How to design a hidden home office

How to Design a Hidden Home Office

In order to design a successful hidden home office, it’s important that you consider the size and functionality of your living space. The best place for this type of room in most homes would be near an existing bedroom or adjacent closet where there’s already plenty going on without distracting from what lies beyond its door frame.

This way when friends stop by unannounced they won’t notice anything out-of-the ordinary about how things are stored away within these walls – which can make all those precious moments spent at work less daunting than one might think if someone were constantly entering/ leaving via another route every few minutes.

Design Elements to Consider

There are a few key design elements you’ll need to consider when planning your hidden office:

Placement of Outlets and Data Ports

You’ll need to have enough outlets to support all of your equipment, but you don’t want them to be so obvious that they ruin the hidden effect. Try placing them behind furniture or tucking them away in a corner where they’ll be less noticeable. Data ports can be placed in a discreet location as well, such as under a desk or in a cabinet.

Lighting

Good lighting is essential for any office, but you don’t want it to be so bright that it’s glaring or makes the space feel too sterile. Task lighting is a great option for hidden offices since it can be directed exactly where you need it without flooding the entire space with light.

Furniture

Home office interior design and furniture

Choose furniture that’s both functional and stylish. You want pieces that will help you stay organized and productive, but that also fit in with the rest of your home’s décor. Hidden office furniture is available in a variety of colors and materials to match any décor, so finding the right pieces for your space should be easy.

Storage

A hidden office is the perfect place to store all of your important documents and files. Invest in some good quality filing cabinets or storage boxes to keep things tidy and organized.

Decor

Just because your office is hidden doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Add some personal touches to the space with artwork, plants, and other décor items that reflect your style.

Hidden Desk Ideas

So do you need a place to work from home, but don’t want it to take up extra space in your already cramped apartment? Check out these hidden desk ideas that will help you create a functional and stylish home office. With just a little bit of creativity, you can turn any corner of your home into a productive workspace.

1. Store a desk away by placing it behind a sofa.

Desks hidden behind sofas are common, but this is a smart way to have a desk in a shared space. By placing the desk behind a sofa, it essentially becomes a room divider, which can help to create a more intimate and private workspace.

2. Create a desk from unused floor space by hiding it within the room.

With this built-in desk that slides out, you won’t have to sacrifice floor space for a large work surface and storage. This is a great way to make use of otherwise unused space in your home.

3. Use a bookshelf to create a hidden desk area.

Empty office fitted with bookshelf space

This simple hack uses a bookshelf and a few baskets to create a hidden desk space that’s perfect for small apartments. By tucking the desk away behind the shelves, you can save valuable square footage in your home.

4. Hide a desk under the stairs.

Desks hidden away in alcoves beneath staircases can be extremely successful if they’re subtly designed. Yes, you can have custom-built cabinets to flaunt your lovely staircase’s woodwork and for more storage, but we prefer this sleeker contemporary approach. A recessed area is painted and accessorized with a pretty piece of wood instead. By taking this approach, you can keep the space feeling uncluttered and not overweighted, which is exactly what you want for a smaller area. Check out this gallery from Houzz for some inspiration.

5. Transform an old piece of furniture into a secret working desk.

This is a fantastic idea if you want to create a hidden desk that’s also eco-friendly. By upcycling an old cabinet or dresser, you can create a unique and stylish hidden desk for your home. Plus, you’ll have the added bonus of extra storage space for all of your office supplies.

6. Doors can be used to partition a wide open area into separate rooms.

This is a great way to create a hidden office space in a large room. By using doors to partition off the area, you can create a private and secluded workspace that’s perfect for concentration. Plus, you’ll still have the option of opening up the space when you need to collaborate with others.

Woman in her hidden home office

7. Hide a desk in a wardrobe equipped with drawers.

If you require a hidden desk but also want additional space for storage, this is the option for you. Hiding the desk inside a wardrobe results in a tidy and organized workspace. And as an added benefit, you’ll have plenty of room to store any office supplies.

There are plenty of desks designed for small spaces, and one simple way to take advantage of the lack of space is to use a small standing desk. This would provide the extra benefit of not needing to store a chair. Alternatively, you could opt to store a stool under the desk when not in use. Nice and tidy!

8. Use a false wall to create a hidden office.

This is an excellent method to build a hidden office space that’s also completely concealed. You may effectively conceal the workplace with a false wall. Furthermore, by constructing a false wall, you’ll gain the benefit of extra soundproofing, which can be useful if you work from home.

9. Use mirrored furniture to make your desk disappear

In a small home office that relies on as much clever furnishings as possible, the beauty of elegant mirrored furniture, kept clean and utilized carefully, will be apparent. It won’t take up visual space where you want to disguise a study area, or in a compact home office with little wall surface area.

10. If you can, invest in a standalone home office specifically for work.

Investing in a separate space for work can be an great way to increase efficiency and productivity, as well as make you feel more organized. If possible try looking into buying one that is already set up with all of your necessary equipment like computers or other office items so there’s no need worry about getting these things dirty from walking around while working on them.

Creating a hidden office in your home can be a great way to get the peace and quiet you need to work, without sacrificing style or functionality. By following these tips, you can easily design a space that’s both practical and stylish.

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best fluoride water filters for 2021

Best Refrigerator Water Filters That Remove Fluoride (2021 Review)

Fluoride is one of the essential minerals our body needs for healthy teeth and bones. That’s the reason why most bottled water is labelled fluoridated. But when consumed in large amounts, fluoride can be harmful to our health.  

Studies show that tap water in most parts of Australia is high in fluoride. That’s the reason it is recommended that you buy a water filter that can remove this mineral together with other contaminants. The good news is that there is a range of them to select from. 

In this review, we’ve put together a list of fluoride water filters you can buy for your refrigerator. Read it, and you’ll be able to make the right decision for yourself and your family. Note that the list includes some of the top fridge water filter brands in the market.  

Here are the best refrigerator water filters that remove fluoride: 

1. General Electric MWF Refrigerator Water Filter 

General Electric MWF

General Electric is another popular brand of water filters in the market today. They have some of the best refrigerator water filters. The General Electric MWF water filter can eliminate fluoride and other impurities such as lead, chlorine, mercury, and microorganism. 

With General Electric MWF, you are guaranteed high-quality, clean, and safe water for drinking. The taste and smell of your tap will improve greatly. The filter can handle many gallons of water before making a replacement. 

Benefits 

  • High compatibility 
  • Quality water output 
  • Easy installation 
  • Easy to use 
  • Super-efficient 

2. Samsung Da29-00020b-1P Refrigerator Water Filter 

Samsung Da29-00020b-1P

Samsung is a brand that needs no introduction. The company has so many home appliance in the market and water filters is just a small part of their products. You will like the Samsung Da29-00020b-1P refrigerator water filter. These super-quality water filters are excellent in removing a range of water contaminants, including fluoride. 

Da29-00020b-1P uses a carbon filter that is capable of eliminating 99% of harmful chemicals, microorganisms, and sediment in your drinking water. The refrigerator water filter also removes lead, mercury, and other heavy metals. 

Advantages of Da29-00020b-1P 

  • Lightweight and small size 
  • NSF certified 
  • Longer lifespan 
  • High compatibility
  • Quality body built 

3. EveryDrop Fridge Water Filter By Whirlpool  

EveryDrop Fridge Water Filter By Whirlpool

EveryDrop is one of the best refrigerator water filters designed to remove fluoride in water, among other contaminants. The fluoride filter is developed by Whirlpool, a brand known for producing quality water filters. You need to give it a try. 

The water will also get rid of many other dangerous contaminants, including chemicals such as leads, asbestos, and pesticides, among many others. Don’t worry about microbes such as bacteria and pathogens because EveryDrop gets rid of 99% of them. Therefore, the quality of drinking water is a guarantee. 

Benefits of EveryDrop 

  • NSF certified 
  • Small and compatible 
  • Fits many refrigerators 
  • High quality and durable 
  • Excellent efficiency 

4. ICEPURE PRO Refrigerator Water Filter 

ICEPURE PRO

ICEPURE PRO is another water filter that is designed to remove fluoride, among many other water contaminants. The Icepure brand has been around for a while and has been producing incredible products. The Icepure Pro can eliminate more than 99 per cent of fluoride and other harmful chemicals and microorganisms in the water.  

The filter is NSF/ANSI 53 certified for the removal of heavy metals such as lead, mercury, chlorine, arsenic, etc. With a 6-month life, you are guaranteed quality drinking water for a long time. With this water filter, you will get at least 680 litres of clean and safe water for drinking. 

Benefits 

  • Highly durable 
  • Easy to install, hand, and maintain 
  • Simple design 
  • Superior quality 

5. LG 200 Gal LT700P Refrigerator Water Filter 

LG 200 Gal LT700P

LG is another world-renowned brand because of its vast range of home appliance products. The company’s water filters are among the top-rated products in the market today. If you want to get fluoride out of your water, go for LG 200 Gal LT700P refrigerator water filter. 

The LG 200 Gal LT700P is designed to last for six months and can filter more than 650 litres of water. They are super easy to work with and can fit in most of the refrigerators. 

Advantages of LG 200 Gal LT700P 

  • NSF certified 
  • Lightweight 
  • Greater life 
  • High compatibility 
  • Super-efficient 

6. FilterLogic MWF Refrigerator Water Filter 

FilterLogic MWF

FilterLogic is another brand of water filters you need to add to your list of fluoride filters. The company has a built an impeccable reputation due to the quality of its products. The FilterLogic MWF is one of the refrigerator water filters designed for fluoride removal. 

Besides fluoride, the fridge water filter can remove 99% of harmful contaminants in the water. This includes bacteria, parasitic pathogens, chemicals, and heavy metals like lead, mercury, arsenic. 

Advantages 

  • NSF certified 
  • Easy installation 
  • Deliver healthy water 
  • High compatibility 
  • Budget-friendly 
  • Easy to use 

7. Culligan IC 1 EZ-Change Inline Icemaker & Refrigerator Filtration System 

Culligan IC 1 EZ-Change Inline Icemaker

Culligan is another brand of refrigerator water filter that is doing very in the market. The company’s IC 1 EZ-change inline icemaker and refrigerator filtration system is one of the best fluoride filters around.  

The fridge water filter will also get rid of 99% of the microorganisms and chemicals in the water, plus sediment. It can filter about 11k litres of water in its lifespan. This makes it one of the most durable water filters on this list. 

Advantages  

  • NSF certified 
  • Long lifespan 
  • Easy to install and replace 
  • High quality 

8. Kenmore ADQ73613402 LG Water Filter 

Kenmore ADQ73613402 LG

Kenmore ADQ73613402 LG is another excellent fridge water filter designed to remove fluoride in water. The filters come with a long life of about 750 litres, which equivalent to 6 months lifespan. 

Kenmore ADQ73613402 LG also eliminates 99% of harmful microbes and chemicals in the water. It can filter some of the dangerous heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic, among others. With a 20-120 PSI pressure range, these fridge water filters are quite good for home use.  

Advantages 

  • Easy to install 
  • Long-lasting 
  • Excellent quality 
  • NSF certified 

Final Thoughts 

These are some of the best refrigerator water filters if you are looking for fluoride-free water. They are all super effective and will get rid of 99% of contaminants in your tap water, including bacteria and parasitic pathogens.  

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empty room with air conditioner split type

Air Con Installation Ideas That Match Your Home Decor Space

When installing air conditioners in Sunshine Coast, you should look for two things – functionality and aesthetics. You don’t want to install an ugly unit that will spoil all your hard work in interior design work. But how do you select an air conditioning unit that offers high functionality and aesthetics?  

To get professional insight on this topic, we spoke to Brett from Air Con Sunshine Coast, and he told us some usable tips on installing air conditioner unit to match home décor ideas. Here are some of the ideas he gave us:   

Go For Designer Unit  

If you want to enhance your interior décor with AC installation, go for a designer unit. The designer air con units will effortlessly blend into your room’s décor. These units offer you a vast range of options to select from.   

From shape to the colour of the air conditioner, you have a vast range of options to pick from. So, you can choose a colour that complements your interior décor. For the shapes, you have a variety to select from depending on the supplier you are purchasing from.  

Recess The Unit Into A Wall  

How you install the air conditioning unit will have a huge impact on your interior décor. The most common installation is pining the unit on the wall, but this may not produce a sleek finish. Try a recessing the AC unit into a wall. This form of installation makes the unit to disappear from the surface for a classic finish.  

However, you need an aircon specialist to pull off this type of installation. They will make the necessary adjustment to your home architecture for a perfect fit for the unit. A good installer should make the unit appear as part of your space décor but not like an AC.  

Proper Maintenance   

You could be having one of the sleekest units in the house, but if it’s not properly maintained, you won’t realise the aesthetics features you’re looking for. Imagine having a recessed air conditioner, but it’s leaking and making round noises.  

Service worker maintenance on aircon at home

After investing in a designer air conditioning system, carry out timely maintenance. Check the condition of the filters and replace the clogged ones. It’s only when your unit is functioning optimally that you’ll enjoy its aesthetics features.  

Conceal the Unit  

If you don’t have the financial ability to buy a designer air conditioner, you can still keep your home décor with typical designs. What you need is to find a way of concealing your unit to avoid spoiling your interior aesthetics.  

What you need is a custom cover that matches your space décor. The cover should have the colour and other patterns if the house décor for perfect concealing of the unit. Remember not to make the unit ineffective by keeping the concealed area poorly ventilated.  

Paint the Unit  

If you can’t find a colour to integrate the air conditioning unit into the room design, paint it. You have plenty of paint options, including acrylic paint, to make the unit complement the rest of the room design.   

The good thing about painting is that it makes the AC unit look like a piece of art. So, it will bring charm to your house. Work with a professional painter for sleek results. But if you have great painting skills, you can use the talent to come up with a unique piece of art.  

If you were wondering how you can incorporate air conditioner as part of your home décor, try these cool ideas. Hire the best Sunshine Coast air conditioning specialists to help you get the most out of AC décor.  You may contact one of the best and tested service providers in the area:

Air Con Sunshine Coast
(07) 5646 3628
9/13 Norval Ct, Maroochydore 4558 QLD
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=9586428692230985607

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brown dachshund on a blue couch

A Guide To Pet-Friendly Furniture

Having pets in the house is fun. They will help you get rid of stress and depression by providing companionship. But you need to make your home pet-friendly. One of the areas you need to consider seriously is buying furniture. For example, your dogs should be able to rest on the couch and chairs without damaging them.  

What you need is to invest in pet-friendly furniture. You need furniture that can hold up to the shedding of fur, paws, mud, and any other thing that your pets can bring. That’s what makes any piece of furniture pet-friendly. If you are buying for the first time, this guide provides the best tips on choosing perfect pet-friendly furniture. 

1. Get The Right Fabric 

One of the crucial factors to consider is the choice of fabric. There are many furniture fabrics, but not all of them can withstand life with pests. One of the crucial elements you need to look for is stain-resistance because dogs bring a lot of stains. Microfiber, Crypton, and Ultrasuede are some of the fabrics that offer incredible stain-resistant and easy to clean properties.   

However, leather makes the best couches for dogs. It may be expensive, but it offers unmatched stain-resistance and ease of cleaning features. Leather also lasts longer than any other fabric, hence value for money. Be sure that you are getting the real leather and not the synthetic one. 

2. Pet Colours 

For your decoration, it is important that you get the colour collect. It would look odd if the colour of your furniture and that of the pets are not compatible. The good way to go about it is buying couches and chairs that are of the same colour as your pets. This will make your pets camouflage in your furniture, which will look nice. 

One of the major reasons why choosing furniture that is of the same colour as the pets is to avoid fur problem. Pets will always shed fur, and if the colours are contrasting, then the fur can make your guests uncomfortable. So, any shed fur will blend with furniture colour, and no one will notice. 

3. Look for Zippers 

The other thing you need to look for when buying pet-friendly furniture is the zippers on the cushions. Both larger and smaller cushion should have zippers on them. Zippers allow you to any section of the couch that may become soiled by pets and clean them individually. This means you will not need to clean the whole furniture cover if a small section becomes accidentally dirty. 

Couch with zippers on the cushions also enables us to take covers to the dry cleaners when they get dirty. That will not be possible with a couch without zippers. The quality of zippers is also an important factor to consider. 

couch bedding zipper

4. Machine-Washable Beddings 

When you have got pets in the house, you can expect to do a lot of cleaning. Bedding and throw pillow covers are the most affected by pets. They will either get soiled or sometimes, pooped on. In addition to that, they will also be collecting a lot of fur shed by pets. That’s why you can’t avoid regular cleaning to keep them in them and the space in good condition. 

Selecting machine-washable beddings and covers makes it easy to keep the room clean. You just need to put them in the dry cleaner and you are done. We also recommend that the two shouldn’t be made from a fabric that attracts fur. In addition to that, you should also consider a thicker mattress pad. 

5. Sturdy Wood-Framed Seating 

Another thing that you need to put into consideration is the choice of chairs. Dogs like jumping over chairs when playing or going to rests. If the chairs are not sturdy enough, they are likely to fall and probably cause injuries to the pet as well as damage your things. That’s one of the major reasons why you must ensure that your sets are sturdy. 

Classic wooden chairs are the best options for homes with pets. Make sure that the base of the seat is large enough to support the needed sturdiness. The wooden material also doesn’t provide scratching surface for pets; hence less fur is shed.  

6. Slip-Proof and Scratch-Proof Surfaces 

The choice of the floor in your home must also be pet-friendly. If you have installed a laminate, tile or hardwood floor, your pets will have a skidding and slipping problem. This could lead to scratches, crashes and damage to your furniture. So, makes sure that your surface is slip and scratch-proof.  

One of the ways you can make your surface pet-friendly is by introducing rugs in the space. It will provide your pet(s) with a firmer grip hence reducing potential scratched and other damages to your furniture. Note that rugs also add to your interior décor if selected properly. 

7. Throws Pillows 

Pets are very cheeky. Most of the time, they will spend time playing with anything they come across. You must have observed your pet trying to ‘dig’ into the sofa seat cushions. With time, the digging will result in damages on the furniture cover.  

white and green throw pillows

You can stop this by introducing throws and pillows on the couch. Your pet will start digging these pillows and throws hence minimizing potential damages on the couch fabric. You can also use the two accessories to enhance your interior décor by buying a throw/pillow color that enhances space aesthetics. 

8. Sturdy End and Coffee Tables 

The other thing you need you to look for when buying pet-friendly furniture is the choice of tables. Pets play a lot, and if you have unstable tables, they might knock them down. That’s the reason why you should select sturdy coffee and end tables. Make sure that the table’s legs are strong, sturdy, and a wider base to provide the needed sturdiness. That’s what makes these pieces of furniture pet-friendly furniture. 

If you want to furnish your house and still keep your pets comfortable and safe, these are the main tips you need to consider. Make sure that the fabric for your couch can withstand life with pets. You must also ensure that tables and chairs are strong and sturdy. These are key elements that will make your home pet-friendly.

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brown leather couch in the living room

10 DIY Tips To Treat Leather Furniture For A Longer Lifespan

Leather furniture invites an element opulence and luxury into your space. Unlike some of the refinements that you can have in your space, leather provides an ideal interior décor that is complete on its own. The numerous colour options and designs and that is what makes leather materials stand out. However, maintaining the leather in good condition for a longer lifespan can be a challenge for most homeowners. 

Most of the available options for treating leather can get pretty expensive, especially if you have invested in a lot of leather furniture. Fortunately, there many affordable homemade hacks you can use to keep your leather furniture in good condition for a long time. That’s what we are providing you within this handy guide. Here are some of the best: 

1. Clean and Condition Regularly 

One of the treatments that can help maintain your leather in good condition for a long time is regular conditioning. Considering that leather is a natural material, you need to condition it at least every six months. This helps to give it a new lifespan after signs of wearing out. Through regular conditioning, you will be able to maintain its original softness and suppleness. That’s what will keep your furniture looking new as well as comfortable to sit on. Use a homemade leather conditioner since it is effective and cost-effective. 

2. Keep Away Sharp Objects 

scissors on a black leather couch

One of the things that you must deal with is sharp objects near your leather furniture. Sharp objects such as knives, razor blades and other objects are some of the biggest threats to your furniture. They usually cause tearing and scratching of the leather, making it lose its original appeal. So, keep them away from your furniture to avoid damages. This tip is also very crucial in you have got children in the house. In addition to that, do not use your nails to remove stains on the leather furniture.   

3. Avoid Ammonia/Alkaline Products 

The choice of cleaning products for your leather material is crucial when it comes to furniture lifespan. There are several things that you need to take into consideration. One of them is the corrosiveness of the products. Avoid any ammonia or alkaline products for the cleaning of leather furniture as they may cause permanent damages to your leather. There are also some products that have some acidic components. Stay clear of these products if you want your leather to last longer. 

4. Wipe with Soft Cloth Or Sponge 

Removing dust and crumbs on the leather is another factor that would greatly determine the lifespan of your furniture. However, how you do, it would greatly determine the longevity of your furniture. You need to very soft materials to wipe dust and crumbs off your leather furniture. Cleaning wipes can be a bit expensive, especially if you have invested in many leather furniture and stuff in the house. We, therefore, recommend the use of soft cloth or sponge to remove. 

5. Avoid Direct Sunlight 

One of the biggest threats to leather material is direct sunlight. When you place your leather furniture in the sun, the material will not only fade away but will also significantly reduce the lifespan of the leather material. Apart from fading, hardening and cracks are also some of the most common effects of the sun. Therefore, keep your leather furniture away from windows to avoid direct sunlight. You can also have blinds on the window to block direct sunlight. If you want to have furniture in your outdoor deck, then you need to have the deck roofed.  

direct sunlight on a leather couch

6. Use A Hairdryer 

One of the reasons why your leather could wear out really fast is because of stretches that develop over time. They make the furniture look old, hence losing its appeal. However, some of the things that you cannot prevent from happening. Fortunately, there are ways that you can deal with it. Using a hairdryer is one of the best ways that you can get rid of stretches on your leather. Just set the hairdryer at a higher temperature and slowly heat up the stretch areas of the leather. It will shrink back and regain its original look. 

7. Vacuuming Regularly 

Wiping off the dust on leather furniture may not provide the desired results in the long run. That is why a more effective approach should be used to help improve the lifespan of the leather furniture. Vacuuming is one of the best ways to get rid of stubborn dirt and crumbs stuck on the leather. But to get the best results, you need to attach a soft brush to remove crumbs easily. Make sure that you are vacuuming every part of the furniture. 

8. Cover It 

If you don’t have time for regular cleaning and conditioning, then you need to consider covering your leather furniture. What you need is to buy sheets that will be able to cover the entire furniture for the time you will not be using it. If you are rarely at home or have a lot of furniture, some of which you don’t really use, then consider covering them with a clean sheet. You will be able to maintain them in good condition for a longer time. 

9. Clean Stains and Spills ASAP 

If you notice stains or spills on the leather, you must get rid of immediately. Spills and stains are some of the biggest causes of damages on leather furniture, and they can greatly reduce the lifespan of your furniture. They can also cause discolouration on the leather surface hence making the furniture look old and worn out.  

canine on a brown leather couch

10. Dust Regularly 

Dusting your leather furniture frequently will have a huge impact on its lifespan. You can use a dust rag cleaner every week to keep your furniture free of dust and crumbs. With that, you will maintain your leather looking new for a long time. 

If you have invested in leather furniture, then you must figure out the best DIY ways to maintain leather in good condition. That’s how you get value for money and keep your space looking good. With these DIY tips for maintaining leather furniture, it will cost you very little, if any, to treat your leather furniture for a longer time. 

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eco friendly furniture

Eco-Friendly Furniture Trends In 2019

When it comes to creating a sustainable home, furniture plays a critical role. They take the biggest part of the house, and that’s they are the most targeted. For those planning to decorate their homes without neglecting the environment, there many fancy and inspiring eco-friendly furniture trends to pick.

If you are wondering which are the top eco-friendly furniture trends in 2019, we’ve got you covered. We have rounded up some of the best trends that you can choose from.

Here are six of the best eco-friendly furniture trends in 2019.

1. Occasional Chairs

Chair are back into the market thanks to the campaign to keep the environment safe and clean. Among the many varieties available, occasional chairs are among the eco-friendly furniture trends in 2019. But they have come with a few changes in design. They are designed to add a fine touch to your interior and exterior aesthetics.

Occasional chairs work great for the dining room, foyer, living room, and bedroom. You can also pull them to your breakfast table or desk. If you want to enjoy some time on the deck or patios, this ergonomic furniture would be a perfect option than those plastic patio chairs. That is how versatile occasional chairs can be.

2. Sofa Bed

The sofa bed is another eco-furniture trend that has gained popularity due to its versatility in use. It is one of the furniture that can be used for sitting and sleeping. It is a chair and a bed at the same time. However, don’t confuse the typical sofa beds with trends in 2019. They are mode sophisticated in design to improve the interior decor. As a way of taking care of the environment, designers are using eco-friendly material, including sheep wool, for making these sofa beds.

sofa beds

3. Side Table

If you want to keep your interior decor on point, then you need to ensure that every sofa has at least one side table. The side table is another environmental friend trend in 2019. Using sustainable materials for the construction of these pieces of furniture. Most of these tables are made from recycled wood and bamboo. What is interesting about these tables is the unique designs they come with. Most designers are mixing different materials, colours, and shapes to get a striking interior decoration. However, the size and height of the tables should be the same. These tables are not limited to the living room but can also be used in the bedroom, bathroom, and family room.

4. Bench

Who would have thought benches would make it back as part of the interior decor. Well, in 2019, this furniture has been part of the craziest eco-friendly interior ideas. Bench adds character and colour to your space in a very enchanting way. You have plenty of options to pick from.

You can use benches in your living room, porch, deck, or foyer. However, the furniture is not limited in these areas. It is also important to choose the right design that works for your space. In most cases, backless benches work for most spaces. These designs are also very versatile and easy to find.

5. Demilune Table

If you don’t have a demilune table, then you need to get for your space. They are some of the eco-friendly furniture trends that have been doing very well in the interior design industry. These are the kinds of tables that will offer your space a new tweak on how it looks. It is one piece of furniture that will enhance your space aesthetics. They come in all sizes, and thus, you can get what works for your space.

The demilune table works for almost all spaces in your space, including your home office, bedroom at the side of the bed, foyer, and living room. Look for a table that has no centre leg as they offer more versatility. You can have a couple of these tables in your house. Getting different colours and materials enhance your room appearance.

6. Slipper Chairs

colorful chairs

This is another eco-friendly furniture trend that is doing very well in 2019. These types of chairs come with a unique design that can dramatically change your room appeal. In fact, we can say that they are some of the most versatile upholstered chairs in the market. The distinguishing feature is their armless design, which makes them comfortable for everyone in the family, from children to adults.

Slipper chairs work great for the dressing room, bedroom, family room, and living room. However, when buying these chairs, smaller ones are the most appealing. Smaller versions also accommodate everyone in the family. Choose a colour that will create striking contrast in your space.

If you are looking for the top best eco-friendly furniture trends in 2019, these are some of the best that you can pick from. However, there are many other options that you can choose from. With these pieces of furniture, you will not only enhance your home aesthetics and keep the planet safe.

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upcycling home decor

Ways To Upcycle Home Decor

When it comes to overhauling your interior décor, you don’t have to spend even a single dollar. There are some things you can do with your clutter and other unwanted items to breathe a new life into your space. In fact, you will be surprised to see how some of the things you consider trash can add a touch of class to your home décor.

We have rounded up some of the smart ways to upcycle home décor. You don’t need to be an interior but just a little bit of creative thinking to transform your old stuff into an inspiring interior décor.

Here are the best ways to upcycle home décor:

Book Knife Block

You can give your old books a new purpose in your home by making a book knife block. It is a unique interior décor that will enhance the appeal of your kitchen space. It is very simple knife storage that will take you just a few minutes to create. What you need is to pick out at least four neglected volumes, tie them together (but not tightly) with a piece of rope, and you are done. Then you can start slipping knives between the pages. You can play around with color to make it more appealing.

Painted Coffee Table

Furniture age faster, and in most cases, we find ourselves putting the old ones in the garage to create space for the latest trends. But you can bring back your old coffee table and have it painted to give it a new life. Try some floral painting on it, and you will be surprised by how it will transform your space.

Trash Can Planters

If you have trash cans in the house, you can use them for creating a mobile garden. This garden works magic for people who are in places where sunlight is limited. You can move the garden around your place to ensure plants are getting adequate sunlight. You can also use trash can planters in the kitchen, living room, on the deck, and so. These old cans will definitely improve your home décor.

Upcycle Old Cabinet

Don’t throw away your old cabinet because it can be repurposed to produce a charming look in your bathroom. You don’t have to do a lot to it apart from a little bit of repainting. However, you can get creative in repainting an old cabinet by introducing a contrasting color. That would make a perfect bathroom antique rather than wasting money on buying a new one.

simple decor at home

Soda Bottles Upcycle

Most people through away their soda bottles and other bottles after use. If you have some old soda bottles in the house, you have a perfect laundry room antique. Use these bottles to store your laundry room liquid. You can have them placed strategically in the laundry, where they can command a more appeal.

Vintage Ladder Storage

It is exciting to see how interior designers are making vintage ladders work for home décor. If you have that wooden ladder lying idle in the garage, it is time that you bring back into the house. Vintage ladders can be used in almost every part of our homes, including the living room, bedroom, and bathroom. They can be used like shelves to hold books, blankets, flower cans, and so. Consider repainting them to enhance their appeal.

Your Old Chairs

Like most of the furniture, chairs are also quickly replaced when they get old. So, you might be having some vintage chairs lying idle in the house. You to consider transforming them to enhance your interior décor without spending a dollar. By just repainting or cleaning them off dirt, you can have a perfect living room or patios antique.

Bathtub Sofa

Upcycling home décor is all about getting creative and pulling out a surprise out of this creativity. Imagine a bathtub sofa! Well, if you have an old bathtub that is lying idle somewhere, then you can convert it into a sofa. All you need is to cut one of the longer sides creatively to create an upholstered sofa. It is that simple.

You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to do your home décor. You can use some of the old stuff in the house to transform it. These are some of the best ways to upcycle home décor. You can also get creative depend on what you have.

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sustainable home

How To Create A Sustainable Home?

The term sustainability has become synonymous with climate change campaigns. As we become more aware of the environmental damages causing climate changes, everyone is looking for a way that they can make the planet a better place to live in. One of them is buying eco-friendly products, which helps to make the environment safer and healthier.

One of the ways that we can all help in making the environment healthier is by creating sustainable homes. There are small and big things that every one of us can to make our homes environmentally friendly. Here are some of the best tips for creating a sustainable home.

Use Eco-friendly Building Materials

The first thing that you need to do is to use as many eco-friendly materials as you can when building the house. There many parts of the house where you can use sustainable materials. Eco-friendly compost and wood, such as bamboo, are great for floors. The material can be used for the construction of various floors, including floor patios, decks, and so on. You can also use sheep wool for insulation purposes. When possible, use locally sourced materials.

Buying Second-hand Furniture

Buying the newest and latest furniture trend may look nice, but you will be contributing to environmental damage. It is essential to note any new furniture you buying is a tree that was lost, and a lot of energy was used to manufacture it. So, if you can buy second-hand furniture, you will have made a significant contribution towards keeping the environment safe and healthy.

Green Cleaning

Cleaning green is what all of us should be trying to achieve in our homes and workplaces. We must try to choose cleaning products and practices that are better for the people and the planet. So, when buying cleaning products, make sure that you have checked for eco-friendly products. Avoid products with harsh chemicals that are likely to release hazardous compounds. Some of the best green cleaning products include baking soda, borax, lemon juice, and washing soda, amongst others.

Recycled or Reused Materials

Using new materials for your home construction contributes to the destruction of the environment. That is why you need to consider using recycled materials. If you need steel bars for your deck or roofing, consider using recycled steel. It has been proven that recycling steel helps to save about 75% of the energy cost. That is the kind of contribution that you make to keep the environment clean. Apart from steel, you should also consider buying furniture constructed from recycled wood. There are many stores here in Australia selling such furniture.

recycling

 Using Less Plastic

One of the things that you need to consider to kick out of the house is plastic products. Plastic is one of the major pollutants, and that’s the reason why you should avoid it. Unlike wood that decomposes faster, plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose. That is why it has been classified as a threat to the environment. If you have to use plastic, get a recycled one.

Using Less Water

Your water usage habit is another way that you can create a sustainable home. Water is increasingly becoming a scarce resource. We are competing for this resource with the animals and plants to stay alive. So, when you waste water, you deny their two adequate water survive. Using less water will ensure the entire ecosystem is balanced, and that will keep the environment healthier.

Use Compost

One of the most significant contributors to environmental pollution is the user of fertilisers in farming. The chemicals in these fertilisers usually seep into the groundwater or are swept by the surface water when it rains. However, you can use compost instead of fertilise for your flower and herbs garden. What you need is put food waste and other kitchen scraps and put it in a compost bin. Leave it for a while, and you will get a useful compost for your gardens. With compose, we can reduce the use of chemical fertilisers.

Plant Drought Tolerant Plants

To reduce the amount of water used for irrigation, you should consider using drought-resistant plants for your landscaping. That will enable you to reduce water wastage during the dry seasons.

If everyone can create an eco-friendly home, we would contribute a lot to the environment. The good news is that you don’t have to do a lot to create a sustainable home. With simple things such as composting your food, you can make the planet safer. 

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home accessories

Guide To Eco-Friendly Home Accessories And Decor

When it comes to sustainability, it is not only about the big industries but the ways. Interior designing is one way that we can help promote the environmental conservation campaign. But switching to green décor will require to get the best accessories and décor for your space.

In this guide, we are providing some of the best eco-friendly home accessories and décor that you can pick from. Here is the best guide to eco-friendly home accessories and décor:

Eco-Tableware

Sustainability in the kitchen means buying tablewares that are environmentally conscious. If you look around the market, you will be surprised by the vast range of eco-friendly tableware available for you. From tumblers, bowls, cups, and plates, you have a myriad of items to pick from. They are chic and durable products mostly crafted from bamboo, which is highly renewable. However, ensure that you are buying dishwasher safe eco-tableware.

Eco-friendly Rugs

Avoid buying rugs made from non-biodegradable and non-renewable materials. Instead, go for eco-friendly rugs. Fortunately, there is a vast collection of rugs to pick from in the market. There are many stores here in Australia selling organic cotton rugs. There are also many types of rugs made natural and renewable materials such as jute rugs and hemp rugs, amongst others. All these types of eco rugs are durable, and thus, will offer you value for money as you contribute to making the planet safer.

Recycled Plastic Bag

Making the planet safer also means managing pollutants to avoid making the condition worse. Plastic is one of the main pollutants, but we can also use it properly to prevent further pollution. Recycled plastic will cause less damage to the environment. It will reduce the amount of energy that could have been used to make a new plastic bag. So, it makes a huge difference when you go for recycled plastic.

Recycled Wood Furniture

recycled wood furniture

Furniture is vital when it comes to home decor. There are many eco-friendly furniture options to pick from, including chairs, benches, and sofa beds, amongst others. Although wood is renewable, making it sustainable, recycled wood furniture would be the best choice. They help to reduce the number of trees cut, or vegetation cleared. That’s how you contribute to a better environment.

Eco Tabletop and throws

One of the crucial accessories that adds an elegant touch to your furniture is the tabletops and throws. Fortunately, the market has several types of these accessories. You can buy eco tabletops and throws made from natural materials such as wool, cotton, amongst others. There many designs that you can pick from as well as colours. For the colours, select an option that matches your furniture and your space in general. Sometimes, contrasting colours for tabletops and throws works magic.

Recycled Entrance Mats

While decorating your house, some of the finer details you can’t miss is things like the entrance mats. There are many non-recyclable and non-renewable options in the market which are responsible for the pollution. Buying recycled entrance mats from both renewable and non-renewable materials to decorate your house helps to keep to the planet clean and safe. There are other materials you can pick from cotton, wool, rubber, plastic, and so on.

Handmade Basket

A handmade basket is an accessory that adds some class and authenticity into your interior décor. Being hand weaved basket, it adds some fine touch of originality in your home decoration. There are many sustainable options for baskets to pick from based on the materials used. For a perfect handmade basket, get one that is woven from sustainable materials.

Eco cushion and pillows

You need to add eco cushions and pillows for your beds and couches. These accessories add a subtle touch to your furniture. When buying sustainable pillows and cushions, the kind of material used matters the most. Natural or renewable fibre materials such as wool, cotton, silk, and so on would be the perfect choice to pick from. However, you can make more impact if you buy recycled fibre.

If you are planning to switch to green home décor, these are some of the best options you can pick from. There are many stores in Australia selling eco-friendly home accessories and décor, where you can get more options. Going green is the best decision that you can make.

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chairs with cushion

What Makes Furniture Sustainable?

As the climate keeps changing for the worse, we are becoming more and more aware of the environmental damages and how they are adversely affecting. That’s why the campaign for environmental conservation has grown popular not only here in Australia but across the world. But what are the little things you can do at a personal level to make the planet safer?

Buying sustainable furniture is a role that every one of us can play in this campaign. Sustainable furniture is also called eco-friendly furniture or environmentally safe furniture. But what makes furniture sustainable? Well, there are a couple of things that make furniture eco-friendly. In this post, we have rounded up some of the key factors to look out for when buying sustainable furniture.

Here are the 5 things that make furniture sustainable:

1. Material Used

The first and the most important thing you need to check is the material used for the construction of the furniture. Several characteristics can tell whether the material is eco-friendly or not. The first thing to check is whether the material is recyclable. If the material can be re-purposed, then that is the kind of furniture that supports environmental conservation. Recycled woods and metal are some of the best examples.

Furniture made from renewable materials also fits in the sustainable category. Wood materials such as bamboo are an excellent choice because it grows faster, and thus, they are easy to replace. Not all wood is sustainable. For instance, it will take bamboo five years to mature and seventy years for an oak tree to mature. Unless it is reclaimed wood, avoid wood coming from trees that take a very long time to mature.

2. Environmentally friendly Manufacturing

Using sustainable materials is not enough to make a piece of furniture sustainable. You need to go further into the manufacturing process of the furniture. Is the manufacturing process safe for the environment? There are several things that you need to look out for. First, is whether the manufacturer is releasing harmful gases such as carbon emissions into the atmosphere? If that’s the case, then the furniture is not sustainable.

Don’t be confused if the manufacturer says that they are using electricity. You need to ask if it is clean electricity. Some of the electricity may be coming from diesel generators or a coal plant. These are electrical energy sources that contribute to the destruction of the environment. Hydro, geothermal, or solar electricity are some of the best green energy.

3. Mode of Transport

mode of transport

The other thing that makes furniture sustainable is the mode of transport. There are various ways that the transport of the finished product is done. So you need to pick the most environmentally friendly. Is the mode of transport energy efficient? Most people will use pick-ups and other types of cars to transport finished orders to their clients. You need to know the kind of cars used and if t is offering the best energy efficiency. The higher the efficiency of the mode of transport, the better. If they are using clean energy, the better.

However, you can do more to ensure minimal damage to the environment when buying environmentally-friendly furniture. The most effective way is buying locally or near your home or business. That means less energy will be needed to transport the furniture to your place. That is another factor that makes furniture sustainable.

4. The Usefulness of the Furniture

For the furniture to be sustainable, it should be useful to the user. It should also offer maximum functionality, ease of use, and comfort. The piece of furniture that you buy should also provide maximum versatility in application. For instance, you should buy a piece of furniture that is multifunctional since it takes less space. A good example is a sofa bed which can be used as a couch and a bed. Such pieces of furniture offer a greater utility to the user.

The other thing you need to look for in sustainable furniture is the durability. Eco-friendly furniture should last for a longer time. That means you will not need to replace every now and then. That is how you allow the environment to replenish itself before you can for another bamboo to construct new furniture. That’s what contributes to a healthy planet.

5. No VOC Finishes

The finish used is another factor that makes a piece of furniture sustainable or not. Some of the finishes contain very toxic solvents such as benzene that can be problematic to the environment. That is why no-VOC finishes are the best choice because they are water-based. Such finishes do nor off-gas hazardous organic compounds. These compounds not only damage the environment but also causes a wide range of respiratory and autoimmune conditions.

Buying environmentally friendly furniture is one way that you can contribute to a healthy environment. However, you need to look beyond the materials used and check other factors such as manufacturing process, finishes used, and so on. That’s how you will ensure that you are buying 100% sustainable furniture.

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Social Entrepreneurship For Sustainable Development

Social Entrepreneurship For Sustainable Development

It is always said that profit motive and poverty alleviation do not mix. We cannot talk about helping the poor and at the same time trying to make a profit out of it. But social entrepreneurship is changing that way of thinking. It is a poverty alleviation initiative that can be shared by the private and business sectors and the community members. This business endeavor has the potential to expand the economic earning opportunity of the community which in turn would be a great benefit to the poor and the community they live in. We need to encourage private and business sectors to be involved beyond their Corporate Social Responsibility projects because we need long term partnerships in rebuilding communities. These sectors have the resources, technology, and training among other things that poor communities lack.

Even though social entrepreneurship is making waves all over the world, it is still a young field of endeavor in our country, often introduced by foreign development workers who are determined to be agents of change through innovation. We can learn a lot from these change-makers and hopefully, raise awareness to more people about the importance of social entrepreneurship.

Social entrepreneurship encompasses different business endeavors aiming to have social impact. It is the product of any individual, organizational, or network activity that demonstrates some element of sociality, innovation, and market orientation, irrespective of its legal form (charity, business), resource strategy (for profit, not for profit, voluntary sector) or sectoral home (public, private, or civil society). Social entrepreneurship is an eclectic mix of business, charity and social movement models designed to offer solutions to social problems.

Even though social entrepreneurship is a relatively new movement, there are already efforts to widen its scope. There are international organizations that are committed to innovate and to be change-makers in response to the most urgent social problems of the world and work towards sustainable development.

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Profiles Of Women Involved In Aellon: The Story Of The Invisible Sisters

Aellon works with the Invisible Sisters, a women’s group that crochets plastic bags into bags, home designs, accessories, and other products. Here are their stories on how this project has helped improve their lives.

Elizabeth is a widow and a mother to 4 children. She busies herself with crocheting and she is the leader of the women’s group in their community. She is also involved in different organizations. She is grateful to Invisible Sisters for teaching her the value of caring for the environment. She can do that through crocheting plastic bags and making them into bags and other accessories. She says the money that she earns helps in meeting the daily needs of her family and it is sustainable. She has many dreams but mainly, she wants to have her own business to support her family.

Erlinda is one of the more experienced members in the group when it comes to crocheting. She is a nursing aide by profession but she spends her time crocheting and doing reflexology. She and her husband have 4 children – 2 are married and 2 are working. At this stage in her life, she still has many dreams for their future – to travel to other countries, have her own business, and improve their house. She says Invisible Sisters supports them financially, it’s just a matter of working faster to earn more. She is also proud of the crafts that she makes and she also takes pride in being able to teach other women how to crochet plastic bags so that they can earn money too.

Sharon is a widow with 9 children. Crocheting plastic bags is her only source of income. Fortunately, most of her children are already working and only 2 are still in school. She also receives assistance from the government for their education. She dreams of improving their house, seeing her children graduate, and getting more projects from Invisible Sisters. She says the organization has been a big help in helping her meet the needs of her family.

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Finding A Gem Amidst The Storm

Finding A Gem Amidst The Storm

It had been years since heavy typhoons devastated the community of Barangay Pinaglapatan in Infanta, Quezon – a far-flung town in the Philippines. Since then, the community underwent the arduous process of rehabilitation to rebuild their lives. Hundreds of families lost their homes and belongings during the disaster that was why it had been a challenge for them to get back on with their lives.

As disaster struck the community, there was also an outpouring of support from government and non-government organizations. Different groups extended their assistance by giving relief goods, medical help, and construction materials for damaged houses. Later on, some humanitarian groups focused on the issue of health, livelihood, education, and spiritual formation to help the people get back on their feet.

When the typhoons struck the community, floodwaters rose rapidly, carrying mud, debris, and logs that engulfed the community. This caused deaths and damages to properties. However, amidst this disaster, one humanitarian organization found a way to be able to help community members get back on their feet by turning the hundreds or thousands of logs into different pieces of furniture. They taught the men and women basic carpentry and wood carving skills to be able to turn the logs into beautiful tables, chairs, bookcases, plant stand, bed frames, and other things. They also helped the people by funding the equipment that they needed for turning the logs into furniture. Lastly, they also found a way to market these furniture pieces so that the community members could earn money after selling them.

Each piece of furniture relays the story of the family that was affected by that disaster and their efforts to get back on their feet after the tragedy. Each piece of furniture that was sold strengthened their spirit and gave them hope.

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