Real estate investment for beginners: how to do it on a budget

Geld anlegen?

In conversation with Lukinski / Kapitalanlagen (Stephan M. Czaja) – Buying your first condominium (as an investment) without risking everything right away – it’s possible. Small apartments around 25,000 euros are the perfect place to start. In many German cities, you can find small properties near the university or in peripheral locations that can be transformed into modern micro-apartments with a little skill.

Invest cheaply: Small apartment, big style & clever returns

Why is that?

Why 5,000 euros can be enough

For many first-time buyers, this sounds too good to be true. But: if you can raise around 20% equity – i.e. around 5,000 euros for a purchase price of 25,000 euros – and the bank finances the rest, you have already laid the foundation. In addition, there is a small buffer for modernization – and this is exactly where your leeway lies.

• Only 20 % equity required
• Low entry hurdle for your first investment

Upgrading with style: color, kitchen, charm

What you can get out of a nondescript apartment with a small budget is enormous. A new wall color immediately creates a fresh atmosphere. A laminate floor from the DIY store enhances the feeling of living. And with an inexpensive fitted kitchen, you not only add function, but also real added value – especially for potential tenants.

Achieve more rent with little effort

Those who invest in simple furnishings often get significantly more per square meter. Especially for students, young professionals or single travelers, it’s not the size that counts – but whether everything you need is there. Renting out furnished means you can charge a premium and appeal to a target group that is looking for exactly that.

• Fitted kitchen increases the rental value
• Furnished apartments generate more income

Who you rent to: Students, Singles, Mobile

Your small, cleverly furnished apartment is in tune with the times. More and more people are living alone – and they don’t want to live in huge apartments. Whether student or digital nomad: An apartment with 25 m², furnished and in good condition, is quickly rented out. Especially in cities with universities or good public transport connections, the vacancy rate is often zero.

High demand for small apartments

So why spend more or opt for large properties? Small apartments are not only easier to finance – they are also back on the market more quickly. And with a property management company, you don’t have to worry about almost anything.

• Stable demand for small units
• Property management takes over letting & administration

Less risk, more control

A small start also means: you risk less, but learn just as much. You build up initial experience, benefit from monthly rental income and can sell again at any time. Thanks to the compact size, you have lower operating costs, less maintenance – and a very clear calculation.

More overview with a small area

Instead of renting out a 4-room apartment, where you might end up with three empty rooms, you invest in a single small unit – with a clear target group. Your fixed costs remain manageable and you have full control over your income.

• Less effort, more overview
• Lower operating costs

Start with little capital – but a lot of impact

You don’t need millions to start investing in real estate. Just 5,000 euros is enough to buy a small apartment, upgrade it a little – and turn it into a real source of income. And best of all, you’ll learn everything you need for your future portfolio.

Micro-apartment as a capital investment: advantages for you

Small apartment with 25 m² instead of a large 4-room apartment. Why? More and more people are living alone in single households. Students, singles, holidaymakers, but also professional groups such as fitters, who are often in different cities. Learn more about investing in small condominiums, so-called micro-apartments, here.

• Micro-apartment as a capital investment

The inspiration: A life for shoes

Christian Louboutin was fascinated by shoes and their effect from the very beginning. In his younger years, he dreamed of designing shoes for dancers, inspired by showgirls and their elegant gait. He realized early on that shoes should not only be functional, but above all trigger emotions – they should tell a story.

“I prefer to focus my energy on my imagination rather than on technology.” – Christian Louboutin

His philosophy was clear: shoes should stand out, fascinate and give women a feeling of elegance and power. But the real breakthrough came with a simple but ingenious idea: the red sole.

Louboutin? Glamorous!

Louboutin can be compared to Manolo Blahnik (classic-elegant), Jimmy Choo (glamorous-feminine), Giuseppe Zanotti (extravagant), Saint Laurent (rock-edgy) and Valentino Rockstud (elegant with rebellion). While all offer luxury, Louboutin remains unique thanks to the red sole.

Nail polish, coincidence or teamwork? The true story of the red sole

According to the official version, Louboutin came up with the idea of coloring the sole of his high heels red in 1992 when he looked at one of his designs and thought it lacked that certain something. The decisive moment came when an employee painted her nails with red nail polish. Louboutin spontaneously grabbed the bottle and painted the sole of a shoe with it.

The result was breathtaking – the shoe immediately looked more luxurious, more sensual, more eye-catching. The red color gave the high heels a new dimension. However, there are indications that it was not Louboutin himself who came up with the idea, but his employee, who applied the lacquer to the sole on a spontaneous impulse.

Whether by chance or ingenious teamwork – the red sole was born and was to change the world of shoes forever.

Guido Maria Kretschmer: “This idea makes all women go wild!”

Star designer Guido Maria Kretschmer revealed an exciting background story about the red sole in an episode of “Shopping Queen”. For Christian Louboutin, the color red stands for love, blood and passion – emotions that every woman associates with his shoes. The red sole is more than just a design element – it is a statement.

Louboutin himself oncesaid:

“High heels are pleasure with pain.”

This philosophy is reflected in his designs. The red sole stands out from any catwalk or parquet floor, giving its wearers a feeling of luxury and sensuality. No wonder celebrities, models and fashionistas all over the world rave about Louboutin’s high heels.

A trademark with a history

Louboutin registered his red sole as a trademark back in 1993 and has since defended it in numerous court cases. In many countries, including the USA and the EU, he was awarded the exclusive right to red soles – but only if they are combined with a shoe of a different color.

But that doesn’t stop imitators from being inspired by Louboutin’s iconic design. The red sole remains a symbol of luxury and exclusivity – and a clever marketing tool that makes the brand unforgettable.

Why are Louboutins so popular?

Louboutin’s high heels are far more than just shoes – they are a symbol of style, elegance and self-confidence. They visually lengthen the leg, change posture and convey a feeling of strength and glamor. Psychologically, the color red is associated with passion, power and desire – qualities that women in Louboutins automatically radiate.

Guido Maria Kretschmer got to the heart of the matter:

“This idea makes all women go wild!”

And that is precisely the magic of the red sole: it gives its wearers the feeling of being special.

7 fun facts about Louboutin

Louboutins are expensive, iconic shoes with red soles that wear out quickly and are often preserved by protective measures. Despite their status symbol, they are considered uncomfortable, and worn soles serve as proof of authenticity when resold.

1. Red sole: status symbol with strong recognition value
2. Price: 700 to 2,000 dollars per pair
3. High maintenance requirements: Immediate protection recommended
4. Rapid wear and tear: red sole wears out
5. Repairs: 400-10,000 pairs soled per month
6. Comfort: Shoes are often very uncomfortable – as you know, “High heels are pleasure with pain.”
7. For sale? Second-hand market: Worn soles as proof of authenticity

Who really had the idea?

Whether Christian Louboutin himself or an unknown employee had the idea for the red sole remains controversial. The fact is, however, that Louboutin recognized the potential and made the red sole his trademark.

His story shows that fashion often arises from spontaneous moments – and that a small bottle of nail polish can be enough to revolutionize an entire industry.

10 Date fragrances for men from Jeremy Fragrances selection

Perry Ellis, Paco Rabanne, Versace & Co. Which perfume suits you? – let yourself be inspired!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdXXqIzpkrw

1. perry ellis m

Let’s start with Perry Ellis M. This fragrance is not only sexy, but also earned Jeremy himself a great compliment. It is perfect for a romantic date and exudes an irresistibly seductive aura.

2. paco rabanne invictus

Invictus by Paco Rabanne is another great fragrance for a date. It has an attractive deodorant-like freshness that is appreciated by many women. This fragrance is a sure value to attract positive attention.

3. versace eros

Versace Eros is Jeremy’s Miami fragrance and evokes the sunny beaches and vibrant nightlife of the city. This fragrance exudes confidence and is perfect for a date in a lively environment.

4. Chanel Allure Homme Sport Eau Extrême

This fragrance by Chanel is fresh and clean, which makes it ideal for men who want to make a well-groomed impression. It is a great choice for a first date or a meeting with your girlfriend’s parents.

5 Dolce & Gabbana The One Eau de Parfum

Dolce & Gabbana The One Eau de Parfum is a blend of sweetness and freshness that women find particularly attractive. This fragrance is ideal for men who are looking for a versatile yet seductive fragrance.

6. Acqua di Parma Colonia Intensa

This fragrance was ranked seventh by Jeremy, but it is still a fantastic date scent. Acqua di Parma Colonia Intensa has a refreshing yet sexy vibe that is perfect for romantic evenings.

7. montblanc individual

Montblanc Individuel is another great fragrance that women love. It evokes the freshness of a freshly washed shirt and has a sweet raspberry note with a hint of cinnamon.

8. bvlgari aqua amara

An insider tip from Jeremy is Bvlgari Aqua Amara. This fragrance has a unique fresh and oceanic note that you can take on a romantic date. It is a rather unconventional, yet intriguing scent.

9 Club de Nuit Intense Man

Club de Nuit Intense Man was rated “mega sexy” by Jeremy and is reminiscent of the popular Creed Aventus perfume. This fragrance is perfect for men who are looking for a strong and seductive scent.

10. aqua di profumo by Alberto Morillas

The last fragrance on our list is Aqua di Profumo by Alberto Morillas. Jeremy considers this fragrance one of the best men’s fragrances ever. With a perfect blend of sweetness and freshness, it’s ideal for a romantic date.

Top 10 cheap men’s fragrances for you!

Jill Sander, Versace, Your Bomb & Co. Which perfume suits you? – get inspired! Recommendations from Jeremy Fragrance.

1. jil sander sun

In tenth place we have Jil Sander Sun, a fragrance that is well known in Germany, but perhaps not so much in the US. This fragrance is fresh and refreshing with a transparent and orangey note. Perfect if you’re looking for a fresh scent.

2. versace blue jeans

Ninth place goes to Versace Blue Jeans, a fragrance with a masculine, synthetic freshness. This fragrance is reminiscent of the powerful scents of the 80s. If you’re looking for a powerful, masculine scent, this is a great option.

3. your bomb

In eighth place we have Your Bomb, a fragrance that has been known for its exceptional durability in the past. Although it’s not quite as strong as it used to be, it’s still a solid scent if you’re looking for longevity.

4. diesel Spirit of the Brave Intense

Seventh place goes to Diesel Spirit of the Brave Intense, a fragrance that performs well and comes at an affordable price. This fragrance is somewhat reminiscent of popular scents like Versace Eros and is definitely worth a look.

5. abercrombie & fitch first instinct

In sixth place we have Abercrombie & Fitch First Instinct, a sweet fragrance popular with teenagers. This fragrance is perfect for informal outdoor occasions, like barbecues and beach parties. However, the durability is not the strongest.

6. Mercedes-Benz Intense

Fifth place belongs to Mercedes-Benz Intense, a fragrance that is perfect for those who like the scent of Fahrenheit by Dior. This fragrance conveys a masculine and powerful atmosphere and can convince with its quality.

7. Montblanc Legend Spirit

In fourth place we have Montblanc Legend Spirit, a youthful fragrance with good performance. If you’re looking for an inexpensive fragrance that still offers quality, this is a great option.

8. CK All by Calvin Klein

Third place is taken by CK All by Calvin Klein. This fragrance may not be readily available anymore, but if you can find it at a bargain price, it can be a great choice. The performance of this fragrance is decent, and it gives off a fresh aura.

9. ariana grande cloud

Second place belongs to Ariana Grande Cloud, a fragrance reminiscent of MFK’s Baccarat Rouge 540. This is a great alternative if you are looking for a sweet and seductive fragrance that is still affordable.

10. Artisan Dark Rebel, Artisan Pure and Artisan Black

The first place is taken by John Varvatos’ Artisan line, including Artisan Dark Rebel, Artisan Pure and Artisan Black. These fragrances offer impressive quality at an affordable price. Artisan Dark Rebel is suitable for masculine men, Artisan Pure is a modern scent with a floral touch, and Artisan Black has a soapy note. All three are great options if you’re looking for affordable fragrances.

The top 10 fragrances that women love

So there they are, the top 10 fragrances that women love according to Jeremy Fragrance. Whether you’re looking for an everyday fragrance or a seductive evening scent, this selection has something for every taste and occasion. Try them out and experience how these fragrances can enhance your attractiveness. Montblanc, Halloween, Parfums de Marly & Co. Which perfume suits you? – Let yourself be inspired!

1. Montblanc Legend Spirit

The first one is Montblanc Legend Spirit. This fragrance is not only affordable, but also exudes a fresh and clean aura. It is perfect for everyday use, be it at the gym or at school. The fresh yet masculine note of this perfume magically attracts the ladies.

2. Halloween Man X

Halloween Man X is a fragrance that stands out from the crowd. It is sweet and sexy at the same time, and the secret lies in its coffee base. This perfume is a real seducer and really attracts compliments. The best part is that it is affordable, making it accessible to men with smaller budgets.

3. pegasus from Parfums de Marly

If you like to indulge in luxury, Pegasus by Parfums de Marly is for you. This fragrance is a bit more expensive, but it exudes confidence and elegance. With an almond base, it’s perfect for winter wear or exclusive clubs. Pegasus can even serve as a signature scent for any season or occasion.

4. armani code

Armani Code is another more expensive fragrance, but one that is very easy to like. Unlike some niche perfumes that are often quirky and daring, Armani Code is extremely approachable. This perfume is loved by women and is a sure value when it comes to attracting positive attention.

5. pure malt

Pure Malt is the fragrance for true gentlemen. This perfume exudes masculine sophistication and evokes images of a charming American in a chic leather jacket. It is the ideal companion for a relaxed evening and conveys a pleasant whiskey note that women find irresistible.

6. Mont Blanc Individual

Mont Blanc Individual is another affordable fragrance that is easy to like. It has the freshness of a freshly washed shirt, but with a sweet raspberry note and a hint of cinnamon. Women love this pleasant and inviting fragrance that is in an affordable price range.

7. first impression

First Impression is a perfume that lives up to its name. It is the perfect fragrance to make a good first impression. Whether you’re going to a job interview, meeting your girlfriend’s parents or going on a romantic date, this fragrance is a safe choice for a successful first impression.

8. teenagers

Teenagers is specially designed for young men. This fragrance is perfect for school days and gives a youthful, dynamic energy. Jeremy himself is even thinking about creating a perfume for school, which inspired this fragrance.

9. yves saint laurent y

Yves Saint Laurent Y is another great fragrance that scores with women. It is fresh and has a certain lightness that is perfect for everyday use. This fragrance is a great choice for men who are looking for a fresh yet appealing scent.

10. ultra male

Last but not least, we have Ultra Male, which earned Jeremy Fragrance one of the best compliments, “I hate that you smell so good!” This fragrance is irresistibly sexy and perfect for the evening. It exudes notes of chocolate, leather and a hint of alcohol that really seduce women.

According to the motto “Water for all, all for water”.

In this interview, we spoke with the managing director of Viva con Agua Carolin Stüdemann. We rewound time and asked how the idea behind Viva con Agua came about. Spoiler: Soccer plays a significant role here. Carolin also gives us a little insight into the various projects and what successes they have already celebrated. Maybe you have already heard about World Water Day. It takes place once a year, and we asked how important this day is. We also talked about the current Corona pandemic and its impact on Viva con Aguas projects. Sometimes there are positive impacts as well as negative ones. How you can support the aid organization, besides donating, and much more, you can find out here in this interview!

• Viva con Agua Instagram

The role of the St. Pauli neighborhood in Hamburg

FIV: Hello dear Carolin, how nice that it worked out with the interview today! Let’s start right away. We would like to turn back the clock to the beginnings of Viva con Agua. How did the idea of Viva con Agua come about?

Carolin: Viva con Agua was founded in and through the St. Pauli neighborhood in Hamburg. Benjamin Adrion, a professional soccer player for FC St. Pauli at the time, felt the need to get involved in something besides soccer after a training camp in Cuba. The idea was born to use the creative and social environment of the soccer club and the neighborhood to support social projects. With the first project – to improve water supply to kindergartens in Cuba – an incredible momentum was created. One year later, the non-profit association Viva con Agua de St. Pauli e.V. was finally founded with the vision “Water for all – all for water”.

Photo: Florian Quandt

Help without donating money? Yes, that is possible!

FIV: For our readers who don’t know Viva con Agua yet, how can people support you who don’t have the opportunity to donate?

Carolin: You can support Viva con Agua in many ways. The most important thing is to create awareness and attention for the important topic of drinking water among the general public. Because when we learn to appreciate water as a source of life, we also begin to protect this resource. Many also start a fundraising campaign with friends and acquaintances to collect donations for Viva con Agua. For example, they call on people to make a donation for drinking water instead of birthday gifts.*
Or they volunteer in one of the many city crews. For example, they are out and about at concerts and festivals with large deposit cup garbage cans and flags, collecting deposit cups that are donated to Viva con Agua. You can also support our work by buying our mineral water in the supermarket – the social alternative when you want something other than tap water.

Photo: Viva con Agua

Clean Drinking Water, Sanitation & Hygiene

FIV: What is your personal heart project?

Carolin: Any project that contributes to our goal of providing people with access to clean drinking water, sanitation and hygiene is a project close to our hearts. I wouldn’t prioritize them.

Besides Nepal & India, focus on Global South

FIV: You support most projects on the African continent. Do you have other projects planned on other continents?

Carolin: Our focus is on the Global South, especially the African continent. After all, a lot can be achieved in East and Southern Africa to give people access to clean drinking water. We are also particularly well networked here, for example with other organizations. But we also support projects in Nepal and India. In India, we are currently starting to implement our Universal Language Approach For Behavior Changes. We are using the universal languages of sport, music and art to provide a more joyful approach to issues such as hygiene and sanitation.

Photo: Bastian Wülfing

Living situation of 3.7 million people improved

FIV: What has been your biggest personal success with your projects so far?

Carolin: To date, we have reached around 3.7 million people with our projects and sustainably improved their living situation. That makes Viva con Agua and me incredibly proud.

World Water Day: Reminder of “Water is Life

FIV: Once a year there is World Water Day. How does this day help? Does it change anything?

Carolin: For Viva con Agua, World Water Day is the most important of the year. Because water is increasingly seen in a negative context in the media in Germany: From flood to “Are we running out of water?”. World Water Day offers the opportunity to set other perspectives and to remind people that “water is life”.

Achieving the goal: Infrastructure in the Global South

FIV: Your goal is to make clean water accessible to all. What all has to happen for this goal to be achieved?

Carolin: The focus here is primarily on infrastructure in the Global South. Because in order to ensure a long-term and sustainable water supply, the responsibility for maintenance and repairs must be in local hands. And of course, the topic of water should also receive more public attention outside of World Water Day, so that awareness of the issue can be raised. After all, water is a global issue – water cycles concern us all!

Photo: Nico Malkov

Clean drinking water accessible to all by 2030?

FIV: What year do you expect to reach your goal?

Carolin: In 2015, the UN adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs for short). Among other things, the UN has set itself the goal of providing all people worldwide with access to clean drinking water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. We can see today that this is ambitious, because climate change also poses challenges to this goal. However, I remain optimistic and will continue to work with Viva con Agua to achieve this SDG!

Strong focus on hygiene due to pandemic

FIV: The pandemic caused a lot of chaos. How has the pandemic affected your projects?

Carolin: Our water projects are always holistic, i.e. they also include hygiene and sanitation measures. This is called WASH for short. One positive effect was certainly that the corona pandemic brought hygiene in particular very much into focus. The new or rediscovered awareness of hygienic procedures here in Germany has once again shown many people how important hygiene is, also in terms of disease prevention. However, as many of our focus countries, such as Uganda or South Africa, were in long lockdowns, this naturally made our work on the ground more difficult and slowed it down.

*Donation campaigns can be created securely and easily online:
https://www.vivaconagua.org/spendenaktion/

FIV: Thank you very much for your time! We wish you all the best on your way!

Photo: Andrin Fretz

Photo: Kevin McElvaney

Photo: Stefan Groenveld

Photo: Lea May

More about Viva con Agua

Did you like the interview with Carolin Stüdemann about Viva con Agua and would you like to learn more about the aid organization? Then you can find more information about the background in this article!

What is Viva con Agua? – Water is a human right!

An international network consisting of people and companies, and a non-profit association with the goal of making water accessible to all. The focus is on clean drinking water and basic sanitation with a focus on the Global South. Thousands of people already support the organization and actively help according to the motto: “Water for all, all for water”! You can find all information about the aid organization here!

• Viva con Agua: What is it?

Photo: Tabea Przybilla

New construction housing: Green building for new ideas

The self-proclaimed garden city is innovative, modern and ahead of classical urban planning, because it incorporates the environment and local conditions and integrates them into the cityscape. You can find out here how the north of Cologne is to be strengthened by Kreuzfeld and what special features the district brings with it.

The new district is to be built in the Chorweiler borough, adjacent to the Blumenberg borough to the north:

Cross field at a glance + location

First the key figures:

• Location: Cologne
• District: Chorweiler
• Size: 80 ha (Comp. soccer field approx. 0.7 ha)
• Population: 8,000

Project and planning time:

• Planning: 2021-2022
• Plan / Landscape: ADEPT + Karres en Brands
• Consulting: Metabolic, Argus

Urban development project of the city of Cologne

Kreuzfeld, or WoodHood is the result of a new urban development project of the city of Cologne. The ambitious 80-hectare project was penned by the planning team led by ADEPT and Karres en Brands (Plan and Landscape) in collaboration with Argus (Mobility) and Metabolic (Energy).

Mayor Henriette Reker convinced

Their project design for a green city convinced the committees as well as Mayor Henriette Reker and is now to be implemented. Wood Hood is more than a classic garden city. According to the developers, the new district requires a new approach to planning, rethinking the connection between city and nature, landscape.

Green urban development: “Back to nature”.

Instead of defining the new urban structure through buildings, streets and technology, WoodHood’s urban layout builds on the landscape, surrounding forests, use of water, play with the sun, planting and local conditions. True to the motto: Back to Nature! For many who want to live close to nature while enjoying the benefits of the city, perhaps a reason to move to Cologne.

Martin Laursen (partner of ADEPT): “The whole process of developing the new district in Cologne-Kreuzfeld, WoodHood, was carried out with a view to the future and in dialogue with numerous local stakeholders (…).”

She goes on to say:

“WoodHood is a new kind of city that focuses on collective communities in close relationship with nature.”

Goal: Jobs, open spaces

The goals of the new district are clear: Strengthen the north of Cologne! Numerous new residential units for up to 8,000 residents are to be created on a total of 80 hectares. In addition to new jobs, the focus will be on multiple-use open spaces, social, cultural and educational facilities.

Structure, hoods, use of space

WoodHood is not intended to be just an extension of the existing city, but a neighborhood in its own right that is adjacent to the others through innovation, sustainability, and village-like community. The district consists of 5 individual hoods, each with its own character and individual function. The main focus is to promote community and collective and shared functions, with the goal of minimizing private space and strengthening the quality and use of public spaces. WoodHood will provide versatile opportunities for activities and recreation.

Climate protection & infrastructure with water storage

In addition to social coexistence, Cologne Kreuzfeld promotes climate protection, ecology and water storage through open green spaces and a complex ecosystem. The infrastructure and mobility network is also more differentiated and makes the use of bicycles and walking more attractive.

Henriette Reker (Mayor of Cologne): “The selected design is in line with our great ambitions and high standards, because we want to launch a particularly innovative, sustainable and multi-layered urban development and open space concept.”

Further, she said stressed:

“(…) We also place high demands on the topics of environmental compatibility, energy efficiency and sustainability.”

Tip. How to create a neighborhood in Berlin Schöneberg

The Bricks in Berlin Schöneberg is one of the flagships of the renowned Berlin architectural firm Graft, as you can also read in our interview with the architects: Residential Real Estate Graft. What was and is particularly exciting about this project is the aspect of historic preservation and revitalization. The aim here was not a pure new building, but the upgrading and preservation of a former post office site.

• Quartier Berlin Schöneberg

Dining Room Furnishings: Benches, chests of drawers and chairs

If you’re lucky enough to have your dining area in a separate room, it’s best to place your dining table in the middle of the room. You should use all the space available! A display cabinet can hold all of your decorative objects.

Storage space is also needed in the dining room: With a low chest of drawers you have a place for dishes and other things and still have a clear view of the wall, where you can hang pictures, for example. Alternatively, you can also use a sideboard. You can be very flexible with a serving trolley. Shelves on the wall offer you the possibility to place the right utensils.

Tip! Popular and luxurious interior brands and furniture are presented here: Interior Brands XXL!

Dining room favourite: bench – classic and space miracle

Whether the classic model or a corner bench. Benches enjoy great popularity in the dining room. With or without backrests, these can be placed anywhere and can be spruced up with cushions. The seats can often be folded up and have an empty space that can be wonderfully used to store items.

Chairs: wicker, plastic or upholstered? Countless possibilities

The chairs in a dining room not only influence the look and atmosphere of a dining room to a large extent, but they also have a very practical purpose: seating comfort. So the motto “form follows function” is not too easy to follow in this case. When choosing chairs for your dining room, you should first and foremost have the plan of the “big picture” in mind, i.e. how you want your dining room to look in the end. It doesn’t matter if you want it to be charmingly colourful or if the dining table, decorations and chairs should match exactly – there are no limits to your creativity. However, you should never choose chairs only for their appearance, but also for their comfort, because no one likes to sit on an uncomfortable chair.

Materials: Indoor and outdoor – wood, marble, plastic, glass & co.

Wood is probably the most popular material in the dining room. In various surface designs, it convinces with its warm appearance and pleasant feel. Other materials that would be a popular choice for your dining room are chrome or plastic. Plastic is particularly well suited for outdoor use. Chairs made of plastic are a good choice for the garden or the terrace due to their high weather resistance.

Flooring: Tiles – floor and wall in different patterns

With their high resistance, tiles are ideal for withstanding the stresses of everyday life. They blend in perfectly with the décor of the dining room. Floor tiles or wall tiles? Or both? How do you want to furnish your dining room? Easy to clean, the tiles do not require time-consuming maintenance.

Tile types: Optics, material & Co.

Whether wood decor or stone look, different types of tiles are waiting to be discovered by you. Wall tiles can be applied as colour gradients or murals. The size of the room should not be ignored when choosing the tiles. While large rooms can also be wonderfully equipped with dark tiles, small rooms are best set in scene with light tiles.

Lighting: Lamps for the right light

To ensure that you have everything in view in the dining room and can admire your food in the right light, the dining area should always be well lit. A pendant lamp that also functions as a ceiling light should be mounted directly above the dining table. The best solution is to choose a height-adjustable lamp.

It becomes particularly noble with a chandelier. Large rooms can be decorated by this and give this a royal ambience. Dark corners in the dining room are best illuminated by floor lamps with warm light.

If you have integrated the dining area into the living room or kitchen, make sure you have dedicated lighting for it. Dedicated lighting makes the area look inviting and the table can also be used for other activities.

Colours and wall design: red, blue or green?

Red, orange, blue – the right choice of colour is also of enormous importance in the dining room. Red is a particularly popular choice when it comes to the wall design of your dining room. The color of passion and pleasure has an appetizing effect and thus promises a particularly delicious taste experience.

Have you ever paid attention to this? A lot of the restaurants are painted in red. Red is not only a feast for the eyes, it is also supposed to make the food taste better. You should counter the exciting and stimulating color with calm elements. An example of this would be plain seat cushions in white, grey, black or silver.

The classic interior design is the red salon. Inspired by the baroque style, the deep red and berry-coloured walls are complemented by flowers, curtains, paintings and mirrors. Velvet, damask or crystal are particularly popular due to their unique texture and feel. Those who prefer something lighter but still strong should opt for a radiant orange.

Appetite suppressant and fresh tones – effect of blue and green in the dining room

Blue and purple, on the other hand, have an appetite suppressing effect. Dark blue gives your dining room a dramatic and glamorous look. This look can be accentuated with velvet upholstery, silver and candles. The whole thing is harmonized by light wood furniture and bring a modern contrast.

Fresh and natural, you get this look with green tones. While yellowish green tones have a vitalizing effect, bluish tones appear balancing. Dining in this dining room can become a picnic in your own 4 walls. The green walls can be combined with wooden furniture and accessories in muted or more striking colours such as orange or red.

If your dining area is in the same room as the living room or kitchen, you can separate this area by colour. The harmony should be taken into account here: this depends on the cut of the room and the lighting.

Our tip: The less natural light falls into the room, the lighter the wall colour should be.

Decoration: Setting highlights – With flowers, candles and more

To make the dining room your ultimate feel-good area, it’s important not to forget the right decorations. The accessories and decoration is an area that you should design according to your individual taste. Murals, photos, vases and bowls will complete the look of your dining area.

Nevertheless, the rule also applies here: More is not always more. Even if decoration has a soothing effect, it can also quickly make your dining room look cluttered.

Do you still have precious heirlooms from your family at home? Then showcase them in the dining room! In showcases, antique pieces can be placed clearly visible and become a real highlight.

Table decoration: candles, flowers or Christmas decoration

The heart of the dining room is the table. When eating, the rule is: The eye eats with you! Accordingly, the right tablecloth can also sweeten the meal. Linen and damask are particularly popular materials when it comes to the tablecloth. For everyday use, table coverings made of cotton can embellish the table. Floral decor in all sorts of colors will add a festive touch to your menu. Candlesticks will make your room homely. Round off your decor with a tray. Various decorative items will find their place here.

Seasonal decorations such as Christmas market or Easter decorations are particularly popular. Advent wreaths at Christmas time and colourful eggs at Easter time.

Carpets: functional decoration under your feet

A carpet serves not only as a soft base for the feet, but also as a beautiful decorative element. It makes the room appear warmer and can act wonderfully as a splash of colour. However, especially in the dining room, an easy-care carpet should be purchased, which is easy to clean. Crumbs, stains and food residue should be easy to remove. Along the way, this can also act as a sound barrier: Noises caused by moving chairs are dampened by the fabric.

Tips for small dining rooms: space-saving, but stylish!

Especially the owners of small dining rooms or people who only use a small niche in the apartment as a dining area are faced with a challenge when it comes to skilfully setting the scene in this area. Which furniture and accessories should you go for and what should you do without? We now present the ideal solutions for the feel-good factor at the dining table.

Rectangular tables to fold out for several people

The dining table is usually the central point of the dining room, so it should be chosen wisely. To make the room look bigger, you should choose light materials. Oak, beech or pine are the best examples. Glass tables seem weightless and spacious. Rectangular tables take up as little space as possible, while round and oval tables take up much more space. Fold-out tables can be folded up again if required.

As a rule, a table for 2 people should be 80cm long, for 4 people 120cm and for 6 people 180cm. The table should always be placed with one side against the wall, 20cm space should be left between this and the table. The long edge of the table should always be parallel to the long side of the room.

Chairs or bench? This is how you save space!

Dining room chairs should be flexible and efficient. How about an upholstered bench, compact stools or high-quality folding chairs? Another alternative are filigree chairs without backrests with slim legs and an open back. Chairs based on this design look as if they disappear into the room.

Add light to your dining room: Corner lights, ceiling lamps and more

The more light that falls into the room, the larger the room appears. To create as much light as possible, you should proceed according to the following lighting concept: First, you should provide direct area lighting, perfect would be a pendant light above the dining table. The next step would be a matching ceiling light. Accent lighting such as corner lights will round out the lighting concept of the room. The light should be chosen in a warm white.

Bright colors and contrasts for optical magnification

How do you make a room look bigger? The answer: with bright colors! Rustic and cosy? You can achieve this style with yellow or orange tones. Another tip to give the room optical width are mirrors. A framed mirror behind the dining table breaks up the colour scheme, the refracted light makes the room look more open and brighter.

But also light-dark contrasts are best suited for a small dining room. Light walls with dark furniture can become a real highlight in the apartment. Delicate pastel shades such as pastel yellow or a soft orange set dark furniture wonderfully in scene.

Monochrome floor coverings: Carpet, tiles and co.

The flooring of a small room should ideally be plain. Large short pile carpets form an even base. If plain colours are too boring for you, you can also resort to small patterns, such as a fish or mosaic parquet.

Laying out the garden: planning, ideas and tips for furniture

Maybe you’ve just bought your first home with a garden, or maybe you just want to try something new. To design your green space to match your elegant home, there are a few steps that need to be taken, such as planning and narrowing down the budget.

Losing a thought or two more about the garden will help you avoid stress later. A design concept also helps you visualize what is possible in your garden. For example, keep in mind the area, the budget and the effort you can and want to put into maintaining the garden in the future.

Tip! Popular and luxurious interior brands and furniture are presented here: Interior Brands XXL!

Easy care garden: instructions, suitable plants and tips

This determines, for example, which flowers and plants you should place in the green area. Decorative elements such as fountains also require maintenance. So before you decide on such design options, think about whether you are actually willing to invest time and effort in the long term.

Otherwise, less maintenance installations that enhance the garden but require less work are worthwhile. These include gravel paths and low-maintenance flower beds, for example. In addition, areas can be paved or gravelled to create patios and other places of relaxation.

Garden design with pool: factors and costs for the cool water

Many people dream of having their own pool in the garden. We tell you in more detail what this means and what options are open to you for the construction. With very simple measures you can already put your own pool in the garden, which however serves much more for relaxation and refreshment on cool summer days and is built less for the purpose of swimming in it.

The first option includes an easy to install and uninstall pool that is placed on the lawn. You can get these from as little as €400, depending on the size, and models up to around €1,500 also exist.

Furthermore, you can of course also fall back on the classic, earth-built variant. However, you will have to do quite a bit of work here, or you should definitely seek expert advice in this case, because a completely finished pool requires earthworks, concrete work and pipes, so that the total sum of all services can quickly amount to 15,000 € and more.

The last option we would like to present to you is the swimming pond. This option is very close to nature and requires less cleaning and chemicals. In a swimming pond and also in natural pools, plankton is responsible for cleaning the water. Nevertheless, swimming ponds and natural pools also require some filtering, after all, it is an artificially created body of water. Which option is the right one depends on your personal preferences.

Buying property with a garden: Home Buying Tips & Definitions

The basic prerequisite for all these things is of course a house or an apartment with a garden. If you haven’t found one yet and don’t know exactly where to start looking, we offer you insights into the different types of houses and tell you how you can find your dream house with a garden.

Perfect companion for the search for the dream house with garden: our A-Z guide to house types!

Plants: Flowers, bushes and trees – Gardening

What is a garden without the right greenery? Simply boring. But beautiful flowers can also be a lot of work. If you’re a real fan of gardening, that’s not a problem, but if you enjoy colourful, bright flowers but really don’t want the work involved, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve gathered together a wide variety of flowers and practical plants that look good and don’t require too much maintenance.

We’ll also give you some inspiration on which plants will add visual interest to your garden.

Low-maintenance greenery: Beautiful garden without much effort with lavender & co.

Some plants don’t need much attention to bloom beautifuly. Favourites like sunflowers and lavender are among them. Not only do they give off a great scent, but they are also very easy to care for. This means that mostly sowing and regular watering are enough to enjoy the plants for several years.

What’s especially great is that some of the flora not only look beautiful and smell pleasant, but are also useful. Lavender, just like mint and rosemary, can be used for cooking. Sunflowers provide you with fresh sunflower seeds:

• Lavender
• Sunflowers
• Mint
• Rosemary
• Amber Trees

The 10 most beautiful garden plants: List with rose, cherry tree & Co.

Unfortunately, the easiest flowers to care for aren’t always the prettiest. As always, it’s a matter of taste and maybe sunflowers are your favorite and you don’t need much else, but your Sleeping Beauty Castle requires a few more tricks of the trade. Still, roses aren’t super difficult to keep in check, though the vines and flowering branches do need to be trimmed back from time to time.

Fruit trees like apple and cherry take a long time to grow, especially in the beginning, but after a while they require less and less care and delight you every year with homegrown fruit for many, great recipes.

• Roses
• Daylilies
• Cherry trees
• Apple trees
• Lilac
• Panicle Hydrangea
• Cranesbill
• Dahlias
• Pampas grass
• Fan Maple

Garden furniture: Chairs, tables & Co. for the lounge in the countryside

To make sure you really get something out of your little oasis, you should designate at least one place to relax and enjoy. By that we mean a place where you can sit down to read a book, have breakfast or maybe even work.

Comfortable and stylish furnishings are key, so we’ve rounded up the essentials and told you where to get them.

Loungers for the garden: Relaxed through the day

Especially if you’ve chosen a pool or swimming pond, loungers are a must-have! There’s nothing more unpleasant than little insects making their way across your skin while you’re sunbathing on the grass. Loungers lift you a little off the ground and also provide greater comfort.

Beautiful loungers for the garden are offered here, for example:

• Edra Interior

Sofas: Perfect seating as outdoor furniture

Not every sofa can simply be placed outside. Seats with a frame made of painted wood or rustproof, flexible steel are particularly suitable for outdoor use. The upholstery should also be made of plastics to guarantee that the materials dry quickly when they get wet and do not start to rot.

• Minotti

Tables: Practical garden decoration that is weatherproof

Plastic, glass, wood, steel, the possibilities are endless, but tables are essential! What’s better than breakfast outdoors, at least in the summer. Or maybe you’re a fan of frosty breakfasts in the winter. We’ve never really been convinced by it, unfortunately, but we’re not judging you, of course.

In the search for a suitable table, we highly recommend that you take a look at the Cassina range. The Italian furniture brand offers high-quality outdoor furniture.

Garden design: modern ideas, tips and trends

Pools and flower beds are not the only things you can add to your garden. Terraces, pathways and more can make your garden more personal and adaptable to your needs. That’s why we’ve put some thought into what could make your garden even more beautiful.

Fountains: Water supply for the garden – types & features

Several purposes are served by wells. On the one hand, they can be practical, bringing groundwater to the surface and providing some of the irrigation for the garden. On the other hand, fountains can serve a decorative purpose. Which type of fountain is suitable for you, you must decide for yourself.

Be aware, however, that not every type of well can be placed in every garden. Some types require a certain depth of groundwater. Popular types of fountains are the following:

• Drilled well
• Ram well
• Decorative fountain

Gravel paths and terraces with roofing – garden design made easy

An easy way to structure the garden is with patios and gravel paths. Gravel paths help you make your way through a large garden and help guide guests through the beds and separate them from the lawn.

Terraces are a great way to provide a little place to relax. Pergolas and gazebos are particularly popular, providing shelter from the wind and weather in addition to levels for seating. The complexity of the construction depends entirely on the work you want to put in. You can construct the canopy yourself, but there is also the option of buying a ready-made gazebo.

Barbecue area: Barbecue, picnic & outdoor furniture – Barbecue as a highlight in the garden

Whether it’s summer or winter, barbecuing is simply a part of life in Germany. There are so many options from meat dishes, to vegetarian and vegan food, everything can be thrown on the grill. If you would describe yourself or your partner as die-hard barbecue fans, then a personal barbecue spot is just the thing for you!

Either you can set up a fire pit for this and pack a contraption over it to hold a grill grate, or you can find a place where you create enough of an environment to protect the grass and flower beds from the embers. Paving stones and gravel are particularly suitable and offer protection.

Caution: a fire pit counts as an open fire and requires a permit from the municipality. However, this regulation can be circumvented by a fire bowl.

Garden party: from planning to the perfect event

Once the new garden has been laid out, it’s worth presenting it to friends with a garden party. We have compiled tips on planning and delicious recipes for you here. So nothing can go wrong!

Party concept: theme, budget and checklist

To throw the perfect party you have to think of a lot of things. This can quickly go wrong, because you forget things or they slip into the background. So that this does not happen to you, we have already thought about the most important points that a good party should have in any case.

At the top of the list is of course a guest list, as well as time and date, the place is finally already determined at a garden party. Invitations are also very important, but you don’t have to send them by mail anymore. A simple invitation via Messenger is often enough to reach everyone. It’s best to think ahead about what your guests might bring to the party. That way, you won’t have to cover all the costs and good guests will definitely be willing to contribute something small to the party.

• Time and date
• Invitation
• Food and drinks
• Music
• Deko
• Weather

Decoration: Simple to eye-catching or in keeping with the theme?

Especially for a garden party, the decoration does not have to be too pompous. Lanterns and fairy lights, as well as candles have their special charm in the garden. It is also good to decide in advance how the food should be presented. Do you want to keep everything on the table or would it not be better to present the prepared and brought food on a buffet?

Also, keep one thing in mind: Garden parties in the summer get hot and food spoils faster in the heat. Additionally, there are a lot of insects around in the warm seasons, which can often be uninvited guests at garden parties. So it’s also advisable to either clear food out after a while or even have a space in the fridge cleared for things like meat.

Food and Drinks: Recipes and inspiration

You have no idea what to present to your party guests? Let’s start by saying: food is not that important at parties, it’s much more relevant who you’re celebrating with. But a few small snacks and tasty drinks simply lift the mood. That’s why we have the right article for you.

Here you will find recipes for finger food that you can present to your guests and conquer the heart of all, whether vegan or meat eater

If you’re more into liquid nutrients, we’re of course on board, offering recipes for cocktails with fruit juices as well as non-alcoholic, so every guest gets their money’s worth.

Business idea: This is the beginning of independence

15 seconds, this is the shortest time for an elevator pitch. This form is used e.g. for extremely short encounters, in everyday life, at events, or at the airport. Don’t waste a lot of time, the most important thing, let’s move on. The longest form of the short “Elevator Pitch” is 45 seconds. That means you have about 15 seconds for the presentation, up to 45 seconds. Within this short time window, everything important for the banker, the customer or the investor must be explained in a way that is easy to understand.

What exactly is your idea?

Create ideas? Go openly through the world

Stroll! The good strolling! If you didn’t know the word yet, I picked it up somewhere! Strolling is, so to speak, “going for a walk without having an exact goal in mind”. My absolute favourite for ideas, but also for a clear head! I myself like to walk around for hours and also do scripts for books or speeches, sometimes also for business models. Sometimes I run about 15 km on a Sunday. Stroll! The good strolling.

But creating ideas is not only possible by getting actively involved, of course it is also possible passively. Daily little problems you encounter in the old town. Challenges in everyday life. Small useful extension for your fellow men. For example, if you see more and more e-scooters in the city centre, it would make sense to think about the phenomenon.

Ask yourself questions about everyday problems

• Is there already a suitable lock for electric scooters? Are there already easy to install lighting systems?
• Is there already sound systems and music?
• What about an app and a small tracking box to find the scooter again, e.g. in case of theft?

Where do you see gaps, missing concepts?

Such ideas can also be found in the private sphere. If you have friends in your environment who have children, you could take up this idea and say, how could you make the life of your parents easier? Babies grow fast and therefore constantly need new clothes, but also new toys that suit their age. Maybe there is still potential in online trading, or even exchange opportunities. Is there perhaps already a platform on which parents can coordinate and vote for the kindergarten, play times or even babysitting can agree? Perhaps a common appointment calendar with befriended married couple from the kindergarten and the school?

Ask yourself many questions at the beginning! Of course, most of them will lead you to the realization that everything has happened before! But at some point you’ll get a few questions that are interesting and don’t have a concept yet! It is possible to compulsively create ideas, but it takes time. As an entrepreneur you will probably always have new ideas. Only after some time will you develop a feeling for what meaningful trains of thought are and what is just a waste of time.

keep your notebook and smartphone handy at all times

Therefore, my recommendation is to always have a small notepad and a pen with you, or simply the smartphone with the appropriate app for notes. Without a lot of bells and whistles, you just take notes and collect them. If you have a good idea, write it down! Because often ideas come all of a sudden and have to be recorded. While you’re talking to friends, while you’re doing sports or just walking. Of course, you don’t always have the right person to talk to when validating (testing) an idea, or a notebook to do more detailed data analyses yourself.

Sometimes it is also good to leave an idea lying, but if it is already noted down, it can no longer be forgotten. So your mind constantly subconsciously remembers the idea. So you will come over time to meaningful additions, or to the conclusion that the idea is not so good after all.

In the time in which your notes are well and securely stored, you can ask yourself further questions. What is the market situation like? Are there comparative offers on the Internet? Are there perhaps also competition which was not considered at all? If you see the people in the city centre, could you imagine them with your product? For some ideas, of course, there is no market yet, so try to put yourself in people’s shoes. What are the daily tasks, challenges and pros?