New home? How to make it stylish and safe for you and your family

Are you lucky enough to get the keys to your new home soon? Or have you just moved in? Before you really get started decorating, it's smart to clean your new home from top to bottom and inspect everything thoroughly. Check for minor defects such as:

• Leaking taps

• Loose sockets

• Squeaky doors

It may not sound glamorous, but a solid base will make decorating a lot more relaxed. You can also start planning the layout of rooms during this phase. And that, of course, is great fun to do.

Choose furniture that is both beautiful and practical

Do you have a family with growing children? Then you know better than anyone that stylish furnishings should also be practical. Think about sofas with removable covers that are easy to wash. Or tables with rounded corners for just a little more safety. Materials like leather and microfibre are useful because they are easy to clean. In addition, choose furniture that grows with your family. Good examples are an extendable dining table or multifunctional storage.

Lighting: combining atmosphere and safety

You might not always realise it. But lighting plays a big role in the atmosphere of your home. It is also very important for safety. So what can you think of? Make sure there is enough light in corridors and stairs so no one trips. In living areas, play with dimmable lighting to create a cosy atmosphere. Don't forget to install childproof sockets if you have little ones in the house. Smart bulbs are also a nice addition, by the way. You can easily control them with your phone. And that immediately makes your life much easier and you can be smart about energy consumption.

Protect your home with fire insurance

Nobody likes to think about it. But fire in your home is a risk you obviously should not underestimate. Home fire insurance is indispensable. It covers damage to your home and any outbuildings. This not only gives you financial security. It also gives you a piece of mind. Don't forget to install smoke detectors in all rooms, as they are mandatory these days. Combine these with a fire blanket or fire extinguisher in an accessible place so that you are always prepared. This will immediately allow you to live in your home with much more peace of mind.

Contents insurance for a rental property

Are you currently renting a house? Then taking out special household contents insurance for your rental home is a smart choice. This insurance covers damage to your belongings, for example due to fire, water or theft. After all, do you have expensive electronics or furniture? Then, of course, you don't want to be left empty-handed after an accident. Note that contents insurance in a rented house is not the same as buildings insurance. The latter is the landlord's responsibility, so you don't have to take out insurance yourself. Good to know, right?

Make room for smart storage solutions

A house with a family can quickly become cluttered. Fortunately, there are plenty of handy solutions for that these days. So what can you all think about? Invest in smart storage solutions that instantly create more peace and quiet. Some examples are storage bins under the bed, wall shelves or multifunctional furniture. For children, you can use baskets or chests to store toys easily. This keeps your home organised and stylish without sacrificing functionality. Moreover, a tidy home makes you feel more relaxed. This is obviously worth its weight in gold with a busy family.

Keep the garden safe and inviting

Are you lucky enough to have a very nice garden? Then it is important to make it safe and child-friendly. Make sure the garden fence is sturdy. That way, you can be sure that children and pets cannot get outside just like that. Choose soft surfaces such as grass or rubber tiles in play areas. And for the necessary atmosphere? Then you can add garden lighting. This is also particularly handy for the dark winter evenings of the year. A cosy and safe garden invites you to spend quality time with your family. And it makes it easier to create memories for life.

Show off your personal style

Your new home is the perfect place to show off your own style. Choose colours, decoration and accessories that suit you. For example:

• An eye-catching painting

• A mix of textures in cushions

• Blankets or a play corner that completely matches your children's taste

A house that reflects who you are is more likely to feel like a home. Combine this with a focus on safety, and you have the ideal balance. Will you start using these handy tips soon?