Property Snake

Category: Home Improvement

  • 20 Best Game Room Decor Ideas to Make Your Gaming Room Attractive

    20 Best Game Room Decor Ideas to Make Your Gaming Room Attractive

    For avid gamers, having a dedicated gaming room is necessary to enjoy playing. Whether it’s arcade games like Mario Bros., action games like Start Wars or racing games, a separate space is excellent for entertaining yourself.

    Video games are a great time pass, but setting up a gaming room can be costly. Especially, when you intend to play the latest games, you may need a lot of additional resources.

    Basically, your game station needs to maintain a balance between comfort and functionality. For example, you can use the computer in the gaming room to play games with friends as well as for office work.

    If you’re confused about how to set up your game space, here we’ve mentioned some cool and best gaming room ideas.

    20 Best Gaming Room Decorating Ideas

    1. Light Panels

    Lights play an essential role in the gaming experience. If you have a small game station, add a huge light bar above your monitor to make the room look big. You can use light colors in the room to generate a cool ambiance. Or, adding ambient light will also enhance the gamer’s mood.

    2. Themed Decoration and Furniture

    Theme-based decoration with a perfect gaming setup creates an exclusive and neat design. Some fun but comfortable furniture, dual monitors, themed tables like Nintendo Retro or Star Wars, high-end home theater speakers and an advanced PC can complete the setup.

    3. Cubicle Type Game Room

    Size matters while planning a gaming room setup. If you have a small cubicle game room, simply put two reclining chairs in front of the screen. Attach the sound system to the wall on both sides of the computer. Also, place the games close to the chairs so that you can reach them at any time.

    4. Gaming Home Office

    Since due to the pandemic, most people did work from home, it’s the best idea to transform the home office into a cool gaming station. You can do work as well as enjoy gaming while taking a break. Simply, divide the area with a screen divider or place a laptop for office work and a big monitor to play.

    5. Bedroom Gaming Room

    If you have a roommate, then you can easily turn it into a gaming room. Use a desk to place the monitor and ambient lighting around it and the bed will create a marvelous ambiance. Even, the TV can be mounted on the wall along with an extended arm. So, it becomes easier to move it and you can watch games from the bed also.

    6. Attic Game Station

    When there’s lack of space, you can design a fun game room in your attic. This is also ideal for hosting your friends at the weekend. Mount the TV on the wall, put the speakers on the floor and instead of heavy furniture, simple use floor cushions or bean bags to sit.

    7. Living Room Game Station

    Set up the game station in the living room if you’ve a large space. You can mount a smart TV and other additional gaming devices on the wall. Then to complete the set up, place a comfortable sofa. 

    8. Futuristic Gaming Station

    This is one of the awesome video game room ideas. The entire game station is illuminated with colorful lighting from top to bottom. Or, you can also choose white color lighting under the computer and blue for the gaming gadgets to produce a futuristic light decoration. Then, attach an extremely comfortable gaming chair where you can spend the entire day. The collaboration of massive screens and speakers make this room perfect for game addicts.

    9. Small Lighting Gaming Room

    It sometimes becomes difficult to install background lighting in a small space. Otherwise, lights from the computer will hurt your eyes. If you set up a small gaming room, you can use spotlights and attach them to the ceiling. The dark color of the gaming systems and furniture can generate pleasant lighting.

    10. Kid Gaming Room

    Color is the key while creating a game room for kids. Paint the walls with bright colors or install bright lighting all over the room. Additionally, place colorful rainbow rugs on the floor to make the room more interesting for them.

    11. Retro Gaming Room

    For game console collectors, a retro gaming room idea is the best option. The main aim is to design the room with gaming consoles. You can hook up the consoles on the wall on both sides of the PC/smart TV. Add your favorite game posters on the wall or place e Star Wars figure to finish the setup.

    12. light-Colored Flooring

    In a small room, adding light-colored flooring is one of the cool gaming room ideas. It not only gives an impression of a larger area but also creates a wonderful visual. Complete the design with large monitors and dark color gaming devices surrounding the seating area.

    13. Small Video Game Corner

    Sometimes you only need a few things to make it a great gaming room. For example, a big monitor, some gaming accessories and a comfortable chair are enough to set up the room. To add some perks, use glow-in-the-dark ceiling lights.

    14. Colorful Gaming Accessories

    Adding coloring accessories and ambient lights is a cool gaming room idea. Pick up a neon-colored keyboard, coloring storage boxes, dark-colored speaker boxes and a fantastic wall art behind the screen. You can also add LED light strips around the table to create a colorful room.

    15. Arcade Style Game Room

    A large living room can be turned into an awesome video game room by adding a desk, a comfortable chair and two gaming spots. The desk works as a game console as well as the home office. If you’re fond of racing games, add a racing chair with four screens to feel the ultimate gaming vibe. 

    16. Playful Decoration with Basic Setup

    A smart way to upgrade the basic setup is through some playful decoration. It’s a unique video game room idea where you add action figures and use ambient lights to elevate the look. Also, stick some action games posters on the wall to add more playfulness.

    17. Tetris Blocks

    Having some colorful blocks on the wall is one of the epic video game room decoration ideas. You can purchase colorful tiles in different shapes, adhere them to the wall and the room will look like a Tetris game. It’s a simple and cheap way to create a colorful and fun gaming room.

    18. Rustic Game Room

    If you want an old-school vibe, try adding a Foosball table or arcade machine in the game room. Besides, you need to work out on the retro decoration like adding vintage lighting fixtures or a bar sign. It can be an awesome arcade game room idea.

    19. Industrial Decoration with Accent Ceiling

    The accent wall is typically common so you can try an accent ceiling in the game room. You can use wallpapers on the ceiling or add dark colors on it. If you’re creative, then customize the design with materials you can find in the house.

    20. Modest Modern Game Room

    A modest modern video game room is one of the fascinating gaming room ideas. It doesn’t need too much accessories or devices. All you need is a large smart TV and two reclining chairs on the floor. Also, mount a pair of speakers on the wall and you’re good to go.

    These are the 20 cool video gaming room ideas for you to try. You can also add your own customization and creativity for more fun. So, now turn your ordinary room into a fantastic game room.

  • 15 Attractive Coffee Station Ideas for All Coffee Lovers

    15 Attractive Coffee Station Ideas for All Coffee Lovers

    If you’re a coffee holic, you probably have a habit of making coffee frequently at home. So, a coffee station must be an important addition to your daily life. But it’s not only about having a chair, table or some coffee cups but also it needs to highlight the way of your living.

    So, here we’ve mentioned 15 brilliant coffee station ideas to give you a pleasant coffee bar experience in your own home.

    1. Customize Cabinets and Racks

    You can customize the coffee station with a cabinet and wooden racks. This simple set-up can appear more fascinating with metal hooks to hang cups, a floating shelf for a wire rack, a small flower vase or a large letter as your initial.

    2. Artwork

    Do you want colors in the coffee station? Then instead of a plain cabinet, try artsy coffee bar ideas. You can add colorful artwork on the wall and place a mug tree to hang some porcelain mugs.

    3. Coffee Nook

    In case you have a cozy space and can’t use it for other things, you may turn it into a little coffee nook. This will be the spot for making your favorite coffee and storing the mugs and other coffee accessories.

    4. Corner Cabinet Coffee Bar

    Turn the corner of the kitchen into your mini coffee bar. You can place a small coffee cabinet and decorate it with wooden shelves, a mirror countertop and cafe-style wall stickers. 

    5. Vintage Style Coffee Bar

    If you’re fond of vintage style, then you could use this theme to decorate the coffee station. Design a white coffee bar with rich textures and classic old-looking decorative items.

    6. Season Themed Coffee Station

    It would be the best idea to decorate your coffee station based on the current season. Thus, you can have more color options and decorative items. For example, you can design an autumn coffee corner with dried, red leaves hanging.

    7. Colors and Photo Frames

    Adding some colors or colorful accessories can be a great idea. The coffee station depicts the family life of the owner. So, family photographs above the coffee cabinet can give you a pleasant feeling in the morning. Additionally, put colorful or cartoon-themed coffee mugs, cups and pots to provide a joyful appearance.

    8. Coffee Machine Cart

    Give the office coffee station a modern look with a coffee machine cart. This is very useful to place many cups, a coffee machine, snacks and other items.

    9. Corner Coffee Station At Work

    Build a mini coffee station in the corner of your office. It takes small space and you can easily place some elegant white coffee mugs, a coffee machine, a playful arrow and a calendar there.

    10. Homemade Cabinet

    Try out a coffee bar cabinet made with wood. It gives a rustic look to this place. 

    11. Modern Furniture

    With the correct coffee bar furniture and decor, it’s possible to transform almost any area into your personal cafe. Use wooden furniture with a stylish look and put a deep color coffee maker, coffee pod holder and mugs on it. You can also add any decorative item like an old record player.

    12. Stack The Mugs

    Besides hanging the mugs, you can also stack them on top of each other in a proper manner. This gives an organized look to the coffee setup.

    13. Attractive Storage Containers

    When it comes to storing coffee powder or sugar, you can keep them in attractive jars, enhancing the look. Buy some ceramic decorative containers and clear jars to place.

    14. Accent Wall Coffee Corner

    Though many people prefer warm and neutral colors while designing a coffee station, you can go for a colorful palette with an accent wall. Simply add it behind the coffee setup and it’ll pop up instantly.

    15. Wooden Cart 

    Get a portable wooden cart to place coffee and chocolate. You can place this cart indoors or outdoor so that your guests can have more drinking options.

    These are some best and most unique coffee station decor ideas. Try out the design of your choice and make the coffee setup more appealing.

  • 13 Cheap Ways to Block Neighbors View in Backyard

    13 Cheap Ways to Block Neighbors View in Backyard

    Do you want your neighbors peeking at you while you’re enjoying in the swimming pool or just sitting in the garden? Of course not. It’s awkward as well as intervening in your privacy.

    So, how can you keep yourself away from neighbors prying eyes? Thankfully, there’re many effective and cheap ways to block neighbors’ view.

    You can opt for natural barriers like vines, trees, or shrubs in the backyard. Alternatively, installing a fence and wall are also great options to protect privacy. The best part is they’re all affordable, so you don’t have to invest a fortune in them.

    This article has presented different cheap ways to block a neighbor’s view and add privacy to your backyard.

    13 Cheap Ways to Block Neighbors’ View

    Though there’re several privacy solution ideas, some of them can be out of your budget. Aside from that, you’ll also need to think about the city’s building code, neighborhood and other rules about the property.

    So considering all these rules and requirements, we’ve listed ten cheap ways that you can afford to block neighbors’ view.

    1. Install Fence

    One of the best ways is to install a fence to ensure privacy in the garden patio or backyard. You can select from different types of fencing like metal, wooden, chain link, etc., based on your budget.

    Corrugated metal is considered to be the cheapest material for fencing. It’s highly durable, sustainable and recyclable. The biggest benefit is corrugated metal fences can act as a noise barrier.

    On the other hand, wooden fences are also a good option. They’re easy to install, light weighted and cost-effective. You can build it by yourself using wooden boards and then color them to make the fencing attractive.

    Although conventional vertical wooden slat fencing is good, it looks quite bigger. Instead, you can install horizontal wooden slats covered with a lattice. This will give the fencing a nicer and softer appearance. You can also try chain-link fencing. This is also inexpensive and requires low maintenance.

    2. Grow Hedges

    Hedges are a great boundary plant for your backyard screening. You can plant soft trees or structures to help block the unwanted view. That would be far more pleasant. For example, you can plant Conifer, Golden Leylandii, Italian Cypress, Purple Beech, etc. 

    Italian Cypress can grow over 70 feet and they grow fast. They’ll block the lower windows as well as the upper ones in the house, giving you the privacy you want. 

    Most importantly, it’s a natural way to block a neighbor’s view. Besides, you can enjoy the greenery and refreshing air around the house. 

    Just make sure you choose the right plant according to the weather and water them regularly. They also may need trimming or pruning once or twice a year. Thus, you can apply this idea to set up a privacy screen.

    3. Hang Outdoor Curtains

    Hanging outdoor curtains in the backyard is an inexpensive way to block your neighbors’ view. They’re easy to install and convenient to use.

    Even you can select blackout curtains for outdoors. Such curtains will ensure that the neighbors won’t get a chance to spy on your activities.

    Before hanging the curtains, ensure that you use a strong metal rod or bar to attach the curtains.

    4. Layered Plants

    You can plant different types of small trees, shrubs, and perennials to give a naturalistic ambiance. If you plant trees and group them up, then it can provide great privacy to keep you away from prying eyes. 

    5. Use Wooden Boards

    There are different shapes and sizes of wooden boards are available in the market at a low cost. Louver, vertical board, Staggered wooden board or horizontal wooden fence are a few best options. These boards are budget friendly and offer great privacy as well. 

    6. Create a Container Garden

    A container garden can be a smart idea to stop neighbors from peeking over. Container gardening allows you to build a special garden with potted plants like a large shrub or clumping bamboo. You can place it in such a way as to make a fence around your garden patio. Containers also change the entire look of the outdoors. Just make sure to use lightweights pots, so you can move them easily anywhere.

    7. Overhead Shade

    Try this out if you wish to block the neighbors living in a 2-story apartment next to you. Using this kind of shade comes with two major advantages.

    Firstly, it prevents others from looking into your backyard or patio. Secondly, it protects you from the heat in summer.

    You can install a permanent overhead shade or a temporary one like an oversized movable umbrella.

    8. Create Canvas Wall

    An extremely cheap way to block views from neighbors is to form a canvas wall. The main difference with an outdoor curtain is the wall is permanent and more structured. If your neighbors live too close, apply this backyard privacy idea to get privacy and relax.

    9. Fast Growing Tree Planting

    You can plant a single long tree or a few shrubs in the backyard, garden or patio to block neighbors’ view. You can also consider planting a big tree in the garden’s center. When you’re selecting the tree, go for evergreen trees.

    After all, you wouldn’t want privacy only in summer and all open in winter. So, it’s better to plant an all-year-round evergreen tree to get greenery and privacy.

    Furthermore, if you want a temporary privacy solution, you can place large potted plants in a straight row. Fast-growing trees like Bamboo, Boxwood or Cactus are a great option in this case.

    Planting trees and shrubs is actually a more cost-effective idea than installing a fence.

    10. Install Outdoor Privacy Screen

    When the neighbor is prying on you, it can be an advantageous step. You can install an outdoor privacy screen on the patio while relaxing. This will keep unwanted persons away from intruding on your privacy.

    Most parts of the outdoor screens are built using fabric sheets that are secured to the iron panels. The exterior look is extremely lightweight that provides a nice look.

    Consequently, it’s easier to move and place them anywhere on the patio or backyard. Additionally, you can fold and store them after using them.

    You can pick from multiple types of outdoor screens such as metal, wooden, roll-up shades, etc. They’re affordable and readily available. That’s why it might be your best option if you’re looking for a cheap privacy solution with good quality.

    11. Use Trellis

    Using a trellis is another low-cost way to add privacy to your patio or deck. Installing a trellis is very easy and not that big compared to a fence.

    You can further decorate the trellis with climbing plants and flowers. This can be a center of attraction in your outdoor area.

    12. Add Vines

    Vines can be an amazing addition to this list to help break the view.

    You can simply put some planters with vines under the trellis. Then the vines will climb upon the trellis and create a beautiful look into the garden. Not to mention, it’ll also prevent your nosy neighbors from peeking.

    13. Use Lattice Screen

    A lattice screen is one of the cheapest alternatives to keep sneaky neighbors away from you.

    When creating a lattice screen, natural materials like wood are a good choice. You can also use plastic to form this screen.

    But it’s recommended to use wood or other natural material as an eco-friendly option. Moreover, they’re available in various sizes, shapes and colors. You can also customize them as per your choice.

    Summary

    These are some affordable and easy-to-install ways to block a neighbor’s view. Hopefully, after trying out the ideas, you can enjoy your privacy on the front porch, swimming pool or garden in the backyard. So, you don’t have to be worried about being watched by anybody. Also, if you’re looking for small deck ideas on a budget, check our guide on stunning small deck ideas for your backyard.

  • 12 Creative and Easy Ways to Cover A Doorway Without A Door

    12 Creative and Easy Ways to Cover A Doorway Without A Door

    If you’re looking for ideas to cover a door opening, you’re at the right place. There’re many creative yet simple ways that you can try without an expert’s help.

    You may have a doorway without a door, an unused entrance or lost a door. So, hiding or covering it can be the best option. Covering that doorway has several advantages. Like you can control the room temperature, decorate your home, increase privacy and so on.

    Different types of materials and alternatives are there to do the job. You can choose from common things like curtains or beaded strings to unusual decorative items like wallpapers or folding screens. If you get confused, here we’ve provided easy ideas to cover the door opening.

    How Do You Cover a Doorway Without Door

    1. Doorway Curtains

    When you want to hide or cover the door, curtains are the easiest and cheapest option. They are very easy to install and you can change them at any time. 

    Having a curtain on the front door comes with many benefits. It gives a stunning look to the door as well as a great way for heat loss in the room. 

    Not to mention, curtains on the door opening ensure privacy. This idea is also extremely useful for parents as they can hear the baby crying across the curtained doorway.

    2. Bookcase

    In case you don’t want to install a door between your living and dining room, you can choose a stylish bookcase to separate them. Thus you can easily transform your doorway into an important place.

    3. Roman Shades

    Many people use Roman shades to cover their windows. But you can use roman shades for your doorways as well. These shades are generally made of bamboo or different types of fabrics.

    This is a great solution as you can slide it up whenever needed and down when you need privacy. You can even hang this shade over a transparent glass door to get more privacy. 

    The best part is you’ll find a variety of models and sizes of these shades in the market. Also, they are very easy to clean and most of them are machine washable.

    4. Barn Doors

    The idea of having a barn door is an exceptional alternative for those who don’t prefer a conventional hinged door. Such doors are like sliding doors that can free up your space.

    To get a clean look, you can install the barn door the same as your wall’s color. There’re mainly three popular barn door types, glass, paneled and flush. You can select according to your preference and room design.

    5. Shoji Doors

    If you’re fond of the Japanese lifestyle, you can install shoji sliding doors like them. They are great looking, simple, and elegant. These doors will provide proper privacy and let some light come inside.

    These doors are usually made of hard fiber rice paper which makes them lightweight. You can easily slide them in and out whenever needed. 

    6. Folding Screen

    An ideal way to cover your door opening is to place a folding screen in front of the doors. It not only adds extra privacy but also gives you flexibility because you don’t have to open the entire door always.

    The best thing about having a folding screen is that it’s easy to fold the filters whenever you require to use the door. Additionally, the screen adds an extra layer of visual appearance to the room by doubling as mirrors or photo frames.

    7. Beaded Curtains

    When you’re searching for a way to cover the storage, brighten up any space or have some privacy, beaded curtains can be your pick. You can also choose it as a fun party theme or hang it in the kids’ room. It’s a beautiful decorative item that can transform your interior.

    Though bead curtains have some drawbacks. Kids and pets might often play with it and get choked.

    8. White Wallpaper

    Wallpaper may sound unusual, but you can install wallpaper on most interior doors. It’s a very easy and quick way to decorate any bland door and give a distinctive look to the room.

    9. Curtains for Closet Doors

    Many people use curtains as a replacement for closet doors. This has many benefits like adding colors to the room, maximizing the space and also covering the closer door opening. You can also pick a color matching the window curtains.

    10. Indoor Privacy Screens

    Indoor screens are for increasing privacy and space as well as hiding your door. You can place it anywhere in the house. Whether it’s the dining or living room, indoor screens blend well with any interior decor.

    Further, they’re very helpful for blocking the sun if you want to. You can get such screens for a very low price or make them by yourself.

    11. Attic Access Door

    Although it might sound quite unfamiliar, an attic access door is something that you can push up to enter the attic. The most common types of attic doors are made of a drywall remnant or a thin sheet of plywood. 

    These are usually spring loaded so when you push up the door and pull a nearby cord, the stairs will come out easily. Generally, metal or wood is used to make the stairs and you can easily fold up them.

    12. Rugs

    If you want to give your doorway a unique and colorful texture without using curtains, you can use rugs to cover your doorway. This is indeed a unique way that will make a new striking statement for home decor. 

    They will low down the sounds coming from outside and offer both quality and elegance to your home design. 

    So, these are some cool ideas for you to cover door openings. They’re quite easy and affordable for hiding the doors. Try them out and tell us which one you like the most. If you know any more ways, please share them with us in the comment section.

  • 20 Cute Room Decor Ideas to Decorate Your Room

    20 Cute Room Decor Ideas to Decorate Your Room

    Decorating a room may seem to be challenging, especially when it’s a teen room. There’re plenty of ideas from wall colors to artwork to give the rooms a make-over. So, here are the creative yet cute room decor ideas to try out for giving your room a new look.

    1. Starry String Light

    It can be the ideal bedroom decor that can make any teenage girl feel like a princess. You can easily implement it by yourself. Just take two dowel rings, some hooks, hang transparent fabric on the two sides of your bed and hang the LED string lights.

    2. Pom Pom Rug

    If you have leftover pom pom, use them to make a beautiful rug to place on the floor. You can also make it on your own by customizing its color and shape.

    3. Pom Pom Chair

    You may want to give your study chair a colorful look with pom pom.

    4. Customize Stickers

    Decorating the room with some beautiful and cute wall stickers is a great idea. You can customize the design, pattern and size of the stickers. 

    5. Cardboard Sequin or Glitter Letter Sayings

    Cardboard sequin monogram letters or glitter letters are a fun decor idea that can sparkle the room. You can customize the quotes, colors, fonts and sequins of your choice.

    6. DIY Yarn Chandelier

    To make a super creative DIY yarn chandelier, all you need are some balloons and yarn or thick crochet string of your favorite colors.

    7. DIY Photo Frame

    Photo frames are a great way to enhance your room as well as to show off the memories. You can use plain strings or LED light strings to make a DIY photo frame for polaroids. Or, make a frame with cardboard, and some coloring paper and decorate it with your creative ideas.

    8. DIY Hammock Chair

    The hammock chair is very easy to build. A DIY cute hammock chair in the bedroom or side balcony can give your room a new look, especially if you want a place just for hanging.

    9. Handmade Doily Lamp

    It’s time to highlight the room with some doily lamps. You need big balloons, some lace or lace tablecloths, glue and lamps to start making it.

    10. Jar of Dreams

    Do you wish to write down your dreams? Then you can put a small jar of dreams in the bedroom, where you write about the dreams or wishes on paper and place them in the jar. It gives you the inspiration to fulfill your wishes.

    11. Custom Wallpaper

    You can create the look and atmosphere you’ve desired by installing wallpapers on the walls. Choose the colors, patterns and designs for the wallpapers and make the room appears to be traditional, modern or funny.

    12. Coloring Hangers

    Simply spray paint or wrap with coloring wools on the plain wooden hangers. It makes a nice customize closet.

    13. Colorful Ceiling Fan

    You can use colorful tapes or washi tape on the ceiling fan.

    14. Vibrant Bedsheet

    Put a vibrant-colored bedsheet on the bed. Also, try to hang a colorful frame on the back wall or a crafty pom pom garland and place piles of pillows.

    15. Bejeweled Photo Collage Letters

    Almost everyone especially teen girl loves photographs. So, it would be a great idea to show off their favorite pictures on a wooden letter.

    16. DIY Marquee Letter

    Just grab cardboard and create a marquee light letter. You can also create your entire name with this process.

    17. Pom Pom Lampshade

    If there’s an old or lampshade in the house, add some pom pom on it and place it in the corner.

    18. DIY Plastic Spoon Mirror

    Do you want a creative mirror design? Get some plastic spoons and decorate a plain mirror with them.

    19. Hanging Flowers Vase

    A floral painting or a hanging vase with some nice flowers can instantly freshen up the room and make it look beautiful. You can hang favorite flowers besides the window and watch them to grow.

    20. DIY Door Decorations

    Decorating the doors with cute stickers, a flower basket, a wall hanging made with lace or a large wreath is a brilliant idea and an easy project you can do at home.

  • 12 Stunning Small Deck Ideas for Your Backyard On A Budget

    12 Stunning Small Deck Ideas for Your Backyard On A Budget

    Do you want a nice and cozy deck in the backyard but it’s out of your budget? Not only you but many people step back when it comes to setting up a deck as it seems highly expensive. Don’t worry. In this guide, you’ll find the best small deck ideas on a budget.

    Sometimes, having a beautiful front yard landscape and structure is not sufficient to make your home unique. A small but creative deck in the backyard can be a trendy addition to the home.

    The deck is a great place to spend time with family and friends or host a party. Further, it not only creates an amazing visual appearance but also increases property value.

    So, if you wish to build a small deck outside the home, here’re some low-budget deck ideas for you.

    1. Wooden Deck

    Wood is an affordable material to build and design a deck. Many people prefer wooden decks for their natural look, sustainability and high durability features.

    You can build it in a small space and make it a comfortable spot. A wooden deck is ideal for hosting a grill or pool party for friends. A small deck outside the living room is a great way to throw a big party.

    2. Staining the Deck and Place Railings

    There’s another great way to redecorate your old deck or build a new one. You can stain the deck to make it waterproof and protect it from moisture, rot or mold.

    Then, you can place railings to add extra security. This will also add comfort to the backyard deck.

    3. Add Benches

    Benches can be a great option for your backyard deck if you have a big family or love to invite guests more often. They looks very stylish and you don’t need to spend much money on them. You can even make some benches by your own and give them attractive looks.

    This will make a lot of sitting place so that you can host dinners, through parties and spend some precious time with your family and friends.

    4. Build A Stone and Brick Patio

    You can create a welcoming feature to the deck with the attractive stone and brick patio. It’s easy to maintain and adds a nicer look to your deck. This may be time-consuming, but you can make it by yourself with the right tools and a proper design.

    5. Add A Fire Pit and Pergola

    The next idea you can try to make your backyard look stunning is by adding a fire pit and pergola. A pergola is an outdoor garden structure that creates a shaded walkway or sitting area of vertical pillars supporting cross beams and rafters. It’s not very expensive and can be made easily with durable wood.

    Then you can make the sitting arrangement under the shade and impress your guests. 

    6. Floating Pallet Deck

    If you have piles of wood pallets stacked in the corner, you can build a DIY floating deck. This type of deck isn’t attached to the house and they look like floating above the ground.

    While building it, make gaps between the pallets. This will help in air circulation and give a different look than a conventional deck. Alternatively, you can try an interlocking style wooden pallet deck for long-lasting.

    If you want the deck in contrasting colors, paint the wooden flooring with a deeper hue and maintain the raw wood color. 

    To complete the deck design, place a fire pit in the middle of the deck to get a warm feel while sitting there. 

    7. Install An Outdoor Kitchen

    Since a deck is a common place for dining and gathering, installing an outdoor kitchen can be a great addition. 

    Stainless steel kitchen station is an inexpensive option that comes in different configuration styles. It’s easy to build, lightweight, recyclable and requires low maintenance.

    8. Build A Pool or Jacuzzi

    It’s great fun to hang out with friends in a pool on your backyard deck. Depending on the wood’s durability, you can easily build an above-ground pool deck or jacuzzi. But make sure that your deck is strong enough to hold a heavy pool.

    9. Paint the Deck

    If you’ve just built the deck, give it a fresh coat of paint for a different look. Paint will also protect the deck from water and weather damage.

    Acrylic paint is the better option as it is UV-resistant and needs less maintenance. Whether it’s a lumber or redwood deck, this paint works great with all kinds. On the other hand, oil-based paints are slow drying, but it helps to fill the gaps or cracks in between the surface.

    10. Hang Planters

    When you’re low on budget, then go creative to add beauty to the deck. Hanging planters is not only pocket-friendly but also need minimum maintenance.

    You can hang some year-round flower plants or try seasonal flowers. This will make your deck a pleasant place to enjoy.

    11. Add A Privacy Screen

    If you don’t want the neighbors to sneak on you, consider adding a privacy screen to the deck. You can make a DIY screen or buy a metal or wooden outdoor privacy screen.

    12. Set Up A Movie Theatre

    There’s nothing quite like watching movies with friends and family in the backyard. So, rather than going outside for movies, set up your own movie theatre on the backyard deck.

    Building an outdoor theatre is cost-effective. All you need is a simple projector, a big portable screen/sheet and a sound system.

    Final Note

    Building or remodeling a deck isn’t always costly. With a proper plan, affordable materials and a set of tools, you can easily set up a small deck by yourself. 

    Follow this article to get some simple yet creative deck ideas when you’re on a low budget. Hopefully, you find this helpful enough. Let us know in the comment section which idea you love the most and also share if you’ve anything better in mind.

  • 20 Cheap Simple Front Yard Landscaping Ideas to Make your Home Attractive

    20 Cheap Simple Front Yard Landscaping Ideas to Make your Home Attractive

    Creating a lavish landscape for the house is quite expensive. Not everyone can afford costly materials or fancy yard and garden accessories. Moreover, hiring professional landscape designers isn’t always economical.

    The process of landscaping is indeed pricey for mansions and large homes. But if you have a normal home and want to create landscape design on a small budget, here’s the guide for you. Today we’re going to tell you some DIY cheap simple front yard landscaping ideas that’ll change the visual features you presently have.

    1. Brick Edging

    A properly organized border of bricks can perfectly depict the boundary between the grass or flower bed and the garden. Edging not only enhances the flower bed look but also keeps other rambling plants away from the flowers.

    You can make easy and affordable edging with some pavers or stone bricks. The bricks come in similar shapes, so it’s not difficult to create the edge. 

    You need a hammer or flathead shovel and a wooden piece to lay the bricks rigidly into the ground.

    2. Chandelier Planter

    If you have an old chandelier at home, you can turn it into a planter. It’s a great DIY landscaping idea where you replace the bulb holders with some little terra cotta pots and paint them. Then add soil and plant some flowers into it.

    3. Bird Feeder Chandelier

    It’s another nice makeover of your old vintage chandelier. With it, you can recreate the front yard and attract many birds to your garden.

    Simply replace the bulbs, attach some feeder jars, paint them and hang them.

    4. Address Number Post Planter

    You can redecorate the front yard with an amazing decoration that’ll modify it in a nature-influenced way. Put a wooden address number post that’ll have a hanging basket with flowers in it. You can also change the flowering plant according to the seasons. This will greet your guests with colorful blossoms and a refreshing smell.

    5. DIY Cedar Cube Solar Landscape Light

    Regardless of your backyard or front yard size, proper lighting can make it instantly beautiful at night. Not to mention, it provides a fancy decor effect.

    Solar landscape lights are inexpensive but it has two major disadvantages, clouded solar panels and broken ground spikes. So it’s better to make a DOY cedar cube landscape light. You can easily create customized cedar cubes to fit the solar lights into them.

    6. Bird Bath

    A bird bath is the next decorative addition to the lawn to create an impressive look. You can get a stone, metal, marble or mosaic bird bath with paintings on it. But make sure the water is always clean and the item stays algae-free.

    7. Decorative Garden Hose Holder

    A tangled garden hose is a big annoyance. With some minimum supplies from the local store, you can make a cost-effective garden hose holder. 

    For example, you can make a hose holder for under $15. All you need is some wooden pieces, paints, glue, etc.

    8. DIY Paver Walkway

    The walkway redecorating idea can be great to change your old front yard lane. It’ll create a new look in the garden.

    To make a new walkway or modify the old one, you need to put in a concrete layer. After it gets dried, you can begin the edging to finish the look.

    9. Spray Paint on Concrete

    If there’s a concrete floor on the front door and if it’s discolored, then it’s time to give it a makeover. With some spray paint on concrete, you can change the entire look.

    You can use two or more colors to make it more charming.

    10. Cheap Pergola Design

    Pergola can be a nice addition to your garden. It’s a sitting area in the backyard for some privacy. You don’t even need a large space for it. In fact, you can make a compact design in a small area.

    To make it convenient, attach the pergola’s roof to the sidewall and cover it with a perspex sheet or transparent sheet. It’ll protect you from rain and also allow you to enjoy the night sky while sitting under it.

    11. DIY Downspout Path

    This is a very interesting landscaping idea. You can place river stones in such a way that it looks like water flow coming out from the downspout.

    It’ll look more magnificent if you use bright-  or colorful stones. Such stones also help in absorbing excess water or rainwater and keep the plants safe from drowning.

    12. DIY Cheap Trellis

    Climbing plants on the wall look fascinating. But do you know they can be used for other purposes? Like hiding the defects on the wall. So, rather than painting the wall, make a DIY trellis to cover any defect.

    To make sure rapid growth and healthy vines, trellis are important. You can get tutorials on the internet to make the DIY trellis, which comes pocket-friendly.

    13. Front Porch Planter

    Welcome your guests with a fresh scent of flowers on the front porch. If you like this kind of impression, create a handmade box planter. That’ll need only wooden materials to cost less than $8 and some hours to complete the project.

    14. Craftsman Exterior Shutters

    Make your landscape as well as your house more appealing with exterior shutters. The classic look of the craftsman style is still popular and you can make it like that by yourself.

    You need to cut wooden boards in proper sizes (depending on the shutter size you want), route the boards, build shutter frames, fix planks to the back of the shutters, paint them and finally attach them.

    It takes time, but once you complete the DIY shutter, it’ll change the look of your house.

    15. Polka Dotted Planters

    The quickest way to make your landscape attractive is by placing polka-dotted planters with seasonal flowers. You can arrange them in whatever alignment and experiment with their outer look.

    You can take terra cotta pots for it. Do spray paints or apply acrylic to seal the clay surface and make the pots creative.

    Polka-dotted planters can easily transform the plain ambiance into a cheerful one. Use different sizes of pots to make the alignment more appealing.

    16. Round Flower Bed

    You don’t need to be a landscape expert to make your backyard elegant and beautiful. The main key is the garden beds and maintaining them regularly.

    The round flower bed in the garden is a great idea to decorate your landscape. Add two different types of shrubs around it and combine them with a bright-colored flower plant in the middle.

    17. Topsy Turvy Flower Pots

    If you need something out of the box in the landscape, add a stack of flower pots. Especially if you own a small garden, this kind of pot arrangement creates a nice look. It’s also helpful to grow plants. 

    18. X-Leg Bench

    Add an x-leg bench to the front yard as a sitting arrangement. It gives a farmhouse-type contemporary look. You can make it for under $40.

    19. White Picket Fence

    Instead of fancy decor, go traditional with a white picket fence. It’s one of the extremely budget-friendly landscape ideas that cost around $300 for a small front yard. You can plant some rose plants to complement the white fence and that’ll give a cheerful appearance.

    20. Rain Chain

    Rain chains are a great alternative to the downspout. It’s another cheap and simple DIY landscaping idea you can try.  The primary purpose of rain chains is to decorate, but they also help transport rainwater from the gutter to the drain.

    These are the best 20 cheap front yard landscaping ideas for you. Depending on the budget, you can try them out. With a little time and effort, you can change the appearance of your front yard.

  • What to Look For When Finding Online Framing and Matting

    What to Look For When Finding Online Framing and Matting

    You got a great painting, photo, or other pieces of art. That is only half of it though you want to make sure that it is put in a great frame and you might want to add matting. But how do you do that?

    You could take it to a frame place, but there are also plenty of online framing and matting options out there. We’re here to help you to make the best decision. Read on to learn more about what you should look for.

    What Things Do They Offer

    There are several options that you should be able to choose from. They include color, single- or double-sided matting, what type of mat, and what kind of cut you can choose from. If you want, you should also have the option of choosing what sort of glazing you want, including glass or acrylic.

    Look to see how responsive they are. Some places allow you to fill everything out in one go while others might want you to wait for them to respond. This will depend on what kind of schedule you are on – you might not have time to wait.

    Also, see what kind of cancellation policy they have. Some have very narrow windows – a matter of hours while others are more lax.

    What Could Be Improved?

    It’s hard to find the absolutely perfect online framing and matting option out of the sea of choices. Some may be great in terms of things like how well they are crafted or whether they offer perks like prepaid packaging or a chance to see how your work would look before it is framed. But there are downsides too.

    You might like the prepaid packaging but find the variety in frames lacking. Others might upcharge you for something that you wouldn’t have to pay for at another place. You might have to pay for shipping at another place and you might have to frame the work yourself.

    There are other things to consider, like digital uploads or whether the services require you to do all the measuring yourself – which is not the best option for those who have difficulties accurately gauging things.

    Ultimately, you need to weigh all of these things and decide which of them is the best one for you. Then you can enjoy hanging and looking at your newly framed piece of art.

  • How to Use Picture Hanging Systems Effectively?

    How to Use Picture Hanging Systems Effectively?

    Picture hanging systems are an essential part of interior design as they provide a means to display pictures, paintings, prints, and other types of wall art. 

    As such, they are an essential part of designing and remodeling your home in 2022.

    Although there are many different types out there, T-shaped picture hanging systems are the most common system used. 

    You can choose from all sorts of different T-shaped picture hanging systems, including those with different styles and additional fittings for use in a variety of situations and environments.

    I’ll go through some ideas on how you can use picture-hanging systems effectively and safely to get the best out of them for your home.

    Use a level

    Besides the actual hooks and wire, your first step in using a picture hanging system should be getting a level and making sure it’s on perfectly straight from wall to wall. 

    A slight tilt can throw your pictures off, so if you don’t have a level, purchase one (they’re very cheap).

    Mark your spots

    Next, determine where you want your pictures to go. You might have decided where they’ll go before you buy the picture hanging system, but if not, now’s the time to mark spots for them. 

    You can do this with tape or by using a pencil.

    Decide how many hooks to use per picture

    After you’ve determined how many hooks you’ll need for each picture, hang them up! 

    Be careful not to pull too hard on the wire of the picture hanging system when putting up your pictures, or they may fall out of place once they are hung. 

    Be sure to let each hook go gently back into place before moving on.

    Experiment and observe

    From a distance, a picture hanging system can look very simple. It’s when you get close up that you realize there is more to it than what meets the eye. 

    But the closer you get, the more obvious it becomes that there is a lot you may fail to know. How do you work out what will happen when five pictures are hung in line? Or three? Or six? 

    There are only two things to do: experiment and observe.

    Treat picture hanging systems as an experiment and see what happens when you try different arrangements. 

    Of course, this is risky, but it’s not as risky as guessing, which is what most of us do. Try again when something goes wrong and your picture falls off the wall. 

    You’ll learn something from every attempt—even if it’s just how to avoid doing that again.

    Bottom Line

    A picture hanging system is one of the prominent ways to frame and decorate your walls. Before concluding which system best suits your needs, it’s essential to understand all your options. 

    If you decide framing is suitable for you and have a big job planned, it’s wise to go all out and hire a professional who will use the best methods and resources available. 

    Keep in mind that you might end up spending more than you need to as a novice and could potentially damage the painting. 

    For example, using glue dots instead of nails can cause damage to delicate paintings in the long run. As a result, always consider hiring a professional if at all possible.

  • Roof Cleaning: Everything You Need to Know

    Roof Cleaning: Everything You Need to Know

    Maintenance of our homes does not end at keeping the interior sparkly clean- it also comprises of the exterior, including the roof. Maintaining a roof in good condition prevents you from spending a lot of cash in the future, not to mention the hassle of replacing the roof.

    Why is Cleaning a Roof Necessary?

    Cleaning the roof will prevent deterioration that leads to costly repairs, and in due course, you will need to replace the roof – which is pricey, time-consuming, and a routine-breaker.

    It could have prevented unnecessary expenses, wasted time and mundane disruptions.

    Roof cleaning will ensure that your home is sheltered, keeping a pristine appearance and state of your property. It will provide the peace of mind that you will have a roof to keep you protected for a long time.

    What is Roof Cleaning? And is it Expensive?

    Roof cleaning involves washing the shingles along with the tiles, removing dirt, grime, and algae that may damage parts of the roof. Moreover, yes, you can do it but professionals’ best perform it such as roof contractors, that will do a thorough job of cleaning the roof and other troubles that you may miss.

    The job is tougher than it looks. Cleaning one tile can take a long time if you don’t have the suitable equipment or method.

    Hence, Roof Contractors perform the task proficiently. They will do the work at a price that will not bust your budget and at the same time saving you the stress of how to clean the roof.

    Top 6 things to know before Obtaining a Roof Cleaning

    Here are the top 6 things to keep in mind when you are planning to have a roof cleaned.

    #1 Roof Cleaning is not for Amateurs

    You can’t just watch a YouTube video of ‘How To Clean Roofs’. No. It is not a simple job that can be solved by watching a 3-minute DIY video.

    Firstly, can you balance yourself on the roof? Don’t be too so confident because one wrong step and bones will break- in the least. If standing on a sloped and uneven surface worries you, then imagine trying to maintain your balance up there while holding a pressure washer.

    And yes, you need a pressure washer to clean the stubborn grimes of a roof. A haphazard job of manually scrubbing each tile is ineffective because you can’t finish it all in one day.

    That is another issued to consider. Do you have a pressure washer? Do you know how to use a pressure washer? Weak pressure application will not suffice, too strong and you’ll damage the roof even further.

    Therefore, cleaning roofs is not an easy project and it is better left in the hands of experienced individuals.

    #2 Roof Cleaning will save a lot of Money

    Contrary to popular belief, roof cleaning is low-cost, less than 50 cents per square foot. Compare that to the price of replacing a roof, the occasional roof cleaning is cheaper than a repair and a replacement.

    It saves money, time, effort, and extends the life of a roof. Delaying the more costly event of having an entire roof replaced because it has not been cleaned.

    #3 Algae’s are not just Eyesores, they Consume a Roof!

    Algae doesn’t just make a home appear dreadful, it destroys a roof. It destroys the limestone used for making the individual shingles.

    If left alone for long, a roof will lose its shape. A lost shingle or two makes your home unappealing because pieces will be missing here and there. Like a missing tooth in a row of beautiful pearly teeth.

    Not only does it look ugly, but algae-eating through a roof leads to leaks inside a home. Aside from the possibility of replacing a roof sooner than expected –which will cost you up to $10,000 –, it can affect electricity bills because a missing shingle means a missing UV blocker, which results in a drop in energy efficiency.

    #4 You don’t Need Visible Damage or Dirt to Request a Cleaning

    Just like cancer, you don’t see the damage in the early stages. Don’t wait until they are visible before taking action. As the saying goes, prevention is better than mitigation.

    Avoid dirt, grimes, algae, moss, and such from decaying a roof by having it cleaned. Even when everything is doing fine. Problems hide in plain sight. That is why an inspection by professionals should be conducted now and then to see if your roof is still in good condition or if it needs maintenance already.

    That is why the last thing you should know…

    #5 Inspection is Must to identify the type of Cleaning

    You don’t get a contractor to clean your roof, gauge the roof and the type of treatment it is best suited for.

    Why is this important? Simple; because knowing beforehand, the condition of the roof saves your time and the contractor’s time. It is not always the case that a roof needs intensive cleaning.

    Besides, in that context, roof cleaning can be accomplished in two methods: soft washing and power washing.

    Generally, soft washing is for mature roofs. It is what they call a chemical cleaning. This is a gentler treatment than a brutal power washing. Power washing, on the other hand, is for newer roofs that can withstand the strong pressure of water spray.

    #6 Choose your Contractors Wisely

    It is prudent to ask your neighbors and friends, or review sites before hiring a contractor to wash a roof. Hire an experienced, budget-friendly yet a top-quality results contractor.

    This will warrant the health of a roof and secures the best treatment for your home’s maintenance.

    Bottom Line

    It is best to mind the condition of your entire home. Interior polishing is great but when the ceiling starts to leak and no amount of roof sealant solves the problem, then you might be looking at bigger troubles to arise.

    To avoid this, have your roof inspected and cleaned every three to five years. The gutters should be cleaned annually or as needed.

    While you are at it, have the house power washed as well — some contractors offer this as a package! Have a home that is well maintained and functioning as it should be.