No matter how much you love your house, it probably has its issues. Unless you live in a hermetically sealed box that no one ever ventures into, there will always be something you want to change, update, or improve about your home.
Some of those issues are easily remedied by the traditional renovation methods. You can install new flooring, for example, or paint the walls to make everything feel fresh and new. However, what about the awkward problems that make life difficult? What are the solutions for the lesser issues that still have the power to annoy us and make us crave solutions?
PROBLEM: Low Ceilings
In some ways, there is not much you can do about low ceilings unless you are willing to knock your house down and start again from scratch. Moreover, let us face it: few of us are willing to go through the trouble and mess of that!
Nevertheless, you can employ a few tricks to make ceilings seem taller, even if you cannot change the architectural structure of your home.
- Use a gradient effect with your paintwork. The higher up the wall you go, the lighter the color should be. It need only be a few shades different from floor to ceiling, but it will make an impact.
- Sloped ceiling coving is more forgiving on low ceilings than a sharp right-angle edge. It is surprisingly easy to install, too.
- Do not cut the walls in half by hanging wall art or shelves too low. Give them plenty of height to elongate the room naturally.
PROBLEM: Not Enough Outlets
Given the amount of devices we have to charge nowadays, it is no surprise that many of us find ourselves struggling for a spare outlet.
- Do not block existing outlets with furniture. This might take some tricky arranging, but it is better than limiting use of the outlets you already have.
- Use extension cables and splitters, but do not overuse them. It is also important to remember you should never, ever plug an extension cable into an extension cable – it is a legitimate fire hazard.
- If you really cannot make things work, a residential electrician can usually add a few extra outlets for a reasonable price. This is far safer than extension leads and can be relatively inexpensive.
PROBLEM: Ugly Radiators
Radiators are an essential part of your home that you need but… well, they are not exactly the most aesthetically pleasing of items, are they? Of course, there is no reason they should be – they serve a function rather than being a style piece. However, it is tough not to hate them, especially in bathroom and kitchen areas when they tend to stick out the most.
- You can paint radiators relatively easily. It is best to go much muted in as close a match to the wall color as possible, or go loud and proud with a bright red or a cyan blue. Anything in between can look washed out and unintentional. If you have to have them, why not make them a statement?
- It is relatively easy to source radiators covers, or even make one yourself if you have a few carpentry skills. If you do go down this route, make sure they are well ventilated so your room is still going to get the benefit of the heat.
