Category Archives: Home Decorating

Guest Rooms that Work

“Guest Rooms are nice to have, but have you thought about how often it will be used, or who will be using it?  Here are several interesting ideas to consider.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
The guest room can be one of the most underused spaces in the house. It’s wonderful to have one when you need it, but when guests are nowhere in sight, it can feel like wasted space or a drop zone for odds and ends. Here’s how to make the most of the guest room, from beds and layout to storage and more.

Hardworking space: The guest room.
The challenge: Guest rooms come in all shapes and sizes, and there are just as many options for guest beds. Whether you frequently host groups of family and friends, or rarely have overnight guests, these tips will help you choose the right bed and layout for your space.
Good to know: Sometimes rethinking your space will help you discover new solutions — like subdividing a guest room into two smaller spaces.
Farmhouse Kids by Sullivan Building & Design Group
Sullivan Building & Design Group
Save

Design idea: Carve one room into two.

Why: If you have a single guest room but wish you were able to accommodate another guest, dividing the room in two can be a smart way to sneak in more sleeping space.

How: To transform your guest room into guest rooms, you may need to add a non-load-bearing wall. Hire a contractor to do the work. If you want to add electrical work (outlets, light switches) to the new wall, you may need permits. If no electrical work is involved, homeowners with some building experience may be able to tackle this project themselves.

Layout tips: In a smaller space, a centrally positioned wall may not allow enough room for a bed on each side. In that case a wall positioned off center (as shown here) may allow you to place a twin bed on one side and a larger bed on the other.

Also consider whether a partial wall will do (so the two spaces can share a door) or if you want to fully divide the space, which would mean adding or repositioning doors (also adding to the cost).

Beach Style Bedroom by SPG Architects
SPG Architects
Save

DIY or hire a pro? A non-load-bearing wall can be built by homeowners with some building experience. Having a helper is essential for this project (there is some seriously heavy lifting and positioning involved), so do not attempt it on your own.

If any electrical work is involved (for instance, you want the wall to be wired with a light switch or outlets), go with a pro for safety’s sake.

Cost: For professional installation, a licensed contractor should be able to complete the job for around $800 to $2,500, depending on rates in your region and the size of the wall. The cost will be higher if electrical work and permits are required.

Materials for a DIY non-load-bearing wall can cost between $200 and $500 and up, depending on the region. Plan to spend more if you do not already own the tools needed to complete the job.

Contemporary Bedroom by Gelling & Judd Inc.
Gelling & Judd Inc.
Save

Design idea: Murphy bed.

Why: When quarters are tight, nothing beats a Murphy bed for maximizing space. This type of bed folds up into the wall when not in use, opening up the floor space for another purpose.

How: Murphy beds can be found ready made, or you can have one custom designed to fit your space, in sizes from twin on up. If you go with a ready-made version, ask about delivery and installation services before you purchase— it can bring peace of mind to know your Murphy bed has been safely and properly installed.

Cost: Ready-made Murphy beds can be purchased for $1,000 to $3,000, depending on quality of construction, design and size. Expect to pay more for a custom designed and built Murphy bed, particularly if it includes storage or other custom features.

How to Add a Murphy Bed

Contemporary Home Office by Tamalpais Construction Company
Tamalpais Construction Company
Save

Design idea: Daybed with trundle.

Why: A daybed’s compact footprint makes it a good choice for a small guest room; a pullout trundle underneath doubles your sleeping accommodations for guests. This is a good choice if you would like to use your guest room for another purpose (office, den) between visitors.

How: Daybeds are widely available in a range of prices. With a trundle, look for one on high-quality casters that moves easily. If you would like to be able to transform a twin daybed into a full-size bed, search for a daybed with a pop-up trundle. Custom daybeds can also be built in place to fit your space perfectly and incorporate storage features.

Cost: Around $400 to $1,000 and up, depending on materials, design and quality of construction. If you are looking to save, search for used daybeds locally — you may be able to find one for significantly less.Custom built-in daybeds can cost from $1,000 to $3,000 and up.

Browse daybeds and trundles in the Houzz Shop

Transitional Bedroom by Marcel Page Photography
Marcel Page Photography
Save

Alternate idea: If having a trundle is not important to you, consider instead a plush, comfortable sofa-style daybed, similar to the one shown here. This type of daybed can be used as a couch for movie watching; simply make it up with sheets when a guest is visiting.

Daybed: Restoration Hardware Baby & Child

Beach Style Bedroom by Beach Dwellings
Beach Dwellings
Save

Design idea: Custom bunks over bed.

Why: If you would like to be able to fit more guests and have a guest room large enough to handle it, this is a smart way to sneak in extra beds and storage in one design move.

How: Work with a contractor or designer to come up with a plan that makes the most of your space. In a smaller room, you may go with a single bunk over a double bed; a larger room may be able to handle a pair of double bunk beds over a queen- or king-size bed at ground level. If you decide to add lighting or outlets, you will also likely need to get permits for the work (and an electrician).

Cost: The final price tag on a custom project of this scope can vary widely depending on your needs, the size of your space and regional rates, but expect to pay at least $2,000 to $10,000 or more.

DIY option: Position a purchased upper bunk bed over your existing guest bed to squeeze in more sleeping space. To customize the look, paint the bunk and bed to match the wall color and coordinate the bedding on the upper and lower beds.

Traditional Bedroom by Thorp Design
Thorp Design
Save

Bunk room layout tip: If you are considering adding multiple bunk beds to your guest room, the size and shape of your space will influence the positioning of the bunks.

In a long, narrow room, try placing bunks on either side, with a walkway down the middle. In a square room, positioning the bunks in one corner, as shown here, can free up more room for storage.

Traditional Bedroom by Tamara Mack Design
Tamara Mack Design
Save

Design idea: Pair of beds.

Why: A pair of beds can make more sense than one larger bed. Twin beds can be pushed together if a couple comes to stay or left separate for a pair of kids. If you have the space, why not use two full-size beds? In a hardworking guest room, there’s no reason to leave a lot of space open when it could be put to use, and if your visitors tend to be older relatives, they may appreciate having a traditional bed rather than a bunk or Murphy bed.

Budget tip: If you are looking for beds on a budget, consider skipping headboards. A basic metal mattress frame can be found for under $100. Pair it with crisp linens, a bed skirt and a few plump pillows, and no one will care about the lack of a headboard.

How to get a high-end headboard look for less

Transitional Bedroom by Sasha Meredith Designs
Sasha Meredith Designs
Save

Layout tip: If your guest room has a sloped ceiling or another challenging architectural feature, consider tucking the bed in there. What could have been an unusable area will be a charmingly cozy spot in which to slumber.

Browse more photos of attic bedrooms

Transitional Bedroom by Thorp Design
Thorp Design
Save

Small-space layout tip: If you have a compact guest room, it’s important to position the bed properly for optimal flow. One easy way to do this is by marking out the area where the bed will go on the floor using painter’s tape. Try opening the door and walking all around the bed area to check if there is enough space to move freely. It’s OK to tuck a small bedside table behind the door if you are tight on space (as shown here), but ideally nothing should impede the door swing and the path around the bed. If you simply can’t make the layout work using your painter’s tape mock-up, that could be a sign you need to use a smaller bed.

See 10 tips to make a small bedroom look great

Rustic Bedroom by Jodi Fleming / Fleming Distinctive Homes
Jodi Fleming / Fleming Distinctive Homes
Save

Guest room checklist: Once you have your guest bed(s) chosen and the layout right, it’s time to stock up for visitors. Here are some things to make your guests’ stay a pleasant one:

  • Fresh bedding, including a mattress topper or pad for comfort
  • An assortment of pillows, from soft to firm
  • Bedside lighting and an alarm clock
  • A door that closes and latches
  • A place for luggage
  • Window coverings that provide privacy
  • Fresh towels and extra toiletries
  • A card with your home’s Wi-Fi password and a power strip for charging devices
  • A small table and chair
  • A notepad and pens
  • A carafe or bottle of water
  • A chocolate bar and some nuts for late-night snacking

Originally published on HOUZZ, by Laura Gaskill

Mudrooms That Really Cleanup

“Mudrooms are a great first stop when you enter the home.  You can unload a little before you head on in.  However, have you really given them the thought you could?”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
When we asked people to share their best mudrooms, we were surprised by the outpouring of love for a room whose most important function is storing and organizing boots, coats, gloves — basically, the things we shed as soon as we enter the house. Readers and design pros offered their ideas for making the room work harder by configuring it to suit everything from pets to gift wrapping.
Traditional Entry by HAYNES & GARTHWAITE ARCHITECTS
HAYNES & GARTHWAITE ARCHITECTS
Save
Byron Haynes and Andrew Garthwaite of Haynes & Garthwaite Architects say that mudrooms are more than a luxury in New England — they are essential. In this one the clutter is hidden in a wall of cabinets. “The owners are very active,” says Haynes. “They ski, climb, snowshoe — you name it. The cabinets allow them to stow all that stuff and still have a space that looks tidy.” Their big idea was to outfit the doors with slatted windows, allowing air to circulate and dry damp gear.

The other life-bettering move was to install radiant heat under the tiled floor. Haynes says the heat not only feels good on the feet; it helps dry wet boots.

Transitional Entry by Weedman Design Partners
Weedman Design Partners
Save
Arielle Weedman of Weedman Design Partners says one of her favorite mudroom designs is also her smallest. “Sometimes you just have to work with the space you are given,” she says. “This couple wanted a mudroom but had no room for it.” Weedman solved the problem with a custom-designed, wall-hung shoe shelf and rows of hooks. She calls it an easy drop point where the family can leave their belongings upon entering the house.
Transitional Entry by Weedman Design Partners
Weedman Design Partners
Save
For a family with more space, Weedman provided open cubbies crafted from oak. “This is a material that ages really well, and it doesn’t show the chips and scratches as much as painted wood,” she says.
Traditional Staircase by ClearStory Construction
ClearStory Construction
Save
Another small-space mudroom comes from Sarah Potter of ClearStory Construction. For her own house, Potter created a mudroom along the stairs that connect the back door to the kitchen. (The other flight of stairs goes down to the basement.) “I love it because it makes use of unused space, allowing the stairs to serve a dual purpose,” she says.
Contemporary Entry by Menendez Architects PC
Menendez Architects PC
Save
When Luis Menendez of Menendez Architectsremodeled this condominium in Aspen, Colorado, he borrowed space from a utility room to create a hidden mudroom in the front hall. “The condo didn’t have one, and with people coming in with boots, coats, hats and helmets, it was mandatory,” he says.
Contemporary Entry by Menendez Architects PC
Menendez Architects PC
Save
A sliding door hides the space (and winter clutter) when necessary.
Mudroom Folo
Save
Designer Diane Gordon calls her new mudroom no less than a life changer. “For 10 years we trekked across the patio from our garage to the house,” she says. “I have two teenagers, and there were wet boots and coats all over the place.” The designer created an addition that bridged the space between garage and house — she describes it as a covered breezeway. “On a day like today, when the temperature is 0, you really appreciate it,” she says.

There is radiant heat under the terra-cotta tile floors, but the designer says it’s more for comfort than for drying. “The space is a bit chilly,” she says.

Right now, in the dead of winter, she puts out boot trays under the row of hooks. Old metal locker baskets in the cubbies are assigned to each family member.

Mudroom Folo
Save
The bench has drawers that hold regular shoes. One is for the designer and her husband; the other is for the kids.
Craftsman Entry by Anchor Builders
Anchor Builders
Save
Shelly Lindstrom of Fluidesign Studio has designed a number of mudrooms that were built by Barak Steenlage of Anchor Builders. Her team’s mantra: flexible, durable and affordable. The spaces have to be adaptable to the seasonal changes of clothing and gear, must stand up to wet and gritty conditions, and have to fit the clients’ budgets. “When people start cutting their project budget, they often start with the mudroom, and say they’ll do it later,” Lindstrom says. “We try to give them a mudroom that works for them and that they can afford now.”

This mudroom is for a family with two adults and three boys. The designer made the space accessible to the kids by making many of the baskets low and putting the hooks out in the open. “You have to give kids just one easy step, or things end up on the floor,” says Lindstrom, a mother of three.

Traditional Entry by Anchor Builders
Anchor Builders
Save
When it came time to remodel his own home, builder Barak Steenlage chose a simpler mudroom for budget reasons. “We could have cut it completely, but it was a must for us,” Steenlage says.

Lindstrom, who worked with the builder on the project, says they made the simple room more interesting by installing molding around it to give it a wainscoted look. Tile is laid on the diagonal to make the room feel more expansive.

“It is pretty simple, but it gives us what we need,” Steenlage says. “We have a place to sit and remove our boots and take off our coats.”

Mudroom Folo
Save
Designer Kelly Nelson took a cover-it-all-up approach when her family built a house. “Rather than using cubbies or any type of open storage, I gave each family member a closet of their own,” she says.
Mudroom Folo
Save
“Everything looks neat and pretty from the outside, but on the inside we have shoe trays and vertical shoe cubbies, hooks for backpacks and bags, baskets for scarves, gloves and sports equipment,” Nelson says. “We designed each closet especially for the needs of that person — and so far, so good!”
Mudroom Folo
Save
The pros at Whitten Architects often tell their clients that the smaller the home, the larger the mudroom should be. “As you can imagine, mudrooms are very important to homes in Maine,” they write. “They often become the engine room of the home. In fact, when done right, they can afford efficiencies in other areas of the home.”
Mudroom Folo
Save
The example they shared has a rod that hangs over the stone floor for wet coats, as well as ample storage.
Mudroom Folo
Save
Other people have carved out mudrooms where none existed. “We live in a 1,328-square-foot 1970s ranch. There isn’t a mudroom,” says kraesmom. “But we have made the most of our small entry with an Ikea shoe cabinet, some trim and a cabinet that I custom built to coordinate.”
Mudroom Folo
Save
The Houzzer added a long midcentury dresser to hold scarves, gloves, a charging station, a bowl for keys and other launchpad necessities.
Mudroom Folo
Save
Paradisewindsor says this space used to be the laundry room, but since it was just to the left of the front door, the placement wasn’t ideal. The Houzzer moved the laundry to the basement and installed an economical mudroom.

The skis were picked up for $10 at a thrift store and, with the addition of hooks, became a place for coats and bags. The bench provides seating, and plastic tubs and a dresser act as storage.

Mudroom Folo
Save
When loribmomof3 and her family added a mudroom, it became her favorite room in the house. With a family of five, plus a dog and cats, it’s easy to see why. “I designed every detail myself to meet the needs of our family,” she says. “I even measured the backpacks to make sure I could fit both their school and sports bags in each locker.” The space also includes hooks for coats, shoe drawers and storage for everything from sunscreen to gloves to bug spray. There’s also an extra refrigerator and drawers for storing cat and dog food.
Mudroom Folo
Save
Mudroom Folo
Save
This Houzzer added a desk and wrapping station across from the coat lockers. “I could not be happier,” she says.
Mudroom Folo
Save
Another mother, with five kids, is just as thrilled by her new mudroom, made by stealing 3 feet from the garage.
Mudroom Folo
Save
“We chose to extend this space by cantilevering 3 feet into the garage, which gave us the long bench wall with 14 glorious hooks,” says mollymilktruck. “When I fussed at our 9-year-old son for tracking mud in the other day, he said, ‘But Mom, it’s a mudroom!’ Touché, son.”

The kid does have a point. Because the room is often the de facto entry, especially in the winter, it is a room guests see. But it needs to be functional as well as flattering in the household.

Originally published in HOUZZ, by Mary Jo Bowling, HOUZZ Editor

Bring a Beach Vacation into your Home

“Are you missing the beach, now that you just got back?  Not able to get to the beach as often as you’d like?  Here are some ideas to bring that ‘Beach Feeling’ into your home.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
The days are already getting shorter. Do you know where your beach vacation went? Whether your shore time is already over or it’s just not going to happen this year, missing it in the summer can be a bummer. A little beach house flair for your home may help ease the longing, if only a little. I hope you can adapt one or more of these ideas to make summer around your house feel more like vacation.
Traditional Porch by Frank Shirley Architects
Frank Shirley Architects
1. Adopt a special vacation breakfast ritual at home. Whether it’s putting a special cream in the coffee, squeezing some fresh juice or keeping quarts of strawberries on hand, try to bring a vacation breakfast treat into your home for the summer. It will start the day off right. You deserve it.
Contemporary Hall by Jenny Baines, Jennifer Baines Interiors
Jenny Baines, Jennifer Baines Interiors
2. Blow up a favorite photo you took at the beach and hang it in your room. Or create a fun collage or memory book from your favorite summer vacation snapshots.
Beach Style Bedroom by I Spy Designs
I Spy Designs

3. Find a color that relaxes you like a beach cottage does and use it. This can mean painting an accent wall, swapping in some pillows or lamps from another room, or using colorful sheets.

Beach Style Bedroom by Wickenden Hutley
Wickenden Hutley

4. Create a mostly white bedscape. This can be as simple as flipping your duvet cover over to the white side, if it has one, going without a duvet cover for the summer or throwing a plain white sheet on top of it all.

Beach Style Home Bar by Verandah House
Verandah House
Beach Style Bedroom by Johnson + McLeod Design Consultants
Johnson + McLeod Design Consultants

5. Put your favorite beach finds on display. A piece of driftwood on your bureau, a Mason jar full of sand or stones, or one favorite shell can awaken the memory of a favorite place.

Here the designers created an artful arrangement simply by placing similar shells on a pale blue tray.

Beach Style Living Room by Tom Stringer Design Partners
Tom Stringer Design Partners

6. Bring some of your outdoor or porch furniture inside. If you live somewhere muggy, like I do, most days it’s too hot to even enjoy the porch or the patio. Bring in a piece or two of your wicker, rattan, bamboo or metal furniture indoors for a few months for a lighter look.

When it’s nice enough to enjoy the porch again, it’ll be time to switch it back.

Beach Style Bedroom by Spang Builders, Inc.
Spang Builders, Inc.

7. Create a cozy reading nook. I never plow through books faster than I do on vacation. Set up a special place so that you can work a little vacation time into every day with a good book, a magazine or the paper.

Carve out at least 20 extra minutes each day to give this to yourself. I bet you can find the minutes by replacing playing-with-your-phone time with reading nook time.

Eclectic Kitchen by Shannon Ggem ASID
Shannon Ggem ASID

8. Go offline more often. Speaking of playing-with-your-phone time, try to cut down on your screen time in the summer, especially when you are enjoying the company of others. Find a place to stow devices out of site.

I have to admit, whenever I stay at a place with bad reception or no Wi-Fi, I feel a little panicky the first day. But then I relax into it and appreciate being unreachable. Be more mindful of when and why you reach for your phone. If you’re having trouble cutting back, imagine Broadway star Patti LuPone stopping midsong to yell at you to turn off your phone.

Beach Style Living Room by Orrick & Company
Orrick & Company
9. Go bare. If you have an area rug that’s full of dark, wintry colors, roll it up for the season and enjoy beach cottage-like bare floors.
Tropical Pool by Jerry Jacobs Design, Inc.
Jerry Jacobs Design, Inc.
10. Add waves. My favorite thing about being near the ocean is falling asleep to the sound of waves lapping on the shore. There’s an app for that! Search in whatever app store you use for “free ocean sounds” to bring the waves to your bedroom.
Originally published on HOUZZm by Becky Harris

Kitchen Designs that Work for Everyone

“Well designed and good looking Kitchens are one of the most important things that buyers are always looking for.  Knowing what will work for ‘everyone’ when designing your new Kitchen can help you when you eventually sell it in the future.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

Call it what you will—accessible design, aging in place, design for all—creating a kitchen that works for all ages and abilities is a good idea that adds value to your home. Kitchen designers say requests for kitchen improvements that aid independent living are increasing as the remodeling market bounces back. “You may not think you need it now, but if you’re already remodeling, do it now while you have the money,” says Paula Kennedy, a certified kitchen planner from Seattle. Here are some tips from Kennedy and other pros.

Storage

Start with storage that’s within easy reach. “The  sweet spot for everything is between 15 and 48 inches,” says Kennedy. Add slide-out units and turntables to lower cabinets and glass doors to upper cabinets so you can see what’s inside. Open shelving and easy-glide drawers are other good choices and D-shaped pulls are easier to handle than knobs.

 

Work spaces

Counters of different heights work for adults chopping veggies as well as for children baking cookies and cooks who prefer sitting while prepping. Consider an island with different levels—one at the typical 36 inches and another at 30. A built-in desk can double as a work surface.

 

Sinks and faucets

Hands-free faucets are becoming more popular and lever-style handles are easier to nudge than knobs. Add a pull-out spray for cleaning the sink and filling large cooking pots. And a shallow sink of 6 inches or so won’t swallow your dirty dishes.

 

Lights and outlets

For task lighting, strips of LED lights are easier on the eyes than a series of spot lights, says Kennedy. Make sure all work areas are well-lit and replace lightbulbs in hard-to-reach fixtures with long-lasting LEDs. Rocker light switches are a cinch to flip. Raise outlets off the floor from 12 inches to 18 and lower light switches from 48 inches to 42. Adding extra outlets under the edge of the counter eliminates reaching over it.

 

Flooring

As with any kitchen remodel, make sure you have ample floor space. A work aisle should be at least 42 inches wide for one cook and 48 inches for more than one. Select a non-skid floor that’s easy to clean. Choose a floor color that contrasts with your cabinets so the edge is easier to see.

 

Doorways

Normal doorways are 32 inches wide but opt for at least 36 inches, which will accommodate a stroller, a wheelchair, and your new refrigerator. Threshold-free doorways won’t trip you up and lever handles are easier to swing open.

Appliances

Plenty of today’s appliances have bright digital displays, making it easier to see time and temperature. Also consider these features:
Refrigerator. There’s no perfect configuration. Side-by-sides put most food at eye level and have a more shallow door swing. The freezer drawer of a French-door model may be too heavy for some people to open. Look for continuous door handles.
Dishwasher. Raising a dishwasher can make it easier to load but that’s an impractical solution for most kitchens because it disrupts the line of the countertop. Dishwasher drawers are another option.

Microwave. Instead of an out-of-reach, over-the-range microwave, opt for a countertop model or one built into a lower cabinet.
Ranges, cooktops, and wall ovens. Induction cooktops and ranges stay cool to the touch. No matter what type you have, make sure the controls are on the front to avoid reaching over hot pots and burners. Some of the latest wall ovens are being designed with doors that swing to the side instead of down, making it easier to take things in and out.

Cookware and utensils

Hand strength can be an issue for both young and old. Oxo Good Grips has built a reputation on its easy-to-manipulate kitchen gadgets and there are plenty of other ergonomic tools on the market. Invest in an electric can opener and lightweight cookware with two handles instead of one. In a pinch, an adjustable wrench can be used to open stubborn jars and pop champagne corks.

Other ways to update

For more ideas and to find help from a pro, check the websites of the National Association of Home Builders, the National Kitchen & Bath Association and the National Aging in Place Council.

–Mary H.J. Farrell (@mhjfarrell on Twitter)

Kitchen Remodeling Guide

Find everything you need to know about remodeling your kitchen including the best appliances and materials from Consumer Reports tests in the Kitchen Remodeling Guide.

Published on Yahoo! Homes

Backyard Makeover on a Budget

“Most of us enjoy a nice backyard area to relax in.  But you don’t have to spend a fortune on a makeover.  Here are some inexpensive ideas that are fairly easy to use when planning your new outdoor space.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

An attractive outdoor living space doesn’t have to be expensive. There are many budget-friendly ways to make your backyard appealing and ready for summertime entertaining.

home mattersPhoto by: Shutterstock

An attractive outdoor living space doesn’t have to be expensive. There are many budget-friendly ways to make your backyard appealing and ready for summertime entertaining. If you’re looking for ways to spend more imagination than money on your home’s outdoor areas, try some of these easy and inexpensive design ideas:

• Outdoor furniture doesn’t have to be perfectly matched to look good. Oftentimes, single chairs and tables are less expensive than ones found in sets. Don’t be afraid to group diverse chairs around a table, and tie them all together with the same paint color and inexpensive seat cushions or throw pillows in a matching pattern.

• Think about how you can amp up your outdoor lighting. Consider solar powered lighting for energy bill savings. If you don’t have a budget for lighting, use candles and tiki torches to add brightness and ambiance. Twinkle lights aren’t just for Christmas – you can string these in trees, shrubbery, and along fences and deck railing to add decorative flair.

• Paint your own pots. Buy plain terra cotta pots and paint them to reflect your outdoor color scheme and style. Use your outdoor pillow fabric for inspiration, or choose from a wide range of decorative paints that can make custom textures and finishes easy to apply. Chalk paints and glow-in-the-dark paints are fun options.

• Speaking of chalk, break out some sidewalk chalk at your next outdoor party and let your guests apply their artistic talents to your patio and fence. The sidewalk chalk artwork can be washed away with a garden hose or the next rainfall, but you can enjoy it until then.

• Collect bottles for colorful outdoor decorations. Wine bottles and olive oil bottles are good choices. Wash them, remove the labels, and you have instant outdoor vases and candle holders. Line them up on railing tops and windowsills, or group them on tables. Or, display them on a bottle tree that you’ve made from a post and rods.

• Repurpose items. Browse antique shops and flea markets with an eye toward unusual things that can be used in your yard. A ladder can be painted and turned into a plant stand. An old barrel can make an end table. Cable spools make great outdoor tables. Kitchen stools can provide extra seating. Old chandeliers can make attractive outdoor fixtures, either electrified or with candles.

• Use color wisely. Blooming plants can be expensive, but you don’t have to have many to make a splash. Instead of planting full flower beds, look at your outdoor space carefully to determine where you really need a pop of color. Place pots or single blooming perennial plants in those places to get the biggest bang for your buck.

Originally published by American Homeshield

Wine Storage for the Rest of Us

“We love our wine, but we are not going to dedicate the entire basement to being a Cellar.  Here are some storage ideas that can be incorporated into many homes.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Before the wine police throttle me, let me concede that wine cannot really be successfully stored in less-than-perfectly-controlled conditions. Of course, that assumes you are a connoisseur buying high-end wine for either investment or long-term maturing.

But what about the rest of us poor folks who buy our wine at the 5-cent sales at BevMo! and drink it before its feelings are hurt? What do we have to consider when we want our wine both accessible anddecorative?

Contemporary Kitchen by TOC design
TOC design
Save
I talked with Mike Schiller at Sonoma Enoteca(a boutique wine-tasting room in Sonoma, California) about storing wine in the kitchen. According to Schiller, here are the no-nos:Wine does not like heatorvibration. This makes storing wine above the refrigerator a really bad idea, no matter how appealing that space might seem.

In fact, Schiller tells me, wine refrigerators differ from standard refrigerators in that they have no vibration. A couple of hundred dollars can get you a wine fridge if you have the space and are so inclined.

Modern Kitchen by ZeroEnergy Design
ZeroEnergy Design
Save
If you prefer a more decorative approach, here are a few other hints from Schiller. Sunlight pouring in the window is surely good for people, but it’s not good for wine. In fact,direct sunlight is wine’s enemy — especially a white wine in a clear bottle. Leaving a sauvignon blanc in direct sunlight for only 30 minutes can drastically alter its taste — and not for the better.
Traditional Kitchen by Martha O'Hara Interiors
Martha O’Hara Interiors
Save
Which is why planning for wine storage in a protected area of your kitchen island is such a good idea. Building it into the cabinet will keep light at a minimum.
Traditional Kitchen by Kenzer Furniture
Kenzer Furniture
Save
Just be sure that your island experiences no fluctuations in temperature. Yup, you guessed it: Wine doesn’t like those, either. This would also mean that storing wine above or around your stovetop is not a good idea.
Beach Style Kitchen by Cottage Home, Inc.
Cottage Home, Inc.
Save
Another creative way to store your wine is to make use of the space between the studs in your wall. But make sure your rack is built with a lip to keep the wine from rolling off the edge.
Traditional Dining Room by RTA Studio
RTA Studio
Save
Here is another ingenious use of stud space. The way the bottles are recessed into the wall prevents the wine from getting direct light.
Traditional Kitchen by Visbeen Architects
Visbeen Architects
Save
Contemporary Living Room Contemporary Living Room
Save
Turning a column or small room divider into wine storage is brilliant.

But freestanding wine racks are still one of my favorite decorating solutions …

Tropical Kitchen by Custom Furniture World
Custom Furniture World
Save
… as are hutches that accommodate both wine bottles and glassware.
Traditional Kitchen by Normandy Remodeling
Normandy Remodeling
Save
A small decorative wine rack like this one nestled in the corner under the cupboards is a perfect solution for the everyday wine drinker. Because, honestly, the best way to keep your wine at its best is to drink it, not store it!
By  – Houzz Contributor

Making the Most of Your Hallway

“Hallways comprise the most under utilized square footage in many homes.  Here are some interesting ideas of how to get more use out of this space.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
How hard does your hallway work? If it does little more than provide a way to get from point A to point B, consider if you could use your hall for something more. From simple DIY wall-mounted storage to custom bookshelves and built-in workstations, here’s how to get the hardworking hallway your home deserves.

Hardworking space: The hallway
The challenge: Hallways connect rooms but often lack a dedicated function of their own. In a hardworking home, every inch of space counts. Make sure your hall does its part by incorporating smart storage features that fit your home and your budget.
Good to know: When weighing options for modifying your hallway, keep in mind that it’s important not to shrink your hallway to less than 36 inches wide, for accessibility and comfort.

Transitional Hall by Maison Fine Homes & Interior Design
Maison Fine Homes & Interior Design
Save

Design idea: Add wall-mounted cabinets.

Why: Add storage with slim cabinets without building into the wall. Unlike ceiling-height storage, wall-mounted cabinets allow room to hang artwork on the wall above and allow a bit more breathing space in a narrow passageway.

How: Off-the-shelf versions can be purchased from local home improvement stores or Ikea, for DIY or pro installation. For tricky spaces or to achieve a specific look, hire a cabinetmaker to design and install custom units.

Cost: Prefabricated cabinets for DIY installation can cost $200 to $500 and up. You can expect to hire a handyperson for two to four hours of work for a small to medium-size hall, at a rate of $30 to $125 per hour, depending on rates in your region and the person’s experience and qualifications. Custom cabinetry can cost $400 and up per linear foot, including installation.

DIY tip: Before purchasing cabinets, carefully measure your space, taking into account the door swing needed for the cabinets to open.

Contemporary Hall by nARCHITECTS
nARCHITECTS
Save

Design idea: Make a hallway library.

Why: Siting a book collection in the hall makes for great storage possibilities and easy perusing. From simple ready-made shelves to a custom design solution, bookshelves are one of the most versatile yet straightforward hallway upgrades.

How: For a custom built-in like the one shown here, hire a carpenter or cabinetry professional to craft bookcases that fit your hall (and your book collection) exactly.

Cost: Custom bookcases for a hall can cost $2,000 to $4,000 and more, depending on the size of your hall, local rates and the choice of materials.

Eclectic Hall by HBF plus Design
HBF plus Design
Save

More custom options: If your hall has windows, consider using the space below for built-in window seats, with or without hidden storage. Slender bookcases between the windows can be outfitted with sconces to provide light, making the hall an inviting reading spot. Note that if you will be adding or moving electrical work, you will probably need a permit.
Transitional Hall by Lindsey Runyon Design
Lindsey Runyon Design
Save

DIY solution: For a fast, budget-friendly hallway upgrade, add wall-mounted floating or bracket shelves. Shelves are available in different widths.

How: Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs and mark them with a pencil. Using a level and pencil, mark where you want each shelf to be before you begin. Try to attach at least one shelf support on each shelf to a stud— if you can’t get fasteners into a stud, get appropriate anchors for your wall type (ask at a hardware store).

Cost: Floating or bracket shelves can cost as little as $5 apiece and up to $100 or more, depending on the size and material. For a semi-DIY option, you can purchase the shelves and then hire a handyperson to install them, at a rate of $30 to $125 per hour. An experienced pro should be able to install a simple set of shelves in about an hour.

8 Beautiful Ideas for Floating Shelves

Shabby chic Hall by Rikki Snyder
Rikki Snyder
Save

Design idea: Platter storage and display.

Why: A wall-mounted plate rack can provide overflow storage for dishes and platters, and can take the place of wall art.

How: Plate racks can be purchased ready made or built from scratch by a carpenter or handyperson. If you’re installing plate racks yourself, locate a wall stud and attach the plate rack to a stud in at least one place if possible. If you cannot attach it to a stud, ask a staffer at a local hardware store to advise you about the best anchor for your walls.

Cost: Plate racks cost from $50 to $200 and up. Expect to pay a carpenter from $250 to $400 and up to design and construct a custom plate rack for your hall.

Traditional Home Office by Legacy Custom Homes, Inc.
Legacy Custom Homes, Inc.
Save

Design idea: Add a recessed workspace.

How: You may not be able to add a recessed desk to a typical hall wall, unless the wall already contains a closet, in which case there could be some hidden space there. Have a contractor take a look to find out what your options are. If your hall is wide enough, you may still be able to add a built-in desk, even if it can’t be fully recessed.

Transitional Hall by Anthony Wilder Design/Build, Inc.
Anthony Wilder Design/Build, Inc.
Save

Where this works: Entry halls and other passages that get a lot of traffic are not the best choice for a workspace, unless the hall is exceptionally wide. A better spot is a hall located off the kitchen, or in a rear area of the house with lower traffic. In this hall a small workstation is tucked beside a hall closet around the corner from the kitchen, providing a convenient workspace and storage above.

Cost: The cost of adding a hallway workspace is similar to that for custom bookcases — from $1,200 to $4,000 and up, depending on the size of your hall, local rates and the choice of materials.

Traditional Closet by Dijeau Poage Construction
Dijeau Poage Construction
Save

Design idea: Boost clothes storage.

Why: Whether you have limited bedroom closet space or have a large collection of clothes or shoes overflowing from your regular closets, customizing a hallway to accommodate wardrobe needs can be a big help.

How: Depending on the size of your hallway and your storage needs, the clothes storage zone can be as simple as a few valet rods or as complex as a fully custom storage system. If you will be outfitting the space yourself, look for components that look good on display.

Cost: Individual closet components for DIY installation can cost between $50 and $300 per piece. Custom storage varies in cost depending on the materials used and the pro’s experience and location, but can run $1,200 to $5,000 or more.

Contemporary Hall by aamodt / plumb architects
aamodt / plumb architects
Save

Design quandary: Open or closed storage?Open storage (as in the last photo) has the advantage of being easy to access and a boon for visual organizers. If your hall is in an area with lower traffic, open storage can be a good choice. For areas that get more foot traffic, consider closed storage because it has a neater, sleeker look. The hall shown here got a major storage boost with closed closets, while a full-length mirror provides a convenient outfit-checking spot.
Modern Hall by Sigmar
Sigmar
Save

Design idea: Wine storage niche.

How: Install a wine rack in an existing hall niche to house a growing collection of bottles, or have a new niche made specifically for the purpose. If you’re using an existing niche, measure carefully. Depending on the dimensions of your niche, you may be able to use ready-made wine racks; otherwise hire a carpenter or handyperson to craft a wine rack to fit your space.

Cost: Ready-made wine racks can be purchased for $20 to $100 and up per piece. If you need to have a new niche created, expect to pay a carpenter $300 to $500 and up.

Bathroom Designs that are Trending in 2015

“Beautiful Bathrooms are hot right now.  Seems that everyone wants something more than just the builder grade basics.  Here are some interesting ideas that are trending for 2015.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
If you’ve been thinking about giving your bathroom an overhaul but aren’t sure how, one way to start is to look to the latest design trends for inspiration. We’ve made it our mission to find out what design ideas are expected to make a splash in 2015 to help make planning your bathroom makeover project a little bit easier. To compile our list, we enlisted the help of four award-winning designers, who share here their predictions for the looks, finishes and features they think will be on everyone’s radar next year. They also reveal how they would work these ideas into their own projects.
Contemporary Bathroom by Roselind Wilson Design
Roselind Wilson Design
Save

1. Feature floor tiles. Statement-making floor tiles proved popular in 2014, and this striking look doesn’t appear to be leaving in a hurry, says interior designer Jasmine McClelland. “I have done a couple of feature floor bathrooms this year. They are stunning and provide a great design opportunity when working with challenging bathrooms that have no clear walls for a feature wall,” she says.

“In smaller bathrooms a feature floor tile adds style without overwhelming the space, and when used in a larger bathroom, the effect is elegant,” McClelland says. “I love the space when the freestanding bath hits the feature tile … beautiful!”

Contemporary Bathroom by Mark Brand Architecture
Mark Brand Architecture
Save

2. Natural beauty. Want a bathing area that’s welcoming and serene? Then drawing design inspiration from nature is a great way to warm a typically very hard room of the house and infuse the space with a calming vibe. It’s one of the key bathroom trends of 2015, according to designers Simona Castagna and Darren Genner of Minosa.

An easy way to incorporate this trend into a bathroom design, Castagna and Genner say, is to introduce earthy materials like natural stone or wood-look tiles. The luxe bath seen here features marble floors and an onyx countertop, as well as a walnut-plank feature wall.

Contemporary Bathroom by Janet Paik
Janet Paik
Save

3. Plant life. “I know some of us have been scared off indoor plants … but it’s time to reclaim the idea of indoor plants with cascading creepers that can dress any bathroom,” McClelland says.

If you’re eager to try this trend in your bathroom but want a more sophisticated and design-savvy alternative to potted plants (hanging or not), a vertical garden may be the way to go, McClelland says.

“I love them for the interest and feel they bring to a bathroom and can’t wait to use them more in my designs for 2015,” the designer says. Another benefit of green or living walls is that they are good for the environment (as well as your health and well-being), she says.

Modern Bathroom by MINOSA
MINOSA
Save

4. The master suite retreat. Is your master bathroom cramped, not particularly inviting and tucked away out of sight? Then you may be more than happy to try this design trend when renovating your home.

Castagna and Genner say people want bigger bathrooms that are connected to the bedroom or closet, or even more open to the bedroom. People want to see their beautiful basins, custom vanities and freestanding baths from the bedroom, say the designers, who were the team behind the luxe, open-plan bedroom and en suite pictured here. They’re also using bigger sliding doors so people can open up or close off a space.

Contemporary Bathroom by Jordan Smith
Jordan Smith
Save

5. Clever water control. Say goodbye to basic shower and basin faucets, and hello to smart, user-friendly fixtures (such as thermostatic mixers; mixers that control multiple water sources, like the one used in this shower; and touchscreen-operated showers) that give users more control over the flow, mix and temperature of water, says Adelaide, Australia, interior designer Jordan Smith of Brilliant.

“Double showers would be a good place to use this, as multiple people can use the shower at the same time, with individual settings for their own shower,” Smith suggests when explaining how she’d incorporate this trend into one of her designs. “One mixer can control both multiple showers or a combination shower-bath.”

Contemporary Bathroom by Jasmine McClelland Design
Jasmine McClelland Design
Save

6. Freestanding bathtubs. According to McClelland, our love affair with freestanding baths isn’t over just yet, and not just because they make striking, sculptural design features, but because they help set the mood for rest and relaxation too. “The freestanding bath is more than aesthetic — it is emotive,” the designer says. “Clients connect with the possibility of a bathroom that symbolizes their own space or downtime, and a freestanding bath inspires this feeling of self-indulgence in the midst of a busy life.”

When choosing a freestanding bath, consider how the design of the tub will shape the look of your space. “The curve of a bath can bring softness to an angular bathroom, or an angular bath can offset soft colors or add to a highly structured bathroom,” says McClelland, who designed the Asian-inspired bathing area here.

Tub: Haven, Apaiser

Traditional Bathroom by Austin Patterson Disston Architects
Austin Patterson Disston Architects
Save

If you want the look of a freestanding bath but the benefits of a built-in tub (such as a ledge for stowing bath essentials like soap and shampoo), consider incorporating a semi-inset stand-alone bath, says designer Owen Barnes of Bubbles Bathrooms in Melbourne, who predicts this setup will prove popular with homeowners in the year ahead.

According to Barnes, this crafty configuration also allows freestanding tubs to be used in compact bathing areas (as you can see here), which may otherwise be too small to fit a stand-alone bath. And you can pair them with a wider range of fixtures too.

Tub: Astonian Luxor in Periwinkle, Aston Matthews

Modern Bathroom by MINOSA
MINOSA
Save

7. Custom vanities. People now want custom vanities — made for them and their needs, rather than mass produced, say Castagna and Genner, who designed this bathing zone. The glam space features a floating vanity custom made to suit the aesthetics of the sleek, contemporary design scheme, provide plenty of storage and enhance the illusion of spaciousness.

“The good old shaving cupboard is also making a resurgence,” the designers add. “We’re also using a lot of drawers and smart technology, such as doors that lift up and move out of way, which make good use of storage.” As you can see here, these design elements have also been incorporated into the design of this elegant bath.

Double sink: Corian, Minosa; tile: Swarovski crystal/glass mosaic in White, Bisazza

Contemporary Powder Room by Jasmine McClelland Design
Jasmine McClelland Design
Save

8. Geometric tiles. Another major design trend for the bathroom is geometric tiles, according to McClelland. While the designer has already used geometric tiles in a few projects she’s worked on this year, she predicts the eye-catching look will become even more popular in 2015.

According to the designer, geometric tiles are a great design solution for those who wish to add depth and visual interest to a plain, neutral space, but without the use of bright, arresting tones. And for those who aren’t color shy?

“For clients who are prepared to venture out, there are no limits to color combinations or random color placement to really showcase and lift a bathroom,” says McClelland, who designed this attention-grabbing powder room. Take note of how the bold red geometric tiles infuse this room with a hearty dose of high-impact drama, energy and tactile appeal.

Modern Bathroom by DeForest Architects
DeForest Architects
Save

9. Bigger showers. Is bigger better? According to Castagna and Genner, that’s certainly the current school of thought when it comes to the shower, and they believe the trend will become even more popular in 2015. They’re seeing more walk-in showers with oversize panes of glass or solid walls that completely enclose the space, rather than bathrooms with tiny cubicles.

Why do they think there’s a move away from more compact showering areas to ones that are more generous in size? Larger showers are spaces for rejuvenation and wellness, they say.

Contemporary Bathroom by Roth Architecture
Roth Architecture
Save

If you’d prefer a shower that’s large but offers more privacy than a fully open walk-in shower or one with a partial glass screen, look to the fresh, fun bathroom here for design inspiration. Note how the lowered walls help create a private, intimate pocket where the homeowners can shower in peace, but don’t make the bath zone feel too closed in or take away from the room’s airy, spacious vibe.
Contemporary Bathroom by Dane Cronin Photography
Dane Cronin Photography
Save

10. Sustainable style. Barnes is also seeing more recycled, reclaimed and upcycled materials and products being used in the bathroom, a design idea that he predicts will become even more popular in 2015. Why? “It follows the general trend in building globally, and it looks really good when done properly,” the designer says, adding that the growing awareness surrounding sustainable living is another reason this trend will continue to rise.

Interested in incorporating this trend into your new bathroom? Consider using reclaimed wood in your design (for example, this eclectic-meets-rustic bathing zone features a reclaimed-wood feature wall); recycling materials from your existing bathroom that still hold up in terms of functionality and style; or upcycling an antique dresser or cabinet by transforming it into a vanity.

Modern Bathroom by James Dawson Interiors
James Dawson Interiors
Save

11. Bathrooms that reflect the rest of the home. A design trend that Smith predicts will be big over the coming year and beyond is a move toward bathing zones that are designed in a way that makes them look and feel like an extension of the living room, rather than a traditional bathroom.

“The bathroom seems like it’s becoming more of a feature of the house,” Smith says. Integrating freestanding baths, unconventional fixtures and vanities that resemble furniture (such as a dresser, like the leggy, custom-designed vanity seen in this elegant bathroom) are just a few ways to work this trend into your bathroom design.

Transitional Bathroom by Snake River Interiors
Snake River Interiors
Save

Adding living room furniture and decor to your bathroom will also allow you to achieve this look and personalize your space. The welcoming bath area here shows how it’s done — the patterned floor runner, well-loved leather lounge, wall art, side table and elegant light fittings (including a chandelier and wall sconces) are key to this bathroom’s warm, calm and inviting living room–like vibe.
Contemporary Bathroom by Bubbles Bathrooms
Bubbles Bathrooms
Save

12. Gray tones. Gray has been a popular color choice for the bathroom in 2014, and it’s a trend that is sticking around, according to Barnes. If you’re worried a gray palette will make your bathroom feel flat and lifeless, introduce slicks of white to cut through the moody hue and create a sophisticated look. Or take design cues from this shower area and energize the design by adding a splash of bold, eye-popping color, which takes shape here in an earthy orange-bronze mosaic tile feature wall.
Contemporary Bathroom by MINOSA
MINOSA
Save

13. Engaging lighting. Castagna and Genner predict that the use of smart, intuitive and engaging lights in the bathroom will become a key trend for 2015. “Bathrooms and kitchens are fixed and fitted — once you screw something to a wall or tile a floor, they’ll be there for a very long time, so it’s important to be not too trendy,” the designers say. “Be smart about your decisions and layer things well — for example, with good lighting.”

What smart lighting solutions do Castagna and Genner recommend for the bathroom? “People want bathrooms that engage them, so they may want an accent light, a feature light or a sensor light that lights up their vanity or shaving cabinet once someone walks in,” they say.

Sink fixtures: Gessi Goccia, Retreat Design; wall covering and Antonio Lupi shower base system: Corian; flooring: engineered oak,Salvage

Modern by Brilliant SA
Brilliant SA
Save

For a more dynamic look, consider introducing colored LED lighting. This contemporary bathroom features a color-changing backlit vanity that instantly lifts the look and mood of this space, as well as an LED rainfall showerhead.

Countertop: Concetto in Gray Agate, Caesarstone

Transitional Bathroom by Stacey Kouros Design
Stacey Kouros Design
Save

14. Grout as a design feature. “Grout is no longer purely a mundane, if essential, element of pulling a bathroom together,” says McClellend. “People are seeing the possibility of using grout creatively in their bathrooms to show off the pattern of how a tile is laid, highlight specific tile types and use contrasting grout as a great modern spin on the traditional subway tile.”

While McClelland loves the striking pairing of black grout and white tiles (as seen in this space), she predicts that colored grout alongside geometric shapes will become popular in 2015.

10 Tips to Help Your Bathroom Sell Your House

“Bathrooms are second only to Kitchens in catching a Buyers eye, but for some buyers, it’s #1. Last week, for example, we had people showing up for an Open House, just because the Bathrooms looked so nice online.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Buyers love the allure of a fresh, beautiful bathroom that reminds them of luxury hotels or soothing spas they have enjoyed. And, most important, buyers want to envision themselves enjoying this luxury every day in their new home.

However, the reality is that most of us do not have the perfect bathroom. And we know that, in most instances, it is not a wise investment to do a full, costly renovation just for a home sale. It simply doesn’t translate into profit.

A better strategy is to maximize what you already have, on a budget. You want to transform your real-life, everyday bathroom into a five-star hotel experience that prospective buyers will love, without overcapitalizing. Here are simple ways to create havens with a wow factor.

Contemporary Bathroom by Arent&Pyke
Arent&Pyke
Save
1. Clear off the counters to create a blank canvas. Remove all of your everyday toiletries and bathroom supplies. This includes soaps, toothbrushes, cotton balls — everything. (And don’t forget the products in the shower.) Buyers do not want to see your personal hygiene products. In fact, this can make them feel as though they are intruding on your personal space, which can be distracting and a little awkward.
Contemporary Bathroom by Anne Webster Designs Pty Ltd
Anne Webster Designs Pty Ltd
Save
2. Get rid of cleaning products. Remove all items that imply housework and maintenance, such as toilet brushes, wastepaper baskets, sponges, cleaning products, bath mats — even spare toilet rolls. These are a necessary part of everyday living, but they do not create a beautiful spa-like experience for your buyers.

Tip: Remove the bathroom scale, too. Remember, your buyers want a luxurious bathroom experience, not a reminder of those extra pounds they are trying to lose.

Eclectic Bathroom by Etica Studio
Etica Studio
Save
3. Maximize your storage. Storage space sells. Your buyers will be looking inside your bathroom cupboards to see how much space they offer. Make sure they are only half to two-thirds full and well organized. Store the little things you use every day (hair elastics, lip gloss) in a pretty box or basket with a lid to avoid a tidal wave of trinkets on the shelves.

Tip: If you’re running out of space to store your toiletries, keep the overflow in simple wicker baskets. When buyers are coming to inspect your home, just grab the baskets and stash them somewhere else.

Midcentury Bathroom by One Small Room - OSR Interiors & Building Design
One Small Room – OSR Interiors & Building Design
Save
4. Make minor upgrades. Rather than spending many thousands completely renovating your bathroom, it’s much smarter to spend your money only where it will show and to make small, inexpensive upgrades that will create a large impact. As a general rule, improvements that can’t easily be seen don’t translate into a higher sale price.

The best bang-for-your-buck bathroom upgrades are: repainting the walls, replacing leaking and worn taps, updating the cabinet hardware, installing new light fittings and updating towel bars.

Note: In some bathrooms it’s also worth considering changing the tiles (large white tiles always make a bathroom feel more spacious and contemporary), replacing shower screens and investing in new cabinetry and countertops. This is often warranted in a higher-priced property, where buyers are looking for (and expecting) a higher level of bathroom luxury.

Modern Bathroom by Alexander and Co
Alexander and Co
Save
5. Clean thoroughly. Clean everything to within an inch of its life. No, it’s certainly not exciting, but it’s super important. Buyers will pay a premium for new, so your aim is to create a new feel. Everything must be immaculate, as this creates the impression that your home has been well maintained and well loved.
Contemporary Bathroom by Mink Home Staging
Mink Home Staging
Save
6. Hang luxurious towels. Any bathroom can be instantly transformed by adding beautiful, soft towels. New is best (once towels have been washed, they never look quite the same). So it’s a great idea to keep your new towels just for display only. Pack them away between buyer inspections and reinstate them just before the prospective buyers arrive.

Tip: If there is a lot of extra counter space, you can also place a neatly folded pile of two or three matching towels on the vanity or side of the bath for extra luxury.

Contemporary Bathroom by Capital Building
Capital Building
Save
Thick, white, luxurious towels always work well, and there are some beautiful textured options. Funky, brightly colored towels are popular at the moment too; for a more dramatic effect, you could consider adding a splash of bold color.
Scandinavian Bathroom by Touch Interiors
Touch Interiors
Save
7. Stick with neutrals. If you are going to repaint your walls, upgrade your tiles or invest in new cabinetry, it’s always a good idea to keep to a neutral palette for these larger elements, as it will appeal to more buyers. If you want to add some fresh color, use towels and accessories.
Contemporary Powder Room by D'Cruz Design Group Sydney Interior Designers
D’Cruz Design Group Sydney Interior Designers
Save
8. Beautify with accessories. Now that you have cleared away your personal bathroom products, bring in a few well-chosen accessories to add a layer of warmth, elegance and luxury. Think about creating a spa-like experience with accessories in tranquil, soft colors. Include fragrant soaps, bath oils, natural loofahs and candles.

It’s important to display these products as groupings rather than scattering them around the room; scattered products can look like clutter. Less is better. Think simplicity. You may want to consider using a wooden tray as a base and group items together in odd numbers. Vary the height of candles and jars, too.

Contemporary Bathroom by bg architecture
bg architecture
Save
9. Use flowers for impact. Fresh flowers and plants make any space come alive, and the bathroom is no exception. They make a dramatic impact, adding instant color and texture. Orchids are always a favorite in bathrooms; however, here’s no need to always buy huge bouquets. In a smaller room, a single stem of your favorite bloom, a small planter or even a branch with beautiful leaves placed in a jar will look understated and elegant.
Contemporary Bathroom by AKL Designer Kitchens
AKL Designer Kitchens
Save
10. Add a stool or an ottoman. To create the ultimate private-hotel-suite look for your buyers, add a beautiful decor piece that is functional as well. Put a stool beside the bathtub and add neatly folded face and hand towels, soap, a candle, potted plants or even a good book. You could also use other beautiful occasional pieces of furniture, such as a marble side table, a long ottoman stacked with fresh towels or a bamboo ladder, to add extra style and take your room to another level.
By Deb Lindner, HOUZZ Contributer

9 Questions to Ask When Planning a Pantry

“It seems we are always looking for more storage these days.  Here are some great ideas that can help in just about any pantry design that you may have.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – Dc Metro Realty Team
Some pantry design dilemmas don’t seem obvious at the time of planning but become apparent later. Doors that open inward onto shelving, badly arranged racks and compartments, small cubbies with no room for appliances, a lack of hooks for towels and aprons, and poorly positioned lighting are all mistakes that can be circumvented. Use this quick guide to address the most obvious blunders before they happen. The suggestions may also inspire you with some fresh design ideas.
Beach Style Kitchen by Marty Rhein, CKD, CBD - BAC Design Group
Marty Rhein, CKD, CBD – BAC Design Group
Save

1. Which way will the door open? A common mistake when planning a pantry is installing a door that gets in the way. When space is at a premium, the best options are sliding or folding doors. An outward-opening door gives more room for pantry shelves and is the next best option — but only if there is plenty of space to swing the door wide.

A door that opens inward can work, but be aware that it might make an already small space smaller. It can also compromise the space behind the door of your pantry, limiting the amount of stuff you can store there.

Transitional Kitchen by Von Fitz Design
Von Fitz Design
Save

2. Will there be enough light? Another typical mistake is to have either poor lighting in the pantry or none at all. Your pantry will more than likely be built without a window or with just a small one. One way to make sure that you have enough light in there is to install quality LED lighting. Or, if your home is a single-floor dwelling, put in a skylight. Also, the light switch should be reachable and in an accessible spot by the pantry door.
Traditional Kitchen by Murphy & Co. Design
Murphy & Co. Design
Save

3. How can top shelves be accessed? There is no point in planning a pantry with floor-to-ceiling storage if you can’t access the items on the top shelf. If your pantry is large enough, park a ladder on a sliding rail to access the infrequently used items on the top shelves. Store things you regularly use farther down.

If your pantry is small, store a step ladder in a handy spot for easy access. Inexpensive plastic single steps also can be folded flat and hung on a hook.

Contemporary Kitchen by Butler Armsden Architects
Butler Armsden Architects
Save

One way to see what is on the upper shelves of your pantry without clambering up a step ladder is to install glass shelving or wire racks on the upper levels.
Contemporary Kitchen by ArchiBlox
ArchiBlox
Save

4. What budget materials can be used to get a designer look? A walk-in pantry doesn’t need to be fancy (it is, after all, behind a door and not in view). But the shelves and cabinets should be made of a sturdy material with a finish that complements the rest of the kitchen.

Solid polished wood shelves or powder-coated metal racks are attractive options. A cheaper alternative is engineered wood. Plywood is strong and looks contemporary, especially when left in its raw state or given a light stain.

Contemporary Kitchen by ArchiBlox
ArchiBlox
Save

Plywood shelves look especially smart when the surfaces are laminated in black, white or a color and the ply edges are left exposed. This helps imbue the space with a Scandinavian or Japanese aesthetic.

See this plywood kitchen project

Modern Kitchen by Orana Custom Built Furniture & Designer Kitchens
Orana Custom Built Furniture & Designer Kitchens
Save

5. Will the position of the pantry aid or hinder kitchen traffic and cooking? You not only need your pantry to be well illuminated, you also need to get in and out of your pantry quickly when cooking. If the pantry is positioned in such a way as to hinder the flow of kitchen traffic, you’ll have to walk too far to grab essential ingredients. For that reason, it’s important that your pantry is near where you are preparing food.

Also consider the process of stocking your pantry and where it will be in relation to counters and tables. A kitchen countertop that is just outside a pantry will prove convenient for setting down groceries. Its close proximity also makes using it as a sorting station from which to fill pantry shelves extremely handy.

Traditional Kitchen by Key Piece
Key Piece
Save

6. How will the shelves be arranged so that common items are easy to see? Obviously put the items you use the most on the shelves that are in front of you when you walk into the pantry. Make sure the shelves are not too deep, and that you can see everything at once by placing smaller items at the front and larger items at the back. Heavy dishware and servingware can be stored on shelves that are wider and lower down.
Kitchen by Rosemount Kitchens
Rosemount Kitchens
Save

A common error is to line the pantry with shelves from top to bottom with no break. A small and wider shelf at counter height not only can accommodate larger, taller items and appliances, but also can provide an extra surface for food prep.
Traditional Kitchen by transFORM | The Art of Custom Storage
transFORM | The Art of Custom Storage
Save

7. Does the pantry need any special features? It’s really only in the planning stage that you can incorporate special features that will become permanent but useful fixtures in your walk-in pantry. Special features could include pullout baskets for root vegetables, narrow cubbies for large platters, and spice or wine racks.
Contemporary Kitchen by Liz Grimmett Design
Liz Grimmett Design
Save

8. How can free wall space be used effectively without overcrowding the pantry?Every bit of space can be used to solve a storage problem, and a pantry wall is no different. Whatever you decide to do with it, keep it simple and slim. Ideas include hooks for aprons and utensils, and a household calendar to note important family events. A chalkboard painted on a section of the wall could also serve this purpose.
Traditional Kitchen Traditional Kitchen
Save

9. What larger items will be stored, and where? Appliances and cookware dishes and pans often are kept in the pantry instead of in a kitchen drawer or cabinet, mostly because it’s easier to access them. To accommodate these bulky items, create some large but uniformed cubbies.

By Susan Redman, HOUZZ editorial staff