Gen X Design

Design & Business

Stan

What Theme Should I Choose for My Home?

If you dream of having a wonderful interior, but not sure what style or theme to go for, then look no further! Choosing an ideal theme to suit your home can be very difficult as there are so many to choose from. There are many benefits of redesigning and redecorating your home including improving your overall mood when at home, de-cluttering, motivating you while in the house, increasing the value of your home and so much more. Lucky for you, there are different ways to go about designing your interior. Experts recommend that you use digital platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest to get some inspiration before you start.

When choosing a theme, it is important that you consider your style wants and requirements; this will ensure that you don’t go on a tangent when choosing colours and furniture. If you need some help, keep reading to find out some of the most popular themes found in homes across the globe.

Bohemian Chic

The boho-chic style has been around for some time and has been one of the top styles inspiring homes across the world. This is because there are so many options within this theme that people can suit it to their own styles. The bohemian nature is inspired by people from the past who loved travelling from country to country, developing their culture and style along the way. From this, the boho theme has been developed into a hippy aesthetic featuring bright colours, vintage accessories and mismatched décor. This is one of the more exciting parts of this interior design as it is possible to purchase items and nothing really needs to match.

Bohemian chic generally consists of bright and bold colours from the floor to the ceiling. There is a common nature for textures and materials to be mixed to provide the mismatched feeling for the inhabitant. Some exciting accents include rattan table mats, global accents, plants and wicker.

Country

A second theme which might suit your taste is that of country style. Farmhouse style has been growing in popularity for many years and can be very easy to maintain. This theme can also suit most rooms in your home, so you’re not limited for ideas. The country theme has a very rustic and vintage feel to it. It is generally associated with wooden accents, lighter colours, fireplaces, flowers and so much more.

Change your modern-day flat to a French farmhouse by doing the research and investing in beautiful bespoke pieces to suit your style. Stick with a pastel colour scheme as your base, then add darker colours as you mean to go on. It is recommended that you attempt to keep your flooring and furniture wooden and dark then lighten your walls and accessories. Similar to a minimalist theme, it is useful if you keep things quiet accessory-wise. A country themed interior usually has a few statement pieces then minor matched interior accessories. There is no stopping you with farmhouse décor.

Minimalist

Take a second to completely clear your mind of all your worries and stresses. This is exactly how it feels when you’re in a minimalist interior. Do you hate clutter in every sense of the term? Minimalism might be exactly what you need. This type of interior is everything but the clutter; it is clean-cut and sharp shaped. It is about having minimal décor and muted colours to provide a sense of calm and tranquillity. If you love bold and bright colours whilst having a busy space, then this certainly isn’t for you.

Having a minimalist interior is less stressful, easy to clean and very easy on the eye. This is useful for those who have fewer belongings and love sitting in a room without having bright, bold artwork shouting above the fireplace. This theme only requires the essentials to look great, so there is no need to buy more than what you need. Think clean and smooth surfaces with minimal décor. The clue is in the name!

Victorian

A fourth theme to consider when updating your interior is a modern Victorian theme. If you have already found yourself in a Victorian home, lucky you! Remodelling and repurposing modern homes can be very costly. However, the interior can be done on a budget. A Victorian theme is desired by so many homeowners as it has a completely luxurious feel to it that doesn’t go away after any length of time.

Interior designers recommend that you mix the modern style you might be used to with Victorian décor so you’re not jumping from one extreme to another. As mentioned, the Victorian style is all about luxury and quality. This generally means that you may have to sacrifice a few pieces if you want that statement armchair. Larger pieces of furniture with grand fireplaces and chandeliers is where it’s at for a Victorian theme.

Scandinavian

Finally, many homeowners and interior designers have been drooling at the Scandinavian theme for some time. The common themes associated with this style include affordability, functionality, simplicity and efficiency. The theme works very well and finds a simple balance between both minimalism and traditional interiors. You can choose your favourite pieces as long as they are not too cluttered for detail, whilst having a clean-cut colour scheme as their base.

For the Scandi-style, you should make it your aim to create an open space with fun characteristics. Generally, the walls and flooring are both white, acting as a canvas for your belongings and accessories. Natural brick is a common theme among this vibe, too. Simplicity and personality are key.

Final Thoughts

When choosing a theme for your home, it is useful to consider your current style. How much clutter do you have? What are your favourite colours? Do you like to have a busy or quiet mind? Ask yourself these questions and your answers will hopefully guide you to your answer. Remember, use digital platforms as a great form of inspiration

Consumer Spending Habits Changed Due to Covid-19

The first COVID-19 wave brought businesses to a standstill across all states and now the second wave seems to have worse effects. More people are shopping online to stay safe and for the convenience it offers.

The traditional methods of buying are changing and consumers are engaging in safer and faster channels of buying that require minimal or no cash transactions at all.

Strategic consumer spending

One of the major ways COVID-19 is spread is through contact. Hard cash can be an easy way of spreading the disease to millions of people. As a stay safe precaution, consumers are moving away from cash transitions and leaning more towards soft cash transactions. Online transitions are taking shape across many sectors and even gamblers are turning to casinos online to place their bets.

The COVID-19 pandemic increased the number of people who stayed at home either working from home, waiting for schools to re-open, or just searching for online opportunities.

As a result, consumers have reduced spending on some goods and increased spending on others. The necessities like groceries and other household needs like toiletries and laundry needs have remained steady and in some cases increased as people stock more to avoid visiting the local store more often.

Other business categories like gyms, eateries, hotels, and nightclubs have recorded a decrease in business unlike before when the sectors recording steadfast business. This has raised the need to look for ways to increase business profits either by providing home service for the hostility sector or online gym exercises.

Rapid growth in online retailing 

After the restricted movements were relaxed, physical store shopping recorded an increase in retail shoppers, but the greatest boom was recorded in online retail shopping.

According to statistics, online sales in 2020 amounted to over $209 billion drawn from about 69% of US citizens who shopped online in the second half of 2020. The number is expected to rise in 2021 and hit about 300 million online shoppers by 2023. This is evidence to why there is increased online activity in the online casinos.

What is selling most and least

The stay at home rules gave a plus to some goods and a minus to others. The top sellers in the list are disinfectants, soap, and other household cleaning agents which recorded an above 100 percent increase.

Health supplements is a boom as well as coffee and online gambling are major winners. The main losers are cosmetics and sun care products which dropped by 25 percent.

Signs You Found the Perfect Place for Retirement

Retirement can be both exciting and saddening. While you feel excited to do what you want, finally, you’re also sad to leave behind the life you’ve had for several years. However, retirement is a reality of life, and you have to face it. If your retirement date is fast approaching, you have to start looking for a place where you can settle permanently.

You can check out some details online and read reviews from those who retired in different places. You can also ask your friends about their experience retiring in their chosen location. If you have free time, you can fly directly to these places, so you will know what it’s like to be there. These are the signs that you have finally found the right place, and you have to relocate there soon.

You have access to physical activity

The sad part about retirement is that you will have fewer physical activities. You no longer work like you used to, and you might miss the pressure of your career. Therefore, it helps if you can find a retirement place where there’s access to physical activities. You should check if the area has parks, waterfront, promenades, and fitness gyms. You can continue being physically active during your retirement. You’re not getting any younger, and the lack of physical activity could adversely impact your health.

There are cultural attractions available

Over the last year, you lived in a big city because of your job. You had to deal with the hustle and bustle each day since you didn’t have any choice. Now that you’re finally retiring, you can choose a place where you can relax and enjoy it. Find a retirement area where there’s access to cultural attractions. These places will keep you mentally engaged. If there are museums and art exhibit halls in the area, it would be great. You should also see if there are universities and other establishments offering concerts, plays, and lectures. Places that have a strong connection to the arts are perfect for retirement.

It’s safe for retirees

Safety should be a primary concern if you’re looking for a place to retire. You want to spend your time relaxing and enjoying what life has to offer. If you live in an unsafe area, you might find it difficult to sleep at night. You will always need to look after yourself, and worry that something bad might happen. Look for areas with low crime rates since they are safe for you.

The weather is perfect

Some people prefer the cold weather while others love the sun. If you want to have more outdoor activities, it would be nice to live in a sunny location. You will always feel excited to go out and enjoy the day.

If you are yet to find the perfect place, you might want to consider retiring in Malta. It’s a small country in Europe, but it’s popular among retirees. If you intend to retire soon, you can consider Malta property for sale. Prioritise your home before you decide to settle in the country. Given everything that Malta can offer, you will fall in love with it the first time you get there.

 

Take Your Digital Marketing To The Next Level With These Helpful Tips

There’s no arguing that digital marketing efforts are critical in all forms of business today. Traditional advertising methods simply are not as effective at hitting the mark as they once were, making your company’s digital campaign all the more important.

You can’t move forward without a boost in connections with consumers, and digital marketing is the best way to achieve your goals. Take a moment to read through some digital marketing tips that may help you take your online campaign and your business to the next level.

Combine SEO with your content marketing

Your business needs quality content to command the concern of web users, and weaving good SEO habits into your content will make it even more effective at hitting your target. SEO tactics within your design will help your content be easier for users to find.

Create a blog for your business, and make each post an SEO (search engine optimization) dream. The results are simple; better SEO brings more viewers to your pages.

Optimize your website for mobile users

There’s always work to be done to make your business website more effective and efficient at creating conversions. Optimizing your pages for mobile users makes your website compatible with the majority of users online today.

A simple navigation setup is one aspect of your design that will make it more mobile-friendly. This site for purchasing AR-15 complete rifles is well sorted and easy to traverse due to its excellent navigation design.

Build a visible social media presence

Your business needs to be seen on social media, and today is as good a day as any to begin developing your visibility on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

The most suitable social media site for your business presents plenty of opportunity for connection with a carefully targeted community of users. Look into the brass tacks of a great social media marketing campaign, and start refining your approach now.

Dig into the digital marketing toolbox

Digital marketing is a melting pot of different tactics and angles, and it’s important that you have the right tools to manage the full scope of your digital marketing efforts.

Check out what free tools Google offers business owners. The search engine giant has more than a few different software tools to help business owners get a clearer vision of the true impact of their digital marketing content.

Create an email mailing list

Gather email addresses from consumers every chance you get. Use your website, your blog, your social media pages, and even your pen to take email addresses from willing participants, and use your mailing list to build rapport from the connections you make.

Improving Your Profitability as a Business

How do you make the best of your business? Are you as financially healthy as you could be? What can you do today that will help increase your profitability?

Some solutions are simple; others require more effort and skill.

But putting basic strategies in place will help you identify problem areas and remove the obstacles to greater profitability.

Take Advantage of Professional Help

To increase profitability, you will often benefit from professional help. One of the best people to help identify ways in which you can increase your business profitability is your accountant.

Accountants gain insight into your business by carrying out accounting work and looking at your financial data. They may be the best people to give advice linked precisely to how your business is working and what can be improved in the future.

For example, with professional bookkeeping services you can see how a simple profit and loss statement reveals incidences of profit potential that are so far being unrealised, reveal the obstacles in place that are preventing the realisation of the profits, and what can be done to remove the blocks. Close examination of data might reveal issues like low sales, too much interest, high carrying costs, and low gross margin.

Fix Low Gross Margin

Looking at the gross margin for every product and service helps see how this product or service is developing over time and whether there is a problem. Identifying the problem can bring about an uptick in profitability.

For example, are you offering the right mix of products and services? Do you have efficient operational procedures in place? How is your pricing? Can you get a better deal from suppliers? Do you have too little stock or too much?

Deal With Low Sales

Low sales will impact profitability. You need to look at the factors behind low sales for the reasons to become clear – only then can you fix the problems and move on. You need to look at your pricing, your sales and marketing tactics (for example, cross-selling and the performance of sales staff), stock levels that make meeting orders a problem, customer service, operating procedures, debtors, and debts.

Stop Paying Excessive Interest and Carrying Costs

Interest payments can be a problem for many businesses. It can help to renegotiate your financing which will bring in more money and result in increased profitability. Also, you may have excessive carrying costs because you have too much stock, or you have too many debtors.

An inefficient stock system could be harming your profitability, and excessive debtors may be due to a failure to effectively pursue non-payers or an over-generous policy of credit. These factors can be rectified.

Your profit and loss statement reveals a great deal. Once the factors impeding profitability have been identified, the hard work starts for developing procedures to release the potential within your company. It may be a difficult, but hugely valuable job; one best done with the help of your accountant!

Plant Hire: 4 Essential Tips When Hiring Construction Equipment

Depending on your project’s scope or scale, there’s a good chance that you’ll need to make use of heavy construction equipment like tracked dozers and loaders. However, with the sheer number of available plant hire companies, it’s not hard to become overwhelmed with all your options. And if you don’t know the things that you need to keep an eye out for, you may get lost and spend more than you need to on machinery that won’t work as intended. To ensure that you rent the equipment that you need at a price that you can afford, here are a few essential tips to keep in mind.

1. Make sure that the equipment is available

Before you make any commitments, it’s always good standard practice to check for the availability of the desired equipment with your chosen plant hire company in advance, especially during busy seasons. After all, it may cause you unexpected hold-ups if the machinery that your project requires is unavailable at the time that it’s needed. So always be sure that the supplier you opt for will have the equipment you need available. It will save you from a lot of trouble.

2. Choose a supplier that’s close to your project’s site

Logistics play a critical role in the procurement of equipment. When you get right down to it, the farther the supplier is from your construction site, the longer it will take to deliver the necessary machinery. More importantly, it’s likely that you’ll experience some delays for your project in the event that maintenance or repair services are needed. As such, it makes sense to choose a company that is located in close proximity. You’ll save yourself time in this way.

3. Repair and maintenance support services are a must

In many cases, the rapid completion of a construction project lies in the equipment and machinery utilised. However, it’s not uncommon to experience breakdowns from time to time. And if the equipment rental company that you choose doesn’t offer repair and maintenance support, it’ll cause a lot of problems for you. And it is for this reason that you must be absolutely certain that the plant hire company offers these types of services before you sign any written agreements.

4. Read customer reviews

Not unlike any business, plant hire companies can be a little economical with the facts surrounding their products or services. They need to put their best foot forward to reel in prospective clients, after all. As such, it’s critical that you read through customer reviews before deciding on which company to go for. It may sound tedious, but you’re likely to find reputable plant hire Birmingham businesses that can cater to your needs more than you would have otherwise.

Getting the best value for your money when hiring equipment is all about preparation. And with these tips, you’ll surely get the machinery that your construction project requires and avoid any potential problems in the process.

3 Tips on How to Minimise Stress When Running a Startup

There are few things in life more satisfying and rewarding than running a business. Not only does it present an opportunity to earn more than you would by working a regular nine-to-five. But it gives you more freedom in your work too. With that being said, achieving the desired outcome is a task that is easier said than done. The road to success is rife with challenges and obstacles, after all. And it’s not uncommon for many entrepreneurs, inexperienced and seasoned, to experience stress as a result.

The good news is that you can keep the mental and emotional pressure that comes with running a startup at a reasonable level. And in this article, I have listed a few tips that should help you minimise your stress.

1. Always shop around before you commit to any purchases

Many startup business owners end up with plenty of sleepless nights primarily because of financial worries and concerns. Unlike larger enterprises and corporations, these newly-established companies usually have limited financial resources to work with. And working with modest budgets can often be a stressful process.

Fortunately, you can keep your expenditure to a minimum by learning to shop around before committing to any purchases. Whether you’re a contractor in need of a precast concrete retaining wall for a construction project or a marketing firm looking for office equipment, exploring every avenue now will help drive your costs down and improve your bottom line, and, in turn, keep your stress levels low.

2. Outsource work whenever the need arises

Another reason why many entrepreneurs are overwhelmed with stress is that they try to keep as much work as they can in-house to save money, only for their startup companies to struggle with it later on. As such, it makes sense to outsource the work to other companies when needed. While it might entail additional expenditure, it’s well worth the investment when you consider the fact that you’ll have peace of mind that the job will be done correctly and that you’ll maintain a consistent level of productivity for your operations.

3. Open yourself to joint-ventures

Risk is part of running a business. There’s no getting around this fact. However, just because it can’t be completely eliminated from the equation, it doesn’t mean that it can’t be lowered. And one way of doing so is by opening your company to joint-ventures with other businesses. After all, collaborations won’t only increase your chances for success. But it will keep the financial risks of the endeavour to a minimum since it’s essentially shared by all involved parties.

There’s no denying that it can be a stressful experience to run a startup company and to distinguish your business in your chosen industry. However, by avoiding many of the problems and trouble that many startups often face, you’ll be able to keep the stress of attaining growth and success at a reasonably low level.

The Advantages of a Startup: Preparing Your Construction Company for the Future

In matters of constructions, most clients want to go for a contracting company with a sterling reputation and years of experience under their belt. It can be challenging for a startup to match such standards, especially when there are already industry giants. Such is the reason why many startup owners push themselves to the limits – compromising their health – in an attempt to secure the future of their business.

However, there is no need to overextend and risk your health when it comes to dealing with any startup. Instead, it would be a better idea to look for ways to help your company move forward without having to spend sleepless nights doing it. Here are just a few ways to help prepare your construction company for the future.

On the topic of networking

The primary reason why some construction companies see plenty of work is due to the owners’ willingness to network with their trade association. Not only will it show potential clients that you are willing to work hard to get the job done, but it also provides ample opportunity to stay on top of the latest developments in construction.

While it might not necessarily benefit your company at the moment to know all of the latest methods, absorbing as much knowledge as possible can ensure that you and your business are ready for the future.

Be wary of any methods that sacrifice the quality of your work

The trouble with running a startup is that not every budding business has enough capital to work with the best equipment and talent that money can buy. The result is overly eager business owners who are willing to cut corners to get the job done without risking too much capital.

Unfortunately, while you might save money in the short-term, you will end up paying much more in the long run. It undoubtedly pays to make no compromises when it comes to the quality of your work, which is why clients look for construction companies that pull out all the stops. Be thorough with every aspect of any given project, and take care to meet all compliance requirements such as sound testing and the like.

Remain available to your clients

While there is no denying that construction projects can keep you busy, it is crucial that the client knows you listen to their feedback. Keeping yourself available to your customers is a sign that you are willing to work with them every step of the way. It might not necessarily be easy for you, but such a habit can build a positive reputation among customers – opening the door for more opportunities.

Running a construction business can be challenging due to the highly competitive business landscape. However, you do not have to resign yourself to stress to get the job done. The tips above will help you remain efficient while ensuring your company survives its first few years.

Common Mistakes When Designing Photo Books

Creating a photo book can be a fun and satisfying experience. However, it is possible to make mistakes even when using the most sophisticated design tools. The following are some of the most common mistakes when designing photo books.

1.      Using Low Quality Photos

Always use JPG images for your photo book. The recommended resolution for your photos is 1600 x1200 pixels before adding any photo to your album. If your photo has a low resolution, resizing will make it look worse. A good photo should meet the following criteria:

  • It should be in focus
  • It should be bright in exposure; dark photos look even worse after printing
  • It should be edited to your specifications

2.      Illegible or Erroneous Text

The text on your photo book should be clear, relevant, and grammatically correct. Always check for typos and other errors before printing your book. Legibility is important as well. Your text should be in sensible fonts and colors. You should be able to read it on all pages.

3.      Working with the Wrong Company

Failure to choose the right photo book company may undo all your hard work. They may have limited customization options, poor customer service, or insufficient themes. Always check online reviews before choosing a company. While it is normal to have a few negative reviews, you shouldn’t work with companies with lots of negative reviews.  Pay attention to the following factors when choosing a photo book company:

  • Flexibility of the editor
  • Complexity of the software and templates
  • Their attention to quality
  • Customer service
  • Availability of a variety of themes

4.      Too Many or Not Enough Pages

When designing your photo book, think about the final product. The binding may affect the total number of pages you get. Ideally, your photobook should have 10 to 20 pages.

5.      Failure to Have a Clear Purpose

Without a clear purpose, your photo book may seem meaningless. While you may have hundreds of photos, they don’t all belong in your album. Think about the purpose of your photo book and use relevant photos. Common themes include your family history, recent travels, and tributes for loved ones who have passed on. With a clear purpose, you can:

  • Give your book flow and cohesion
  • Tell a story
  • Have a filter when choosing photos

6.      Using Too Many Photos

Do not attempt to squeeze all your good photos into one photo book. Pick a few good ones and use them. Avoid using too many of the same photos as they can make your photo book seem boring. If you have trouble picking the best ones, consider asking for someone else’s opinion.  White space will make your photo book look more professional.

One of the main reasons for creating a photo book is to leave a lasting impression. Even though your book may not always be perfect, you can avoid common mistakes to improve its appeal and give it a more professional look. Common mistakes to avoid include using too many photos, using random photos with no clear purpose, erroneous or illegible text, and unclear photos.

 

How To Pack For Your Apartment Move

Signed a lease for a new apartment? Moving to your first apartment is an exciting experience.  The most challenging part is to organize everything before moving in.  Moving always takes a lot longer than you think. If you know how to move efficiently, you can reduce the moving time as you make the transition to a new apartment.  Moving can be a stressful and exhausting experience.   One of the most stressful aspects of relocation is packing. The only positive thing about this is that it is a good chance to get rid of things that you no longer need.  By getting rid of clutter could help create space for new things and memories in your next home. To keep track of everything and cover your bases, read on for some general tips on how to ensure a successful move.

Preparation

One of the most crucial and stressful aspects of moving is packing. When considering how to pack for a move, a smart first step is first to gather the moving supplies you will need and then go room-by-room until the job is done.

General Packing Tips

  1. Find packing and moving boxes from your local grocery stores or from family or friends. Gather a variety of sizes and make sure the packing boxes are in good condition.
  2. Buy bubble wrap to keep your items protected during the move.
  3. Buy Packing tape and dispenser
  4. Begin padding each box with newspapers, bubble wrap, or household goods, like blankets or towels. Put the heaviest items into the box first.
  5. Label each box by room and by its contents.
  6. Remember to pack a box of essentials such as screwdrivers, hammers, snacks, drinks, a first-aid kit, toothbrushes, a change of clothes, paper plates, plastic utensils and cups, medications, etc.
  7. Do not fill the box to the brim.  This will prevent boxes from becoming too heavy and reduces the likelihood that they break or are dropped during transit.

Start by making an inventory of the items you plan to take based on each room.  This will  help you organize faster and keep track of your valuable possessions. When you go to pack your items, try to combine them based on function, for example, pack kitchen supplies together.

The kitchen – pack your dishes with bubble wraps or towels. Sectioned boxes for your glasses is a simple and secure way to transport them.

The living room – Remove the legs off couch and chairs to make them easier to maneuver into your new home. Remove bulbs and lampshades from lamps and store in boxes, and cushion carefully. Wrap fragile items in bubblewrap.

The dining room – Remove the legs of chairs. Pack decoration like artwork and pictures in paper or bubble wrap.

The bedrooms – Fold clothes and place them in the moving boxes.  Put your jewelry in a container to keep on you at all times.  Keep all bedding and pillows in trash bags to keep the dust out and place them in the boxes.

The bathroom – Pack all toiletries together and make sure that you have easy access to them in your new place.

Find movers

There are many affordable and reliable movers that can help you with your move and won’t break the bank. However, locating the right apartment movers for you can also be a hassle, and this is where Shiply can help.  This online shipping platform allows you to receive quotes from its list of rated shipping companies which will be emailed to you.   Check out this link –  https://www.shiply.com/us/apartment-movers for more information.

The cost of using a moving company depends on a number of factors such as the the amount of goods being transported, the distance travelled and size of crew.