Remember to leave plenty of open space in the room. Opt to put all the bulky furniture against the wall. Leave the centre of the room empty so they have plenty of space to play, move around, and let’s face it, scatter their toys.

3. Tastes

When designing a room for children, it is important to include them in the decision making process. The easiest way to do this is to ask them to pick the colours for their walls. If the colour they pick is way too bright for your taste, use it as a feature wall and paint the rest of the room a more neutral colour. Yet another thing you can do is narrow down the different furniture you’re willing to buy and leave the final decision to your child.

4. Practicality

No matter how attractive the alternative, purchase practical items. Children are quick to grow in size. They are even quicker to grow out of phases. So while making big purchases, like furniture, keep things simple. You can indulge their tastes in things like bedding, rugs or wall decor.

5. Lighting

It is very important that your child’s room is adequately lit, both during the day and at night. When setting up the room, make sure there is nothing blocking the windows. As for the light fixtures, try opting for warmer lights. These help the body to relax so it is easier to put your child to bed.

6. Storage

Children may be small but they always seem to have more stuff than everybody else in the family. Give them sufficient storage space for all their things. Try to go for furniture that doubles as a smart storage option. It is always a good idea to invest in overhead storage for all the things that they don’t need every day.

7. Furnishing

A common idea while furnishing a kid’s room is selecting a theme. This helps in making the room look seamless. Themes range from cartoon characters, favourite animals to just a combination of colours. While designing a room based on a theme may be fun, the real problem comes with maintenance. So pick furnishings that are easy to clean and quick to dry. Remember, if it’s a kid’s room, spills, stains and scratches are part of the parcel!

8. Creativity

One of the best ways to personalise a child’s bedroom by displaying their artwork. Pick out the best of your child’s drawings and have them framed. You can also hang framed photographs or poetry.  Have them create wall hangings and craftwork for their shelf. Deck the room in their work and watch it come together!

Kids are the most challenging “customers” to please. Designing a kid’s room can be challenging. But the smiles, in the end, will definitely be worth all the effort!


Balcony Gardens

Balcony Gardens: Fun Tips for Decorating your Balcony

While apartments have their advantages, one big downside is the detachment from nature.  As opposed to a house with a big green yard, apartments tend to feel closed off and small. The only gateway to the outside world often comes in the form of balconies.  Sitting out on your balcony, sipping a warm cup of tea (or coffee), and just watching the world go by is an undeniably therapeutic hobby. But often balcony spaces are underutilized. A common sight is a couple of old chairs, some pots with small plants, and heaps of refuse that we store for no real reason.

In recent years the concept of “handkerchief gardens” has blossomed (pun intended). What originally started as small, square garden spaces is now a term used to describe gardens in small spaces. So why not bring this concept to your balcony?

Landscaping small spaces can be a daunting task. Not only does it need to be space efficient, it also needs to fit your personal creative tastes. Here are some tips that can help set the wheel in motion.

Plan it well
As with any DIY project, the first step is planning. Having a clear idea of the space available is a must. Measure the area and create a plan for where you want to eventually place each item.

 

Clean it up
The next thing you need to do is clean up the balcony. Remove the clutter that has been lying around. Keep a lookout for cobwebs and dust bunnies that may have appeared in the unused space. Put up nails and hooks wherever you may need them. Remember to check the wiring and sockets that can be used. If you want to go the extra mile why not try hand painting the wall for extra flair?

Know your climate 
The primary requirement of any garden is, naturally, plants. While everyone loves the idea of exotic sweet-smelling flowers, we should remember that these plants need a lot of work. Look up plants that may be easier to grow in your locality. Also, check the direction of your balcony. This will have a direct effect on the amount of sunlight your plants will receive. Instead of flowers, consider growing herbs (like mint) that not only smell good but can be used in your kitchen.

Pots and pans 
A pot garden with the little mud pots is a common sight in most balconies. But why stop there? Almost anything can be reused as garden pots; bottles, old buckets, kettles, old cans, everything is fair game. To add a little variety you can also purchase hanging pots or hooked planters.

Stack it up
Balconies are usually small. In such small spaces, vertical gardens are usually a good idea. Old bookshelves, step ladders, tables and stools, all provide good surfaces to put your pots on. Do not be afraid to add variations in height. It is all part of the aesthetic.

 

 

Drape it down
Another dramatic addition you can make to your balcony garden is vines and creepers. If you want to add an aura of magic and fairy tales to your space, this is the way to go. Just remember, vines take a little extra effort to maintain.  Team it up with your vertical garden and it can make a striking impression.

 

Read more about the types of vines you can grow: https://www.houzz.in/ideabooks/98947783/list/8-climbing-plants-great-for-indian-balconies-and-gardens

 

Always accessorize
Gardens do not have to be limited to growing plants. Adding decor pieces that compliment your setup is always a good idea. Place random knick-knacks like figurines and windchimes. A popular addition you can install is a water feature. Small fountains and aquariums can add a bit more zing. You can also create a small bird bath. If you are lucky, the chirping of birds will be a great new feature of your new garden.

 

Let there be light 
Outdoor lighting can go a long way in building the aesthetic. Drape fairy lights along your walls or hang paper lanterns from the ceiling. This is usually cost-effective and easy to remove. However, if you want something permanent, buy new light fixtures for the space. Try to opt for warm lighting. It creates a more cosy ambience.

 

Keep it simple
One of the most effective ways of creating a low-maintenance garden is through terrariums. A terrarium is a glass container with a plant growing inside. It is a usually self-sustaining ecosystem. The evaporated water condenses on the surface of the glass and waters the plant over and over again. Once in place, it requires almost no help to grow. All you need to do is open up the container every so often to fertilize or trim your plants.

 

Seats for all
Do not forget to add some outdoor furniture to the mix. Your balcony could be used for anything from reading to meditation. Seats and throw cushions can help create a comfortable nook. Outdoor swings are an ever-popular choice in India. Choose quick dry foam cushions to avoid rain damage. Make sure whatever furniture you place outside is weather resistant or coated with oil paint.

 

A balcony garden is a very good place to relax and unwind after a long day. The sense of tranquillity that comes from being surrounded by foliage is unparalleled. Big or small, it has a proven effect on your mood and psychological well-being. In a life always on the move, everybody deserves a chance to stop and smell the flowers.

So pick your favourite ideas from this list and create your own handkerchief-sized masterpiece. Happy gardening!


Carpet Cleaning Tips As Per Different Types Of Smears

Got a carpet for your home but it doesn’t look new anymore? These tips will teach you how to clean your carpet effectively and get back that brand new look.

 

  • Regular clean-ups:

    • Your carpet is the main focus of your room. So, keeping it clean by vacuuming it at least once a week or fortnightly is a habit that will extend the life of your carpet.
    • Prevent dust accumulation by doing so, especially if there are children in the house.

how to clean your carpethow to clean your carpet

 

  • Affairs in odour:

    • Baking soda is a regular for getting rid of odours in general and it works just as well on carpets.
    • If your carpet is unattached to the floor, drying it in the sun is the most natural way to get rid of a stench.
    • Another option would be to add 5-7 drops of your favourite essential oil to any cleaning concoction, spritz the carpet and vacuum after a few minutes.

how to clean your carpet how to clean your carpet

 

  • Mould / Mildew:

    • A mixture of lemon juice and salt or hydrogen peroxide (3% or less) and water will help in killing the fungi that cause moulds.
    • A non-chlorine bleach would work just as well but testing it out on an inconspicuous area of the carpet first is advisable.

how to clean your carpet

 

  • Accidental spills:

    how to clean your carpet

    The best way to reduce damage to the carpet due to a spill is by absorbing most of the liquid as quickly as possible with a dry, white cloth. 

     

    • Never rub a stain as it will reinforce the stain/debris into the carpet and wreck the carpet fibres. We cannot stress more on this fact.
    • Work your way inward by starting the blotting process from the edges of the spill.
    • In case of food, pick it up off the carpet and pat the area lightly with a soft, clean paper towel.
    • Apply dry baking soda on the area and let it sit until it foams and pat the area again.
    • Do not rub the stain as it will push the matter deeper inside and make it extremely ugly and difficult to work with later.how to clean your carpet
    • Wine stains can be taken out by first applying cold water and then by using –
      • A generous amount of salt to absorb the liquid
        OR
      • A mixture of a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide (upto 3%) and dish soap. This is best saved for light coloured fabrics as hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent. Spray soapy water and subsequently, lukewarm water after that.
        OR
      • White wine / vodka dilutes the red colour when applied instantly to the red wine spill. Blot the area with a sponge and apply a thick baking soda paste on it. Cover the stain with a clean cloth and apply slight pressure to it. Let it sit overnight and vacuum the baking soda once it is dry.how to clean your carpet
    • Coffee and other stains can be taken out by using ordinary shaving cream or a liberal amount of club soda and letting it stay for a few minutes before spraying it with water.

how to clean your carpet

 

  • Ink blot:

    • Pure alcohol will make your ink worries disappear, because that’s where the magic of alcohol lies. Use alcohol on the ink stain to release it from the fibres.
    • Always blot ink or any other liquid from the outside to the inside to avoid spreading the spill.
    • Shaving cream can also be used to get rid of an ink blot. But, make sure you get rid of the foam that is formed by adding water, dabbing gently and vacuuming.
how to clean your carpet how to clean your carpet

 

  • Greasy smears:

    • Corn flour can help to get rid of sticky messes on the carpet as it dries out the stickiness. But, it must be used immediately.
    • Chewing gum and other sticky substances can also be taken off by using an ice cube to harden them first.

how to clean your carpethow to clean your carpet

 

  • Wane wax:

    • Do not fret if wax has dripped onto your precious carpet, especially if it has dried up. Heating it will make it come off just as easily. Place a white cloth over it and iron the cloth for a little less than 30 seconds to warm it up, so that you can scrape it off with a butter knife.

how to clean your carpet
how to clean your carpet

 

  • Oil aboard / Crying over crayon:

    • One teaspoon of dishwashing liquid (without bleach) should be diluted in one cup of water and sprayed onto the carpet and blotted until the oil / crayon stain lifts.

how to clean your carpet how to clean your carpet

 

  • Blood work:

    • Paper cuts or other causes of blood drops on your carpet shouldn’t raise your blood pressure since the dried blood can be made loose with a concoction of water and a mild detergent. It can then be scraped off. The remaining blood can be removed with hydrogen peroxide. Foaming is normal on application. Blot with a dry towel to finish up.

how to clean your carpet

 

  • Pet peeves:

    • The most well-trained furry friends can accidentally muck up the carpet. One easy, but gradual, DIY solution to this is to create a blend of 30ml of water, 3 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1/2 a cup of citrus fruit peels (like oranges or lemons) in a container. Shake it well and let it sit for 3 months (you read that right) and your naturally prepared suspension will be ready for a cleaning.

how to clean your carpet how to clean your carpet

 

  • Throw ups:

    • Blot as much as you possibly can and dilute it with club soda or baking soda. Then apply 1 tablespoon of ammonia to 10 tablespoons of water and spray it on the soiled area. Let it sit for a few minutes, spray cold water over it and then blot again. Vacuum the area after it has dried.

how to clean your carpet how to clean your carpet

 

  • Water trouble:

    • We know that most of the remedies we have given you make use of water. But, that is because your carpet has already been ruined. Water ruins carpet texture so keep it as far as it can be kept from carpets, unless it is needed for cleaning.
    • In case of a spill, blot the area and absorb as much water as possible with a dry cloth or paper towels.
    • If there is excess moisture in the carpet, place thick white towels on the spot and weigh them down with a heavy object like a big book to add some pressure.

how to clean your carpethow to clean your carpet

 

Quick suggestions:

  • As much as you might have heard about vinegar being a good stain remover, avoid using it since it contains acid and that could ruin the carpet’s delicateness.
  • One obvious piece of advice that we’d like to remind you of is to test any new cleaning method on a small area first.
  • To prevent the carpet from catching rust stains from furniture, place a foil or plastic sheet beneath the legs.
  • If your carpet has lost some colour in the cleaning process, touch it up with a little acrylic paint, felt pens or permanent marker.

 

While looking to buy a home, one of the first things a buyer notices is the condition of the carpet. So, keeping it well-maintained will increase the chances of a sale you’ve been wanting to bag.

how to clean your carpet

 

These solutions cover, pretty much, every carpet complication that could arise and are enough to get you through the tough day you might need them for. Hopefully, you don’t wonder about how to clean your carpet on such a day. Bookmark this guide to access it whenever you need to. Until then, you learn something new every day.

 

Do let us know if you have any additional information relevant to carpet cleaning in the comment section below.

 

how to clean your carpet

 


How to choose room colour

Choose The Right Colour For Every Room Based on Colour Psychology

Wanna know how to choose room colour? Find out here.

 

Have you ever really noticed the patterns of your daily routine? Do you know why you make certain choices over others? Why you chose that shade of yellow in your living room or why you knew that lilac wall would make the room seem very welcoming? Colour, being a non-verbal language, depicts emphasis in a profound manner.

 

The colour you paint your room in signifies the level of comfort you are going to have when you start using it. But colour psychology works on a daily basis, more often that you would realise. So choosing the right colour is just as important as choosing the right room for it. Here, at ApnaComplex, we’ve put together a list of basic colours and the vibe they give away when used as paint. With the guidance rendered in this post, you will now have a well-informed reason to splash your room with the colour of your choice.

 

PURPLE —

Purple, depending on the shade, evokes varying levels of richness and sophistication. It inspires spirituality and prosperity and adds a dash of adventure to an otherwise mundane room. A stylish choice, purple hues encourage a fresh take on issues that are hard to come to conclusions to. Adding depth to a room, purple evokes compassion and humanity.
how to choose room colour

 

PINK —

Pink is a very common colour in a little girl’s room and is accounted for as it represents love and understanding. Hues such as rose, lavender pink and mimi pink are a crowd favourite. Use sophisticated fabrics to avoid a pale and monotonous look in the room. Vivid pinks are also viewed as glamourous and powerful and can be counteracted with blacks and greys. Such hues can be used in entryways as they are transitional spaces in a house and suggest movement, so save brighter pinks for the smaller spaces.
how to choose room colour

 

RED —

Red acts as a stimulator; a stimulator of appetite, conversation, etc. So, it is best to save the reds for the kitchen and dining rooms, but to add flair and depth into your bedroom, one wall can be highlighted with a deep red to make it stand out.
how to choose room colour

 

ORANGE —

Orange is an edifying color and it promotes happiness, warmth, emotional strength, optimism and spontaneity. The living room could do with a hint of orange as it also a social communication enhancer. The kids’ room could also have some orange walls as it aids in creativity and new ideas. This is one of the most underused colours and will add a touch of quirkiness to any room it is used to paint.

how to choose room colour

YELLOW/GOLD —

Yellow symbolizes power and vibrancy and also stimulates health, wisdom and patience. It acts as an excellent mood enhancer. In feng shui, yellow and gold are associated with wealth. These colours can be used in smaller spaces around the house and in entryways, making them seem larger and airier. Avoid using bright yellow hues in calmer sections of the home as they stimulate the nerves.
how to choose room colour

 

GREEN —

Green is the colour of new starts and growth, healing and freshness. It is the primary colour of nature and it encourages stability and rejuvenation and improves concentration. Green tints would do very well in the bedroom, kitchen and study but can be used to spruce up a living room with minimalistic varying textures. The bathrooms could use a little bit of green to make things less monotonous as well.

how to choose room colour

 

AQUA —

A mix of blue and green, aqua, represents youth and helps in inducing a state of relaxation and meditation. Aqua coloured curtains complement white walls and help in reducing sleep difficulties. Aqua ornamentation creates a feel of spirituality.

how to choose room colour

 

BLUE —

A blue room projects tranquility. Blue is said to have relaxing effects on people as it lowers blood pressure, reduces respiration rate and heart rate. Deeper blues infuse wisdom and introspection into the room, but overdoing it can make the room give off a dismal vibe. Blue walls are best saved for family rooms, bedrooms, larger kitchens, bathrooms and for a twist, a powder blue ceiling.
how to choose room colour

 

BLACK —

Black is a colour that adds an essence of contemplation and reflection to a room. It also creates a mysterious element when paired with metallic ornamentation. As a more formal and elegant but magnetic colour, it should be preferably used as an accent colour (complementary colour).

how to choose room colour

 

GREY —

An unknown fact about the colour grey is that it cultivates helpfulness. A harmonious union of black and white, when paired with eye-popping hues of pink, it creates a balance of subtle and bold. Grey is a calming colour with a delicate aura and silver and grey can be used in different tones to create a perception of enchantment and mysticism. It is alluring and charismatic when paired rightly with a red.
how to choose room colour

 

WHITE —

White is a crisp colour that invites clarity, precision and communication and is normally used in kitchens and living rooms. White’s cleanliness and contrast to almost every colour works in any room, especially with woodwork. White also looks dainty when it is used along with grey and provides a seamless background for black furniture.

how to choose room colour

 

BROWN —

Brown is an earthy tone that offers stability and security. It is generally used to highlight bolder colours like orange or lime green. Brown is the colour of wood and wood can be used to add an elegant and warm feel to a room. Browns combined with hues of green, like sage, discourage tension in the room and create a sophisticated mode of living. Brown can be used in the dining room or as an addition to the bedroom paired with a lighter, more airy colour such as aqua or pink.

how to choose room colour

 

How to choose room colour depends on the different hues of these colours that evoke specific emotions. Room colour decisions should always be made keeping in mind the ideal room setting, embellishments and furniture that is used in the room. The colour of paint makes a drastic difference in the perception the room creates about itself since the character of the room is decided by the undertone that the colour projects. A light room with a dark wall can change the perceptive depth of the room, and in addition, the more tranquil / bold your colour is depends on what you would like to see all year long. The ultimate goal is to blend the colours you would like to look at in the most pleasing manner possible.

 

Quick tips

  • Mix and match colours that highlight architectural details and centerpieces in the room.
  • Saturated colours like sunshine yellow and lime green add energy to the room.
  • Cool colours like blue, green and purple make the room look larger and more spacious.
  • Colours on the opposite of a colour wheel normally complement each other, but watch out for overplay.
  • Notice how a color behaves in relation to other colors and shapes, and compare the contrasting effects for a good and balanced feel.
  • Stick to a maximum of four colours per room to keep things lively, but not too busy.
  • Try a few test patches of the colours you’ve chosen to decide what compliments the room best so that it doesn’t tire out your eyes.

 

…And don’t forget!

How to choose room colour

 

Now that we’ve given you a low-down on how to choose room colour, we hope you have an easier decision-making process when it comes to home décor and home improvement. Happy colouring!

how to choose room colour


Home improvement – Utilize your home space efficiently

If you live in a home or an apartment that’s commodious enough for one or two people, but still feel like you could use the space better if you knew how to, these are the home decor tips you should be reading. Today, we show you how to make your home look captivating no matter what the size.

 

  • Seamlessness is key
    • A major piece of wisdom that I’ve gained over time, reading various pieces on apartment décor, is that ‘seamlessness is key’. You want to make your rooms look bigger and you can do that by reducing the breakages in colour and hues on the walls. This technique can be applied to fixtures and conversation pieces as well.

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Matching copper tones on the couch and curtains with creamy tan walls

 

  • Utilising corners effectively
    • Place an oversized chair or accent chair in the nook for a comfy look.
    • Stacking books on corner shelves is a smart way to use that part of a room.

Placing a large chair is an effective way of utilizing corners in a room.

 

  • Lighter shades of paint and flooring
    • Using lighter shades on the walls and floors will make the room look bigger and brighter.

A nursery having light walls and a white carpet.

Lighter walls and flooring create an illusion of a wider space.

 

  • Select furniture that makes the room look sizable
    • Avoid making your rooms look cramped by taking advantage of compact and undersized furniture pieces.

A small rotating shoe rack to keep all kinds of shoes saves space better than you could imagine.

A compact convertible dining table with pull-out chairs.

 

  • Floating shelves
    • Floating shelves are a wonderful alternative to chests and drawers. They offer great storage space while not looking bulky and colossal inside a smaller room.

Floating shelves are a smart way of storing stuff used on a daily basis as well as house decor.

 

  • Curtain tints
    • Buy curtains that create a fusion with the walls with their hue. This improves on the ‘seamlessness’ aspect mentioned earlier.

Curtains with well-chosen tints help make a seamless transition and blend in with the wall.

 

  • Hang a proportionally sized mirror
    • A mirror in the room will make it come alive and reflect light inside it.
    • The bigger the mirror, the larger the room looks.
    • Mirrors can be hung horizontally or vertically to make the room look wider or higher.

Notice how bright the room looks with the mirror on the right.

Add depth to the room with a small wall mirror.

An elongated mirror adding height to the room.

 

  • Use transparent movables
    • Pellucid movables make for a more spacious setting than wood or metallic furniture.

A transparent table in the middle is more suited to a smaller room than a wooden table.

A pellucid chair gives the room an airy feel.

 

  • Furniture that doubles up as storage space
    • Storing regularly used objects beneath that coffee table is a clever approach to getting things out of the way.

A table with storage space underneath.

 

  • Foldable/Collapsible furniture
    • Purchase foldable tables or chairs that maximise space inside the house when they aren’t being used.
      Some of these pieces can double-up as ironing boards or other useful surfaces around the house.

A convertible table used for work and as a dining table as well.

A collapsible wall mounted desk.

 

  • In-built shelves
    • Built-in shelves save up space inside a room like no other. No protrusions jutting out at odd places and no jamming your little toe into the legs of an awkward table anymore.

A built-in corner bookshelf.

 

  • Convertible pieces
    • This revolves around the same logic as foldable furniture.
    • Convertible armchair-beds, sofa-bunk beds or collapsible coffee tables are examples of reusable pieces in the living room and in bedrooms.

A convertible space-saving coffee table.

 

  • Matryoshka furniture
    • This is the kind of furniture you’ve seen pictures of but don’t really know what they are called.
    • Matryoshka furniture is named after the Russian doll or Babushka doll that has figurines of a similar shape and smaller sizes inside it.
    • An extremely useful space saver, Matryoshka furniture can be arranged back into its original shape after being used.
    • It reduces the amount of space that is permanently utilised for seating, as the seats can be organised to your liking.

Matryoshka chairs.

Complete matryoshka furniture set .

 

Extra décor ideas

 

  • Vinyl wall art
    • You can’t go wrong with vinyl wall stickers. They are one of the cheapest and quickest ways to transform any room and make it come alive.

Vinyl wall art gives a distinctive look to any room it is used in.

Vinyl alphabet stickers are a fun way to decorate a play room.

 

  • Accommodating greenery in your humble abode
    • Vertical garden displays are not the norm yet, but are a great way of making your house seem less like a concrete box. They bring more of a balanced look and make it a ‘living’ room.
    • This idea is definitely worth a shot, in our opinion. No harm done with extra oxygen around the house, right?

Herb garden in a kitchen.

This room was ‘planted’.

 

  • Wall photo collage
    • Instead of using frames and bulking down the room, creating a collage of pictures in a particular shape would be more practical and fun to look at.

A heart-shaped wall photo collage.

Photographs hung on a wall with lights.

 

  • Decorating the walls with wall tape and foil tape
    • Using washi tape (decorative wall tape) is another way of revamping a dull wall.
    • Foil tape can be used to create designs on a wall, and if done correctly, it can lift the ambience of the room to a point that the room would be unrecognisable.
    • It is the ultimate DIY activity that can be done by anyone from scratch. Pick a design and start taping.

Washi tape used to create frames for pictures.

A skyline made out of washi tape.

Foil tape used as a design on a blank wall.

 

  • String art
    • String art is an easy and fun pastime and you can create any kind of pattern by practising it a little bit.
    • Once you’ve made a design that you think looks like the initial idea you had, put it up on a wall that needs some TLC.
    • Your hard work will surely pay off with all the compliments and admiration coming your way.

 A dandelion made out of strings and pins.

String art of a dog paw.

 

 

Having a smaller space to live in can be very interesting if you make it that way. Rooms, no matter what size, can be altered by the furnishings and embellishments one places in them. Smaller homes can be a challenge to decorate but it is a very enjoyable experience. If you know what you’re doing and you know you’re doing it the right way, the end result is bound to leave you more than just satisfied. Try these suggestions to visually expand room sizes and you won’t be let down. In fact, your home will undoubtedly look as fresh as paint.

home decor home Open-Plan-Layout-of-Living-Room-with-Swivel-Chair-in-The-Corner-and-Yellow-Padded-Backrest


Apna Monsoon Guide – Prepare Your Home For The Rains

Are the rains slowing down your city every year? Is everything always at a standstill? Breeze through life with these tips to prepare yourself for the rainy days.

It’s that time of the year again when the rain gods decide that it’s their turn to rain on your parade. The rainy season, paradoxically, is one of the most loved and detested seasons from among the rest. The increase in water content everywhere you look, and being forced into living with it, is what makes it difficult to like. But that’s also the foremost reason why people look forward to the rains; to look outside their window and sip on a hot beverage or to take in the petrichor emanating from the ground.

You surely want to enjoy that in the best possible surrounding. So why let anything under your control ruin something so idyllic? Simple observation skills are all you need. Here are some pointers to implement around your humble abode and garden area to keep them safe from the rains.

  • EXTERNAL PREPARATION –
    • Roof –
      • Inspect the roof from ground level and check for any leakages, damages, ageing and cracks.
      • Check whether the tiling is in place and whether there are any cracks in the chimney. Loose tiling and cracks are congruent to direct exposure to intense weather conditions.
      • Look for damp patches in your loft that will help you prevent extreme leakages once the rains begin.
      • Make sure your television satellite dish is secured tightly to the roof.
      • Inspections of the roof must be done at least twice a year.
      • Outside light penetrating the roof shows that there is most probably an orifice that shouldn’t exist.
    • Gutters –
      • Gutters are meant to clear out water from the area. A clear gutter is the only way it is functional.
      • Keep the gutters clear from debris, dead leaves and other blockages by cleaning them weekly to avoid clogging.
      • Tight-fitting wire mesh traps leaves and dirt while allowing water through.
    • Garden space –
      • Trim any low hanging trees and creepers.
      • Clear out dead branches to prevent them from falling during the rains.
      • Garden equipment, tools and furniture can get extremely damaged in wet weather. Create suitable conditions to keep the furniture dry by keeping it inside or under a roof. You can also apply a waterproofing treatment to wooden garden furniture.

 

  • INTERNAL PREPARATION –
    • Doors & windows –
      • Study your doors and windows and make sure they have secure sealing, and check if any repairs are required.
      • Fireplaces, skylights and other orifices or vents need to be scrutinised.
    •  Ceiling and walls –
      • Check for leakages and damp patches. They will most definitely reoccur and expand if they aren’t dealt with immediately.
      • Dark spots on the walls and ceilings could be moulds or condensation, and the underlying cause or leakage must be catered to.
    •  Draught proofing –
      • Door and window seals (brush, rubber etc.) help seal them against draught, light, smoke, odours, insects and dust.
      • They help retain heat inside the house too.
    •  Emergency kit –
      • Always keep an emergency kit well-stocked at home. Your kit should be easily accessible and should include:
        • Essential medication.
        • Flashlights and extra batteries.
        • Candles/oil lamps/battery operated lamps and plenty of matchboxes or a lighter.
        • Non-perishable, dry food and drinking water.
        • A list of useful phone numbers.
        • A battery-operated radio.
        • A first aid kit and a disinfectant.
        • Blankets.

 

  • MISCELLANEOUS PREP –
    • Switch off your sprinkler system, if you have one.
    • Treat damp patches before they spread.
    • If you live on the ground floor, plan on accommodating most of your furniture to the highest space in the house, in the event of a flood.
    • Also, sandbags can be used during extreme flooding conditions. They act as a barrier by preventing water from entering for short periods of time. Using them along with plastic sheeting improves their utility.
    • Avoid using ladders during adverse weather conditions as it could prove to be fatal.
    • Keep valuables and documents safe in waterproof bags and store them in higher places inside the house.
    • Inspect your basement and check whether resealing is required in case there is water seeping in.
    • Buy tarpaulin to protect heavy household items that are difficult to move, like sofas and beds.
    • An emergency plan – Pre-plan what you would do at the time of an emergency.

Some important lessons to keep in mind before the rain hits us all –

When life gives you a rainy day, play in the puddles. But don't let your house become one.

But don’t let your house become one.

 

Let the rain wash away all the pain of yesterday. Just make sure your furniture is here to stay...

 

 

 

Just make sure your furniture is here to stay.

 

 

 

 

…Or else you might end up saying this to your doors and windows.

Take precautions or else you might end up saying this to your doors and windows.

 

A penny for your thoughts on this one –

A penny for your thoughts on this one.

 

Anyway, the most important message that we get from the rain is that –

...Or at least successfully preparing yourself to face its wrath.

 

 

…Or at least successfully preparing yourself to face its wrath.

 

 

 

Keep in mind that extreme weather conditions can cause serious damages on the insides, as well as the outsides, of your house. This, in turn, would increase unexpected costs and become troublesome to deal with. Follow the above-mentioned steps to avoid most issues arising from the rains, and try to stay as happy as this little guy.

He's all set for the rains. Are you?