Life & Living

"Empty nesters", i.e. people whose children have already moved out, represent the largest group with the potential to downsize their living space. However, a study by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) shows that this potential often remains untapped. Although 26 percent of empty nesters feel that their home is too big and 38 percent have more than two extra rooms, the...

In the fall, homeowners should carry out various maintenance tasks to make their home winter-proof. This includes cleaning the gutters to avoid blockages caused by autumn leaves and to prevent water damage. It is also advisable to thoroughly check the condition of the roof in order to detect and repair any damage at an early stage, and the thermal insulation of the house should also be...

For people with limited mobility or for senior citizens, overcoming barriers such as stairs or thresholds and steps is often a major hurdle. However, adapting living space to meet these needs is becoming increasingly important. In the private sector, stair lifts can be installed or ramps created in places with height differences. Especially...

Cushions not only create a cozy atmosphere, they also set the mood. By choosing cushions with vibrant colors or interesting patterns, fresh accents can be set immediately without the need for a complete room redesign. Such simple accessories can have a significant impact on the appearance and add pizzazz to the home. The choice of colors plays...

The pantry is experiencing a revival in modern kitchen concepts, not only as a nostalgic relic, but also as a practical solution for storing food and kitchen utensils. In today's world, where living space must be used efficiently, the integration of a pantry offers numerous advantages when planning a kitchen. It can help to store food in the best possible way and...

The exterior lighting of a house offers aesthetic and practical advantages. By using recessed or surface-mounted luminaires and wall luminaires, for example, impressive lighting effects can be achieved that emphasize the character of the house. Lighting under a canopy or roof overhang provides ideal orientation light, making the surroundings safer and more secure.

Small bathrooms appear larger and more inviting with the right design strategies. One key approach is to maximize natural light. To do this, anything that could block the window, such as a dark sunshade or large plants, should be removed. Bright, reflective surfaces such as mirrors and chrome fittings, on the other hand, help to distribute the light in the room and thus make the bathroom...

Modern air purifiers are playing an increasingly important role in households. They not only ensure fresh air, but also better hygiene. Air purifiers are particularly effective at removing unpleasant odors from the air, but also allergens, viruses and bacteria, for example. These properties make them a valuable addition to kitchens, bedrooms and even...

Federal Minister of Justice Marco Buschmann (FDP) wants to simplify housing construction. He has presented a draft bill to this end. His aim is to simplify housing construction by relaxing certain comfort standards. This measure is intended to save up to ten percent of construction costs and concerns standards that do not affect the safety of the building. The draft proposes to...

Already 20 percent of the German population is over 65 years old. This trend is expected to increase. From 2030, one in three Germans will be over 65. More and more older people prefer to spend their twilight years in familiar surroundings. However, there are other forms of housing for senior citizens, including living in a multi-generational home or in...