Creative Christian Mama

God bless all Mothers

house

The Different Types Home Heating Options

by

During the cold winter months in the UK, it is very important that we are able to keep adequately warm. This is especially true for homes with older adults and children. These days we have many options for warming the home, and regardless of the size of your rooms or your budget, you will be able to find their heating solution that suits your needs. Here we look at some of the different options available today in 2022.

Gas stoves

Gas stoves look great, and they are effortless to use. They are also practical as they do not take much room and heat control is very efficient. You can vary the flame height, and some gas stoves even come with a remote control, which makes them an excellent option for the elderly who may have trouble getting up from their chair. There are many styles of gas stoves on the market; you can choose from an old-fashioned ornate stove or go for a more modern and contemporary model. You’ll find some excellent stove bargains at www.stoves4life.co.uk.

Wall mounted electric fires

Wall mounted electric fires are an extremely versatile heating option and easy to maintain. They come in many different sizes so you are bound to get the perfect size for your room, no matter how small or large it is. This type of heating is a great choice for modernistic rooms as it is sophisticated and sleek. The very realistic-looking flame will give the room a warm atmosphere. Provided you have wall space, wall mounted fires are a great choice as you can fix them anywhere without the need for a chimney, and unlike a stove, there is no daily cleaning involved.

Wall mounted gas fires

Wall mounted gas fires are a great way to keep your groom warm and give it an elegant look. As these fires are to be hung on the wall, you do not need a lot of floor space, so they are ideal for smaller rooms where space might be limited. Like the electric version, there is no need for a chimney, so they are a great easy-to-maintain and attractive heating solution. Generally speaking, depending again on your area, natural gas tends to be more affordable than electricity as a heating option. It also has the advantage of heating a room immediately, whereas with wood or pellet stoves, you have a wait a while until the heat becomes noticeable.

Multifuel Stoves

Multifuel stoves are becoming increasingly popular. Fuel prices are constantly rising, and depending on where you live, you may find that gas is sometimes more expensive than electricity or vice versa. With a multifuel stove, you can easily switch from pellets to logs or peat and back again depending on which type of fuel is more economical and easy to obtain. Therefore, this heating solution will save you money and allow you to keep your bills as low as possible. They also give out a lot of heat in proportion to the amount of fuel they use, so for several different reasons, they are a cost-effective choice of home heating.

Enhance Your Shower Experience with These Steam Shower Features

by Leave a Comment

 

Bathing has certainly evolved from regular showers to something more indulging like steam bathing. These days, you no longer have to go to a spa or sauna to experience this bathing pleasure. All you need is a steam shower room. It can be just a simple self-contained enclosure with devices that can create and trap steam. However, many people opt for more and since it is now technologically possible, many other advanced features are included in modern steam showers.

Digital control panel. Modern steam showers are now using digital control panels for ease of use. Some also have remote controls so that you can operate it before entering the cubicle. Electronic controls make it easier to adjust the temperature, time and other features.

Seat. Seating is essential, so you can relax inside your steam shower. Even if you have a small enclosure or a large shower room, there are different options that suit your needs. Comfort is a top priority, so the seat must be smooth and solid.

Mood lighting. Mood lighting is a new trend in bathing that features variation in light colours for the mood-altering effect of chromatherapy. This is a kind of light therapy that experts say is good for holistic wellness. Colour psychology says that exposure to certain combinations of colours promotes health and wellness such as improving focus and feeling more relaxed. Some steam showers feature mood lighting fixtures with miniature coloured lights for a new bathing experience. Red is said to boost energy and green for calmness.

Aromatherapy. Many homeowners now incorporate aromatherapy to elevate their steam shower experience. Since aromatherapy uses essential oils to improve well-being, it is incorporated into steam showers in different ways. Some use an aroma pump that directly feeds oils into the steam line. Others install a fixture where the oil is placed.

Fog-free mirror. Some people like to have a mirror inside the shower to make shaving possible. Fogging is a major inconvenience, but fog-free mirrors offer a solution. These are specially coated mirrors for protection against extreme humidity.

Fan. Ventilation fans offer better air circulation within the enclosure. Ventilation can also help regulate humidity in the room, though it is not necessary because steam condenses and runs down the drain after every steam bath.

Music. It is now possible to shower while listening to your music playlist through built-in audio input in a steam shower. This connects to music players, CD players, and other external devices. There are remote controlled systems with waterproof speakers and in-shower remotes. Advancement in technology has certainly made many things possible including vapour-proof speakers and a radio tuner in your steam shower.

Bathing has become more personalised to fit the needs of busy people. Take advantage of the benefits of steam showers and you can have the daily indulgence of a spa-like experience right in your own home. Check out the features available, and decide on the ones that you really need. Work with professionals who have in-depth knowledge about it for a worthy investment.

How To Get Rid Of Mice In Your Home

by Leave a Comment

Image by Alexas via Pixabay

Getting rid of mice begins with a simple choice: whether you want to do things easily or the long-winded way. If you are looking for ways to get rid of the rodents, check out our top tips below.

1. Get rid of entry points

Rodent-proofing your home is a good way to stop mice infestations from occurring or expanding. You can do this by eliminating entry points and easy access. Mice can squeeze through the smallest of openings, so it’s not an easy task. The rule of thumb is if you can fit a normal pencil into an opening or crack, a mouse can fit through, too.

Seal off openings in walls and cracks in the foundation and don’t forget spaces where vents and utility pipes are. Caulking and steel wool work well, but do stay away from wood, rubber or plastic that mice can gnaw through. You can also get weather stripping for window and door gaps and remember the sweep on the door should create an effective seal, too.

2. Use mouse traps

One of the best ways to get rid of an ongoing infestation is with the help of mouse traps. Classic wooden traps work well enough for moderate populations, but many people tend to underestimate these things. It’s not uncommon to lay a few traps for just one mouse, or what you think is a sole mouse. Use lots.

Also, make sure you choose the best bait for the traps. You can use whatever food the mice have been getting into in your home, or even mouse-approved favourites like oatmeal, peanut butter, chocolate or dried fruit.

Alternatively, Pest Free USA has an electronic mouse repellent that emits electromagnetic pulses to keep them away. It is also a more humane way to get rid of mice.

3. Bait stations

Bait stations are sealed packets that contain pellets or meal. They usually come in cellophane, paper or plastic wrapping which means the mice can easily gnaw through it to get to the fresh bait. The mice feed on the bait and it kills them. While it does prove helpful in getting rid of the mice, these products are better handled by the pest management professionals to ensure your and your family and pet’s safety.

4. Keep it clean

Mice can survive on a mere 3 grams of food per day, so even a few crumbs here and there will keep them going. Make sure you vacuum your floors and wipe down counters to get rid of residue, crumbs and access to any food sources. Always store your food in airtight or glass containers and remember to secure your garbage.

5. Tackle both indoors and outdoors

Remove any debris from your home as it provides hiding places for mice. Keep your garden weeds to a bare minimum and destroy nesting areas when you find them. You could also line your foundation with a strip of heavy gravel to prevent burrowing and nesting. The less clutter and debris around the property, the easier it is to spot and stop rodent activity.

How to reduce the stress of moving houses

by Leave a Comment

Source

There certain changes in life which we will all encounter, such as a new job, transferring to a new school, divorce, and moving houses, and each is considered a high stressor. During this time, we may be vulnerable to feelings of anxiety, being overwhelmed, and may feel like everything is out of our control.

Change is expected, but there are many ways you can make it easier for yourself.

Focus on the positives

Moving houses can be stressful, and many things may be uncertain and can cause worry. How will you settle down? Will your neighbors welcome you? Will the children get used to the new school?

One way of dealing with the negative sides of change is by turning it around and think of all the positive things that can happen instead. This is a fresh, new start, not only in your life but in the house. Get excited about decorating your bedroom, living room and kitchen to make it feel like home. Imagine all the exciting, new people you will meet and new friends you’ll make. Work might just be a few minutes away rather than a long, exhausting commute.

It is your chance to start on a clean slate.

Plan in advance

Make sure you arrange your schedule to be free on moving day, and perhaps, consider moving on a Friday to give you more time to settle down before a new work week.

Start packing as early as possible and never leave it the night before. Doing so will ensure you have everything you need and don’t accidentally forget anything important on your way. You wouldn’t want to haphazardly throw things into boxes and suitcases with the moving company knocking at your door!

Arrange for essentials such as electricity, gas, and Wi-Fi for your new house so that they will be ready when you arrive and you look through your moving out of state checklist before leaving your old home.

Lastly, label boxes clearly to help you manage and arrange everything in order once you arrive.

Get some rest

Staying awake all night because you are going through your checklist and making sure everything is in order will no doubt lead to exhaustion and fatigue in the morning. Try to avoid this and get plenty of rest before moving day. It will ensure you are well-rested and ready to tackle the day ahead, ready to handle whatever challenges you will face as you move from your old home to your new one.

Think of the children

If the idea and the process of moving houses makes you worry, think about how this might impact your children as well. Excitement and anxiety go hand in hand when changes happen, so make sure to offer reassurance to your children during this time and take the time to listen to them. Don’t be annoyed when they are not as enthusiastic as you expected; they are as worried as you are. It might be an overwhelming experience for them and leaving their old life may make them sad.

Furthermore, a new house and a new neighborhood may also mean a new school. Be understanding and compassionate in the days leading towards the new term as your children may show signs of stress and worry. Reassure them and make sure they know you are willing to listen. Alternatively, get your little ones involved by allowing them to give their room a makeover and take them out to buy new furniture and toys for their new room.

Moving to a new house, to a neighborhood and a new life may seem daunting, but with a few things to consider and planning well, you can make it easier for yourself and reduce the stress that comes with life changes.

Chic Contemporary Bathroom Ideas

by Leave a Comment

“There is something about a bathroom that feels like a fortress. A closed bathroom door may only be about two inches of plywood, but it feels like an iron bar.” – Ursula Vernon, Castle Hangnail

Some think of it as a fortress, some as a sanctuary, but the fact is that a bathroom has a distinctive and unique place in every household. This room can be improved and modified according to the latest technology and current trends. Some are extravagant, others minimalistic, but ultimately, bathroom design always comes down to personal preference of the user and their own affinities. If you are not quite sure which option you want to go with, and all you know is that you want a contemporary look, it is probably best to keep it simple.

Remember, bathrooms have the power awe your guests; if you did a nice job with the design, that is. This is exactly why we decided to provide you with some useful ideas on how to add a refined modern look to your bathroom and make your guests’ jaw drop every time they walk into it.

Natural light

To get that classic yet crisp look, try to bring in as much natural light as possible. This can be done by going with large windows or putting up a glass brick panel alongside the exposed periphery. The presence of natural and direct light will enhance the décor of your bathroom, and make it feel more open, airy and lively.

Using material palette

Another great idea to highlight the contemporary vibe of your bathroom is to use glossy surfaces like glass, steel, lacquer, tiles, etc. The gloss of materials like the ones used by ACS Designer Bathrooms will provide increased reflection, which can further enhance the lighting effects in your bathroom. Keep in mind to use materials that will bring out contrast and the depth of the entire space. Try to decorate the surfaces with matte and glossy finishes, but make sure you find the right balance between the two. Too much gloss will shock your eyes and make the whole experience unpleasant. On the other hand, too much matte will make your bathroom look like a movie set of “Dracula”. It is a never-ending game of dark and light, reflection, and absorption, and the balance is always key.

Color palette

Your bathroom will be a success if you go for the colors like beige, tan, white, grey and pastels. These neutral colors enhance and emphasize the geometry and lines of the space, making every bathroom look interesting and pleasing to the eye. Some of the color combinations that will go hand in hand are pastel pink and crème, gray and blue or mint green, as well as gold and beige.  When it comes to accessories, furniture, and walls, you can go with a clever use of pop colors in the form of focal elements.

Mirror, mirror on the wall

Mirrors are a quintessential part of every bathroom and not just in terms of their practical purpose. The modern design mostly relies on straight lines and sharp geometrical shapes, which can be monotonous, so the best way to break it is to install a couple of mirrors of various geometrical shapes. Oftentimes the scale of the mirror will make a difference, so be careful while selecting the ideal one for your bathroom wall.

The charm of lights

Lights and lighting accessories are among the crucial aspects of the contemporary style. Lighting serves to emphasize the elements in a very minimalistic form. For example, the vanity and the mirrors can be accentuated by the use of down lighting for vanities and backlighting for the mirrors. Modern look helps to point out the element and attaches an extra dimension to space. Furthermore, one can use downlighters or scone to emphasize a particular wall in the bathroom.

Conclusion

Contemporary is the word that suggests the use of modern and trending ideas like window covers from plantation shutters salt lake city. There is a broad range of fixtures, materials, wallpapers, and finishes one can use to achieve the contemporary look for their bathroom. This article showcases a small portion of ideas that can give an insight into to the world of contemporary restrooms. In the past, bathrooms were somewhat neglected, especially in terms of design, but modern generations have managed to stylize the bathrooms and make their design relevant yet again.

Nowadays, everything can be designed and customized in order to serve the user’s original vision and idea. Keep in mind that style, aesthetics, and details are crucial when it comes to bathroom design. The key is to keep it simple, yet chic and elegant.

Community Builders Tulsa – Bathroom Remodeling Benefits

by Leave a Comment

As a homeowner, maintenance and taking care of your home is important. Without proper care, there will be more issues and potential damages which will just cause further complications down the road. Taking care of your home can be as simple as keeping it clean to avoid pests, making sure the roof is maintained to avoid any leaks, cutting the grass for a better curb appeal, or simply updating the interior for a more modern look using Community Builders Tulsa.

Investing in your home will pay itself off. While most homeowners usually think to update and remodel their kitchens, living room, and bedrooms in the house, it may be time to consider remodeling the bathroom. There are many benefits that come out of updating the bathroom and getting those old bathroom fixtures repaired will be worth your time and effort.

Let’s have a quick look at why investing in this project is beneficial. 

Increases property value and appeal

A home becomes much more appealing to home buyers once you invest in remodeling. By fixing those old fixtures in your bathroom with different toilets, cabinets and sinks, you will be guaranteed higher returns and assured of selling your property easily as the value of your home will increase.

Correct the defects

Your bathroom may be having flaws such as, leaks in the shower head, issues with the water pipes, or cracked floor tiles. Fixing all these unsafe defects sooner than later will elimante the need to spend more money when the damges become worse.

Better efficiency

The trending idea of green homes is one of the most effective ways of cutting energy costs. Therefore, if you are looking to cut back on household bills and to help the environment you should make your bathroom energy efficient.

Adds Comfort

A clean and organized bathroom gives you a sense of refreshment and relaxation. It makes you feel happy and comfortable in your surroundings. With this being said, comfort should a top consideration whenever you renovate. When updating your bathroom consider what renovations and remodelling features you can add to give your bathroom a more relaxing and comfortable feel. You will be happy and thankful you did in the long run.

Adds luxurious features

Freedom of choice is another major impact of remodeling your bathroom. You can pick what design style you like and one that you feel suites the rest of your home décor. You can also make the bathroom more efficient, attractive and entertaining by having the ability to watch your favorite TV shows while relishing. I bet this sound very great! Additionally, you can choose the best quality of showers. Believe me, after a long work day, there is no greater feeling than being able to step into a luxurious shower to relax, in the comfort of your own home.

Saves enough space

Remodeling your bathroom can make it more spacious. You can enhance some extra storage in using modern solutions such as the storage racks, open shelves, and wall storage. You can redesign your bathroom and declutter it by replacing your bathroom fixtures or old furniture with new ones. Such tangible modifications will always go appreciated.

In conclusion, remodeling your bathroom is both necessary and trendy. It is a huge enhancement at a relatively low cost especially, in a home with modern facilities. Therefore, ensure you invest in bathroom remodeling for the best bathing experience.

Decor trends of 2018

by Leave a Comment

If you love keeping up to date with the latest decor trends, it’s definitely well worth continuing reading in order to discover some of the top home decor trends of 2018 according to Gary Friedman. All of which are guaranteed to add a touch of style to your home.

Decor trends of 2018:

  1. Dark wood furniture

While light wood furniture has been a more popular option than dark wood furniture in recent years, in 2018 you can accept to see a far greater percentage of dark wood furniture such as cupboards, dining tables, coffee tables and bookshelves in your favorite furniture stores. So if you’re looking to invest in a new solid wood table or desk, it’s well worth browsing a few of your favorite stores to see if any models take your fancy.

As an added bonus, scratches and marks are far less noticeable with dark wood furniture as they are on light wood furniture. So you’ll be sure to love how low maintenance dark wood furniture is.

  1. Velvet sofas and chaises

If you’ve ever toyed with the idea of purchasing an attractive, velvet sofa, now is the perfect time as in the next few months you should expect to see velvet sofas for sale at all of your favorite furniture retailers. If you don’t want to commit to purchasing a brand new sofa, you can still experiment with velvet by purchasing a few cheap velvet pillows, to decorate your sofa or bed with.

  1. Stainless steel

Stainless steel is set to become of the year’s hottest decor trends. A simple way to experiment with the stainless steel trend is to replace your bathroom and kitchen’s outdated handles and doorknobs with sleek stylish, stainless steel versions. Which you’ll be able to pick up for a few dollars each, from your nearest hardware store.

  1. Antiques

It’s the right time to display your family’s antique heirlooms as antique furniture and decorations are set to make a comeback in 2018. Examples of antique items which you may want to consider displaying in your home include antique grandfather clocks, antique writing desks, and antique cabinets.

If your family doesn’t own any antique items, simply attend a local auction or browse through a second-hand furniture store. Where you’re likely to find a wide array of unbeatable bargains.

If you don’t like the idea of displaying second-hand items in your home, you’re still in luck as a wide variety of furniture companies are set to release brand new pieces which have been inspired by antique pieces.

  1. Large frameless mirrors

One way to add a bit of style to your home and to create the illusion of well needed extra space is to invest in a few frameless mirrors which will instantly make each of your rooms feel larger than they are. So whether you simply love the look and feel of spacious rooms or you live in a relatively small home, which is lacking in space, it’s well worth purchasing a few oversized frameless mirrors.

So if you’re interested in investing in a few new decorative items, it’s well worth using the above guide as shopping inspiration.

Essential Items You Need in Your First Apartment

by Leave a Comment

Congratulations! You have finally made the decision to do the big move and live on your own. Getting your first apartment can be daunting. Not only do you need to pick the right place at the right price in the right neighborhood, you also need to make sure that you have all the essential items for daily living. Here is a list and some quick tips on the things that you need when moving into your new apartment, broken down per area:

Kitchen

Most first apartments have small kitchens, so make sure that you have only what you absolutely need. That egg slicer may look useful but will likely end up gathering dust after one or two uses. It is also helpful to choose multi-purpose items such as a coffee maker that can also be used to make tea or just boil water.

Essential items:

  • Microwave oven – Pick the multi-function type
  • Kettle or thermos – These can be old school or electric
  • Pots and pans – Small and medium frying pan and cooking pot
  • Knives and cutting board – At least one chef’s knife and one paring knife
  • Cooking utensils – Ladles, turner, spatula, whisk
  • Dishes – Serving platters, set of 4 to 8 dining plates and bowls
  • Drinkware – Set of 4 to 8 drinking glasses, cups, mugs, and wine glasses
  • Flatware – Set of 4 to 8 forks, spoons, table knives
  • Can opener, bottle opener, corkscrew
  • Dish towels – Use microfiber towelsfor better absorbency and less lint
  • Cleaning supplies – Dishwashing soap, sponge, scrubber
  • Trash can

Bedroom

The bedroom is your comfort zone, your place for rest and relaxation at the end of a tiring day. You need to carefully plan your bedroom’s design so that it is more conducive to sleep. An old creaky bed, for example, can ruin your night and leave you tired and restless the following day.

Essential items:

  • Bed – Choose an affordable quality mattress
  • Sheets and blankets – Start with at least 2 sets
  • Pillows and pillow cases – 2 sets of 2 to 4
  • Closet organizers – Hangers, boxes, shoe rack
  • Night stand
  • Lamp
  • Trash can

Bathroom

If you’re sharing your apartment and bathroom with a roommate, put your personal toiletries in a carrier and keep it in your bedroom. Though it might be unlikely, you don’t want to find out that your roommate has been using your toothbrush! If you’re living alone, then you only need to worry about keeping your bathroom clean at all times.

Essential items:

  • Toiletries – Soap, shampoo, lotion, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste
  • Towels – Start with 2 sets
  • Bathroom mat
  • Toilet paper
  • Toilet brush
  • Toilet plunger
  • Cleaning supplies – Toilet cleaner, mold killer
  • Deodorizer or air freshener
  • Trash can

Other Essential Items

  • Dining table – Your apartment may have a very limited space without a separate dining room but you certainly need a space where you can eat. You can also choose to eat in your living room if you have a good coffee table and sofa.
  • Sofa – You may or may not have a separate living room but your apartment should have a dedicated corner where you can entertain guests or do other activities like reading a book or watching TV. You don’t need an expensive sofa for this space especially if you have plans of upgrading and moving to a bigger space in the future. Just buy the most affordable and comfortable one that you can find. If you have enough space, you can go for a sofa bed, which is convenient to have if you expect guests to stay over from time to time.
  • Curtains – Aside from keeping you out of your neighbor’s prying eyes, curtains can also add color to your apartment. These don’t have to be expensive. Just make sure your curtains match the overall tone of the room where you put them.
  • Laundry items – These include your laundry detergent, fabric softeners, and hamper or laundry basket. Most people store their laundry items in the bathroom. Others prefer to have them in the bedroom near the closet for more privacy in a shared apartment.
  • Décor – Decorative objects are what makes your apartment more personal. It could be an artwork that was given to you as a gift or a figurine that you picked up from one of your travels. If you’ve purchased antique overmantle mirrors in the UK, you should definitely use them and put them up in prominent places of your home. Just don’t accumulate so much to avoid cluttering your apartment.

Once you turn your home into a comfortable and convenient space, you’ll have more time and energy to devote to the additional responsibilities that come with having your own place.

How to Upgrade the Look of Your Small Yard

by Leave a Comment

For many homeowners, a bright and spacious garden full of flowers, greenery, and other features is a dream come true. Sadly, the reality is that most of us will just have to make do with our small yards, and this is especially true with modern suburban life. However, just because we have to accept that reality doesn’t mean we have to let our yards look drab and uninspired. There are ways to maximize that modest space and upgrade our yard’s look.

Install a water feature

Having a water fountain installed in your yard may sound excessive and intimidating, but in reality they’re simple and uncomplicated set pieces that can really enhance a yard’s look. If you’re worried about it taking up too much space in your garden, there are many smaller models available that offer the same effect but is much more economical in terms of space—as well as in terms of budget. An example of this is a small wall fountain for the garden, which not only runs on a very small compressor but also only needs a relatively small amount of water to work.

Use tall plants to enhance your yard’s vertical space

Our yards may be constrained in horizontal space, but vertically may be a different matter. If there isn’t anything that can limit just how high your garden can grow, such as existing structures or perhaps your neighbor’s fencing, then planting tall plants and trees around your yard is a great option to help make it look bigger and grander. Fruit-bearing trees are also a wonder to see in small gardens, not only to add more color as the seasons roll in but also to give you delicious, home-grown treats to enjoy every now and then.

Construct keyhole plant beds

Flowers and other colorful plant life are wonderful in giving life to a garden, but too much in a small yard can make things look disorganized and overblown. However, by making u-shaped keyhole gardens in strategic places around your yard, you can maximize your limited space while still enjoying the colorful effect that live plants can have in any space. This also allows you to diversify the plants you grow—one keyhole garden can have flowers while the other can have herbs for the kitchen, and so on.

Give your deck a new look

If you have a deck or porch overlooking your yard, chances are, it could use a good cleaning. Take this chance to give it an entirely new look, either by painting it with an entirely new color or even just giving it a new coat of protective stain and a thorough cleaning. As for the cleaning process itself, while a power washer does make the entire process faster and easier, experts say that it can be too rough on wood—especially if your deck’s been getting on in years. Scrubbing with oxygenated bleach as well as a thorough round of sanding is better for your deck in the long run.

Revitalize your outdoor furniture

During your yard upgrade, you may be tempted to replace your outdoor furniture with newer, stylish models. If you have the budget for it, it’s definitely a solid move to make in giving your yard a new look. However, if you’re looking to save some money or you just can’t bear the thought of tossing what you already have installed in your yard, then simply treating them to some restorative work should suffice. Use a wire brush to remove flaking paint and rust from metal furniture, while those made of wood can be freshened up with a mixture of turpentine and boiled linseed oil-mix. From there, re-stain them to the shade you want with an oil-based varnish or shellac.

A great-looking yard doesn’t always have to involve a lot of space. By carrying out the above steps, not only will you be able to give new life to your yard, but also make it more attractive and appealing to look at in the long run.

7 Home Additions Just for Your Canine Companion

by Leave a Comment

There comes a time in every dog owner’s life when they realize that their dog is more than just a cute furry companion, but a member of the family. At which point, they start thinking of ways to celebrate and appreciate the presence of their pawed household member.

Some households make their dog feel more of their love by giving him a personalized martingale collar and other accessories that show his unique personality. Others plan trips to dog-friendly restaurants and outdoor spaces where dogs are free to run and play. Still, some take it to the next level and modify their home to make their canine family members more comfortable.

If you’re a pet parent and a homeowner who is looking to do the very same thing, then here are some ideas that your dog will love:

  1. Doggie Bath. Some dogs can tolerate taking a bath while others try their best to hide from one. Make bath time an easier time for you and your dog by getting a doggie bath. This refers to a half-size shower stall with a low, detachable showerhead. It’s a perfect setup for a dog who just can’t sit or stand still while wet. The glass wall will prevent messy splashing, while the lowered showerhead will make rinsing a breeze.
  2. Doggie closet. Everyone in the family has a closet for their clothes and accessories, so why shouldn’t your dog have one as well? A dog closet is a perfect addition to your home if you like accessorizing and dressing up your dog. In addition to clothes, the closet can also hold toys, dog collars and leashes, and dog beds. Does your pup need a special outfit for Halloween or any other special date? Just walk into the dog closet and take a pick.
  3. Baseboard drawers.Improve the look of your kitchen and add a bit of fun to meals by modifying a kitchen cabinet to hold your dog’s food and water bowls in place. These floor-level drawers won’t only make post-mealtime cleanups much easier, they’ll also add a bit of organization to your kitchen. Aside from food and water, the drawers can also be made to hold treats and toys for games of hide and seek.
  4. Porch potty.Taking your dog out to potty can be quite a chore if you’re living in a condominium or apartment. To make the task more convenient for you and your pet, you can make a porch potty out of a faux lawn with a built-in drainage system. This way, your dog can do his business anytime without making a mess.
  5. Dog windows.Dogs love observing the outside world through windows, but most windows aren’t made to accommodate dogs. Indulge your pup and let him take a look at the world by giving him a small window that’s just right for his height and size.
  6. Dog gates.This home addition is less about the comfort of your dog but more about his safety. Install strong dog gates in strategic places around your home, such as the kitchen entrance or at the top or bottom of the stairs. These can go a long way in keeping your dog safe and preventing accidents. Plus they can turn a room into a temporary ‘time-out’ area when your dog is misbehaving.
  7. Dog mansion.For those who want to give their dog the high life, you can always have a dog mansion: a luxurious and highly customized dog house. Be warned, though, that this type of dog accommodation costs a bit of money. Of course, if you’ve got the skills for it and the spare time, you can always just build one for your dog rather than buy it.

Which of these items will your dog love to have? Whatever you choose, you’re sure that your pup will thank you for it.