The Sentinel: Home Improvement

Create a cozy outdoor space this spring and summer with a backyard firepit

Photo: Jesse Bridgewater/Pixabay

Family Features - A firepit can serve as a warm and inviting backyard retreat, perfect for roasting marshmallows for s'mores or stargazing while wrapped in cozy blankets. Before you can share time around the firepit with loved ones, however, consider these tips to elevate your outdoor space.

Choosing the Right Design

When it comes to building a DIY firepit, the design you choose can significantly impact the aesthetics and functionality. From classic stone pits to modern metal designs, the options are nearly endless. Think about the size and shape as well. Circular designs are traditional and encourage conversation while square or rectangular pits offer a more contemporary look.

Gathering Materials and Tools

Essential materials include bricks, stones or metal parts for the structure, as well as gravel or sand for the base. Fireproof materials are a must to ensure safety and longevity. You'll also need tools such as a shovel for digging the base, a level to ensure even construction and adhesive or mortar for binding materials together. Depending on your design, you may require a metal fire ring, grill grate or mesh cover.

Keeping Safety in Mind

Safety should be your top priority when building and using a backyard firepit. Always place your firepit at least 10 feet away from any structures, trees or flammable materials.

Make sure the area is clear of dry leaves and other debris that could catch fire. Consider installing a spark screen to prevent embers from escaping and always keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby.

Enhancing Ambiance with Seating and Lighting

Creating a cozy atmosphere around your firepit involves more than just the fire itself. Comfortable seating is essential for making your outdoor space inviting.

friends around firepit

Whether discussing the latest political news or planning a wedding, a backyard firepit is a great place to entertain family and friends.

Photo: Pexels/Kindel Media

Choose weather-resistant chairs, benches or DIY log stools arranged in a circle to foster conversation. Ambient lighting from string lights, lanterns or solar-powered path lights can elevate the mood and extend the usability of your firepit into the evening.

Consider adding citronella candles or torches to keep insects at bay while enhancing the ambiance.

Visit eLivingtoday.com to find more ideas to make your home even cozier.

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Best paint colors to refresh your new space

SNS - The right paint can completely change how a space looks and feels. Whether moving into a new home or simply updating a room, choosing the best colors to refresh your new space is essential. When you choose the right color palette, the space will look brighter, larger, or cozier. Paint colors influence mood and set the atmosphere. Some shades create an energizing effect, while others promote relaxation. Finding the right balance ensures that your home feels inviting and reflects your personality.

Preparing a Room for Painting

Before painting, proper preparation ensures a smooth and long-lasting finish. Start by clearing the room of furniture or covering items with protective sheets. Clean the walls to remove dust, dirt, and grease that can affect paint adhesion. Patch any holes or cracks with filler and sand them smooth once dry. Use painter’s tape to protect trims, baseboards, and edges. Apply a primer if changing to a significantly different color or covering stains. Ensuring proper ventilation speeds up drying and minimizes fumes. With the room prepped, painting becomes easier and delivers a polished result.

Paint Your Room While It Is Empty

The room is easiest to paint while being empty. If possible, schedule your painting and renovation before moving in. This allows you to move into a fresh, functional space without worrying about furniture getting in the way. However, don’t tackle the furniture lifting alone, risking potential damages and injuries. Instead, hire professionalmover.ca to handle your transport to a storage unit. Their services make settling in easier, giving you more time to focus on painting your walls without bumping into furniture.

Best Colors to Refresh Your New Space

Selecting the right colors to refresh your new space makes a significant impact on how your home feels. Light tones make small rooms look more spacious, while darker shades add depth and elegance. To make a space feel fresh and inviting, opt for soft, neutral tones or muted pastels. If you want a more vibrant look, incorporate bold hues sparingly as accent colors. The right shade can breathe new life into a room without requiring a complete renovation.

Soft Neutrals for a Timeless Look

Neutral tones work well in any home. They provide a fresh, clean look and allow flexibility when decorating. Warm white adds a creamy touch that pairs well with natural materials. Soft beige is ideal for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Light gray offers a modern and sophisticated feel that suits any room, while greige, a mix of gray and beige, brings the best of both worlds with its balance of warmth and coolness. Neutrals create an excellent base for adding accent colors through furniture, textiles, and decor.

Earthy Tones for a Natural Feel

Earthy colors bring a grounding and calming effect. These hues connect your space to nature, making rooms feel harmonious. Olive green adds a natural, refreshing touch to living spaces. Terracotta brings warmth and richness, making it perfect for accent walls. Deep brown creates a sense of comfort and coziness, while warm clay, a soft blend of orange and brown, enhances natural light. Using earthy tones makes your home more cozy and enhances the natural elements in your home, such as wood furniture and plants.

Soft Blues and Greens for a Calming Atmosphere

Blue and green shades have a calming effect and work well in bedrooms, bathrooms, and living spaces. Sky blue creates an airy, refreshing ambiance, while sage green is a muted, soothing shade that adds a subtle pop of color. Teal, a mix of blue and green, adds depth and personality, and pale aqua is a soft and gentle shade that promotes relaxation. These colors work well with both contemporary and traditional interiors.

Bold and Dark Shades for Drama and Sophistication

For a dramatic look, deep and bold colors can add elegance and sophistication. Charcoal gray provides depth and pairs beautifully with metallic accents. Navy blue is a bold yet classic choice for bedrooms and dining rooms. Forest green is rich and inviting, making it perfect for accent walls, while burgundy, a deep red, brings warmth and personality to any space. Dark shades work well in rooms with plenty of natural light. Pairing them with lighter elements maintains balance.

Warm Yellows and Oranges for a Cheerful Ambiance

Bright, warm colors bring energy and positivity to a space. Sunshine yellow is a lively shade that brightens kitchens and dining areas. Burnt orange adds warmth and works well as an accent. Golden mustard is a rich tone that pairs beautifully with neutral shades, and coral, a mix of pink and orange, creates a vibrant look. Warm shades are great for social spaces, encouraging interaction and liveliness.

How to Choose the Right Paint Finish

The type of paint finish you select affects how the color appears and how durable the surface is. Keep up to date with home design trends for 2025 and choose a trendy paint finish. Some options include:

Matte
Eggshell
Satin
Semi-Gloss
Glossy

A matte finish offers a soft, smooth look that hides imperfections well, making it ideal for living rooms and bedrooms. Eggshell has a slight sheen, making it easier to clean while still maintaining a subtle elegance. Satin provides a velvety finish that resists moisture and wear, making it a great option for high-traffic areas such as hallways and kids' rooms. Semi-gloss is durable and moisture-resistant, perfect for kitchens and bathrooms where easy cleaning is essential. A glossy finish provides the most shine, making it ideal for trims, doors, and furniture, creating a sleek and polished look. Choosing the right finish enhances both the appearance and functionality of your space, ensuring longevity and ease of maintenance.

Transform your home with the right colors

Choosing the right colors to refresh your new space makes a significant difference in how welcoming and stylish your home feels. Whether you prefer soft neutrals, calming blues, or bold statement shades, the right color choice creates the perfect environment. Refreshing your space with new paint is one of the easiest and most effective ways to enhance your home’s appeal and comfort.

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Home design trends for 2025, making your outdoor living area spectacular

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BPT - Americans are spending more time in their outdoor spaces - and want to maximize those spaces. Studies show that nearly 90% of homeowners consider their outdoor areas to be important to their health and well-being. Design trends reflect that people are showing more interest in connecting with nature in their own backyard and enjoying the comforts of indoor living while gathering outdoors. This means creating environments that are comfortable, multifunctional and cost-effective.

The outdoor design experts at Belgard®, the trusted leader in hardscape solutions from pavers to retaining walls, share exclusive insights into 2025 outdoor design trends to help homeowners plan their dream outdoor spaces.

Privacy and spaces of solitude

As property footprints continue to shrink year over year, homeowners are looking for aesthetically pleasing ways to incorporate more privacy from neighbors or their surroundings. Decorative screen panels, pergolas, built-in planters and other structures can add elements of both beauty and functionality that provide a sense of solitude, even in urban environments.

Sound gardens and water features can further enhance a feeling of solitude by adding audible privacy from neighbors or street traffic. For example, even a simple fountain or water bowl can enhance the ambiance and help muffle sound.

Shifting back to classic style

While minimalism remains a popular trend, there's also been a shift back to a more classic style in indoor and outdoor home design. Mixed materials and warm colors such as beige and sepia are re-emerging, which lend themselves to a more traditional aesthetic.

With modular options from Belgard, a mix of different materials with multiple textures and sizes can create limitless possibilities while keeping with a classic design aesthetic. Because they're available in many styles, shapes, and sizes designed to work together, a variety of paver patterns can be combined seamlessly to achieve any desired overall look.

Convenience in design

As outdoor spaces are now a must-have for homeowners, they must be convenient to access and offer the same amenities as the home's indoor spaces. Homeowners are looking for their outdoor space to transition easily from the house to the built environment while offering the same modern conveniences of lighting, eating, Wi-Fi, quality furnishing and accessories.

Health and wellness

Using outdoor spaces to improve your well-being is a top focus for many people today. Americans are looking to be more balanced and in harmony with their environment, favoring the use of native plants and sustainable materials like permeable pavers, which promote better water drainage and reduce environmental impact.

Gardening is also a popular hobby that helps improve people's feeling of well-being, so enthusiasts can opt for raised garden beds or planters to pursue their growing goals in their outdoor spaces. For example, Belgard offers options to create built-in planters as part of your overall hardscape design with its Belgard Artforms modular outdoor panel system. You can use the panels, which are sized in modular shapes, to quickly and efficiently construct planters, seating, outdoor kitchens, fire features and more.

By designing outdoor environments that support their health and wellness, individuals can cultivate spaces that provide a retreat in their own backyard to improve their quality of life.

Value-added features

In every metro area, property sizes are smaller than ever. With this shift plus budget considerations, homeowners want to maximize small spaces through modular components that serve multiple purposes, like built-in seat walls, fire features, water features and planters that seamlessly blend into a living space - offering both functionality and visual appeal.

Homeowners can get creative with outdoor spaces with the right hardscape materials. For example, a small space can be transformed into a lush oasis by adding a vertical garden, or underutilized spaces like side or front yards can become cozy sitting areas. Even a small patio can serve as an al fresco dining space, and it doesn't take a lot to add an outdoor workstation with the right tools and tech. Patio pavers and wall units help define spaces, making them serve more than one purpose for any household.

These strategic investments not only increase the functionality and enjoyment of outdoor areas but also significantly boost curb appeal and the home's property value, making them a smart choice for homeowners looking to maximize their limited spaces.

To find inspiration for any outdoor space, visit Belgard.com.

Redecorating your home |
Tips for Choosing the Right Color Palette for Your New Home's Interior

SNS - Moving into a new home is an exciting opportunity to create a space that reflects your personality and style. Selecting the perfect color scheme for your interiors is one of the most important choices in shaping your home's ambiance. Colors shape a home's aesthetic and influence emotions, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Whether decorating a cozy apartment or a spacious house, understanding how to select and combine colors can transform your living space into a true haven.

The Psychology Behind Colors

Colors carry meaning and evoke emotions, making them a powerful tool in interior design. Warm tones such as red, orange, and yellow can create a sense of energy and warmth, ideal for communal areas like the living room or dining room. On the other hand, cool tones like blue, green, and purple promote relaxation and are perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms. Neutral shades like beige, gray, and white are versatile, providing a timeless backdrop that complements bold accents. When choosing the right color palette, it’s helpful to consider how different hues can affect your mood and the overall feel of your home.

Consider the Size and Lighting of Your Space

Room size and lighting play a crucial role in how colors appear. Lighter shades make smaller rooms feel more spacious, while darker hues add depth and coziness to larger spaces. Natural light can enhance warm tones, making them feel more vibrant, while artificial light often works better with cooler shades. Before deciding on your color scheme, observe how light interacts with your walls throughout the day. This insight will help you choose hues harmonize with your home’s unique characteristics.

The Importance of Harmony in Design

Harmony ensures that the colors in your home flow seamlessly from room to room. Sticking to a unified palette with complementary shades creates a cohesive look that ties your space together. For example, if you choose earthy tones for your living room, consider carrying a similar theme into adjacent areas. This approach doesn’t mean every room must be identical, but a consistent theme will make your home feel more cozy.

Choosing Accent Colors for Depth and Interest

Accent colors are a fantastic way to add personality and flair without overwhelming the space. Once you’ve settled on a base palette, choose one or two accent colors to highlight specific areas or features. For example, a neutral beige room can come to life with teal cushions or a mustard-colored rug. These pops of color can be easily updated over time, giving you flexibility as trends and personal preferences evolve.

Choosing the Right Color Palette: Experimenting with Color Swatches

Before committing to a specific shade, experiment with color swatches. Paint small sections of your walls or use peel-and-stick samples to see how different options look in your home. This step lets you visualize the final result and ensures that your chosen palette complements the room’s furniture, flooring, and decor. Sampling is invaluable for avoiding costly mistakes when choosing the right color palette.

Using Texture to Enhance Your Palette

Color isn’t just about paint; texture is important in how hues are perceived. Matte, glossy, or textured finishes can dramatically alter a color's appearance. For example, a matte navy wall exudes sophistication, while a shiny finish adds a modern, polished touch. Incorporating texture through fabrics, rugs, and decorative items can enrich your color palette, making your home feel layered and inviting.

Adapting Trends to Your Style

Trends in interior design change frequently, but it’s essential to focus on what resonates with your style. While bold, bright colors may be fashionable, they may not suit your home or personality. Instead of fully committing to trends, incorporate them in small doses, such as through accessories or accent walls. This approach ensures your home feels timeless while allowing room for experimentation.

Moving to a New Home

Relocating provides a clean slate to design your dream home. However, moving can be complex, especially when dealing with fragile items like furniture and decor.

Hiring professional movers can make the transition smoother. Heart Moving is a reputable moving company that handles the logistics, allowing you to focus on the exciting aspects of settling in, such as creating the perfect color scheme. Their team ensures that your belongings are packed, transported, and unpacked carefully, giving you peace of mind. Also, the company offers tailored services to accommodate special requirements, such as handling antiques or oversized items, ensuring a seamless moving experience from start to finish. Entrusting this part of the move to experts ensures your belongings arrive safely and reduces stress during a busy time.

Planning a Color Palette for Every Room

Each room in your home serves a different purpose, so it’s essential to plan your color palette accordingly. For the kitchen, consider shades that promote energy and cleanliness, such as whites, yellows, or soft blues.

In living rooms, warm tones or neutrals create a welcoming environment, while bedrooms benefit from calming colors like lavender or sage green. Bathrooms are a great place to experiment with crisp, refreshing hues like aqua or pale gray. Tailoring your choices to the function of each space ensures your home feels both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

The Role of Accessories in Enhancing Colors

Accessories can tie a room together and emphasize your chosen palette. Curtains, throw pillows, artwork, and rugs are excellent tools for reinforcing your theme. Adding houseplants or decorative vases in complementary colors can further enhance the visual appeal and bring a touch of nature into your space. These items also allow for easy seasonal updates, giving your home a fresh look without the need for major renovations. When selecting accessories, aim to balance bold and subtle to avoid a cluttered appearance.

Creating a Home You Love

Choosing the right color palette is about more than aesthetics; it’s about creating a home that reflects your taste and lifestyle. By understanding the psychology of colors, considering lighting and size, and planning for harmony, you can craft an interior that feels cohesive and personal.

Experimenting with textures, accessories, and trends ensures your design remains dynamic and adaptable. Whether you're starting fresh or updating your existing space, choosing the right colors will transform your house into a place you’re proud to call home.

Staying warm in the winter, and comfortable all year long

Photo provided

BPT - Transforming unused areas of a home into comfortable, functional spaces can be easier than one might think thanks to modern heating and cooling solutions. Whether it's a sunroom that's too cold to enjoy in the winter, a garage that turns into a sauna during the summer, or a basement that's always chilly, the right systems can help create a comfortable environment in every corner of a home. These innovative solutions improve comfort while maximizing a home's usability and value. Following are tips on how homeowners can unlock the full potential of their home's living space, making it enjoyable 365 days a year.

Transform a Sunroom into a Four-Seasons Retreat

Sunrooms offer a bright, inviting space, but they're often underutilized due to extreme temperatures. Installing a ductless mini-split system provides efficient heating and cooling, making a sunroom comfortable no matter the season. Mini-splits, such as a Friedrich® Floating Air ™ Mini-Split System, are ideal for spaces without existing ductwork, offering an easy, non-invasive installation. These systems allow precise temperature control, ensuring the sunroom stays cozy in winter and cool in summer. Plus, its energy efficiency helps homeowners enjoy this space without worrying about high utility bills. Operating quietly, mini-splits let users relax or entertain without background noise disrupting the peace.

Turn the Garage into a Temperature-Controlled Bonus Space

Garages are often overlooked when it comes to heating and cooling, leaving them uncomfortable for extended use. Garages can serve as home gyms, workshops or extra storage. However, without proper heating and cooling, they're often too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. Installing another ductless option like Floating Air ™ Pro can combat that problem, converting a garage into a comfortable, climate-controlled space fit for year-round use.

Photo provided

Their advanced smart technology allows the user to set customized, true room-by-room comfort with individually controlled indoor options. Quiet and efficient, a mini-split transforms a garage into a functional extension of the home.

Enhance Basement Comfort with Zoned Systems

For any homeowner planning to upgrade their HVAC system, it's the perfect time to think about the entire home - especially those spaces that are underutilized, like the basement. With the right heating and cooling solutions, every corner of the home can be comfortable and functional all year long, including areas that aren't used every day. Combining Rheem's Heat Pump with an Air Handler can create a zoned system that offers tailored comfort while maximizing energy efficiency. Pair that system with the company's EcoNet Smart Thermostat's Zoning Solution to make it easy to condition the basement only when needed, which is ideal for spaces that are not used year-round. With a simple adjustment on the EcoNet Smart Thermostat, the master control for the zoning system, a homeowner can open a damper to direct airflow into the basement, ensuring it's comfortable when occupied and conserving energy when it's not. By adding home solutions such as mini-splits, heat pumps and air handlers, homeowners can unlock a home's full functionality and comfortably enjoy each room year-round.

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Budget-Friendly renovation ideas to modernize your home

Renovating doesn’t have to be expensive. Small updates can make a big difference.

Photo: Gypsum Partition/Pixabay

SNS - Renovating your home can be affordable with the right approach. Simple changes, like repainting walls or updating fixtures, can create a fresh, modern look without a high price tag. Whether you’re improving outdated spaces or enhancing functionality, these budget-friendly renovation ideas to modernize your home will help you achieve a stylish, updated space while staying within your budget.

Focus on Comfort While Modernizing

Creating a comfortable and welcoming environment doesn’t have to be expensive. Focus on creating cozy spaces in your home by incorporating soft lighting, warm textiles, and functional furniture. Add plush rugs, throw blankets, and cushions to living areas for a cozy feel. Rearrange furniture to create intimate seating arrangements that encourage conversation.

Repaint Your Walls for an Instant Refresh

A fresh coat of paint is an affordable way to change a room’s appearance. Choose modern, neutral colors to create a timeless look. Painting your walls can also brighten dark spaces or make smaller rooms feel larger. Consider using high-quality paint that lasts longer and reduces the need for frequent touch-ups.

Accent walls are another great option for adding personality without extra cost. Use bold colors or wallpaper to draw attention to a specific area.

Update Lighting Fixtures for a Modern Touch

Old lighting fixtures can make your home feel outdated. Replacing them with new, stylish options is a simple and affordable fix. Look for budget-friendly pendant lights, LED strip lighting, or modern chandeliers to elevate your space.

Smart lighting systems are an excellent investment if you want added convenience. These systems let you control lighting remotely and can save energy over time.

Utilize Mobile Storage During Renovations

Renovating your home often requires clearing out rooms to make space for the updates. A convenient solution offered by COWS Mobile Storage is portable storage units delivered right to your doorstep. These units are perfect for safely storing furniture, decor, and other items during your renovation process. By keeping your belongings out of the way, you can work more efficiently and protect your items from potential damage.

Transform Flooring with Peel-and-Stick Tiles

Replacing flooring can be expensive, but peel-and-stick tiles are a cost-effective alternative. These tiles are easy to install and come in various styles, including wood-look and stone designs.

Peel-and-stick tiles are perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, or any high-traffic areas. They’re also durable, making them a great choice for families. These budget-friendly renovation ideas to modernize your home are easy for anyone to implement and provide great results.

Photo: WarrenMae Investment Group/Pixabay

Transform Your Bathroom for a Luxurious Feel

Upgrading your bathroom doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Small changes like replacing old faucets, adding a new showerhead, or incorporating soft, neutral tones can make a big difference. For a truly relaxing space, consider how to turn your bathroom into a spa-inspired oasis. Adding features like scented candles, fluffy towels, and even peel-and-stick tiles can create a calming, spa-like atmosphere without overspending.

Add Storage Solutions to Declutter Your Space

Cluttered spaces can make your home feel outdated and cramped. Adding budget-friendly storage solutions can solve this problem while modernizing your home.

Floating shelves are a practical and stylish addition to any room. Storage baskets and bins can help organize smaller items while keeping your home tidy.

If you want larger changes, consider installing built-in shelving units or storage benches. These options provide functionality while blending seamlessly into your space.

Install a New Backsplash in Your Kitchen

A new backsplash can completely transform your kitchen’s appearance. Peel-and-stick backsplashes are affordable and easy to install on your own.

Popular styles include subway tiles, geometric patterns, and mosaic designs. Choose materials and colors that complement your existing countertops and cabinets for a cohesive look.

Replace Old Faucets and Showerheads

Outdated plumbing fixtures can bring down the style of kitchens and bathrooms. Replacing them is a budget-friendly way to give these areas a modern look.

Search for fixtures with sleek designs and finishes like chrome, black, or brushed gold. Many new faucets and showerheads also come with water-saving features, which can lower your utility bills.

Create an Accent Wall with Wood Panels or Shiplap

Wood panels or shiplap are great options for adding texture and interest to any room. These materials are affordable and can be installed as a DIY project.

Use shiplap in living rooms, bedrooms, or entryways for a cozy and modern touch. Painted wood panels in darker tones can add sophistication to your home.

Add Outdoor Curb Appeal

Modernizing the exterior of your home can increase its value and make it more inviting. Affordable upgrades include painting your front door, updating outdoor lighting, or adding planters with seasonal flowers.

Pressure washing your driveway and siding can also improve your home’s appearance. These simple steps can make your home feel refreshed without major renovations.

Add Style with Mixed Metals

One of the easiest ways to modernize your home is by updating finishes and fixtures. Consider how to implement mixed metals in your next home renovation project for a trendy and sophisticated look. Combining metals like brushed nickel, matte black, and brass can add depth and visual interest to kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces. Use this technique thoughtfully by mixing no more than two or three metal finishes in a single room for a cohesive design.

Invest in Energy-Efficient Windows or Insulation

While this option may have a higher upfront cost, it can save you money over time. Energy-efficient windows and insulation reduce heating and cooling bills.

Look for government rebates or local programs that offer financial assistance for these upgrades. This makes it easier to modernize your home while staying within your budget.

Update Textiles and Decor

Small decor changes can have a big impact on the overall style of your home. Swap outdated curtains, rugs, or throw pillows for modern options.

Stick to neutral colors or simple patterns for a timeless appearance. Layering textures like cotton, linen, or faux fur can also make your space feel more modern and inviting.

Modernize Your Home on a Budget Today

Renovating doesn’t have to be expensive. Small updates can make a big difference. Use these budget-friendly renovation ideas to modernize your home and create a space you’ll love.

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Creating child-friendly spaces in a new home

SNS - Moving into a new home is an exciting time for families, offering a chance to reimagine spaces that reflect your family’s needs. For those with young children, setting up child-friendly spaces is essential to creating a safe, engaging, and functional environment where kids can thrive.

Thoughtfully designed spaces encourage creativity, provide comfort, and enhance safety, ensuring your home feels welcoming for every member of the family. This process also allows you to involve your children, making the transition smoother and more enjoyable for them.

Thoughtfully designed spaces encourage creativity. Consider a separate playroom where children can enjoy their toys and games without cluttering shared spaces. Encourage your child to help select the colors or themes for their space.

Photo: Katie Emslie/Unsplash

Understanding the Needs of Your Children

Children’s needs evolve as they grow, and their spaces should adapt accordingly. Safety features are paramount for toddlers, while older children benefit from areas that inspire learning and play. Observing your child’s preferences and routines can guide decisions about layouts, colors, and the types of furniture to include. Engaging your children in small choices, like picking colors or themes, can help them feel included and excited about their new home.

Choosing the Right Location for Play Areas

Selecting the right location within your home is crucial when setting up child-friendly spaces. Play areas should be close to high-traffic areas, such as the kitchen or living room, so you can supervise your child while attending to daily tasks.

Consider a separate playroom where children can enjoy their toys and games without cluttering shared spaces if space allows. In smaller homes, creative solutions like corner play zones or foldable play setups can make the most of limited space. Adding a playmat or a colorful rug can help define these areas, making them visually distinct and inviting for children.

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Prioritizing Safety in Design

Safety should be at the forefront when creating spaces for children. Secure heavy furniture like bookshelves and dressers to the wall to prevent tipping. Use outlet covers, cabinet locks, and corner protectors on furniture to minimize hazards. Flooring options such as carpets or foam mats can reduce the risk of slips and falls. Installing safety gates in areas like staircases or kitchens can provide additional layers of protection. Regularly inspecting the space for potential dangers ensures ongoing safety and peace of mind for parents.

Creating Zones for Play, Learning, and Relaxation

Children benefit from spaces that support a variety of activities. Designating specific zones for play, learning, and relaxation within a single room can help organize their daily routines. A well-lit desk with storage for supplies creates a conducive space for homework, while soft seating like bean bags or cushions provides a cozy spot for reading or quiet time.

Personalizing your child’s space makes it feel special and unique to them.

Rotating toys and books in the play zone can keep the space fresh and exciting for your child. Incorporating a small rug or mat can visually define these zones, making the room feel organized and purposeful while encouraging kids to explore each area.

Small boy playing with shells

Set up a nature-themed area for rocks, shells, or other items they collect to help them personalize their play space.

Photo: Paige Cody/Unsplash

Selecting Child-Friendly Furniture

The right furniture plays a key role in setting up child-friendly spaces. Opt for sturdy pieces, low to the ground and free of sharp edges. Appropriate tables and chairs allow children to feel comfortable and independent.

Consider multifunctional furniture, such as beds with built-in drawers or benches with storage compartments, to maximize utility while minimizing clutter. Selecting neutral or timeless designs ensures the furniture grows with your child and complements evolving decor.

Adding Personalized Touches

Personalizing your child’s space makes it feel special and unique to them. Wall decals featuring their favorite characters, a gallery of their artwork, or a small display shelf for treasured items can create a sense of ownership. Including their input when selecting colors or themes fosters a sense of independence and helps them feel more connected to their new environment. Adding a family photo or a cherished item from their previous home can also provide a comforting sense of familiarity. Elements like a personalized nameplate or custom bedding can enhance their emotional connection to the space.

Using Storage Solutions to Stay Organized

Keeping children’s spaces tidy is easier with smart storage solutions. Bins, baskets, and shelves that are easy for kids to reach encourage them to take part in organizing their belongings. Labeling storage containers with words or pictures helps younger children understand where items belong.

If additional storage is needed during the moving process, companies like Valley Relocation and Storage can provide convenient options to store excess belongings while you settle into your new space. Built-in storage units can further optimize space while maintaining a clutter-free environment.

Incorporating Nature and Natural Light

Integrating nature into your home can positively affect children’s well-being. Place small potted plants in their room or set up a nature-themed corner with rocks, leaves, or other items they collect. Ensure plenty of natural light reaches their space by using light curtains or positioning play areas near windows. Adding a small fish tank or terrarium can also introduce an engaging natural element that teaches children responsibility.

If natural light is limited, warm LED lights can create a cozy atmosphere while mimicking the benefits of daylight.

Adapting to Different Ages and Stages

As children grow, their needs and preferences change. Furniture that once worked for a toddler may no longer suit a preteen, so flexibility is essential.

Invest in adjustable furniture, like desks or chairs, that can grow with your child. Open shelving can evolve from storing toys to housing books or hobbies. Incorporating versatile decor elements, like modular storage or interchangeable wall art, helps the space adapt effortlessly to their changing needs. Regularly involving your child in decisions about updates ensures the space remains functional and reflects their unique personality.

Making the Move Comfortable for Kids

Setting up child-friendly spaces in a new home ensures your children feel secure, happy, and inspired in their surroundings. You can create areas where your kids can grow and thrive by prioritizing safety, personalization, and functionality. As you settle into your new space, remember that thoughtful design can significantly affect how your family experiences your home. Including your children in the process enhances space and strengthens their sense of belonging and connection to their new home.

Make the most of your morning hours for more productive days

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Family Features - From a regenerative bath to that first cup of coffee, early morning rituals have the power to heal, restore and fuel. They can leave you feeling accomplished, empowered and ready to take on the day. How you spend your hours from 5-9 each day can ensure you're well prepared to tackle whatever your 9-5 throws your way.

Establishing a well-planned and consistent routine removes the guesswork and makes it easy to accomplish more during these essential hours that set the stage for the day ahead. Get a jumpstart on your day with these tips to make the most of your morning routine.

Set Personal Goals

Just as no two people are exactly alike, your morning routine should reflect your unique needs. Some people need these early hours to ease out of sleep and gradually work toward a busy day while others jump out of bed ready to set the day in motion. Decide what you can realistically accomplish in your waking hours before you hit the office or school drop-off line and plan a sequence that makes sense for you and your family. When you have a steady routine in place, it's typically easier to keep up with habits like early morning workouts, and on days when your energy is lagging, you can shift into autopilot and still get everything done.

Create a Rejuvenating Space

No matter your 5-9 routine, the bathroom is central to it. You can start the day with a more positive outlook when you get ready in a space that's equal parts functional and beautiful. With stunning design, innovative features that make life easier, environmentally conscious performance and do-it-yourself installation ease, the Aspirations Collection from American Standard provides a full suite of bathroom products to start your day right.

This collection gives you plenty of reason to consider upgrades, whether coordinating a full bathroom and accessories or installing just one or two elements like a unique faucet. Choose one with a pull-out, swivel spout to quickly clean those hard-to-reach corners or a touchless option for hands-free convenience. Find the right sink to match with four different stylish options that lend a personal design while streamlining morning routines for you and your family. Awaken your senses with a four-function showerhead and keep all your bathing essentials organized with a clever shelving wall panel. Reflecting nearly 150 years of quality craftsmanship, design and reliability, each piece within the collection delivers big on style and performance.

Practice Good Sleep Habits

The way you end each day influences how you start the next one. Going to bed on time, avoiding screen time before you turn out the lights and creating a comfortable sleep environment are all keys to restful sleep. However, managing your sleep doesn't end once you reach dreamland; your wake-up routine is also an essential aspect of a healthy sleep schedule. One of the biggest detriments to quality sleep is hitting snooze to delay your day. Just a few more minutes easily becomes 20, 30 or more and none of that time is quality rest, so you're not really gaining anything.

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Ensure You're Well-Equipped

Few things can sidetrack a good morning routine like discovering an empty bottle of shampoo or an empty can of shaving cream. Make a habit of regularly taking inventory of your morning supplies. Watch for sales so you can keep backups on hand to ensure you'll always have your favorite toiletry items ready to help you feel refreshed and ready to go.

Make Time for Breakfast

Countless studies affirm the importance of a well-rounded breakfast. Researchers have found good nutrition provides fuel to help give you energy, promote clearer thinking and problem solving, improve mood and memory, and more. If you can't stomach a full meal, look for alternatives to give your system a morning boost, such as a protein-rich smoothie early and a more substantial snack later in the morning.

Enjoy a Mindful Moment

Making time to relax or do something you enjoy can set a positive tone for the day. You might savor a few quiet moments over a cup of coffee or spend quality time with a pet. Early morning light and nature sounds can provide calming background for meditation, or you might simply use the time to organize your to-do list so you feel better prepared to tackle the day.

Take Time to Tidy Up

When it's time to put the workday behind you, it can be easier to make the mental shift from work mode to life mode when there's not a list full of chores awaiting you at home. As part of your morning routine, make your bed, clean your vanity countertop and complete other small chores to make your evening load lighter.