Please read the following article to get some terrific decorating ideas, tips and tricks from Rooms To Go.

One of the most exciting and possibly daunting parts of moving out on your own is decorating your first home. Amid all of the stress of packing, phone calls, bills and changing addresses, you also have to consider how you want your new place to look. This is an opportunity to discover your style of decorating.

1.) Prioritize Your Purchases

While decorating your first home, you'll probably find that you need a lot of new stuff. Compare the items you need now with those you could add to a wish list for the future. Begin by choosing furniture for the rooms where you spend the most time. Consider the areas you'll use the most:

• Living Room: This is one of the busiest and most-used rooms of the house, so comfy seating is a must. Consider a simple yet stylish sofa set to save money and outfit the whole room.

• Bedroom: After a long move, you'll need a good night's rest. A chic storage bed and a supportive mattress are essential items.

• Kitchen: Hard work means big appetites, so one of the first rooms you'll unpack is the kitchen. A casual seating set is a great place to gather for your first meal in your new home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.) Get Creative With Decor

Once you have the perfect wall color, you can begin hanging artwork and decor that transforms your house into a home. Check out these suggestions for turning a blank wall into a showcase for your unique personality.

• A favorite for rustic homes, a large clock completes your farmhouse-inspired kitchen.

• Turn your hallway into a gallery with floral prints framed in dark wood or gold.

• Give any room a bit of edge with an arrangement of photographs.

• Collections of artwork look beautiful on a single wall or spread across rooms to carry a motif throughout.

 

3.) Make It Shine

Changing out light fixtures can completely transform your design. From a traditional chandelier in the foyer to modern floor lamps in the den, select coordinating fixtures or use a variety of styles for a cool, eclectic vibe. Make sure you have overhead lighting in addition to lamps so that you can brighten up the space for guests or relax with a subtle ambient glow.

4.) Feng Shui Your Way

Think about how you want to arrange your furniture to keep things inviting and comfortable. Consider who is using the room and how you need it to function. While a sprawling sectional provides seating for large families and for those who like to entertain, a loveseat with a coffee and end table trio is ideal for couples.

5.) Accents Are Everything

Accents are another wonderful way to make your new place your own. Take this chance to play with bold hues, quirky patterns and fun textures that reflect who you are. While many of your first purchases may be essentials, this is where you can get creative. Consider these stylish and functional first home ideas to personalize your space:

• Try a set of nesting tables for a versatile option that you can move around the room or stack for storage.

• Piles of  accent pillows in a variety of colors and materials adds character to your seating arrangement.

• Poufs and ottomans serve as extra chairs, footrests and impromptu tables.

• Store shoes, blankets and seasonal clothing in a storage bench in your entryway or at the foot of your bed.

6.) Creature Comforts

After a big move, it's natural to crave a sense of normalcy. Do you need to begin your day with a hot cup of joe? Consider installing a coffee bar in your kitchen using a rolling cart or a credenza. Is it important for you to feel polished before leaving the house? Designate a well-lit area of your bedroom for a chic vanity.

7.) A Fresh Start

Don't underestimate the power of a little greenery to refresh the atmosphere in your home. Fresh flowers are lovely, but they can be difficult to maintain in the flurry of post-move life. Try adding silk floral arrangements or lush shrubs in every room for a much-needed dose of nature all year long.

A Hearty Housewarming

You'll be all ready to host your housewarming party thanks to these home decorating ideas. Welcome friends and family to see your new place and celebrate the landmark occasion of moving into a new home. With these tips, you're sure to impress everybody, including yourself, with a design that's all your own.

Compliments of Rooms To Go

 

 

Be honest: When it comes to home projects, are you a handy hero or an aspiring amateur? No matter what your answer is, there’s something here for you. See Susan Kelleher's suggestions from easy to more advanced projects you can do yourself!

By Susan Kelleher

Whether you're looking for a small project or a new challenge, these improvements can enhance your space and potentially boost your home's value.

Beginner projects:

New faucets

Attention to detail is key for this project — you don’t want to flood your kitchen because you forgot to turn off the water valve — but no previous plumbing skills are required, and a shiny new faucet can generate a lot of day-to-day pleasure for a little effort. These instructions walk you through the steps to install a kitchen faucet (and the process is just the same for a bathroom sink). 

Light fixtures and switches

Few things can change the atmosphere of a room as quickly as lighting. Swapping out an old fixture for a new one — or an on-off switch for a dimmer — can provide a mood for any occasion.  Here’s an easy guide to change a light fixture. Switches use the same types of wires, so if you can swap a fixture, you can handle a switch.   

Fire pit

This is a great one to tackle with kids. Celebrate the finished product with a s’mores party. Plus, the sales price premium on homes with fire pits is 2.8%, according to a Zillow analysis of thousands of home listings and sales prices.* Build you own backyard fire pit in 7 easy steps.

Smart tech upgrade

There are countless smart home products you can choose from, and some require little more than changing a light bulb or plugging in a device. A few to consider:

Smart doorbell/camera: Installing one is similar to changing out a light switch. The process involves removing your old doorbell and connecting the device to your Wi-Fi.

Smart locks: Do you have a family member who is always losing their house key? Replacing a traditional door lock with a keyless entry you access using a touch pad or smartphone app is an easy solution. 

Smart home hub: Amazon, Google, Apple, Nest, Samsung and others offer smart home hubs, which allow you to interact with compatible devices through a central system. The hub itself is typically “plug and play” and easy to set up. But you may need to do some initial troubleshooting to get all of your devices connected.  

Smart lights: This project is as simple as buying and installing light bulbs. However, the upgrade requires coordination with a smart home system because each one has its own requirements and controls. If you already have a home system, be sure the lights you choose are compatible. If you’re thinking of buying a new system, keep in mind that it needs to work harmoniously with the products you already have.

Intermediate projects:

Cabinet refresh

Updating your kitchen doesn’t have to involve major renovations. You can create a whole new look by changing out the door and drawer pulls, painting your cabinets or removing cabinet doors to create an open-shelving effect. Or, if you have too much wall space and too few cabinets, you can easily install open shelving from scratch. An added bonus: Homes with open shelving sell for 4.2% more than expected. For cabinet tips and other ideas, here are seven ways to upgrade your kitchen without remodeling.

Barn door

Switching out a traditional swinging door or a closet slider for a barn door that glides on a rail can give your room a striking look, as well as open up space and change the furniture arranging possibilities. And your effort might pay off in other ways: Barn doors are associated with a 5% price premium. You’ll need a few tools, another pair of hands, and these step-by-step instructions which cover all the details of how to build and install your own sliding barn door. 

Advanced projects:

Board & batten

You may not be familiar with the term, but you’ve probably seen this classic design feature in a number of homes. Precision is required for this one, and that means you need the right tools, namely a measuring tape, a level and a miter saw. Also patience. But if you can imagine a 3D element atop your drywall, you’re ready to go, and this guide will walk you through each step of the process. 

Garden shed

If you have the know-how to build a garden shed, you can find any number of plans and tutorials online to suit your taste. And if you’re not quite up for that challenge, you can still improve the one you’ve got or buy a garden-variety one and make it your own. Start by imagining whether you need it for storage or extra work or living space, and go from there. Homes with a “she shed” are associated with a 3.6% price premium. Here’s some inspiration to create your own custom garden workspace. 

Heated floors

This is the kind of project you can tackle if you missed out on your real vocation and ended up in a desk job. Labor-intensive and requiring the confidence of an accomplished tradesperson (and some math skills), your success in warming your dwelling from the bottom up will make you a hero or heroine in your own home. This project is ideal if you already planned to replace the flooring in a room and have the opportunity to add a heating element in the process. Learn about the different types of radiant flooring and tips for DIY success. Homes with this feature sell for 4.9% more than expected.

 Whatever you decide to do, measure twice, cut once and have fun!

 

Susan Kelleher is a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and writer. She joined Zillow in May 2018 as a senior writer on data and trends.

For the past five years in a row, it has been determined that due to the Millennial generation, who represent the largest share of the home buying market, has resulted in a seismic shift in the real estate market.  

Now that Spring is in full swing, Home Sellers wanting to make that fabulous first impression towards Millennials (and anyone else for that matter looking to buy a new home) a memorable and successful one, now is the time before the hot summer months arrive.

Following is an article addressing those key improvements a homeowner can make to capture the eye of young adults searching for that perfect home.

 

By Patti Stern

Millennials, who make up the largest share of home buyers, are looking for properties in move-in condition and want to avoid the expense of significant repairs, according to National Association of REALTORS® most recent Home Buyer and Seller Generational Trends study. As such, sellers may want to invest in updates that will be most appealing to these younger buyers. Our list below features the top modest home improvements to get your home noticed and boost its perceived value in a competitive market. 

Enhance Curb Appeal

Make the best first impression for buyers—even before they step foot in the door—by investing in the exterior of the property by sprucing up curb appeal:

• Remodeling Magazine’s 2020 Cost vs. Value Report lists replacing siding, garage doors, entry doors, and windows as the upgrades with the greatest return on investment.

• Refresh landscaping by trimming bushes, weeding, eliminating dead shrubs/trees, and manicuring the lawn. 

• Power-wash and make any necessary repairs to siding, windows, walkways, and steps.

• Enhance the entry with a fresh coat of on-trend paint color for the front door, and update or clean all outdoor light fixtures. Finish with a colorful welcome mat, fresh wreath, and seasonal potted plants.

 

Refresh the Heart of the Home 

The 2020 Cost vs. Value Report also lists minor kitchen remodels as a top investment for resale. Our top kitchen upgrades for an instant boost include:

• Introduce modern lighting options with fixtures in different materials (metals, woods, rattan) and geometric shapes.

• Swap out dated faucets and cabinet hardware for more contemporary, full-functioning styles in trending finishes, such as matte black, brushed brass, or polished nickel. 

• Rather than completely replacing dark, dated, and worn cabinets, simply repaint them in a bright white or soft gray hue to brighten and enlarge the space.

• Replace or refinish damaged or dull hardwood floors to make the room shine.

 

Give the Bathroom an Update

Potential buyers evaluate bathrooms both functionally and visually—the colors, the style, the layout, the amenities, and the fixtures.

• Start by fixing leaky faucets and shower heads, worn caulking, broken toilets, or chipped tile.

• Replace outdated lighting in modern designs and finishes to instantly set the mood and add sophisticated style. Pair with matching hardware and faucets to complete the look.

• Change out damaged and dated countertops with marble or quartz and/or paint darker-colored vanities with an on-trend neutral or soft color (the robin egg blue pictured above is a perfect example).

• Be sure the wall and/or tile color is soft and soothing to give the room a spa-like appeal.

 

Revive the Dining Room 

Buyers want to envision where they can entertain guests. Be sure to present the dining room as spacious, inviting, and elegant. 

• The best way to make the space feel larger and enhance the room’s features is by covering dark walls with neutral paint. It will also pair well with bright white crown molding and/or wainscoting for an added touch of elegance.

• Replace traditional chandeliers with chic, contemporary fixtures to set a more sophisticated tone.

• Spruce up your dining room table with a stylish table setting to help buyers envision their own dinners here.

 

Create a Master Bedroom Retreat 

Make the master bedroom feel like a cozy getaway with these simple changes: 

• Remove and/or replace heavy draperies with simple, sheer white curtains or shades that allow for a little privacy while letting in natural light.

• Install stylish ceiling and bedside table lighting.

• Deep-clean soiled carpeting to restore plushness, or add a neutral, textured area rug to hardwood floors.

• Layer fluffy, white bedding with accent pillows and soft throws in different colors and patterns.  

Once all the updates are complete, you can hire a professional home stager to add in some finishing touches before listing the home for sale. Home stagers can add inviting, modern furnishings and accents that set out to help buyers emotionally connect with a home. 

 

Patti Stern: Patti is a principal of PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating. 

For more examples of interior decorating and home staging, visit www.pjstagingdecorating.com (link is external)

 

Become the toast of the neighborhood with your sparkling screens.  Not only do dirty screens obstruct your view, they can also affect the air quality that's filtered throughout your house. Window screens allow cool, fresh air to come in while keeping bugs out . . . but of course, you also want to see out of them. 

There are lots of ways to clean screens depending on severity of the dirtiness, but just to stay on the safe side, it's important to deep clean all your window screens and door screens at least once a year— and there are some relatively easy methods to go about this unpleasant business. You can do a quick clean with a lint roller, or fill a good-size pail with warm water and a few drops of dish soap.  Then find a soft-bristled hand brush and some lint-free hand towels.

Note, for really tough dirt, give your screens a soapy bath and add a slightly harder bristle brush like a toothbrush to really scrape off grime. Try not to press too hard on the screen because you don't want to bend it out of shape. It may be tedious, but a toothbrush can break through any dirt stuck in those tiny holes, nooks, and crevices.

You can begin cleaning your screen with it either standing up or you can lay it down flat on a deck or in your lawn. If your screens are very dusty, you should first remove the dirt and dust using a shop vac, vacuum upholstery attachment, or dry rag. Then dip your brush in the soapy water, and gently scrub each side of the screen. To remove the soap residue, gently spray the screen with a hose before the soap film has time to dry.

Next, you will want to remove the water from the screen. To do this, it is important to first identify the front from the back of the screen. The back of the screen will have a rubber cord around the frame, which is there to hold the screen to the frame. While facing the back of the screen, you will want to GENTLY slap the screen with a clean lint-free towel, which will dislodge the water trapped in the mesh of the screen. Do NOT slap the screen on the front side, as this can cause the screen to pop out of the cord that is holding it to the frame. After the water is removed from the screen, wipe down the frame with your towel. Your screen is now ready to be put back into its place on your window.

 

At a time when kitchens are at the center of our new normal, three designers share their tips on how to keep them organized on a budget.

By Kelly Dawson

Kitchens were always the hardest-working space in a home. It's the place where the toil of cooking meets the relief of conversation, and where a small snack for one can sit side-by-side with one giant feast for a dozen. In every shape and size, kitchens have to be able to go with the flow. 

But then the COVID-19 pandemic turned modern life upside-down, and a kitchen's flexibility has been stretched to its limits. While still a hub of utility and comfort, they're now working even harder to meet the demand of a crisis. 

"With preparing and serving three meals and numerous toddler snacks at home, we are cycling through everything in our kitchen much faster," Kelly Mindell, founder of Studio DIY, says. "That leads to messes piling up quicker if things don't have a designated spot. We've been spending time dividing, organizing, and repurposing other items in our home to make sure everything has somewhere to go." 

Shea McGee, cofounder of Studio McGee, and Joyce Downing Pickens of JDP Interiors agree. They've also been adjusting to this new reality by examining how their kitchens can be even more functional, from streamlining pantries to corralling tools. Below, Mindell, McGee, and Downing Pickens share the lessons they've learned these last few weeks on how to organize a kitchen on a budget, in the hopes that it makes this hard-working room as efficient as possible. 

How to Carry Out Your Plan 

Once you have an organizational plan in place, carry it out with as little headache as possible by moving strategically, cabinet by cabinet. Discard expired items, and consider donating a surplus of canned goods to a local food bank. After shelves are cleaned out, pay close attention to the areas where you spend the most time, including spots that may be overlooked. 

Organize based on convenience. "Put items that frequent the dishwasher as close to the dishwasher as possible, and put your coffee mugs close to your coffee pot," Mindell says. "Minimizing your need to move around the kitchen, and maximizing the ease of putting items away, will keep things tidy." 

Divide your drawers. "Big, open drawers create big messes! Everything needs a designated spot," Mindell continues. "Simply use containers you've recycled or collected elsewhere in your home to categorize everything." 

Use your door space. "Take any baskets you might have and install them onto the inside of your cabinet doors," Downing Pickens says. "This will maximize your space and make for easy grab-and-go access to everyday items." 

Label spices. "I label the top of all my spices using round stickers and a Sharpie," Downing Pickens says. "It makes it so much easier to know what's what without having to check the label." 

Repurpose Items for Effortless Storage 

It's possible to have storage pieces—like glass jars and space dividers—delivered to your door, but all it takes is a little creativity to see how items you likely already have can be reused for this project. Not only will this solution minimize the amount of outside items coming into your home, but it's also a budget-friendly approach at a time when every dollar counts. 

Strip your old canned goods. "Remove the labels on jars once they are empty and add them to your drawers for small items," Downing Pickens says. "This is especially helpful in your 'junk' drawer for pens, paperclips, rubber bands, and so on." 

Use the "guest-only" dinnerware. "I've pulled out bowls or cups that I typically only use on special occasions to help me store items," Mindell says. "For instance, we have a piece of colorful glassware that's holding snack bars in our pantry and a serving bowl holding fruit on our counter." 

Pull out trays. "Whether it's corralling soap and a dish brush next to your kitchen sink, or holding some of your favorite everyday spices, trays can keep spaces feeling collected instead of cluttered," McGee says. 

Use small baskets for laundry. "If you use reusable cloth instead of paper towels, use baskets from around your home to store them in: one for clean towels, one for dirty," Mindell says. "That way, you can just grab the 'dirty' basket when it's full and dump it right in the wash."

 

Kelly Dawson is a freelance writer in Los Angeles who has been writing for Dwell since 2015. Follow her on Instagram @atthecrosswalk.

Here are some terrific ideas (rules/habits) for keeping your house in order... many of which I learned from my mom and follow to this day!

By Amy Howell

Homes don’t clean themselves. But these easy-peasy rules "wake and make" as they call it, will make you feel like they do.

Here's the thing you may have noticed about houses: They don't clean themselves.

Which is unfortunate, because if houses cleaned themselves you could spend less time cleaning yours, and more time doing something fun!

A few simple daily habits could make it seem like you've got a self-cleaning house.

Rules like . . .

 

#1 Dedicate 20 Minutes a Day Every Day

You don't need to set aside 20 hours one day to get things in order. You only need 20 minutes every day.

Focus on taking clutter in just one room. You might only pare down a single drawer or shelf, but "it will make you feel accomplished at the end of the day, and at the end of a week, you will see how much you can declutter," says professional organizer Helena Alkhas.

#2 Follow a "One-Minute" Rule

For years brass has been on the sidelines, but it’s making a comeback. Here are ways homeowners can incorporate the finish to add glamour and help homes stand out.

 

March 27, 2020 by Barbara Ballinger

After years of chrome, stainless steel, and nickel being the shining stars of interior metals, brass is back and starting to steal the show.

As with many home furnishings trends, the comeback was inspired by what’s occurring in fashion. In this case, gold and rose gold watches became influencers a few years ago, says Chicago designer Tom Segal of Kaufman Segal Design, who thinks that home furnishings styles tend to be cyclical. Now he’s adding small brass details to rooms in the same way a gold watch might peek out of a shirt cuff.

Using brass now is an easy, affordable way for homeowners to customize and stay on trend.  “Many people want a warmer look, which is also visible in fabrics as warmer colors return,” Segal says.

Erin Imhof, showroom supervisor at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery in Lansdale, Pa., has noted an increase in brass finishes. She attributes it to how they complement a wide range of colors and other finishes. “Many of today’s top color trends for kitchens and bathrooms, including all-white, blue, and black, pair beautifully with brass fixtures,” she says.

 

© Capital Lighting Fixture Company 

Others concur that brass is a universal mixer. “Our designers like to integrate brass into their designs, whether it’s an accent like a decorative bowl, object of art, light fixture, or metal base on an end table,” says Julie Sprouse, design sales manager at Ethan Allen, the home furnishings chain based in Danbury, Conn.

Caitie Smithe, a design coordinator and stylist at the Walter E. Smithe Furniture + Design retailer based in Itasca, Ill., also considers brass a material that can be used throughout a home, including light fixtures, hardware, and even light switches and vent controls. Other good places to use brass include bathroom hardware, plumbing fixtures such as sinks, and accessory details like candleholders or picture frames.

Here are five tips for using brass.

1. Use sparingly. Brass works best when used in small doses. Too much can create a “too matchy-matchy” look, according to Smithe. Overuse can make it start to look cheap, says Segal. “Moderation is key,” he says.

 

© Ethan Allen 

2. Mix finishes. Brass appears more timeless rather than trendy when it’s matte, brushed, or aged, which helps soften its sheen, Segal says. But be careful, Smithe says, when mixing brasses in a single space from different manufacturers. “There is a huge range in color and brightness. Some take on a bright yellow color while others can be more of an aged gold,” she says.

3. Combine warm metal colors. Brass, gold, and bronze can work well together since they share similar warm values versus shiny nickel, which leans toward the colder side, says Sprouse.  

 

© Walter E.Smithe Furniture + Design 

4. Mix metals. Some designers also think brass, satin, brushed nickel, stainless steel, and oil-rubbed bronze can be used together. But Imhoff still offers some caution. “Go with similar warm, muted undertones for some consistency,” she says. Chicago designer Summer Thornton likes mixing metals, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms where she might use brass, nickel, and steel combinations.

5. Consider longevity. How long brass will stay fashionable is unknown. When it becomes too ubiquitous in retail stores, shelter magazines, and on design websites, it may be time to move on. The good news is that brass touches are easy to add in and switch out.

 

Barbara Ballinger is a freelance writer and the author of several books on real estate, architecture, and remodeling, including The Kitchen Bible: Designing the Perfect Culinary Space (Images Publishing, 2014). Barbara’s most recent book is The Garden Bible: Designing Your Perfect Outdoor Space, co-authored with Michael Glassman (Images, 2015).

 

While we're all spending most of our time indoors, air quality is becoming a pressing issue. Here are a few tips from experts recently highlighted at Curbed.com.

Indoor Plants. Clean the air with plants. In an age when a “healthy home” is what so many of us crave, this is an inexpensive alternative to improving the air quality in our homes.

 

Use the vent when cooking. “One of the big things we’re starting to understand a little more is the problems with cooking,” Adriano L. Martinez, an environmental lawyer who tweets about air quality issues as @LASmogGuy, told Curbed.com. “A hood and fan that siphons toxic fumes out of your kitchen can make a big difference, even if you’re just boiling water. Try to run the fan every time you’re cooking.”

Clean surfaces. Cleaning has never been more important than in the age of a pandemic, but it can also help improve the indoor air quality of your home. Wipe down surfaces and vacuum frequently to remove build ups of dust, pollen, and mold, which all impact air quality, Curbed.com reports.

Avoid the VOCs. Pay attention to the labels when cleaning to avoid products containing volatile organic chemicals. The fumes have been linked to irritating lungs.

Use a high-quality filter on the HVAC. A good filter can help trap airborne pollutants inside a home. Martinez suggests looking for a minimum efficiency reporting value, or MERV rating, of 8 or higher on the HVAC filter. Also, change it frequently. Plug-in air purifiers can also help, experts say.

Source: “Breathe Cleaner Air Everywhere,” Curbed.com (April 7, 2020)

It's that time of year again to spruce up your home before the really good weather arrives.  Check out these helpful tips from See Jane Drill.  

Welcome warmer weather with a spotless home (in just one weekend).

Spring cleaning is all about getting our homes ready for a new season of sunshine, warmth and time outdoors — and indoors, too — especially if that’s where you’re spending a lot of time right now. Get ready to wipe off the grime, clear out the cobwebs and refresh your living spaces.

Add these project to your spring-cleaning checklist, and you’ll be rewarded with a home that feels brighter, cleaner and more functional.

Best of all, you can knock out most of these jobs in a weekend.

Wash windows, inside and out

Some say clean windows make your whole home look better, and we think it’s true.

For a DIY cleaning job that yields professional results, use a solution of water, ammonia and white vinegar. Apply the solution to your windows with a large sponge, and remove it with a professional-grade squeegee.

Clean refrigerator and air conditioner coils

These appliances create a cooling effect by circulating air through the coils. Over time, dust builds up on the coils and decreases their efficiency, making your refrigerator or air conditioner work a lot harder.

Unplug the appliance, then vacuum out the coils with your vacuum’s crevice tool. You can also use a special refrigerator-coil cleaning brush, available at most hardware stores.

Check ceiling fans

Clean your ceiling-fan blades to remove winter dust build up.

And if you reversed your ceiling fan’s direction to clockwise for the winter, turn it back to counterclockwise for the warmer months. This sends the air straight down, creating a cooling effect.

Clean dryer vent

Cleaning a dryer vent is easier than you might imagine. First, unplug the dryer from the power source. Next, clean out the vent with a special dryer-vent cleaning brush or a vacuum.

Deep-clean carpets

Even if you vacuum regularly, a thorough carpet cleaning once a year will reach deep down into the fibers to clean out debris, dust, and food particles.

If you don’t own a carpet cleaner, you may be able to rent one from a home improvement store or even your local grocery chain store.

Inspect roof, gutters and chimneys

Spring is the perfect time to check your roof for damage that may have occurred over the winter. If you can’t use a ladder to get up on the roof, try inspecting it with binoculars.

Check decks and patios

If the finish on your wooden deck still looks good, that’s great! You might just need to clean the deck to get it ready for summer.

If the finish appears to be worn, then you’ll want to consider both cleaning and resealing the deck. For decks made of composite material, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and preserving the deck.

Prep lawn equipment

Get those lawn mowers, weed whackersnand pressure washers out of storage, turn them on, and make sure they are running properly. Sometimes a little lubricant or cleaning is all you need to get your tools back in shape.

Clean outside furniture

Use Murphy Oil Soap for wood furniture. For most other types of outdoor furniture, a solution of dishwashing liquid and water should do the trick.

Freshen up your front entrance

Sweep and/or wash the front porch and steps. Shake out your welcome mat, or replace it if it’s starting to fray or fall apart. Add a pot or two of brightly colored annuals, and your home will feel renewed!

 

See Jane Drill was founded by Karen DeVenaro and Leah Bolden to provide the beginning home improvement enthusiast with skills, information and step-by-step how-to instruction on tools usage, home repair and home improvement projects.  You can do this!

See Jane Drill has been teaching and empowering homeowners to take care of their own homes since 2013. With easy-to-follow tutorials and detailed explanations on a wide variety of home repairs, they encourage everyone, including beginners, to become a DIY-er and save money! They produce a new DIY video every week. Follow See Jane Drill on YouTube and Facebook.

 

Originally published April 2017

 

 

Yes, we are open for business!

Following an appeal by NH Realtors, real estate transactions are now included in the state’s list of essential businesses allowed to function as a result of Gov. Christopher Sununu’s stay-at-home order. 

In our effort to abide by the guidelines in the prevention of the spread of the Coronavirus, we request the following:

 

• Call us at 603-569-4488 if you wish to speak with an Agent.  

• Meetings: Meetings between brokers/agents and clients (or prospective clients) cannot take place at a real estate brokerages’ physical offices, but may take place with social distancing or remotely by phone, video or other electronic means.

• Virtual Tours: If you wish to schedule a showing of a property, you can do so by calling us and we can set up a viewing via virtual tour or Facetime.

• Closings: Real estate closings can continue either through remote means or with social distancing for any in-person transactions.

• Inspections: Property inspections and appraisals may continue with appropriate social distancing.

• Delivery Personnel: You may enter our lobby area but we request you keep a minimum distance of 6 feet between yourself and our Agents and Administrator. 

 

Please follow these preventative measures to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading the coronavirus:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

• Stay home and avoid public places as much as possible

• Avoid close contact through social distancing, at least 6 feet from anyone.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough or sneeze into your sleeve then immediately throw the tissue away and wash your hands as soon as possible.

 

Stay Healthy & Safe Everyone!  We're all in this together!

 

Melanson Real Estate, Inc.

www.melansonrealestate.com

Mobile: 603-651-7228

 

 

As we head into April and the weather starts to warm up a bit, now is a great time to think about home improvement projects to build equity in your home and make it more beautiful. Building equity in your home is usually a process that takes a lot of time, money, energy, and patience. 

Following are some helpful tips to turn your neighborhood into a community and how to get ready for a home inspection. 

Maintenance

Before you start thinking of ways to create equity, consider what you can do to maintain your current equity. Keeping up with routine maintenance and fixing problems as soon as they arise will help your home stay in good shape so that you don’t lose out on existing home value.

Landscaping

Nice landscaping increases your home’s curb appeal, which can add thousands of dollars to your home’s value. Investing in quality landscaping is often the quickest, easiest way to earn a home equity boost. 

Outdoor upgrades

Replacing torn window screens, updating the paint on your porch, replacing your front door, and other small projects can dramatically improve your home’s curb appeal. This, in turn, can be a quick and easy way to improve your home’s value and the equity you have in it.

Indoor updates

Some projects like a full kitchen or bathroom remodel will add a lot of value to your home, but they’ll also cost a lot of money. Some simpler projects like repainting your cabinets, updating your appliances, or checking your attic insulation can improve your home without emptying your wallet.

Raise your payments

Another way to build equity in your home is to pay down your loan. Add extra money to pay down your principal loan or make additional payments on your loan to earn additional home equity.

 

By Christopher Kelly, RE/MAX Bayside, 208 Daniel Webster Hwy, Meredith, NH 03253

 

The world is on fire—at least that’s how it feels. Concern over the coronavirus (along with overwhelming, 24-hour media coverage) has resulted in long lines at grocery stores, empty shelves, and general feeling of “what’s next?” Here are 7 things you can start doing now to remain healthy and to help others.

1. Wash your hands. The best way to prevent getting and spreading this virus is to wash your hands. Oh, and don’t touch your face. Simple and effective. Don’t forget to use those Clorox wipes (when you can find them in stores) and clean off your phone. It has a ton of germs on it.

2. Social distancing. Keep yourself away from others—at least 6 feet if you’re in public—and say no to attending large events where there’s potential for exposure. Don’t become a hermit; just be smart. Help end this pandemic by keeping your distance.

3. Order food to-go and tip well. When you get take-out, be sure to tip more than normal. Your servers need the income as they are hurting like everyone else. Order food to-go or delivery and eat at home. You can still support the local businesses and eat a meal you didn’t have to cook yourself.

4. Buy gift cards. Buy gift cards from your favorite local stores and restaurants so those small business owners continue to have income. When the pandemic ends, you can go cash in those gift cards.

5. Look out for neighbors. While some people have the opportunity to work from home, others may be left without work or paychecks due to coronavirus measures—especially in light of school closures and lack of childcare options. Be on the lookout for your neighbors and see if you can help provide groceries.

6. Spring cleaning. Some of you may find that with cancellations and social distancing, your schedule is a little freed up. Don’t just Netflix and chill all day. (The Netflix release of Outbreak last week was an ironic timing.) Use this time to be productive. Take the next week or two and spring clean your house. I’m talking a couple of hours a day after work—you don’t have to miss your favorite rerun of The Office to do it. Tackle one room a day. It’s a great time to get your office organized as well. Get rid of clutter, make digital copies of what you can, and get rid of paperwork. You’ll feel accomplished and able to focus better on work.

7. It’s all going to be okay. You can’t fix it, stressing won’t help, and over-buying toilet paper is not the answer. Try to go about life as normally as you can while taking precautions along the way. Life will go back to normal—or a new normal. You can do this without stressing out to the max. Just focus on these 7 steps and continue on.

By Jef Conn: Jef Conn, CCIM, SIOR, is a commercial agent specializing in industrial, office, and investment properties with Coldwell Banker Commercial in Lubbock, Texas. 

Getting ready to sell or purchase your home.  Well, here are some helpful tips suggested by Christopher Kelly when it comes to your home inspection. 

Home inspections are a chance for a homeowner or buyer to learn of any potential problems a home may have. These inspections are often considered a crucial part of the home-selling process. Make sure any inspections on your home go smoothly with these tips.

Turn on the lights.

Turning on the lights gives you a chance to make sure none of your light bulbs are burnt out, thereby avoiding concerns over whether or not those sockets are working. It also makes it easier for the inspector to see where they’re going and to assess your home’s condition more accurately.

Tidy up.

Making sure your house is neat and tidy will ensure the home inspector can quickly and safely make their inspection. Because the home inspector will be evaluating the entire home, remember to tidy up the basement, attic, storage areas, and utilities in addition to the main living areas.

Finish your to-do list.

Most homes have a few minor repairs that need fixing - leaky faucets, running toilets, wobbly banisters, etc. Now is a great time to go ahead and fix those so that they don’t show up on your home’s inspection report!

 

By Christopher Kelly, RE/MAX Bayside

Sunday, March 8th

Love it or hate it, our annual ritual of early March – daylight saving time – is coming this weekend.

At 2 a.m. Sunday, the few analog clocks still around must "spring forward" an hour, turning 1:59:59 a.m. into 3 a.m. 

Since most of our computers, smartphones and DVRs do it automatically, it's not as much of a chore as it used to be. Unless you have smart appliances, microwaves and ovens are on the short list of household items that would need a manual adjustment.

Here are some questions answered about daylight saving time.

Do we gain or lose an hour? 

We all lose an hour of sleep on Sunday when going to DST, as the day is only 23 hours long. Starting Sunday, that one hour of daylight is basically shifted from morning to evening as daylight saving time begins. 

We don't go back to standard time until Sunday, Nov. 1.

Who's in charge of time?

Surprisingly, the Department of Transportation is in charge of daylight saving time and all time zones in the U.S. "The oversight of time zones was assigned to DOT because time standards are important for many modes of transportation," according to the department's website.

Why do we observe daylight saving time?

The DOT says daylight saving is observed because it saves energy, saves lives by preventing traffic accidents and reduces crime. 

The agency also says people tend to spend more time outside during daylight saving time, meaning they run household appliances and lights less during those eight months. Also, the DOT says, it prevents traffic incidents because people are driving around more during the light hours. It also is a crime deterrent, DOT says, because people are out during the daylight and not at night, "when more crime occurs."

What are the downsides to DST?

Not everyone agrees it offers energy-saving benefits, however. Some studies report the time switch saves energy on lighting but is surpassed by increases in heating and air conditioning. It can also mess with our sleep patterns, at least temporarily.

Other health consequences, according to studies and research, include increased headaches, heart attacks and depression.   

Which states and territories don't observe daylight saving time?

Arizona (with the exception of the Navajo Nation), Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands don't spring forward or fall back. 

Are there states that would like to dump daylight saving time? 

Yes. In Florida, the Sunshine Protection Act has passed the state Legislature but still needs to be approved by Congress. Other states where bills have been passed include Washington, California and Oregon. 

There's much to do this weekend! Whether it's a home show, sportsman show, chili fundraiser or celtic music, there's something for you! Enjoy and have a great weekend!

 

Friday, March 6 - 8

53rd Annual New Hampshire State Home Show

THE LONGEST RUNNING SHOW NORTH OF BOSTON

When:   Friday, 1 PM -  8 PM
             Saturday, 10 AM - 6 PM
             Sunday, 10 AM - 4 PM

Where: Doubletree Hotel, Downtown Manchester, 700 Elm Street, Manchester, New Hampshire

WITH OVER 300 VENDORS and Exhibitors covering all aspects of the home building/remodeling industry plus items in the New England Made concourse.

Other highlights of the Show include the Junior Lego Build Competition, seminars and demonstrations.

Produced by the professionals at the New Hampshire Home Builders Association this is the one show of the year to attend and interact with builders, remodelers, decorators, landscapers, and all types of home solutions providers. The latest in home-related products and services will be showcased – everything from mortgages to landscaping, hot tubs to custom home builders, and custom closets to fabulous kitchens and baths.

$6.00 discount parking is available in the Doubletree by Hilton Downtown Manchester parking garage. Validation machine is located inside the Expo Center, or at the check-in booth located in the Armory Concourse. 

Admission Fees:

Weekend Pass: $15.00

Adults: $10.00

Seniors 62 and over: $7.00

Children 12 and under: FREE

MILITARY DISCOUNT
With Military I.D.: $6.00

DISCOUNT: $3.00 discount with
donation of non-perishable food
items or toiletries.

Click on the Home Show logo above for more information!

 

NH Outdoor Expo

Hosted by Lake Life Brand

When: Friday, 1 PM - 8 PM

           Saturday, 10 AM - 7 PM

           Sunday,   10 AM - 5 PM

Where: The Hampshire Dome, 34 Emerson Road, Milford, New Hampshire

Free parking!

Adults: $12

Children 12 & under: FREE!

Click on the Outdoor Expo logo above for more information!

 

Saturday, March 7

Chili & Beer Tasting Fundraiser

Hosted by Castle in the Clouds

Where: Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mountain Rd, Moultonborough, New Hampshire 

When: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Castle in the Clouds hosts its third annual Chili and Beer Tasting fundraiser inside the Carriage House. Guests can enjoy sampling chili and beer from nine local Lakes Region restaurants and breweries, plus spirits from Tamworth Distilling! Enjoy two hours of tasting, mingling and music on the first floor of the Carriage House. Relax by the large hearth fireplace or on the lake-view terrace to let that delicious chili and beer settle. 

Admission for the Chili & Beer Tasting is $25 and includes a Castle in the Clouds tasting glass. The Fair Market Value of each ticket is $5, resulting in $20 of this cost being a tax-deductible donation which will be reflected on your ticket receipt.Tickets are limited and must be purchased by March 6, so be sure to reserve yours soon! All sales are final. Please be sure to have a valid photo ID on you during the event.

This event will be held rain or shine and will only be cancelled in the event of extreme weather. If cancelled, your ticket purchase(s) will be refunded.

Click on the image above for more information!

 

High Time-Celtic Trio

Presented by Wolfeboro Friends of Music

When: 7:30 PM — 9:30 PM

Where: Anderson Hall, Brewster Academy, 205 S. Main Street, Wolfeboro

St. Patrick’s Day begins a week early in Wolfeboro with this spectacular young Celtic trio from Connemara. High Time features combinations of harp, guitar, flute, whistle, bodhran and voice to create a rich and exciting sound. Each of the three lifelong friends performs multiple instruments: Ciarán Bolger on guitar and vocals, Connall Flaherty on flute, whistles and vocals, and Séamus Flaherty on Celtic harp, whistle, bódhran drum, and vocals, plus Irish dance. Their music exemplifies the best of today’s Celtic music scene, crafting energetic modern arrangements of traditional folk melodies.

Click on the image above for more information!

 

Sunday, March 8

Don't forget, daylight saving time begins!  

 

Here's an interesting article from PulteGroup to aid you in sprucing up your home!

February 19, 2020 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

ATLANTA--Ditch the winter blues and white hues for vibrant and illuminating new trends that will be sure to add a breath of fresh air into your home! From bold color statements to unexpected adornments and wall art, 2020 marks the year of taking risks in design. The interior design team at PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM) is sharing its top trends to look for in 2020.

“Look for daring color statements and unexpected uses of natural elements to accessorize and help transform home designs”

“This year is all about reflecting your individuality through design,” said PulteGroup National Vice President of Interior Design Angela Nuessle. “The key to making these trends your own is to follow your personal style and listen to what speaks to you, while subtly implementing the latest trends to bring out the true personality of the home.”

Joining the shift towards more adventurous trends in interiors are bold colors making a big splash in homes this year. Think bright, vivid and optimistic colors to rejuvenate the home just in time for spring.

“Look for daring color statements and unexpected uses of natural elements to accessorize and help transform home designs,” said Nuessle.

The interior design team shares the top trends and colors for 2020.

2020 Home Design Trends:

1. Curvilinear Forms

Curves are in this year! Arched lines with smooth transitions provide a softer look in the home. From couches and chairs to tables and ottomans, curves add a retro vibe that spans from mid-century to high-glam.

2. Natural Texture

This universal trend highlights elements in their raw form. From household accessories to furnishings and textiles to home decor, natural texture will add visual significance, intensity and depth to interiors.

3. Unique Adornments

Expect the unexpected with adornments adding pizazz this year! From leather accents and belts added to chairs and beds, to gilded hardware on cabinets and furniture, look for touches of ornamentation to create truly unique spaces.

4. Dare to be Different 

Think off the wall when it comes to wall art. This year will move beyond traditional design to focus on wall applications that incorporate mixed-media and abstract elements with natural materials, including yarn, wood, woven fibers and stone. The key is to achieve texture, depth and intensity with unique pieces that will make a lasting impression.

5. Walk on the Wild Side

Large graphic florals and botanicals will continue to bloom across designs this year. Embracing the wild side comes with color palettes reminiscent of camouflage and a pronounced focus on alluring moments in nature coming into play with design.

6. Bold Color Statements 

This year, bold color statements will go beyond simple accent walls. More distinct elements such as upholstery, case pieces and large statement art will embrace this impressive trend. The key to embracing this trend is to strike a balance between incorporating bold color statement pieces with subtle, layered neutrals.

Top Color Trends:

Layering neutrals with pops of saturated colors will continue to be influential in interiors this year. Here are the top color trends to look for in 2020:

1. Cobalt Blue – Blue remains a staple in design but look for 2020 to go deeper into cobalt hues. Both timeless and calming cobalt provides a sense of familiarity into the home while still adding an exciting a pop of color.

2. Chartreuse – Think brighter this year as chartreuse and other variations of green tones take over interiors. This trend will challenge homeowners to explore their wild side with bold chartreuse statements to incorporated in the home.

3. Violet – Known to symbolize royalty, this purple hue provides a luxurious yet subtle accent color. Violet can work to help fade away the winter blues and vitalize interiors with the change of season.

4. Rust-Tone Shades – Look for rich terracotta shades and primitive earthy tones to create a warm, calming environment with a profound quality inside the home.

 

PulteGroup’s in-house team of interior designers exclusively design and furnish model homes across all brands nationwide. Inspired by the lives of homebuyers and influenced by the latest trends, the team will design and decorate upwards of 500 model homes in 2020, making them the largest builder-embedded interior design firm in the country.

About PulteGroup, Inc.

PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM), based in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of America’s largest homebuilding companies with operations in approximately 50 markets throughout the country. Through its brand portfolio that includes Centex, Pulte Homes, Del Webb, DiVosta Homes and John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods, the company is one of the industry’s most versatile homebuilders able to meet the needs of multiple buyer groups and respond to changing consumer demand. PulteGroup conducts extensive research to provide homebuyers with innovative solutions and consumer inspired homes and communities to make lives better.

Contacts

For Media Inquiries 
Mackenzie Eldridge 
office: 404-978-6615 

Doesn't it always seem like we're envisioning new ways to enhance the beauty of our surroundings... particularly in our homes?  When it comes to lighting, there are cost effective and energy-saving ways to do just that!  Here are some simple and worthwhile ideas!

Improve a Home's Lighting Without an Electrician

Lighting can set the right mood in a home and make it feel more welcoming, and achieving that doesn’t always require an electrician. Curbed.com asked three designers to provide their best tips for improving the lighting in a home. Here are a few of their suggestions.

Match the lightbulbs. Change the mismatched types of lightbulbs, particularly old compact fluorescent bulbs, Jenny Guggenheim, owner of Guggenheim Architecture and Design Studio in Portland, Ore., told Curbed. Replace them with one type of LED bulb. “In old homes, there are sometimes three or four different types of lightbulbs—each with its own color temperature,” says Guggenheim. “This easy fix can go a long way towards elevating your lighting.” Try using 2,500K to 2,700K warmth LED bulbs. “That range mimics daylight, but a little on the warmer side,” Guggenheim told Curbed.

Layer the light. By layering the light in your space, you can create a more welcoming atmosphere. Have at least two layers of light, designers say. The first layer will likely be an overhead, brighter light. For the second layer, use a light on a table or a floor lamp. Make sure to offset the brighter light with a layer of more diffused lighting. “You’ll immediately recognize how expansive the light is—it’s softer, warmer, and more flattering,” she says. Diffusion can take many forms, including the opaque glass of a bulb and the fabric, glass, or paper of the shade,” Alex Kalita, founder of Common Bond Design in Brooklyn, N.Y., told Curbed.

Watch the scale. Avoid using too small a light source for the space it’s in, Guggenheim suggests. For example, don’t use a tiny table lamp in a large entryway.

Place lamps throughout. “I love putting lamps on shelves mixed in with books or on the open shelving in the kitchen,” Megan Pflug, designer and owner of the Woodhouse Lodge in Greenville, N.Y., told Curbed. “You can even put one on top of the fridge.”

 

Source: “Pro Tips to Improve Your Home’s Lighting—Without an Electrician,” Curbed.com (Feb. 20, 2020)

Image: travelers.com

Labor Day is around the corner and it's the time of year that people reminisce about the wonderful times they had during the summer and begin to prepare themselves for the upcoming seasons. While people prepare for the colder weather it's important that they prepare their homes, too. Here is a suggested home maintenance list for the end of summer so that your home is best prepared for the change of seasons. 

Paint (if you need to, there is better ventilation now than there will be in the winter)

Clean and inspect windows 

Make sure your fireplace is winter ready 

Replace air filters 

Fix your driveway (if necessary)

Clean gutters 

Inspect siding 

Store outdoor furniture

Organize your garage 

Clean garbage and recycle bins 

Prepare your pool for the winter/complete any necessary pool maintenance 

Seal your attic and basement

Prepare your porch, deck and/or patio for the winter elements 

Clean out your garbage disposal 

Vacuum upholstery

If you think there should be anything added to our list, let us know in the comments section below!

You've decided you build your new home or begin a major renovation project on your current home. That means you need a contractor, but where to start? Here are some helpful tips to guide you through the process to help make your project as stress free as possible.

 

A fresh coat of paint is an easy and cost-effective way to give your home a new look and make it more attractive to potential buyers. Creating a focal point with color can either help or hurt depending on how you go about it. Click on the photo below for some helpful advice on how to use color effectively and make the most of your painting project.