When it comes to look for a new place to live – whether it’s in your home town or in a completely different country or city, there’s probably one big question you’re asking yourself right now, and that’s whether or not to buy a place or rent one.
People will often have quite strong opinions on this matter – some people, for example will be completely against renting and would never consider anything other than buying a place, whilst others are on the opposite end of the scale and would only ever consider living in a place that they rent because they’re just not down for the financial commitment that buying requires. Read more
Moving house is inevitable. At some stage or another in your life, you will need to move. At first, it’s out of your parents home and into the first real place of your own. Sometimes, that’s enough. And some people will stay in that one house for a lifetime. But in this day and age, that is extremely rare. Because what tends to happen is, people will move into a starter home. Or an apartment. And then when the idea of kids comes up, the house needs to be bigger, so they move. And then, MORE kids come along, so another house upgrade comes along. But this time, it’s usually into the forever home. And there they will stay until retirement comes along and other plans are made. But, the burning question in this is entire process often is, when do you know that it’s time to move? Read more
The rural life has plenty of tremendous benefits. You’re surrounded by plenty of gorgeous greenery, clean air, and nowhere near the amount of litter and disturbance you get in more crowded areas. However, old country homes might not be the most convenient and comfortable of places, especially when you first get them. Here, we’re going to look at how you can upgrade and update your country home without sacrificing any of that good old rural charm.
A lot of rural homes are built to withstand the environment. The builders knew it was much more open to the wind, cold, and rain, so they built it to stand strong against it. However, time works its magic and, though the walls might be as secure as ever, your home may have weak points. Air leaks in the windows and doors are most common, so replacing them with more efficient, secure openings with the help of teams likeeverest.co.uk/ may be essential. Don’t neglect your roof, either. A loose, chipped or cracked tile will not only make the home a lot colder in the winter, but it also serves as the perfect penetration points for leaks, which can lead to a damp problem throughout the entire home.
Make use of that natural light
Just as you are more exposed to the elements, you’re also a lot more exposed to natural light, which can be both a strength and a weakness. Get rid of the weakness but ensuring you have comprehensive window treatments like shutters or blinds so you can close it out when you need to. Make it a strength by installing larger windows and sun windows through the roof so that you can let more in when you need to. Letting more natural light in can help you keep the home as well-lit in the winter as possible and has the added benefit of making a home look a lot more spacious and warmer.
With many of the architectural features of the average country home have plenty of charm to justify them, some of them look well outdated and have lost what functionality they might have had. If you’re aiming for a more contemporary feel in the home and opening it up to natural light, then old, faded materials won’t be the most flattering, either. Create a sleek, modern look by using cladding to cover up old brick walls and switch out carpeted floors for laminates or hardwoods to maintain the natural look while also making it much easier to clean and more convenient. A more minimalist style can really help you open up the potential space trapped in some of the smaller rooms that most country homes tend to have, as well.
Tech the control back
If you’re talking about modernising the home, then you can’t ignore the role that technology has to play. Nowadays, technology can help us not only control the climate, security, and lighting in the home, but it can connect it all together. Smart home and home automation teams like kinoav.com can connect all kinds of different appliances and devices together. The lights, the heating, the blinds, the locks, the TV, radio, and more can all be controlled from a single point, even when you’re out of the home. It can make the home more convenient than you might have imagined possible so that creating that perfect home environment is as simple as the flick of a switch.
As mentioned, some country homes are a little smaller. There’s a lot you can do to open up space, however. You might not even have to go as far as breaking down a wall. Low ceilings are a significant issue, so work with teams likerefreshrenovations.co.uk to remodel and raise it, to offer yourself some more head room. Make use of some of the odder architectural features and spaces in the home as well. You can fit bespoke storage solutions like shelves and wardrobes into odd, unused alcoves and corners so that you can make use of an unused space, get rid of an architectural sore thumb and also open up more room since you don’t need as much storage furniture.
With the tips above, you should be able to achieve all the comfort and convenience of modern living without having to relocate to the nearest city. Now, all that’s left to do is to truly appreciate your country home without all of the downsides getting in the way and distracting you.
Are you fed up of the hustle and bustle of the city? The congestion, the pollution, the crime and the noise? Maybe you want a more wholesome place to raise your family, and live in safer and more pleasant surroundings. If so, a move to the countryside makes sense, however as with anything there are pros and cons to consider. Here are a few things to think about if you’re toying with the idea of moving from a city to the country.Read more
Somehow I seem to find adults easier to buy gifts for than children – though usually it’s a gift card or a bottle of booze! Practical items too, and the token joke gift. The Husband will be getting mostly practical this year!
If you’re still shopping for the adults in your life, hopefully there are a few ideas for you below in the final one of my series of Christmas gift ideas. Read more
