Blue Wolf Reviews

Tag: budget

  • Home Is Where You Make It

    Home Is Where You Make It

    Home Is Where You Make It is a truism as a well as being the title of the latest book from stylist, photographer and lifestyle guru Geneva Vanderzeil, as she guides the home owner or renter through the DIY steps to turn their house, room, flat or apartment into a space that becomes Home.

    A firm believer in using what is available creatively, she has over her years of travel turned the space in which she was living into her home; a place which welcomed with love and warmth, rather than a space which was showroom perfect.

    But how to achieve this warmth is altogether another thing, especially when you look at the books and magazines, along with certain website that encourage the newest, shiniest, perfect look. But do not be disheartened because, as she states, she firmly believes any space a can be made to look beautiful, perfect for you with a little bit of effort, fun and also cost effectively.

    Over the years she has created a six-step process from ‘the ground up’ which is accompanied by DIY tips, along with some basic tricks of the trade so to speak, and the rest is up to you.

    Kitchens are considered as the heart of the home; therefor serious attention needs to be given to space available for use, to ensure it is functional but has your personal stamp of warmth and welcome.

    Walls are an ideal space to create more than an art gallery. When used well, this versatile space offers so much; from a place to hang your art or hat, a few shelves to help with storage issues, a mirror hung strategically to invite in more light, the choices are endless.

    What to do with a tiny bedroom, bathroom, living area, are all issues which have solutions that can be creative with some careful planning, some guidance from Home Is Where You Make It and a little bit of DIY, enthusiasm and creativity. Designed as a guide book to make creating your home less complex, the resources page at the end of the book will also help guide you in the right direction for your budget.

    Writing from experience of renovating homes, as well as renting and living in many different countries, Home Is Where You Make It really is the perfect guide to offering solutions, long and short term, to create your special place called Home.

  • Three Birds Renovations 400+ renovation and styling secrets revealed

    Three Birds Renovations 400+ renovation and styling secrets revealed

    Property renovation is an undertaking that could be considered as the latest ‘fad’ in the world of property and a possible a way to increase the value of your home by making a few changes; modernizing the outdated décor and then either selling on at a profit, or enjoying the lovely new home you have created with just a bit of paint and hard work.

    But successful property renovation consists of just a bit more than a lick of paint, taking down a wall or two or changing the bathroom, all of which does cost money and all of which, if it is not planned well, costed out and undertaken with an eye to detail, can end in a gigantic, costly, mess.

    Three Birds, aka Erin, Bonnie and Lana have managed the transition from successful careers to becoming successful property renovators, with a flair and passion that has seen them become a household word for many who are seriously considering home renovation.

    But as they point out over and over again in this fantastic ‘how to’ look at renovating, it all come down to planning, costing and then more planning and costing, keeping a very careful eye on the real estate market in your area and the budget, before committing to a fresh new look for your home, or investment property.

    Over the nine chapters of the book they take a journey through the different styles of homes they have renovated as a team. Beginning with their first and perhaps most emotional renovation in chapter one, that of A cottage with a modern twist through to The Luxe entertainer and wrapping the line-up beautifully with the Modern Coastal Barn; all very different, all presenting their own challenges and all ending up in a profit for the team.

    Throughout the chapters they share their design ideas, problem solutions and so very many helpful tips and touches that there is something in the pages for everyone to enjoy. If you are considering property renovation for profit or simply with a view to freshen up a room or two in your own home, there are more than 400 reno tips to help inspire or offer a way forward.

    The glorious colour photos of each of the projects offer many visual choices, the ‘Flip Tips’ help to make wise choices considerably easier, as does all the very down to earth information offered.

    For anyone who is into decorating their home, loves to be inspired or is looking to a far bigger project than just a fresh paint of the house, Threebirds Renovations will become one book that is never far from where you are working out your next project.