Connect it

Finding a way to connect your garden with the inside of your home will make both your inside and outside areas look way larger, and enable you to enjoy seeing more of your gorgeous garden from inside. Installing a sliding screen door or even bifold doors to connect your house to your garden will open up the inside of your home significantly, as well as make you more likely to want to get out and make use of it. With the right screens and security doors, you can feel open to your garden without security risks.

Change the elevation

Playing around with the elevation in your garden can do wonders for your ability to make the most of a small space. Whether you add a series of steps or just build up a small area, your plants will compete less with each other if they are at different heights. Make sure that none are blocking others from accessing important resources such as water and light.

Climb the walls

Make sure you use absolutely every inch of your garden, and if things aren’t already growing up the walls, encourage them to do so. Hanging plants offer fantastic ways to make the most of the higher parts of your garden space, and are perfect for growing various types of herbs.

Mobile options

Using potted or hanging plants as part of your garden setup will make it easy for you to move things around and try out a few different systems. This will allow you to find that perfect way to arrange your garden that has everything growing and thriving to its maximum. You will also get more out of this type of garden if you ever have to move, because you can take your garden with you, rather than having to leave it behind.

Put tools away

Leaving garden tools lying around your garden will mean you are wasting space, especially if large tools like lawn mowers and rakes are left scattered around. Either find a way to store your tools in some sort of shed, keep them in the garage or bring them inside the house.

Making the most of your small garden can mean you are able to enjoy it far more and will hopefully help establish your garden area as one of your favourite parts of your home. You may also be able to save yourself a significant amount of money on your grocery bills.

Australian International Furniture Fair

For the absolute latest in furniture and furnishings, this is the place to be. Hundreds of exhibitors will have you up to date on the latest trends, and perhaps even inspire you to create a look of your own. Held at the Sydney Convention Centre, this design event attracts thousand of people every year.

Grand Designs Australia

Between September 21-23 this year in Melbourne, and then from October 5-7 in Sydney, the latest in interior design will be on show during what is one of Australia’s largest design trade shows. A spin-off of the popular television show, this is where you will find the latest and greatest in interior design.

Sydney Home Show

Few trade events are as large or influential as the Sydney Home Show, held from May 31 to June 3 this year. Featuring over 300 exhibitors and attracting tens of thousands of people each year, the Sydney Home Show showcases everything from kitchens and bathrooms to stylish security screens and sustainable design. If you want to get a sense of the latest in interior design in Australia and influences from around the world, the Sydney Home Show always has a few cutting edge treats and new surprises.

Decoration and Design

Held at the Melbourne Convention Centre from July 19-22 will be one of the most serious events of the year as far as the interior design industry goes. Featuring hundreds of exhibitors, speakers discussing the latest industry developments, and industry workshops, if you’re only going to one trade show this year, go to this one.

Design Ex

Considered to be the leading Australian Architecture and Interior Design event, Design Ex will be held again this year in Sydney from May 14-16 at the Sydney Convention Centre. With a strong focus on local and independent designers, this trade-only show has been inspiring creative minds for the past 20 years and will feature the latest styles in everything from counter tops to security windows.

Whether you are an industry professional or just someone trying to make a few changes around the home, attending industry trade shows is a great way to get a few new ideas, especially when it comes to coming up with a new look. If you’re thinking of painting, getting some new furniture, or are just curious about the latest in design for the home, you’re bound to get your money’s worth at these massive events. For those who make furniture or who are trying to spread an interior design trend, this is your big chance, so get yourself a booth.

Rocks

A simple way to subdivide your yard is to use large stones to create partitions, making it clear which section is which, without needing to build or dig anything. Rocks are a smart choice for a way to quickly create a partition that is extremely cheap and can easily be moved later on if need be. Even if you’re planning a more serious partition, you should probably mark it out first in rocks.

Walls

Sometimes you need a solid partition in your yard — for example, if you have a large dog that you are trying to contain. Building a wall can involve a lot of work or just a little, depending on what you need. Your options are plentiful, ranging from concrete and bricks to lattice and chicken wire. Wooden screen doors are another element that can play an effective part in a partitioning solution.

Water

Using water to partition your yard can be very effective. Whether you build a stream, a fountain or a fishpond, your best bet is to do it in a way that is as natural as possible, because if you have to use pumps to move the water around, you are wasting energy as well as money.

Plants

It can be really effective to create little nooks and hidden parts to your backyard, and if you aren’t in any rush, it is best to do it the natural way — with plants. Growing plants to create defined areas in your backyard will make it seem more interesting while maintaining its natural look. While having the potential to provide a great deal of privacy, plants can also help disguise home security screens, making your place look less ‘cagey’ without being any less safe.

Trenches

If you are trying to keep something out, trenches can be a good way to mark a barrier, though they can pose dangers if you’re not careful.

Art

Using creative structures and materials to partition up a yard is becoming an increasingly popular option, with some incredible partitions including bicycle fences and paths lined with golf clubs, lights or garden gnomes. You can use old sporting equipment to section off an area, or even car parts. Be sure to undertake plenty of planning before you begin.

No matter how you go about it, partitioning your yard is a fantastic and rewarding idea, as it is one of the few opportunities you’ll have to be truly creative in your home. It’s your yard, so go ahead and do something awesome with it.

Why?

Having a way to increase the airflow in your home is important for a number of reasons. First of all, if the air isn’t circulating, your place will soon start to smell, so unless you’re content with burning a lot of incense, make sure you have your air moving around. Apart from the smell, it is unhealthy to spend much time breathing in air that isn’t circulating, so unless you want to get sick, get the air moving around as much and as often as you can. Even during the winter, it is a good idea to air the house out quite regularly.

How?

There are two main ways to get the air moving around in your place — the natural way, or by using an air conditioner. Air conditioners are fast and effective, though they use a lot of energy and pretty much just recycle the same air over and over, which is far less healthy than the natural method. Your best bet is to simply open up your place.

While opening the windows is a good start as far as circulating the air, you need to have as many sources of air flow as possible, making screen doors perfect. Regardless of the type of screen door, having another way for air to come in while still keeping insects out can be incredible. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a cool breeze blowing through on a warm summer evening.

Having both a front and back screen door is best, as you can create quite a steady airflow between them. However, if this isn’t possible, one screen door is way better than none. The better airflow will mean a healthier environment, which while always important, is especially crucial if you have young children.

Security

Gone are the days when utilising a screen door meant that you had to compromise your home’s security, as these days you can get a whole range of security screens that will keep you completely safe while still allowing the breeze in. Unlike the early generation of security doors, modern models add to the look as well as the safety of your home, and come in an increasingly large array of styles and colours.

Even though you’re best to close all windows and doors during the heat of the day, when it starts to cool off you need to find every possible way to have the breeze coming through your place. Whether it’s been a scorching hot day or not, airing out your place is simply good practice, so make sure all of your windows and doors have screens so you can have the air flowing right through your home.

The study found the following to be the case.

• 25% of all respondents had been broken into at least once.
• People who live in Brisbane suffered a higher percentage of home break-ins than in other regional areas.
• 83% of all respondents know of someone who has had their home broken into.
• 24,955 homes were broken into during 2011; with over 10,000 break-ins in Brisbane, 2900 in the Gold Coast and 2300 each in Cairns and Townsville.
• There were 8,781 cases of people having items stolen from their Queensland homes.
• 48% of all respondents said they feared leaving their homes unattended, as it would risk being broken into.
• 26% of all respondents said they had suffered a home intrusion, which is defined as having been in the home when someone has broken in.
• 30% of all respondents admitted that they sometimes left their homes unlocked.
• 450 home break-ins take place across Queensland in an average week.
• The study found that the majority of home-related crime appeared to be opportunistic in nature rather than planned or premeditated.

The following is the list of the top areas of Queensland for RACQ home theft claims.

• Underwood
• Annerly
• Fairfield
• Fairfield Gardens
• Calamvale
• Drewvale
• Stretton
• Kuraby
• Acacia Ridge
• Heathwood
• Larapinta
• Willawong
• Greenslopes
• Stones Corner

The most popular items stolen from homes were the following.

• Jewellery
• Laptops
• Digital Cameras
• Cash
• Games
• Big Screen Televisions
• iPods

What the findings mean

The RACQ findings have been interpreted in a number of different ways, with some experts blaming the state’s lack of police officers and resources, while others highlight the foolishness of Queenslanders in leaving their homes unsecured. Many point to rising levels of poverty and increasing desperation among elements of the community. Regardless, most security experts agree that having and using some sort of alarm or security system will make your home considerably safer. Doors and windows remain the most common access points for a break-in, making security doors and security windows smart items to invest in.

The RACQ findings have unnerved many average Queenslanders, though many are not surprised by the findings of the study and hope that it will spark enough concern that real solutions can finally be found. In the meantime, it seems that, as always, it is up to you to keep your home, property and family safe.

1. Security Screens

Along with security doors in your everyday entry points, security screens can be fitted over your windows act by deterring burglars from gaining quick entry through breaking glass. The best security screens are proven to withstand heavy force, or even knife cuts and jemmying.

They’re superior to windows and bars as they form a solid physical barrier with significant aesthetic appeal. These security screens can be personalised to suit any design and window shape. Lightweight and attractive, security screens are one of the premier options for securing your window areas.

Some of the key advantages of security screens include:

• Multiple benefits in one. Although security screens combine the benefits of fly screens, window grilles, locks, bars, and bolts, security screens look elegant and provide exceptional aesthetic benefits.
• Personalisation. Some suppliers and manufacturers can provide a personalise product to suit your windows or outdoor space.
• Performance. The latest design technology means that modern security screens can withstand physical attacks, heavy force, jemmying, pulling, and even heavy duty knife force. And while alarms can alert you if a burglar gains entry through your window, a security screen deters the intruder before entry.

2. Tempered and Laminated Glass

Another security option for your windows is using enforced glass materials. Applying hurricane film or using tempered or laminated glass can make it more difficult for intruders to gain entry by smashing glass windows. There is also the additional benefit of protecting young children in the event of accidental glass smashing from indoors, or if extreme weather events damages your glass windows.

However, strengthen the glass materials in your windows won’t provide any visual deterrence or completely protect your home from intruders. Furthermore, while any laminated glass window may take longer to break through and thus delay break-in, the burglar can still gain easy access with repeated blows.

3. Tinting

Windows can be tinted to a darker colour to reduce visual access from the outside. Along with privacy benefits, tinting can make it more difficult to ascertain whether you’re home, or make it hard to tell if you have any valuable items on the property. Tinting may have the added advantage of keeping your house cooler in summer by reducing the amount of sunlight in your west or east facing rooms.

However, tinting obviously provides no physical protection against intruders who gain entry by breaking glass windows. Consequently, tinting is best used as part of a broader strategy for securing your windows.

Quick Tips for Securing Window Areas

Security screens offer multifaceted protection for your windows by creating a physical barrier that’s difficult to penetrate. Other than security screens, homeowners and businesses can consider removing hiding spaces around window areas and improving lighting. These additional strategies will act to discourage intruders during daylight hours and after sunset.

1.  Add Security Measures

With around 36 per cent of Australians believing that their house is likely to be burgled in the next 12 months (according to the Australian Institute of Criminology), security measures are very likely to massively enhance the value of your property and boost your rental property returns. In addition to creating strong physical barriers with security doors, landlords can opt to update locks and alarms, add a peephole, provide a few outdoor floodlights, and/or install an intercom system.

2.  Cleanliness

Keeping the property tidy and clean is an underrated strategy for improving rental returns. Give your property a spring clean and quick facelift with any of the following tips, all of which can be completed in the space of a single afternoon.

• Paint. Give bedrooms or living rooms a fresh coat of paint. You can also consider painting the window frames and doors for a new look. Lighter colours not only lighten up the place, they can bring a sense of spaciousness and make any space look bigger than it is.
• Garden. A messy and unkempt garden can turn tenants away. Keep gardens well maintained.
• Carpet. Have the carpet professionally cleaned.
• Bathrooms and kitchens. Tenants are especially sensitive to cleanliness in bathrooms and kitchens. Make sure these are spotless. Upgrade old mirrors and use bright light bulbs.

3.   Add an Outdoor Space

Tenants value outdoors spaces highly, as they enhance the utility and enjoyment of any rental property. Examples include an outdoor kitchen, pergola, veranda, deck, patio, and even carport.

• Install a barbeque or cooking area. Build a barbeque or fit out a mini outdoor kitchen with some basic appliances.
• Build a deck or patio. A favourite outdoor space for people of all ages, decks and patios can be built very quickly and relatively easily. Extraordinary decks can be created with extras such as security screens.
• Courtyard. A simple courtyard just outside your indoor kitchen can be created with tiles or paving and some attractive outdoor furniture.
• Carport. Tenants love additional carports. These can be created quickly with portable awning.

4.  Simple Improvements to the Kitchen or Bathroom

The kitchen and bathroom are one of the most important areas for rental properties. Simple improvements can have an exponential effect on rental yields and help attract great tenants.

• Taps and sinks. These are relatively inexpensive to replace, yet they can completely alter the look of your kitchen or bathroom.
• Tiles. Tiles can be painted over with a quick DIY project. Alternatively, landlords may choose to have them replaced by a professional.
• Whitegoods and appliances. Upgrade whitegoods for furnished properties, and upgrade fixtures such as a dishwashers and air conditioners.

1. Design

Prevention is always the best solution. As such, good store design should form the core of your security strategy. Creating strong deterrence against after-hours theft can be achieved with security doors. This can enhance the visual appeal of your store even while serving as a very strong physical barrier against quick breakage. Likewise, windows can be fitted with security screens.

Store design itself can also be vital. Ensure that, to exit, customers must pass through the register area, close to staff. Smaller and more valuable items can be locked away in class cabinets or behind the counter. Dressing rooms should be kept unlocked and brightly lit, and staff can be trained as to appropriate dressing room customer service.

2. Lighting

Good lighting can deter theft and eliminate blind spots. Dark corners or narrow aisles can be brightened up with strong lights that support any surveillance cameras or mirrors fitted in your stores.

3. Surveillance

Surveillance is a crucial security element in any retail space. Some key surveillance tools include:

• Video cameras. Use video cameras in corners or difficult to see spots in the store.
• Mirrors. Mirrors can enhance visual surveillance and act as a good deterrence tool. Place them in corners and aisles far from the register(s), high up close to ceilings.
• Alarms. Alarms provide an additional security measure for retail spaces after hours. They can also form a part of your security tag system.
• Recording. Most retail stores will keep surveillance tapes on file. Establish a policy for recording and monitoring tapes, as well as for the storage of surveillance tapes.
• Security tags. A security tag system can help significantly reduce theft and eliminate the need for guards or extra staff.

4. Staff Training

Your staff team is your partner in any retail space security strategy. Train your staff in good customer processes and to monitor your stores effectively.

• Cash handling. Do your stores have fixed cash handling procedures that set out clear expectations to staff? For example, cash to be banked must be counted and collected out of public view. For transporting large cash amounts, many retail and banking outlets use guards.
• Bag checks. If your products can’t be fitted with tags, you may find it useful to implement a random bag check policy at exit points. Strengthening video surveillance is another otpion.
• Handling expensive or special items. Jewellery, watches, and small electronic devices that are usually locked up will need staff attention when customers want to examine the items. Provide staff members with a clear guidance policy for handling these items in this situation.
• Adequate staff numbers. Are your stores adequately staffed? Staffing levels can contribute to improved security.
• Monitoring. Train staff members to monitor for suspicious behaviour. Provide staff with guidance on appropriate responses and actions.

1. Surveillance and Alarms

The latest security cameras can be set up to enable any residence or commercial space to be monitored from a remote location. With a TV, notebook, mobile touchpad, or smartphone, home owners (or business owners) can log in and immediately gain a visual perspective.

You may also be able to view camera feeds over the internet from your notebook or smartphone. These security camera systems and alarms can be programmed to automatically activate when they sense motion in the area.

Advantages

Relatively inexpensive to set up, and offers remote surveillance from potentially anywhere in the world.

Limitations

Requires real-time monitoring. For surveillance, homeowners or business owners may need to watch hours of tape.

2. Remote Control of Entry Points

Access control may not only prove useful and convenient for homeowners and businesses, it can be a good security tool to have on hand, and provide an extra layer to existing physical security tool such as locks and security screens.

Entry control is a must for any business; for large homes, it can enhance your existing security and alarm system. The latest access control systems can be incorporated into the home automation system (where applicable).

These systems use individual user codes to grant access, an intercom and/or video camera system for remote unlocking, as well as automatic door locks. They may also incorporate remote opening of gates, outside doors, and garage doors for added convenience and security.

In commercial application, access control systems may even be integrated with IT systems to allow managers to monitor who entered and left the building and at what time. With the internet and wireless technology, monitoring and granting access can all be done offsite, and even from the other side of the world.

Advantages

Excellent monitoring and convenience features.

Limitations

Like remote surveillance, remote access control is a passive tool for home security, and best used in conjunction with other security features.

3. General Home Automation

While home automation has generally been associated with providing a centralised control system for features such as lighting, heating, air conditions, and appliances, the latest home automation systems incorporate some level of security.

Home automation system can integrate your surveillance, alarm, and access control systems into the same control panel or automation system. Other security features may include remote opening and closing of curtains and blinds, switching on lighting, or operation of electrical appliances such as a TV or stereo system to create the sense that someone is home. These systems can also improve safety by detecting fire breakouts or gas and water leaks.

Advantages

Allows you to integrate surveillance, alarms, and access control system into the same control panel.

Limitations

Incompatible standards and high prices have made home automation less accessible to the average user than it otherwise might have been. For security purposes, home automation systems can only provide monitoring or alarm benefits, and not deterrence.

In summary, automation, alarms, and surveillance can only go so far in protecting your home or commercial space. Creating very strong physical barriers such as those with security screens and doors should form the core of any security system.

Home

You probably won’t be able to take all your valuables with you on your trip, so do keep your home secure and present an appearance of being home. Security doors can be used to secure your entry points, while windows, screens, and other outdoor spaces can benefit from security screens.

If you’re using a call-out alarm, make sure it’s programmed to call the number of someone in the country who will be able to come and check out your house and to turn the alarm off if required. Other tools, such as outdoor lighting and time indoor lights can also be used to keep the home safe. Finally, enlist the help of a neighbour who is happy keep a look out for you.

Airports and Transit Points

Make sure you know what can be taken on the plane before you pack. Airlines, especially those in the United State, often have strict guidelines which can be checked on their websites.

• It goes without saying that any valuables should be packed in your carry-on baggage.
• Use locks on all luggage pieces to be checked in.
• For extra peace of mind, some airports have merchants who offer optional luggage wrap services for a fee.
• Don’t keep your luggage unattended in transit points.
• Know what you’re carrying and never accept packages from strangers.

At the Hotel

It’s important not to take security for granted in your hotel. Theft can happen anywhere – from roadside motels to five-star luxury accommodation.

• If you have heavy and valuable items, such as a laptop or electronic equipment, ask the hotel to keep your items in their safe rather than keeping it in the safe in your room.
• Don’t leave jewellery or cash lying around. In some countries, cash left on your night table may be mistaken for a tip.
• Use your Do Not Disturb door tag if you’d prefer to keep your room undisturbed.
• Packing is often the best time to keep your things safe. If it’s heavy and expensive, think twice about taking it with you.

In the Car

For road trip holidays, use these tips to keep your car and its contents safe:

• Load and keep your valuables hidden before you reach the parking lot. For example, if you’re staying a motel with a shared parking area or parking your car by the beach for a few hours, pull over and place valuables in the boot before you arrive to avoid broadcasting you have valuables stowed away.
• If you’re parking your car in a strange place overnight, choose your parking space carefully. Look for high-traffic places rather than isolated corners.
• Use a parking service or garage if you have any doubts about leaving your car by the road.
• Before you leave your car, lock away your GPS units, car kits, music players, and cover your in-car TV or DVD player.