“Fall is almost here, so it’s time to get some fresh ideas for decorating. Change your mantel or other focal points for some new and interesting looks.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Category Archives: Home Decorating
An Uncomplicated Way to Upgrade Your Kitchen: New Hardware
“Not that long ago we wanted to freshen up the Kitchen. One of the first things we did very inexpensively was add cabinet and drawer hardware. A trip to the local hardware store and a few hours on a Saturday afternoon and we were done!”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
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An Uncomplicated Way to Upgrade Your Kitchen: New Hardware
Ditch the builder-grade hardware to get your own look Read
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Copyright 2018 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Best Flooring From Consumer Reports’ Tests
“We are constantly asked about what type of floors homeowners should put in their homes. The answer varies with where the floors are going, how they will be used and what your budget is. This article from Consumer Reports, might just help you make a decision in the future.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Flooring takes up a lot of real estate in any room, and given its visual impact, you’ll want to make sure it lasts more than a few years. But when you consider all the flooring options on the market, it can be tough to know which material to go with.
“Is there potential for moisture or spills? How much traffic will the space have,” says Joan Muratore, a senior test engineer who evaluates flooring for Consumer Reports, “Ease of cleaning and maintenance is something else to consider.”
MORE ON FLOORING
If you need help thinking through the functional aspects of flooring, check out our buying guide to the best types of flooring for each room. If you already have a sense of which material you’re looking for, well, you’re almost there: Take a look below at our top picks in five categories of materials, based on CR’s extensive lab testing.
We test wear resistance by subjecting a 6-by-6-inch sample of each flooring material to an abrasion machine fitted with a fine sandpaper disc, and assessing each sample for signs of visible wear after each cycle of sanding.
To test a floor’s resistance to denting, we drop a heavy, blunt weight that has the same impact as a large can of tomatoes, plus smaller, lighter, pointier objects that serve as proxies for kitchen utensils. Our testers drop the weights from progressively higher release points, examining the flooring for visible denting after each drop. The higher the drop before damage becomes evident, the better a floor’s dent-resistance rating.
We evaluate potential for fading by exposing part of a sample of flooring to UV rays for two weeks straight, then comparing the exposed portion to an unexposed portion. This gives us information on what can happen to a section of flooring that gets more sunlight than the rest of a room over time.
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Get everything you need to know when it comes to your home.
Should You Do It Yourself or Hire a Pro?
That depends on whether the material can be installed as a floating floor, or whether it should be nailed or glued into place.
With a floating floor, the pieces click together to create one large puzzle that can be installed right over an existing floor; its own weight will keep it from shifting, and the walls hold it in place. It has the advantage of being relatively easy to remove, which comes in handy if you make a mistake while you’re laying the floor or if you want to change it out for something different in the years to come. (We indicate which flooring can float in our extensive ratings.)
This approach doesn’t work with solid wood and porcelain tile—both of which get attached directly to a subfloor. (Wood is either nailed or glued, and tile is set in a bed of mortar.)
Below are CR’s top-scoring options for engineered wood, laminate, linoleum, prefinished solid wood, porcelain tile, and vinyl flooring, plus a runner-up in each category.
For a full picture of what’s available in the five categories below, check our ratings of more than 70 flooring products.
Prefinished Solid Wood Flooring
This flooring consists of factory-finished planks and is available in a variety of wood species. It can survive more scuffs than unfinished hardwood but designwise still add lots of warmth and character. As a whole, this category doesn’t do well when it comes to dent resistence—many in our ratings earn a Poor.
Lumber Liquidators Builder’s Pride Select Pewter Gray Maple solid wood flooring
Best: Lumber Liquidators Builder’s Pride Select Pewter Gray Maple 10040807
Price per square foot: $4.20
CR’s take: For several years, this Lumber Liquidators option has won the top spot in our ratings of prefinished solid wood flooring. It earns a rating of Excellent for resisting foot traffic and scratches, and it costs less than other top models. This flooring can be nailed or glued into place, depending on the subfloor material.
Runner-up: Armstrong Paragon Original Ember SAKP59L401
Price per square foot: $7
CR’s take: This is the only other model in this category that receives an Excellent rating for ability to resist wear from foot traffic. This flooring also does well in retaining its color when exposed to ultraviolet rays; it won’t fade as much as others might in sunny rooms. As for installation, it needs to be nailed down to a plywood subfloor.
Engineered Wood Flooring
Made from several layers of plywood bound together by adhesives and topped with a layer of solid wood, this floor type simulates the look and feel of hardwood, but has one important advantage: The plywood substrate makes each plank less susceptible to seasonal shrinking and swelling than solid wood, which minimizes gaps between boards that can appear in dry conditions. (We have no runner-up in this category because none of the other products tested well enough for CR to recommend.)
Harris Wood Traditions SpringLoc Red Oak Bridle engineered wood
Best: Harris Wood Traditions SpringLoc Red Oak Bridle HE2505OK48
Price per square foot: $5.50
CR’s take: This engineered wood flooring can withstand the sun’s rays with the best of them, earning a rating of Excellent in our UV-resistance test. When challenged by foot traffic and denting, though, it earns a rating of only Fair, so it wouldn’t be a prudent choice for a high-traffic zone.
Laminate Flooring
A less expensive option, laminate flooring simulates wood with a photographic image of wood sealed on top of dense fiberboard. Laminate comes in a variety of wood patterns, from oak to maple to pine. It’s usually easy to install because most products allow you to float the material over another flooring surface. That makes it ideal for quick upgrades.
Pergo Outlast+ Vintage Pewter Oak laminate flooring
Best: Pergo Outlast+ Vintage Pewter Oak LF000848 (Home Depot)
Price per square foot: $3
CR’s take: Resistant to stains, scratches, and foot traffic, Pergo’s Outlast+ Vintage Pewter Oak earns impressive scores across all our tests. It has a lifetime warranty that promises the laminate surface will not wear through and that the floor won’t fade from exposure to sun or electrical lighting.
Runner-up: Home Legend Textured Oak Angona HL 1224 (Home Depot)
Price per square foot: $2.80
CR’s take: This flooring earns a rating of Excellent for its resistance to foot traffic and scratches in our tests, and holds up to prolonged UV exposure. It doesn’t stand up to dents very well, so it might not be best for kitchens, where there’s a chance you might drop a pot or pan.
Vinyl Flooring
Usually made of flexible PVC, vinyl flooring comes in squares or planks that can made into floating flooring or glued into place, or sheets that need to be glued down (by a pro). Vinyl flooring comes in hundreds of looks—woodlike, stonelike, and woven appearances, to name just a few.
Armstrong Vivero D10 Homespun Harmony Rugged Brown vinyl flooring
Best: Armstrong Vivero D10 Homespun Harmony Rugged Brown U1042
Price per square foot: $4
CR’s take: This vinyl option, which comes in planks, performs well in all our tests. It resists foot traffic, scratches, stains, and dents. There really isn’t a negative to note. It’s also easy to install, allowing you the option of floating it over an existing floor or affixing it with adhesive.
Runner-up: Congoleum DuraCeramic Sierra Slate SI74 Golden Greige
Price per square foot: $5
CR’s take: For those interested in a vinyl floor with the look and feel of stone, the Congoleum DuraCeramic Sierra Slate SI74 Golden Greige is a good choice. It earns a rating of Excellent in our foot traffic and scratches tests. It doesn’t achieve the same high marks for dent resistance, so it might not be right for certain spaces.
Porcelain Tile Flooring
A type of ceramic tile, porcelain tile can look like marble, stone, hardwood, or handmade tile. It easily resists foot traffic, scratches and stains, but porcelain can dent, crack or chip if hit by a heavy object. Be warned if you’re considering porcelain tile for your kitchen: It’s hard on your feet when you’re doing a lot of cooking, though you could consider using a cushioned mat to provide a bit of relief.
SnapStone Beige porcelain tile
Best: Lumber Liquidators Avella Brazilian Cherry 10043950
Price per square foot: $3
CR’s take: With high marks across the board, this porcelain tile has the look of Brazilian hardwood without the high cost—which means you could have a wood-look floor in a bathroom or kitchen without worrying about moisture. Like most porcelain tile, this needs to be installed by a tile setter in a bed of mortar.
Runner-up: SnapStone Beige 11-001-02-01
Price per square foot: $8
CR’s take: Although most porcelain flooring calls for a subfloor (and pro installation), this runner-up from SnapStone happens to be DIY. You install it by joining each tile to the next with plastic tabs, then securing tiles with a proprietary flexible grout from the manufacturer. It earns a rating of Excellent for resistance to foot traffic and scratches, and doesn’t show much fading in CR’s UV tests.
Slipping a Fork Behind a Frame Is the Surprising Trick to Hanging Pictures Perfectly
“Ever struggled to get a picture actually hung on a nail? Well, here’s a much easier way to do it.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Who among us hasn’t gotten totally fed up while hanging pictures on the wall? One of the most aggravating experiences in home decorating is when we’re hammering a nail into the wall only to have that nail push all the way in when we try to hook a photo or piece of artwork onto it. And don’t even get us started on trying to get the picture exactly straight: We need a small army of onlookers saying, “A little to the left!”
All in all, the whole process of hanging pictures can be utterly frustrating, leading many of us to either call in a professional or give up on the mission entirely. But the good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way, thanks to a fabulously simple picture-hanging trick making the rounds on the internet. The best part? This home-decorating hack uses a basic item that every single one of us has in our kitchen: a fork.
Here’s how it works: After you put the nail in the exact spot where you need your picture to go, all you need to do is stick the fork upside down, nestle the prongs on top of the nail, prop the picture onto the nail, and then gently pull the fork out of its place. It’s hard to believe, but people are using this trick to hang their pictures in a matter of seconds — and the final result is pretty darn impressive. Watch the magic home decor hack in the 10-second video below to see how the magic works:
Although we’ve heard quite a few great home decorating tips over the years, we have to say that we’re especially impressed with this one. As it turns out, the simple curve of the fork works so well for this annoying household task, taking care of the hardest part. Who knew that the secret to fabulous picture-hanging was hiding in our kitchen drawers all this time? Just think of how many great pictures we’ll be able to decorate our walls with now.
Updated: Aug 10, 2018 10:11 am
5 Easy DIY Weekend Projects Under $300
“So you’ve thought about sprucing up your home, but you don’t want to spend a ton of money, and you would like it to be a DIY project. Well, look no further…”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
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5 Easy DIY Weekend Projects Under $300
Just another weekend? Not if you take advantage with one or more of these 5 great projects you can easily pull off for under $300. Read
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Copyright 2018 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Protecting Your Patio Furniture: Steps for Maintenance and Cleaning
“Thinking it’s time to get some new patio furniture? Learn how to care for and protect it for years of enjoyment.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
After a few seasons of exposure to the elements, your patio furnishings may start showing their age. Most outdoor fabrics and finishes are tough enough to stand up to the wear and tear of many sunny days and stormy nights, but regular maintenance can go a long way toward extending their lifespan. Here are some quick tips on how to protect your outdoor furniture.
Before You Get Started
Familiarize yourself with your furniture’s care guidelines. The manufacturer’s instructions will usually specify which cleaning solutions to use and which ones to avoid. Applying the wrong products or cleaning using improper methods could damage your furnishings and void any existing warranties.
Wicker Furniture
Wicker will fade and crack if exposed to too much harsh sunlight. Cover your wicker furniture when not in use. Covering also helps prevent mildew from working its way into the cracks and crevices between individual wicker fibers.
When cleaning wicker, avoid harsh or abrasive treatments. A mixture of water and mild soap is best. Apply sparingly — do not soak wicker. Rinse and wipe dry with a clean, lint-free cloth. If necessary, vacuum the wicker first with a brush attachment to remove large debris and loose dirt.
Wood Furniture
Seal your wood patio furniture. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can discolor wood and weaken its integrity. A coat of sealant will also make the wood more resistant to moisture. Sealants and stains must typically be reapplied every one to three years of outdoor use.
When sealing (or resealing) wood, first clean it. Dissolve the manufacture’s recommended amount of powdered oxygen bleach in one gallon of hot water. Do not use chlorine bleach on wooden surfaces. Apply and scrub any areas affected by mildew with a soft-bristle brush. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly. Finally, apply a clear, water-repellent sealant or a penetrating semitransparent wood stain. If desired, you can purchase a sealant (or stain) containing a mildewcide or mix in a mold- and mildew-resistant additive of your own.
Metal Furniture
Clean metal surfaces with a simple, mild soap-and-water solution. To restore your metal furniture’s luster, take a lint-free cloth and buff it with auto wax (paste or liquid). Lubricate any stiff or creaky moving parts — such as casters, swivels, glides and umbrella mechanisms — using a silicone spray.
If your metal furniture is showing signs of rust or mold, use a fine-grit sandpaper to sand any problem areas. Touch-up with matching paint, applying it in several thin layers. Let each coat dry completely before applying the next.
Weatherproof Outdoor Furniture
Now that your outdoor furniture is spick and span, you can keep it looking that way longer by applying an outdoor furniture protector specially formulated for your type of furniture (wicker, wood, vinyl, metal, etc.). Some protectors can be sprayed on, while others will need to be applied with a brush. Look for protectors that are both water-repellent and UV-resistant. Apply thoroughly, but be sure to work in a well-ventilated area while wearing the proper safety equipment: goggles, gloves and a dust mask or respirator.
Protect The Upholstery
Spot cleaning is the best method for cleaning outdoor upholstery. Use a mild detergent diluted in cold water and attack any stain using a sponge rather than a brush. Try to avoid soaking the cushions and allow them to air dry completely. Mildew loves moisture. If you store your cushions during those portions of the year when you seldom enjoy your patio, avoid using plastic bags. Try wrapping them in an old bed sheet or a canvas painter’s tarp. The fabric should be able to breathe even if it has been moved to an outdoor storage bin or shed.
Finally, to combat fading and discoloration caused by the sun’s UV rays, apply a fabric protector to your upholstery at the beginning of the warm weather season.
Store It Carefully
Cover your patio furnishings in waterproof furniture covers when not in use and especially when inclement weather threatens. To prevent your patio from becoming a place where standing water might accumulate, remove your furniture’s foot caps and keep all items upright in order to facilitate proper drainage.
Originally Published by American Home Sheild
Pick the Perfect Paint Sheen for Every Room
“Painting can make a huge impact on a room, but did you realize that the Sheen you pick can as well? See what Consumer Reports has to say.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Light and traffic are just two things you should consider
There’s a lot more to choosing an interior paint than picking a color. You have to consider the hues of the furniture and flooring, and the amount of light a room gets makes a difference, too. Picking a paint that’s too shiny can reflect too much light, and one that’s too flat might appear dull.
MORE ON PAINT
It’s the paint sheen, or finish, that affects how the color appears. And that depends on whether it absorbs light or reflects it. In addition, for paint to hold up well over time, it has to be durable enough for the surface and the situation.
Here is Consumer Reports’ guide to paint sheens from the least to most shiny, and a breakdown of which ones work best in particular parts of the house.
Flat and Matte
Flat paint has a nonreflective finish and matte is low luster. A paint brand usually offers one or the other. Both help hide imperfections on the surface. “But these finishes are the least resistant to stains,” says Rico de Paz, the engineer who oversees CR’s tests of paints and stains. “And although many did well in our mildew-resistance tests, the other finishes generally performed better.”
Best uses: Ceilings, living rooms, bedrooms, and anyplace with little wear and tear or where messy splatters are uncommon.
Eggshell and Satin
For a softer look, choose eggshell. “Satin is slightly shinier, and both are easier to clean than flat or matte paint,” says de Paz. You’ll find that some paint lines offer both eggshell and satin. These sheens tend to accentuate surface imperfections, so take time prepping, getting the walls as smooth as possible. Scrape away cracked or peeling paint with a metal putty knife. And use it to remove bumps, dried-on paint, and the raised edges around nail holes.
Best uses: Eggshell can be used in the family room, living room, bedrooms, and hallways. Satin works well in those rooms, too—anywhere, really—and in the kitchen, dining area, children’s bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways. Many satin finishes are tough and can be used on both walls and trim.
Satin/Eggshell: Great for High-Traffic Areas
The easy-clean satin finish is ideal for places where there’s lots of activity, such as family rooms, entries, and hallways.
PHOTO: TRIA GIOVAN/GAP INTERIORS
Semigloss
“The most lustrous of this group, semigloss paints typically resist stains better than the other finishes and are easy to clean,” says de Paz. Very smooth surfaces are a must.
Best uses: Trim, windows, and doors. For walls that are in great condition, consider semigloss for a kid’s room, the kitchen, and bathrooms if you don’t mind the shine.
Best and Worst Paints
Our Paint Buying Guide is a good primer, and see our interior paint ratings of 21 lines. Prices range from $17 to $70 per gallon—and paying more doesn’t necessarily get you a better paint. Because years of testing showed us that a paint line’s various finishes perform similarly overall, we’ve combined the scores into one to make it easier for you to shop.
12 Stunning Spring Container Gardens
“Have you considered container gardening? We love it for both our front porch and our deck. Things look great and we can move it around as we see fit each year. Give it a try!”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Kids’ Rooms: Storage Solutions for Every Age
‘As kids change so do their storage needs. Check out a number of different ways to handle those changes”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – Dc Metro Realty Team
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Kids’ Rooms: Storage Solutions for Every Age
From babies who adore you to teens who ignore you, kids change — and so do their storage needs. Read
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Copyright 2018 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
15 Low-Cost, No-Cost Ways to Invigorate Your Space
“Want to give a room or two a face-lift, but a little short on cash? Check out these low-cost, no-cost ideas.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team