Bedroom Decorating Ideas for the Modern Family

August 10, 2011 by

Most new families I know live in condominiums or townhouses that are so unlike the spacious houses that our grandparents and parents had built. The city has been so congested that towering condominiums are the only housing option for most people now, especially those who have just started families of their own.

Our growing family lives in a two-floor apartment with roughly an area of 100 square meters. With my husband and I, two growing toddlers, and a couple of helpers living in this cramped space, it really is a challenge figuring out how to place our furniture, gadgets, and other furnishings.

Aside from that, the toddlers are now growing older and should really be getting a bedroom of their own. They’ve been sleeping in our room since they were born and it’s about time my husband and I regain our privacy. Having a bedroom of their own is also another step towards independence for our little ones. This will probably mean having to find new furniture to go into the kids’ new rooms. As saving as much money as possible is a goal right now, checking out Shoppok’s classified list could offer options to finding second-hand furniture for the house. Saving every penny helps, especially as furniture can get a little pricey.

We’re still saving up for renovation costs but we have already started looking around for bedroom decorating ideas. Our friend has recently re-decorated and told us that furniture with more than purpose will save space and money. For example, her iBeani iPad stand doubles up as a pillow, how mad is that?! I must say, having a specific plan this early would save us a lot as we would have time to look for more affordable options when buying furniture, furnishings, and other home decorations. We might decide to incorporate some fragrant soy wax melts or Reed Diffusers for the room and the house in general just to spruce up the environment of the home.

Since our apartment is quite small, the toddlers would have to share a room. So we’re thinking of either bunk beds or one with a pull-out bed. Their color scheme would also have to be gender-neutral. For them to have a touch of their identities, we would probably just use bed covers, sheets, and pillowcases of their own choice. But to add a special touch, what I was thinking was to get a custom photo blanket made for them and have that go across the bed. At least it will add something unique to the room, especially as the room will be a simple colour.

As for our own bedroom (finally!), we’re definitely going to have a major colour scheme change. Our bedroom now still looks like a baby nursery with orange, yellow, and green walls. I’m thinking of using a more natural colour scheme, perhaps, browns and beiges with some touches of a distinct vibrant colour.

I’m really quite excited for our bedroom makeover. Hopefully, we’ll be able to save enough to cover all the expenses for this renovation.

Filed Under: House Matters Tagged With:

Home Improvement With Good Ideas from Good Housekeeping

July 30, 2011 by

Good Housekeeping has been a part of my evolution from total klutz to a fairly good enough home maker. Since my husband and I got married, I’ve bought copies of GH every month until we finally realized that getting a subscription would save us money. I would read that magazine from cover to cover. I loved finding out about all the best housekeeping tips, and learning about all the new verified housekeeping service professionals in my area. They also used to give you some freebies each week, some of them were great! Aside from getting freebies, having a subscription keeps me up-to-date on the various events that Summit Media organizes for their readers.

This afternoon, Good Housekeeping invited Moms (and Dads) to learn more about home improvement at the Good Ideas Workshop conducted at the Event Center of SM Megamall. Thanks to my sister who agreed to babysit the toddlers, my husband and I were able to attend the event together.

When we arrived at the venue, the workshop had not yet started so we took a look at the fun booths that showcased 3M products. For every 300 pesos worth of purchases of 3M products, customers were given a gift pack filled with other 3M products. We brought home three of those gift packs when my husband bought two cans of Scotch Gard fabric cleaner, a 3M mop, and duct tape.

Hubby checking out Scotch Brite fabric cleaners and protectors. See the umbrella in the background? We were given one for purchasing two cans of Scotch Brite Fabric Cleaner.

This mime showed us how to use the 3M Mounting Products with Command Adhesive. The procedure is so easy that no words were needed in teaching us how to do it.

At around 4pm, Issa Litton welcomed the crowd who had patiently waited for the workshop to begin. Speakers who are experts at their fields shared practical ideas to help us moms keep the house clean and well-organized. First to speak was Dr. Patricia Santos-Abes who not only explained how we get allergies but also gave helpful tips on how we can avoid them. From her short lecture, we learned that we can improve the quality of air in our homes by (1) removing sources of allergen and indoor pollution, (2) improving ventilation by increasing circulation of inside and outside air and by using air conditioner and vent filters, and (3) using air cleaners that are non-toxic.

Furthermore, we also got to learn about some of the different ways people can renovate their properties to add value. A conservatory is one of the most popular home improvements you can make and I can totally understand why. A conservatory can add a whole extra room to your home, which means more space to sit and relax or spend time as a family. We’re definitely considering getting one. However, we know that a conservatory can get unbearably hot in the summer, so we might have to look into Window Tinting Installation services to help cool it down. Getting the windows of a conservatory tinted is relatively simple and on top of helping to reduce the temperature in summer, it can also protect furniture from fading and sun damage. It’s a must if your conservatory is south-facing!

The presentation about the benefits of air conditioning was fascinating. Our house can get pretty warm in the summer and sometimes opening the windows isn’t quite enough to cool our home down. One of my friends has recently had air conditioning fitted throughout her home and has recommended uhvac.com to me. You could check them out too if you’re looking for ways to make your home more comfortable.

A noted interior designer, Hannah Acab-Faustino, shared with us her many bright ideas on how to improve the way our homes look. She also showed us the new Pantone colors that are in trend. If you’re planning to redecorate your home or change the color scheme, get a copy of the July issue of Good Housekeeping and find wonderful tips for redecorating your abode. They also have great suggestions for those on a tight budget.

The event was also made more fun with games and raffle prizes. They gave away products from Filtrete, Command, Scotch Brite and other 3M products. Gift packs from Cif and Enjoy Philippines were also given away. I was lucky enough to have won a gift pack during the raffle draw.

My husband and I went home with arms laden with a GH tote bag full of freebies, a Raffle Prize and Gift Packs

It certainly was an informative and fun afternoon spent with my husband who gladly tagged along. Aside from winning a prize in the raffle draw, we also got to bring home a GH tote bag full of freebies. Would you even wonder now why I love Good Housekeeping so?

Reading Good Housekeeping while waiting for the workshop to start.

Filed Under: Events, Products We Love Tagged With:
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