It’s Time to Give Back: Church Remodeling Ideas to Try

We’ve talked about plenty of remodeling and interior design ideas over the years, but we seldom cover ideas and tricks for remodeling public facilities. In reality, the parks near our home and the church we visit every Sunday play an equally important role in setting the ambiance and feel of the entire community.

A church remodeling project can be something fun to share with the community. On top of that, you don’t need to stage a complicated project to turn a simple, modest church into a beautiful one. Here are some of the remodeling ideas you can try right away.

A Library Corner

One of the best projects to try if you want to add new things to the community church is adding a reading corner or a library. This is a relatively easy project, to begin with, especially if the church building already has enough space to accommodate an extra reading corner. All you need is a set of shelves and some comfortable seats.

Try to stick to simpler design lines and elements so that the reading corner blends nicely with the church’s interior. DIY ideas work really well too. Rain gutter bookshelves arranged neatly in one corner of the church is a great idea.

The entire community can then contribute books for visitors to read. Divide books into sections based on topics and other criteria. Make sure there is enough seating for children too since they’ll be the ones spending the most time in the reading corner.

Better Seating

Another great remodeling idea to try is adding better seating to the church. Older churches usually have wooden chairs for visitors. Replacing these chairs with a more modern and comfortable seating can be beneficial to the church and its visitors. Not only will you feel more comfortable during worships you can also increase the church’s capacity through a better seating arrangement.

A lot of products on the market are specifically designed for this particular purpose. The Seating Concepts fixed church seating, for example, is designed to be both comfortable and space-efficient. The seats are easy to install and come with proper padding for maximum comfort. You can also choose the color scheme depending on the interior of the church.

More Natural Light

Last, but certainly not least, we have the need for natural light. Most churches – especially older ones – rely on natural light as the main source of lighting. Why not try adding bigger, more open windows?

This is a slightly bigger remodeling project to take on, but the result is definitely worth pursuing. The main worship room of the church can be made a lot brighter and warmer just by adding a couple of large windows to each side of the church. Ceiling windows are also great alternatives to look into.

Of course, these are just some remodeling ideas to try if you want to give back to the community. Church remodeling has the ability to transform an old local church into the centerpiece of the entire community.

How do You Know You Need a New Roof

The roof of your home is one of the most important structural elements protecting the interior from… well… the elements. And because roofs are exposed to the worst of the weather at all times, and usually can’t be built of hard-wearing materials like bricks or concrete, you need to keep an eye on them for wear, tear, and damage – especially if you live in an environment that is exposed to extremes of temperature (like much of the US and Canada).

Now, you could wait until water is actually pouring in through your ceiling to decide to replace the roof, but that might be leaving it a little long. Here are a few things to watch for so that you don’t have to deal with the expense and hassle of water damage on top of your roof replacement.

Roof Red Flags

The age of the roof is the first thing to think about. Typically, a roof lasts from 20 to 25 years, but this can vary based on a number of factors, like whether you only have a single layer of shingles, whether the previous roof was removed, and whether the roof is properly ventilated. If the roof is older than 20 years and was installed over another layer or several layers, start shopping around.

An obvious sign of roof ageing is shingles buckling and curling. Check those shingles that often get direct sunlight, and if they are damaged then it’s a sign that your roof might be past its life expectancy. Check your gutters to see if they contain shingle granules, which roofs tend to lose more of towards the end of their lives. Darker or inconsistent colour on some roof areas is another sign of significant wear on the granules.

Also, if your shingles are missing or falling apart in your roof valleys, you definitely need a new roof – roof leaks can easily happen if rain and snow fall into the valleys and they’re not up to standard. Missing shingles on any part of your roof, in fact, is not a good sign. And if you walk on the roof and it’s a bit spongy, then you’ve definitely got a problem on your hands – moisture may have weakened the underlying decking, so check for moisture in your insulation or daylight coming in through the roof boards.

Repair or Replacement?

Once you’ve determined that your roof is having problems, it’s time to decide what to do about them. Should you repair the damage (or have a roofing contractor repair it), or replace the whole thing? As with any complex decision of this type, it very much depends on the situation.

If you have missing shingles as a consequence of wind damage or a fallen tree branch, it’s fairly straightforward to replace them. However, the new patch of shingles might not match the existing roof, so if you’re planning to move any time soon, it might be a good idea to get shingles that are as close a match as possible. If you’re planning on staying, though, simply replacing the shingles could extend your roof’s life by 10 to 15 years.

What if you have more extensive damage to your roof? Well, if it’s only on one side, partial re-roofing costs much less than redoing the whole thing. However, they are pricier in terms of cost per area, so depending on the amount of damage, you might be better off having the whole roof redone… which could end up being cheaper in the long term. Other issues with partial re-roofing concern roofs with multiple layers, which will all need to be removed for the project to proceed. This might cause lopsidedness at the roof ridges, which even layers of shingles may not be able to hide completely.

If you’re going to re-roof, you need to decide whether to roof over or tear off the existing roof first. You can’t roof over something that already has two layers, but if you only have a single layer then it’s entirely up to you. Removing asphalt shingles might save money in future though, as it will let you inspect the roof deck or sheathing, and shingles hold better when directly fastened to the roof deck.

A new roof will last several decades, and can save you a decent amount of money if you decide to go for it, depending on what you want to get out of the project!

Not Kidding Around: Stylish Ways to Decorate your Child’s Bedroom

It’s no secret that children spend a lot of time in their bedrooms. And little wonder: for a child, a bedroom isn’t just a place for sleeping, but for reading, doing schoolwork, playing, and daydreaming. So it’s important that their bedroom is decorated appropriately because of the time they’ll be spending there as they grow up. Above all, the space should be a reflection of their personalities. Because of those wildly different personalities, of course, the ideal bedroom of one child may look very different from that of another. Here we explore various stylish possibilities for decorating your child’s bedroom.

Nursery

You might think that very young children would be indifferent to the look of their bedroom decor, but you’d be wrong. From the earliest age, babies notice and are responsive to the visual space around them, and as they grow and develop, it becomes ever more important. One way to go is to use very soft tones and keep it bright, for example using blues, whites and greys, which both suits a baby and a more grown-up toddler. White walls can be contrasted using colourful accessories, and don't forget to add a touch of warmth and cosiness to the room, perhaps using appropriate lighting.

An alternative is to really accentuate the bright colours, but to still keep everything simple. A simple, bright and happy space is ideal for the development of a healthy toddler. Bold wall illustrations and cosy furniture, like a soft chair with cushions, can produce a very nice room. Adding storage cabinets for those things that need to be tidied away, plus a mobile hanging from the ceiling, is a great way to accentuate the room without adding clutter. Consider second-hand furniture painted in bright colours as well.

Child

As children get older, their personalities really begin to emerge a little more, so this is the ideal time to aim for an individualised, personal room aesthetic. Finding out the child’s favourite colour will help with determining the colour scheme of the room, and basing a theme around personal interests is also a great way to move forward. For example, if a child is particularly interested in travel, you might consider a world map on one wall or a mural of a compass. In terms of colours, think bright and bold or soothing pastels, depending on your child’s personality.

Of course, rather than taking an individualised approach, you might want to consider more neutral possibilities, especially if your children are sharing a room. Earthy, natural colours like greys and exposed wood are ideal for a warm environment, and limiting your palette of colours and materials is important for the avoidance of clutter. For something a little different, try greys and whites instead, and use little accent elements like bean bags to make the place more home-like. And don’t forget a lot of storage spaces for when the kids get bored of whatever toy they’re playing with at the moment! Kids bedroom furniture tends to contain a lot of hidden storage space for exactly this reason.

Teen

Once puberty hits, everything changes again – more rapidly than you would have thought possible, We’ve all been there, but it’s easy to forget just how much upheaval an influx of hormones can cause in our lives and to our personalities. The core of a teen bedroom is the desk, because they’ll be using it a lot for studying (hopefully!) and, particularly for girls, a dressing table. So, a good desk with drawers for the storage of books and supplies as well as accessories is a crucial element. Let your teen accentuate their personal space by choosing a funky chair design that reflects their personality.

Clever inventive storage is important too, for your teen’s myriad interests; use space as efficiently as possible by considering beds with built-in storage, slim-line desks and bookshelves. You can also go a bit wilder with the décor – fairy lights, spots and stripes on the furnishings, and darker colours to really drive home the hip youth vibe. Custom-designed chairs, cushions, lampshades and wallpaper are a great way to provide memorable, comfortable pieces for your teen’s bedroom. And you might want to let them have the final say – while they may not be expert interior decorators at this age, their needs are very strong, and even if they get it wrong, it will be a useful lesson!

6 Ways to Save Money & Stay Cool

Staying cool in the summer can be challenging when you’re on a budget. The same air conditioner that keeps you cool also raises the cost of your electric bill. Yet, there are ways you can save money and stay cool this summer, including using your air conditioner.

Air Conditioners

An efficient air conditioner can keep you cool during the hottest part of summer. Clean your filters at least once each season for efficient air flow. Don't forget to seal extra spaces between the unit and window to prevent cool air from escaping.

Do you have a whole house air conditioning unit? Regular maintenance ensures it operates with the greatest efficiency. Not only does maintenance keep your house comfortable, it can detect problems early on, according to the experts from Zipf-Air. Clean all ducts and vents to further maximize air flow.

On milder days, consider other methods of cooling your home. Why run the air conditioner if a whole house fan will do the trick?

Whole House Fans

A whole house fan is a perfect cooling solution on mild summer days. Install a whole house fan in your attic and open the windows on your main floor. This encourages cooler air to circulate throughout your house.

The fan exhausts warmer inside air into your attic. From there, your attic ventilation system pushes it back outside. But, you must have adequate attic ventilation and ample open windows for this to be effective and for your own safety.

Too little attic ventilation could cause the fan to overheat. Too few open windows could cause a buildup of carbon monoxide.

Likewise, it's irrelevant to pair a whole house fan and window fans. The air flow from window fans will be insignificant.

Fans

Although window fans may not pair well with a whole house fan, they are great on cooler days. There are two ways to cool your home with window fans:

● Intake
● Exhaust

If the outside air is cooler than the inside air, face your fans to blow cooler air into your home. If the opposite is true, reverse your fan to blow warmer, inside air back outside.

Pairing fans with window treatments can provide an added benefit. The right window treatments can deflect the sun's heat and help cool your home. But, which window treatment is right for you?

Window Treatments

To get the most from drapes, choose a medium-colored drape with a white, plastic backing. These provide a great all-season solution. The white backing deflects the sun, while the fabric prevents heat loss in winter.

Attractive dual shades offer an alternative to drapes. The dual design is like having two shades rolled into one window treatment. You can lower or raise each shade independent from the other based on your needs.

● A solar shade to deflect sun glare
● A privacy shade for night

Dual shades will help keep you cool but consider your indoor activities as well. Mealtimes can be a challenge because, let's face it, the stove or oven adds unwanted heat to your home.

Appliances

Using your stove or oven can make your air conditioner run longer and raise energy costs. This makes it harder to stay cool in the sweltering heat. So, why do it? Instead of cooking inside, fire up the grill and keep the heat where it belongs: outside.

While you're outside, look around your property. Cooking outdoors isn't the only non-traditional way to stay cool. Proper shade is a great, long-term solution to lowering temperatures indoors.

Landscaping

We don't always think of landscaping as a way to cool the inside of our homes, but there is a lot to gain from the green stuff. Your home absorbs solar heat through your windows and roof. This contributes to your cooling costs.

Plant a tree or shrub near your east-west windows. The shade will keep your home cooler and reduce energy costs during summer.

Saving money on cooling your home doesn’t need to be a hassle. Regardless of which cooling methods you use, there are plenty of ways to stay cool during summer.

The History of Bed Sheets no one had told before

Now-a-days we use to take bed lined like bed sheets for granted as people have not always had access to the comfortable and cozy Bed Linen. Today we buy bed sheets as often as season change.


Just imagine an early man who uses to sleep on the cold hard ground. At times they use to sleep on the pile of leaves, straws and twigs. Later the idea of elevated sleeping platform emerged. Almost 3000 years ago, Egyptians explored that sleeping on the surface that has been raised off from the ground is much more comfortable than sleeping on the ground.



If we take a flash back of the early man, the picture is clear that early man has no concept of bedding. They use leaves, straws and sometimes fur and animal skin to keep them warm and to make their sleep comfortable.



Often animal skins were used as pile of leave’s cover. This became the idea of bed sheets to cover the sleeping place. Bed sheets became very famous very after its invention as this rectangular cloth not only help to cover the mattress but also gives a neat and comfortable feel while sleeping. The history of a bed sheet is as old as is the fabric weaving.



As flax is among the oldest plants useful for textile production, linen ultimately was on the list of first fabrics bed sheets were made of. Hence the term bed linen or simply sheets. This term is utilized today to describe anything used as bedding accessory. Linen is perfect for being used as bed sheets, even more than cotton, because its nature becomes softer as we use more traditional bed sheets are mostly white in color.



From that era to now, there is a beautiful transformation of bed sheets as now they are not only to cover the mattress or bed but they also serve to beautify the room. The available colors and designs are absolutely delightful and they are sure to double the charm of your bedroom. Today the bed sheets are available according to the bed sizes, weather condition and in many colors and designs to match the theme of your room. You can easily buy bed sheets online with as many options as you like. Thanks to the Egyptians and the thought of elevated beds.

Reasons to choose Hape Toys

Toys are extremely important in helping kids develop in their early stages. They contribute towards not just physical but mental development as well. There are many toys out there in the market but it is important to choose the best most beneficial ones for your child and also the ones that are safe and are of good quality. Parents face a hard time finding the best brand to get toys for their kids. This is where Hape Toys

comes in. The German company is one of the largest producers of toys worldwide and the reason for the company’s success and what sets it apart from the rest is the fact that their toys are made from sustainable products. Hape toys are popular all around the world and have won many awards. There are all sorts of toys from fun ones to educational ones as well. The variety of the brand is amazing and provides the parents with ease of choosing from one place. They don’t have to go to several places to find toys for their babies. Parents have had positive reviews about these toys saying that they lasted long and entertained and educated the kids as well.



Hape Toys are the best most thoughtful toys out there. There are age appropriate toys for all children and you can find these Hape toys online

easily. They provide entertainment as well as a learning platform for children. These toys have the best quality that you could find out there. The toys are lightweight so that the children can play with them easily and also allowing them to be safe, and they are durable at the same time. These toys won’t betray you like the normal ones you find. They are set to last you for a long time and the benefits offset the price easily. Hape toys are not only good for your children but for the environment too. In a world where companies do not focus on the environment, Hape Toys sets out to be different from the rest in this regard. The company makes sure that all their processes that make use of bi-products cause minimal harm to the environment. Even the packaging is done in a way to minimize the environmental impact caused by it. The brand has gone an extra mile and installed a water purification system which cleanses the water and gives it back to the environment. The company focuses a lot on the safety of the toys. The toys meet the safety standards that have been set and have been certified. Hape Toys has a testing lab where all the toys are tested before being packaged.

Popular Hape Toys

Hape toys are extremely popular but there are some that stand out more than the rest. These are some of the Hape Toys that parents have raved about.

Hape Magnetic Vehicles Play Board Set

This magnetic vehicles play board set is great for toddlers. This set has a magnetic play board with magnetic vehicles that children can stick onto it. The board can easily fit into the baby’s lap and is extremely convenient and easy to carry around with the handle that it comes with. This play board is great for using while you’re travelling. Toddlers tend to get quite bored sitting in the car doing nothing and they get irritated in the process. This set gives them the perfect opportunity to have fun. Owing to the size of the set it can easily be taken in the car. The set is also great for the times when you want your child to stay quite. For instance you’re at the doctors and are sitting in the waiting room and don’t want your little one crying and disturbing other people. This toy will keep the baby busy and is also a no fuss toy which doesn’t make the baby noisy. The quality of this board is amazing. The magnets stick very well to the board unlike other magnetic sets out there and allow the child to be creative.

Geometrics House

The geometric houses are great for children aged 3 years and above. It comes under the category of role play toys as it allows the child to build a dollhouse. The geometric house is a complete set with furniture and family included which lets the child learn about family and also about what each type of furniture is. The toy is a great way to make your child learn about different shapes, and help develop his/her mental skills in the process of building the house and figuring out which part goes where. The house has been tested for all kinds of safety hazards. It has gone through a sharp point test which ensures that there is no object that will be sharp. It has also undertaken the small parts test which makes sure that there is no part that can be swallowed by the kids. The house and all the blocks it comes with is made of great quality making sure that it lasts you a long time. The objects included are all light weight so that the kids can pick them up easily and they pose no harm to them. Even the paint used is of good quality and is safe keeping in mind that children of this age like to put everything in their mouth.

Bed Sheets Basics you should be reviewing constantly before online purchasing

bed sheets are one of the fascinating home accessories. Sometimes it is one of those purchasing that can be very tricky. Most of us actually purchase it on a hopeful guess.



In spite of having a very nice and stylish design there are many other factors that must be considered before buying good quality bed sheets.



To make an easy and careful purchase, it is always better to have a quick review about the bed sheet you are planning to buy for this spring. These reviews actually help you find the voice of the people who actually have bought the bed sheets before you. This review will be covering all the basic information provided along the features, prices and instruction so that you may have the best for you.



From reviewing the aspects it will becomes easier for you to discover about the brand of the bed sheet, what are the best qualities and what other customers think about it. You can get this information from the website where you are going to purchase instead if searching here and there on the internet. IZZZ is among the top retailers that not only introduce top brands but also assure the quality of the product. Millions of the happy customers are getting the best from this online store. With all of the choices available on the market, it’s valuable to have a resource such as this to help with making the choices much easier. A great set of bed sheets not simply looks good around the bed; they can actually improve the quality of your sleep. So it’s better to review the things in order to understand some great information regarding three types regarding bed sheets that you’re going to enjoy having with your bed.

What’s the Difference Between a Rain Shower Head and a Regular Shower?

When you are refurbishing your bathroom you will probably come across the rain shower. A rain shower is a different type of shower which is proving highly popular. It has a distinctive look and many benefits over a regular shower head. If you are trying to decide between a rain shower and a regular shower, take a look at what makes a rain shower different, and why you should consider purchasing one.

Rain Showers and Regular Showers

A rain shower head is a luxurious alternative to the regular type of shower that you often see in bathrooms. The rain shower normally hangs overhead so the water is falling directly down, and they are designed to mimic actually standing in a rain shower. Here are a few of the other differences.

Size of the Shower Head

Shower Cubicles with rain showers have larger shower heads than normal. They tend to be wider than a regular shower as they are designed to hang overhead and produce a less concentrated spray. You get a softer experience of the water and since you need the shower to cover more of your body it is larger than normal. Because the shower is wider you will need to ensure you have enough space in the shower cabin or the bathtub. You don’t want to flood the bathroom by having the shower head spraying water over the sides of the bath.

Position of the Shower Head

A rain shower is designed to be hung from the ceiling facing straight down, so you need to have the means of fixing the shower head to this position. You need to ensure you have adequate room beneath the shower head to be comfortable.

Rain Shower Water Pressure

Water pressure is an important consideration to make when choosing a rain shower over a regular shower. Rain showers tend to let the water out at a less intense pace than a regular shower so it is certainly not a power shower experience that you will be getting. But the pressure should be sufficient to feel clean and fresh. It’s a nice feeling to be able to relax under soft water. Many rain showers are installed in steam shower cubicles so you can alternate between having a rain shower and using the cubicle as a steam room.

Price of Rain Showers

Rain showers tend to be more expensive than regular showers. But there are a variety of options available which will suit different budgets, so you should be able to find something you can afford. Many people find that the extra investment is worth it when they get the shower benefits.

4 Easy and Cost Effective Ways to add Luxury to your Bedroom

Everyone deserves a little bit of luxury from time to time. Unfortunately, not all of us have the means to splurge on decoration. However, with a little bit of creativity and savoir faire, it is still possible to make your bedroom look like a 5-Star hotel on a dime. In this article, we’re going to give you four simple tips that will allow you to upgrade your bedroom on a budget.

Change the Lighting

It can be surprising how something as simple as lighting can completely transform the atmosphere of a room. One of the simplest ways that you can do this is to replace your existing light switches with dimmable versions that will allow you to adjust the intensity of the lighting at will. This will allow you to easily control the mood of the room. You could also consider adding a chandelier or a glamorous hanging light to give your room more pizzazz. 

Change the Color Scheme

Choosing the right color scheme is essential when trying to achieve the perfect look. There are two approaches when choosing colors; you can either go for neutral lux, or go for richer, colored tints.

One of the greatest advantages of the neutral look is that it is timeless and impervious to trends. It is also great if you want to achieve a clean look. But, instead of going for plain white, try to go for richer tints such as cream or ivory. If you ever decide to go neutral, it is however very important that you switch textures and materials to give the room a sense of depth.

If you want to get more adventurous, go for richer hues such as jade, amber, ruby or even navy to set your room apart. You could also consider investing in some designer bedding and adding designer wallpaper on your headboard wall to make it a focal point.

Consider Crown Molding

A lot of people overlook crown molding, but it can significantly enhance the look of a room and make it look much more luxurious. Simple crown molding is one of the easiest ways to increase the value of a home, and is very inexpensive as well. Furthermore, crown molding is rather simple to install and is perfect for DIY buffs who don’t mind getting their nose dirty.

Improve your Bed

Whichever way you put it, the central point of your bedroom remains your bed, so you should at least consider investing in a better bed or improve the one you currently have if you want to add a sense of luxury to your room. The first thing you have to consider is comfort. Decide on which type of mattress you would like (firm or soft) and set your budget. If you don’t feel like your mattress is worn out, but doesn't offer the support it used to, consider investing in mattress toppers. Also, piling pillows and adding throws will go a long way in improving the overall look of the room.

As you can see, making your bedroom look luxurious doesn’t have to be expensive. Consider investing is some new lighting to improve the general mood of the room, change the color scheme, add some crown molding, and spruce up your bed with quality bedding, throws and nice pillows to give your bedroom a full makeover without breaking the bank.

5 Ways to Rock Your Home Office

Designing a home office is exciting for anyone considering a remote workspace. In fact, working from home is gaining in popularity. So, it makes sense to have a comfortable space to call your own.

Before you start shopping, consider your budget and what your basic needs are. There’s no reason to overspend on office furniture or accessories if they aren’t necessary. You can often find or create the perfect office decor on your own. The added benefit is DIY decor often costs little or no money at all. 

Weigh Your Wants and Needs

The things you will need in your office space will differ from person to person. Consider the line of work you do.

Are you a customer service representative or virtual assistant? If so, you may need a dedicated phone line and a noise-cancelling headset. Are you a graphic designer, engineer, or artist? You may need a project station in that case.

Your home office furniture and decor should make a statement about you and your role. Yet, almost everyone needs a few of the same basic necessities to start with.

● Desk and chair
● Shelves and file cabinet
● Lighting
● Electronics
● Rugs
● Meeting or consulting space

Let your line of work help you determine your specific home office needs. Deciding on what you must have to begin with and what can wait will help you stick to your budget.

Know Where to Find Deals

Deals are everywhere. You can find them at yard sales, online auction websites, local nooks, or second-hand stores. Finding the furniture and decor that you need for the right price is easy once you know where to look.

What if you want professional furniture without the hefty price tag? You can find that too! Some businesses resell used professional office furniture. The Facility Services Group office furniture is a great example of how this recycling process works as the ultimate goal is, “Out of the landfill and into the office of another end user.”

Once you know what you’re looking for, it’s not hard to find it at bargain-prices. Why buy brand new if you don’t have to?

Reduce Potential Distractions

If there is one thing that you’ll find anywhere, even in a home office, it’s distractions. Distractions are everywhere. Working from home means finding creative ways to reduce daily distractions.

Remember, everything not work-related is off-limits until the work day is over. But, with practice, working from home can prove effective, efficient and enjoyable.

Light It Up

Lamps and windows are perfect for lighting up your office. Finding the right lamp for your lighting needs is vital. One idea is to have a lamp with a dimmer switch that allows you to adjust the amount of light you need. A sunny room with a small lamp is another possibility.

Don’t Forget Ergonomics

Before you complete your home office, don’t forget to consider home office ergonomics. They can make or break your work from home experience. Ergonomics can make a difference in your productivity as well as your health. If there is one thing about your home office you should never neglect, ergonomics would hit the spot.

Setting up a home office is easy once you know all the basics. The office of today looks a lot different from the cubicles of yesterday. If your employer is flexible, a home office can provide the extra incentive that you need to work your best.