If you own a home with a basement, you may already have big plans for using it as additional space. Some people use it as an office, mother-in-law suite or even storage. Whatever the purpose you have in mind, keeping the space dry is important. To combat dampness in a basement, common home maintenance tips include purchasing a dehumidifier. This is a low-cost solution that helps to remove much of the humidity in the air. If you have water seeping in through the basement, take a look outside to see if you can divert drainage from your house by using longer gutter hoses. In some cases, you may still have dampness inside the basement. When this happens, you can rely on professional services to help you rectify the problem quickly.

A warm fire can be relaxing and cozy on a cold winter night. But if you live in warmer weather or are worried about the upkeep, you can upgrade your fireplace into a stylish storage area. Clean it out and seal everything up before you start, and pick a paint color that complements your room or leave it as is for a more natural look. Display large glass jars of various shapes and sizes or arrange framed artwork to create a layered look. A tray of candles of varying heights provides that classic warm glow without the work or cost of a traditional wood or gas fire. It's also a great spot for a green plant or your favorite books.

You’ve heard the sage advice to “keep grounded,” right? Well that goes for your house as well as for you. It’s shocking to realize how many homes are not properly grounded. It’s a good bet that much of this problem ties back to amateur electricians or undertrained appliance installers. Some of the rest may involve failed or faulty equipment. With a faulty ground, everything in a home that runs on electricity becomes dangerous. You have a much higher risk of being shocked. There may also be problems with the lights dimming and appliances working properly. A properly grounded system does not usually have these problems. It might be a good idea to ask a licensed electrician to give your home an electrical health-check. You never know what might turn up.

Does your ceiling have a small plastic barrier to separate the attic insulation from the drywall? Here’s how to find and fix a leak in this area. Step 1 Move aside the insulation. Look for any stains indicating water flow on the plastic barrier. Step 2 If you can’t spot any water stains on the plastic barrier, start looking for “shiners”. These are nails that weren’t properly nailed into the frame while the roof was being attached. Step 3 Once you have found the shiner, all you have to do is use a pair of side-cutting pliers and snip it right off.

There are many ways to create a more energy efficient kitchen, but few changes will make a bigger impact than addressing your major appliances. If your refrigerator, dishwasher or oven are more than 10 years old or aren't energy star certified, it may be time for an upgrade. Older appliances may not run efficiently, wasting more energy in order to function day-to-day. While there is an initial investment cost, the savings over time on water and electricity can be significant. You'll also give your kitchen a sleek new look with beautiful and modern upgrades. However, don't stop with just purchasing a new item; make sure you maintain it and keep it clean. A well-cared-for appliance will last longer and perform more efficiently, so follow the manufacturer's recommendations for regular maintenance.

One of the arguably most fun parts of home décor is the incorporation of different textures. In winter, many people seek the indoors for warmth and coziness, so bring both function and aesthetics to your home with bold textures! Knitted blankets and even sweaters can break apart plain designs and give something comfortable to cuddle up with. Materials with sheen or brightness give a pop to any part of a room, whether it's a colorful velvet or neutral metallic. Soft faux fur is wonderful to touch and a fun addition to a smooth surface. Rough or ruffled accents work too. Consider using imitation leaves or tinsel to add something different and rich to the senses. Get creative and try to add one or two unique textures to any room!