Remodelling the Bathroom: 5 Practical Tips for Newlyweds

One of the most exciting moments in life is when you get married as it signifies the beginning of a new chapter in your life. It also means you’ll have to share everything and make joint decisions, including financial ones. As the honeymoon ends and reality kicks in, sharing responsibilities is something you’ll deal with every day and if you haven’t lived together before, this could be challenging in the beginning.

Your bathroom is the first place where you’ll feel the adjustment need, so renovation imposes itself as the logical next step. Here are remodelling tips to bear in mind once you start planning.

Renovations on a budget 

It’s highly likely that after a costly wedding and your honeymoon trip that you’ll be working on a stricter budget, so financial planning is a crucial step you need to take. There might not be room for a complete bathroom overhaul, but you’ll probably be able to replace and update a few things. Sometimes, even the smallest change can make a big difference, so be open to various options.

Examine your plumbing first 

In your initial stages, it’s wise to check your plumbing before you embark on any larger work in your bathroom. If there’s any leakage or other issues with worn-out pipes, you need to have that fixed first. Many Aussie homeowners opt for highly convenient pipe relining as this service offers a very quick, convenient and effective solution for blocked or damaged drains without the need for extensive digging. Once you’re on the safe side, you can move on to creating your luxurious bathroom.

Add a Double Vanity 

An important thing to bear in mind when renovating the bathroom for a couple is providing enough space for both of them. All the items they have need room and it’s often that one partner tends to have more stuff than the other. A double sink and vanity is a great solution as it gives a separate space for each partner and there’s no need for fuss every morning when you both need to prepare for the day.

Add Bathroom Cabinets

In addition to a double vanity, it’s clever to build more bathroom cabinets as you can never really have too much storage. Extra cabinets mean you’ll have enough space for all the towels, toiletries and hair gadgets, so nothing will clutter up your countertops.

To make sure your bathroom doesn’t appear too dull with everything so neatly organized, bring in some colour by picking brightly coloured towels and mats. Be bolder and add a piece of framed artwork that will complement the tiles or the wall paint. It will automatically draw the eye and upscale the whole look.

Install a Separate Standing Shower 

If you have a similar morning schedule as your partner, it could get a bit hectic and tension may build up over the years. In order to prevent any possible marriage feuds and streamline your getting-ready morning routine, consider installing a separate standing shower. This means one of you will be able to use the shower while the other one can wash up in the tub. Neither one of you will have to wait for the other, so there will be no reason for rush or stress.

When thinking of your home, you probably won’t single out your bathroom as the most important room in your house, but it does bear a lot of significance in everyday life. In addition to being essential for healthy living and hygiene, it’s a place that provides privacy and solitude when needed, and when you have to share it with your loved one, it’s worth investing in it so it’s beneficial for both of you. Incorporate the tips listed here and you’ll easily create an ultimate couple’s bathroom retreat.

Tips for Setting Up Your First Home Together After Marriage

Getting married is such a huge deal, but many consider moving into your first home an even bigger affair. Now that you have a place where your love can truly blossom, it’s time to decorate it so that it fits both of your needs and lifestyles. If you need some assistance in that department, here’s a little guide that will help you set up your first home.

Find a good bed 

This is really the most important step. Your bed is where you’ll spend one-third of your life together, so make sure you choose a comfortable type. If you know your partner is an active sleeper, you might also want to opt for a roomier king size bed, so that both of you catch enough Zs. Even if the rest of your place is still an undecorated mess, once you jump into a comfy bed, nothing else will matter!

The bathroom should be next on your list

A house will never feel like home until you can wake up and do your morning bathroom routine with your eyes half closed. Set up your hygiene products and towels so that you can easily reach for them at any time. Don’t stress about arranging everything perfectly. You’ll have plenty of time to find the best setup, but having them near, for now, is all you need.

Cool air, warm love 

Now that you’ve just started your life together, it’s a smart idea to work on your comfort and the health in your shared space. An AC is a must, especially if you live in hot areas like Australia. If you decide to go without an air conditioner, you can expect many sleepless nights and cranky mornings. So, find an agency for quick air conditioning installation in Sydney and put that obstacle behind you right away. The installation is a breeze and you’ll feel so much more comfortable in your space when it’s nice and cool even when the sun is scorching outside.

Personalize the space 

Many people just can’t stand bare white walls and empty shelves when they move into a new home. However, resist the temptation to hit a décor store and fill your space with generic prints, wall hangings and one-dollar trinkets. They might make the place beautiful and stylish, but they will not make your home truly yours. So, instead, start decorating with things that feel very personal to both of you. Think photographs, travel memorabilia and things that you bought together. This way, when you look around your home, you’ll see your life and not something that got torn out from the pages of a design magazine. And, when you eventually get guests, you’ll have plenty of conversation starters that you paid no money for!

Add some accent pieces 

No matter if you opted for a minimalist approach or a more traditional style, every space needs a star. This can be a designer piece of furniture, an attractive area rug or even a wallpapered accent wall! Make sure to allow that one piece to stand out and your guests will truly be swept off their feet as soon as they walk in.

Don’t rush it 

Don’t start arguing over small and unimportant things as soon as you start your life together. Moving and getting used to a new place is stressful in itself, so you don’t need to add tension by quarrelling over decoration. So, as soon as you notice you’ve pushed yourselves too much, stop and take a small break from decoration and decision-making. After you aim your attention towards your partner, you’ll realize that your disagreements about furniture and paintings magically disappeared!

All in all, take your time, be understanding and you’ll not only have a beautiful place but you’ll also enjoy a harmonious life filled with love and support. Congrats, newlyweds!

7 Tips for Couples Living in Small Apartments

Cohabitation is often hard on its own, but it gets especially complicated when you share a tiny apartment that offers absolutely no privacy. However, living in a small space doesn’t have to result in an ugly breakup. Here are a few tips that can help you turn your tiny apartment into a real love nest that will only make your bond stronger!

Create your couple style

Sure, you might know exactly what your personal style is, but how does it match with your SO’s style? Basically, anything you introduce into a small apartment will affect its general aesthetics, so you both need to put in some effort. Start with a solid idea of the space you’d like to live in (find images, discuss rooms…) and then keep your vision in mind when buying items. This way, you’ll have a coherent space that both of you love!

Rethink your storage

You can never have too much storage in a home, especially in tiny apartments that look cluttered as soon as you misplace one thing. But, your place must have plenty of weird nooks that can be transformed into storage in no time. Also, don’t hesitate to think outside the box. Will it look strange to use a pile of books as a nightstand? Yes. But, unless you’re ready to give them up, who cares if it’s weird.

Invest in space saving furniture

Because our homes are getting smaller and smaller, there’s a whole new niche of furniture that’s multi-purpose, flexible or foldable. From foldable chairs to wall-mounted countertops to height-adjustable tables, you’ll be mind-blown once you start exploring the scene. All of these pieces adapt to different situations and allow you to use your space in many different ways.

Declutter like crazy

Moving into a small apartment isn’t exactly the time to toss a coin whether to get rid of your 90s nostalgia combat trousers or not. There’s no way these are making a comeback, so toss them out! This is really a perfect time to donate and throw away things you don’t use, clothes you don’t wear and items that you don’t like. It can be crazy uncomfortable to purge at the beginning, but it’s so addictive, that you’ll have to stop yourself very soon.

Get some fresh air inside

Tiny spaces tend to become very stuffy very quickly, especially if there are two people living inside. So, make sure to air out your space every so often to replenish your oxygen supply and allow your brain to get some fresh O2. Another great thing you can do for your indoor air quality is to invest in an air purifier. Check out the Internet for ratings and you’ll find the best air purifier for your living situation because there’s a ton of models on the market. All in all, these bad boys can rid your indoor air of dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander while some even remove odors and cigarette smoke, so get a model that matches your needs and you’ll always have a fresh and airy home no matter how small it is.

Create living zones

This is especially important if you live in a studio apartment that has almost zero privacy. Luckily you can designate separate zones with room dividers, privacy screens or bookshelves. Creating different zones will give you and your partner to share a home while having ample space to breathe. No matter how much you love each other, being alone from time to time is actually great for your relationship.

Make new traditions

Coming up with new habits and traditions is a great way to bring you closer as a couple and strengthen your connection with your apartment. No matter if you choose to dedicate 5 minutes every morning to couple’s meditation or decide to always have at least one meal together, it’s a big step towards solidarity and togetherness. So, make sure to really splurge on items that support your new traditions. For instance, you can invest in pro yoga mats or buy a big multisectional pan for quick couple’s breakfasts. These will not take too much space, but they will certainly help keep your new custom alive.

So, it’s more than possible to cohabitate in a tiny space without killing each other. All you need are good organizational skills, plenty of patience and some sense of humor and you’ll certainly make it!

Cohabiting: Interior Design Tips for New Couples Moving in Together

Moving in with your partner is a major step towards building your life together. Living with the person you love is certainly rewarding, but you need to be ready to adjust to your partner’s habits and preferences. You’re likely to come across some of the first challenges when furnishing and decorating your new home. Aside from making certain compromises, you should aim for a design that will incorporate both of your personal styles and try to maximise the functionality of your home.

Introduce plenty of storage units 

Whether you and your partner are moving into a completely new home or one of your current apartments, you’ll still have significantly more items. This means that you’ll need to introduce more storage compartments, too. Aside from allowing you to keep everything in its own place and minimise the mess in your home, storage units will provide both of you with enough space for your personal belongings.
When adding more storage units to your home, make sure to pick functional solutions that will help you make the most of your space. Floating shelves and other wall-mounted compartments can be added to almost any wall, helping you free some of your floor space. Finally, if you decide to buy some new shelves, bookcases, closets or some other storage units, make sure to pick a style that will fit into your overall home design and create a cohesive look.

Pick a colour scheme that you’ll love 

Even the most like-minded couples can have completely different tastes. It’s important that you find a middle ground and pick a design that you’ll both love. And choosing a colour scheme for your new home is a great place to start. To avoid disagreements, you can choose one neutral colour for the backdrop and one or two hues for visual interest. This way, you’ll be able to introduce shades that you both like and create a cohesive, stylish look. You should make sure that your accent colours are complementary and harmonious when used together. Using these hues throughout your home will help you establish a colour theme and create a balanced atmosphere.

Choose blinds instead of curtains 

You and your partner should aim at creating a functional environment in your new home. A simple way to achieve this is to pick low-maintenance elements such as window blinds. Blinds will provide you with greater light control and more privacy, enabling you to adjust the general home atmosphere. Furthermore, window blinds are easier to maintain than curtains because you can just wipe them with a cloth instead of washing them. What’s more, blinds are quite a popular form of window treatments in Australia. In fact, chic and practical venetian blinds in Melbourne come in different styles, colours and materials, so Aussie couples can easily find a design that fits into their home décor. Therefore, you and your partner should definitely consider getting this practical and trendy solution for your new home.

Keep your space clutter-free 

This part can be a bit tricky, but decluttering and organising your home is essential when you move in with your partner. Both of you will have plenty of clothes and personal items that can easily clutter up your space and make it seem small and overwhelming. So, instead of postponing this dreary task, you should get rid of the items that you don’t want and need in your new home. However, be understanding towards your partner if they want to keep an item or two due to sentimental reasons. However, neither of you should keep a pile of things that you never use. Afterwards, try to maintain a clutter-free environment for a chic and comfy atmosphere.

Mix and match your furniture 

Both of you will have your own furniture that you’ll want to bring into your new home. Mixing and matching different pieces can actually help you create an enchanting, eclectic look that will include your favourite items. However, when combining your furniture pieces, make sure to pick those that have certain features in common, such as a colour, finish, texture or style. This will help you introduce a sense of balance and harmony while still creating visual interest.

Although you and your partner will have to make certain compromises when decorating your new home, remember that you’ll finally be able to be by each other’s side.   

Senior Dating: How to Find Love Later in Life

Reentering the dating scene when you are a senior can be a frustrating and even scary experience. You might feel like your flirting skills are a bit rusty, to say the least, or you might think that there’s simply no chance you’ll ever find anybody at your age. However, the truth is, there are plenty of fish in the sea no matter how old you are, and dating a senior tends to be much more straightforward. So, if you’ve reached your golden years and are still looking for the one, here are a few tips that might help you out.

Try online dating 

Since we do live in the digital age when we can work online, pay our bills online, and even shop online, why not find love online as well? As awkward as it might have been when it first started, online dating has become quite popular nowadays, and it’s not hard to see why. It is relatively safe because it allows you to talk to whoever you choose for as long as you feel comfortable, and you can back out at any point without much risk for your privacy. Plus, it allows you to focus on getting to know each other instead of just physical appearance. Some dating sites are even made especially for seniors, so there are definitely plenty of choices when it comes to online platforms.

Give matchmaking agencies a try

If online dating hasn’t worked for you, or if it simply isn’t your thing, you can also try signing up to a matchmaking agency. With so many people looking for their true love, matchmaking has become a lucrative business, so you should give it a try. You wouldn’t need to create an online profile, upload any photos, or spend hours browsing the sites. Instead, you’d make an appointment and talk to a professional matchmaker about your interests, hobbies, experiences, and of course, what kind of partner you’re looking for. After that, it’s all in their hands, and they’ll let you know when they find you a suitable date. The only downside is that it can sometimes be a bit costly, and there is still no guarantee that they will find you what you’re looking for.

Join a club

A great way to find somebody who shares your interests is to join a club that emphasizes those interests. For example, if you love reading, you can join a book club; if you’re into games, there are many clubs dedicated to board games. You can also learn something new and join a course, like a cooking school or a gardening program. Combine your needs and wishes, and find a hobby that you’ll enjoy doing. Plus, this is not only a great way to meet new people, but it’s also a great reason to stay engaged throughout your retirement.

Get out of the house 

One thing is for sure, if you’re not doing anything online, you’re not going to find anybody just by sitting inside your home. You need to get out there and meet new people, so find a reason to do that. Get a dog and walk it every day, ride a bicycle or exercise, go for walks in the park, find something enjoyable that you can do outside. If you’re not an active type, or if you have some specific medical needs, you can also move to one of the professional aged care homes like Bellmere and perhaps meet somebody new there.

Work on yourself

Last but not least, in order to attract the right person, you have to be, well, attractive – and not just physically. So, work on yourself, keep gaining new skills and developing those that you already have. Practice a healthy lifestyle, have fun with your free time, and most importantly, don’t feel pressured about finding the one. If it’s meant to happen, it will, and stressing out about it can only cause you to rush and make mistakes when somebody you like does show up. After all, the more you like yourself, the more others will like you as well. This doesn’t mean you should become arrogant, though, but a healthy dose of confidence is always attractive.

 

It’s never too late to find love, and even though there are no guarantees in life, you’re more likely to find what you’re looking for if you actually look for it instead of wait for it to find you. What is certain, though, is that by working on yourself and engaging in social activities is bound to make you a much happier person and your future relationships much healthier as well.

How To Make Your Bedroom a Luxurious Love Nest

One of the most intimate places in your home is definitely your bedroom, and in order to transform it into a truly cozy, yet elegant sanctuary you just need a little bit of imagination and creativity.  Your bedroom can be much more if only you take some time to change things a bit. You can easily create a luxurious retreat in your bedroom which will make you feel like you’re visiting a spa centre in the comfort of your home.

The right lighting

Your bedroom needs plenty of natural light, but it also needs some light fixtures too. A simple ceiling-mounted one will do, but it’s not exactly elegant or luxurious. Basic lighting sure gets the job done, but if you’re looking for something with a bit more class, you could install a small chandelier instead. Not only does it give off softer light, but it also looks sophisticated. Dimmers are also a good idea because they will allow you to set the mood and enjoy softer light before bed. A couple of bedside lamps are also a nice touch since they are convenient, and you can add a nice hanging pendant light too. Recessed lighting will not cast that sterile glow which fluorescent light fixtures do, but rather a soft, even glow which will turn the room into a soothing sanctuary.

Comfortable bed 

The bed should be a focal point in your room and you should pay attention to the details, for example, which direction you like sleeping in and waking up to, and turn your bed that way. Feeling well-rested on an uncomfortable bed is virtually impossible, and you could try investing a bit more money into it. A good ensemble bed with a quality supportive mattress will allow your body to fully relax and recover during the night. If you want a bit more pampering, why not try adding a mattress topper? You can choose memory foam toppers for that extra cushioning feeling or a feather one for additional softness. Add good-quality sheets made of soft sateen or real Egyptian cotton for additional luxury and there will be no difference between your bedroom and a luxury hotel room.

Soothing colors

Another great way to relax is to surround yourself with soothing colors like moss green or freshwater blue, as it will make you feel like you are closer to nature. The easiest way to redecorate a room is to paint the walls – it will make the space look fresh and it won’t cost you a fortune, and if you pick a soothing color palette you will get great results. Pale blue and soft yellow pair well with warm gray, but if you don’t want to spend a lot of time painting, you can try wallpapers instead. You can pick the ones with an interesting print of leaves or flowers so you can feel like you’ve stepped into a garden and not a bedroom.

Accessorize 

Another great way to add warmth and beauty to a room is to carefully choose accessories. This doesn’t mean that you have to cover every available space with candles, doilies, and cushions. Still, several well-selected and carefully placed accessories will make the room more inviting and elegant. Throw pillows are always a good idea, and you can even try finding richly embroidered pillowcases too. In addition, you can also try bringing in a nice vase with some fresh flowers as well a soft rug which you can place beside your bed so you can sink your feet into it first thing in the morning.

Heavenly smell

When you visit a spa you can’t help but notice there’s a pleasant fragrance in the air. A simple clean herbal, mild floral, or fresh citrus scent makes the space more welcoming and helps a person relax. You can recreate this feeling in your bedroom by bringing air fresheners or scented candles in and keeping them on your bedside table. You could also try filling a small pouch with dried lavender and placing it under your pillow – the scent will help you relax and fall asleep more easily. Reed oil diffusers, potpourri, linen sprays, as well as essential oil vaporizers are all alternative ways to make the air in your bedroom smell great, but try not to pick the scent that’s too strong or you’ll get a headache.

Your bedroom is like a sanctuary, a place where you should feel at ease, safe, and completely comfortable in order to relax enough to get a good night’s sleep. It only takes a bit more work on your part to feel pampered too, and you won’t need to visit a spa or a five-star hotel either. Don’t be afraid to change things up and pamper yourself with a touch of luxury in your bedroom.

Wedding Skincare: Plan and Start a Wedding Beauty Regimen

The ring is finally on your finger and you’ve marked the big day in your calendar. Now it’s time to start planning your beauty project. If you want your skin to look its best when they see you in that dreamy dress, and glow and dazzle in your wedding photos, you need to establish a skincare regimen as early as at least six months before the great event. There are several ways you can make your regimen a success.

Adjust your nutrition 

Changing your eating habits (drastically) can indeed nourish your skin. The food we consume is the source of various nutrients that our body needs to feed itself and function normally. To give your skin the glow you want, first kick out fast foods, unhealthy snacks, alcohol, and sugar-loaded drinks like sodas. Adopt a diet rich in vegetables of all kinds, especially carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, broccoli, kale, and other vegetables containing high levels of antioxidants. Fruit plays an important role too: make sure you eat sufficient amounts of cherries, grapes, oranges, strawberries, wild blueberries, mangos and the like, as they are also rich in antioxidants. To increase the effect of improved nutrition, pay attention to proper hydration as well—drink about 2.5 liters of water every day, and eliminate harmful habits like smoking.

Avoid stress 

Stress is said to have the undesirable ability to contribute to inflammation due to the fact that it harms the immune system. As a result, the skin can suffer from different conditions like psoriasis, eczema, or acne breakouts. To prevent that, learn to steer away from tension, anxiety, and stressful situations. Learn how to relax more and better handle the scenarios that may be threatening to your serenity. Do more of what calms you and helps you blow off steam, whether it is pilates or a nice long walk. Also, regulate your sleep to keep yourself well rested and better able to cope with potential stress.

Developing a daily treatment routine 

Another way to help your skin on its road to perfection is to acquire a strict daily skincare routine throughout the months preceding the wedding day. That means washing, cleansing, and exfoliating your face every morning and evening to maintain its hygiene. It helps make your skin free of enemies like dirt, harmful bacteria, excess oil, dead skin cells, etc., and will, therefore, keep your pores unclogged so your skin can breathe. Naturally, do not forget to use gentle, high-quality hydrating skin care products to moisturize—you will eliminate dryness by keeping your skin properly hydrated, fresh, and nourished. Moreover, you will want to take care of the skin areas that your dress doesn’t cover, like the neck and the shoulders, as they require regular treatment too.

Body brush

If you don’t already own one, get yourself a good body brush. Dry brushing your body once a day (preferably in the morning) can have a great impact on the skin: it can contribute to the removal of dead skin cells, it helps the pores remain unblocked, helps with ingrown hair, improves circulation and therefore also boosts cellulite treatment, and generally gives the skin more smoothness.

Fight the urge to pick and pop 

If you have a breakout of acne or a zit that is really irritating you, do not resort to popping, picking, or squeezing. You will further irritate the skin and add to the redness of the affected area, not to mention the risk of leaving scars, which is certainly something to be avoided.

Hygiene 

Always refrain from touching your face if you haven’t previously washed your hands to prevent getting dirt and bacteria on it. You can decrease the risk of having acne.

Start your regimen as early as you can and remain loyal to the skincare routines and habits you have set out for yourself, and you will wow everyone with your beautiful skin when you walk down that aisle.

4 Unique and Affordable Home Décor Ideas for Newlyweds

As you and your spouse begin your life, you have an exciting adventure of creating your home together. And this isn’t only about introducing new hot trends to your space, but rather about discovering a way to join your unique styles into one look that will reflect both of your personalities. It’s also about creating a warm, nurturing environment that will one they be richer for one family member. Whether you’re renting a flat or you’re living in your own home, these affordable ideas will enable you and your partner to give it your personal touch.

New wall color as a refreshing change

Changing the color scheme of your home is one of the simplest and most affordable home transformations. Not only will it give your space a new look, but it will provide you with an opportunity to make a joint design statement. If you want something truly different and exciting, you can try black for accent walls or even entire rooms. If you are going to go for such a bold colour, it may be wise to find a professional painter, perhaps with the help of a site like https://www.myhousepainter.com/painters/new-york/, who will be able to come out and do this for you, as they will know how to get an even, opaque finish with statement colours. However, if one of you is reluctant to go bold when it comes to wall paint, you can opt for a subtle color palette that will later on allow you to introduce quirky and authentic accent features. Beige, grey, greige and earthy tones are all beautiful, understated options that can be used for a backdrop. Vibrant colors can be used for accent walls in the living room or home office, while soothing tones should be welcomed in your master bedroom.

A clean and healthy environment for an open atmosphere

 Designing a home with an airy and open atmosphere will help you feel comfortable and happy in your home. In addition, the overall atmosphere in your space can affect its décor and the general vibe, as well. Therefore, it’s essential that you keep your home clean, clutter- and allergen-free. Not only will this accentuate its beauty and openness, but it will also ensure that your growing family enjoys a healthy environment.

Apart from cleaning your place from top to bottom, you also need to pay special attention to allergens and indoor air pollution. This will be of the utmost importance when you start a family since newborn babies are highly sensitive to health hazards. However, keep in mind that even meticulous cleaning can’t remove all of the pollutants in your home. For instance, mold is a component of dust that may remain in the air, causing health problems. Thus, you should consider getting an effective air purifier for mold that will keep your home allergen-free, increasing its indoor air quality. You should pair it with houseplants for the best effect since plants act as natural air purifiers. This will also provide you with an opportunity to decorate your home with greenery, including potted plants, hanging planters, succulents and even living walls. This will help you design a clean, healthy and stylish home that you and your spouse will love. 

Lighting: varied and authentic

Another great way to create a lovely ambience in your home is to style up your lighting fixtures. You can use lighting to set the tone of romance in the bedroom, promote productivity in your home office, inspire relaxation in the bathroom and encourage family togetherness in the living room and kitchen. If you and your spouse are not only newlyweds, but also design newbies, it’s important that you layer your lighting and implement several source of light in each room. General lighting, for instance, chandeliers and pendants, are the primary source of light that can also be used as a stunning décor statement. Task lights will make every task easier by providing you with focused light while accent lights will elevate your décor. You and your partner should experiment with different fixtures for a unique effect. For instance, lovely pendants can be used instead of bedside lamps, a stunning chandelier can work as a statement above your bathtub and vintage lamps can give your home a retro flair.

From accessories to décor statements

Finishing touches will give your home an authentic character, enabling you and your spouse to express your personal tastes. Intricate patterns used for rugs and fabrics, enticing wallpapers for accent walls, antique pieces of furniture placed under the spotlight and your personal collections are all inspiring ideas to make your space truly feel like home. You can use your favorite paintings to design a mesmerizing gallery wall or exhibit your quirky items that remind you of your most wonderful memories together. It’s important that you find what inspires you both and express it through your home décor.

As a newlywed couple, you and your partner have numerous adventures ahead of you. One of them is designing your space together and creating a dream home for your family.

Wedding Gift Ideas The Bride And Groom Will Love

A celebration of someone’s love – there are so many things to be excited about. You have to choose a dress or suit, shoes, gift… Wait, gift?! Two families work so hard arranging the event, so the couple deserves the perfect gift. While you are choosing what to wear, you have to think about the couple’s wishes and choose a gift that they will appreciate the most. Yes, you can always give them money, but maybe you can try with something more unique, personalized, something that will make a real impression. If you want to give them a thoughtful gift that the couple will show off to their friends, or that will stay in their heart as a nice memory, follow our suggestions and get inspired!

A gift for travelers

The couple is starting their marriage journey, so you can compare it with traveling. Which country did they go to, and where do they want to travel? Buy them a globe with corks so they can easily track their travels and explorations. This can be a great reminder of their goals and wishes. Also, you can buy them matching travel bags with their last name, or even with a Mr. and Mrs. tags as an accessory.  

Personalized gift

At weddings, everything is about the couple. If you know them well, you can find a nice photo of them and print it on any decorative item, such as a photo frame, photo collage, throw pillows, or even a lamp. Moreover, you can think about their first Christmas together and put their names on a nice ornament or an embroidered stocking. This kind of gift they would not only cherish themselves, but they would also love to show off to others. Also, this will show them that you’re thoughtful and that you celebrate their love yourself.

Surprise gift basket

If you want to surprise your dear friends, you have to be creative. We’ll give you a little hint – buy all these small decorative things you know the couple will like and put them in a basket. For example, you can find a magazine holder, carpets, candlesticks, a jewelry box, ice bucket, table lamp, tray, or anything that suits their home decoration the best. If you like this idea, you can always take a look at some beautiful Karavan homewares and accessories. Next, you have to think about gift decoration. When you pack all of these things in a basket, put their favorite flowers and chocolate in it. This will bring a surprise effect, so when they remove the flowers, they will find all these things they love.  

Tickets to a class

What does the couple have in common? If they are passionate about cooking, dancing, history, culture, or anything else, you can buy them tickets for a class or course. If you want to be funny, you can even buy them tickets for a lap dance class. They will probably get a lot of items for their home from other guests, so this gift can be something different and priceless. They will get out of the house and enjoy each other’s company. After they finish the course, they will both have a skill that will stay in the family forever.

Kitchen appliances

For most families, the breakfast is their favorite time. They are sharing their troubles and expectations and discussing them while preparing for a long day. So, think about buying a coffee or a sandwich maker built for two. These things can make their mornings easier and give them time for chatting.   

Something useful

What if they’re not a romantic couple? The truth is that not everyone likes the matching towels or pillows. If the couple is practical and they like to do things on their own, you can always buy them a tool set. For a couple that has just started living together, this can be extremely helpful. This set can last forever, and they can even get creative and try to make things on their own. Moreover, you can add an inspiring note such as “build your life together”.

 

You have so many exciting options, so which one would you choose for your wedding? Think about the couple and you will know which suggestion is the best for your gift.

A Guide to Planning a Backyard Wedding at Home

“A copy is worse than nothing,” Frank Herbert wrote, and his words have never rung more true. Today, being original has become the ultimate challenge. While it’s definitely easier to go with, than against the stream, there is also the fact that we are immersed in trends to the point of sensory overload.

It is no wonder then that most couples decide to go for the obvious – a generic wedding: renting a venue, deciding on a menu and sending invitations sounds like a no-brainer. But if you’re one of those lucky people with a nice garden or a backyard and would prefer your wedding to have a more intimate, more romantic feel, organising a backyard wedding might be a great idea.

Think of the possibilities

Having a wedding at home has many advantages, but most importantly, it will give you the freedom of being in control of every single detail, from picking the date and creating a fully customised menu to decorating and using the space to its full potential.

Since it offers a lot of convenience and flexibility, this could be a perfect solution for couples on a budget who are feeling creative and like to be in control of things.

Plan well beforehand

You will need to start planning at least six months in advance, the most obvious reason being thorough preparation of your backyard. If your backyard is already in great shape, all the better, but if not, you will want to consider preparing the lawn: sowing grass and planting takes time. Flooring one part of your backyard might also be a good idea – it will even the terrain and prevent sticky situations in case of rain.

Also, you will need to check your insurance coverage, obtain a party permit if necessary, consider parking capacities for your guests, and, of course, check with the neighbours to see if they’d object to the noise.

Be prepared for anything

Once you’ve made sure your backyard will be able to accommodate your guests, carefully consider the furniture and the amenities that you plan to use and make an outline of where to place them. You will have to provide an adequate number of tables, chairs, benches, lounges and other seating to make everyone comfortable.

Portable bathrooms or toilets and washing stations are a must. Since at least one toilet for every thirty or so guests will be necessary, you might want to check the plumbing beforehand so as to avoid unpleasant accidents. Provide generators for powering the lights, the music, outdoor refrigerators, and other electricity-dependant equipment.

The weather is also an important factor in planning, as no matter the forecast, surprises are always possible. To protect your guests from both the sun and the rain, think about renting a quick-assembly tent or canopies, umbrellas, and parasols. Depending on the time of the year, try and include fans or outdoor heaters and blankets, especially if you’re planning to party far into the night.

Get personal

Probably one of the biggest advantages of having a wedding at home is the ability to decide on the decorations in detail. Once you’ve picked a theme, you can start your search for decorations and other objects to give a personal touch to the setting.

For example, trees can be used to hang banners, string lights, lanterns or glass jars with candles. Walls can be painted or, even better, covered with amazing outdoor wall art which is more durable, more weather-resistant, and easier to apply. The best thing is, it can grace your walls for many years to come.

Rustic-style wooden tables are a great choice if you don’t want to worry about dirtying the linens. Use tree stumps to place all the extra lightning, food or tableware that otherwise wouldn’t fit on the tables. And, to make it easier for your guests, you can put up signposts to point them in the direction of the amenities.

Reconsider your options

Making full use of the setting will require some well-thought-out planning. On one hand, you will want to include all that is necessary to accommodate your guests, store the food and drinks and provide maximum comfort. On the other hand, you will also want to avoid the space getting overcrowded and people being unable to move freely.

If your space allows it, having a bar would be a great idea, and if you’re keen on preparing the food by yourself, you can also include grills and roasters, or even a small outdoor kitchen. Otherwise, you will have to rely on caterers, in which case you’ll need to carefully plan the timing – you don’t want your wedding cake and other desserts to melt into a puddle of goo in the heat.

Enjoy the benefits

Organising a backyard wedding can be demanding, but it’s also very rewarding. In addition to the intimate, relaxed feel, it will also give you the opportunity to get exactly what you want at a relatively small expense. From chairs and tables to grills, tableware and decorations, you can use what you have, and what you don’t, you can always borrow or rent. Food can be prepared at home or catered, and if you don’t want to hire staff, you can ask your family and friends for help.

Finally, and I’m sure you’ll agree, there’s no better way to start a life together than bonding over organising your own wedding with a joint effort.