DRAB TO FAB [Easy ways to modernise your home]

DRAB TO FAB [ MODERNISING YOUR HOME ]

There are many cheap and effective ways to bring a little modernism into your current home. Current trends from Europe and Asia, include using specific colour palettes which can be implemented into a paint colour or a theme.

Décor

SLICK OF PAINT In order to maintain the youth of your home, it is important to paint the interior of home at least once every 10 years. This doesn’t just give add value to the home, but also gives you the opportunity to experiment with paint styles, colours and techniques! You can also opt for funky wallpapers if you feel like challenging yourself a little bit more!

When selecting the paint you wish to use, there are a few factors to consider which can be found on my article ‘Painting like a pro’. COLOURS IN FASHION FOR 2015 -

WINDOW REPLACEMENT Full – frame window replacements are the best way to change the style and look of your home in a subtle way. Gone are the days were cheap aluminium awning and sliding windows were deemed as fashionable. Today, its all about SUSTAINABILITY! This means louvre panels, casement windows and fixed windows are all the buzz! Louvres create a classy look and can allow heat to be disposed through the adjustable panels. Casement windows can be quite expensive also, however in the long run, they can reduce the need for air conditioning if positioned well.

You should consider changing your window frame, if there is rot in the window, casing, trim or sill – if the window is not plumb with the façade or if you want to change the size or shape of your window.

You should allow 4-8 delivery time after measurements have been taken. The actual replacing of the window takes around 30 mins, however trim work and clean-up can take up additional time.

LIGHTING DESIGN

Light fixtures are the focus point of any room, it can dress up or dress down a room. When choosing a light fixture, it is important to consider the purpose of the light. Will the light be practical? Where will the light be placed? What mood should it transcend? Dependant on the use of the light and the mood you would like to create, you can shop for some great interiors.

Natural lighting is also a great focus point and it's FREE! You can use it to your advantage by dressing up a window with shading devices such as blinds and curtains.

GREEN YOUR HOME

Aside from the fact that indoor plants provide a lush look to a space, there are many health benefits that can be added to the home. Indoor plants can improve the indoor environment, reducing illness and creating a better air quality. Around 90 % of our time spent is spent indoors, therefore it is important that the indoor environment is monitored for full productivity.

Plants to use indoors:

• Aloe Vera plants are not only easy grow, but they help clear the air of any formaldehyde and benzene.

• Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is a plant with rich foliage and small white flowers also battling formaldehyde and benzene. This plant is a safe house plant if you have pets in the house.

• Geber daisy can eradicate trichloroethylene (active in clothes after drying cleaning)

• Snake plant (Sansevieria) is a plant used to filter out any chemicals in cleaning products and also assists in filtering out air pollutants.

• Azaleas are not only beautiful to look at, they are a very good addition to the home for improving indoor air quality (especially for Asthma sufferers)

GLOSSARY -

FORMALDEHYDE - All are considered as chemical that can lead to cancer. BENZENE TRICHLOROETHYLENE

RESOURCES:

- http://www.mnn.com/health/healthy-spaces/photos/15-houseplants-for-improving-indoor-air-quality/azalea-rhododendron

- http://www.dulux.com.au/colour/colour-wall

IMAGE SOURCED: -Contemporist.com