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Summer Transitions to Fall: Home Decor

September 26, 2014 By

As F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote in The Great Gatsby, “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” The fall season starts in just a few days and excitement is in the air. The beginning of a new season is the time for a fresh start. Welcome it with a new look for your home. If you prepare your wardrobe for fall, shouldn’t you change your home decor as well?

Here are a few ways to transition your home decor from summer to fall.

1. Neutral Tones: Swap out your bright colored decor for more neutral tones. Take a cue from nature and add brown, orange, red, green, and yellow elements.

2. Slipcovers: Add a slipcover to your couch or chairs. They’re available in a variety of colors and patterns, making it easy to change the look of your home without purchasing new furniture.

3. Bed linens: Change your bed linens from bright hues to darker colors and thicker material. Add a throw blanket or quilt for extra comfort and warmth. Add a few red, orange, or green throw pillows to complete the look.

4. Details: Bring the nature indoors. Add a pumpkin, a bowl of apples, or pine cones in various areas of the house. Add some fall scented candles and flowers such as orange roses, sunflowers, dogwood, aubergine dahlias, bright yellow marigolds, and deep burgundy ranunculus.

5. First Impressions: Make a great first impression by making a fall wreath and putting orange or red potted plants and pumpkins on your front steps.

These tips will give your home a new look for the new season. We predict that you’ll fall in love with your fall-inspired home!

 

Recommended Reading:

-How to Style a Coffee Table

-Serene Spaces: 5 Tips for Creating a Calm Bedroom

-10 Incredible Home Organization Tips

-Sweet Dreams are Made of These: How to Style a Bed

 

 

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Double Agents: New Uses for Everyday Things

September 23, 2014 By

Who doesn’t love finding a new way to use a common household product? Look around your home, and you’ll find a lot of everyday household items that can be used in a new way.

Don’t dash out to the store, use these common items to clean and organize your home.

Baking Soda: Use baking soda to clean your carpets. Sprinkle it on your rug, leave it on for at least fifteen minutes, then vacuum. Baking soda can also be used to clean a toilet, deodorize a drain, unclog a drain, and shine tarnished silver. (All You)

White Vinegar: There are lots of ways to use white vinegar when cleaning your home. Use it to clean your fridge, disinfect your bathroom, clean a toilet, remove a carpet stain, or clean a dirty faucet. Who knew that a little bottle in your kitchen cabinet would have so many uses? (All You)

Lemon Juice: Lemons don’t just taste great in water or your favorite lemon bar recipe, they can also be used to clean common household items. Use it to clean your grout, microwave, toilet, and fridge. (Mother Nature Network)

Ice Cube Tray: Use an old ice cube tray to organize jewelry or desk items like thumbtacks, paper clips, and rubber bands. (Good Housekeeping)

Over the Door Shoe Rack: Make your cleaning supply closet neat and tidy. Put your cleaning products in an over the door shoe rack. An over the door shoe rack can also be used to organize toiletries in a small bathroom.

Finding creative uses for products will help you decrease the amount you spend on cleaning products, stay organized, and contribute to a cleaner planet. Start looking at items in your home in a new light.

 

Recommended Reading:

-Just DIY It: 5 Natural Cleaning Products

-Five Simple Chalkboard Paint Projects for the Home

-How to Decorate Your Home on a Budget

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5 Ways to Create A Beautiful Backyard

September 20, 2014 By

A backyard that is well decorated and cared for will complete the look and feel of your home. It ties everything together and will become a great spot for playing, relaxing, and entertaining.  You’ll never be jealous of the Braverman’s yard again!

1. Fire Pits: A fire pit is perfect for all seasons. Roast s’mores, tell ghost stories, or bring your cocktail party outdoors. A fire pit will give your backyard a focal point and a new place to make memories with friends and family.

2. Lounge Seating: To add extra comfort, use comfortable, cozy lounge furniture instead of hard, iron or metal seating. Add an outdoor couch and arm chairs with cushions for extra seating. Place the furniture around the fire pit to initiate conversation and create the perfect entertaining area.

3. Lighting: Now that you’re entertaining outdoors you need lighting for evening entertaining. We recommend lanterns, string lights, wall lighting, landscape lighting, and motion-activated lighting.

4. A Fruit and Vegetable Garden: Indulge your green thumb (and impress your friends and family) with home cooked meals using ingredients from your garden. Plant your favorite vegetables, herbs, and fruits. Bon appétit!

5. A Flower Garden: Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, “The earth laughs in flowers.” Plant beautiful flowers in your backyard. They’ll look pretty, smell good, and they may even attract gorgeous birds and butterflies!

6. A Table and Chairs: Go ahead, dine al fresco! Put a table and chairs outside so that you can host outdoor dinner parties. You can use the kitchen table or dining room when the weather gets cooler. (Pro Tip: Plant Citronella in your garden to keep the bugs and mosquitos away!)

Don’t just keep up with the Braverman’s. Surpass them with a backyard that is perfect for entertaining friends and family.

 

Recommended Reading:

-Landscaping 101: Great Grass Alternatives

-How to Style a Patio

-Let’s Get App-y: 3 Apps for Interior Design

 

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How To Make a House A Home: Creating Memories

September 19, 2014 By

There are so many ways to make a house a home. A house is simply a physical structure. A home is a place where you create meaningful memories with loved ones. It is a place for watching first steps, celebrating birthdays, and enjoying family dinners.

These activities will help you to create memories at home.

1. Plant a garden: Your family will love choosing flowers, herbs, fruits, and vegetables to plant in your garden. It will become a fun activity that you can do together. Watch the plants grow from season to season and year to year. We recommend also having each family member choose a plant that is uniquely theirs – they’ll have fun watching it grow and change, and it will be a great way to encourage responsibility.

2. Hang photos and art: Create a gallery wall with your children’s art and family photos. Hang holiday photos, first day of school photos, and photos from choice moments. Your kids will feel special when they see their art up on the wall.

3. Start a collection: Start a family collection. You will all get excited when you find something new to add. Collect salt and pepper shakers, vases, or something else that you all enjoy. Display the collection throughout your home, and each piece will remind you of the time you found it.

4. Make a height chart: Mark your children’s height on the door. You’ll love seeing how much they’ve grown, and they will get excited each time you make a new mark.

5. Make a “library” area: You don’t need a library to make a library area. Make a designated part of the home where your kids can curl up with their favorite books or, if your kids are pre-reading level, an area where you can read to them. You’ll make memories when you read together.

These ideas will help you to create new family traditions and memories. As they say, home is where the heart is! Write on our Facebook wall to let us know how your family creates memories at home.


Recommended Reading:

-Small Changes, Big Difference: 5 Low Cost Ways to Give Your Home a New Look

-5 Ways to Take Your Bedroom From Good to Great

-The Ultimate Home Personality Quiz

 

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5 Gadgets Every Man Cave Needs

September 17, 2014 By

It’s finally football season! Time to get the “man cave” in good shape for watching football. Setup your “man cave” with the technology you need to see and hear every single touchdown.

Here are five gadgets every “man cave” needs.

1. A Big Screen TV: Score some points when you host fantasy football, game nights, or movie nights. Project the big game on a big screen.

2. TV Wireless Headphones: Watch the game as loud as you want with wireless headphones. You’ll be able to hear every call – without disrupting the rest of your family.

3. Mini Fridge: Keep your favorite beverages within arm’s reach. Use the top of the mini fridge to store chips, popcorn, jerky and other snacks.

4. A Massage Recliner: Kick back and relax while you watch the kickoff. Some recliners have a built in massager or a built in cooler. Add a large couch and you and your bros will have room to chill.

5. Grill: You’ve got a beverage and snacks, and now you need some grub. In an ideal maniverse (man-universe) you’d have easy access to the patio and your outdoor grill. If this isn’t the case in your man cave, you can buy a small grill for making burgers or burritos.

Now all you have to do is call up your friends and invite them over to your place. You’ll love having an area of the home to truly call your own. Crush some beverages in the comfort of your macho (and hi-tech) “man cave.”

Recommended Reading:

-5 Best Man Caves for Watching Football

-Do This, Not That: Tips for Staging Your Home

-10 Incredible Home Organization Tips

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Dressed for Success: Outdoor Improvements

September 13, 2014 By

It’s the season for outdoor improvements. Where to invest? Here’s how to decide.

Making a great impression starts with your home’s exterior. In fact, a recent survey by the National Association of REALTORS® indicated curb appeal was a “major factor” in 49 percent of all home sales. And in a survey by Real Estate Agent Community Trends, 82 percent of agents said they’d had buyers decline to look at homes based on exterior appearance.

Here’s how to weigh your outdoor project options:

Pricey Replacements: New vinyl siding appeals to many buyers, but it can be expensive. Often a new paint job can freshen and protect the exterior. “Choose a neutral color that blends,” says CENTURY 21® Sales Professional Suzy Stone of CENTURY 21 AdVenture in Fredericksburg, Virginia. If the siding and paint are sound, give your house a power-washing. “It’s inexpensive and effective,” Stone advises.

You’ll increase your comfort and lower monthly utility bills by adding new energy-efficient windows, and they’ll appeal to future buyers. But the upgrade may make sense only if you plan to stay in your home a long time. If window replacement isn’t feasible in your timeline and budget, make sure existing units and window trim are in good repair and freshly painted. These simple, budget-friendly steps can go a long way in making a good first impression. Thorough caulking can help on the energy front too.

Low-Cost Necessities: Some of the most important exterior improvements you can make are the least expensive, says Stone. They also can provide quick and substantial payback.

Repaint or restain the front door, replace exterior light fixtures and add new welcome mats, inside and out. “People want to wipe their feet when they enter a stranger’s house,” Stone says.

While you’re at it, replace any rotted trim around the front door and garage doors.

And don’t forget your landscape. Trim bushes, remove leaves, edge the driveway and sidewalks and add fresh mulch around trees and shrubbery.

Acceptable Indulgences: If you’ve always wanted a swimming pool and plan to stay in your home for a while, go for it. “Enjoy the pool, but don’t assume that it will add value to your house,” Stone cautions. “Many people don’t want pools or hot tubs.”

Decks and porches, on the other hand, have broader appeal. Especially if they’re the norm in your neighborhood, they can increase your enjoyment of the house and add value when you sell.

Suzy Stone CENTURY 21 AdVenture, Fredericksburg, Virginia

Professional involvement: Suzy was president of her local REALTORS association in 2007, and she now serves as the part-time government affairs director.

Giving back: As president of her local no-kill Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals shelter, Suzy spends a lot of time fund-raising.

In the “people business”: “I like to see my clients often,” Suzy says. That’s why she keeps her business limited to the Fredericksburg area.

 

Recommended Reading:

-Small Changes, Big Difference: 5 Low-Cost Ways to Give Your Home a New Look

-How to Style a Patio

-How to Decorate Your Home on a Budget

-10 Secrets for Making Your Bedroom Feel Larger

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Fall into Fall: 5 Ways to Get Your Home Ready for Fall

September 10, 2014 By

Pumpkins, cozy sweaters, and falling leaves. Fall is almost here (the first official day is September 22nd), but you still have time to prepare for the new season in a big way.

Here are four ways to get your home ready for the fall.

1. Clean your gutters: Hire someone to clean out you clogged gutters or do it yourself. Watch Lowe’s video and read their article to learn how to clean your gutters.

2. Fix any drafts: Check your windows and doors for any drafts. Hire someone to fix any problems or fix it yourself. This Old House has tips for fixing drafts without breaking a budget.

3. Buy a rake or leaf blower: Have all the necessary leaf removal tools on hand before the leaves start to fall. Get ready to jump into piles of leaves!

4. Clean the fireplace: Have the fireplace inspected to make sure it’s safe to use when the temperature starts to drop.

Now that you’re done, sit back, relax, and enjoy a hot cup of tea and your favorite pumpkin flavored pastry.

 

Recommended Reading:

-Done in One Hour: How to Install a Faucet

-Just DIY It: 5 Natural Cleaning Products

-Spring Cleaning Checklist: Bathroom Bacteria Busters

-Spring Cleaning Checklist: Bedroom

 

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What’s the Difference?

September 8, 2014 By

There are so many items in your household that are similar to one another. Whether pillows, doors, windows, or blankets, they are all used the same way, yet they are different.

Here are the differences between a few common household items. Go ahead, impress your friends by knowing the differences.

Bay Window vs. Bow Window: At first glance, a bay and bow window look very similar. They’re both large windows that allow for a lot of light to be let into a room. They even have similar shapes, but there is a difference hidden between them. Bay windows have only three openings while bow windows can have up to five. Bay windows extend further out from the wall, giving more floor space inside.

Comforter vs. Duvet: The primary difference between a comforter and a duvet is that a comforter is used alone and a duvet requires a duvet cover. A common analogy is that a duvet is like a pillow and a duvet cover is the pillow case. Comforters and duvets can both be filled with down, down alternatives, synthetic materials, silk, or wool. If you like to change the style of your room often a duvet and duvet cover may be a better choice because you can switch it as easily as switching your sheets. Comforters often don’t fit in normal washing machines so people usually wash them less often and use a top sheet. (Crane & Canopy)

Sham vs. Pillowcases: A pillowcase goes on top of the pillows you sleep on; it has only one opening on the end and isn’t necessarily supposed to be decorative. A sham is a decorative pillow case that is generally propped up against the headboard. It is closed on all four sides and comes in a variety of colors, materials, and sizes.

Gliding vs. French Doors: At first glance, these doors look very much alike because of their large glass panels that bring natural light into the room. A gliding door is exactly what it sounds like: a sliding door that runs along a track. These are a less expensive choice and are usually seen in modern homes with a contemporary touch. A French door is a normal style door that opens on hinges, but has large window-like panels from the floor to the ceiling.

These are just a few household items that hold similarities to each other but now it may be easier to tell the difference.

Recommended Reading:

-5 Ways to Take Your Living Room from Good to Great

-Serene Space: 5 Tips for Creating a Calm Bedroom

-How to Decorate Your Home on a Budget

-Be My Guest: How to Style a Guest Room

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Ask Our Expert: Budget Friendly Bathroom Update

September 6, 2014 By

Q: Could you suggest some ways to update a bath without completely remodeling?

-Brenda Lee, CENTURY 21 Partners, Owensboro, KY

A: Kitchens and bathrooms are key rooms that are first to date a house. A complete remodel in tight times can be costly. There are, however, a few designer tricks that can put a fresh spin on an outdated bathroom.

Walls: Nothing freshens a space more than a coat of paint. When picking your palette, think “spa.” Wall colors such a deep taupe, shale blue, and rich golden tan always work because they’re nature-inspired. Pair with soft white trim and you’re good to go.

Cabinets: Perk up dark wood cabinets by simply painting them the same color as white or cream trim. Complete the update with modern, oversized hardware. Brushed chrome or nickel finishes are timeless and add sparkle to the space.

Light Fixtures: Replace cold overhead lights with inexpensive track lights in the same color as your ceiling. Use dimmer switches and halogen bulbs to cast arcs of light only where you need them without destroying the mood of the space.

Mirrors: In tight quarters add full-length mirrors framed in molding that matches the room’s trim. This will visually stretch and add more “architecture” to the room.

Accessories: Fresh white terrycloth is a classic touch that says “spa”—so no more fussy accent towels that could simply date the space. Add great looking regional or shore-inspired black-and-white photography framed in nickel to match your new hardware. Hit it with a track spotlight, and it all comes together.

These little touches can help freshen and update any bathroom without breaking the bank. You can do it!

CHRISTOPHER LOWELL, an interior designer and Emmy Award-winning TV host, is known for doable design advice that nets stunning results.

Recommended Reading:

-Ask Our Expert: Chris Lowell’s Advice for DIY Curtains

-How to Decorate Your Home on a Budget

-How to Style a Bookshelf

-How to Style a Coffee Table

 

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5 Productive Things To Do Around the House in 5 Minutes or Less

September 5, 2014 By

There are a million excuses for your home becoming disorganized, but there’s only one way to solve it – set up a cleaning plan that works for your schedule.This includes doing short tasks outside of your regular cleaning schedule. Try these five key shortcuts that can be done quickly in-between all of the other times you’re checking off your weekly to-do list.

1. Clean out your junk drawer: There’s always a junk drawer somewhere that needs cleaning out. Whether it’s in the kitchen or in your child’s room, take a few minutes to declutter that nasty miscellaneous drawer. Think like a minimalist; throw out old papers, pens and anything else that isn’t necessary.

2. Set a timer and fold laundry: If you’re really limited on time, tackle laundry in five-minute increments throughout the week. In each instance, set a timer before diving into your laundry pile. There seems to always be laundry around the house so every bit counts.

3. Switch out dirty hand towels: This is a task that can sometimes be left off a to-do list so if you’re presented with some free time, remember to do it. A clean hand towel in the kitchen and bathroom is essential to a clean house and is super easy to do.

4. Vacuum one room: Vacuuming the house doesn’t have to be an all day ordeal; you can spread out the chore over many days. Each day that you have a little bit of free time, pick one room to take care of. When you’re done, rotate back to the original room and keep the cycle going!

5. Wipe down the stove: As you’re waiting for the family to assemble at the dinner table, cut down on clean up time by wiping down your cooking area and put ingredients. It’ll make the after dinner process a lot easier.

There are so many things that can be done in less than five minutes. Take advantage of free moments and do something productive.

Recommended Reading:

-Productivity Tips for Working From Home

-10 Incredible Home Organization Tips

-Just DIY It: 5 Natural Cleaning Products

-Home Office Essentials

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