Interior design can seem like such a daunting task. It is something most homeowners would rather leave to the professionals. While this is entirely beneficial, know that there are simple interior design tips you can apply to transform your home.

These home decoration methods can save you both time and money. It also gives you the opportunity to be creative and exercise more control over the results. Here are six interior design tips to transform your home.

1. Smaller rooms and lighter colors Smaller rooms in a home tend to feel crowded even when they hold little items or furniture. Maximize your space and make such rooms look larger by painting them with soft or light colors. Darker colors make any place seem smaller and boxed-in.
2. Use mirrors Mirrors can do more than offer reflections in a home. Use decorative mirrors to add beauty and design to a room. They equally make smaller rooms look larger by providing depth and reflecting light.
3. Statement rug A statement rug in any part of the home can help the room to stand out. Buy a suitable rug or reposition an old but beautiful carpet in the room. Make sure that when you place the rug in a room, it complements the furniture, sofa, and other objects.
4. Mix things up When you are re-designing the home, it may be a relief to understand that you can avoid adding new items. You can do a lot with what you already own by mixing things up. Place that family heirloom next to a painting. Let the old curtains drape over the freshly painted walls or stay in the same room as the new pillows and sofa. There's uniqueness and beauty in mixing things up in the home. It also brings warmth to your living space.
5. Green plants Going green is always an affordable and sure way to transform the home. Plants add an unmistakable freshness and attractiveness to the interior of the house. They also absorb pollutants and clean household air.
6. Bold and Bright Soft or subtle isn't always the solution. Inject a pop of color that mirrors your personality into the home. Use a colorful sofa, some quirky throw pillows, and so on. 

Interior design can be simple and hassle-free with these practical tips and a touch of your creative side. Start decorating your home. If you need help, reach out to a professional designer for advice.

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Relocating to a new city, and moving into a new home you bought at the same time, can be a complicated process. From hiring a real estate agent and buying a new house, to planning your move, the to-do list is growing. To make that move a smooth and successful one you need a guide and some helpful tips.

Here are the tips you need to stay afloat and make sure your move is a success.

1. Check your financial muscle 

In any situation, your finance is the power, and your budget is the overall determinant of your level of expenses. To succeed in your quest to relocate and purchase a house, you must know what you can afford, and then you make your budget. 

Start by checking how much money you need to buy a house first in a new city and the amount that will take care of your relocation expenses. Then, you find out the cost of packing supplies and moving services. A full service moving company offers their services at a premium if you are moving from one state to another.

You need to check your savings and monthly income to know how much you can spend buying a new home. Apart from paying your monthly mortgage fees and down payment, other costs you must offset are homeowner’s insurance, realtor’s fee, utilities, property tax, and closing costs.

2. Try out renting first

If you are relocating to a city you’re entirely unfamiliar with, try renting a place in that area first. When you rent a house, you will have the opportunity to try out the new neighborhood to know if it is what you want. If you have tested it and are satisfied with the area, then proceed to buy a home there. When you’re ready, you can accomplish with the help of a realtor.

3. Pay the city a visit

Although you can learn a lot about the town online, a physical visit and on-the-spot assessment of the new city is crucial. Those assessments will help you get to know the various neighborhoods in that area and give you the opportunity to meet with the realtor.

4. Check the city’s transportation options, the commute, and the general safety

Make sure you research the city’s transportation options from buses, taxis, to subways and ensure they are what you need. Living very close to your place of work has many benefits, but if you prefer long commutes, there is no problem. Safety is the number one factor influencing your relocation to a new place; you wouldn’t want to live in a crime-ridden area. 

5. Hire a trusted realtor

Look for a realtor that fits your needs. Your realtor should have a thorough knowledge of the various housing markets in different neighborhoods and should be able to guide you to buy your new home. It is better to meet a reputable real estate agent before you move. 

Ready to Move?

Relocating to a new house should not be a difficult task if you prepare yourself and engage the services of trusted moving service to help. Are you ready to move? Check out long distance movers in both your new city and your current one.

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Everyone likes to keep their home smelling fresh. At the very least, it assures us that when our guests come they have a pleasant aroma that welcomes them into the home. However, fragrances can be beneficial in other ways.

Some are calming, while others stimulating and invigorating. They can help you set the tone you’re aiming for, whether it’s a relaxing bath or sitting down to get some work done in your office.

At one time, you didn’t have many options when it came to giving your home a pleasant fragrance. You could burn candles, which can be dangerous if you have children or pets running around. Or you could use a plug-in air freshener, which are expensive and smell artificial.

Recently, however, a third option has been gaining popularity--essential oil diffusers.

Essential oils have a number of uses. They’re in the cologne and perfume we spray on our bodies, they’re in the room spray we use to freshen up our homes, and they’re an ingredient in a number of other cosmetic and therapeutic products.

Many are said to have medicinal value, such as a decongestant or a sleep aid. Others are used simply because they smell great.

In this article, we’re going to talk you through using an essential oil diffuser in your home and what oils you might want to start with.

Methods of oil diffusion

There are a number of ways you can spread the aroma of essential oils in your home. One of the quickest and easiest ways is to put a drop or two of essential oils on a tissue and simply wave it around in the room.

For a more far-reaching effect, you’ll need to find a longer lasting way of diffusing the oils. Many people choose steam. You can either purchase a steam oil diffuser or just put a few drops into boiling water.

Another option is to use a heat source. You can buy tea light to heat the oils or, if you want to avoid open flames, buy an electric heat diffuser.

Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and if you’re new to essential oils, it might be a good idea to start small by simply buying a starter pack of oils, smelling them to see which you like, and putting a couple drops in a boiling pot of water or dabbing them on a tissue.

A note of caution: essential oils are strong. Getting them on your hands or clothing, especially if undiluted, can mean your hands or clothes smelling like that oil for several days. You should also avoid putting them near your eyes or mouth as many essential oils can be dangerous.

Which oils to use

Oils have a range of scents--floral, citrus, earthy, spicy, minty, and so on. Knowing which oil you want for a given scenario is a matter of preference and trial and error. However, there are several blends or “recipes” that people prefer.

Common pairings include:

• Orange and peppermint

• Lavender and lemon

• Bergamot and patchouli

• Basil and sage

• Cypress and cedarwood

• Lemongrass and eucalyptus

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