Stone Veneer - 5 Things you can do to update your Living Room For Free

We spend quite a considerable amount of time in our living rooms entertaining and receiving guests. We all want that comforts of a cozy, well-designed home. The living room can be considered the heart of some homes. A full living room update or full home makeover means you have to change the flooring, furniture and wall color. However, a limited budget can make it too hard to achieve. If you're sick of your space, don't underestimate the power of a few small changes; so if you have not changed anything in that room for quite some time now, here's how you can easily inject a breath of fresh air into your living halls without spending a dime.

1.    Rearrange the Furniture

This is no doubt the least expensive way to update a room, in fact, is also one, of the easiest ways and it’s free. When you change your living room furniture arrangement, you will give your room a whole new look and can also satisfy your need for of changing the look without spending a dime. However, if the furniture is too bulky for you to arrange you can call on a friend to help, or better still rearrange your accessories and bookshelf displays. You’d be surprised at what a big impact it can have.

2.    Add scatter or throw cushions

You can easily change your living color and look by adding some throw cushions. Cushions with bright colors or soft pastels will just work well. All you need to do is get some throw cushions in great designs that complement the rest of your living area. You can arrange in a way that pleases your eyes or throw them casually against your sofa or your window seats.

3.    Change the Lampshades

Lampshades are very cool, and they look like little jewels that are scattered around the room. When you make changes to them, then you’re changing the mood. There are a lot of designs available for you to choose from that when you see the perfect one you will know. Try going to stores to get an idea of what’s out there or go custom if you can’t find what you like.

4.    Bring the garden into your living room

Another way you can create an interesting and refreshing look for the living room is by bringing fresh blooms placed in large vases or single buds inside. You can go for the silk materials if you’re too busy to change or replace the fresh flowers; just don’t underestimate the power of green plants in the room.

5.    Update Window Treatments

Many people tend to overlook their windows and end up not adding some improvement to it. Many people tend to get caught up in what style would suit the room best, leaving the windows bare or just install simple blinds for privacy. The fact is, windows also deserve some dressing, and you’re missing out on some great design when you leave your windows bare. Your windows can be dressed to perfectly suit your style and taste.

Be creative when you are redecorating your home. Don't think you have to go out and spend a lot of money to update the look of your home. And remember to spice things up you can spend a little bucks and incorporate stone fireplace or stone veneer fireplace to get things popping. 

Stone Fireplace - Ten Ways to Add Warmth to Your Home During The Cold Winter

Winter is a hard season for everyone. It can be tough to stay positive on overcast days, stay dry on rainy ones, and most importantly, keep warm and snug when the temperature drops. When outside during the frosty season, most people will bundle up with scarves, thermals, boots, coats, hats, and other layers to keep warm and toasty.

 However, there is more than one-way to warm up your home during the cold winter months. Read on to find out 10 of the best ways to keep the cold weather from creeping in. 

Stone fireplace 

A stone veneer fireplace doesn’t only looks trendy and fashionable, but it is also one of the most effective ways to warm up your home. With a stone fireplace in your living room, you can curl up in front of a warm fire with a glass of wine, a good book, or even a loved one, and remain blissfully ignorant of the stormy weather outside.

Stone siding

Stone acts as an excellent insulator. This means that if you install exterior stone siding, you can naturally keep your house warm and save money on your energy bills. Stone veneer even keeps your home cool in the warmer months, which means that no matter the weather, stone siding has you covered!

Curtains

Curtains are a feature that most people take for granted. By making sure your curtains are shut when it’s cold, you can insulate your room naturally and cheaply.

Roof insulation

By insulating your roof and walls, you can keep heat indoors naturally. Although this can be expensive due to materials and labor costs, it can save you a lot of money on your electricity bill in the long run.

Reduce draughts

Remember the draught excluder (long thin cushions) that your grandma used to put under the door? Well, it turns out that your grandma had the right idea! It has been proven that draught excluders keep in heat, block out cold draughts from outside, and can make a difference in your energy bill. You can get them for as low as $6 online, so even though it’s a little old-fashioned it’s worth it!

Wrap up warm

When all else fails, simply wrapping yourself up in your thermals can be a great option for staying warm, especially if you are on a budget. Thick bed socks and sheepskin slippers can also keep you feeling toasty when the temperature is dropping.

Rugs

Many homes that are built on a slab and are un-insulated lose a lot of heat; a simple remedy to this is to purchase some rugs and carpets to keep your home and feet nice and warm.

Seal windows

Windows lose a lot of heat and let cold air in. There are a variety of window insulation options such as special blinds, shades, and curtains!

Blankets for your body

It seems obvious, but blankets are one of the most effective ways to keep warm. Circulation slows when sitting down, so get a high-quality blanket to stay warm and comfortable.

Blankets for the walls

It may seem like a mad scheme, but because walls can let in a lot of cold air, many people hang blankets on their walls.