Daniela Pluviati Home Staging

Daniela Pluviati Home Staging

Less Stuff More Happiness

Happy Thursday!

Now that summer is fast approaching it is a good time to start organizing. I don’t like clutter and having an uncluttered home makes me feel happy.

Researchers agree that streamlining clutter has many advantages and does benefit your physical health.

Here are five easy ways to tackle clutter and feel better about your home.

  • Divide and conquer. Decluttering and organizing your entire home is daunting, so start in one area in your home but finish the task.
  • Recycle, donate, sell or garbage. Decide what you want to keep, give away or sell. There are many places in Ottawa that take gently used clothing, home decor or small appliances. Check out The Salvation Army, Value Village or Habitat For Humanity.
  • Buy storage baskets, buckets, bins and trays if needed. Baskets are great for a front closet. We use several baskets and one large tray as well for Lego to keep things organized in our family room.
  • Go through books and magazines. Donate used books and recycle magazines. I rip out only the pages I really like and paste them in a book.
  • Check expiry dates and remove what Is expired. This is true for not only food but medication as well. When organizing your bathroom it is a good idea to go through all your makeup as well.
  • Think before you buy. Ask yourself these questions: Will I use it? Will I have to store it? Do I want to clean and maintain it? Do I really need it?

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DIY Hardwood Flooring

Happy Wednesday!

I hate to admit it, but our bedroom looks like a dorm. To make a long story short, we have been waiting for months for stained flush vents.  Scott decided it was easier to purchase them from Barwood Flooring and have them matched at Randall’s. Now that we finally have the vents I can start on our master bedroom.

It is only one room, so Scott will do the install himself. If you are ready to tackle a hardwood flooring project yourself, then there are some considerations before starting.

We have solid hardwood throughout our home, so we will stick with the same hardwood for our bedroom. We both prefer solid wood over engineered wood,  but that is just our personal preference. Solid wood can always be sanded and refinished in the future if we decide to do so.

If you are thinking about a DIY installation of pre-finished hardwood floor then you will need some tools.  A pneumatic flooring nailer, hammer, saw, drill, table saw, chop saw, drill bits may be used. You will need to purchase vapour paper or rosin paper depending on the project.

Plan ahead and take your time. Laying your first row is critical to the success of your project. Scott will start at the bedroom doorway but this can vary if your room is not square. He also installs the flooring boards perpendicular to the floor joists because he says it is just “better”.

Have a great day!

Daniela

xo

 

Hardwood Study

DIY Sprinkler System

Happy Wednesday!

Irrigation systems can save you water and money by targeting specific areas. Scott always installs a rain sensor, so that water is distributed only when needed.

Sprinkler systems are not only for luxury. They are great for homeowners that do not have the time to water their grass, gardens or flower beds.

Scott has installed a few sprinkler systems. He just finished installing another one in our current home. They make for great curb appeal when you are trying to get top dollar for your property. We love a clean exterior for the simple reason that it may indicate to buyers that the interior is also well-kept (when selling).

If you love DIY projects then you may find the charts below useful. Scott likes the fact that you can make sure everything is indeed installed correctly with a DIY sprinkler system project. He also likes ordering better quality parts that last. He takes the savings from the labour and buys better parts.

sprinkler system - back yard

Newly installed sprinkler system

 

Photos from Hunter Irrigation

Mothers Day Gifts!

Happy Monday!

It will soon be Mothers Day and if you are looking for something a little different, then you may like what I have found.

Beautiful bath bombs, yummy chocolate and jewellery are a few things I wanted for my list. I found them all. I really like these gifts for many reasons. Some products are made locally while others are made elsewhere in Canada. They are also not too expensive, which is great as well.

Owners Jen and Suzie from Foxy Originals have beautiful jewellery pieces to choose from. Their spring /summer collection is right on point. Not only is their jewellery made in Canada, but it has also been featured in magazines like The Oprah Magazine.

Check out some more amazing gifts right below!

Mothers Day Gifts - EarringsFoxy Originals – Kali Earrings in Mixed Metals

 

Mothers Day Gifts - Bath BombTammy’s Tub Treats – Pink Paradise Bath Bomb

 

Mothers Day Gifts - ChocolateHummingbird Chocolate Maker

Incredible Ikea Hacks

Happy Friday!

Does anybody not have at least one item from Ikea in their home? I love Ikea for their affordable accessories, textiles and furniture pieces.

A little DIY goes a long way with some of Ikea furniture pieces. By adding your own touches you can personalize your Ikea furniture to your own style and taste. I have seen many beautiful transformations using the Rast three drawer chest. I am thinking about using them and transforming them for my own bedroom. At the price of $49.99 each, you can’t go wrong.

Here are some incredible Ikea hacks that look amazing. Take a look!

Armelle

The Rast three-drawer can be painted and hardware can be used to elevate it!

create/enjoy

Gorgeous hardware and a beautiful faucet were added to this Hemnes vanity makeover.
Sugar & Cloth

The Rast three-door chest looks great with these leather pulls!


Kristina Lynne

Some paint, stain and hardware make this piece not so ordinary. This can be done to the Tarva six drawer chest.