Creating Your Dream Summer Retreat – Redesigning The Perfect Bedroom

Posted on May 21, 2023 by rosie

As summer’s heat approaches, now is an opportune moment to transform your bedroom into an inviting and restorative sanctuary. A carefully planned summer bedroom design can have a significant effect on both mood and sleep quality. Here we explore unique ideas to create the perfect bedroom, with breezy vibes while simultaneously maintaining a peaceful environment.

Choose Summer Colours

As part of your summer bedroom revamp project, choosing an airy color palette should be step one. Soft pastel hues like mint green, baby blue or blush pink create an air of tranquillity reminiscent of summer skies while crisp white or off-white backgrounds offer an open and airy setting – use these hues throughout walls bedding decor that instantly brighten and expand space! If you feel like repainting the walls, consider hiring a decorator to breathe new life into your home.

Select Breathable Fabrics and Natural Fibres

When selecting bedding and window treatments, look for lightweight yet breathable natural fiber fabrics like linen or cotton that allow airflow while still offering privacy. Instead of heavy comforters with heavy comforter inserts made out of these fibers (linen is particularly beneficial in the summer heat as its breathability creates a cooling effect), choose lightweight duvets made out of these natural fibers or sheer curtains with these breathable fabrics for optimal temperatures, creating an airy atmosphere! Introducing such fabrics will regulate temperatures in optimal conditions while relaxing.

Bring Nature Indoors

Experience the energy and vibrance of summer with elements from nature in your bedroom! Potted plants or fresh flowers arranged on nightstands or windowsills bring fresh greenery while creating an idyllic and soothing ambiance, as do plants that improve indoor air quality while adding aesthetic value and tranquillity. Also, consider natural materials like rattan furniture/decor pieces which create tropical/organic vibes in any space they inhabit!

Declutter and Simplify

For an airy summer bedroom, decluttering is key to creating the right atmosphere. Remove unnecessary items while leaving surfaces clear to promote optimal airflow and relaxation. Use baskets or attractive containers for organization so belongings stay neat in an orderly space – creating this kind of order allows you to unwind more easily while amplifying its summer charm!

Add Summer-Inspired Accessories

Complement your summer bedroom transformation by including accessories that capture its spirit. Choose colorful throw pillows featuring tropical prints or nautical patterns for visual interest; hang artwork of beach scenes or nature landscapes to evoke relaxation; display art depicting beach scenes or nature landscapes to add the summer aura further; add candles or diffusers that emit citrus or coconut scents that awaken senses and add to its ambiance!

Add Cooling Elements

Avoid the heat this summer by adding cooling elements to your bedroom design. Fans, such as a ceiling or portable fans, are an easy and stylish way to increase air circulation and create gentle breezes in a room – consider purchasing decorative standing fans that complement the decor in your room for even greater effect! Additionally, investing in memory foam or gel-infused materials mattresses that regulate temperature may provide added cooling comfort during warm nights for restful and rejuvenating sleep experiences during hotter summer nights.

Conclusion

Transforming your bedroom for summertime relaxation can create an oasis-esque sanctuary to ease heatwave stress. By including light colors, breathable fabrics, natural elements and summer accessories into the mix, creating the ideal summer bedroom will become effortless and rejuvenating! Enjoy a blissful and refreshing summer retreat right within your own home!

Remember This When Looking For A Smaller House

Posted on April 18, 2023 by rosie

For many people, downsizing to a smaller house is a smart move. Whether you’re an empty nester looking to simplify your life or just want to save money on your mortgage, there are plenty of good reasons to consider downsizing. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when you’re looking for a smaller house. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect home:

Determine your must-haves.

Before you start your search, make a list of the things that are most important to you. Do you need a certain number of bedrooms? A backyard? A garage? Knowing what you’re looking for will make it easier to narrow down your options and find a house that meets your needs.

Think about the future.

When you’re looking for a smaller house, it’s important to think about how your needs may change in the future. Will you be able to comfortably live in this house as you age? Will it be big enough if you decide to invite the family over? Keep these things in mind as you’re house hunting.

Look beyond the square footage.

While square footage is an important factor to consider when you’re downsizing, it’s not the only thing that matters. A smaller house with a smart layout can feel much more spacious than a larger house with a poor layout. Look for a house with an open floor plan, high ceilings, and plenty of natural light to make the most of your space.

Consider the location.

When you’re downsizing, it’s important to think about where you want to live. Do you want to stay in your current neighbourhood, or are you open to moving somewhere new? Consider the proximity to amenities like grocery stores, parks, and public transportation, as well as the overall vibe of the neighbourhood.

Image Credit

Don’t be afraid to make changes.

When you’re downsizing, you may need to make some changes to your lifestyle. For example, you may need to get rid of some furniture or invest in some space-saving solutions. Don’t be afraid to make these changes – they can help you make the most of your new home.

Consider the cost.

One of the biggest benefits of downsizing is the cost savings, but it’s important to make sure that you’re actually saving money. While a smaller house may have a lower mortgage payment, you’ll also need to consider the cost of utilities, property taxes, and maintenance. Make sure you can afford to live in the new house before you make the move.

Get help from a professional.

Finally, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the process of downsizing, don’t be afraid to get help from a professional. A real estate agent who specialises in downsizing can help you find the perfect home and make the transition as smooth as possible. Beyond Law Group Solicitors can take care of the legal matters for you.

In conclusion, downsizing to a smaller house can be a smart move, but it’s important to approach the process carefully. By thinking about your must-haves, considering the future, looking beyond the square footage, thinking about the location, making changes, considering the cost, and getting help from a professional, you can find the perfect home for your needs. Good luck with your search!

Happy House Sharing Anniversary to us.

Posted on November 1, 2018 by rosie

It’s exactly a year today that two arguably sane females took a leap of faith and decided to share a house together. One of them was me, and it could all have gone horribly wrong, but thankfully it didn’t. And I’m here to reassure any ‘mature’ female, who through either choice or circumstance is thinking of doing the same thing, that house sharing ticks so many boxes for so many reasons.

Tea for Two

I found my housemate on a website called http://spareroom.com. She had recently bought the house that we now share, and with plenty of space, it seemed a good financial idea to advertise her……well…. spare room!

After our initial website contact, we began texting, a phone call followed, and then I popped round to see her one Saturday afternoon. She was friendly and easy going, but obviously needed to be sure that I was someone she would be happy to share her space with. Not only that, but I had baggage in the shape of a large 4 legged, scruffy pooch.

But a deal was struck and a year ago today, while she was at work, I moved my life into her house and we’ve never looked back.

Our neighbours have commented that we are always laughing, which is true, and there is also a lot of swearing. Always nice to have a living life balance!

House sharing with anyone is all about consideration and being flexible. My housemate and I are very different, but it is those differences which makes us compatible. We dance around each other in the kitchen, she drinks shite Chia tea, whilst I make a proper brew. I make one pot dinners affectionately referred to as ‘coddles’, while she faffs around making home made turkey burgers. TURKEY BURGERS, I ask you, what fresh hell are those?

That’ll be mine on the left then.

We oversee each others laundry, clearing radiators and folding up as we go. I load the dishwasher and she unloads it, we play to our strengths. She kindly turns a blind eye to the trail of clothes and shoes I leave laying around and she regularly hoovers up a Dyson’s worth of spare dog hair. Whilst I smile to myself at the way she uses the biggest baking tray in the history of cooking, to bake 10 sweet potato fries. I’ve introduced her to ice cubes, she’s converted me to Molton Brown.

My boy Buddy!

The one thing we are totally united on though is my dog Buddy. I couldn’t wish for anyone to be more loving and caring towards my dog than my housemate. She looks after him at weekends while I go to work, and from being a complete stranger to me a year ago, I now trust her implicitly with my most treasured possession.

So if you find yourself without a roof over your head, for whatever reason, house sharing might just be the answer for you too.

DESIGNING A BEDROOM FOR YOUR GRANDCHILDREN

Posted on October 4, 2018October 4, 2018 by rosie

Create a special bedroom for your Grandchildren

If your grandchildren frequently stay with you at your home, then designing a bedroom to meet their specific needs is a good choice. Your grandkids will be able to enjoy a home-from-home experience and a space that feels like it’s ‘theirs,’ and you’re provided with the perfect opportunity to indulge a love of interior design as you seek to create a wonderful space.

You will soon discover that designing a bedroom for your grandchildren is very different from creating a bedroom for your children. As a grandparent, you don’t need to worry too much about educational elements, or hunt down boring storage ottomans to hold their entire toy collection: you can create a room that is functional, yes, but also beautiful and fun. To aid you in this quest, below, I’ve gathered together a few ideas that you might want to try.

#1 – Go all-in on a theme

If a child is going to be sleeping in a room every night, themes can be rather limiting and can begin to get old relatively quickly. However, if your grandkids only stay over occasionally, themes retain their charm for far longer and can look absolutely spectacular for as long as they are in place.

If you’re going to go for a theme, commit to it wholeheartedly, and put it first and foremost when you consider anything about the room. This includes obvious elements such as artwork and decor, but also essential furniture options; you should be able to browse a kids wardrobe collection or find storage furniture options that perfectly align with your intended theme.

#2 – A DIY mural

Murals are a great choice for a child’s bedroom, but can be made all the more personal if you let your grandkids get involved in actually creating the finished art themselves. Sure, it might not have the most professional finish in the world, but that’s part of the charm.

In addition to the above, one of the great benefits of creating a DIY mural is that you can choose to do anything. This is particularly useful if you’re working to a theme, as you won’t be restricted by the choices available in store. There’s plenty of inspirational ideas available for DIY murals online, or you could take a more freestyle approach if you’re feeling adventurous.

#3 – Fun novelty lighting

The modern world is full of novelty lighting, so you should have no shortage of options to choose from. Lighting can bring a room to life, and can help to create a fun, relaxed atmosphere that your grandkids will love.

In terms of what novelty lighting you should choose, the only limit is your imagination. If you’d like to achieve an educational element, you could opt for lighting that produces a replica of the night sky. Alternatively, keep things light and go for the standard fairy lights – they’re a classic for a reason.

In conclusion

Designing a bedroom for your grandchildren is a great choice if you’re a fan of interior design, as it gives you the ability to indulge and put fun and style at the forefront of your thoughts.

MY AUTUMN BUCKET LIST

Posted on September 20, 2018 by rosie

I know I usually write about more controversial topics, so I thought for a change, I’d follow my friend Sue’s suggestion at https://suefoster.info/ and write something a bit more chilled out, such as my Autumn Bucket List.

Whilst I love the Mr Blue Sky days of summer, the sun on my back and the associated need for many refreshing ice cold Gin and Tonic’s, I really look forward to the Autumn, I think as a season it’s the best one of the year.

So what do I love about Autumn, in no particular order

PACK AWAY VEST TOPS AND CHUCK AWAY FLIP FLOPS

Flip Flops are the work of the summer devil.

Every year I buy far too many strappy tops, in far too many colours, but being a creature of habit, I usually only wear the black and white ones. So it’s a relief as Autumn approaches to be able to pack away the rarely worn colourful tops to free up some drawer space. But not the black and white ones, because as every girl knows, under her cosy woolly jumper lies a well washed strappy top masquerading as a vest!

And don’t get me started on flip flops. How is it that some women can rock a flip flop like it’s a comfort shoe from Hotter, whilst even though the toe post didn’t hurt in the shop, and I stupidly think that this is THE pair that are going to be the exception to the excruciating toe post pain, they never, ever are. It’s a fact, I hate flip flops.

IT GETS DARKER EARLIER

Dark and Moody Autumn Dusk

Yes, it’s true, unlike most people, I love it when the clocks go back in October. The nights draw in and the sky gets moody and dark much earlier. Once we are back indoors after our dog walk, around 4.00pm, I like the ‘that’s it’ moment when we don’t have to venture out again. We can just cosy up on the sofa, for some late afternoon TV, without feeling that we ‘should be’ cremating some chicken wings on the BBQ and sitting outside in the remains of the day. (And what a great film that was)

SOUP

Autumn Comfort Food

Autumn means that we can kiss a fond farewell to the wilting bags of forgotten salad leaves that lurk in everyone’s fridge throughout the summer. Was there every a vegetable that had such a short shelf life as watercress. You buy it one day, all perky and fresh, 24 hours later, it’s turned into liquid green slime. Soup is my much preferred ‘replacement meal’!

Warm, filling and comforting, is there anything better than a bowl of home made soup, and it’s so easy to make. As luck would have it, I can make a not too shabby bowl of soup out of virtually anything lurking in my fridge, as long as it’s not watercress.

DOG WALKS: COLOURFUL TREES AND CRUNCHY LEAVES

Autumn means bare trees and crunchy leaves.

Dog walks are much more enjoyable in the Autumn. No worries about the pavements being too hot for tender paws, and mad dogs and Englishmen being out in the mid day sun. The countryside is a riot of colour as the leaves fall off the trees and dogs have a great time crunching and sniffing their way through them.

On a blowy day it’s amusing to see even the most macho of big dogs, being surprised by a very scary leaf suddenly falling from the sky. Walks are brisk and invigorating, putting colour in your cheeks thus saving on the blusher.

There are far more things I don’t like about Winter,… ( can I get away with wearing black leggings and Uggs AGAIN this year? ) Spring… ( Easter seems to come a few weeks after Boxing Day) and Summer…. (I love the heat, but as older people say ‘ it’s a different kind of heat’ in the UK) , but Autumn? Autumn is different. What’s not to like!

For more A is for Autumn Bucket Listers head over to https://www.arosetintedworld.co.uk/autumn-bucket-list/

What is your favourite season of the year?