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A child’s bedroom is one of the places where they spend most of their time. It follows then that you want the space to reflect the personality of your child. Decorating your child’s room also opens up a world of creativity and has the potential to be one of the most fun and colourful projects you’ll come across. A lot of parents make the mistake of just throwing things together but taking the time to style the room is very important.

As a start, you should factor in safety and functionality. Some items like furniture need to be baby proofed. Secondly, styling the space allows you to merge it with the rest of the house. Lastly, you can control your budget as you style the room. Admittedly, the experience can become daunting if you are not sure what you are going for. One important thing to consider is window coverings. Do you use plantation shutters or not? Curtains or blinds? To get you started, here are three reasons window coverings are important for styling the room:

1. Safety

Whenever you want to buy a new cot, for example, you must meet standards for whether the cot is deep enough, or whether the bars are the right distance apart. The same goes for window treatments. Do not get caught up in the rush to make everything flawless in one day that you forget to consider the safety of your child.

Can your pick incorporate window guards? What about safety devices? Will the child be under direct sunlight? Can your pick be child-proofed? You need to be able to answer these questions adequately before you can pick child and baby room window furnishings. In this article, you will find a list of dos and don’ts when it comes to the safety of your child.

2. Window coverings help to balance function and form

Plantation shutters can be a great window furnishing to pick for your baby’s room. They will work to filter out light should your baby need to sleep during the day. That way, you get the ultimate balance of privacy and reducing glare. At the same time, the difficulty of making sure that something is practical, easy to use and aesthetic is sorted. You can use the these designs to help fit the space to your other needs.

Child and baby room plantation shutters also help in the fact that they are they can be fitted to many window shapes. As a rule, always choose tranquil colours for your baby’s room. They have a nurturing and calming effect. You can find some ideas here.

3. Window coverings will affect space

Whatever you choose to install on your windows will form an important part of the design and space. Plantation shutters are lightweight and can be customised for the size of your window.

Note that as soon as you get your window covering right, you will then have to consider the other parts of the room. At best, plantation shutters are a starting point. You will need to consider other things like how to design the nursery so that the baby can grow there or how to choose storage options that suit your needs.

How Modern can help to transform your child’s bedroom              

The team at Modern can help you to pick the best child and baby room plantation shutters. They can install them and ensure that they are baby safe. The team at Modern can help turn your child’s bedroom into a beautiful, elegant yet functional living space. Protected from prying eyes while also sheltering your baby from the harsh Australian sun, plantation shutters will be the perfect addition to any bedroom. Contact us today to learn more.

Nothing beats a good old barbecue in Australia. In the warmer months, you get the opportunity to enjoy your outdoor space more frequently. With an outdoor barbecue, you can enjoy a relaxed weekend or afternoon with your family. You get to bond and catch up on each other’s lives while enjoying the privacy of your backyard.

If you are the kind of person who likes to entertain guests, a good barbecue space will serve your friends well. You can accommodate where they will stand or sit and the activities that you like to do. For example, people who like to play board games can have a fun time designing the space to suit that purpose.

Lastly, should you decide to sell your home, you can rely on the space to add value to your property. However, you will need to make sure that the design is pleasing and practical. To help you create the perfect outdoor area, here are five points to consider:

1. Decide on the design and the location

The design of your outdoor space for barbecuing will need to integrate seamlessly with the style and décor of your home. It is important to remember that your outdoor space is not an independent entity. While at it, make sure that the design complements your landscape design. You want to have the outdoor space workable in every season one way you can go about it is to consider using louvre shutters. They help to protect the space all year round from harsh weather conditions.

Part of how well the design turns out will depend on the location. Consider where in your outdoor space you will want to have the barbecue area. At the very least, you may have to lay down flooring that is suitable. Consider how close the place is to the house. Choosing a central location is always important as you do not want to have to trek back and forth to get what you need.

2. Will you need an outdoor kitchen?

A great addition to add to your barbecue area is installing an outdoor kitchen, making it easier to prepare food while you BBQ and socialise. Even if your space is limited, make sure you find a place that allows room for a fridge and a sink that caters to your needs. An under-bench fridge can work well to keep your beverages cold while not taking away from your counter space.

If the plan is that you have over a couple of guests, you will want to think about an outdoor space alongside your barbecue. That way, you will not need to make countless trips in and out of the house. You can install built-in bench tops and cupboards to function as serving and prepping stations. You can furnish them with utensil holders to make every hangout simple enough and make important items easy to find.

3. Build a deck

You can opt to build a deck in your barbecue area. To do this, you will need to pick the right materials and the proper size. Before building ensure that you check if it meets the standards of safety in your area. A decking professional can help with the perfect design.

Regardless of the type of barbecue unit you choose, you will want to consider things like flooring. Timber decking is an excellent option for a classic look. If you want a less demanding option, you can go for pavers, which work well on lawns. A third option would be pebbles as they will require little maintenance and cleaning to take care of things like spills.

Another important thing when building the deck is to think about shading. Some people opt for ceilings and roofs and then they get ceiling fans and downlights to provide airflow and light. For others, the better option is to have shade sails and pergola roofing. Whatever the case, your option needs to suit your needs and the weather.

When building the deck, you can have aluminium louvre shutters installed to provide privacy and security. Louvre shutters are an appealing choice because they make sure the space does not feel enclosed and stuffy, providing air flow and allowing great views of your backyard.  

4. Choosing your barbecue

The most fun part about having the perfect outdoor barbecue area has to be making it fit your dream. Do you want a trolley barbecue or a kettle one? Maybe a small grill would be a better option if your space is small? What about a gas barbecue that is portable? Choosing the proper unit will depend on how big your space is, how you plan to entertain your guests and what your budget is.

5. Consider your options for entertaining

An outdoor set of chairs and a table might be a good place to start. Make sure that your picks are not just comfortable but are also all-weather proof. You can also include an outdoor spa or bar depending on the kind of entertainment you want to offer.

Creating the perfect outdoor area in time for Christmas is achievable. A few changes to your current outdoor set up will make the area seem fresh and new. Louvre shutters are a great way to close in your BBQ area while still feeling like you are “outside”.

Contact the team at Modern today to see how we can help you create an amazing BBQ area.

Putting in place systems to meet your home security needs can seem like a daunting and expensive task, however, without a security system you can be more at risk than those who have a security system in place. For starters, without a secure home, your family is in danger of harm from intruders, whether they be wild animals or malicious individuals. A security system, therefore, protects your loved ones and gives you peace of mind. Secondly, home security is about preparation in case of an injury, for example. Most security systems, such as alarms, have a feature that allows you to call for help in distress.

Additionally, you can rest assured knowing that your valuables are safe. Fortunately, there are many ways to improve your home security, some easier than others. Seven cheap ways include:

Meeting your neighbours

Your neighbours could save your life and that of your loved ones in case of a home invasion. Neighbours are usually well acquainted with the local area and can help to watch your home when you are not around. It is important to make an effort to meet new neighbours and establish relationships that give you people you can rely on. If there is a neighbourhood watch, you can join it and help each other keep the neighbourhood safe.

Evaluating the vulnerabilities of your home

Do you have Australian made roller shutters? Did you simply take them at the word of the professionals that the shutters provide security? Well, you can perform a mock burglary to see if they are as effective as advertised. Walk around your house or have a family member or friend do it for you, and see what areas are not secure. It is important to do this both in the day and at night. This exercise helps you to know what security features need an upgrade.

Finding your resources

You do not need to have a robbery in progress to look for the contacts of the neighbourhood watch or emergency services. You can find and keep important information such as how to contact the local police, fire brigade and ambulance service for a rainy day. Be sure to keep this information accessible, like pinning it on the fridge or saving important numbers in your phone.

Design a plan

Having security measures in place is an excellent place to start in terms of home security. Generally speaking, what do you do when your security measures fail? Have rules for opening doors for strangers, for example, locking the doors, and using the alarm system. Also, have your family members learn the exit strategy in case of an emergency.

Securing your home when on holiday

You may be leaving to take a break, but security takes no holidays. Have a plan in place for when you are away. For example, have a friend or neighbour pick up mail from the letterbox so that it does not pile up. Organise for someone to mow your lawn occasionally to give the impression of occupancy. You can also give a trusted neighbour your keys to periodically open the roller shutters during the day.

Keeping your valuables hidden

Look at your house from the outside. If there is something valuable that you can see, be sure to lock it away. While at it, keep an inventory of your valuables so that you can track them in case of a break-in.

Upgrading your defences

So, you have identified the weaknesses in your home, what’s next? Be sure to strengthen your security system. For example, use Australian made roller shutters on windows. Have solid core locks on the doors and if necessary, introduce bars and grills.

How Modern can help secure your home

The professional team at Modern can help you to pick the best kind of shutters for your home. They can install and help you test them to see if they are secure. If you are concerned about your home security, contact the friendly team at Modern to learn more about how you can protect your home and family.

Moving from living in a townhouse or apartment into a house with a big backyard can be exciting and filled with many possibilities…Do you plant trees? Do you take up gardening? Do you add a pond or a walkway? The options are endless.

For dog owners, they must also consider their four-legged friends as they employ their creativity and style their landscape. Otherwise, the dog might wreak havoc. One way to factor in your pet is to use louvre shutters to give them a comfortable living area.

What is a louvre shutter?

It is a horizontal slat, often angled to admit air and light while keeping away the sun and rain. Available in a large range of designs, colours and folding options louvre shutters can be a great addition to any home. Originally, louvres were used on top of roof holes in kitchens to provide ventilation while keeping snow and the rain out. They were crude; made of a barrel, mainly. Over time, they have evolved to accommodate elaborate designs and materials, giving the homeowner more options than they could have asked for.

Besides design, the louvres have also expanded to accommodate different materials. Modern ones can be made of glass, wood, aluminium or metal. They are often closed using a pulley system or motorised operators.

Why does a dog need protection?

Having established that louvre shutters serve to protect against the sun, rain and other weather elements, one might ask why their pet would need protection. For starters, dogs heat up easily. In fact, they are more prone to dehydration than humans. Additionally, dogs also get sunburned, more so on ears and the nose. To this end, making sure that your dog has access to water is extremely important to prevent dehydration on hot summer days, as well as shading the pavement and the main outdoor living area for your furry friend.

Secondly, if they are short-haired, they need an extra layer of protection. In winter, your dog could easily be covered in frost or stay wet throughout the night when the temperature drops more than during the day. Thirdly, harsh wind may cause your dogs bedding, toys and even water bowl to blow around if not appropriately sheltered.

How louvre shutters can help to create shelter for dogs

Modern louvre shutters not only decorate your outdoor area, but they also provide air ventilation. You can use them, for example, to keep the dog comfortable. Dogs love to wander and play throughout the day. However, if there are no fully shaded areas, they are prone to becoming either too hot or too cold, providing an uncomfortable environment for the dog.

Louvre Shutters have come a long way since the first time they were used, thanks to technology. Now, you can employ them to serve various functions while at the same time, serving decorative purposes. If you want to learn more about how louvre shutters can create the perfect outdoor area for your dog, contact Modern!

The winter is finally over, and you are just beginning to catch on to the excitement of spring. As you think of ways to enjoy the outdoors, one place to start is your backyard. On days when you are in no mood for a hike or a visit to the beach, you can curl up with a good book or host a barbecue right there. Having the right outdoor pieces in your backyard then becomes essential.

When hosting people, you want them to have a comfortable space to sit and relax. Secondly, you want the space to be protected from the weather. No one enjoys roasting meat under the hot sun or reading in a windy space. The right outdoor items will facilitate your activities comfortably.

In the end, your outdoor space will provide a place to rest and relax for several months. It needs to be perfect for the job. Whether it will serve for relaxation or entertainment, it also needs to be within your budget. Here are six items you need in your backyard:

1. Patio Chairs

If you plan to spend time in your backyard, you will need a place to sit. You can have different designs of lawn chairs placed in different places in the backyard to serve different needs and moods. Patio chairs serve comfort. However, be sure to have them complement one another. One way to work around this is to place them around a small table. The best part, there is something for every price range and design need.

2. Native Bird Feeders

If you are looking to make your backyard beautiful, one way to go at it is to attract native birds. These birds will give your home a sense of serenity and oneness with nature. Bear in mind that bird feeders come in many shapes, designs and sizes. You want something that will not only look good in your backyard but will also be easy to clean and maintain. Alternately, investing in some native plants will help to draw wildlife into your backyard all year round.

3. Outdoor Rugs

Outdoor rugs have become a common trend. People use these rugs to protect the floor from foreign particles and dust. However, if you make a stylish pick, you can be sure to change the look of your backyard. As a rule of thumb, pick a material that can withstand foot traffic, the weather conditions and can wash easily. You can place your chairs and tables around the rugs to create a lasting evening setting.

4. Patio Umbrella

A patio umbrella can offer a fully shaded spot in your backyard. You can use it to refresh your swimming pool if you own one, as well as providing sun protection. The umbrella also makes your space look different. If you play with colours, you can create a contrast that your guests will enjoy looking at. On the quieter days, patio umbrellas can provide the perfect location for candlelit dinners with loved ones during summer nights.

5. LED Floodlights

You can use LED floodlights to illuminate the dark spaces in your outdoor space. Depending on how you use them, the lights may also serve to highlight the best parts of your lawn or a feature area. A floodlight makes your backyard easily accessible at night.

6. Aluminium Louvre Shutters

Aluminium louvre shutters help to provide protection from the sun and add another level of privacy. They are a perfect way to protect your outdoor items. You can use these shutters to subdivide your backyard into different spaces and experiment with design. No matter what the weather, louvre shutters will enable you to enjoy your outdoor area all summer long.

How Modern can help

Aluminium Louvre Shutters are an excellent way to decorate your backyard. They infuse the space with a unique style and personality. Additionally, they serve to protect you, your guests and your outdoor pieces from the weather elements like the wind. The team at Modern can help you to pick out and install the shutters in a way that fits in with your design preferences. If you are interested, contact Modern to learn more about our Aluminium Louvre Shutters.

Preparing your house for auction may seem like a daunting task. But with help of a good agent and some creative home improvements, the process can be quite simple. By doing whatever you can to present your home in its best possible light, you are significantly improving the chances of a successful sale when auction day comes around.

1. Curb appeal

Potential buyers are visual creatures. If people don’t like what they see from the outside of the home, chances are they are less likely to be interested in inspecting the home’s interior. Aesthetics aside, a lot of potential buyers want to move into a home which doesn’t require too much work. If the exterior of the home is old and tired and presents a huge project, it could put people off. ‘Curb appeal’ refers to improving the area that potential buyers see as they drive up to your home. This includes the front doorstep, driveway, front garden, fence, windows and roof. Perform your own inspection by assessing what your house looks like from the street and see what you can do to improve its appearance. This can include trimming back overgrown hedges, fixing a broken fence, and pressure washing the driveway.

2. Painting

A new coat of paint can easily transform a house’s interior and add value to your property. Painting rooms in neutral, light colours will instantly update the home and make smaller rooms appear larger. Sticking to neutral tones is a smart option, since this colour scheme is timeless and suits every home no matter the style, size or location. A fresh coat of paint also gives off that feeling of ‘newness’, making buyers more inclined to put in an offer. If all potential buyers need to do is move their furniture in, then it gives them more incentive to consider buying the property. Pay attention to doors, window ledges and finishings, especially in the areas that get a lot of foot-traffic. Hallways, kitchens and living rooms are prime spaces to update with new paint.

3. Smarter styling

If you’re on a budget, there are some easy and smarter ways to improve the home without investing in too much time or money. This includes adding some accessories and accents to dress up the home and improve each space without having to renovate. Try buying coloured cushions for the living room and match them to indoor plants or vases to add some accented colour to the room. Another great way to improve a rooms interior and exterior aesthetic is by investing in new curtains or shutters. Plantation shutters are a quick and stylish way to instantly add value to your property.

4. Restoration and maintenance

Dripping taps, sagging gutters, missing roof tiles – all of these things that may seem minor can make a huge difference at auction. These jobs can be easily done on your own, or you can hire a handyman to do it for you. Improving these little drawbacks will give the house an up-to-date appearance and will save the potential buyer from having to do it all themselves. For roofs in poor condition, consider a roof restoration, an affordable solution to restore the former quality, life and look of your roof.

5. Find the right agent

Choosing the right real estate agent will make all the difference to a successful auction sale. Make sure you do your research and compare real estate agents to find the right one for you. Have an open and honest discussion about your expectations and be sure that you’re on board with their marketing and advertising strategy.

An agent’s commission is anywhere between 1% to 5% of the overall sale price. There is no cap on the commission agents can charge, and rates vary from state to state. Be sure that you both agree when it comes to price before everything is written down and signed.