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Turning a Room Into an At-Home Office
July 30, 2021
Numerous workers have turned into remote employees this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and some of those positions have become long-term or permanent. If nothing else, 2020 taught us to be flexible. After all, we didn’t think staying home would last more than a few weeks yet here we are almost one year later. If you’re still trying to accomplish your work at the dining room table, it’s probably time to create a home office. Ideally, a spare room would be perfect but if you don’t have one, consider sprucing up a large closet or basement. Here are a few things to keep in mind when setting up an efficient home office space: Utilize Your SpaceA spare bedroom is the most commonly used type of office space to use at home. You’re able to close the door for privacy and focus and usually have natural light. However, work with what you have regardless. A large closet could fit a slim desk or a murphy-style desk that folds into the wall. Keep Ergonomics in MindBe sure your home office space is comfortable - after all, you’re spending a good chunk of time there nowadays. An office-type chair and appropriate height desk are necessary and worth the investment when shifting your work life to home. Consider All Who Will Use the SpaceAre you the only one in your household working from home or are there others who will need to rotate within the space? Try adding a table or large desk to the room where spaces can be across from each other or work out a schedule for each of you to be in the home office without distracting the other. Shine a LightNatural light is extremely important when it comes to focus and productivity. However, it can cause a glare at times. Arrange your desk so light from the window, overhead lights or lamps won’t cause a glare on computer or tablet screens. Check Your Internet SpeedFast and reliable internet is an essential factor of working from home. If you’ve had spotty service in the past or have multiple devices running on the internet throughout the day, discuss upgrade options with your provider or look into switching if you need to. There are perks from working at home, especially the commute saving gas and time! Do what you can to make your home work life as comfortable and effortless as possible.
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Best Order to Decorate Your House
July 30, 2021
Moving into a new home is always an exciting occasion. Once the closing process is complete and you have your keys, it’s time to grab the moving truck and begin transporting all of your belongings into your new place. Once the big furniture is in, what’s next? If you’re stumped on where to start with home decor, here is a simple order to work with.As far as which room to begin decorating first, it’s probably best to start with the high-traffic areas such as the living room and kitchen. Anywhere you plan to entertain guests and enjoy a relaxing moment to yourself is what should get the first bit of attention while decorating. By doing this, you’ll have the less-used rooms to keep furniture and other pieces out of the way while painting. First up on the list is painting. Where to start? Once you’ve decided which room in the home needs immediate attention, prep your surfaces by making sure the walls are free of any dents or holes. Start from the top of the wall and work your way down to the baseboards. If flooring is part of your decorating, be sure to worry about it AFTER painting. How awful would it be to lay new carpet or expensive wood down only to spill paint on it? It could also clash with the color of your walls, so it’s best to paint first and decide from there which flooring choice will complement it best. Once paint and flooring is taken care of, it’s time to figure out furniture placement. If there’s any new pieces you may need, go ahead and buy or order them to make sure they will complete each room. Keep in mind that furniture pieces such as sectionals or tables will need to fit properly in their respective rooms, so evaluate the area to know what you need before spending any additional money. After the larger jobs are out of the way, you can move on to making each room pretty and reflective of your personal style. Consider the size of each room and decide what accessories will best match the space. For example, you wouldn’t want to place a large floor lamp in a small bedroom where it would just be in the way. A new mounted light fixture may be the better option in that situation. You also wouldn’t want to fill a large living room with a loveseat and accent chair alone. When done in an efficient order, decorating your home will be a breeze. Then you can relax and enjoy your new space to the fullest!
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How to Use the 60-30-10 Rule in Your Home
July 30, 2021
If you have trouble finding balance when decorating your home, the 60-30-10 rule is a good guideline to follow. It is a simple concept that helps you put colors together seamlessly without letting them clash. First, you’ll carve out 60 percent as the main color for the room. This would be paint color, large accent pieces such as area rugs, or a sofa. This color will anchor the space and serve as a base for the following percentages. A neutral shade is typically the safer route to go with this percentage.30 percent will be the secondary color. You’ll aim to use half as much as your main color for this section. Think draperies, bed linens, accent tables or an accent wall. It will support the main color but also be noticeable enough on its own. It gives the room interest by breaking it up a bit. Lastly is your 10 percent, which focuses on an accent color. It could be throw pillows, artwork, lamps, candles, floral accents or anything else in the smaller category. Anything that will bring a pop of color without being too catchy or clashing with your main pieces is perfect. If the 60-30-10 rule seems too strict and tough to follow, you can deviate slightly by going with the 110 percent rule. However, your design can seem cluttered and disorganized if you go too far off of the path. To rebel a little bit though, you can stick with the 60-30-10 but add another accent color to switch things up. This is great for those who don’t want to stick with a simple palette but want to incorporate more colors or patterns. Pick colors that complement each other well instead of throwing a palette together haphazardly. It’s all about keeping a balance while creating a visually appealing space for you to enjoy day in and day out that will also keep your guests talking. When the 60-30-10 rule is followed properly, colors will flow together and reflect your personal style.
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Doing the Most Good with Your Donations
July 30, 2021
A new year means a fresh start. With that typically comes decluttering and resolutions for minimalism. It’s also a time to reconsider what to do to help better your community, especially after having gone through such a tough year under a pandemic. Whether you’re looking to donate unneeded goods, time or resources, aim for local organizations first to give back to the CSRA. Here are a few to get you started: Clothing: Columbia County Foundation for ChildrenThe Columbia County Foundation for Children was started more than 20 years ago by the late Barbara Beazley. One of the main features of the Foundation is the Helping Hands Thrift Store located in Appling. They provide items and services that help better the lives of children in need that are in the area. If you have any clothes or shoes that need to be donated, reach out to the Foundation by contacting them here. Clothing: Catholic Social Services Thrift StoreLocated on Wrightsboro Road in Augusta, the Catholic Social Services Thrift Store has a mission of supporting neighbors in need and has done so since their founding more than 30 years ago. They offer everything from gently-used clothing to toys, furniture, jewelry and more. Proceeds from the store support the Catholic Social Services of Augusta, a ministry that provides emergency assistance to individuals in need around the CSRA. Find more information on the store and how to volunteer here. Clothing, Money, Cars and More: The Salvation ArmyThe Salvation Army operates centers across the United States and does a great deal of help at their location in the Augusta area. As an evangelical-centered organization, The Salvation Army aims to “do the most good” to feed, clothe, comfort and care for those in need. If you are able to donate any items or resources, click here for more info. Aluminum Cans: Burn Foundation of AmericaDo you have a large collection of empty soda cans that need to be recycled? The Joseph M. Still Burn Center at Doctors Hospital in Augusta would be happy to get them off of your hands. Drop-off locations can be found here.
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Bill Beazley Homes Designer Collections
July 30, 2021
One of the most exciting aspects of building a semi-custom home with Bill Beazley Homes is choosing your interior and exterior selections. A portion of selections are made online after your contract has been signed, and then you will have an in-person appointment with a designer to pull the selections together and see real-life samples. While you may have some ideas ahead of time about what you want your home to look like, the process can be overwhelming as well and decision-making may be more difficult than it initially seems. The designers at Bill Beazley Homes have put together a few specifically-themed collections with recommendations to get you started on finding your home style. Nature InspiredIf you envision a lush and earthy-toned home, check out the Nature Inspired Collection. Neutral flooring and cabinet options pair with rubbed bronze fixtures to bring a natural feel to the home. Coastal HomeWith the Augusta area being a short drive away from many southern beaches, coastal-inspired homes are extremely popular in the design world. Light and airy cabinets, counters and walls with driftwood-style flooring bring the ocean feel to your home. FarmhouseThanks to home improvement shows growing in popularity, the farmhouse-style home is a trend that has taken over DIY inspiration boards and home decor stores all around. Industrial fixtures and gray-toned floors bring this look together for your own farmhouse design. Rich and Colorful If you like bold colors and bright accents, these recommendations will be right up your alley. Flooring with sunny highlights, classic hardware and fixtures, and limestone-tinted cabinets will set the stage for all of your colorful decor.
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Groundhogs Day
July 30, 2021
On February 2, The United States and Canada will observe Groundhogs Day. It originates from a Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerges and sees its shadow, there will be 6 more weeks of winter. If it does not see a shadow, spring weather arrives earlier. While it is a popular tradition, there is no verifiable evidence that the groundhog can accurately predict the changing of seasons. The original inspiration for Groundhogs Day starts in Germany, where the Christian holiday Candlemas features a badger to help get an idea of when spring will arrive. The earliest mention of Groundhogs Day in the United States was around 1840 in the diary of a Pennsylvania Dutch Country citizen. Clymer Freas, however, is credited as the “father” of the holiday. He was the city editor at Punxsutawney Spirit and it is suggested that this is the area where Groundhogs Day celebrations began. Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania is still the location of the largest Groundhogs Day celebration where crowds of up to 40,000 typically gather (in a non-pandemic year, of course). This year, on the 135th anniversary of the event, Punxsutawney Phil will be seen wearing a mask and the ceremony will be held behind closed doors, but you can join the virtual event here. Here’s a fun list of groundhog trivia to get you ready for the special day:
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- Groundhogs have 22 teeth.
- They whistle when courting or scared.
- They are vegetarians.
- The average groundhog weighs 12-15 pounds.
- Each groundhog has its own burrow.
- They have the ability to climb trees and swim.
- Baby groundhogs are called kits or cubs.
- Their lives last an average of 6-8 years.
- They may lose half their body weight while hibernating.
Celebrating Valentine’s Day at Home
July 30, 2021
The unprecedented times of 2020 have continued into 2021, and we aren’t sure if we’ll ever have our previous idea of “normal” again. While certain businesses and attractions have slowly opened up with guidelines, many are still choosing to stay home for the safety of themselves and others. This poses a small problem on Valentine’s Day for those couples who love to have a nice night out. While restaurants (especially those that are locally owned) would love to have your business for a nice Valentine’s Day dinner, you may decide to play it safe in the comfort of your own home. Stumped on how to celebrate the romantic holiday after already spending so much time at home in the past year? Here are a few fun ways to surprise your significant other this Valentine’s Day: Breakfast in BedIf your spouse is a morning person, surprise them with a delicious breakfast right at home. Put a tray together with their favorite breakfast items (bonus points for heart-shaped foods!). Add a mimosa and you have the perfect start to their day. Movie MarathonSure, there’s a chance you’ve streamed just about everything at this point with all of the time spent at home. However, take time to make a list with your partner of movies you haven’t seen yet, especially romantic comedies! Get a huge bowl of popcorn, your favorite snacks and some drinks along with a good throw blanket to cozy up and spend some quality time together. Puzzle TimeCompleting a puzzle together is a great relationship-building activity. It requires critical thinking, patience, and a good amount of time. Pick one as simple or as challenging as you think you could handle together and get comfortable, this could be an all-nighter! Fancy DinnerIf you’re not making reservations at a nice restaurant this year, bring the fancy meal home. There are plenty of options for this whether you are a cook or not- meal subscription services provide all of the ingredients and step-by-step recipes, you have the option to order takeout from your favorite place, or you can find a new recipe online to try together and switch it up a bit to make it your own. It would be fun to dress up as if you were going out and have dinner by candlelight. Don’t let the idea of staying home trick you into another boring day. Make Valentine’s Day special for the one you love and you may be surprised at just how fun an at-home date can be!
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Preventing Home Water Damage
July 30, 2021
Water damage is one of the most common (and most costly) claims on homeowners insurance policies. They are second to wind and hail damage, according to the Insurance Information Institute. The best way to avoid water damage is to ensure that it doesn’t happen in the first place, so here are a few preventative tips: Disconnect HosesAvoid keeping water hoses connected to the faucet outside, but instead attach them only when in use. Standing water in a hose could freeze into the pipes during the winter and could stop water flow or bust pipes, creating a messy and expensive situation. Clean GuttersClean the gutters at least twice per year to avoid blockage and debris. Clogged gutters will force water to spill over the sides and can cause serious damage. Maintain VegetationYou want plants to thrive, but not excessively. Roots could wrap around pipes underground and break them, so it is important to minimize landscaping near pipes or remove shrubs that have overgrown. Know the Water MainThe water main shutoff is possibly the most important plumbing feature in the home. It supplies water to the entire house and is the mode of transportation between pipes. Know where the water main shutoff is located in case of emergency. Shutting it off will immediately stop all water activity in the home to locate the source of the damage. Maintain AppliancesThe most common cause of water damage inside of the home is from appliances. Check them regularly according to manufacturer’s recommendations. This is especially important with washing machines and refrigerators as they can become leaky overtime and frequently leak when in need of replacement. Check Water PressureIf the water pressure is set too high in your home, hoses and pipes could fail or rupture. Home improvement stores sell water gauges that can be attached to faucets and read the home’s water pressure. Water damage is a costly risk, but taking the necessary measures to prevent issues could save you a great deal of headaches and money.
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Home Window Maintenance
July 30, 2021
It is important to monitor the quality of windows in the home as the condition can change over time. Take a look at a few things to look out for when taking care of windows: Overall ConditionMonitor window frames, sills and sashes since it is possible for them to change or warp through the years. Frame materials could be composed of plastic, aluminum, steel, or even wood. This means they have the potential to break down or become weathered. Closely monitor and inspect windows regularly to be sure that the quality is still intact and they are functioning properly. WeatherstrippingWeatherstripping on windows is typically made from foam plastic, metal, or plastic. If you use metal weatherstripping, check it for bends and straightness. Plastic and foam plastic should be inspected for resiliency and cracks. If you notice any of these or feel a draft coming through the window when it is shut, it’s time to replace the weatherstripping. Shutters and AwningsCheck window shutters periodically to ensure that there is no damage from weather or rotting from mold and mildew on wood. Check them from both the inside and outside of the home. The attachment of awnings can often become loose, especially in windy conditions. Some awnings are for decoration, while others are truly for weather protection and need to be maintained for proper functionality. Egress for Fire SafetyIn the event of a fire, your home should have specific windows for escape when doorways may be blocked. The basement and every room that is slept in should have a window that is operable and can serve as an emergency opening to leave the home. The sill height of an emergency window should be no more than 44 inches off of the floor. This will help even the smallest of residents to escape with ease if needed. Regularly check your windows for both maintenance and safety purposes. This is an area of the home that can often be overlooked, but paying attention to the small details is an important and necessary aspect of homeownership.
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