DIY Archives - CENTURY 21 MarketLink Realty

5 winter DIY home projects

February 20, 2019 By Ariel Jordan

If you’re the type that loves to take on a good DIY project, the winter season can leave your options … lacking. Don’t despair, there’s still plenty that needs to be done around your home even when it’s cold outside. Here’s a list of indoor DIY projects you can start tackling today.

Insulate your water heater. A source of heat during the winter, you can reduce your home’s energy usage by wrapping your water heater in insulation to keep your water hot, whether you’re using it or not.
Add a programmable thermostat. This one just makes sense when considering energy conservation. Programmable thermostats allow you to control the temperature of your home from anywhere and set preprogrammed temperature guidelines to lower your home’s temp when you’re away and raise it when you return.
A fresh coat of paint. Summer is the time for painting your home’s exterior, but the winter was made for inside painting projects. This is an easy way to add vibrancy to those dreary winter months. Just try to pick a day when it isn’t raining or snowing to make your ventilation easier.
Clear the clutter. Increase your living space by clearing junk. If you haven’t used it in a year, say goodbye.

Syndicated via Century 21®. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/eXNsEgBZTu4/

How to Incorporate Oscars Glamour into Your Home

February 26, 2016 By Casey Danton

If you love to watch the glitz and glam that surrounds awards ceremonies, then this weekend might be the most wonderful time of your year. Sure, you can host a viewing party to “ooo” and “aah” at celebrities’ outfits, but have you considered making your house just as swoon worthy? Try some of these tips to incorporate a glam style into your home that may last longer than just the awards night.

Roll Out the Red Carpet
An actual red carpet might be a bit much, but you can still hint at the iconic pathway with splashes of its deep, red hue. Follow the 60-30-10 rule, where your main decorating color takes up 60 percent of the space, your secondary color takes up 30 percent, and your accent color, 10 percent. Keep the red carpet vibe as an accent, and bump up it up to with pillows, throws, and candles in the vibrant color.

Dress Up in Black Tie
If you feel elegant when you dress in black, why don’t you apply the same dress code to your home? Consider painting a few pieces of furniture, such as a kitchen table set or a dresser. Be sure to apply a deglosser beforehand, so that the surface can accept new paint. Always use gloves, and work in a well ventilated area.

Shine like a Diamond
While diamonds aren’t the most practical item to incorporate into your home, you can capture their light reflecting qualities with a few tricks. Hang mirrors near light sources, such as near a lamp or across from a window and replace your coffee table with a glass one. The light reflected from the mirror can flow through the glass and potentially brighten up the whole room.

Set a Gold Standard
A bit of glittering gold is sure to catch the eye of anyone in your home, so add some sparkle where you can. Replace the hardware on cabinets and drawers with gold metallic ones — it’s an easy project that can refresh the whole look and feel of your room. Most hardware will have a clear coating to protect the metal from oxidation, so be sure to protect that outer layer when cleaning. Use a soft damp cloth to wipe them down and stay away from acid based cleaners.

With this décor style, your home may be award-worthy every day of the year.

Syndicated via Century 21®. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/utz-vwGIRn0/

Home Decor Projects for When You’re Snowed In

February 3, 2016 By Casey Danton

Sometimes it’s hard to see the upside of harsh winter weather, especially when snow storms leave you stuck inside. However, you can take advantage of a snow day by using the opportunity to improve your home decor. Here are some simple DIY projects for when you’re snowed in. Ask your children to help out (safely) for family fun time that may add a bit of luxury to your living space.

Decorative Lampshade
Add some pizzazz to a lampshade by gluing an inlaid paper cutout on its inner surface. Use a blade to cut a design from paper (either freehand or from a template), making sure to place a rubber mat down first to protect the surface underneath. With a mixture of 50% glue and 50% water, decoupage the paper cutout inside of the lampshade. Once it’s dry, turn the lamp on and admire the glowing design!

Fabric Wall Art
If you have some bold print fabric, use it to create art that pops. All you’ll need to buy are wooden frames of varying sizes and a hot glue gun. Cut the fabric wide enough so that there will be two inches leftover when stretched across a frame. Cover, glue, and voila! Create a gallery wall to display your new pieces.

Hanging Planters
If you have small planters in your indoor garden, consider hanging them for a fun look that will free up surface space. Simply drill two small holes close to the top edge of the planter. Make sure they’re exactly opposite from one another. Knot a thin but sturdy rope or twine inside each of the holes so you can hang them from a hook. Tip: Install the hook near a window so your plant can still get the sunlight it needs.

Memory Table
Memory tables are a great way to personalize your home. You’ll need a deep photo display and a similar sized coffee table. Using a strong wood glue, adhere the back of the photo display to the table. You can now place objects in the display to create a sentimental scene. Try using objects that are cohesive, such as trinkets and photos from a memorable family trip. You may want to glue the objects in place so they are not disturbed when the table is moved.

If you keep one (or more) of these projects in mind for your next snow day, getting snowed in might not seem so bad!

Syndicated via Century 21®. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/rN1mGnlm40U/

DIY: Holiday Card Display Wreath

December 2, 2015 By Casey Danton

With a flood of holiday cards now filling your mailbox, it can be difficult to find enough space to display them all. Within a week, the mantel is full and you’re left looking for other options to prevent any one place from looking too crowded. To solve that problem, we’ve created a simple DIY card wreath that will help you find a home for this season’s batch of festive greetings. The simple, neutral style of this display should match many different decor styles, from modern to rustic, and it will be exciting to pull out of the attic year after year!

What You’ll Need

If you don’t already have the supplies for this project lying around the house, you can easily find them at your local craft store. Gather these items to get started:

A large hoop (pictured is an 18” quilt hoop)
Felt (Choose shades of green for a natural look, or try experimenting with unexpected but still festive hues like vibrant red or gold.)
Scissors
Glue
Small pompoms (We used white pompoms for a mistletoe look, but red or metallic pompoms are fun as well.)
Twine
Thumbtacks
Tiny clothespins

How to Make It

Step 1: Begin by making your leaves. You can freehand these onto the felt with a permanent marker before cutting, or practice them on paper first. The wreath in the picture has one long branch (going down the left side), two medium branches (one layered on each side), two small branches (one layered on each side) and one middle piece to cover the gaps between felt layers. Test the size and placement of each felt piece as you go to figure out what you like best.

Step 2: Glue your leaves in place and allow them to dry according to your adhesive’s instructions.

Step 3: After the glue has dried, lay out your twine and cards to decide on their placement. Since holiday cards come in a lot of different shapes and sizes these days, many combinations will be possible. Once you’ve decided where your twine will need to go, attach it to the back of the hoop either with thumbtacks (which will push the wreath away from the wall, creating depth) or staples. You may want to glue or fasten the twine where it runs along the hoop to keep it from view, but that’s up to you.

Step 4: Next, flip your hoop back over and glue the pompoms on the “leaves.” Keep the arrangement fairly random to resemble to natural, organic look of berries. As a bonus, these can be helpful for covering any odd gaps between the leaves if that’s necessary.

Step 5: Now find the perfect spot to hang your new wreath. We chose to hang ours over the fireplace, but the foyer, kitchen and dining room are all possibilities—just think about where you’re likely to enjoy it the most! You can attach it to the wall using a simple nail or any other picture-hanging supplies.

Step 6: Choose a handful of your favorite cards, then attach them to the twine with the mini clothespins. Remember: Your arrangement doesn’t have to stay the same all season. Have fun swapping out the older cards for new ones as they arrive in your mailbox so that you always have a fresh collection of smiling faces greeting you and your family!

About the Author:

Julia Marchand is a DIY and home design expert for Shutterfly. She lives in New Hampshire, where she grew up, with her husband and year-old son. Julia loves all things vintage and spends her time sewing, reading and crafting. Follow Julia on Twitter to find out what adorable holiday idea she comes up with next!

Syndicated via Century 21®. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/aLJIY8TzGLs/

6 Ingenious Kitchen Projects to Make It Feel Bigger

September 23, 2015 By Casey Danton

Does your kitchen feel cramped? If you want to create the illusion of a bigger kitchen without remodeling or tearing down walls, don’t fret. There are plenty of creative hacks for organizing your small kitchen. Here are some ideas:

#1 Declutter!

It’s possible that the reason your kitchen feels small and cramped is that you’re keeping a lot of stuff in it. Cookbooks, pots and pans, vases — these can all clutter the space. Take the time to clear off the counters and workspaces. To take the next step, declutter cabinets and shelves. Get rid of dishes that you rarely use and toss pots and pans that have rusted over time. This is a good opportunity to make room for new items or just free up space in general. Don’t forget about your floor space. If there are shoes or other items that don’t belong in the kitchen, now is the time to move or remove them.

#2 Add more white.

A dark color scheme can make small spaces feel more cramped or narrow than they are. If you have the budget, think about repainting your walls white or a lighter shade. If your cabinets are white, then transition the color onto your walls. If your cabinets are a different color or retain their natural wood grain appearance, now is a good time to paint them white. It creates a seamless, open feeling in your kitchen.

#3 Install additional lighting.

The more light in a space, the brighter and more open it feels. When you combine light with white, the light is reflected and makes the walls seem further away. Just make sure to install soft lighting. If you can, make the most of natural light during the day with windows. You can replace a single-pane glass window over your sink, for example, with its more efficient, double-paned alternative. It creates just as much natural light and increases your home’s efficiency. The cost of a replacement window is about $500 depending on the size you’ll need.

#4 Remove barriers.

Your island, bar stools or hanging lamps may also be the reason your kitchen feels cramped. Islands are great for baking bread or preparing meats, but if you rarely use yours, why keep it around? The same goes for barstools — keep them aside and pull them out when needed. Replace hanging pendant lamps with recessed lamps so you can avoid hitting your head. The kitchen shouldn’t have too much going on at once, so keep it focused on the essentials: countertop, sink, stove and refrigerator. Everything else should be open floor space.

#5 Do you need all the cabinets?

Do you use all of the cabinets in your kitchen? If you have cabinets around the entirety of your kitchen, there’s a chance their color and depth will make your kitchen feel smaller. If you don’t use them all, think about removing a few. If you do use all of your cabinets, think about replacing some with open shelving or putting in glass doors. As previously mentioned, white paint is also good for making the room feel less cramped.

#6 Geometric patterns help.

Geometric patterns can make your kitchen feel bigger. Stripes, in particular, can help draw the eye and make the room feel larger or taller than it actually is. Add a runner or rug with a geometric pattern. Or, if you have the budget, replace your current flooring with geometric tiles. The cost to install a ceramic tile floor averages between $900 and $2,300 depending on the square footage of the kitchen.

Syndicated via Century 21®. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/CHvHLSB6EkE/

How to Host an At-Home Wedding

June 16, 2015 By Casey Danton

Many brides and grooms choose to host their wedding at home — home is where the heart is, after all. Before vows, the first kiss, and cutting the cake, say, “I do” to these tips.

Make some room: When drafting your guest list, be realistic about the number of people you can comfortably hold in the space. You may need to trim down a bit. If you’re planning on having an outdoor wedding, make sure to have an indoor backup plan in case of inclement weather. For a seated reception, you’ll need approximately 10-12 square feet of space per guest.

Tend to your lawn and garden: You may keep up with maintenance regardless, but for a wedding, the yard should be in tip-top shape. That means a perfectly manicured lawn and your favorite flowers in full bloom. Consider hiring a professional landscaper to reseed and replant. When choosing your flowers, consider the time of year and which varieties will be in season.

Book rentals: Rent tables and chairs from a rental company (or your caterer). Leave the setting up and cleaning up to the professionals. You’ll also likely want to rent a tent and a dance floor. Not only are they practical, they look snazzy too.

Chat with vendors and the officiant: Cover your bases! Don’t forget to check with your officiant to make sure that he or she is able to perform the ceremony outside a place of worship. Talk with vendors about your space and bring them by for a visit. Have your caterer sign off on your kitchen supplies.

Be a good neighbor: This isn’t just a party. If they’re not already invited, let your neighbors know of your wedding plans far in advance. Make sure they know the time of the ceremony (so that it’s not interrupted by lawn mowing or dog barking) and aren’t planning another event the same day. Ask if they can offer extra parking space (and if they’re generous enough to do so, send over a little thank you gift).

Get creative: One of the best things about having the wedding at your home may be the fact that you have permission to get as creative as you want. You’re not tied to the restrictions of the venue. Take advantage! Mix and match china sets and centerpieces. Go nuts with the DIY and personal touches.

Delegate tasks: You may not be able to do this all on your own. Ask help from friends and family members (or hire a professional wedding planner).

Enjoy your big day!

Syndicated via Century 21®. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/IyWF3KzNn2A/

5 Books to Inspire You to Get Organized

May 5, 2015 By Casey Danton

It’s time for spring cleaning. The beginning of a new season is a great time to make your home look its best. Between clearing out clutter, packing up your winter items, and making every room shine, getting your home in shape can also be time consuming.

It may be tough to figure out where to start, but with these inspiring books, your inner professional organizer can come to life.

Here are five books to help you get started.

1. Unclutter Your Life in One Week by Erin Doland: Expert organizer, Doland gives great advice and insights on how to quickly clean up your home…and clear your mind. She explains the best ways to part with sentimental items, something a lot of people struggle with, and offers advice on how to prevent procrastination.

2. Real Simple: The Organized Home by Real Simple Magazine: From the popular magazine, Real Simple, this book focuses on creating a more productive, clutter free, home and life. The authors dish out advice on everything from taking care of one room to giving your entire home an organizational makeover.

3. The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide: How to Declutter, Organize, and Simplify Your Life by Francine Jay: This is a book for the person looking to declutter multiple aspects of his or her life. It walks you through how to adopt a minimalist lifestyle. The book is divided into four parts: inspiration to get organized, a ten step process to pare down possessions, a room by room guide to decluttering, and how to declutter your life and be more productive.

4. Banish Clutter Forever: How the Toothbrush Principle Will Change Your Life by Shelia Chandra: Chandra explains that if everyone follows the “blueprint” that naturally neat people follow, organization will come naturally. Chandra also explains the “Toothbrush Principle” which states that even the most disorganized person doesn’t lose their toothbrush, it’s just in the midst of clutter. The author explains that a clutter free home will lead to a more productive life.

5. Home Organizing Workbook by Meryl Starr: Starr produced a straightforward handbook for home organization. The chapters are filled with questionnaires to make readers aware of their core organizational problems. The author also gives strategic solutions and tips for tackling projects, no matter the size.

Organizing your home can be fun—with the right inspiration. Whether you are taking on your refrigerator or your attic, decluttering your home and getting organized is the best way to start living a more productive life!

Syndicated via Century 21®. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/5XIwLZfnPuI/

7 Essential Curb Appeal Tips for Sellers

April 29, 2015 By CENTURY 21

With the spring real estate market heating up across the United States, it’s time to focus on curb appeal. You want your home to stand out from the others, and the exterior will be the first area buyers see. If it’s not in top shape, there’s a good chance buyers will move on to the next home. So make sure you’re trimming the lawn, washing the siding and shining everything else up in preparation for showings. Here are some essential areas to address:

#1 Wash the siding
Your siding probably looks a bit dirty and dusty after this last winter, so it’s time to wash it off and make it look shiny and new for the spring. Use soapy water and a bristled brush to remove dirt and debris. If the grime and dirt won’t come off easily, you may need to use a pressure washer or power washer to remove it. You can rent a pressure washer from a local home improvement store or hire a professional power washer. The cost for exterior power washing ranges from $200 to $400, depending on the time and square footage involved. You should also take this time to wash your garage door, as it will be one of the first things buyers see. Do not use a power washer to clean your windows and doors though, because it could damage them and lead to repair costs.

Home Exterior by The Affordable Builders, LLC in Spanaway, WA

#2 Revitalize the paint job
Once you’ve cleaned off the siding, it’s time to look at the paint. There’s a chance your home’s exterior will have chips, cracks and other paint issues following winter. To increase the exterior appeal of your home, consider repainting it. You could use the same paint color as before or choose a whole new color.. For a job this big, you may need to hire a painting contractor. Then explore how you can accent the paint job, whether it’s with plants, trim or exterior window treatments.

#3 Fix up the lawn
Given that winter was likely harsh on your landscape, it’s time to get it back in shape for the spring market. You should trim and prune any trees and bushes that took a beating or look overgrown. Add mulch to your flower beds and around trees to give them a professional, well-kept look. Aerate and dethatch your lawn so it can breathe and absorb nutrients more easily. If you have any barren spots in your lawn from snow and ice, add seeds or sod to help renew and cover those areas. If you have the time and budget, think about new spring garden colors in the form of flowers and shrubs.

Transitional Landscape by Pagani Fence, LLC in Newark, NJ

#4 Add a fence
Another nostalgic, yet high selling point for buyers is a fence around the front of your property. It doesn’t have to be a highly secure fence like those you would add around the backyard. Rather, you could install a picket fence or a short chain link fence around the front yard. This can be especially appealing to families with young children because it helps keep kids safe and enclosed near the home. Installing a fence can range from $1,500 to $4,000, depending on the material you choose and the square footage of the front yard.

Tuscan Patio by MJ12 Corp. in San Jose, CA

#5 Renew the front door
Once people pass through your fence and renewed landscape, they have to open your front door. If your entry door is beaten down, rotting and in bad shape, it sets a bad tone for the rest of the walkthrough. So look at how you can revitalize the door, whether it’s with a thorough cleaning or a paint job. Start by washing it down and then look for chips and cracks in the paint. Depending on the age of the door, it might be time to replace the door. Steel doors are noted as the safest and most effective doors for homeowners, but they are expensive. You might consider an affordable alternative like wood that you can personalize with knobs, windows and colors that complement your home’s interior and exterior design.

#6 Add landscaping lighting
For night walkthroughs, a great addition to your landscape is outdoor lighting. Landscape lights can increase the appeal of your home’s exterior and add security. You can accent trees, shrubs and flower beds at night to attract the buyer’s eye. That way, even though it’s dark outside, they’re still noticing the high points of your landscape. You can use solar fixtures that soak up sunlight during the day and light up at night. Otherwise, you can buy light fixtures that draw on power from the house or use batteries. These decisions depend on your budget and what works best for your landscape design.

Traditional Home Exterior by Cody Property and Handyman Services in Northborough, MA

#7 Update the mailbox
Mailboxes may seem like a nostalgic idea, but they can add definite appeal to your home, especially if you live in the suburbs. You can get mailboxes at a local home improvement store, and they come in various styles to match your home design. You can also fix up the mailbox you already have, whether it means painting it a new color or adding numbers to the side in the form of stickers or metal decals.

Syndicated via Century 21®. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/NR_strVoK8M/

What to Do With the Extra Room in Your House

April 23, 2015 By CENTURY 21

What would you do if you had an extra room in your house? Get creative because the possibilities are limitless.

1. Home Gym: Do you love to start your mornings with a good workout, but hate dragging yourself to a crowded gym? If you have some workout machines at home, transform your spare room into a gym. Even if you just buy some weights, a yoga mat, and other inexpensive equipment, you can turn your unused room into something useful.

2. Playroom: If you’re tired of tripping over your kids’ toys in your nice, fancy living room, turn that extra room into their own space. Paint the walls with chalkboard paint so they can write on the walls, store all of their toys in the room, and allow them to play. They’ll love a space of their own, and you’ll love not having a mess all over the house.

3. Contemplation Room: Ever just need some time alone with your thoughts? If you find yourself wanting to escape the craziness of the day and not knowing where to go, consider creating a contemplation room. Decorate it in all white with comfortable furniture, throw pillows, and blankets. This creates a serene space where you can go to clear your head, meditate, and relax.

4. Library: If you’re a bookworm, you’ve probably always dreamed of having your very own library. Now is your chance! Install bookshelves from wall to ceiling, add comfortable, sophisticated couches, and throw in cozy area rugs to make a comfy and inviting space. Just imagine relaxing after a long day in your library with your favorite book, a cup of tea, and candles.

5. Entertainment Center: If you don’t have a den or finished basement, and only a formal living room, you may want to consider turning the spare room into an entertainment center. Use dark woods and deep colors, reclining chairs and a sectional couch, and top it off with a flat screen television for the perfect movie theater feel. It can be a great place to have a movie marathon on a rainy day!

Having a spare room in the home leaves you with countless opportunities to be unique and create a special room that’s all your own!

Recommended Reading:

-How to Turn Your Bathroom into a Spa Inspired Escape

-Old to New: Tips for Rearranging Your Furniture

-5 Home Projects to Complete in 10 Minutes or Less

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/cIsaUZauBBU/

5 Gifts To Leave For Your Old Home’s New Owners

April 13, 2015 By CENTURY 21

Selling a home is an emotional event. You are leaving behind a house filled with memories and venturing off to someplace new. The people buying your home are excited to create their own memories in a home that you loved for so many years. Welcome them with a thoughtful gift that will leave a lasting impression.

Here are some ideas for gifts to leave for your home’s new owners.

1. Personalized Key Rings: Mark this milestone in the new owners’ lives by giving them a special key ring. Engrave it with their initials, the date of the move, or even a special message from you. Not only is this thoughtful, but it’s a practical gift as well.

2. Mailing labels and stationery: Personalized gifts go a long way. Create mailing labels with the owners’ names and new addresses; if you want to go the extra mile, create personalized stationery for them as well. Leave these paper gifts on the kitchen counter with a nice note to surprise the owners.

3. Monogrammed Doormat: Doormats are something that may not be at the top of a new homeowner “to-buy” list. Give them a monogrammed one or one that fits well with the decor of the home. They will surely appreciate this gesture.

4. Practical Items: If you’re skeptical about buying personalized gifts, stick to practical home items. Things like smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, unpacking supplies, or even a utensil organizer are useful to new homeowners. They’ll be so busy when they first move in, and these are essentials that they should have immediately.

5. A Neighborhood Guide: Write a detailed list of your favorite places in the neighborhood. Mention your favorite restaurants, boutiques, gyms and more. They’ll love having your recommendations on hand when they start to explore!

All of these gestures are incredibly kind and memorable. It’s a nice way to welcome new people into the home and neighborhood you have loved for so long.