With the internet and other available resources, working from home as a self-employed or a small business owner is a much more affordable and viable option.

Many small businesses have become dependent on home office space especially with costs rising.

People who work in certain professional industries may also choose to set up home offices.

Some of these professionals include the following.

• Consultants
• Lawyers
• Accountants
• Real estate agents

They may choose to use the space simply to work on their own or even meet with clients in their home office spaces. 

Many people find working from a home office beneficial for a number of reasons.

First, it cuts out the commute time, which can be frustrating, time-consuming, and costly. This ends up helping save travel-related and other expenses.

Home offices also need no formal dressing and often allow the employee to manage work on their own schedule.

All that means a better work-life balance, which can lead to an improvement in an employee’s overall health and wellness.

Those who have embraced working from home also have the choice to have successful home office meetings with clients without the hassle and expense of commuting. 

There are countless agreeable advantages to working from home. But what about your clients? Are they as comfortable in your home office as they would be in a standard office setup?

Inviting a client into your home for a meeting can appear unprofessional.

Without a designated office area, a client may feel like he or she is invading your personal space. 

This is worse if the environment is too homey. Potential distractions, like children and pets, can unintentionally derail a meeting, making the client feel awkward.

How do you make your client meetings in your home office a success?

The ability to conduct a successful home office meeting is a learnable skill.

It is an important element that can stimulate the growth of your business.

Do it poorly, however, and your business can come crashing down.

A productive meeting, whether virtual or in-person, has lots of advantages. You can attract more customers, increase your sales, and build your brand significantly.

Here are strategies that will ensure you can seamlessly conduct both successful virtual and in-office meetings. 

1] Tips on meeting clients face to face in your home office

Here’s the info you need for your face-to-face home office meetings.

a] Create a schedule and set boundaries

Creating a daily or weekly schedule not only helps you better structure how you spend your time when working remotely, but it’s also a big help to your clients.

As an independent contractor, how and when you do your work is up to you—you’re not required to be in front of your computer all day or on-call 24/7.

Think about the hours when you are most productive and consider scheduling the bulk of your work around those times.

Try and set a time to complete work each day as well. Shutting down your computer and only responding to urgent emails and calls after a certain hour will help you maintain better work/life flexibility.

With your schedule in mind, talk to your clients about your work hours and how they can best get in touch with you during those times. If something urgent does come up, discuss a communication plan for those instances. 

By setting these boundaries with clients, you give yourself more flexibility and authority over how your day is structured. In turn, clients will appreciate knowing your schedule so they can better plan their own work.

b] Keep your outside premises appealing

Having well-maintained premises will give your clients a favorable impression when they visit your home office.

That means keeping your outside premises as attractive and inviting as possible. 

If you own a house, the exterior siding should be clean and the paint or siding in good condition.

Lawns need to be religiously mowed and garden beds should be kept weed-free. Shrubs, trees, and bushes should be neatly pruned.

If you can’t keep up with the yard work yourself, hire a service to do it for you. Toys and garden implements should be out of sight.

c] Make sure the route to your client space is visible and clear

Clients should not have to go around the house, up a stairway, and through a passage, before they get to ring a bell and get escorted to your meeting room.

If the door they should be knocking on is not clearly visible from where they are expected to park, you need to put some signage (discreet enough not to annoy your neighbors but visible enough that clients will see it when they get out of their vehicles).

Clients should be able to move unobstructed from their vehicles to the room where you are meeting with them.

Safety first! Prune shrubbery as necessary.

Clear potentially slippery moss and/or ice and snow from walkways. If outside stairs are involved, make sure they are kept clean and have proper railings and a no-slip surface.

Be especially vigilant for accident causes such as children’s toys left out where a client could potentially step on one and fall.

If you have or expect handicapped customers you should make your premises handicapped accessible (the cost of any handicapped upgrades can be deducted from taxes as a business expense).  

d] Arrange for parking to be as unobtrusive as possible

Having suitable parking for guests is important if you wish to conduct business from your home.

Give clients specific instructions on where to (legally) park when arranging appointments.

If you own a house, in your driveway or in front of, or on your property is best, so do what you can to make that happen. Put your own vehicle(s) in the garage or elsewhere if needed. Try not to park (or have clients park) in front of anyone else’s house on a regular basis.

If you are in an apartment or condominium, see if you can secure additional parking space for visitors. Having clients constantly using up the “visitor” parking space will eventually cause problems with management.

Creating a parking annoyance for your neighbors will not improve your standing in the neighborhood, nor will having a client’s car ticketed and/or towed improve your customer relationships!

e] Have a separate, appropriately decorated space for meeting with clients

Depending on your business, having a separate space in your home such as a home office to conduct business is important – you should not be conducting business with clients in the kitchen or living room.

If, for example, you are a travel agent or notary public or financial adviser, you should have a separate office in the house with access to the technology you need to do your jobs, such as a computer and multifunction printer.

Also, have a comfortable seating arrangement where you and the client can meet face to face or side by side as necessary.

f] Pay attention to the decor

Appropriate decoration of your home business space depends on what you do. Tasteful, inoffensive, and politically correct reigns.

You don’t want anything distracting or potentially offensive in your client’s view. You want them to focus on you and what you’re offering them, not on the things that are in the room.

You also want to make sure your décor creates the professional image you want to project. Your young children’s drawings are great if you are running a daycare in your home but not so good if you’re trying to impress clients with your professional acumen.

Pay special attention to the condition of your furnishings. Anything that looks tatty, overused, or like it came from a bargain bin somewhere has to go. You want to look successful, not needy.

g] Keep it clean and uncluttered at all times

Clients are not going to be impressed with dust bunnies, old coffee spills, or extensive clutter in your home office.

If you are not cleaning/decluttering your home business space on a regular schedule, make sure you do so before client visits. If you don’t have time consider hiring a cleaning service.

For additional information on keeping your home office shipshape see 12 Steps to organizing your office. For a quick cleanup, you may also find five small manageable things you can do to organize your home office right now useful.

h] Try to have the calmest, quietest surroundings possible

If your home includes small children or dogs, this can be difficult! But even small children have routines and you may be able to schedule meetings at quieter times in your household, such as nap times.

Another option is to have someone else look after your children or pets (either in or out of your home) while you meet with clients.

Depending on what you do, you might be able to schedule your meetings for two or three days a week only, cutting down on the childcare you require.

i] Contain your pets

Many people love animals — but that doesn’t mean all your clients do unless you are running a pet grooming business.

Some will be afraid of them. Some will have allergies. Others just plain won’t like them. If your home includes pets, you need to make sure they are under control when you are expecting clients.

For example, if you have a dog that tends to bark or bound to the door when the bell rings then contain it elsewhere in your house or on the property for the duration of the client visit.

Because many people have allergies to pet hair, you should try to eliminate the risk as much as possible in the spaces your clients will visit by regular vacuuming and cleaning. If possible, you may want to keep your pets out of your home office at all times to cut down on the problem.

j] A home and a business can peacefully co-exist

If you can keep them separate enough that one doesn’t interfere with the other. Remember, clients, are coming to your residence to do business, not to visit your home.

And it’s your business you want them to remember when they leave and the benefits of the product you’ve shown them or the great service you’ve performed for them 

k] Dress the part

We all love to work in our pajamas (perhaps no one more than me!), but no one besides you has to know that. You might be able to keep it casual, depending upon your business, but dressing up couldn’t hurt either.

“Business casual” is still business-appropriate, so this is a good barometer. Wear something that would be appropriate in any office.

Also, keep your shoes on.

Never make your clients feel as though they need to “dress down” to you.

They’ll be uncomfortable, or at the very least confused about whether they need to take theirs off too. Keep shoes on, even if you normally take them off when you’re at home.

l] Don’t make appointments at obscene hours

Your flexible schedule is great for you, and it could even give you a leg up on the competition.

Just make sure your clients aren’t encroaching upon your personal time. It may be convenient for them to visit you after 5 PM, but if you see clients any hour of the day or night, you won’t be setting good boundaries.

Clients could take advantage of this; if they don’t respect you as a professional, they are more likely to do other disrespectful things like not paying you on time.

Your time is part of your “office space” too—make sure you manage it properly.

2] Tips on meeting clients virtually

Virtual meetings are different from physical ones. Want to ace your virtual meetings, here’s a list of things you need to do.

a] Use visual content and graphics

One best practice is to try to leverage the amazing effects of using visual content and graphics. Your client, just like any other human, is a visual creature.

Therefore, they will more likely be able to remember a lot of information shared with them during your online meeting if you use visuals.

With this, you will be able to create a meeting session that is memorable and informative because of the high engagement with your client!

b] Turn on your webcam

Turning on your webcam boosts communication with your client since they will also be able to “read” your non-verbal cues and engage better with you.

c] Focus on your client

Another awesome practice that will ensure a smooth interaction between you and your client is to focus on your client.

This is a very effective yet very underrated strategy that can make your meeting so productive.

Always look straight into the camera whenever you are talking to your client during your virtual meeting.

It is also important to practice the art of active listening especially when your client is talking to you or sharing their thoughts regarding your topic of discussion.

d] Be a good listener

Your client will pick out that you are fully invested in the meeting and will therefore be able to engage with you more.

Though virtually, you have created the feeling of a face-to-face conversation with your client that will go a long way in helping you to establish a personal rapport with this client. It will build up a connection with your client.

As we know, a close and personalized interaction with a client is one of the most ancient tricks of making a sale.

Therefore, never appear distracted when meeting with your client online!  

e] Choose the right technology

No virtual meeting can exist without technology.

There are numerous video conferencing solutions on the market, and while plenty of them have the same set of features (audio and video communication, screen sharing, chat boxes, recording options), the options available and user interface might make or break your virtual meetings with customers.

With the right solution implemented, it’s crucial that you first make sure you have all of the kinks figured out well before your virtual meeting.

You want your customer meeting to run as smoothly as possible. To make sure that happens you need to identify any issues beforehand.

Run a test meeting with a coworker, and then a friend or colleague at an external business. Any problem you can think of that might present itself, should be solved promptly.

There will always be things you can’t control, but it’s important to be as prepared as possible.

f] Pick the right background setting

A simple yet effective tip for running a virtual meeting with a client is to carefully choose the setting in which you hold it on your end.

If you decided that holding the virtual meeting was necessary, there will likely be discussion involved, and you don’t want to miss out on anything because you were in a noisy environment.

Within your home, find a quiet, carpeted room (hardwood floors can tend to make meeting audio echo and difficult to understand).

Sit in front of a neutral background so the meeting goers on the other end aren’t distracted.

Make sure the lighting in the room isn’t too bright that it’s a bother, but not too dim that it puts everyone to sleep.

Again, some things are out of your control, like random family members entering the room or a loud plane flying overhead. But preparing in every way you can make the situation all the better.

g] Prepare adequately

Some people might think that because you aren’t standing physically in front of your client, it relieves some of the pressure.

While this may be true, this in no way means you shouldn’t prepare. If anything, you should put more effort into these virtual client meetings – it’s harder to woo someone through a screen than in person.

If you’re qualifying a customer to see what solution might be best for them, make sure you have all of your lead qualifying questions and pain point discussion topics ready to go.

Or if you’re giving a product demonstration, you are going to need to nail those value statements.

h] Be picky with who can join the meeting

Another part of preparing for a virtual client meeting is determining who should and shouldn’t be involved. Be picky with your guest list.

Virtual meetings often involve some awkwardness and a lot of interruptions. Don’t invite people from your business that aren’t essential to the conversation.

i] Set a clear time limit

Finally, consider how long the meeting should take and keep in mind the varying time zones. It is best to keep the meeting within everyone’s work hours if possible. Also, be prepared for any potential technical issues you might run into.

It might be easy to attract guests during peak season but the ultimate goal for any Airbnb host is to make sure their vacation rentals are always full – no matter what time of year. So you might be asking yourself “How do I attract people on Airbnb?”

The majority of Airbnb hosts have no prior experience or training. There is no manual for running a short-term rental; instead, you must learn by doing. But wouldn’t it be great if you had a first-time Airbnb checklist of everything you need to do to become a fantastic host?

Here is a quick one to get you started:

1. Equip your rental with essential supplies and amenities
2. Add some extra amenities for a nice touch
3. Write a compelling description 
4. Take high-quality photos
5. Cleanliness-listings should appear clean even in the photos! And your reviews should reflect that your space is sparkling clean.

Here we will focus on one means of how to wow your Airbnb guests and that is by using a variety of light fixtures. This will ensure you make your guests cozy and create lasting memories for them.

1. Chandelier

Suspended from the ceiling, chandeliers direct light upward. They are usually installed over a table or in the main entry foyer, but they are not strangers to bedrooms and bathrooms. Chandeliers enhance the decorative style of a room and provide ambient lighting. 

When you opt for a chandelier in your Airbnb, you are getting much more than simply a source of light – you are getting a statement piece that is sure to attract a lot of attention from visitors to your home. 

Here are some tips on how to decorate with a chandelier:

• Complement the color palette and materials of the space
• Make your chandelier the focal point of the room

2. Pendant

Pendant lights are a fun way to add additional light to your home and to enjoy an attractive fixture.

These lights are most commonly used over an island or bar in your kitchen, or they are designed to hang in a group over your table. While they are not usually as ornate as a chandelier is, they are still very attractive and will add beauty and light to your space.

If you have a large area to illuminate, then you will either want to purchase multiple pendant lights to hang in a row or opt for a larger fixture that has multiple bulbs. Either choice will be sure to provide you with the amount of light that you need to be able to easily see what you are working on or eating.

3. Ceiling lights

Ceiling lights are mounted directly to the ceiling, with a glass or plastic shade concealing the light bulb.

Ceiling fixtures have been common in homes for nearly 100 years. The ceiling lights in this hallway complement the chandelier that is suspended from the ceiling.

4. Track lighting

Track lighting is mounted or suspended from the ceiling on a linear unit that contains several light heads, which can be positioned anywhere along the track.

The direction of the heads can also be adjusted. In this room, the track lighting is used to highlight the artwork and wall and provide overall light for the space. Any close-range work such as cooking, sewing, drawing, and writing should have task lighting—enough to see flaws in canvas and clothing.

5. Recessed lighting

This light fixture is installed above the ceiling and has an opening that is flush with the ceiling.

Recessed lighting sends a relatively narrow band of light in one direction, so it can be used to provide ambient, task, or accent lighting. The recessed lighting in this kitchen adds sufficient light without overwhelming the space.

When installing recessed lights in your home, you need to make sure that they are correctly insulated so that there isn’t any condensation that drips into the fixture, which can not only ruin the fixture but also cause a dangerous situation.

Recessed lighting doesn’t brighten up your entire space, but rather will send a narrow band of light to one area of your room. For this reason, it is normal to install multiple recessed lights in the same area of your home.

6. Under-cabinet lighting

Mounted underneath kitchen cabinets, this type of lighting is extremely popular as task lighting in a kitchen.

The under-cabinet lights in this kitchen brighten up the room and enhance the contemporary, clean feel of the space.

It can be very difficult to make sure that you have ample light when you are working in the kitchen, especially if you are worried about whether or not you will accidentally cut yourself with a knife or be able to accurately read the recipe.

To ensure that you can easily see what you are doing, it’s time to stop relying on your ceiling light and install under-cabinet lighting in your space.

This is a great way to illuminate the entire countertop, which will ensure that you can easily see what you are working on, no matter what time of the day or night you decide to cook.

7. Floor lamp

A versatile and portable light source, lamps come in a wide range of sizes and styles. This floor lamp complements the room’s design scheme and provides task lighting for the bordering chairs. 

8. Table lamp

A stylish table lamp can add character to a room while providing task light.

This sophisticated lamp could easily be used for reading. when you are shopping for one, you will want to take your time to choose one that will fit with the décor in the rest of your space.

They are ideal if you are going to be sitting by the sofa table reading or if you want to illuminate a darker corner in your room without having to install additional lighting.

9. Desk lamp

Desk lamps provide task lighting, directing light downward on a workspace.

A desk lamp is a great way to get the focused light that you need so that you can stay on task.

They generally are easy to move so that you can swing the arm around if you need to illuminate a different area of your desk, making it easy to see exactly what you are working on.

When you choose a desk lamp, you will want to make sure that you use a bright bulb so that the light doesn’t have to compete too much with the general lighting in your space.

10. Wall sconces

Wall sconces are very versatile. Surface-mounted to a wall, they can direct light upward or downward. The sconces in this bathroom provide flattering lighting while not subtracting from the impact of the tiled wall.

This versatile lighting fixture is mounted directly to the wall, and sconce lights are common both inside and outside of the home.

They are able to direct light either down or up, and homeowners love to look for shades that will add a lot of drama or style to the room. They are often used around a piece of art to draw attention to it, around the front door on your porch, or by the mirror in your bathroom.

Wall sconces can add a stylistic touch to a room and can also provide ambient or task lighting.

Additionally, many people love installing sconces on either side of the primary bed, as this is a great way to light up the bedroom and provide you with the light that you desire when you want to read in bed before falling asleep.

They come in many sizes and designs, making finding the right one for your home relatively easy.

A sconce is a wall-mounted light fixture. They can be used in nearly any space, but are often found in hallways, living rooms, dining rooms, and bathrooms.

In bathrooms, sconces can provide excellent task lighting when mount over or on either side of a mirror.

11. Cove lighting

There are three common forms of architectural lighting, and cove lighting is a popular form.

Cove lighting is placed in a ledge, shelf, or recess high up on a wall, and the light is bounced toward the ceiling or upper wall. In this bedroom, the cove lighting illuminates the ceiling above the bed, adding a romantic feel.

12. Soffit lighting

Soffit lighting, another type of architectural lighting, radiates downward, washing the wall with light. In this bedroom, soffit lighting adds an interesting dimension behind the bed.

13. Linear LED

Linear LED lighting has become the industry go-to for lighting hard-to-reach spaces. The low-profile strips can be installed directly into ceiling coves, cabinets, or built-in bookshelves for discreet accent or task lighting.

But don’t just think small – they can also be installed in the ceiling or walls for eye-catching lines of light.

Below are a few pointers on the best type of light fixtures for every room in your Airbnb:

• Lighting for kitchens

Most kitchens, especially larger ones, will need several types of lighting for adequate illumination.

For ambient (or overall) lighting, choose a ceiling fixture or recessed can lights that evenly distribute light around the space.

Then install light sources directly above work spots to provide task lighting.

Pendants (which should hang about 35-40 inches above a surface) are a popular lighting option over an island, and undercabinet lights are great for food prep areas.

Top off your kitchen lighting scheme with accent lights for added function. Tape-lights in the toe-kick area (between the cabinet and floor) can provide soft light for late-night trips to the kitchen. Strip lights or downlights can showcase dishes in open shelves or glass-front cabinets.

Task areas of the kitchen, such as the island or other spots where you typically chop vegetables, require more intense illumination. 

• Dining room fixtures

Your rental dining room is where conversation and socializing will happen, which means a dark, shadowy atmosphere is not ideal. It is important to create a light and welcoming feeling in the dining area.

Good overall lighting is essential, so ceiling fixtures, including flush-mount and recessed, can lights, work well in dining rooms.

For dining room lighting that makes more of a statement, a chandelier can be both decorative and functional for providing general light.

When installing a chandelier, remember that it should hang about 33 inches above the table in a dining room with 8-foot ceilings. For every foot above 8 feet, add 3 inches to the above-table measurement. 

• Living room lighting

Living rooms often serve many purposes for your Airbnb, so you’ll want lighting that can easily adapt for casual entertaining, cozy movie nights, relaxing reading a book, and other activities.

Flexible track lighting is a smart choice for living areas because it can provide ambient, task, or accent lighting.

You can move, swivel, rotate, and aim individual lights to change your lighting scheme at any time. Adjustable beams allow you to produce the desired pattern or wash of light without changing bulbs.

If your living room includes a TV, create a movie-theater feel with lights that don’t cause shadows or glare.

Pendants are perfect living room lighting for when the TV is off. When it’s on, dimmable sconces, track lights, and molding with uplights allow for safe movement without distracting from the action. 

• Bathroom lights

The wrong lighting in a bathroom can be unflattering or even unsafe.

Avoid lights that point down at the mirror, as these will cast unwanted shadows. Instead, place fixtures, such as pendants or sconces, on each side of mirrors for more balanced lighting.

For a shared bathroom, consider adjustable sconces that can adapt to specific lighting needs. Bright light is best for bathrooms.

• Lighting for hallways

As transition areas between rooms, hallways don’t pose as many specific lighting concerns as other spaces.

Choose a flush-mount ceiling fixture for inconspicuous light, or attach a few sconces along the wall for indirect lighting.

You don’t typically need particularly bright light in hallways, so 5-10 lumens per square foot is generally sufficient.

Putting new fixtures in requires the skills of a professional, which might include running new wiring through walls, installing new fixtures, or adding an additional circuit.

If you do decide to install any lighting fixtures yourself, make sure you know exactly what you are doing as it is easy to unintentionally create fire and electrocution hazards.

This also costs you.

You end up feeling insecure about bringing people over, end up wasting time looking for misplaced things, and even dread getting back home to the mess awaiting you.

How to start organizing a messy house

A necessary step is to get yourself in the right mind to start organizing.

Recognize and assess the mess that you will be working with then decide how to go about it. 

After assessing, come up with a proper plan. Work at your realistic pace and do not rush towards finishing the task, be ready for the organization to take some time. 

Decide on the time that works right for you and when to take breaks. If you do not stay alone then you also have to plan around the time when your housemates will not be a distraction.

Making a clean sweep might just be the best mood boost when organizing. You can declutter and take out the trash. This will allow you to get the clutter out of the space and you will see what you actually have to work with.

Once you have reduced the clutter, find proper storage places for the extra things.

Designate a location for similar items to avoid having them spread out in different places of the house and save time by knowing where to look.

Divide large storage spaces into smaller zones, so the organization task doesn’t feel so tiresome.

And if necessary, invest in organizational systems, such as a closet organizer or storage bins, so everything has a place that will be easily accessible.

Organizing one space at a time helps to not get overwhelmed and demotivated with proceeding. So, start small. You can opt for the floor to the surface to cabinet option.

A great idea for organizing any room is to clear out the mess and give everything a clean. After this, go through your items one at a time, only keeping what you use in the space you are purging and later planning to organize.

When you start to purge any room, whether it is the kitchen, bathroom, or master bedroom make sure you are storing the right items in that space. 

Do a quick evaluation of what you will be keeping in that room and what you will be tossing. Put the items you decide on keeping back into their designated locations. Think about how you position them. Keep items you use the most at your eye level and used less further away or up higher. If you can’t easily see or access something, the less likely you are to use it.

Organizing one space at a time helps to not get overwhelmed and demotivated with proceeding. So, start small. You can opt for the floor to the surface to cabinet option.

How to start organizing room to room

Shared spaces—these refer to rooms like the kitchen, living room, bathroom, and dining, which are the most trafficked in the house.

Plan to clear these places and find a home for everything that stays in the areas. Collaborate with family members on where shared objects should go so that everyone knows where everything is and can return items to their correct locations.

Personal spaces—these mostly include bedrooms and home office. It can take some effort to organize because they often involve assessing many items.

For instance, when organizing your home office, you might have a lot of paperwork to go through and either file or shred.

You’re the only one who can make decisions about how to organize your personal spaces, this would work if you set up a system that works for your lifestyle. 

In as much as organizing a home varies from individual to individual, a checklist would be a great way to start out and then personalize the process to your liking.

An example of organization routines and solutions checklist are as below;

Living room

• Return items to their assigned locations.
• Train or remind your housemates to pick up after themselves each time before they leave their space.
• Remove everything that doesn’t belong in the spaces like the table or couches so have clear space.
• Define zones and assign a specific purpose to each area. For example, arranging bookshelves so that they are visually appealing, add trays for remote controls, and use boxes, bins, or cabinets to conceal your games and DVD collections

Kitchen

• Clear the counters every morning and evening
• Have housemates always put dishes in the dishwasher
• Clear out old food before you get more
• Do a freezer and pantry inventory every 6 months or whenever works for you
• Close and store properly food storage containers when you take them to the cabinets
• Throw away containers or lids with missing parts

Bedrooms

• Make your bed every day
• Hang up clothes after laundry or place them in the hamper when they are dirty
• Store shoes and handbags where you can see them.
• Optimize space under the bed for extra storage

Bathroom

• Declutter any expired toiletries or medicine
• Wipe out the sink after brushing your teeth.
• Clear off the counter after you get dressed.
• Wipe down the counter when done getting dressed or before going to bed.
• Roll towels or washcloths and store them in baskets

Tips for making your house feel homey

There’s a big difference between living in a place that you simply rely on for provisions of necessity like a bed and a bathroom and living in a place that you feel at home.

This is especially true in rentals.

It can be difficult to establish yourself somewhere that you know you won’t be in for more than a year or two, or somewhere that is a far cry from your, taste or style.

But a sense of home is all about perception, and regardless of the surrounding factors it is possible to cultivate true warmth and personality no matter where you’re living

Figuring out how to make your house feel like home is, more than anything, about figuring out how to make your home cozy.

You might know what will make you feel safe, warm, and happy. However, incorporating them into your new house can be a challenge. So, here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Clean and declutter the entire house finding a place for everything

Getting to bed always feels the best when you’re climbing into freshly washed sheets.

It’s extremely difficult to be completely comfortable in a place that’s dirty or filled with clutter.

If you’re trying to figure out how to make a home cozy, you need to start by making it clean. 

Cleaning a house top-to-bottom and left-to-right will give it a fresh look and make it feel like home. Dust all the rooms and empty shelves in the house. Wipe down the windows in the entire house regularly wash your sheets and towels, keep your floors and other surfaces clean, and make it a habit to clear the clutter before it gets out of hand.

2. Create warmth through lighting

Soft, diffused light works best in creating a cozy warm atmosphere so opt for globe lamps to cast a diffused light in your space.

Avoiding harsh overhead or strip lighting is key in creating a cozy mood.

3. Embrace a calming color palette 

The psychology of color and the impact that different colors may have on a space’s mood and energy has been well-documented.

Consider the depth and richness of the color rather than the tone when picking wall colors for maximum coziness.

4. Hang artwork

Research shows that simply looking at art can reduce stress and make you happy.

And aside from the fact that we get a big boost of pleasure from looking at things that we consider to be beautiful, hanging art in your house helps instill your individual personality and interests into the space.

When choosing the artwork, it needs to be properly sized based on the scale of the wall, and not hung too high.

Also, be sure to mix large pieces with clusters of smaller pieces and vary the style and medium to ensure a truly curated look that will allow your home to look more lived in.

5. Use mirrors

Using mirrors creatively in your home can make them not only useful for checking your appearance, but also for other functions, examples as follow:

Improve light

Placing a mirror in the correct place in a room allows you to optimize natural light. To do so, place the mirror adjacent to a window to perfectly catch the angle of light and bounce it throughout the room.

Create texture

Mirrors can be used to create texture in two ways. The first is by installing a textured mirror frame which adds a three-dimensional level to the wall. These can act as statement furnishings in any room.

The second way to add texture in a room is to position the mirror so it reflects a textured object already in the room – a rustic, wooden coffee table, vase, or faux fur throw, for example. 

Create the illusion of space

The bigger the mirror, the more space it will appear to create.

Think carefully about the angle of the room you want to reflect – placing a mirror opposite a window, for example, will bring both natural light and greenery into a smaller room. 

In a room where you are likely to entertain, a larger mirror can increase the atmosphere in the room by giving the illusion of more guests. 

6. Bring in small comforts like pillows and throws

Add one or two textured throw pillows to your couch (or just change the covers on your existing pillows) to make your space look and feel cozier.

Other options: Nubby boucle, a wooly cable knit, or a rich velvet.

One of the easiest ways to change the look, feel, and seasonal style of your room is to change your pillow covers! It’s one of my favorite tricks for a cozy living room, and it’s easy to learn how to mix and match patterns and styles.

Blankets and throws are a necessity in our home at all times of the year! Simply store them away in a pretty basket when not in use if you don’t love the look of draping across an ottoman, sofa, or chair. They add instant cozy living vibes!

7. Add warmth underfoot

There is not a single place in the house that does not benefit from having a beautiful rug.

Sisal and flat-weave rugs are great when it’s warm outside, but for winter, you want a little pile. If you don’t have the budget to get a giant area rug, consider layering smaller rugs in strategic spots, like next to the bed, under the coffee table, or in front of your favorite reading chair.

Layering up rugs on top of carpet adds new texture and depth – the shaggier and softer the rugs are, the cozier they’ll make your home feel.

8. Get some houseplants to add life

Houseplants will generally freshen up the air in your house. So, you need to bring in some green plants and flowers to make the house feel like home. ensure that every room has enough light to keep the plants healthy. Also, get some well-decorated plant pots, watering cans, and the other supplies you’ll need to keep the new plants growing

9. Incorporate wood

Wood instantly warms a room, even if just a hint (like this kitchen island below). You can create a cozy home with wood elements like hardwood floors, wood furniture like a dresser or coffee table, wood shelving, or accents like bowls, pedestals, and trays.

10. Use warm metals

There are a variety of ways to bring warm metals to your home!

Search for antique silver-plated pieces at thrift stores, add a fresh brass tray to your coffee table or a mirror to your walls.

You can integrate brass hardware, brass kitchen faucet, or brass lanterns for a living finish that will patina over time. Copper curtain rods and copper lights are another way you can add a little warmth.

Do everything possible to make the house more inviting. Finally, you need to make your home feel like part of the community by interacting with neighbors.

You often have to find smatter solutions to problems. For example, how do you store everything you need? Or how to make the space areas multiuse?

Settling in a small cozy house is a lifestyle choice. Many structures can measure less than 300 feet, but not all of them can prove to be beautiful and accommodating enough to live for long periods of time. The lack of privacy and space is something that you can grapple with daily.

However, there are plenty of good reasons why some people choose small spaces.

Here are some of them.

• More savings since the energy bills are minimal.
• There is less clutter because you have to make intentional purchases and items to keep.
• Less time is spent on cleaning.
• High quality of life. The money saved on a mortgage could be used for luxury like traveling.
• If you are living with a partner, you get to do more activities together.
• You constantly access what you own and what you are bringing to your space.

I have lived in a few small spaces in my lifetime. During college in the hostels and right after when I got my first job. It really is not as hard as you may think. Moreover, what you lack in space you can make up for it in style.

So, I will share with you some of my favorite small space living tips.

1] Dual functionality

Ensure that everything you purchase serves more than one purpose. Let’s begin in the living room. Here I discovered that you have to get the right scale sofa by measuring the space for the sitting group then the longest wall. All along making an allowance for end tables and floor lamps.

Love seats or sofa C sectional give you more sittings while allowing you to maximize the use of every wall. They can also double as a bed when you have guests. But, there is no written rule that you have to have a sofa in the living room. 

Personally, I opted for a daybed that suits the vibe of my space.  This is because it can serve triple duty. It can work as a sofa, my primary bed, and a guest bed. It also frees up more floor space and gives the opportunity to play with different looks in the living room.

Like getting a swivel chair. Here I went for a smaller footprint which happens to allow optimum angles no matter which way it swivels. The swivel chair also engaged the living room area with the dining room with just a simple turn.

When it comes to sitting, select pieces for their primary function first and those that have a dynamic purpose for the space. So that the space feels not only cozy but also smart.

Also, playing with shapes, colors, and turtle fabrics enhances the style of your room, and it’s a story at the same time.

2] Lighting

This is always down to personal preference however, it is good to allow in as much natural light as possible. The color white on furniture and walls bounces light around the room. Pastel colors can work too, provided they are not too dark.

I found wall sconces and pendant lights add extra brightness to the room without taking up valuable floor space. They also make the space feel larger, look cozier and add much-needed light to find each zone.

Ever tried out black-out roller blinds and drapes? They completely eliminate the need for a television in your tiny space. I normally project movies, sitcoms, or any shows I enjoy on these drapes. It almost feels like being at the cinema. 

3] Keep it clean

Nobody wants to live in a messy, dusty apartment but, as human beings, we sometimes put off cleaning longer than we should. Not with a small house though.

This is due to the maximum use of the space which creates traffic. Making it easy for dirt to get around and dust to accumulate.

The house being a small space, the air also gets stale fast. This means if you do not have a food bin for any waste cooking related, you will have to empty your waste bin every time because of the foul smell. Which I found to be not only cumbersome but also next to impossible. Why? There is little waste to throw out while living alone.

4] Organize your storage

While living in a small house, I found myself decluttering a lot in a self-made system. It is very important to ensure everything has a home. Not only do items become pleasant to look at but also are easier to access.

Whenever I get unsure of the items I want to throw out, I would put them in a transition box and then donate them in a month if not used.

A console table that can be flanked up against the wall acts as a very good focal point for your space. It can also be used as an entry table or to showcase curated decorative pieces that show your style.

It is good to source one according to your needs. However, it would be a bonus tip if the console you get has cabinets and drawers for extra storage. The open and streamlined ones allow you to tuck in additional storage ornaments that can also act as extra chairs. You just pull them out whenever needed.

5] Mirrors

Mirrors give the illusion of a bigger space and bring more of the outside inside when it reflects a beautiful landscape. Its equal parts are stylish and functional. And they instantly amplify light and double the visual impact of everything it reflects.

You could either go for floor mirrors or those mounted on the wall. The framed ones have the added advantage of doubling as wall art.

While choosing the area to place them, ensure it reflects more of what you want to see and inspires you as well.

With mirrors I learned, putting them behind the sofa, reflects too much active energy that is not needed.

6] Bookcases

With bookcases, the taller the better. It could either be put against a vertical wall space or as a privacy divider between the living room and the bedroom.

Here, opt for a closed bookcase at the bottom for storage needs while displaying pretty pieces up top.

7] The dining area

If your space has a dining area go for a slim banquet flanked right up against the wall. It frees up more space.

Normally in tiny spaces, there is no room for chairs. Therefore, the source for a bench. An armless bench that is slim is easily accessible. Much more comfortable than an upright desk if you work from home since you can stretch out your legs.

As for the dining table, I always opt for around one. It is easy to walk around and I can easily sit one more person.

8] Prioritize your air quality

Small spaces tend to have less air circulating around. The smells, dust and dumps easily circulate the area. Which if not properly let out it can cause respiratory problems.

If you have windows, keep them open during the day and make use of your ventilators. An air purifier also comes in handy.

The smaller the home the more important it is to design with form and function in mind. Despite their size, they have major potential to help you live a more stylish and functional life. 

I will now give you some tips for the small bedroom having tackled the living room. The main question here is what mood do you want to set? Do you want your bedroom to help you relax and unwind? Or have a bedroom devoid of saturated hues?

Every piece of furniture and the bed included helps in dictating the feeling in the room. While the paint solidifies it. It really is how one piece vibes with the next and the next.

Being a small space, storage needs are very paramount. So what are some of the items that help in storage?

1] Wardrobe

 It can act as the focal point of the bedroom if you choose a design statement armor. Always opt for the one with legs because they make the room feel larger. Not forgetting one with identical cabinets.

In case the wardrobe is too big, stack shelves also come through. They make the bedroom look clutter-free. Moreover, they can be combined with closed cabinets for extra storage.

For keeping the belongings organized, I use baskets and boxes.

Bookshelves too can come in handy in place of wardrobe and stack shelves. With a beautiful backdrop color, they look cozy and chic. If not, opt for a do-it-yourself closet system. Use the same idea of functionality to increase storage. You could have one tall shelf and a closet with cool garment racks.

2] Lighting

If the space allows opting for symmetrical nightstands. If not a wall-mounted one can work as well and makes the bed seem larger.

Personally, I preferred a headboard integrated with ledges for a clean minimal look. Wall sconces are also a favorite instead of table lamps.

Since my space did not allow for a nightstand, I opted for small side tables. With a chair that serves double duty as a surface for evening essentials and extra sitting.

3] End of the bed bench

This bench should be shorter than the mattress and with a smaller width than that of the bed. 

Those with hidden compartments inside are the best because they are used for storage. Hence they’re dual functionality when used for sitting, putting your throw blankets and clothes while getting ready.

To start your day with intention and purpose, make the bed every morning. Coming home to a made bed encourages relaxation and winding down. In addition, changing the linens often can freshen the whole area.

What are some of the do’s while living in a small cozy house?

Here’s a list of things you can do in a small cozy house.

• Paint the wall and ceiling the same color. Your eyes will naturally draw up to the ceilings with no visual break. Thus elongating the look of the walls.
• Go for tone on tone. Whether your tone is darker or lighter, the same tones blend the whole room in a less visual space. Keep everything neutral to allow visual breathing room.
• Opt for fewer larger pieces instead of a bunch of small pieces which make  the space look cramped.
• Purchase sectionals. They maximize every inch of the living room.
• Use see-through furniture for example a glass table. They reflect natural light around the room and open up the space.
• Purchase low-back furniture and seatings.
• Scale your furniture proportional to your space.
• Opt for one statement piece of art and hang it high.
• Whenever you bring something new in, something of equal size must be donated.
• Use high curtains. Ceiling to the floor and as an additional favorite tip extends the width of the rod. Makes the window look bigger.
• Use coat racks around the house especially on doors or adjacent walls for winter coats and bags.
• Letter holders and trays help keep receipts and stationery tidy.

Are there things you should not do while living in a small house? Yes. Having low pendant lights takes up too much space as well as high back furniture. Also, short bookshelves and wardrobes make the space look as if it’s hanging.

When it comes to area rugs. I discovered buying the largest you can afford is the best option. I can use it again and again without having to purchase a new one every time I move to a new house.

In conclusion, living in a small house takes creativity, flexibility, and ingenuity. But I believe it is worth the effort. It really made me intentionally consider the things I own, what I need and not need. I am more mindful of the physical objects I choose to live with.

You really do not need a bunch of stuff to be happy. There is something of value in knowing you can get by on living with less.

And do you agree that a mansion is just something to enjoy and be grateful for?

There comes a certain stage of affluence and one is able to afford lots of things at insane prices.

A diamond-studded phone cover, long luxury recreational boats, a garage full of luxury cars, and a mansion.

Having lived in a small house for quite some time, most of my hours were spent daydreaming about my ideal house.

Everything was cramped up in the same room.

For instance, the living room was my bedroom and the kitchen as well. With a long ceiling to floor curtain as a subdivider.

It was almost as if I couldn’t breathe.

I also felt so small having to see everything I owned with just one glance. It is quite overwhelming.

So by the time I was moving into a mansion, I knew exactly what I wanted in fine detail.

Changes after moving to a mansion

How the library would have floor to ceiling stacking shelves with a staircase in the middle.

The types of wine that would form my collection in the cellar.

My ensuite bathroom with a marble tub where I will no longer have to share.

A kitchen with a wide working area and plenty of cabinets for storage.

My idea was to be able to have different rooms for different activities.

And let me tell you I am not looking back. I love every bit of living in a mansion.\

Having the garden in the backyard with fresh veggies and tons of activities to engage in at the front yard.

You know the idea is to have a few spacious rooms rather than many small rooms.

Something that is very paramount to consider is the location of the bigger house. It has to be an area that erects the same type of houses with neighbors who have the same vision as you. Otherwise, the comparison to others can be unbalancing mentally. You would never be satiated.

Wealth and even happiness are not measured by how big a house or mansion you have. But by how it compares to those around you.

Expectations when living in a mansion

So what do you expect while living in a mansion?

Luxury, luxury, and more luxury

There is so much space available that allows room for privacy.

Unlike being in a small house where when you walk in almost all your possessions are visible in a glance.

Amenities in one place

Everything you need is available at your convenience.

You literally bring the activities done outside to you. Be it games like basketball, trampoline, or swimming. You have a cinema room instead of going to the movies, a massage room, the gym, even pool slides at the tip of your fingers.

Top-notch interior design

The interior design is also breathtakingly beautiful.

You can tell that a designer came in and picked out all items of furniture and artwork. From the huge patios, football-size bedrooms, high ceiling walls, and walk-in closets. To the waterfalls or maybe the aquarium if you are an aqua person.

Embrace the space

You come to appreciate the amount of land that surrounds your mansion.

Having no neighbors close by, it is incredibly peaceful to walk around the grounds in your bathing suit.

Moreover, you can only live in so much interior space before it feels like a big waste.

The space grows on to you.

There is the notion that a massive house can be cold and wasteful.  However, after moving from a small house to a mansion, you get used to the space. Like a goldfish growing into its aquarium environment. Provided step by step you increase its utilization.

Eventually, the 20-foot high ceilings, fancy washlet toilets, and 8-inch thick doors become the norm.

Live with your large family, still have privacy

One of the ways to utilize the mansion is to have a massive family.

With so much space you can’t help yourself from daydreaming about kids running around the grounds. Playing in the pool and all the giggles that would come from them while sitting at the massive dining table during meals.

If not children then your loved ones should be around to enjoy the property. It might get a little sad walking by empty room after empty room while going to your grandmaster suit.

The privacy that comes with having a mansion is priceless.

With all the hustling to make a living nothing beats coming home to a property where only your loved ones can disturb you. Even then, you still have the option of your private space to be alone if need be.

You can have loved ones living in the same single house with you, while they have their own space. It is becoming increasingly common to have your parents living with you when they become older.

Hence, having a mansion eliminates unnecessary interactions. While you get to house multiple generations.

Work from home

Apart from having a home office, which comes through especially now with the pandemic, and the whole vibe of working from home.

You still get extra space that can be used as storage for running your business from home. The goal is to have multiple streams of income, right?

You are not limited. When you have more space available, you can use it for diverse purposes. Maybe create a playroom for the kids or a craft room and workshop for yourself. Or even make room for holding meetings for welfare.

Good ambiance

The general atmosphere of a luxurious mansion is exceptionally good. The environment does leave a positive impact on your mind and on the people visiting you. You almost feel happier, more satisfied, and comfortable.

It is custom-built. You can run wild with your imagination while designing. Because you are given the opportunity to choose home features that contour to your and your family’s lifestyle.

Spectacular views

This is such a definitive feature for mansions to expect. It completely depends on the location you choose. But as for me, I get a view of the mountains and the rolling foothills. It is very serene.

You can easily indulge in new projects due to the availability of space. Whether it is learning to play the piano, to draw, or sow.

Learn how to cook and host parties.

Even your loved ones can indulge as well without getting into each other’s space.

Pros of living in a mansion

With such great expectations. What would be the advantages of living in a mansion?

• Mansions are a great investment in real estate. They could later be turned into an air bed and breakfast.
• Due to its size, it is great for hosting guests, family, and friends comfortably during the holidays.
• It is very convenient. You do not have to go elsewhere for entertainment.
• Keeps you fairly fit with all the walking you have to do while walking from one room to the other.
• You have more storage space for your stuff. Which gives you more breathing room without feeling like the walls are closing in on you due to clutter around you.
• Your children will be able to grow more socially by being able to host their friends over whenever circumstances allow it.
• Unforgettable barbecue evenings with close friends.

Cons of living in a mansion

Everything good comes at a price. However, I think with proper planning these disadvantages would hit different while living in a mansion.

The cost of living is high

The maintenance, utilities, and property taxes are expensive. But if you schedule when the maintenance is to be done rather than doing it impromptu when needed saves you some coins. Also saving up for your new lifestyle before is a bonus tip.

Loneliness

Sometimes you can not hear someone in the other room. This is easily solved by putting home telephones in every room. 

Challenge in decorating all the spaces

It is quite a challenge to decorate due to size and keeping things proportional to scale. If you are doing it yourself. However professional interior designers do a great job in furnishing and creating the mood you want.

You just do not get on a ladder to install anything with the high ceilings. It is very dangerous unless you are qualified.

Clashing schedules

Can be difficult to work from home when all the cleaning is being done. In my house, there is harmony when it comes to cleaning.

I am usually informed the day before this way I have the option of working outside by the pool, at the guest house, or giving myself a vacation day.

Security concern

A mansion being a sign of wealth attracts greed. Therefore you will need to invest in a security system to keep out thieves. No argument here, you have to feel safe in your own home. 

Growing desire

After a while, you will start looking for a bigger mansion. Why? The desire for more is never-ending. This is relative because if you live in a neighborhood with like-minded people you are as content as you choose to be.

Space can be too big

It is quite annoying if you forget something in another room. This gets on my nerves every single time. So if I don’t really need it I forgo it for later.

When is it time to move to a bigger house?

Here are a few good reasons.

Space and privacy

If there is barely enough room for those of you who live there let alone the occasional guest. Then you need more space. So that every person can have their own bedrooms and you get more storage for your clutter.

Growing family

Your family is growing. Whether adding babies or puppies, you want your growing family to have the space to happily co-exist both inside and outside your home.

Low interest in real estate

The market is right with low-interest rates on housing. 

Have access to amenities

You are ready to have your favorite amenities right in your home or yard. I am talking about the pool, the gym or a tennis court. This way you don’t have to go out to enjoy yourself.

Cost efficiency

The cost of maintaining your current home is no longer reasonable. It’s costing you more than it would if you just moved to a new house. 

Changing lifestyle

Your lifestyle, preference, and needs have changed and you desire a community that better suits you. Maybe you have kids now and you need an area that has good schools with a community that is raising children as well.

Increased wealth

You have had a boost in your income. More money in the bank could mean it’s time for a bigger house. If you can afford it, why not?

You want an income apartment where you can rent out part of your home. This helps in subsidizing the mortgage and living in areas you otherwise could not afford.

Need for a home office

Your work is different now and you lack a home office. With the pandemic and the whole idea of working from home, which I think many will still opt for even when it is over. Having a serene working environment is vital for productivity.

This brings us to the question.

Will a bigger house make you happy?

Well, there is less clutter to fight about. More places to hide when disagreements inevitably occur and you need space. There are a lot of activities to engage in. And you can always host family and friends gatherings.

A house has a heart and many argue that a big house is an empty house while a small house has emotions.

I beg to differ because you make your own home.

You have the power to decide and create the mood and ambiance you desire.

It is true, you don’t realize how on top of each other you are until you experience mansion living.

The level of space we expect or aspire to can depend on what we were used to.

Happiness should first come from within you before it comes from material things.

Otherwise, nothing would ever make you smile.

It’s hard to deny that mansions have a lot of appeals. For they are grand, majestic even and radiate a satisfying sense of spaciousness. It is good though to keep in mind that there will always be a bigger house than yours and a smaller one. 

Spend time with your loved ones to increase happiness in your home. Because the size of the house has zero to do with the size of happiness. The house is just luxurious and more convenient. It is the people living in it that make it a home.

Just a few simple moves can bring great holiday cheer to your corner of the world.

Precisely, there is no need to do a whole lot. Think of creative ways to repurpose what you have from previous holidays and only buy key pieces. To finish the holiday look.

How do you make a home cozy for the holidays?

1] Experiment with warm cozy paint colors

Pops of color can be a great way to add interest to a room in a subtle way.

For example, you can give your bookshelf or a side table a new look by painting it with a rich inviting color.

Also, you can use a rich color of your choice on the inside of a bookcase and behind glass cabinets.

There is also the option of using a fabric of your theme color on accent pieces of furniture or simply by painting all wooden areas and doors.

With little effort, you can see how a rich and popping color and paint will give your space a cozy and holiday feel.

2] Switching up throw pillows and blankets

Replace lightweight cotton and linens with cozy, chunky textures like knits and velvets or patterns like plaid on your sofa throw pillows.

You could also use a cozy fabric on the arm of a chair or throw pillows in fresh colors. These are little tweaks that create warmth during the holidays.

Not forgetting your bedroom, your beddings can make a huge difference as you adjust for seasonality. Swap your cotton sheets for flannel and add a blanket between your top sheet and comforter.

Even a layer of a throw blanket on the end of the bed can come in handy on an especially chilly evening.

The key is to bring in a pop of color in a location that makes sense to the space.

3] Switch up your art

Hang new affordable art on your walls that display seasonal colors or the theme of the holiday.

You can use a print that reads  ‘joy to the world’ or a Santa picture.

Also, upgrade all your framed family photos so that visiting relatives can see what you have been up to during the year.

4] Work on your lights

Changing the lighting of your home is a classic way to add a joyous mood.

You could start with swapping lampshades fabric to linen fabric because of their natural elements. Which are completely versatile and when illuminated, they produce a beautiful soft glow.

Moreover, nothing is cozier than the glow of twinkling lights on the drapes, doors, and entryway.

Candles come in handy too. You could assemble them in various heights massed together on a large plate at the center of the dining table. Use the unscented ones here. However, create an ambiance and make any room feel cozier with scented candles.

Consider fragrances that remind you and your guests of the season. For example pumpkin, spice, and apple.

5] Making your home smell like Christmas

During the holiday, it is the best time to pile your roast dinner plate high with all your favorite festive treats. From roast potatoes, Brussel sprouts to turkey, chicken, and your favorite cookies.

Not forgetting the gravy, your special stuffing, and roasted lamb or beef.

All tantalizing aromas from dishes not eaten on a day-to-day basis. With passed down family recipes.

6] Invite nature inside the house

Use simple house plants like maidenhair ferns, orange lilies, green hydrangeas, and orchids.

Plants help people feel more relaxed and effectively purify indoor air by absorbing harmful toxins. And fresh greenery always warms up stark space. 

7] Display your cut wood for the fireplace

If you have a fireplace, keep the cut wood on display.

Grab a natural seagrass basket or metal piece for storing the wood. This adds texture while keeping things tidy and convenient for cool evenings.

8] Feast on an exotic barbecue

Foreign food in a far-flung destination may seem appealing. However, nothing beats a mouth-watering cookout experience in the garden or backyard with family.

Among other things, there is laughter, dancing music, good chatter, and picnic treats. 

With everyone participating and having a good time, the cookout creates a cooling and positive ambiance. Isn’t spending quality time a love language?

9] Give your backyard a facelift

This means that you have to apt the decor of the backyard or the garden. Consider items like a hammock fitted on bars to keep it open as a bed. Their gentle swaying nature while soaking up the sun, aid in relaxation and enjoyment of a book or a cold drink.

You could also add lawn chairs, wooden, metal, or wicker patio chairs. The swinging chairs also come in handy provided they have padded cushions to comfort.

When not cooking a great meal and making jokes, you could be playing games. For example chess, treasure hunts, and charades. They increase bonding which is always the purpose of having holidays.

Have you ever considered a garden camping adventure? Just in your backyard as a bonding activity with your guests.

All you need is an inflatable mattress, duvets, blankets, pillows, and cushions to give it a degree of luxury.

A borne fire would also come in handy Incase is a chilly night. 

10] Why not tech out?

Technology plays a huge role in how we communicate, learn and think. It impacts our daily lives. Therefore it would be a great idea to incorporate virtual reality during the holiday. You could watch a movie with a PowerPoint set up in the backyard or in the house.

In addition to that, consider having a photo backdrop.  You could use flowers in bright cheery colors, rainbow, and clouds, or a magical tulle fairy light backdrop.

These elements depend on your decor. 

Being a holiday, your guests will want photos for memories, to post on social media and a great visual scene in the background will come in handy.

Do not be afraid to use metallics for they add timeless elegance. Go ahead and incorporate that silver bowl and gold frame in your design. A touch of brass and accents like a silver tray elevates the glam of the table.

When it comes to decorating your home for the holidays, put into consideration whether you want an upscale vibe or a layback chill vibe. And make sure your food mimics that.

So what are the different home styles and how do you get to decorate each.

1] Minimalist look design

This involves using the bare essentials to create a simple uncluttered space.  It is mostly evergreen and involves pine cones.

This style is pretty monochromatic except greenery is the dominant color accented with metallics.

Moreover, it is aesthetically driven with strategic candles, heavy textures, and trees with twinkling lights. Here you keep table spaces simple with a monochromatic color palette.

The shades of the main color can vary greatly but the shared undertone is the common thread. Even in a small space, a tree always brings out holiday vibes.

The less the ornamentation the better for the minimalist.

How do minimalists do moody? By bringing the outdoors close to home. Don’t be afraid of a little black and white print for contrast.

2] Natural and cozy design

Here you will think of natural wood tones, big garlands, and flocked trees. It is a minimal design but elevated with earth tones and cabin vibes.

This design has cozy textures like sheepskin rugs. Consider linen tablecloth, cactus centerpieces, and terracotta earth tones to bring in the warmth of the holidays.

3] Traditional and rustic design

This is what plastic Christmas is made up of.  Red, green, and white are the color palettes. Items like Christmas quilts, beary gallants, star tree toppers, wooden nutcrackers, basically all the whistles and bells of the Christmas vibe.

This is the maximalist design where you can go all out with no one to judge you.

In case your design is pretty neutral all year, inject fun colors come Christmas. A colorful monochromatic theme with dominant colors. Think all purple which is majestic and royal, or maybe blues which are known to be crisps and calming, or pink for a feminine and chic touch.

This design goes hand in with a gothic glam. Black spur feelings of sophistication, luxury, and glamour.  No longer is it a color to shy off from during festivities rather, it has become more admirable.

You could go for a black Christmas tree with contrasting metallic trims. The gifts could also be wrapped in black paper.

Though the vibe is dark and moody, the relaxing and calming effect is one of my favorites. When paired with the faint glow of candle lights and twinkling lights on trees, makes the perfect recipe for the festivities of holidays.

4] The maximalist glam

This design is about more is more.

Every inch of space is covered with Christmas flocked trees with more ornaments than branches. There are also feathers, ribbons, and giant nutcrackers. You could also use feather boas to fill out the flock trees.

Basically, the house would look like you stepped into a Christmas boutique and bought the entire sample. 

5] Modern and chic design

This design leans into the sculptural furniture and the elements of decor in your space. Then it strategically amps it up with holiday decors in the same tonal color. Therefore, it does not divert too much from your style.

How does it amp up your style? By adding candle lights, greenery, or maybe by dressing your tabletop in brass and high contrast table setting accessories.

Year after year you probably follow the same Christmas decorating routine.

You toss out any items that might have run their course and then decorate your Christmas tree with the same ornaments you have used over the years.

However, there is more to outfitting your living room than simply decorating the tree. 

The bookshelves, coffee table, the couch can be decorated and make your home feel like Christmas.

Let’s begin with a makeshift fireplace.

In lieu of a traditional fireplace, you can easily hang a cloth mural with colorful stockings mostly red which embodies the spirit of the holiday.

Or, put a basket full of the stockings beside the fireplace.

Hanging a starry sky also creates Christmas vibes at home. You could create a three-dimensional focal point by hanging a mix of paper, metal, and wood stars in various sizes and designs.

When it comes to the bookshelves, apart from coloring it is a popping color as discussed earlier. You could turn it into a statement holiday display by wrapping the books in graphic paper.

You could also be dealing with a small space that does not have room for a Christmas tree. Simply place decorated pine, fir, or spruce branches in oversized clear jars and rest them in your living room mantel or fireplace.

Even when there are endless possibilities while it comes to decorating with eucalyptus. Draping a bunch along a round mirror is a good decor for festivities.

The kitchen is truly the heart of every home. It is the place where everyone gathers during the holidays. You could add just a few neutral Christmas decor like a frosted garland with a pine cone in the center, or some copper accents to the cabinets with glass frontier.

A pitcher filled with winter greenery and a wreath above the sink also scream Christmas without being too bold.

Hot cocoa and cookies are essentials in the kitchen when it is a Christmas holiday. You could do baking cookies as a family activity and decorating each batch differently. 

Another stylish but cost-effective way to decorate during Christmas is using wrapped gifts as decor.

You would use colors that go with your theme with a wreath on top. It is a nostalgic piece of decor that is beautiful.

Nothing adds instant charm to your house during Christmas like adding decorations to your front porch. Whether it’s with wrapped boxes, greenery, or an old sled, it is a wonderful way to greet guests and make the porch seem welcoming.

There is no other time of the year like Christmas for feeling cozy and warm inside. All the festivities, family, and food make it a special time of the year.

And as an additional tip, during Christmas, you can use a spinning tree decorated differently on either side. Hence spun according to your mood.

In the end, do not overthink the decor, always go with your gut. Feel free to mix different designs provided they bring you merriment.

As we age so do our bodies which in turn affects our balance and mobility. There is also reduced coordination and strength, as well as failing eyesight. Therefore the slippery surfaces and cluttered floors in the bathroom can be hazardous to seniors.

There is progress in senior-friendly bathrooms, geared towards helping seniors navigate with ease. A good portion of daily life is spent in the bathroom, it should be a safe space for them to take care of themselves.

The key concern should be how the bathroom is able to be accessed easily. The twin goal of redoing your bathroom to be more senior-friendly is to increase the independence of your loved ones. And to make life easier for your caregiver.

How? By doing either or all of the following.

1. Raising the height of the toilet

This is especially good for seniors with hip problems and who have trouble sitting. These two can create a tough time getting up and off the toilet seat.

You could opt to replace the toilet with one of comfortable height or put another thick toilet seat. The average thickness is 3 inches but it also depends on the person. You should adjust adequately to the loved ones’ preferences.

2. Having thick rugs

These benefits both the elder and the caregiver. The cushioning of well-padded rugs saves the knees. Because they reduce the pain when time is spent on their knees while bathing. Making the activity less a chore.

You could also use bath mats that stick to the floor to ensure grip while standing. Non-slip bath mats should be placed at the entrance of the bathroom, in front of the toilet, and right next to showers and bathtubs. These are areas prone to soap and water making them slippery.

In case you are remodeling your whole bathroom, consider installing slip-resistant tiles in the shower area or the entire bathroom.

Alternatively, non-slip adhesives come through, they are usually added on basin edges. They prevent hands from slipping Incase they hold on to them for support.

3. Install grab bars and rails

This is probably the easiest and cost-effective way to be senior-friendly. You can install them in the shower, bathtub, and near the toilet.  Benefits both the senior and caregiver.

The bars and rails support navigating through the bathroom. Ease of pulling oneself up and down and they get rid of the twisting and turning. Making showering a relaxing and soothing experience.

They came in a range of types and styles but we can classify them into two main categories. Those that can be attached to a toilet and a free-standing frame, which is positioned around the toilet.

4. Curbless showers and walk-in bathtubs

The inclusion of the door into the tub cuts out the lifting of legs, making it easier to access the bathroom at low step-in. It makes the transition from a wheelchair to a shower seat simple. You get to experiment with shower chairs.

Other models are equipped with adjustable bubble jets, inside the tube sitting, and handrails. The only precaution is that the seniors should not use the door to support themselves. It is not designed to hold that much weight.

Although it is on the pricer end of bathroom safety, it is the most reliable option. It offers comfort features that are not available in a typical tub or shower.

It also has handrails, textured surfaces, and an extra-wide door.

5. Keep everything organized

Bathroom clutter is not only overwhelming but also hazardous and distressing, especially for seniors. You should sort out the items used daily from those that are a waste of space.

Those items used daily such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, and medication should be easily accessible. Such that your loved one should not have to stretch or bend to get a particular item. Shower gels, lotions, and shaving products should be condensed together. To save on space. You could install cabinets or a shower caddy provided they are mounted to prevent them from falling.

Also, filling these cabinets to the max can make knocking over items and spilling around easier.

6. Get a sprayer attachment for your shower head

This is a showerhead that you can detach and hold in your hands. It makes bathing really easy and eliminates the need to stand. Making it a bonus for those who cannot stand.

7. Include plenty of light

Overhead lighting is problematic to seniors because it cast shadows. They also do not illuminate certain spaces. The better option is to add multiple lights so that all areas of the bathroom receive uniform light.

You could also opt to use automatic lights that change in illumination depending on the time of the day. Also, add light sources on the way to the bathroom with well-located switches.

In addition, you could use contrast colors as a way of demarcating different sections of the bathroom. Opt for matte vanishes.

8. Install a quality shower bench

The manufacturers of most shower benches design their products with ease and stability in mind. Some come with armrests, while others will have suction cups and height adjustment options. They help in remaining balanced throughout the showering process.

There are a few aspects you should keep in mind while purchasing the bench. One aspect is the chair’s weight capacity and size. That is height, width, and depth.

It prevents you from getting a seat that does fit into the shower.

With this information in mind, it becomes easier to pick designs for the seniors’ shower area. What combos to put together according to your loved one’s needs. Every person is different therefore you adjust adequately. 

Which bathroom designs would I pick?

There are many designs that are suitable for seniors.

1. Walk-in shower design

Let’s begin with a walk-in shower.

This is my first choice for seniors. Why? It has an easy access when going in and out of the bathroom.

a] Zero threshold shower

The senior will not have the hustle of lifting their legs especially if they have mobility and balance issues. It is a zero threshold shower.

b] Adjustable chair

The chair is easy to adjust to the proper height. It is made of mesh making it comfortable, good-looking, and stable.  In addition, the chair encourages proper positioning for transfers and can double as a lawn chair. 

c] Portable chair

Why use a portable chair? So that other people can use the bathroom too. If need be, put the chair outside.

d] Soothing and relaxing colors

The colors in the bathroom are very soothing and relaxing. The combination of green and light gray spurs feelings of nurturing, healing, freshness, harmony, and calmness.

e] Safety bars and rails

It also has bars and rails to grab. Which supports navigating through the bathroom with ease. They are attached to the bathroom making them more secure while pulling themselves up or sitting down.

f] Detachable shower

The detachable shower eliminates the need for standing. While the grabbing bar near the shower supports standing. A double blessing.

g] Built-in wall shelves

It has built-in wall shelves, a place to place the shower gels, soaps, and bathing towels. They are easily accessible, and each section can be used to organize different things. Making the bathroom look neat.

h] Glass wall

Not forgetting the glass wall that allows more natural light in, creating a luxurious aesthetic.

The only thing perhaps I would change is the overhead lighting. I would put pretty sconces on either side. Or light bulbs like 4 on either side.

What are the basic features of a walk-in tub?

Here are the thing you’d want in a safe shower for seniors.

a] Size

It should be accommodating. Therefore, consider the area in your bathroom where it needs to go as well as the amount of water it should hold. 

b] Safety

Here you consider any mobility devices. Some tabs are specifically built for wheelchairs or walkers and will ensure safety while getting in and out.

c] Fill and drain systems

Here you look for models with fast-filling faucets and fast draining systems.

d] Therapeutic features

These can help them relax, mitigate pain and make the seniors’ bath more enjoyable. Most features include water massage, air massage, chromotherapy, and aromatherapy are add ons that cost extra. But very effective.

The cat is already out of the bag of what my other option is. A walk-in tub? You guessed right.

2. Walk-in shower design [Marble-themed]

For my second option, I would go for another walk-in shower.

However, the tub can be used by everyone in the family. Who would not want its therapeutic benefits?

First of all, it has a grabbing bar that can be multipurpose, and hang a towel there too. The inclination at one side supports the back while laying down. There’s a place to rest your head and let the water do its thing.

Why not go with the plastic ones? There’s no variety when it comes to texture. Also, it may feel temporary since it is bought when it is already built and you just have to find space to fit it in.

If compared to the marble tub, it is built intentionally in the house. You get to give input on its specifications and location. It could be made big enough to fit more than one person. 

Also this way, other family members will not shy off from using it. Thus not making it an expense for just one person. 

The marble is also very inviting and soothing.

Everyone gets to enjoy hydrotherapy for physical wellness, a heated backrest that keeps you warm throughout your soak. And whirlpool jets that massage your calves, spine, and feet to relieve sore muscles.

Also, marbles speak the language of luxury fluently.

3. Zero threshold shower for seniors

Last but not least is this bathroom design.

Let’s begin with the toilet, it has a grabbing bar for ease of getting off and on. It is an added advantage that it is close to the bathroom. Thus killing two birds with one stone.

The grabbing bar in the shower is one long one and then the detachable shower and the bench. Not overwhelming at all while looking at it.

The walk-in and out is easy since there is no step. Making it a zero threshold shower. There is also the advantage of increased independence for the loved one. How? The sink is close by within reach and can shower without the need of standing.

The colors are also very calming and relaxing. A combination of gray and white brings out simplicity, cleanliness, and balance. Moreover, the see-through glass wall encourages more natural light.

In addition to that, it has inbuilt wall shelves. From the top to bottom you could arrange the toiletries in a matter of urgency. They occupy very little space and would not create any inconveniences while navigating the bathroom.

I also like the distribution of lighting. There are like three light bulbs hence illuminating all areas of the bathroom. 

Did you notice the contrasting colors, demarcating different sections of the bathroom?

It is big enough to be occupied by two people and the matte varnish is very classy.

Tips to boost your bathroom safety for seniors

If you want to make a bathroom safe for over-sixty year olds, here’s a list of things you need to do.

• Installing an emergency phone that is waterproof and easily accessible.
• Vividly mark hot and cold water handles.
• Ensure the bathroom has ample space to walk around.
• Consider an elderly alert system that has sensors or alarms.

While considering the size of the shower, the first thing to put into account is your overall room size and what standard showers are available. The most common widths are in order of 36, 32, and 60, while the lengths vary.

It is possible to find small standard showers of ’32*32′. However, most people would opt for 48*32 they are more comfortable. The ultimate one though is to have a shower of minimum dimensions of ’60*36′. They are less claustrophobic and allow more room for navigating.

In the end, the shower and the tub are both necessary. They both have different characters but are equally beneficial to the seniors. If it is possible, start with the shower first then the tub.

The idea is to increase independence for both the senior and the caregiver. Ensure the bathroom environment adapts to their physical capabilities.

Very few of us make cleaning the oven regularly a priority. As a result, sometimes it can take us days, weeks, or even months in between oven cleanings.

Mostly because we think of it as more of a chore and less of preservation of your appliance. You most likely spent a lot of money on your oven. Why shouldn’t it be well-taken care of?

The one common thing that puts most people off when cleaning the oven is the harsh chemicals used in conventional oven cleaners.

Most of them contain a range of chemicals such as potassium hydroxide, monoethanolamine, and sodium hydroxide.

The fumes emitted from these oven cleaners are strong enough to single off your eyebrows accompanied by some awful dizziness.

There are plenty of safe, natural, and effective methods to get the job done. Despite it probably taking a little time, the result is worth it. Plus, you most likely have everything you need already in your household.

Options for natural oven cleaners

There are many ways of cleaning your oven without using hard chemicals.

1. Naturally clean your oven using vinegar and cornstarch

Ingredients: White vinegar (1 cup), cornstarch (1 tablespoon)

Directions for cleaning

• Stir together vinegar and cornstarch
• Heat until thickened
• Cool to room temperature
• Apply to the oven
• Let sit for 20 minutes, wipe clean.

2. Clean your oven naturally with lemon juice and dish soap

Ingredients: Lemon juice (1 cup), cornstarch (1 tablespoon), dish soap (1 teaspoon)

Cleaning steps

• Stir together lemon juice and cornstarch
• Heat until thickened
• Cool to room temperature
• Stir in dish soap.
• Apply to the oven
• Let sit for 20 minutes
• Wipe clean

3. Cleaning your oven using baking soda and white vinegar

Ingredients: Baking soda (1/4 cup), white vinegar (1/4 cup)

Directions for cleaning

• Sprinkle baking soda over the surface until covered
• spray baking soda with white vinegar until wet and bubbly
• Let sit for 20 minutes
• Wipe clean

4. Naturally clean your oven using baking soda, white vinegar, and dishwashing soap

Ingredients: Baking soda (3 tablespoons), white vinegar (1 tablespoon), dishwashing soap (1 tablespoon)

Steps for cleaning

• Stir together baking soda, vinegar, and dish soap
• Apply to the oven
• Let it sit for 20 minutes
• Wipe clean

5. Clean your oven naturally using baking soda and water

Ingredients: Baking soda (3 tablespoons), water (1.5 tablespoons)

How to clean your oven using baking soda and water

• Stir together baking soda and water.
• Apply to the oven, let sit for 20 minutes
• Wipe clean

6. Naturally clean your oven using rubbing alcohol, water, and dishwashing soap

Ingredients: Rubbing alcohol (1/4 cup), water (1/4 cup), dishwashing soap (8 drops)

Directions for cleaning

• Put the rubbing alcohol, water, and dishwashing soap in a container
• Stir together
• Spray the mixture on the oven
• Let it sit for 20 minutes
• Wipe clean

7. Use baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dishwashing soap to clean your oven

This is another way of cleaning your oven with minimal chemicals.

What to use

• Baking soda (3 tablespoons)
• Hydrogen peroxide (1 tablespoon)
• Dishwashing soap (1 tablespoon)

Steps for cleaning

• Stir together baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap.
• Apply to the oven
• Let it sit for 20 minutes then wipe clean.

8. Naturally clean your oven using baking soda and dishwashing soap

Ingredients: Baking soda (1/8 cup), salt (1/8 cup), dishwashing soap (1 tablespoon)

Cleaning steps

• Stir together baking soda, salt, and dish soap.
• Apply to the oven
• Let it sit for 20 minutes, then wipe clean.

The most recommended natural cleaning option for your oven

The best and most natural option oven cleaner is the most simple: baking soda and water.

This method by far excels compared to harsh oven cleaners.

Why does this combo work?

• Baking soda is inexpensive, easy to use, and remarkably effective in cleaning oven grease.
• Baking soda is alkaline, and oven grease made of food particles is typically acidic. It neutralizes acids and breaks down the grease, allowing you to wipe it up without a lot of elbow grease.
• It’s also a mild abrasive, so it works well at removing dried, stuck-on foods.
• Water softens the grime and baked-on food particles so they can be easily wiped away.

Baking soda works its magic in most situations in only 15 minutes, making oven cleaning less of a nuisance and more of something you can accomplish in the time it takes to prepare a snack.

How to clean an oven quickly

The basic baking soda oven cleaner recipe for regularly cleaned or lightly soiled ovens is as follows.

List of requirements for a quick oven clean up

• Half a cup of your preferred or readily available baking soda
• 3 tablespoons of water
• If you are adding any essential oils, you can do so here (two to three drops should suffice, but you may add more if desired).
• A small bowl
• Gloves
• Spatula
• Paper towels

Steps for cleaning your oven quickly

Here’s how to clean your oven in about 30 minutes.

1. Remove the loose debris

Vacuum or wipe out the bottom of the oven before applying the baking soda cleaner. This will remove some of the black ashes and stuck on grime. It will also loosen the dirt, making it easier to clean.

2. Give the oven cleaner some dwell time

You’ll get the best results if you allow the wet baking soda some time to work (also called dwell time) before you start wiping. Let the cleaner sit on the surface for at least 20 minutes then wipe out the dirt.

3. Use a circular motion

Oven grime can be baked on, caked-on grease. Remove most baking soda cleaner, then wipe any hard-to-clean spots firmly with a rag using a circular motion.

4. Make chemical reactions work for you

Baking soda can leave a bit of grit in your oven. Spray the oven with white vinegar after wiping out all of the baking soda cleaners, and the vinegar will react with any leftover baking soda so you can easily wipe out the bubbling remains.

5. Clean first, then shine

Finish by buffing the oven surface with a damp microfiber rag.

How do you clean a really dirty oven?

If your oven is heavily greased with things like sauces or gooey cheese category, then a deep clean would suffice.

This kind of cleaning needs an addition of more pantry ingredients. It would consist of a mixture of a little vinegar, baking soda, regular salt, and some drops of essential oil. All these are non-toxic and safe to use around food surfaces. The preferred essential oil would be tea tree oil which can act as a natural degreaser.

Baking soda (a natural alkali) and vinegar (a natural acid) help lift off stubborn stains and grease for easy wiping.

Here is how to give your oven a deep clean

Deep cleaning your oven needs that extra attention than a quick clean.

1. Make a paste

The paste made for a deep clean is slightly different from the basic cleaning. First, there is an addition of salt (regular salt works fine) and vinegar.

Start by stirring together 3/4 cup baking soda and 1/4 cup warm water. Note that a large oven may require more paste. Triple the recipe if you are doing the back, sides, ceiling, and oven floor.

If you choose to add any essential oils, you can do so at this step. Two to three drops should suffice, but you may add more if desired. Just be sure to steer clear of metal or plastic bowls, which could react badly with essential oils,

2. Clean oven racks

Make sure that the oven is off and completely cool before you bring in your homemade oven cleaner.

Remove the racks and lay them as flat as possible in an empty sink. Using a spatula, cover the entire metal or glass surface with the paste. Only use on stainless steel racks; the baking soda can discolor aluminum.

3. Cleaning the glass oven door on the outside

When cleaning your oven window, the outside is the easiest.

We’ll start here and work our way up to the more challenging task.

You will need a side solution of lemon juice and white vinegar mixed into a spritz bottle for this process.

Once that is in order, spritz the cleaner on the outside of your oven door. Using downward strokes, wipe the cleaner and grime away with a microfiber cloth.

Repeat if needed.

Use a dry microfiber cloth to buff any streaks out of the glass.

4. Cleaning the glass oven door on the inside

Open the door and wipe off any loose bits of grime with a damp microfiber cloth. Pour the baking soda into the bowl.

Slowly add water to the baking soda to make a paste. It should be about the consistency of the previous paste used.

Avoid wetting the gasket. Spread the paste on the inside of the oven window. Let this sit for around 15 to 20 minutes.

Moisten a clean microfiber cloth and wipe the paste away.

5. Cleaning between of the oven door

You’ve cleaned the inside glass, and the outside window is sparkling. But what’s up with that annoying grime stuck in the middle?

You’ll have to roll up your sleeves and break out a few tools for this one, but it is possible to get the inside of that glass clean.

You’ll need the following things.

• Your oven’s manual (You can find this online if you chucked it long ago).
• A screwdriver
• A clean towel or sheet (not a nice one)
• The oven cleaning natural paste
• Microfiber cloths
• A razor blade (optional)
• A helper

Cleaning steps

• Open your oven door and look at the screws used to hold it together. Many ovens use star screws, so you may need to run to the hardware store for a star screwdriver before you get started.
• Lay your towel on the kitchen floor where you plan to work.
• Consult your oven manual to see how to remove the oven door.
• Ask your helper to lend a hand taking off the door. (Those things are heavier than you think. Be careful and don’t try to go this alone.)
• Lay the door on the towel or sheet with the inside window facing up.
• Remove the screws from the door. There are typically two above the window and may also be two on the base of the oven door, depending on the model you have in your home.
• Take the door apart and lay the two sides next to each other. The innermost glass of each half of the door should be facing upwards.
• Follow the instructions in the above section called “How to clean your oven window on the inside”
• With the assistance of your helper, reassemble and replace the oven door.

6. Cleaning the inside of the oven

After covering the rack and cleaning the door, go back to the interior using a metal spatula and gently scrape food residue from the sides and ash from the floor of the oven chamber.

Next, fill any openings in the oven with foil. Then, taking care to avoid the heating elements (usually located on the roof and floor of the oven chamber), spread the homemade oven cleaner overall visible interior surfaces, including the back wall.

The baking soda will turn a brownish color as you rub it in; it also might be chunkier in some places than others, which is fine. Just try to coat the whole oven to the best of your abilities, paying extra attention to any particularly greasy areas.

Let the oven absorb the baking soda paste for eight to twelve hours or overnight.

To protect your kitchen floor from liquids used in these next steps, spread newspapers all around the oven.

7. Wipe out the oven

After 12 hours or overnight, take a damp dishcloth and wipe out as much of the dried baking soda paste as you can, wetting as needed.

Wipe with a damp cloth, repeating to remove streaks. Use a plastic or silicone spatula to help scrape off the paste as needed.

The damp cloth is enough, but a spatula might come in handy in those hard-to-reach places.

Using a damp sponge, wipe the surfaces of the oven chamber.

Start with the sides, then move to the back of the chamber, wiping these surfaces from the top down to allow ash chunks to fall to the chamber’s floor. Then, taking care to avoid the upper heating element, wipe the chamber’s roof from back to front.

Lastly, clean the floor of the chamber using back to front motions. Rinse the sponge as needed with clean water and repeat until no baking soda.

Wipe down the oven to have it looking clean as new!

Here are additional questions of interest on cleaning your oven.

How do you clean the glass on the oven door?

Combine 3 tablespoons baking soda and 1.5 tablespoons of water. Open the oven door. Spread the mix across the glass on the oven door. Wait 20 minutes then wipe clean.

What is the fastest way to clean the inside of an oven?

Remove as much loose dirt as possible from the inside of the oven with a wet paper towel. Mix water and baking soda. Spread the paste over the dirty areas of the oven. Wait 20 minutes then wipe clean.

What is the best natural oven cleaner?

A paste of baking soda and water.

Can you clean your oven with baking soda and vinegar?

There are a lot of online cleaning tips that recommend mixing baking soda and vinegar to clean your oven. This fun bubbling reaction is actually the baking soda neutralizing the vinegar. The resulting mix cleans about as well as plain water.

Now that I have your attention, relax. Removing stains from a vitreous china sink could only be dangerous if you mix multiple cleaning products.

Keeping your sink looking shiny and spotless is easy. The only hard part is picking the right cleaning products.

How about we get into the steps and details of what actually brought you here?

To clean your vitreous china sink, you’ll need a cream-based cleaner, a soft sponge, enough water, and a soft, dry piece of cloth. For the actual cleaning, apply a small amount of the cleaner on the sponge and rub on the sink surface. After clearing the stain, rinse properly then polish the surface with the dry cloth.

Let’s dive deeper into the whole cleaning process.

How do you remove stains from vitreous china?

We’ll start with the products you need for the cleaning. Here’s the list.

• Your preferred cleaning product. If you don’t have one, you can check out the Kohler Cast Iron Cleaner on Amazon.
• Soft sponge that’s non-abrasive. You might need an abrasive cleaning pad if it’s a stubborn stain.
• Three to five liters of water for rinsing.
• Clean, dry, and a non-abrasive piece of cloth.
• Pair of gloves
• Eye protection while cleaning

Steps for how to clean vitreous china toilet

You always want your toilet bowl to be sparkling clean and look like new. The good thing is that you only need a few minutes to clean the bowl. Here are the straightforward steps.

• Apply enough of the cleaning product onto the sponge. You can also choose to squeeze the cleaner onto the toilet bowl surface.
• Rub on the inside part of the bowl to remove stains.
• Use clean water to rinse the bowl as you watch it get that ‘new’ look that you want.
• For a shiny and glossy look, make sure to dry it with a dry piece of cloth.

Can you clean vitreous china with bleach?

Yes, you can comfortably use bleach to clean vitreous. There’s a caveat to using bleach though. You won’t get great results if your vitreous already has stubborn mineral stains.

If you clean your vitreous surfaces on the regular, bleach will work well on those easy-to-remove stains. That’s why it’s a good idea to go for acid-based or cream-based cleaning products.

For instance, acid-based cleaners will easily dissolve virtually all mineral stains. These types of stains are common in areas with water rich in iron.

While handling acid-based cleaners like Lysol (Amazon link), you’ll need to be careful to avoid splashes to your skin. The pair of gloves and eye protection will come in handy.

Here are the steps for cleaning vitreous with bleach.

• Add three quarters of a cup of bleach to the toilet bowl water.
• Use the toilet brush to clean the inside of the bowl as the bleach will form a mixture with the water.
• After brushing, wait for five to ten minutes.
• Flush the toilet and you’ll be good to go.

Is vitreous china good for a bathroom sink?

There’s a reason why established contractors swear by vitreous china sinks and toilet bowls. Before I break it down, yes, you can use vitreous china for your bathroom sink. Here’s why. Vitreous china is a glaze that manufacturers apply on ceramic-clay products to give them a smooth and glossy look. Because of the smooth surface, it’s hard for germs to stick on the surface. In that sense, it is less likely for germs to grow on your sink surface.

Also, the amazing smooth surface of vitreous makes it very easy to clean compared to other surfaces like ceramic and porcelain.

However, that doesn’t mean that you neglect your vitreous china sinks. The type of products and chemicals you use as well as minerals in water are likely to stain your sink.

Your only way out of avoiding stubborn stains is to have a regular cleaning schedule. Two to three cleans in a week should do the trick. Afterall, the cleaning takes just a few minutes.

Vitreous china care–easy tips

It is not hearsay, taking care of vitreous china is simple and easy. One reason for that is that they can resist most types of scratches and abrasive chemicals.

I’ll share below some of the tips I use to keep my bathroom sinks looking sparkling clean. Although my sinks are made of ceramic, the tips also apply to sinks and toilet bowls glazed with vitreous china.

• Clean your bowl regularly. As mentioned, you can do so two or three times in a week. Easy stains could become stubborn if left for long.
• Avoid using abrasive sponge pads, wire brushes, or steel wool when cleaning.
• Do not expose your vitreous to staining products or materials for long periods.
• If the need arises, only use abrasive sponge pads sparingly during cleaning.

Taking good care of vitreous china can make it as durable as fireclay. You might never need to replace your sinks.

Final thoughts

Vitreous china is very easy to clean and maintain. This material can also resist most abrasive chemicals and scratches.

You can use vitreous china on your bathroom sinks and toilet bowls without worrying about germs or mold build up. It is hard for germs to stick on the smooth surfaces of vitreous.

When cleaning, make sure to use the right products, non-abrasive sponge pads, and you’ll be good to go. Your sinks will always have that shiny and glossy look all year long.

You can easily clean the sink using a sponge, baking soda, and abrasive cleansers like the Bar keeper’s Friend, fine grit pumice stone, and repair kit. The sink requires gentle care while cleaning; therefore, start with the least abrasive material.

How do you remove metal scratches from porcelain?

Can scratches be removed from porcelain? It’s easy to remove the scratches from a porcelain sink if you follow the following procedure;

• Gently wash the sink with a sponge and dish soap. Avoid using scouring pads or steel wool to avoid adding more scratches. Do porcelain sinks scratch easily? Yes, the sink tends to scratch if you use abrasive products to clean. Wipe the sink in circular motions, then rinse away the soap with a clean rag. It’s better to use the hottest water you can stand to clear the dirt and stains.
• Sprinkle a layer of baking soda to fix light scratches. Buff it with a wet sponge for 3 minutes. Rinse the spot clean to check how much scratch remains. You can still mix some ammonia or lemon juice into the baking powder for a powerful stain removing product. Remember to avoid using bleach on colored porcelain as it can damage the color or metal fixtures attached.
• Cover your sink with bleach, then spread paper towels; they will keep the bleach close to the sink, allowing it to soak the stains. You can try other non-abrasive cleaners like borax and ROG 1 to remove the stubborn stains.
• Use an abrasive cleanser to remove the scratches and stains. Use a mild cleanser like the Bar Keeper’s Friend, as it contains oxalic acid, which bleaches, cleans, and removes rust. Apply some little amount to the starches and rub with a wet sponge for some minutes. Rinse the sink and examine.
• Use fine-grit pumice to remove deep scratches. Soak the stone in water and rub it over the sink for thirty seconds. Press down slightly with the stone, then rinse and wipe the sink.
• Fix deep scratches with a porcelain repair kit, apply a light layer of the paint-on glaze with a small brush. Give the glaze some time to set. Apply a second and third coating if needed and allow it to settle. Sand smooth with the fine grit cloth provided, rinse and buff the sink lightly with a cloth.
• Apply some lemon or baby oil to make the sink shine. Apply few drops to a clean cloth and coat the sink. The oil will prevent stains from sticking to it quickly and give it a fresh smell.
• Consider using car wax to apply the sink and prevent scratches. Apply some little polish on a sponge and rub it gently on the sink. 

How do you get silver scratches out of a porcelain sink?

Silver stains are common on porcelain sinks, as well as reddish-orange rust stains.

1. Steps for using baking soda to clean porcelain sinks

In cases where the scratches are minor, use baking soda to remove them.

• Start by dusting baking soda over the surface that has scratches. It may help to sprinkle the sink lightly with water first so that the baking soda will stick. Rub the paste with a damp non-abrasive scrubbing pad or soft bristle. But for deep scratches, scrub with a medium bristle brush.
• Rinse the baking soda and the metal particles away.
• If the scratches are still present, rub the surface with a damp melamine resin foam eraser and rinse again.
• You can still consider applying a bead of whitening non-gel toothpaste or rust remover product to the scratch. Wait for 5 minutes or longer as directed on the product, scrub the surface then rinse again.
• Dry the sink to remove excess water and allow it to dry for at least 8 hours. Later observe if the sink still has the scratches.
• Scrub with a soft fabric or sponge until you remove the stains.
• You can repeat the procedure if necessary.

2. Using white distilled vinegar to clean porcelain sinks

Here are the steps for using distilled vinegar.

• Clean your porcelain sink with a cloth and liquid dishwashing soap.
• Dry the sink with a clean towel.
• Spray the black marks with undiluted vinegar and allow it to sit for 10 minutes.
• Scrub using a non-abrasive sponge and then rinse with fresh water.

3. Use scratch remover to clean your porcelain sink

If the scratches are deep, the best product to use is a scratch remover.

• Identify the direction of the sink’s grain.
• Apply the scratch remover in the direction of your sink’s grain. Exert some pressure so that the scratch comes off the sink and avoid damaging the sink with the grit.
• Buff the remaining scratch remover with a soft fabric. The remover comes with a light pad; use it to buff out the remaining scratch. If it’s necessary, you can add some water as you continue buffing.
• Rinse out the remover. Use microfiber to wipe the excess remover.

4. Clean your sink by buffing with a sandpaper

You can also use sandpaper to get rid of sink scratches.

• Use a scotch bright or sandpaper with low grit to remove the scratches. Sandpaper does well for intense scratches and bright pads for light scratches.
• Rub the pad or sandpaper against the scratches heading in the direction of the sink’s grain. Keep rubbing the scratch until it fades away.
• Apply some pressure while rubbing to ensure you thoroughly get rid of the scratches. It can help if you wrap the sandpaper around a wood block to help in adding pressure.

5. Use a cleaning product

You can use the product for slight scratches. These products are Ajax and comet that you can use to buff out fine scratches. Spread the cleaner with a cloth or sponge in your sink and completely cover the scratch. Let the product dry until it has a hazy texture. Rinse the product or use a rag or paper towel to wipe off.

Conclusion

Even as you remove the scratches, it is best to clean your sink thoroughly and prevent scratches. But when the scratches appear, attend to them immediately using the methods explained above to prevent them from further deepening and staining.