Speak Easy: Best Reader Comments of 2017
At its heart, Houzz is a community where experiences are shared and hard-won advice exchanged, to make our homes lovable
Vanessa Walker
31 December 2017
Houzz Australia & New Zealand Editor-in-Chief
From top tips not even our experts thought of, to life-changing experiences of renovations and design, plus some compelling personal stories, here are the comments that have touched us, expanded our knowledge, opened up our hearts, made us laugh, and sigh, and increased our understanding of what it means to make your home a better place. As 2017 draws to a close we want to share some of the comments that have moved – and improved – us, and say thank you for being part of the Houzz community.
Some comments have been edited for clarity.
Some comments have been edited for clarity.
Story: Renters’ Tails are Wagging Over Changes to Victorian Tenancy Laws
Comment from junipergirl: I always had cats whilst I was growing up. I moved out of home at a very young age, living in a one-bedroom flat in Murrumbeena, in Melbourne for over six years. I worked long hours and got very lonely. I would have killed to have a cat! Or at least a budgie! I suffered terribly from depression and I know that a cat snuggled in with me would have helped tremendously.
Sad thing is; I know so many people who rent who have a cat or birds or whatever and hope to god the landlord doesn’t find out. My sister lives in a three-unit property and she and another tenant own cats. She keeps hers indoors all the time and the other one wanders about.
On the other side of the coin, I do understand landlords worrying about animals having damaged their properties. As andrewdanne mentions it can be a risk factor for the landlord if the tenant has an animal which causes problems. I have been a tenant, a landlord and a homeowner and I do understand all sides. I actually preferred to have a ‘no pets’ clause on my rental home as I had just come out of a divorce and needed a break.
That house had been renovated and even though I had cats of my own, I just didn’t want someone with, say, a rambunctious dog dragging mud through the house, wrecking my garden etc. I just didn’t have the mental strength then to deal with that kind of ‘maybe’. Now if I decide to rent this house I live in I will have no issues, [as it’s an] entirely different home.
Comment from junipergirl: I always had cats whilst I was growing up. I moved out of home at a very young age, living in a one-bedroom flat in Murrumbeena, in Melbourne for over six years. I worked long hours and got very lonely. I would have killed to have a cat! Or at least a budgie! I suffered terribly from depression and I know that a cat snuggled in with me would have helped tremendously.
Sad thing is; I know so many people who rent who have a cat or birds or whatever and hope to god the landlord doesn’t find out. My sister lives in a three-unit property and she and another tenant own cats. She keeps hers indoors all the time and the other one wanders about.
On the other side of the coin, I do understand landlords worrying about animals having damaged their properties. As andrewdanne mentions it can be a risk factor for the landlord if the tenant has an animal which causes problems. I have been a tenant, a landlord and a homeowner and I do understand all sides. I actually preferred to have a ‘no pets’ clause on my rental home as I had just come out of a divorce and needed a break.
That house had been renovated and even though I had cats of my own, I just didn’t want someone with, say, a rambunctious dog dragging mud through the house, wrecking my garden etc. I just didn’t have the mental strength then to deal with that kind of ‘maybe’. Now if I decide to rent this house I live in I will have no issues, [as it’s an] entirely different home.
Story: How Do I… Choose a Timber Floor
Comment from magridoc: Be wary of dark bamboo floating floor – beautiful but bleaches rapidly in harsh light.
Comment from magridoc: Be wary of dark bamboo floating floor – beautiful but bleaches rapidly in harsh light.
Story: For the Love of Dogs: Our Ever-Faithful Companions
Comment from carer1: This was our beautiful Jack Russell terrier ‘Jack.’ Jack was the joy of our life. We lost him last year when an irresponsible dog owner had left their Staffordshire bull terrier untethered in the front yard with no gate. It ran out and attacked our Jack, ripping his throat out when my son took Jack for a walk.
As a carer having to deal with profound stress and hardship caring for our special-needs daughter, the days when I broke down, Jack was there. When I was in the depths of despair and cried, he jumped on my lap and licked the tears, he made me laugh when I was consumed with sadness, he was the light at the end of the tunnel, he was the member of our family that kept our family together. I have yet to get over the loss of him, he will never be forgotten. Having grown up with dogs, they have been and will continue to be a gift from above and we’re all blessed for having them in our lives.
Comment from carer1: This was our beautiful Jack Russell terrier ‘Jack.’ Jack was the joy of our life. We lost him last year when an irresponsible dog owner had left their Staffordshire bull terrier untethered in the front yard with no gate. It ran out and attacked our Jack, ripping his throat out when my son took Jack for a walk.
As a carer having to deal with profound stress and hardship caring for our special-needs daughter, the days when I broke down, Jack was there. When I was in the depths of despair and cried, he jumped on my lap and licked the tears, he made me laugh when I was consumed with sadness, he was the light at the end of the tunnel, he was the member of our family that kept our family together. I have yet to get over the loss of him, he will never be forgotten. Having grown up with dogs, they have been and will continue to be a gift from above and we’re all blessed for having them in our lives.
Story: 13 Simple Steps to a Perfectly Made Bed
Comment from @lyvia: A healthy way to make the bed in the morning is to fold the top half of the covers down, exposing more of the sheets. This allows better drying of the night’s moisture, especially if sunshine and fresh air are available. Dryness reduces dust mites. Burying that moisture under a mound of pillows and blankets will guarantee musty sheets sooner.
Comment from @lyvia: A healthy way to make the bed in the morning is to fold the top half of the covers down, exposing more of the sheets. This allows better drying of the night’s moisture, especially if sunshine and fresh air are available. Dryness reduces dust mites. Burying that moisture under a mound of pillows and blankets will guarantee musty sheets sooner.
Story: The Life-Enriching Benefits of Togetherness
Comment from @Jilly Possum: As a childless singleton, I have found that the old-fashioned get-together with a friend is becoming much harder to instigate. Married people of my age (late 50s) have growing kids or adult kids who won’t leave home, ailing elderly parents and other family members, their own health issues, work and, oh yes, each other, to fill their lives.
Landline phones with answering machines with a little light on are a thing of the past, mobiles are so full of things other than voicemail that they seem useless as a communication tool. A message suggesting a get-together gets filed before it’s heard/read. In my world, classes, volunteer work and animals constitute society, yet I know that some people can keep up the old ways. What am I missing?
Reply from @dressmyhouse: Look online for community groups like ‘Meetup’, where you can pick a social activity like a lunch or dinner to meet new people. A few hours a week can make a big difference.
Comment from @Jilly Possum: As a childless singleton, I have found that the old-fashioned get-together with a friend is becoming much harder to instigate. Married people of my age (late 50s) have growing kids or adult kids who won’t leave home, ailing elderly parents and other family members, their own health issues, work and, oh yes, each other, to fill their lives.
Landline phones with answering machines with a little light on are a thing of the past, mobiles are so full of things other than voicemail that they seem useless as a communication tool. A message suggesting a get-together gets filed before it’s heard/read. In my world, classes, volunteer work and animals constitute society, yet I know that some people can keep up the old ways. What am I missing?
Reply from @dressmyhouse: Look online for community groups like ‘Meetup’, where you can pick a social activity like a lunch or dinner to meet new people. A few hours a week can make a big difference.
Story: Let There Be Light: 10 Fixes for Homes That Face the Wrong Way
Comment from @Tina Heath: Not a day goes by where Mother Nature in all her sunny, breezy glory, comes flying through the tiniest windows of our home (which faces NNW). Bright sunny toilets, bathrooms, and spare rooms… sigh. If our builder had just thought to flip the floor plan, it would [have] been such a different home… something to remember for next time… :)
Comment from @Tina Heath: Not a day goes by where Mother Nature in all her sunny, breezy glory, comes flying through the tiniest windows of our home (which faces NNW). Bright sunny toilets, bathrooms, and spare rooms… sigh. If our builder had just thought to flip the floor plan, it would [have] been such a different home… something to remember for next time… :)
Story: What I Learnt About Moving a Loved One to a Retirement Home
Comment from @Kendrah: Did this move for my wonderful father-in-law who had dementia. He didn’t care for anything old and familiar. He was happy starting all over again. Firm seating and bedding, and chairs with arms were key. Adjustable window shades were important as he perceived odd images from glare and reflection.
Don’t forget the importance of electronics. He was an eccentric new-age hippie guy, peaceful and kind at heart, but his brain was ravaged with dementia that made him prone to anger and violence. A boom box with a new-age music CD on replay was key to managing his moods. He also found the Planet Earth BBC DVD a calming way to pass time and we had a very large TV placed on the dresser that could be turned towards his bed or towards his seating area.
Sad to say, but the more inviting and beautiful we made his room look, the more often staff stopped by and gave him attention just because they loved being in there. They found it a relaxing escape from the rest of the rooms on his floor.
Comment from @Kendrah: Did this move for my wonderful father-in-law who had dementia. He didn’t care for anything old and familiar. He was happy starting all over again. Firm seating and bedding, and chairs with arms were key. Adjustable window shades were important as he perceived odd images from glare and reflection.
Don’t forget the importance of electronics. He was an eccentric new-age hippie guy, peaceful and kind at heart, but his brain was ravaged with dementia that made him prone to anger and violence. A boom box with a new-age music CD on replay was key to managing his moods. He also found the Planet Earth BBC DVD a calming way to pass time and we had a very large TV placed on the dresser that could be turned towards his bed or towards his seating area.
Sad to say, but the more inviting and beautiful we made his room look, the more often staff stopped by and gave him attention just because they loved being in there. They found it a relaxing escape from the rest of the rooms on his floor.
Story: Tradie Talk: How to Make Your Next Project a Win-Win
Comment from @beshill: Good article and reminder. I gained real insight into tradies when my university-aged son worked as a furniture removalist during his holidays. He told me many horror stories of poor treatment, superior attitudes and driving and unpacking for 5-6 hours without being offered a drink or food. He said he felt unvalued and unappreciated.
It has made me try to see tradies as someone’s son or father or mother, and to remember, even if they turn down a coffee, it’s better to have offered. Sitting having a beer with some movers, which turned into buying pizza before they drove back, made their day and they worked harder because of it. A little kindness goes a long way.
Tell us
We love hearing what you have to say, and others often benefit from your insights and experiences. Join the conversation.
More
Read more stories on Houzz
Comment from @beshill: Good article and reminder. I gained real insight into tradies when my university-aged son worked as a furniture removalist during his holidays. He told me many horror stories of poor treatment, superior attitudes and driving and unpacking for 5-6 hours without being offered a drink or food. He said he felt unvalued and unappreciated.
It has made me try to see tradies as someone’s son or father or mother, and to remember, even if they turn down a coffee, it’s better to have offered. Sitting having a beer with some movers, which turned into buying pizza before they drove back, made their day and they worked harder because of it. A little kindness goes a long way.
Tell us
We love hearing what you have to say, and others often benefit from your insights and experiences. Join the conversation.
More
Read more stories on Houzz
Related Stories
Gardens
Desperate for Shade? Find Some Temporary Relief on Hot Days
Get your outdoor space summer-ready with these quick and simple shade solutions that will keep you cool all season
Full Story
Most Popular
8 Indoor Plants That Will Help Keep Your Home Cool
Don't go for good looks alone, choose plants that help cool the air inside your house this summer
Full Story
Most Popular
Screen Time: Stylish Ways to Keep the Mozzies Out This Season
From outdoor curtains and mosquito nets to retractable flyscreens on windows and doors, Houzz has you covered
Full Story
Outdoors
Take it Outside: Setting Up the Perfect Outdoor Office
By Ashling Kwok
Sometimes a fresh perspective can do wonders for your productivity, so pack up your work things and head outdoors
Full Story
Architecture
Can a Renovation Prevent Family Feuds Over the Summer Holidays?
Architect Nick Johnston discusses his learnings from having family stay over the holiday break
Full Story
Most Popular
33 Fun Things to Do When It's Too Hot to Go Outside
When it's hot weather and you can't get to the beach... or even step outside, here's some fun stuff to do indoors!
Full Story
Picture Perfect
30 Christmas Schemes to Inspire and Delight
Our coffee-break escape offers you five minutes' worth of images to inspire and delight. Jump right in...
Full Story
Decorating
25 Tablescapes to Up Your Entertaining Game
Our coffee-break escape offers you five minutes' worth of images to inspire and delight. Jump right in...
Full Story
Most Popular
10 Ways Good Design Can Keep Your House Cool in Summer
Get your home's design right and you can say goodbye to expensive air conditioning bills – here's how
Full Story
Most Popular
12 Ways to Get Your Home Cyclone-Ready
If you live in a part of the country where cyclones occur and want to protect your home, here are 12 steps to take
Full Story
sorry had not finished, computer glitch. solid wood bench tops and tapware and claw foot bath and also a farmhouse sink from. I live in rural Qld near Esk so am not close to the shops and also have a very limited budget. I'm a single pensioner and don't have much money to spend on inside as have a roof to replace so the best and cheapest places would be good. Would love an LPG gas stove but an Early Kooka type. Old one converted but that is on my bucket list at the moment as kitchen and bathroom are priorities. Hope for some good advice. Thank you for the forum and for allowing me to ask... Regards to all.. Judy
@Jilly Possum - I am also in my late 50's (almost 59!) and single. I work 20 hours a week at a job I love, but all my colleagues are younger people and whilst lovely, don't have much in common with me. I have 3 Grand children - and even though I love them to pieces, I've never been the maternal type that enjoys parks and kid stuff. I joined a couple of groups, Life beyond 30 and a reading group, but found that the younger ones wanted to go clubbing and the reading group were either all married or had their lives sorted and managed. Whilst I can be a bubbly, engaging person, I'm usually very much an Introvert and find myself in danger of becoming a Hermit. It feels terrifying for me to make the first move if I happen to meet somebody who I think I click with. I have done this a couple of times but feel as though I'm the only one making an effort, which then makes me feel that maybe they don't really like me and the downward spiral of rejection starts! My 2 little dogs are my best mates and often the only one's I talk to outside work!! I'm healthy, reasonably articulate, enjoy conversations on many subjects, love reading, gardening and renovating and am happiest with a paint brush in my hand, listening to music with a glass of wine! (Oh God - this sounds like a profile on a dating website!) I'm obviously missing something too!
@Judith Molloy Feel free to cut and paste this Design Dilemma into our forums - houzz.com.au/discussions - our community will be eager to help you out!