Simple Ways to Make Your Flat Quieter

Suzette

Discover easy and effective tips to reduce noise in your flat and create a more peaceful living space!

Ever tried to watch TV, only to be interrupted by your neighbour’s late-night karaoke or the thuds of mystery furniture rearranging upstairs? Apartment living can feel like you’re stuck in a shared soap opera, whether you like it or not. But before you start tearing your hair out, know that there are simple ways to block out the noise and bring back a bit of peace. With a few clever tricks, you can turn your unit into a quiet little sanctuary. Let’s get stuck in and help you find that sweet, sweet silence.

Identify the Sources of Noise

To overcome noise issues in your flat, you’ve got to figure out where it’s coming from. Carefully inspect each room and pay attention to different noise sources. This could be thin walls, loud neighbours, a humming fridge, or traffic. Writing down the sounds you hear and where you hear them can really help. Keep a simple noise log for about a week to spot any patterns. Keep in mind that different noises need different fixes. Sharp sounds like voices or footsteps aren’t the same as low rumbles from traffic or music, for example. Once you’ve recognised these differences, you’ll be in a better spot to sort it out without just playing whack-a-mole with your sanity.

Communicate with Neighbours

If the noise is coming from next door, usually, having a friendly chat with your neighbour is the first step. It might feel a bit awkward at first, but being respectful usually gets good results. Try to catch them at a good time when you both have some free time. Sometimes people don’t even know they’re being loud, so just pointing it out can make a big difference. You can suggest something that works for both of you, like setting quiet times. This way, you sort out the problem and also keep relations friendly between neighbours.

If further discussion is needed, writing down what you both agree on can help keep things clear and avoid confusion later. Getting along with your neighbours can help manage noise in the long run. You can think about what you will say in advance so you feel more confident. It could be a bit nerve-wracking at first, but talking it out nicely can really smooth things out.

Talk to Your Landlord

If noise is constant and your own efforts aren’t cutting it, it might be time to loop in your landlord or building manager. They’re responsible for keeping the place liveable, so things like rattly windows, thin walls, or squeaky pipes are worth raising. If the issue is coming from shared areas, like the hallway or rooftop, they could be able to set some ground rules or pop up a sign. When you do bring it up, keep it polite and practical. A quick email with a couple of examples is usually enough to get things moving.

Use Soundproofing Techniques

Creating a quieter home doesn’t have to break the bank. Start by assessing the layout of your space. Sometimes, just reshuffling your furniture can do wonders. A bulky couch or bookshelf up against a shared wall can help muffle unwanted sounds. If you have a fondness for DIY tasks, you could build wall panels using sound-absorbing materials. Not only is it a cost-effective method, but it also prevents the transfer of unwanted noise. This ensures that you can enjoy your activities without causing a disturbance to those living next door, and vice versa. By shifting some furniture or adding a few soundproof items, you can turn your space into a nice, calm spot away from all the chaos outside.

Invest in White Noise Machines

Getting a white noise machine for your flat is a great way to block out annoying sounds and bring a bit of peace to your home. They play constant, calming sounds, like rain, waves, or soft static, that help mask background noise. You will find plenty of options, from basic machines to fancy smartphone applications. With this wide range, there’s something to suit every budget and lifestyle. When picking one, think about the sound quality, volume settings, and portability. Put it in spots like next to your bed or in your home office, or wherever the noise is most distracting.

Try out different white noise types to see what works for you. Some people prefer ocean waves, while others prefer nature sounds or gentle tunes. It’s helpful to change up the volume depending on the time of day and how you’re feeling, but remember, too loud can be just as annoying as the noise you were trying to drown out. Pair them with thick, dense curtains or snug rugs, and you’ll create a much quieter, serene ambience.

Change Up Your Daily Routine

Blocking out noise is one approach, but sometimes it’s easier to plan around it. If your neighbour cranks up the telly every night at 7 or the garbage truck rattles down your street on Wednesday mornings, adjusting your routine can help. Tackle noisy chores like vacuuming during peak outside noise, and save your quiet time for when things naturally settle down. Even simple changes, like cooking dinner earlier or listening to a podcast during loud patches, can make a big difference. You don’t need to flip your whole day around—just find a rhythm that works with your surroundings. A bit of smart timing can go a long way.

Considerate Living for a Smooth Move-out

Being mindful of your own noise is not just helpful for your everyday comfort. It also plays a big part in keeping things friendly with your neighbours and staying in your landlord’s good books. A quiet, well-kept home reduces the chances of complaints and helps you avoid issues when it’s time to pack up. When you combine that with a trusted move-out cleaning service, you’re setting yourself up for a smooth and hassle-free departure. It’s a simple way to leave things clean, calm and in good standing.

Conclusion

Silence is golden, especially after a big day. With the few tweaks mentioned above, you can effectively turn your place into your very own soundproof haven. Just give them a go and enjoy the quiet afterwards.

How to Incorporate More Detailing into Your Décor

Josie

It can be difficult to fill that empty space in your home without going overboard and killing the vibe you’d created in the first place.

The moment you add too much detail to the room you can overdo it and its hard to go back from there. But that said, it’s still really beneficial to add details to your home, as these help to highlight certain areas and bring the décor to life.

Are you looking for ways to incorporate a little more detail into your décor? Here are some top tips to help you achieve just that.

The Right Fixings

Having the right ironmongery and fixings throughout your home is crucial. A door handle can transform the way a door looks in an instant, so you want to make sure you have the right style for your home.

Whether you opt for a classically chrome design, or you invest in a bold diamante number, you can enhance the way your doors look and add a touch of character to the area. The same applies for your fixings. You need your hinges and fixings to reflect the style of the room. For those with a modern style, you want to go for the clean, brushed texture that will reflect the light and keep the modern feel strong.

When you first decorate a room, it may not seem like an obvious feature to consider, but as soon as the room is complete, you’ll appreciate just how important that decision is. There are so many beautiful fixings and handles available, with a fantastic range at Milford’s Building Supplies for you to choose from.

Remember to keep the style consistent throughout your home, as this will ensure your interiors flow perfectly.

Lighting Features

Playing around with different lighting and shades will help you to create a look that really works for your interiors. Depending on the lights in each of the rooms, you can really play on the style you have and make them that little bit more special.

It’s harder to do this with spotlight lighting, but with lamps and hanging bulbs, you can find some stunning shades available that will transform that area of the room and bring it to life. You need to have a strong balance of lighting within each room to ensure it’s light and fresh, and with a stylish shade or feature surrounding it, the room will look ten times better.

If you’re looking for an edgy style, a great way to enhance your lighting is to paint your own lampshades to fit the theme of the room. By painting your shades, you can create a look that is unique to your home and really captures the feel you want to give for that particular room.

Shelving Storage

The one thing that can make a room look gloomy or dull is storage. From the moment you enter a room, you instantly pick up on the cleanliness and tidiness of the space, so it’s important to make sure your rooms are neat and tidy.

Adding in some shelves can create a lovely focal point within the room, which is a great additional detail. This is also a really good way to provide essential storage, as you can place books, boxes, photos etc on there to keep them neat and tidy, whilst still on display.

6 Ways to Improve Your Garden this New Year

Josie

Give your garden a new look this year with these 6 great garden tips!

A garden is mostly overlooked when you think about the main factors of getting your house exactly how you want it, but in actual fact, gardens can really make a house stand out far more than you’d expect.

Take a look at these 6 great tips to improve your garden this new year.

Photos via: Houzz

1. Clean Up

The first, most important step is to clean up all the junk you have in your back garden/yard! Get rid of those broken plant pots, wilting plants, that ornament you dread to look at every time you enter your garden!

The sooner you get rid of all these things, the quicker you can start re-decorating your new garden! Also, give the full garden a hose down. Get the patio, and all the concrete as clean as you can before taking any further steps to making your garden perfect.

2. Turn your Patio into a Dining Area

One way to start transforming your garden, is to turn your patio into an outdoor dining area. This will be great for summer, hosting barbecues and social events, having friends over for a glass of wine in the sun etc.

There are multiple different ways you can decorate and transform your patio; maybe you would like to get a large glass table with dining chairs? Or what about building a stone barbecue with a small circle table, the possibilities are endless!

3. Rattan!

If you are considering getting some sort of outdoor furniture, I highly recommend you go for rattan! This type of garden furniture is completely versatile and goes with pretty much any style you choose. There are a range of different colours, and styles of rattan to go for. Wayfair offer a huge range of rattan furniture for you to browse at a reasonable price.

4. Consider investing in a Greenhouse

This is a game changer… invest in a Greenhouse! Not only will this create a new hobby for you to do in your spare time, it also looks incredible in your garden. Also, this can really help you save money on purchasing vegetables and fruits etc. in the long run.

Greenhouses are a great way to completely change the feel of your garden, whilst also allowing you to discover a new hobby. Two Wests offer an extensive range of all different types of greenhouses for you to purchase, look at what they can offer to suit the needs of your garden.

5. Start an Outdoor Kitchen

This links in very well with the last point about investing in a greenhouse, start an outdoor kitchen! What I mean by this is start growing your own herbs, vegetable, fruits and whatever else you like. This way, like the last point, you can save money in the long run, plus you will gain a hobby from it!

6. Add some Light in your Life

Lights really change the way a garden looks and feels. By adding lighting to your garden, you can create a lovely setting in your garden, as well as looking incredibly nice during those summer nights when you sneak into the garden for a gin with your friends… (shh I won’t tell if you don’t).

Two Wests also offer a fantastic range of lighting for you to pick from at a very good

How to Organise Your Living Room for a Neater Home

Josie

Give your living room an organized and relaxing atmosphere with some our expert tips!

In many homes, the living room is a space that is used for a number of different things. From relaxing and watching the TV, to playing with the children and entertaining guests, the living room is often a hub of activity, so it’s important to have a space that is organised and welcoming.

Keeping on top of the organisation within your home can be difficult with such a busy schedule, so starting with a neat layout and clear organisation from the get-go will be extremely helpful in the long run.


Photos via: Living Etc.

Everything Needs a Place

Start off with the mindset that everything needs its own place. If you have designated areas for specific items, you’ll find it much easier to keep them neat and tidy. Ensure your living room has plenty of storage space to begin with, such as a stylish oak sideboard or a bold bookcase, as this will help you provide a home for specific items. Once you’ve got the storage sorted, you can start to figure out where you want things to go.

Having a clear system will make it easier to tidy your living areas when they become messy, as well as making the room feel welcoming. Having a place for everything is crucial, even when it comes to the remote controls or your favourite weekly magazines, you should always have somewhere to keep them, even if its pride of place on the coffee table.

Identify the Lost Items

Its always a bit of a mystery when you find a random sock on the coffee table shelf, or when you discover the calculator on the bookcase, as it’s clear they aren’t supposed to be there.

Over time, random items make their way into the living room and they’re never going to look right there, so it’s always worth having a good tidy up and identifying which items are out of place.

Find all of the items that don’t belong in the living room and put them back where they should be, as this will instantly help to declutter the room and make it feel tidier.

Make Sure It’s Functional

With the living room being such a busy room within the home, with constant activity throughout the day, you need to ensure the space is functional. Whether you’re entertaining guests, or you want to work out to your latest fitness DVD, the space needs to work for you and your family. Take a look at the layout of your furniture, does it work? Are you able to enjoy your living room with this setup?

If you feel like there’s room for improvement, then now is the perfect time to reshuffle the furniture and try to find a layout that works. You often find that the more floorspace available between items such as the sofa and the coffee table, the better. You don’t want your television to be too close to the sofa either, so have a play around with the layout and find the perfect setup.

Throw Things Away

Everyone is guilty of hoarding in some way or another. Whether it’s the latest issue of your favourite magazine, or you want to keep hold of a selection of DVDs even though they’re scratched, and you have them on Amazon Prime, there’s always something cluttering up your home that doesn’t really need to be there.

Take a look at the items within your living room and figure out what you could throw away. By doing this, you’ll instantly feel as though the room is tidier and fresher, with no rubbish cluttering up the space.

Simplify Healthy Eating with Konala: Your Post Falls, Idaho Destination

Suzette

In the scenic town of Post Falls, Idaho, a culinary revolution is taking place, and it goes by the name of Konala!

Here, in the shadow of the beautiful Idaho landscape, Konala is on a mission to redefine fast food. Our goal? To make healthy eating not only convenient but absolutely delicious.

Our Founding Mission

Konala, pronounced “Koe-Nah-Luh,” was born in 2023 out of a vision crafted by founders Trace Miller and his wife Jammie Miller. This dynamic duo shares a passion for fitness and a commitment to healthy living. However, they realized that finding nutritious and convenient fast food options was a struggle. Konala was their answer to this challenge, named after their beloved rescued dogs, “Kona” and “Nala.”

A Multi-Faceted Approach

At Konala, we understand that convenience is key when it comes to making healthy choices. That’s why we offer a range of ways to enjoy our wholesome offerings. From a speedy drive-thru experience to leisurely dining on our outdoor patio, curbside and online ordering, a convenient pickup window, and even third-party delivery, we’ve got all your needs covered. Whether you’re in a hurry or want to take your time, visit Konala for the perfect experience that covers all your needs!

The Konala Difference

Our food is the heart and soul of Konala. We’ve taken the concept of healthy meal prep foods and elevated it to a whole new level. Say goodbye to bland, frozen fare reheated in a microwave. At Konala, every dish is a burst of flavor, crafted with fresh ingredients and prepared throughout the day.

Explore Our Delicious Menu

Konala offers a variety of delightful options to cater to your taste buds and dietary preferences. Our protein bowls are a delectable fusion of well-seasoned, juicy proteins and fresh toppings served over your choice of base. Whether it’s teriyaki chicken, seasoned chicken breast, or poke, you’ll find a bowl that tantalizes your palate.

If salads are your go-to, Konala has you covered. Simply turn any of our bowls into a salad by placing it over a bed of fresh greens. It’s the perfect choice for those who crave greens with a dose of protein.

We haven’t forgotten the little ones either. Our mini bowls are designed to be a perfect meal for kids or for anyone looking for a lighter option when hunger strikes.

Be a Part of the Konala Movement

At Konala, we believe in making healthy eating accessible to all. That’s why we’re constantly expanding to reach more communities. If you’re passionate about promoting health and want to be a part of the Konala family, we’re excited to explore franchise opportunities with qualified candidates.

From Idaho to Montana, Nevada, and beyond, Konala is dedicated to changing the fast food game one location at a time. We invite you to experience the joy of eating well and feeling good with Konala. We can’t wait to serve you soon!

Nutrition and Flavor Harmony

Konala is not just a place for healthy eaters; it’s a haven for flavor enthusiasts too. We believe that nutritious food should never compromise on taste. That’s why our culinary experts have meticulously crafted our menu to ensure that every bite is a burst of flavor. From the bold and savory teriyaki chicken to the delicate and fresh poke options, we have something to tantalize everyone’s taste buds.

In addition to serving up delightful protein bowls and salads, we also offer a range of mouthwatering dressings and sauces that add that extra layer of flavor. Whether you’re a fan of tangy vinaigrettes or creamy, indulgent sauces, our condiments are the perfect finishing touch to your meal. At Konala, we’re here to prove that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing the joy of savoring delicious food.

Join the Konala Revolution Today!

As we continue to expand our footprint across the Northwest and beyond, Konala is always on the lookout for like-minded individuals who share our passion for wellness and wholesome living. If you’re eager to be a part of a culinary revolution that’s changing the way people perceive fast food, we invite you to explore franchise opportunities with us. At Konala, we believe in not only nourishing bodies but also nurturing dreams. Join us in our mission to make healthy eating as convenient and delightful as possible, one location at a time. Together, we can bring the joy of a nutritious and flavorful dining experience to even more communities. Embrace the Konala lifestyle today!