With warmer weather on the horizon, it's natural to start thinking about spending more time outdoors. The backyard has evolved into a crucial extension of our homes, serving as a space for relaxation, entertainment, and even work. If you've been eyeing those picture-perfect backyards in home magazines, your own space might seem a bit underwhelming. The good news? With a few simple projects, a modest budget, and some elbow grease, you can turn your backyard into a beautiful, functional oasis.
Read MoreMost homeowners, when faced with a substantial home project, quickly realize that they lack the expertise or the inclination to tackle it themselves. This is where the indispensable role of a contractor comes into play. However, hiring a contractor is a nuanced process that goes beyond simply finding someone to do the job. It involves navigating through a myriad of regulations and considerations to ensure both the quality of work and the protection of your interests.
Read MoreWhen it comes to making a room feel warm and inviting, nothing compares to the charm of a fireplace. The problem is not every room has the proper construction necessary to add a traditional wood-burning or gas fireplace. This is where a ventless fireplace can step in, creating that cozy atmosphere we crave without the hassle of major construction.
Read MoreSurprisingly, the primary bedroom is the most neglected room in the house. It gets overlooked because only the owners typically see it, regularly at least. Since it’s such a private space, a closed door can hide a multitude of bad designs – along with an unmade bed. But it’s also the room that starts and ends your day. Doesn’t it make sense to splurge a little?
Read MorePurchasing a fixer-upper property can be an exciting and rewarding experience. HGTV is filled with programs of amateurs knocking down walls and tiling bathroom floors. The fact is that this is much harder than it looks and before diving headfirst into this kind of project, it’s critical to consider whether you are prepared for the venture.
Read MoreBreakfast nooks used to be staples in the average kitchen. Before the advent of the eat-in, center islands, or great room designs, homeowners loved sitting down with their first cup of coffee in the kitchen. A kitchen nook does not need to take up a lot of space. Even if you have only a small area to work with, you can create a lovely little space to enjoy the morning.
Read MoreWho doesn’t love the idea of a front porch? Picture a cool lemonade in the shade on a hot summer’s day while watching the world go by. Home builders have embraced this ideal over the past decades with more new construction featuring this timeless feature. Often though, the size of the porch seems to make it more of an idea than a usable space.
Read MoreIf it seems that new homes these days have included garages better suited for a Tonka truck than a real one, it’s not your imagination. With land at a premium, home builders can maximize the living space square footage by skimping on the garage size. As a result, many homeowners are lucky to fit one car in their two-car garage. But there are ways to make the most of the space you have by employing a few simple tips.
Read MoreIn previous decades, a warm, cozy home required dark colors and heavy materials. One can envision sitting in front of a roaring fire in a dark room filled with pillows and wood paneling. Contemporary homes are brighter, with clean lines and light colors and textures. The challenge is how to create an inviting, cozy space that everyone wants during the cooler months. Fortunately, it’s not necessary to choose between the claustrophobic styles of the past and warm inviting rooms.
Read MoreJust because your budget is feeling the pinch with rising food and energy costs doesn’t mean your style has to suffer. Ditch the big investment purchase ideas and try some simple updates that will change the look and feel of any room quickly and for a lot less than a new couch.
Read MoreFarmhouse décor has been a trend for the last decade. The look combines functionality with a relaxed, lived-in feel. Pieces look slightly worn, rustic, and inviting. The ease of the farmhouse style is one of the reasons for its lingering appeal as designers look to modernize and update the look.
Read MoreOne of the most exciting parts of expecting a baby is decorating the nursery. Today’s young parents are shunning the traditional pink and blue for more contemporary styles that blend with the rest of the home. With themes ranging from boho to Mid-Century Modern, there are options for all styles and budgets.
Read MoreApproximately 90 percent of seniors over 65 years old intend to stay in their homes for at least 10 more years, according to AARP. As a result, remodeling companies report an uptick in the number of customers doing upgrades and remodels to allow them to age in place.
Read MoreDid you know that each year paint and pigment companies work hard to predict the hottest trends in colors. They choose the “Color of the Year” and home designers love to infuse new tones and hues into their new designs. For 2022, Shades of Green will be all the rage
Read MoreTight labor markets are affecting industries across the country. Skilled and unskilled jobs remain unfilled as employers struggle to find prospective employees. For anyone ready to hire a contractor or handyman to perform home improvement projects, this shortage is causing frustration.
Read MoreThe pandemic has affected us all in different ways, but before you attempt a DIY project based on a 3-minute YouTube video, remember that it may cost you far less to hire a professional.
Read MoreWe are spending more time at home than ever before. This impacts how we view and use our homes. If your home no longer fits your needs in this new environment, you may be considering a right-size move.
Read MoreAre you ready to list your home for sale? One of the first questions you might have is, “how can I maximize my home value?” Every seller wants to get the best possible price for their home; fortunately there are ways to make sure your potential buyers see the true value of your property and allow you to receive top dollar when you sell.
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