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Home Cleaning Hacks to Make your Life Easier

Posted on by Maddie Grice

The current state of the world commands a whole new level of hygiene and cleanliness. We all want to keep our families safe and be able to enjoy our homes, especially now that we are all spending more time there. Keeping up with kids or even just yourself can be time consuming and feel like a never ending chore, but these handy hacks should make life just a little bit shinier.

 Keep your Kitchen Lemon Fresh

Ever walked into your kitchen and been greeted by a not so nice smell? This might be an indicator it’s time to turn your attention to your sinks and drains. The good news is, often it’s an easy fix.

Remember the volcanos we all made in junior school science classes? Well the combination of vinegar and baking does more than create a simulated volcanic eruption.. it also does a fantastic job of cleaning and disinfecting!

This duo will easily cut through grease and grime and have your drains looking and smelling like new. A bonus tip for after you have done this, slice a lemon and put them in the garbage disposal, not only will it smell amazing it will work better too!

Get your Bathroom Shining

Apparently, you’ve got to get messy to get clean! Bathroom’s can be a particularly tricky room to master when it comes to getting them spotless. There are lots of taps and surfaces to contend with and can be a breeding ground for bacteria.

To get into all the nooks and cranny’s of your bathroom, use chopsticks! Wrap your cloth or wipe around the chopsticks and guide it around any hard to reach areas.

To bring any tap wear back to life, remove hard water stains with ½ a lemon. Give taps and showerheads a wipe down with a microfiber cloth and then rub the lemon over the surfaces then rise and buff!

Sleep Easy on a Fresh Mattress

If your mattress looks or smells a little worse for wear, simply sprinkle some baking soda over your mattress and allow it to settle. Gently rub it into the mattress and let it sit for around an hour. After the hour is up, give it a good vacuum. Not only will this deodorize the matters it will also help kill any bad bacteria. A bonus tip after this is to add a few drops of your favourite essential oil when you are finished!

Clean Plantation Shutters and Louvers with time to spare

Luckily, plantation shutters will only need a quick clean once ever few months. To make this job even easier than it already is, take a thick sponge and carefully cut slices into it that line up with the space in between each slate.Then, gently rub your sponge over your shutters, cleaning multiple slates at a time.

 

Note: It is important to always spot check a small surface before trying out new cleaning products.

We hope some of these quick hacks will save you time on your next cleaning day!

Home Design Trends for 2021

Posted on by Maddie Grice

Now that we have fresh new year to look forward to we also have some fresh new home trends to be inspired by!

Here is a curated peak at what 2021 has in store for our interior and exterior design!

Cottage core

Image Credit: www.pinterest.com

A favourite of 2020, cottage core will be back with a fresh twist! A more sophisticated spin on the classic cottage core, “rustic vogue’ is perfect for homes with exposed features of the building such as floorboards or beams.

In lieu of the more neutral colour pallets of 2020, earthy tones are making a statement with rusts, greens and brows being among the more popular shades.

Island Dreaming

Image Credit: www.pinterest.com

We all missed a lot of things in 2020 and for a lot of people that included tropical holidays. So in 2021 they’re bringing the island life into their living room with tropical jewel toned colours such as emerald, citrine yellow and sapphire blue (not a colour pallet for the faint of heart!

If you’re a fan of big, bold and beautiful this trend should be entirely up your street. Printed wallpaper, bold duvet designs and playful scatter cushions will give any interior a tropical edge.
This trend will also see say goodbye to the beloved fiddle leaf figs that have plagued our homes and social media feeds for the past 5 years and welcome in more tropical ferns.

 

 

 

 

Home grown treasures

Image Credit: www.pinterest.com

The COVID-19 crisis saw us all asked to shop local and shop Australian and with this came trend of seeking out and enjoying more unique items in favour of those mass produced. With extra time on our hands we hunted for something distinctive and different, to set our space apart from others. After many years of flocking to large retail outlets the idea of having something special be a part of home décor is taking off.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retro Revamp

Image Credit: The Callie Hotel

Although it is a newer interior design style, it oozes with nostalgia. Relaxed and inviting while also being perfectly curated and cool, this is the style loved and fortified by the chicest of homeowners . This trend embraces curved shapes, a muted colour pallet and takes many of its cues from art deco. Australian sweethearts Hamish Blake & Zoë Foster-Blake, recently renovated their bathroom to the retro revamp tune. Embracing the earthy muted colour pallet, minimalistic styling and the very best of interior design from years gone by.

 

No matter what trends we see coming into 2021, there will always be a Modern product to suit any style. If you’re interested in starting a new project on your home, contact your local service team on 13 11 78 today!

 

Simple Ways To Refresh Your Home For The New Year

Posted on by Maddie Grice

They say a change is as good as a holiday, and after 2020 everyone could do with a bit of both.

We’ve all spent more time at home than many of us could have imagined and potentially even moved some furniture around two or three times just to keep things interesting -and give us something to do when the supermarkets ran out of flour for banana bread!

Now we have made it to the New Year, there is no better time to give your home the real refresh it deserves. Putting away the memories of 2020 and welcoming in the new experiences of 2021.

Here are some of our favourite ways to refresh your home.

Rugs

One of the easiest ways to give your home a facelift with next to no real effort is by switching out your rugs. A quick swap can completely change the look and feel of any room! At the moment, natural fibre rugs and vintage style Moroccan rugs are trending and will become chic centrepieces of your home. If you don’t want to change your rugs completely giving your rugs a deep clean can bring them back to life and make them look like new again! Because we look at them everyday, rugs can become warn and grimy without us noticing. There are lots of at home cleaning solutions you can try as well as professional services that will give you a fresh rug good enough to match the fresh new year!

Restyle your entry way

It’s the first thing you see when you go into your home. Whether it be a dedicated space or your living room, whatever your front door leads into, will set the tone for the rest of the house. These refreshes could be minor to major changes. Channelling your inner interior designer and getting creative with smaller things like plants, mirrors, pictures and books is a simple and cost effective way to give your entry a new feel. If you’re looking for something more dramatic, a coat of paint or some new lighting can really change things up!

 

The Bedroom

Thanks to working via Zoom, for a while there 6am starts were not something we needed to worry about. Replacing them, was a leisurely 8.30am wake up and an early night in bed watching Netflix -because what else was there to do?

New bedding will have you feeling like a new person and will be another cost effective way to completely change the look of your room. Traditional linens will give your look a fresh and cosy feel while bolder patterns will draw your eye and become centrepieces of the space. The best way to choose is to go with what suits your personality!

 

Show dusty curtains the door

Spending a lot of time in your house can make you notice things you normally might not. Like just how much dust your curtains are collecting… for example. Freshen up your home with plantation shutters and say goodbye to dusty curtains. Not only will plantation shutters give your home a fresh new look, but they will also help insulate your home, give you control of light and airflow and also increase your homes privacy.

 

If you’re interested in having plantation shutters in your home, give your local service team a call on 13 11 78 for a free in-home consultation!

Tips for the perfect Aussie Christmas

Posted on by Maddie Grice

Tis’ the Season!

We’ve finally made it to the end of the year! *Phew* After the year that was we all deserve to put our feet up and have a well-earned break with our family and loved ones, and there is no better way to do that than with the perfect Aussie Christmas day. The sun, the beach the seafood, it’s a Christmas like no other. Take your Aussie Christmas to the next level with these tips!

Start the night before.

As a child, I’m not sure there is a more exciting day than Christmas Eve… and fair enough! There’s presents sitting teasing them from under a sparkling tree and Father Christmas will be in their house in a matter of hours!

Lots of people like to read a traditional Christmas book on Christmas eve before they go to sleep so Santa can get to work. Australian Authors have released their own take on these with an Aussie twist with favourites like, An Aussie Night Before Christmas, The Christmas Wombat, and Aussie Jingle Bells. These funny and irreverent picture books bring waves of nostalgia and excitement and are the perfect way to kick off your Aussie Christmas.

A Christmas Dip

No- not the type that you can coat a chip in (that will come later in the day) An early morning Christmas dip in the ocean is the perfect way to kick things off! Whether it be in the ocean or the local lake or damn, bring a cricket set with you and you’ve got yourself a great morning! There’s also nothing wrong with getting a bit of exercise in before lunchtime!

Crank up the Aussie Christmas tunes!

Let’s be honest, while we all love traditional Christmas songs, while you’re sitting poolside in your swimmers enjoying your bug rolls and pavlova in 30 degree weather, baby it’s cold outside just doesn’t make a lot of sense. You can always whip out the classic bucko and champs Aussie Christmas or if you’re looking for something more modern Delta Goodrem has a new Christmas album with new songs written by her as well as some other classics sans too many winter references.

Embrace Aussie Classics

Australia is home to some delicious food (hello Tim Tam’s) and we should definitely be enjoying it on Christmas day (the one day of the year calories don’t count). If you’ve been follow our advent calendar on Instagram you would have seen our yummy drink and menu ideas based around Aussie favourites that will be an absolute hit. www.instagram.com/themoderngroup

We hope everyone enjoys a safe and happy Christmas and we can’t wait to help you with all your projects in the new year!

How To: Make the Most of Your Backyard This Summer

Posted on by Maddie Grice

This year we’re in for a hot summer, and you’ll want to make sure that you are getting as much enjoyment out of your backyard as possible!

Here are some extra ideas on how to make the most of your backyard this summer!

Invest in good furniture.

Whether it be for a big dinner party with family and friends or some quiet Sunday afternoon drinks, good outdoor furniture is worth the money. Look for materials that will be able to withstand the elements and work with your interior décor to create a seamless flow from the indoors to outdoors.

Give yourself some shade

If you’ve got a pool in the direct sunlight, invest in an outdoor umbrella. You’ll appreciate a shady retreat while you relax in the pool and it will also offer protection from the hot midday sun. You can even get some that are mobile, so you can adjust the position of the shade throughout the day.

Outdoor TV’s

With the heat comes lots of sporting events and excuses to have your friends and family round and crack open some coronas. Outdoor Televisions will pay for themselves over and over again with many hours spend enjoying entertainment in the outdoors

Protect your space properly

Outdoor blinds protect you and your outdoor furniture and accessories from the sun and rain. They also will help to insulate the area and keep you cool. They are an essential tool if you are looking to utilise your space year round and will add style and value to your home.

If you’re interested in adding outdoor blinds to your home, for a free consultation contact your local service team on 13 11 78!

How To: The Perfect Aussie BBQ

Posted on by Maddie Grice

This years been tough for us all. We have all had to make changes and tough sacrifices for the greater good and health of our communities. Coming out of lockdown, one of the best things we will all be able to do again is spend time with our friends and family.

Following advice given, one of the safest ways to gather your loved ones is by hosting them outdoors- If we’ve ever heard of an excuse to enjoy your alfresco entertaining areas this is a pretty good one! It’s time to give your tongs a few clicks to make sure their working and throw a good old-fashioned Aussie BBQ.

 The backbone to any BBQ is the BBQ itself.
Finding one that suits the size and style of your backyard is key. Make sure that the area is well insulated and depending on the BBQ, be aware of what direction any smoke may travel.

Nail the entrance. Get your party off to a great start by welcoming your guests with some food and a drink of their choice to kick off the night. Platters with scatterings of cheese, fruit and crackers are always a crowd pleaser. Music is also a great way to get the party started. You don’t need a complicated outdoor sound system for this. You can pick up great speaker for a low cost at your local electronics store that can even be waterproof which is always a bonus when you are hosting outdoor events!

What would an Aussie BBQ be without Seafood?Not only is it almost un-Australian not to have seafood at a barbee, but it’s also an easy way to flex your culinary muscles with lots of delicious recipes out there to be enjoyed.

Depending on how well you know your guests, it could also be a good idea to include some vegetarian/vegan options so you’re not caught out on the night. Supermarkets now stock some great meat substitutions and including some vegetable salads will ensure everyone is happy!

Make sure everyone is feeling comfortable!
Unfortunately, with any outdoor event, you’re at the mercy of the weatherman. If you’re serious about outdoor entertaining, it might be time to invest in some outdoor blinds. Not only will they protect you from the eternal enemy of the Aussie BBQ (the mosquito). They will also protect your guests and your outdoor furniture from the elements and add value to your home.

If its time to upgrade your alfresco area and elevate your outdoor space to a whole new level with our DUX outdoor blinds, give your local service team a call on 13 11 78 today!

Be Bushfire Ready

Posted on by Maddie Grice

The 2019/2020 Australian bushfires are something this generation will not soon forget. From June 2019 to May 2020, bushfires burned out of control across 18.5 million hectares  and destroyed 2,476 homes with black smoke clouding the normally blue summer skies all the way to New Zealand.   As summer approaches us again, it serves as a timely reminder of the importance of having your family and home prepared for bushfire season. The difference between being prepared or unprepared can truly be the difference between life and death.

 

PREPARE YOUR FIRE PLAN

For your family, one of the best things you can do to be prepared is make sure that a plan has been prepared and discussed ahead of time so if there was to be an emergency situation everyone would know what to do and where to go. https://www.myfireplan.com.au is a great resource that can help you and your family make the tough decisions now and develop a step by step plan of how to react if faced with the threat of a bushfire

Leaving is always the safest option, but if your family chooses to stay with your home having more than one plan in place in case things go wrong is always a smart idea.

 

PREPARE YOUR HOME

There are lots of things you can do to prepare your home from not only a bushfire, but dangerous embers that can travel kilometres away from its source. A well prepared home greatly increases its chances of survival in a bushfire.

  • Keep overhanging trees trimmed, grass regularly mowed and any shrubs or bushes neat and tidy
  • Ensure you have readily accessible garden taps and hoses around your home
  • Keep gutters free of debris
  • Repair any damaged or missing tiles on your roof
  • Remove anything highly flammable from around your property

Installing Roller Shutters on windows and having your roof inspected to ensure there are no loose or missing tiles are also excellent precautions to take for bushfire protection.

Roller Shutters offer a front line defence. While regular windows will offer limited protection, Modern Roller Shutters have been scientifically tested by CSIRO to achieve a Bushfire Attack Level BAL-40 when fully closed.

Modern Roller Shutters also have unique Smart-Drive technology which is a battery operated rechargeable shutter that doesn’t run of the mains power, so If the power goes out, the shutter will still operate, making them completely safe if you are inside and need to get out of your home.

 

Ensuring your roof is in good condition will also increase your homes fire level of fire protection. Modern Group can complete a comprehensive 33 point roof inspection check to give you all the information you need on the status of your roof.

Autumn 2020 Roof Restoration Modern Group

 

 

Taking precautions and making preparations now will give your home a fighting chance if faced with flames.

If you have any questions about our Roller Shutters or Roof Inspections our local service team is here to help, you can reach them on 13 11 78.

Preparing your home for Storms

Posted on by Maddie Grice
As an adult, one of the most frustrating things you can experience is the feeling you get when something happens you know you could have stopped had you listened to that little nagging voice in your head.
“I need to remember to get my tires replaced…”
“I really should see the dentist….”
“ I should check when my rego expires.”
You can also add “I should get the place ready in case there is a storm” to the list of important things that deserve more attention than a passing thought.
As homeowners, preparing for storms and extreme weather conditions is a chore that shouldn’t be ignored, especially in Australia, and one that could save you a major headache and a lot of money in the long run.

You can prepare your home for storms by:

• Trimming trees and overhanging branches
• Securing loose items that could be swept up in strong winds such as outdoor furniture and toys
And potentially most importantly, ensuring your roof is ready to keep your family safe and dry.

Signs your roof might need some attention include:

• Water stains on your ceiling and eaves
• Blistering or peeling paint
• Small bits debris that can resemble black sand building up from deteriorating shingles
• Leaks during rain
Unfortunately, we sometimes don’t get much notice when it comes to storms. And by the time you realise something needs to be done, it could be too late. The solution? Be a step ahead of the game and have your roof inspected by industry experts to ensure it is in the best condition possible.
Modern Group can complete a comprehensive 33 point roof inspection check to give you all the information you need on the status of your roof.
When in doubt, have it checked out and don’t wait until it is too late. Take an afternoon to prepare your home for any upcoming wild weather. Your roof protects many precious things so to give yourself peace of mind the next time you settle in to ride out a storm, give your friendly local service team a call on 13 11 78 for a free consultation.

Top Tips for Winning Photos!

Posted on by Maddie Grice

One of our favourite things about Modern, is that we get to help people create their dream homes and we want to celebrate it! If you have a Modern product you love and want to show off, our new competition is for you!

 

Take a photo of your Modern product and upload it to Facebook for your chance to win $500 cash and $100 for your installer… best photo wins!

 

These days, the cameras on our phones are good enough to help us take great photos without the need for any expertise. However, if you’re looking for some extra hits to help get an edge on the competition, here are our top photography tips!

 

Good lighting

Make sure your Modern product is in good lighting to help it look its best! The best lighting for outdoor photography is between 7am-3pm.

Focus

Whether you are using your phone or camera, making sure your Modern product is in focus will ensure that it is a clear, clean photo without any blur! You can set the focus by gently tapping what you want to be the feature of the image.

Adjust exposure

If you can’t get the best light using the sun, you can always fake it! Adjust the exposure level on your phone or camera to increase or decrease the amount of light entering the lens. This can also be edited post shot.

If you are in the shade, experiment with flash.

Although not always necessary, flash can help light up your image and highlight your Modern Product. For a phone, flash is best used within a few feet of the product but some larger cameras can be much more powerful.

 

We cannot wait to see everyone’s photos! If you have any questions about the competition please don’t hesitate to contact us via Facebook, good luck!

Make Sure You’re Covered by your Insurance this Storm Season

Posted on by Maddie Grice

From droughts to floods, fires and cyclones, Australian weather can be unforgiving.

Australians know the importance of having insurance on their homes to protect themselves and their properties from the trials and tests of our weather systems.

Your home insurance should make you feel confident that if the worst were to happen, you are protected because the last thing you need to deal with during hard times is a disagreement with your insurance company.

Depending on your level of cover, there are responsibilities you have as a homeowner to ensure your house is in its good condition to avoid any unnecessary damages. A common problem for homeowners is having Insurance claims regarding roofing dismissed by insurance companies because there has been a lack of maintenance carried out on the roof.

The bad news is, insurance won’t cover any issues related to rusty roofing or gutters, blocked gutters, leaves and debris on the roof or blocked flashings. The good news is these are all preventable issues that can be easily assessed and fixed by trusted roofing experts.

Modern Group offers many different roofing services that cater to lots of different problems including roof cleaning, coating, replacing, restoration as well as guttering and downpipe services.

At the moment, Modern is offering 50% off Gutter replacement with any full roof restoration which makes it the perfect time to get your roof ready for this year’s storm season!
Ts&C’s apply visit www.moderngroup.com.au for more information. For a free consultation, please contact your local service team on 13 11 78!