How To Choose The Right Wardrobe For Your Bedroom

How To Choose The Right Wardrobe For Your Bedroom

The two most important things in a bedroom are the bed and the wardrobe. For the first one, finding the right balance of style and comfort is easy. As for the second one, things are a little different. There are lots of things to take into consideration before choosing a design or a style.

If you prefer the room to look clean and simple, then you can opt for a compact design which hides everything inside. Just figure out the right compartmentalization. You should include a large space for hangers, a few shelves for folded up clothes, drawers for small items and accessories and perhaps even a few secret compartments.

All these compartments can remain hidden behind large sliding doors or panels. This way the design remains minimalist and you can use the opportunity to play with colors and shapes when decorating the rest of the room.

To save space in the room, instead of dedicating an empty wall to your wardrobe, you can custom design the cabinetry around the windows. Take this opportunity to also include one or two cozy window nooks and reading corners.

Consider mirrored doors for your wardrobe if you want the room to look a little more spacious and open or if you simply want the surface to reflect the beautiful views outside. Here’s a design with a symmetrical structure and a mirrored door at the center.

All of the variations presented above are nice options for those of you who prefer the usual closet space in the bedroom. But there’s also another possibility. Instead of hiding everything behind closed doors, you can opt for open storage.

In this case, you’d be displaying all your clothes and accessories on hanging rods and shelves. You can, of course, mix and match designs and styles and also include a few drawers. This type of storage can be an interesting option for a casual bedroom or for a small room where a regular closet would occupy too much space.

Decorating Tips For A Guest Bedroom

Decorating Tips For A Guest Bedroom

With a few simple but stylish interior decorating ideas, it's possible to turn a small spare bedroom into a haven for house guests.

Warm welcome

When it comes to home decorating, spare bedrooms are often neglected, especially if they’re seldom used. This space also tends to be the smallest room in the house, so decorating can be difficult. But all it takes to create an inviting space is some basic furniture and a few thoughtful touches.

·         Sleep easy: Treat your guests by investing in some good-quality sheets.

·         Floral display: Use throw cushions to inject color.

·         Pretty and practical: A few thoughtful additions will make your guests’ stay more comfortable.

·         Streamlined look: Simple furniture makes small spaces seem less cluttered.

Spare change

·         Color

The first step in transforming our spare room into an inviting guest quarters was to choose the color for the walls. Light colors make small rooms appear more spacious and airy, but we didn’t want to opt for plain white as this would look too stark. Instead, we used a soft, chalky pale green. This shade gives the room warmth and the color changes throughout the day; in the bright morning sun the walls seem to be a soft stone color, but in the pale afternoon light they appear more green. 

·         Floor

A dark timber floor will make a room seem smaller. To add to the illusion of space, we decided to paint the floorboards with a white enamel gloss from Bristol. 

·         Curtains

To keep costs down, the window and French doors were dressed with ready-made curtains in a neutral shade. We added a splash of color by trimming the curtains with bright-red ribbon.

·         Bedding

The existing bed had a padded leather headboard and bed-end, which didn’t suit the new scheme. Rather than replace the bed, we made covers for the ends using a hard-wearing cotton fabric. To make our guests’ stay as comfortable as possible, we invested in quality linen – the Lattice range from Linen House includes neutral basics and accent pieces. 

·         Lighting

For a more contemporary look, we opted for pendant lights instead of lamps. The lights are positioned above the bedside tables and controlled by dimmer switches within easy reach of the bed. 

·         Storage

Freestanding wardrobes take up a lot of space and aren’t essential in a bedroom that’s seldom used. A small chest of drawers offers ample storage for guests’ clothes and hooks have been secured to the back of the bedroom door in case hanging space is required.  

·         Shelving

To give the room a lived-in look, a couple of floating shelves were attached to the wall and used to display interesting objects and a few books.

·         Seating

To inject some color into the predominantly neutral scheme, an occasional chair and a few throw cushions were covered in a bright patterned fabric.

Guest bedroom decorating ideas gallery

To give the illusion of space, choose a light color for the walls and paint the ceiling white. If you opt for darker colors, the walls and ceiling will feel closer.

Keep fixtures and fittings to a minimum or the room will look cluttered. Consider using mirrors to make it appear bigger.

Choosing smaller pieces of furniture, such as a double bed instead of a queen and a three-drawer chest instead of a tallboy, will make the space less cramped.

Freestanding wardrobes take up lots of space - consider installing a built-in storage unit in an adjoining hallway.

 Look for plain window dressings that let in as much light as possible. To make windows and French doors appear taller, opt for long curtains in a light-colored material. If the window is east or west facing, consider installing a blind as well as curtains to block out the sun and keep the room cool on hot days.

9 Tips On Buying Durable Outdoor Furniture

9 Tips On Buying Durable Outdoor Furniture

Furniture is an integral part of a home, and homeowners generally lookfor pieces that can last for years. Homeowners should have similar expectations when it comes to buying indoor and outdoor furniture. Theweather in Australia is generally conducive to spending time outside, and quality furniture is necessary for relaxing outdoors while at home. Buying durable outdoor furniture is challenging, however, because there are times when the climate is not pleasant, and outdoor furniturmust be able to withstand the elements.

Following a few tips on choosing durable outdoor furniture materials helps consumers find outdoor furniture that lasts. Consumers should also take a few steps to maintain outdoor furniture to keep it looking good. As long as they know what to look for and how to care for furniture, shoppers should get years of use from their outdoor furniture.

Tips on Choosing Durable Outdoor Furniture

Manufacturers of outdoor furniture typically produce pieces that stand up to the elements. Understanding the different durability features helps consumers know what to look for in outdoor furniture.

1. Buy Weatherproof Outdoor Furniture

It is essential to buy outdoor furniture that is weatherproof. Outdoor furniture is made from wood, metal, or plastic. Wood can weaken and rot from moisture. Consumers who choose this material should therefore look for treated wood or varieties that naturally resist the elements. Treated wood repels water, while a wood suchas teak is nearly impermeable.

Metals corrode from holding moisture on the surface. Galvanisation makes metal rust-proof, and aluminium is naturally resistant to corrosion. Moisture from rain does not degrade plastic outdoor furniture, but UV rays from the sun can change its colour. Plastic furniture should be therefore left in the shade while it is not being used.

2. Choose the Right Materials

The durability of outdoor furniture also depends on the material it is made of. The table below specifies the  levels of longevity associated with different types of woods and metals.

Material	Durability
Aluminium	Low weight belies high durability; cast aluminium is very strong and difficult to bend; extruded aluminium is weaker
Iron	May be cast or wrought; heavy and extraordinarily durable; should be treated to prevent corrosion
Pine	Soft wood; less durable than other types of wood; somewhat susceptible to rot, but less expensive
Mahogany	Hard wood; very stable; maintains strength over long period; also retains its rich red colour
Teak	Tropical hard wood; popular choice due to its resistance to rotting, warping, shrinking, and swelling
Rattan	Tightly woven; strands themselves difficult to break but can fray over time; entire piece usually lasts a long time
Plastic	Not as durable as other materials; susceptible to pitting and weakening; inexpensive, so less costly to replace

Iron and teak are great choices for their durability. However, furniture in any material should last many years if the owner takes the time to maintain it.

3. Look for Well-Constructed Outdoor Furniture

Consumers should pay attention to how outdoor furniture is constructed if they want to buy durable pieces. Screws should be stainless steel or brass that can withstand rust. Durably constructed outdoor furniture may also feature wooden dowels and pegs to hold pieces together. Furniture held together by glue or staples tends to come apart over time.

4. Buy Weatherproof Cushions and Pillows

Cushions and pillows are susceptible to mildew from moisture and discolouration from exposure to sunlight. Synthetic fabrics, such as acrylic resist mildew, and ventilated fabrics help cushions and pillows dry more quickly to avoid water damage. Consumers can also look for cushions and fabrics that are treated to block UV rays.

Tips on Maintaining Outdoor Furniture

Maintenance is a significant aspect that contributes to durability in outdoor furniture. Even if outdoor furniture has qualities to make it last a while, it still requires care to keep it in good condition. Follow these steps to maintain different outdoor furniture materials and items.

5. Apply Oils, Sealers, and Stains to Wooden Outdoor Furniture

Stains, sealers, and oils all help wooden outdoor furniture maintain its appearance. They make wood less porous so that rain drops bead up and roll off, preventing wood from rotting so that furniture lasts longer. Some stains, sealers, and oils also block UV rays to keep wood from discolouring. Many pieces of wooden outdoor furniture come pre-treated, but consumers should still oil these pieces seasonally to maintain their appearance.

6. Clean and Treat Metal Outdoor Furniture

Metal outdoor furniture is relatively low maintenance. Cleaning requires simply wiping it down with a damp cloth. Consumers should avoid pressure washing since this can damage the furniture. Aluminium is rust-proof, but iron requires application of an anti-rust solution.

7. Be Gentle with Rattan

Rattan is sensitive compared with other outdoor furniture materials. One can wipe rattan with a damp cloth to clean it, and avoid chemical cleaners and pressure washing as these can damage rattan. Also, keep rattan outdoor furniture in the shade when not in use as it can become discoloured from sunlight. Using rubber stoppers beneath the legs of a rattan outdoor seat can also keep the rattan from cracking and splitting.

8. Protect Cushions and Pillows from Mildew and UV Rays

If cushions and pillows do not come with fabric that blocks mildew and UV rays, the consumer can apply spray finishes to the fabric to protect it from these elements. Washing cushion and pillow fabric periodically keeps it clean and fresh-smelling. Most fabrics are safe for the washing machine. If cushions and pillows become stained, faded, or odorous, one should look into replacing just the fabric if possible. This should save money over buying completely new cushions and pillows.

9. Cover or Store Furniture

Although much of Australia has a suitable climate for using patio furniture year round, many places see a good deal of rain during winter months. Consumers should consider placing covers over their outdoor furniture at this time of the year. The covers keep furniture dry, maintaining it until it is ready for use in sunnier weather. Those who prefer not to have covered furniture sitting outside may choose to store it away. A largeshed creates the necessary space in the absence of a basement.

Conclusion

The ability of outdoor furniture to last depends on its resistance to weather-related damage and the strength of material used in its construction. Consumers should therefore pay attention to these features. Some materials, such as teak and aluminium, are naturally resistant to damage caused by moisture, while other materials require treatment in order to make them more durable. Furniture should also be well-constructed, featuring quality screws or wood dowels or pegs, in order to last. Cushions and pillows that go with outdoor furniture can be weatherproof as well, so one should consider buying such pieces to last a long time.

Even after purchasing durable outdoor furniture, one should take measures to maintain it. 

How To Set Up Your Classroom For The First Day Of School

How To Set Up Your Classroom For The First Day Of School

With the start of each school year, we teachers get a fresh chance to arrange our classroom for a new group of students. Every choice you make sends a message to your students, their parents, and anyone who visits your classroom. Through furniture, books, learning stations, and even desk placement, you communicate the values and priorities of your class. Follow these steps to deliberately maximize the organization and efficiency of your classroom set-up.

Here's How:

1.    Decide how to place student desks. - If you are going to emphasize cooperative learning on a daily basis, you'll probably want to move the student desks into clusters for easy discussion and collaboration. If you want to minimize distractions and chatting, consider separating each desk from the one next to it, leaving a little buffer space to discourage misbehavior. You could also place the desks in rows or semi-circles. Whatever you choose, work with the room and materials you have, leaving plenty of aisle space for you and the students to move around with ease.

2.    Strategically place the teacher's desk. -Some teachers use their desks as a central command station, while others use it primarily as a paper pile repository and rarely sit down to work there. Depending on how your desk functions as part of your teaching style, choose a spot where your desk will meet your needs. If it's very messy, consider placing it in a less conspicuous spot.

3.    Determine what belongs up front. - Since students spend most of their days facing the front of the classroom, be very deliberate about what you place on the walls up front. Perhaps you want to emphasize discipline by placing the class rules on a prominent bulletin board. Or maybe there's a daily learning activity that requires easy-to-view space that all students can see. Make this primetime space engaging, but not distracting. After all, all eyes should be on you, not necessarily a colorful explosion of words and images that distract from the core instruction at hand.

4.    Organize your class library. - Just like a public library, your classroom book collection should be organized in a logical manner that will be easy for the students to maintain throughout the school year. This could mean sorting the books by genre, reading level, alphabetical order, or other criteria. Labeled plastic bins work well for this. Also consider providing a little comfortable reading space for students to lounge with their books during silent reading time. This could mean some inviting bean bag chairs or a dedicated "reading rug."

5.    Set aside space for your discipline plan. - It's wise to post your class rules in a prominent spot for all to see each day of the school year. That way, there's no opportunity for argument, miscommunication, or ambiguity. If you have a sign-in book or flip chart for rule offenders, set up a station for this activity. Ideally if should be in an out-of-the-way spot where curious student eyes can't easily stare as a rule-breaking student signs in, flips the card, or otherwise does his or her penance.

6.    Plan for student needs. - Make sure basic school supplies are strategically placed for easy student access. This may include various types of writing paper, sharpened pencils, markers, erasers, calculators, rulers, scissors, and glue. Organize these materials in one clearly-delineated part of the classroom.

7.    Define the role technology plays in your classroom. - Placement of your computer center communicates the role technology plays in your teaching. If you aim for a more traditional approach to instruction with technology as an occasional complement, the computers likely belong in the back of the room or a cozy corner. If you integrate technology into most of the lessons, you might want to mix the computers in throughout the room so they're easily accessible. This is a personal choice based on your beliefs about teaching in the 21st Century in combination with how available technology is on your campus.

8.    Express yourself through bulletin boards. - Almost every elementary school classroom has bulletin boards on the walls, requiring themes, displays, and regular rotation. Consider designating one or two bulletin boards as seasonal, and thus focus on keeping those boards timely and relevant to current holidays, instructional units, or class activities. Make it easy on yourself by keeping the majority of the bulletin boards "evergreen" and constant throughout the school year.

9.    Sprinkle in some fun stuff. - Elementary school is primarily about learning, for sure. But it's also a time for fun personal touches that your students will remember for a lifetime. Think about having a class pet and make space for cages, food, and other required materials. If a pet's not your style, place a few houseplants around the room to add life and a touch of nature. Make a game center for educational activities that students can use when finished with their work. Pop a couple personal photos from home on your desk to express your interests and personality. A little bit of fun goes a long way.

10. Minimize clutter and maximize functionality. - Before your new students (and their parents) enter the classroom on the first day of school, take a look around your classroom with fresh eyes. Are there any little piles that could be put into a cupboard to tidy up? Does each part of the room serve a clear, functional purpose? What messages are you sending with your classroom's overall appearance at first glance? Make tweaks as necessary.

Tips:

1.    Check out your colleagues' classrooms. - Visit the classrooms of other teachers on your campus for ideas and inspiration. Talk to them about why they made certain organizational decisions. Learn from their mistakes, and don't be shy about copying any brilliant ideas that will work with your teaching style and resources. Similarly, don't feel pressured to adopt any aspects that aren't a good fit for your personality or approach. As a gesture of gratitude, share a few of your own best tips with your colleagues. We all learn from each other in this profession.

2.    Strike the right balance. - An elementary school classroom should be engaging, colorful, and expressive. However, don't go overboard and end up more towards the overstimulating end of the spectrum. Your classroom should project a sense of calm, organization, and positive energy, as well as a seriousness about learning. If you gaze around your room and feel overwhelmed by too much color or too many focal points, your students will feel scattered, too. Find a balance between chaotic and stark. Aim for cheery, but focused. Your students will feel the difference each day they walk into the room.

3.    Don't be afraid to make changes at any time. - Once your school year gets underway, you may find that certain aspects of your classroom set-up aren't working quite the way you initially envisioned. No worries! Just eliminate any parts that now seem obsolete. Add in the new functionalities you now know you need. Briefly introduce the changes to your students, if necessary. Every so often, reevaluate with a practical, flexible attitude, and your classroom will be a vibrant, organized place for learning all year long.

What You Need:

·         Classroom furniture (desks, chairs, bookshelves, etc.)

·         Textbooks and reading books for the class library

·         Posterboard for sharing class rules and other key information

·         An alphabet/handwriting poster for easy student reference

·         Materials for decorating bulletin boards (butcher paper, die cut letters, etc.)

·         School supplies (paper, pencils, dry erase markers, erasers, scissors, and more)

·         Optional: Computers, class pets, plants, games