Reduce Road Noise

/0 Comments/in /by

Of course, the best way to minimise noise is to insulate your ceilings, add a layer of gyprock to the walls and double glaze the windows. These methods are also invasive to the structure and expensive. So here are some less expensive solutions.

 

1. Curtains

Curtains can be excellent sound barriers. If you already have curtains try an additional layer of thermal lining or a 2nd curtain.

 

2. White Noise

White Noise like the noise from a fountain is a less irritating and often relaxing noise that will drown out other more irritating sounds.

 

3. Noise Deflectors

Noise Deflectors can be as simple as a sign for your business placed between your home and the road, to a well-placed garden shed or caravan.

 

4. Door & Window Seals

Why does double glazing work? Because they are sealed units.

The STC (sound transmission class) rating of a window determines how much sound is blocked. The average window in your home could have an STC between around 20 and 24 and double glazed windows between about 26 and 32. Note: It’s not so much the double glazing preventing noise, importantly it’s the airtight seal and caulking preventing airflow and sound.

One cheap and useful product to seal doors and windows is Raven RP14 5mm self-adhesive foam tape (Bunnings).

 

5. Natural Sound Barrier – Gardens

Trees, hedges and gardens all help to reduce sound, some more than others. Large trees deflect sound and hedges and foliage absorb sound, and all of them create white noise.

Large trees deflect sound like islands deflect waves in the ocean. Enough trees will cause sound waves to collide which may also help to reduce the energy of the sound wave a little.

Hedges and foliage have small branches and leaves which vibrate when bombarded with sound. This is sound being absorbed.

A thirty-metre buffer may reduce sound by around 5 to 8db.

 

6. Furniture Placement

Bookshelves, cupboards and storage units all help to reduce noise. The fuller the cupboard, the more sound will be absorbed. Try to fill the space from the floor to the ceiling as much as possible.

 

 

Bedroom Storage

/0 Comments/in /by

The bed is supposed to be the feature of this room, so what options are available? Storage beds look so cool now, think I need a new one.The draws built into the bed base look classy, even better, is when the whole mattress lifts up and there’ heaps of room for seasonal stuff; you can’t even tell it’s there. The only thing to keep in mind, according to my husband (chief furniture mover) is the heaviness factor. Something to consider if you move fairly often. Headboards can be extra wide, and some even have tiny shelves down the side. Very handy.A pair of bookshelves behind the bedhead is actually a very clever idea. First, you have great access to essentials like books and magazines. Second, all those shelves hidden by the bed are perfect for storing very important but ugly stuff your spouse refuses to part with. Under the bed plastic boxes with wheels are very handy and cheap. Or upscale with wood (cedar smells beautiful and keeps moths away), pretty handles and labels. Blanket boxes are also great for seating, as well as the obvious storage and great looks.

Many homes don’t have adequate built-in wardrobes, which can now work in our favour as there are a plethora of options. Even the minimal metal shelving units can look quite stylish, and the fabric covered wardrobes can be individulized by a favourite piece of material.

Doors can actually be quite handy for storing shoes (in a long fabric shelf),

The less clutter you own, the easier it is to store it beautifully, and efficiently.

Fix Vertical Blinds – Easy

/0 Comments/in /by

Vertical blinds… Every rental I’ve been in has had broken blinds. How easy are they to fix?

Fortunately, simple.

When your verticals break, it’s commonly the tiny plastic vertical blind hangars, and you can get a bunch of them for a few dollars on eBay. If time is short and you can’t wait, try a paper clip. Too easy.

You could also use a toothpick or nail for a short-term fix. If you’re good with pointy nose pliers I’ve seen a larger paperclip bent into a superb vertical blind hanger, rivalling the quality of any plastic product.

 

Moving Out Touch Ups

/0 Comments/in /by

Coming Soon

Mirrors

/0 Comments/in /by

Mirrors are the grand illusionists. They instantly give your home depth, glamour, and intrigue. You go drama queen!

They reflect light, banishing that gloomy room.  Best to make sure they’re reflecting a good view. (not directly opposite the toilet) Our property agent is a little creeped out because I put a mirror on our kitchen bench top. She thinks I’m vain, but it really reflects our beautiful views of the water and gum trees. ( Why have my back to that?)

You can have fun with the frames. Maybe an intricately detailed shabby chic with a modern lounge. The bigger the better- well, maybe as much as a few command hooks can carry, although if they’re really huge, they can look great resting on the floor.

Cushions and Throws

/0 Comments/in /by

Cushions are a really fun and inexpensive way to start the design scheme of your home. So be brave! Be bold! If you change your mind (not, oops that doesn’t work well together), it doesn’t matter, they’re easy to replace.

You can even tie a favourite scarf or two around a cushion for an instant update. With cushions you can go wild with colour, texture, sequins, fringing etc. and it becomes the focal point of your design scheme. They draw the eye, so the focus is off any not so nice features of your rental.

Driveway Lights

/0 Comments/in /by

Here is a super inexpensive way to jazz up the front yard and light up the driveway at night. Maybe you need a guide for reversing at night, or you just want to make the place look more like home. Lights also help with security.