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Kitchen style made convenient

Posted: 07 Jun 2012 08:00 AM PDT

A slick kitchen design means more than a trendy colour theme and stylish unit faces; it requires the incorporation of modern and convenient appliances that will not only improve the overall appearance of your kitchen but that also makes life easier for you.

Essential to most kitchens are, for example, a dishwasher, blender, kettle and toaster. There are many of these on the market that can compliment your current kitchen style, or even mask the appliance, such as dishwashers and fridges with unit doors to conceal the practical elements behind closed doors.

The smaller appliances that remain on display come in a range of classy designs including smooth curves or modern geometric lines, chrome, colourful material or with a retro feel, all dependent on your kitchen's look and your own taste.

In recent years, coffee machines have become de rigour, and are more and more frequently being shopped for. Though coffee has been around for longer than tea has in this country, the influx of coffee chains throughout high streets has led to a nationwide addiction to café quality coffee, and as such the market for coffee makers at home has rocketed.

These allow you to recreate your chosen style of coffee, be it cappuccino or espresso, in the comfort of your own kitchen. Such machines are very stylishly presented, to suit the type of consumer who is likely to be interested in making fresh coffee. Coffee machines have become synonymous with a sophisticated home.

Debenhams is a good place to start when looking for such a product; they stock well-renowned coffee maker brands such as Gaggia, Nespresso and Magimix, as well as offering a Morphy Richards range, an affordable brand. Other names nestle alongside these, as well as their own range.

Depending on how much you want to get in the spirit of it, there are simple coffee makers through to café-style ranges, including extras such as grinding machines. A very cool addition to any kitchen.

Check out our Modern Furniture collection on PadStyle Shop.


Make an office space without an extra room

Posted: 06 Jun 2012 08:15 AM PDT

Whether you want to hide that desk you have in your living room, create a little privacy area or make an office for your kids to study, you can easily do it even if you don’t have an extra room available. You don’t really need much space or a lot of furniture and supplies. Generally, a small desk, comfortable chair and of course, a gorgeous lamp to spice up the area is about all you need. Small cubicles are so easy to create anywhere in the house that if you have several people in your home, everyone can have their own private getaway to do homework, read, study, pay bills or simply escape!

Closet

The easiest way to create an office is with a walk-in closet. Yes, closet space can be hard to give up but if everyone can move their coats out of the hallway closet then you’re all set. Paint the area white or another light color and make sure there’s proper lighting. Closets offer a great deal of privacy. There are plenty of small desks available and you can even hang a cork board, calender or whatever else you want on the walls. The best part is, any mess is hidden with the door!

Under the Stairs

Many homes with multiple levels, have a cubbyhole under the stairs that is the perfect private area to turn into an office. Treat it the same way you would a closet and if you want a little extra privacy, buy a nice screen or hang a tension rod and a curtain to make yourself a door.

Corner of the Room

If the other two ideas just aren’t an option, section off a corner of a room and create a desk area. You can either make yourself a fabric room divider and hang it kiddie-corner or use two so your office area is square. Alternatively, you can use a room screen here as well. This is really ideal in kids rooms or dorms, especially if two people are sharing a space. A little privacy goes a long way.

Everyone needs their own personal space, a place to put their belongings that they know will be safe and things won’t get moved around. Of course, this can often turn into a mess so hiding these areas is always a great idea!

Check out our Modern Furniture collection on PadStyle Shop.


Landscaping on a Budget

Posted: 05 Jun 2012 07:45 AM PDT

If you haven’t tackled your landscaping yet because you think it’s not in your budget, you should know there are a few tricks you can use that are very inexpensive. You shouldn’t feel as though you have to splurge and buy everything all at one time either. Adding a few things here and there every week or every other week is often easier than paying for one big shopping spree.

Rocks and Stones

Borders, garden walkways and walls can be pretty expensive when you purchase commercial products. If you scout around and always ask permission, you’ll often find old bricks from structures that have been torn down that you can use for this purpose. Sure, they may be old but they have character! You can create walkways and even mock patio areas with stones and rocks as well which you can also often find for free.

Native Plants

You will find that native plants are not only traditionally inexpensive, they require less care. This means that you’re not having to water so much or buy fertilizer. You can often obtain seedlings or seeds from friends, family and neighbors if you ask around. Native plants traditionally resist disease and insects better as well. Keep in mind, the more plants, shrubs and trees you have, the less grass you have to maintain!

Experiment with Containers

If you do want to experiment with pricier plants, use containers for growing and place them around your landscaping. This will allow you to control and maintain them easier. Should you find that they do well in a certain location, you can always transplant them.

Make Use of Hedges

Hedges can outline your property, offer privacy and act as a sound barrier. Not to mention, those that stay full year round can help reduce your heating costs by blocking the cold winter wind when they’re strategically placed properly.

Check out our Modern Furniture collection on PadStyle Shop.


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