Category Archives: Home Maintenance

The Polite House: How to Deal With Noisy Neighbors

“With so of us people living in closer proximity to our neighbors than ever before, unwanted noise can be a problem. Take some tips from here on how to keep your cool and best deal with the situation.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

First and foremost, when dealing with neighbors, safety is your priority. If your neighbor isn’t someone you feel comfortable confronting, then don’t. Use neighborhood associations, or even (if necessary) the police, to manage someone you feel unsafe around or unsure of.

But whether it’s a barking dog, a lawn mower, a crying baby, a kid with a basketball or a loud sound system, unwanted noise is one of the most frustrating aspects of living near others. We want things quiet when we want to sleep or concentrate or enjoy some peace, but we also don’t want to be challenged when we are the ones who may be making noise.

To help you decide whether you can feel good about lodging a complaint or whether you should shake it off and move on, here are some things to think about when it comes to noise in your neighborhood:

Try to determine if the noise is intentional and avoidable. Who is making the noise and how much control do they have over it? Before I let myself get bent out of shape or start thinking nasty thoughts about my inconsiderate neighbor — thoughts that will only amplify the whole situation in my head — I try to identify who is making the noise and if they have any control over it.

A crying baby in a neighboring apartment — sure it’s not fun to listen to, and the crying happens at very inconvenient hours, but there isn’t much that parents can do about it. Clearly they would rather have a happy baby too, so I know it’s not intentional; I know it’s temporary, and knowing this helps calm me down.

Zansitis Painting Inc

Think about duration and tolerance. How long does the noise last and how much does it disturb you? There is a kid who dribbles a basketball on his way to school each day, and his walk time is the last hour of my sleep time in the morning. In that sweet month or two when I don’t need my window air conditioner on and can sleep with the windows open (heaven in my book!), I realize I’m going to hear him and it’s going to last about three minutes. That’s enough time to wake me up and make me realize I’m awake, but I also recognize it’s short enough that I’m going to be able to get back to sleep. It’s something I can tolerate.

Can you tolerate an hour of trumpet practice? What about an afternoon of wood shop noises? Sometimes just knowing that the noise will end is enough to make it tolerable. You can always say, “Hi, Nancy. I was wondering if you could tell me how long Nate plans to practice his trumpet.”

One of the first steps toward finding a solution may just be finding out how much of a problem this noise is really going to be.

Lowe’s Home Improvement

Be understanding and ask about or offer solutions. If it’s my neighbor’s lawn mower at 6:30 a.m. or son’s trumpet practice at 10 p.m. that’s disturbing the peace, well that’s something that might lead me (depending on who the neighbor is and my relationship with that person) to go over and ask if it’s possible for lawn mowing or practicing to happen at a different hour. “Hi, Jim, I was just wondering if it would work with your schedule to mow the lawn later in the morning or even afternoon or evening?”

It never hurts to ask, or at least to let your neighbor know that the activity is affecting others. Jim might respond, “Oh, I like to get it out of the way so that my day is free.” You can reply, “I totally get that; it’s just that it’s waking me up each morning long before my alarm, and I was hoping there was a solution that might work for both of us.” This can at least get the conversation rolling.

This covers the basics of dealing with unwanted noise in your building or neighborhood. With most amicable neighbors, you should feel confident discussing this issue.

And remember that you can always proactively check in with your neighbor. “Hey, Mike, I just wanted to let you know I’m working on a new project, and the chipper shredder is going to be making a lot of noise. Let me know if you need a break from it. I know it can be intense sometimes.” I bet Mike will think you’re a very considerate neighbor, and it may inspire him to return the kindness in the future.

Originally Published on HOUZZ by Lizzie Post

10 Stress Management Secrets for Your Home

“With our lives so filled with things we think we need to do, it’s easy to become stressed. Take some time to relax and enjoy life sometimes with these tips”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

Relieve stress with our Home Matters experts 10 ways to combat stress. Reduce stress by exercising, being present & practicing serene stress management techniques.

It’s no secret that life can be stressful. However, many of the ways to combat stress do seem like secrets. A life filled with stress due to agitation and anxiety could be the root for an array of other problems circulating in your home. You deserve to lead a tranquil and stress-free lifestyle. And believe it or not, you can actually take the steps to beginning your journey to a stress-free life in the confines of your home with expert stress management techniques.

Below, we have uncovered 10 secret ways to cope with stress all within the comfort of your home.

1.Bring the Outside In

The great outdoors have long been hailed as man’s most rewarding escape from the demands of urban living. A long walk through a lively forest, tending a crackling fire under a starry sky, or enjoying a simple picnic atop a sea of rolling green hills are just a few ways in which we use Mother Nature’s welcoming embrace to detox from our everyday lives. So, it only makes sense that bringing a little bit of that natural remedy indoors will help add a sense of ease and beauty to our homes while reducing stress. If you find you’re combating stress on a regular basis, try adding some foliage to one or multiple rooms in your home. Here are a few peaceful plants to help get you started decorating:

• Aloe Plants
• Peace Lily
• Bamboo Palm

2.Put Down the Devices

That’s right. As difficult as it sounds, powering down will in fact help you calm down. Our mobile devices are great tools for achieving daily goals, entertainment, and connecting with others, but when it comes time for “you” time it’s best to disconnect. There are numerous studies that correlate increased use of digital devices with increased levels of anxiety and stress. As we become dependent on these devices, we begin to expect instantaneous results and confirmations, which in turn makes us more prone to dissatisfaction with minor events, like not receiving an email at the moment you expect it.

3.Tune Out

Now this one’s pretty obvious. If you’re feeling particularly stressed it’s always good to resort to your favorite tunes for solace and comfort. Scientific studies have found that listening to music slows heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and releases your body’s natural feel-good neurochemical, dopamine. So find your comfy spot, cue up your favorite song, sit back, relax and let the melodies soothe your soul.

4.Start Exercising for Greater Stress-Relief

Here’s one you can pair with listening to your favorite tunes: exercising.Yes, exercising can have a tremendous effect on your mood. Although exercising itself can at times be pretty challenging, the natural high you experience once you’ve finished a routine is well worth the strain. Plus, you can complete a full-body routine within minutes, all in the comfort of your own home. Here are a few quick exercise routines to help get you started:

• How to do power Pushups
• How to do bodyweight Squats
• How to do jumping jacks
• How to do crunches

5. Deep Clean Therapy

We all try our best to avoid it, but cleaning your home can actually be quite the stress reducer. Think about it, experiencing unwanted irregularities in our daily lives often causes stress. When our homes are dirty, full of clutter, and out of order, they’re not fulfilling their duty as a place to wind down from a long day. Instead, it’s just adding to the tension. So get out that mop, get out that dustpan, and get down to business.

6. Restock Your Kitchen with Healthy Food Choices

Stress comes in many shapes and sizes. And sometimes all of that stress adds to our shape and size. One great way to reduce stress is to drop the fast food and pick up a habit of paying close attention to what you put in your body. A great way to start is by thinning out your pantry and refrigerator. Get rid of any unhealthy choices and leave behind only that which is healthy for you. If you notice there’s not much left, then you might want to consider changing your grocery list.

7. Take a Relaxing Bubble Bath and Detox the Day

When was the last time you drew a bath? Most of us can’t remember the last time we stripped our troubles away and slipped into a warm, soothing bath. It’s such an easy in-home escape from stress that it’s a surprise so many baths go underutilized each and every day. But to really make it an experience light some scented candles, put on some ambient music, and add some detoxing minerals or other soothing organic material to the water. Here are some natural additives to consider for making it a true detoxing experience:

• Sea Salt
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Magnetic Clay
• Apple Cider Vinegar

8. Focus on Your Breathe by Breathing In and Out

Now this little trick you can do anywhere in your home. All you need is yourself and the air around you. Simply take a break from whatever it is you’re doing and take some long, deep breaths. You can stand, sit in a chair, or go full yogi on the ground (Hopefully you’ve finished a deep clean session before trying the latter). Taking deep breaths helps reduce your blood pressure, increase oxygen flow throughout the entire body and reduce your heartbeat.

9. Get Social. Invite Your Friends Over.

One way to quickly de-stress or at least curb your stress for the time being is to socialize with others. The presence of friends and family can naturally calm our unease by reminding us what’s most important in life. Try making it an event. The process of planning and preparing a social event at your home will help keep you busy and your mind off of whatever it may be that’s causing you to stress. Here are some ideas for a social event to host:

• Host a party for the next big game
• Invite people over for a backyard BBQ
• Throw a small cocktail party
• Get to know the neighbors with a friendly meet & greet

10. Laugh Off the Day

To cap it off, here’s a really out there approach to stress relief that can be done at home – laughter yoga. Yeah, you heard right. Laughter yoga is a type of yoga made popular by a doctor from India named Dr. Madan Kataria. This revolutionary technique spread across the world in the early 2000’s and is still making headlines today because of its’ effectiveness. You may be thinking, “okay, so you just stand around and laugh uncontrollably like a crazy person?” Well, not exactly, but that is a good place to start. It becomes a bit more of an involved process, and believe it or not, there are actually many different ways to laugh. You can begin practicing this great stress management strategy by learning ‘how to do laughter yoga’ at home while practicing it in your living room.

How Much Paint Do You Need?

“We are always involved in painting projects with our clients and these tips make perfect sense.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

My husband and I are avid DIYers, and whenever we start a new project we joke about the number of trips to the home-improvement store it’s going to take to complete the task. A “one-trip job” is considered a smashing success. The unfortunately more common “five-trip job” tends to feel slightly less triumphant.

Lisa Teague Design Studios

I would argue that running out of paint midproject is especially frustrating. Dashing out to the store is the last thing you want to have to do while deep in the throes of painting. But you also don’t want to overbuy either, because custom-tinted paint is not returnable.

Fortunately underbuying or overbuying is easily avoidable. It just requires a bit of measuring and some basic math before you head out to purchase the paint. Here’s how you can answer the question, “How much paint do I need?”

Min | Day Architects

Depending on the manufacturer, a gallon of paint will cover 300 to 400 square feet. Check with your paint vendor, or on the paint manufacturer’s website, to find the estimated coverage.

Once you know the coverage rate of your chosen paint, you need to calculate the square footage of the walls or ceilings to be painted. To get this figure, simply multiply the width by the height (for walls) or the length by the width (for ceilings). You then need to subtract the area of anything within the plane that is not being painted, such as windows and doors.

sophie loubaton / photographe

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For example, let’s say you want to paint an accent wall that measures 25 feet wide by 10 feet high, which has a door opening within it that measures 3 feet wide by 7 feet high.

1. Multiply the width and height of the wall:
25 x 10 = 250 square feet

2. Multiply the width and height of the door:
3 x 7 = 21 square feet

3. Subtract the door opening from the area of the wall:
250 square feet – 21 square feet = 229 square feet

4. Divide this figure by the estimated square footage coverage amount of your paint. In this example, let’s say the coverage is 350 square feet per gallon:
229 ÷ 350 = 0.65

5. Round up to the nearest whole number to get the number of gallons needed. In this example, you’d round up to 1 gallon, to apply one coat of paint.

Note: If you need to apply two coats, you simply double the square footage to be painted and then divide by the coverage:
458 ÷ 350 = 1.31
(Here, you’d round up to 2, so 2 gallons of paint would be needed to apply two coats.)

Alden Miller Interiors

Painting multiple walls in a room? Here are the steps to calculate the square footage of a sample room that measures 12 feet by 20 feet with 8-foot ceilings and door openings that measure 6 feet wide by 7 feet high:

1. Add together the width of each wall to be painted:
12 + 20 + 12 + 20 = 64 feet

2. Multiply this sum by the height of the walls:
64 x 8 = 512 square feet

3. Multiply the width and height of the door:
6 x 7 = 42 square feet

4. Subtract the door openings from the area of the wall:
512 square feet – 42 square feet = 470 square feet

5. Divide this figure by the estimated square footage coverage of our paint. Again, in this example, we are going with 350 square feet per gallon:
470 ÷ 350 = 1.34

6. Round up to the nearest whole number, in this case 2. You would need 2 gallons to paint one coat.

Note: Again, for two coats of paint, you double the square footage to be painted:
470 + 470 = 940

Then divide by the coverage per gallon:
940 ÷ 350 = 2.69
(Round up to 3. You would need 3 gallons of paint to apply two coats.)

Benjamin Moore

Math not your strong suit? No sweat. Most paint manufacturers offer a calculator on their website that does the math for you. You still need to measure your space and plug in the square footage, but the calculator does all the rest, based on the paint you plan to use.

Sherwin-Williams

Of course, there are a few other factors to take into consideration when calculating how much paint you need. Darker colors, especially red hues, require more coats than lighter hues. If you are going with a deeper, darker color, talk to your paint vendor about prepping with a tinted primer before applying paint.

PPG Pittsburgh Paints

Also, take into account the surface you are painting. Rougher surfaces as well as more absorbent surfaces will require more paint than smooth surfaces. And if you are painting a lighter color over an existing dark hue, you will likely need extra coats. A tinted primer might also be useful here, depending on the existing and new hues.

The quality of your paint will also affect the amount you need. Higher quality paint tends to offer better coverage, requiring fewer coats, whereas a lower-cost paint may be thinner and therefore require more coats for proper coverage.

LOOKA DECO

Finally, a few tips I’ve learned the hard way: There can be subtle differences in hue and sheen between two different cans of the same paint brand, finish and color. So try to stick to one single can of paint for the top coat of each wall or ceiling. You likely won’t notice a slight hue or sheen difference from wall to wall, but within the same plane it could be apparent.

Also, it’s a good idea to keep a record of the paint brand, colors and sheens you used, so if you need to touch anything up down the road you know exactly what you need.

Originally posted on HOUZZ.com by Jennifer Ott

Myth-Buster: The Right Way to Test Paint Colors

“It’s amazing how you can see the difference when paint is actually on multiple walls in a room to test out how light hits it and the impact of shadows.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

It’s a common image: Someone selecting a wall color paints several sheets of paper or sample boards and hangs them on the wall to compare colors. It looks artistic and even a bit hip, but it may not be the most accurate way to vet wall paint. We talked to five pros, including painters and designers. Here’s what they suggest instead.

INVIEW Interior Design

Paint Directly on the Wall

This is true for interiors as well as exteriors: You’ll get the best sense of how the color will really look if you paint it directly on the wall. Each of the five pros we spoke with agreed. “If they use a board, I feel like it just doesn’t saturate the same way,” says interior designer Keith Wardlawof Plus Modern Designs in Kansas City, Missouri.

Kelly Porter, an interior designer in the Washington, D.C., area, explains the problem with using boards: “The texture is really not representative. It’s not the same as what’s on your wall, and that can really affect the look,” she says.

In this image, the colors are not samples, but intentional horizontal stripes in a finished room. The paint colors are Benjamin Moore’s Arctic Blue, Palladian Blue and Blue Bonnet.

Alex Amend Photography

Tip: If you’re hiring a paint company, see if it will provide free sample cans of the colors you’re considering. Many companies do. Remember, once you’ve had the paint tinted (mixed), you can’t get your money back. Even if you have to pay for them yourself, sample cans (typically $3 to $8) are well worth the expense.

Jeanette Lunde

Paint Two Coats

That’s the amount of coverage you’ll typically need on any wall. The second coat usually makes a big difference in the way the paint reads. Also, paint large swaths — at least 1 foot by 1 foot, and even larger is better. The 2-inch swatches won’t give you a good sense.

Here, in a white room with white floorboards, the designer used a plain white base.

Color Guide: Myth-Buster: How to Test Paint Colors the Right Way

For Certain Rich Colors, Use a Primer

A small selection of deep paint colors can be created only in conjunction with specific primers. The paint deck will show which colors are in this category. (Pictured here are four by Sherwin-Williams, clockwise from top left: Lemon Twist, Hyper Blue, Daredevil, African Violet.)

For these specific colors, you probably won’t be able to get a sample size in the paint, though you may be able to in the primer, says J.T. Trainor, owner of Freshcoat Painting, a paint company in the Phoenix metro area.

Terracotta Design Build

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Paint Multiple Walls

The colors you’re testing will read differently depending on the amount of light that hits them. “We recommend you paint on a wall that doesn’t get direct sunlight and one that does,” Trainor says.

Екатерина Владимирова

In the above photo, notice how much darker the gray on the right side of the room is than on the left. In the photo of the orange room, the color appears much deeper at the back wall, where it is in shadow, and less intense on the left and right walls, where more light hits.

Also, landscaping outside a window can color the light streaming through it and change how a paint looks on the wall as well. In the above photo, where the green trees can be seen through the window, they’ve tinted the gray on the right side of the room a greener hue. See it, in the corner?

As you view the colors, make sure you consider what time of day you’ll most often be in the room. You want to like how the color looks at that time.

Leslie Saul & Associates

Place Lighting Before You Test

It’s simple, but true: It’s better to use the lighting that fits your needs than try to select your lighting to complement your paint colors. “You wouldn’t want to pick a lightbulb that looks good with your paint color, but you can’t read in the room,” saysJennifer Ott, a San Francisco-based color consultant and interior designer.

Here, the overhead lighting is casting a yellow glow throughout the room, warming the color of the off-white paint toward a pale shade of honey.

Make sure your lighting is in place as you’re considering colors. They may look quite different in bright bulbs that you prefer for nighttime use — or softer yellow-hued ones, if that’s what you’re going for — than they do during daylight hours. Having the right fixtures and bulbs in place can help you decide which shades will work for you.

If you’re not yet sure what lighting you prefer, you can use the time examining your samples to experiment. “Even changing out lightbulbs is a good thing to do,” says Carl Mattison, an interior designer in Atlanta. “Like any color in the world — just like your eyes or your hair or your skin tone — things will change in different light.”

Polhemus Savery DaSilva

Here, the yellow light from the chandelier and sconces warms up the cooler white of the walls.

Originally Published on HOUZZ by Erin Carlyle

10 Succulents That Make Pretty, Easy-Care Ground Covers

“Every year we try to do a least one new planting in the front yard for something a little different. Some of these might be worth a try and look interesting.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – Dc Metro Realty Team

Succulents, with their interesting shapes and colors, have become increasingly popular in the landscape. While larger succulents are often used singly as accent or container plants, smaller succulents are getting a second look for use as ground covers. As with other succulents, they are attractive, drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Here are 10 low-growing succulents for you to try in your garden.

The Garden Route Company

It’s important to note that all plants profiled below require well-drained soil and, in many cases, some supplemental watering. The amount and frequency of watering depend on several variables, including exposure, temperature and soil. A good rule of thumb is to water 8 inches deep and then allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Succulents need more water in spring, when they are actively growing, and very little in winter.

1. Rock Purslane
(Calandrinia spectabilis)

Gray-green leaves form a dense mound that is transformed by the appearance of magenta flowers spring through fall. The flowers are about 2 inches wide and last one day, with new ones ready to take their place the following day.

For an eye-catching combination, pair rock purslane with pig’s ear (Cotyledon orbiculata),a succulent that produces orange flowers. Rock purslane does best in Mediterranean climates but is suitable as a container plant and can be treated as an annual in colder climates.

Origin: Chile
Where it will grow: Hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 6.7 degrees Celsius (USDA Zone 9; find your zone)
Water requirement: Low
Light requirement: Full sun or filtered shade
Mature size: 1 foot tall and 3 feet wide; about 3 feet tall when in flower

Phillips Garden

2. Caucasian Stonecrop
(Sedum spurium)

Succulents aren’t just for warm climates. This creeping ground cover can grow in zones 3 to 8. The beauty of this species of stonecrop lies in its tightly whorled leaves, which are often tinged in red. In late spring and summer, star-shaped pink flowers blanket the leaves and attract butterflies.

S. spurium ‘Red Carpet’ grows in the foreground of this photo, with blue-gray S. reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’ in the background.

Origin: Caucasus region of Eastern Europe
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 40 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 8)
Water requirement: Low
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 3 to 6 inches tall and 1 foot to 2 feet wide

ecocentrix landscape architecture

3. Blue Chalksticks
(Senecio serpens)

The lovely blue-gray and upright 1-inch leaves gradually spread to create an attractive ground cover in frost-free areas. The flowers range from white to chartreuse and appear in summer. Blue chalksticks is ideal for creating color contrast when used next to plants with bright green foliage, such as kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos spp.). It’s a good choice for areas with mild Mediterranean climates. In addition to making a great ground cover, this beauty is often used for erosion control, in containers and as a fire-wise plant.

Here, blue chalksticks grow between Furcraea macdougalii in the background and ‘Elijah Blue’ blue fescue (Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’) in the foreground.

Origin: South Africa
Where it will grow: Hardy to 20 Fahrenheit, or minus 6.7 degrees Celsius (Zone 9)
Water requirement: Low
Light requirement: Full sun or filtered shade
Mature size: 1 foot tall and 2 to 3 feet wide

Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

4. Parry’s Agave
(Agave parryi)

Small- to medium-size agave species are unconventional ground cover choices that are becoming more popular. For example, Parry’s agave, with its very attractive rosette pattern, makes a wonderful water-wise ground cover. Use it next to boulders for great texture contrast. This plant and other smaller agave species work well in arid climates, including low-desert climates, since they can handle the full sun and intense summer heat that may cause succulents better suited for mild Mediterranean climates to struggle.

In this photo, A. parryi var. truncata grows among larger species of agave.

Origin: American Southwest and Mexico
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 23.3 to 6.7 degrees Celsius (zones 5 to 9, depending on variety)
Water requirement: Low
Light requirement: Full sun or filtered shade
Mature size: 1 foot to 3 feet tall and wide

See how to grow Parry’s agave

Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

5. Upright Myrtle Spurge
(Euphorbia rigida)

Chartreuse flowers, which gradually turn green and then tan, provide welcome color to drought-tolerant landscapes from late winter into spring. The pointed blue-gray leaves are arranged in spirals, which offer decorative texture throughout the year. Upright myrtle spurge can handle temperatures from over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius) all the way down to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 28.9 degrees Celsius). Plant in groups of three or five alongside boulders and flowering perennials like beardtongue (Penstemon spp.)

Origin: Mediterranean region
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 28.9 degrees Celsius (Zone 5)
Water requirement: Low
Light requirement: Full sun or filtered shade
Mature size: 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide

Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

6. Resin Spurge
(Euphorbia resinifera)

Square light-green stems arranged in clumps give this African native the appearance of a cactus. The sides of the stems are covered in brown spines. Older specimens can grow quite large and look at home next to columnar cactuses. Smaller ones look great next to boulders and drought-tolerant perennials such as desert marigold (Baileya multiradiata) and blackfoot daisy (Melampodium leucanthum).

Here, resin spurge surrounds a Peruvian apple cactus (Cereus repandus), along with soap aloe (Aloe maculata) and its colorful flowers.

Caution: The milky sap is toxic.

Origin: Morocco
Where it will grow: Hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 6.7 degrees Celsius (Zone 9)
Water requirement: Low
Light requirement: Full sun; can take afternoon shade in low desert
Mature size: 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide

Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

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7. Royal Dewflower
(Drosanthemum speciosum)

Vibrant flowers in shades of pink, purple and red, depending on the variety, create a colorful carpet in late spring into summer, almost completely covering the foliage. When not in flower, the narrow gray-green leaves add a visually cooling element to the garden. Royal dewflower roots when it comes into contact with bare soil, helping it to spread up to 3 feet wide. Although its low growth habit may lure you to walk on it, avoid the temptation since it doesn’t tolerate foot traffic.

Here, D. speciosum ‘Rosea’ covers a gentle slope.

Origin: South Africa
Where it will grow: Hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 6.7 degrees Celsius (Zone 9)
Water requirement: Low
Light requirement: Full sun; part shade in the desert
Mature size: 6 to 12 inches tall and 3 feet wide

Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

8. Candelilla
(Euphorbia antisyphilitica)

Narrow, waxy stems, with an upright growth habit, add another dimension to the landscape. Rather than spreading outward close to the ground, new stems are produced along the outer part of the plant, gradually increasing its width while still growing upright. Tiny pale pink flowers bloom along the upper half of the stems in spring. Small leaves may appear and are soon shed. Create a visually appealing design by planting candelillain staggered rows.

Origin: New Mexico, southwestern Texas and Mexico
Where it will grow: Hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 12.2 degrees Celsius (Zone 8)
Water requirement: Low
Light requirement: Full, reflected sun
Mature size: 1 foot to 2 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide

See how to grow candelilla

Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

9. ‘Blue Elf’ Aloe
(Aloe ‘Blue Elf’)

This small aloe species does what most aloes don’t: It thrives in full, reflected sun. Hummingbirds are attracted to the dark orange flowers that appear in late winter and last into early spring, providing needed color in the cool season. ‘Blue Elf’ aloe starts out small but gradually increases in width as it produces new growth. Plant it alongsidegolden barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) for texture and color contrast.

Origin: Aloes are native to South Africa, but the parentage of this hybrid is unknown.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 9.4 degrees Celsius (Zone 8)
Water requirement: Low
Light requirement: Full, reflected sun to light shade
Mature size: 1½ feet tall and 2 feet wide

See how to grow ‘Blue Elf’ aloe

Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

10. Elephant Bush
(Portulacaria afra)

The ease of growing this succulent ground cover makes it a popular addition to many gardens, as it thrives in full, reflected sun as well as shade. Bright green circular leaves and maroon stems, which resemble a small jade plant, root where they touch the ground and bring a visually cooling element to the garden. Elephant bush, also called elephant’s food, not only makes a wonderful ground cover, but it is also a good choice as a trailing plant for containers.

In this photo, elephant bush grows beneath an ironwood tree(Olneya tesota) and alongsideParry’s agave (Agave parryi).

Origin: South Africa
Where it will grow: Hardy to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 3.9 degrees Celsius (Zone 9)
Origin: South Africa
Water requirement: Low
Light requirement: Full, reflected sun to full shade
Mature size: 1 foot to 3 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide

Originally published on HOUZZ by Noelle Johnson

8 Budget-Friendly Ways to ‘Fun Up’ Your Patio

“Outdoor Living Spaces is something that we all love. If you’re struggling for ideas on how to make yours more fun, take a look at these.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

Is your outdoor space more drab than fab but you don’t have the inclination (or budget) for a big makeover? Whether your space is big or small, here are eight easy-on-the-wallet ways to make it more alluring and comfortable.

M.U.D. Landscaping

1. Opt for circular tables over rectilinear shapes. If you’re in the market for an outdoor table and chair set, consider a circular or oval-shaped table over square or rectilinear. Rounded tables are easier to navigate around and can better accommodate another guest in a pinch. No one likes to sit at the corner during dinner.

Sarah Natsumi Moore

2. Maximize your garden walls. Most gardens concentrate on the ground surface, but fences and walls also offer design opportunity. This homeowner repurposed what appears to be vintage mailboxes into planters. It’s a great use of space on a small patio.

JHLA | Jennifer Horn Landscape Architecture

Don’t forget about the top of your garden wall, either. This one sports a layer of wood planters. Consider this route if you have a less-than-desirable view you’d like to screen, want more privacy from neighbors or just want more planting space. Keep in mind that you’ll probably need some carpentry work to support the planters.

Pedersen Associates

Here, architectural corbels create a lovely finish to the top of a wall. They’re secured to a wood cap on the wall and support a small trellis running along it.

Margie Grace – Grace Design Associates

3. Bring some noise. Hopefully your backyard has the sound of chirping birds and buzzing bees; if it doesn’t, incorporating some nature sounds will be good for your mind and soul. The sound of water is not only relaxing but can help mask traffic and other unwanted noise.

Big-budget landscape projects often incorporate water features, but you can enjoy the same benefits with a smaller, free-standng fountain. Margie Gracefashioned this glazed pot into one. Many nurseries sell the components or full kits to create fountains and ponds.

Dick Clark + Associates

If you don’t have space for a fountain or the sound of bubbling water sends you running to the bathroom, a wind chime could be a good alternative. This one, tied to a tree, has an added sculptural effect.

The Cousins

4. Add drapery for privacy, sun protection, softness and drama. Drapery panels are effective at softening the harsh rays of the sun as well as making your patio a bit more private and cozy. They’re also more flexible than shades, allowing you to shift them left to right as needed.

Use an indoor-outdoor fabric, such as Sunbrella, particularly for areas that are exposed to the elements. Also look for panels with weighted bottoms so they don’t blow into your barbecue if it’s a breezy day. You’ll need to anchor them to an overhead structure, like the underside of this patio overhang.

Sheers are semi-private and soften the hard lines of pergolas and overhangs. While they don’t protect from sun and rain, they can help keep bugs out and add a sense of drama and romance to a backyard space.

Craig Reynolds Landscape Architecture

5. String up lights for an inexpensive transformation. String lights can make the saddest of spaces look upbeat. Cost varies from about $10 to $175 per string, depending on the quantity of lights, material, bulb type and whether they’re heavy-duty-rated for commercial outdoor use. Most are in the $20 to $40 range. Design options abound, from small to large globes and with or without decorative shades.

MTLA- Mark Tessier Landscape Architecture

My favorite is strung paper lanterns. While paper isn’t an ideal choice for outdoors, you can find these in nylon and in a rainbow of colors and patterns. For maximum longevity, install them in a covered area.

Chris Snook

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A string of flags is always a festive addition to a patio, whether it’s someone’s birthday or not.

Archiverde Landscape Architecture

6. Personalize your outdoor space. With some creative thinking, you’ll find ways to express yourself beyond your choice of flowers, plants and shrubs. Here, vintage glass marbles have been epoxied to the top of a wrought iron railing.

LESLIE SCOTT DESIGN

A Southern friend of mine introduced me to bottle trees, a favorite Southern garden ornament. Bottles are inserted on the branches of a dead tree or larger limbs tied together. According to folklore, the bottles capture bad spirits roaming in the night. Cobalt blue is the most sought-after bottle color, but green and other colors are popular too.

Author Felder Rushing wrote a book about bottle trees (Bottle Trees and the Whimsical Art of Garden Glass) and shares interesting historical backgroundabout the tradition.

Etica Studio

In this backyard space, homeowner Carla Karsakis painted a mural to show off her affinity for Art Deco illustration.

Lévy Kohlhaas Architecture

If you plan on staying in your house for a while, take that jar of collected rocks, shells and mementos and make it part of your patio wall or floor.

Sarah Greenman

7. Nix neutrals — weave in pattern and color. Decking material, pavers, fencing and home exteriors tend to be neutral, so without some pattern and a punch of vivid color, your space can look lackluster. These days, indoor-outdoor carpet and area rugs come in a bevy of patterns and colors, like the one shown here.

Amy A. Alper, Architect

Throw pillows are another easy way to introduce pattern, color and texture without a lot of commitment. Here, the pillows are actually what you notice first. Pillows also make sometimes stiff outdoor lounge seating more comfy. Make sure the fabric and insert are appropriate for outdoor use if they’re not going to be covered.

Donna Lynn – Landscape Designer

8. Reuse what you already have. Check your attic, basement and garage for underused pieces that might find new life outdoors. This tiered plant stand spent a previous incarnation as a candle holder.

Hanging baskets often come with too few holes, but that’s not the case here. These colorful kitchen colanders have been cleverly repurposed.

Singing Gardens

This vintage Pepsi crate, meanwhile, became a charming planter for a checkerboard of succulents.

Originally Published by Karen Egly-Thompson on HOUZZ

10 Home Hacks for Every Room in Your House

“Everyone can use some ‘Home Hacks’ around the house. It’s amazing all the little things we should have thought of before.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

Our list of top home hacks will help you organize your home and get the most out of each room.

Photo by: Shutterstock

Life is a lot less hectic when you find ways to keep your home organized, simplify storage and find DIY solutions that are affordable and easy. Here are some of our favorite clutch tips for your home.

via The Sweetest Occasion

1. Kitchen

Add personality to every meal with customized dishware that you can make yourself in minutes. You don’t need to be an artist or have special art supplies. Just grab a Sharpie® and draw your design freehand (or use a stencil for more intricate patterns) on your dishware or mug. Clean, white enamelware works well. You can personalize your creation with a name, signature monogram or even a favorite quote. To make it permanent, bake your finished design at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Tip: Start with a cold oven to allow the dishware to gradually come up to temperature. Also, hand washing will help your artwork last.

via Storage Talk

2. Family Room

Family rooms often have to do double duty as a playroom and entertainment hub. But finding room to store all your playthings without compromising your sophisticated style can be challenging. This hack meets that challenge head on: Simply store your puzzles, dice and other game pieces in decorative jars. They’re even fun to look at and provide a unique storage solution so you don’t have to make room for bulky game or puzzle boxes. Choose jars in different sizes, shapes and colors to add visual interest and to match your decor. Mason jars, apothecary jars, etched glass jars or pressed glass jars are all great options.

via Buzzfeed

3. Bedroom

Seems you can never have enough storage, especially in the bedroom. This hack lets you add storage and a decorative wall detail at the same time. Just create instant shelves from old drawers. Vary shapes and sizes for an eclectic look. Line the bottom of the drawers with patterned paper or paint for added color. Look for dressers with unusual curved drawer fronts or undulating profiles. Tip: You can often find reasonably priced dressers/drawers at garage sales, resale shops, vintage stores or estate sales.

via Make Space

4. Clothes Closet

It can be frustrating fighting to find your favorite jeans in a cluttered closet. If you’re not ready to slim down your wardrobe, have no fear. This hack lets you retain all your perfectly worn-in pairs, but in a more organized manner: Hang your jeans on shower hooks. Saves a ton of closet space and makes finding your favorite pair a snap!

via Buzzfeed

5. Bathroom

Sure bathroom hooks are essential for hanging wet towels or robes, but no one says you have to use standard hooks that are purely functional without any decorative appeal. Instead, use old doorknobs as hooks. This super simple hack adds a ton of character to your bathroom while it maximizes wall space. Tip: For a cool shabby-chic vibe, use a grouping of vintage doorknobs that have finishes with a little wear and tear.

via Green Idea Reviews

6. Laundry Room

Bet you didn’t know that you could easily conquer dryer static with just some ingenuity and aluminum foil. It’s true! It turns out balled-up aluminum foil can minimize dryer static. Here’s how: When you’re ready to dry your washed laundry, just throw three aluminum foil balls (about 3 inches in diameter each) in your dryer and tumble dry your load as normal. These anti-static wonders are easy to make, economical, reusable for up to 6 months, recyclable and help you avoid toxic chemicals found in dryer sheets. Tip: Heavy-duty foil works best. Wrap a tennis ball in foil. This will help you use even less foil to make a sizable ball and the tumbling tennis ball helps fluff your laundry as it dries.

via Mashable

7. Home Office

Smartphone accessories, like a phone stand, can be kind of pricey…unless, of course, you know how to make it yourself with inexpensive office supplies. This hack makes good use of binder clips, which you probably already have at home. When positioned in just that right way, your binder clips can make a quick and functional phone stand. When you’re done using your ingenious phone stand, just slip the clips back in your desk drawer. Job well done!

via House Logic

8. Garage

Rusty tools are the bane of any true handyman or handywoman. Here’s a great way to make sure you won’t have to worry about that: Use blackboard chalk to prevent your tools from rusting. Just place several pieces in your toolbox. The chalk traps dampness, which helps keep your tools rust-free, giving you one fewer excuse to not be handy around the house.

via Childhood 101

9. Playroom

Playrooms can be a messy prospect, but they don’t have to be with this awesome household hack. Just use an over-the-door shoe organizer for toys or art supplies. The clear compartments make for easy access and easy clean up. So simple, it’s like child’s play.

via Olives ‘n’ Wine

10. Dining Room:

Chances are if you’re hosting and elegant party in your dining room, you’ll want to break out the good china and silver. That means making sure your silver sparkles and shines. Here’s how with just some baking soda and hot water. Line a pot or your kitchen sink with foil. Fill it with very hot water and mix in about 1 cup of baking soda. Add your tarnished items and let soak for about 30 minutes or until you see the black residue lifting off the surface. Then just rinse and dry (or first clean with a mild dish detergent) to use right away! Et voilà, dinner is served!

Originally published on AHS.com (American Home Shield)

To-Dos: Your April Home Checklist

‘Springtime is here and with it an opportunity for a fresh start around your home. Time to take stock of what Winter has done to your home, and see what needs some attention.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

With lengthening days and milder temperatures in many parts of the country, April is a wonderful time to freshen up the home inside and out. From windows that sparkle to a clutter-free garage, here are 13 tasks to make the most of the first full month of spring.

Strand Design

Clean gutters and downspouts. Having your home’s gutters and downspouts cleaned (and repaired if necessary) is one of the first important tasks to schedule this season. Clogged gutters during a rainy spring can cause water to pool, potentially damaging the roof and siding.

Wash siding. Using a regular garden hose, attach a siding cleaning kit (available at most home improvement stores) to clear away winter grime from your home’s siding.

One Girl Interiors

Spruce up the front porch. Clean the porch floor, exterior windows, windowsills and front door. Wipe cobwebs from the ceiling and high corners. Lay down a fresh doormat and plant a pot of flowers. If you have porch furniture, clean it off and wash the cushions.

Inspect paths and driveway.Repeated freezing and thawing can take a toll on asphalt and concrete. Check your driveway and paths for cracks and schedule repairs as needed.

Tara Bussema – Neat Organization and Design

Boost curb appeal. Spring is a wonderful time to make upgrades to your home’s exterior, and even small changes— like putting up bold house numbers and a shiny new mailbox — can make a big impact. If you’re planning to put your house on the market this spring, boosting curb appeal can help lure in potential buyers, making it especially important.

Jamie Keskin Design

Wash windows. Welcome the spring sunshine by clearing dirt and grime from windows inside and out. After cleaning the glass, take an extra moment to wipe the sill.

Check screen doors and windows for tears. Before putting up window screens and screen doors, inspect each one for holes and rips — even small tears can let in mosquitoes! If you find any holes, pick up a screen patch kit (available at most hardware stores) and repair them.

Studio McGee

Clear clutter. Create more space in your home by clearing out unloved items. If you have a lot to get rid of, set a date to hold a yard sale. Or contact a local charity to schedule a pickup — some will send a truck free of charge if you’re donating large items like furniture. If you have a lot of one type of item (for example, books or baby clothes), look for a consignment shop in your town where you may be able to sell them.

Schedule cooling-system maintenance. If you have central air conditioning, be sure to schedule professional maintenance before the start of summer. A properly maintained system cools better, uses less energy and lasts longer.

Organized Living

Clean the garage. Can you park your car in your garage? If not (or if it’s a tight fit), it may be time to make some more space. Clear out the junk, and schedule time to take unused paint, motor oil and other hazardous items to a recycling center that accepts them. (If you’re not sure where to go, search Earth911 to find a center near you.) Once your garage is cleaned out, consider adding wall-mounted storage to keep things neat and off the floor.

B. Jane Gardens

Test sprinklers and irrigation system. Don’t let the first sign you have a malfunctioning irrigation system be a drooping garden! Take the time this month to test each part and adjust or repair as needed.

Keep mosquitoes at bay. Having warmer weather and longer days means we’re entering mosquito season. Take preventative measures by regularly checking your property for standing water and emptying it. Any open containers (empty flowerpots and saucers, a wheelbarrow) can become mosquito-breeding grounds when filled with rainwater, so store items like these upside down or in a shed.

Westover Landscape Design, Inc.

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Maintain wood decks and fences. Keep outdoor woodwork in top shape by staining or resealing each spring. Check gates, fencing, decks, railings, pergolas and other outdoor structures, and make repairs as needed.

Originally published on HOUZZ by Laura Gaskill

What to Know About Adding a Deck

“Been thinking about adding a Deck. Have you really thought about all the things that go into a project like this. Do you homework and plan everything out properly first.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

Good weather should be enjoyed to its fullest extent. To do that you have to actually go outside. But if your home lacks an enticing outdoor living space, there’s little incentive to venture out.

Outdoor living is seeing a bit of an explosion lately: Adding a deck is one of the most requested home projects today, and demand is steadily rising.

New durable outdoor materials, furniture and accessories plus unique shade options and smart tech that lets us watch movies and have full kitchens have no doubt fueled the interest. So if you’re hoping to make the most of good weather in your area, a new deck has likely crossed your mind. Here’s what you’ll need to know about finally getting one.

Fine Decks Inc

Project: Adding a deck.

Why: To extend living space and enjoy the outdoors with an area for dining, grilling or lounging.

First thing to consider: You’ll want to decide whether your property is good for a deck or patio — or a combination of both.

Deck. A deck is a platform with decking boards, usually made of either wood or a composite material. A deck is ideal for sloped yards where you want a flat area. It’s also good for homes that sit high above the ground or atop a basement, because they can be built as high as you need. If your home sits higher than about 14 inches off the ground, a platform deck is probably for you.

Patio. A patio is on flat ground and is usually made of concrete, pavers, flagstone, wood or another hardscaping material. Doing a patio on a sloped lot is costlier and much more difficult, because retaining walls must be built to create a level surface. If your door opens right at the ground level, then a patio is the option for you.

Many people choose to build a deck that steps down to a patio.

Fine Decks Inc

What do you want your deck to do? Typically, people want a deck that’s multipurpose, with areas for eating, cooking and hanging out. But, as with most things, the sky is the limit. So depending on your budget, consider things like an outdoor TV, a fireplace, a fire pit, a hot tub, a kitchen, a water feature and more.

Figuring out what you want your deck to do will also help determine its size, safety measures and traffic flow. Do you host a lot of parties, or is it just you and a partner? Do you have a lot of kids? The last thing you want or need is a deck that’s too small or too large for your needs.

Also consider privacy on your deck. If you don’t want to feel like you’re on a stage performing for your neighbors, you’ll want to think about adding an arbor, a pergola, latticework or something else to create privacy.

FJU Photography

How will you access the deck? If you currently have a door that leads outside to where you’ll want your deck, then congratulations — you’re in good shape. But if you’re adding a deck to a portion of your house that doesn’t have a door, then you’ll have to add an opening, which can increase costs drastically depending on whether you’re planning for a door in a load-bearing wall or not.

If you’re using your deck for dining (which you should), you’ll want it located as close to your kitchen as possible. “You don’t want to have to climb a bunch of stairs just to go back in for some salt,” says Clemens Jellema, who runs Fine Decks and has been building decks for 20 years.

clark kitchens and construction

Consider how it will look. When adding a deck, it’s best to consider the style and architecture of your house so that the addition either blends in with or at least complements your home. A trained professional will be best suited to make recommendations on deck style, materials, color and more.

Holloway Company Inc.

Know Your Material Options

The two main options for decks are wood and composite boards. Historically, wood has dominated decks, but lately composite boards are more in demand. Jellema says there was a time when many homeowner’s associations didn’t allow composite decks, because they looked too plasticky and had other problems. Now it’s the complete opposite. “Many developments don’t allow wood decks,” Jellema says. “People don’t take care of them, and they can start to look ugly in five or six years when they start to weather.”

Composite boards. Composite boards, seen here, are engineered products that are a mixture of wood fibers and plastic; a lot of the material comes from recycled plastic grocery bags. Some companies use old shredded carpets for wood fillers. Newer composite boards are wrapped in a thin plastic layer so they won’t stain or fade. These are more expensive than wood boards but often come with a warranty of 20 to 25 years, are low maintenance and can be made to look almost identical to any species of wood out there. Plus, they stay the same color as the day you installed them.

“A lot of contractors have had problems with composites in the past, but they’re getting pretty good now,” Jellema says. Composite is about 40 to 50 percent more expensive than real wood, but because you don’t have to keep restaining it and paying for upkeep, the cost over time can be equal to or less than real wood.

To clean composite decking, just rub some detergent on it and hose it off.

SD Independent Construction

Wood. Many wood species are less expensive than composite but can weather over time and drive up maintenance costs. If you don’t take care of the wood, it can rot, dry out, warp, crack and splinter, and nails can pop out. But if you’re willing to maintain it, wood decking is beautiful, especially up close. Shown here is an ipe deck, which is a Brazilian hardwood known for its natural durability and for being weatherproof. Jellema says the price of ipe has risen dramatically in previous years due to demand. It’s now about the same price as composite.

If you go with a wood deck, it’s recommended that you power wash it and re-oil it after pollen and leaves have fallen, because they’re a food source for bacteria, Jellema says.

Keep in mind that the availability of certain woods varies across the country. Redwood and cedar are popular deck choices on the West Coast but are hard to come by on the East Coast. And, again, check with your HOA about any restrictions on using wood or composite decking.

See more on wood versus composite

Fine Decks Inc

Other Considerations
Shade. If it’s too sunny or raining, you won’t be enticed to use your new outdoor space unless you have some shade or some sort of covering. There are endless options here, from large umbrellas and retractable awnings to pavilions, gazebos and screened-in porches. Of course, the more elaborate, the more expensive it will be. You can have a deck porch with finished ceilings, fans, TVs, heating and A/C, fireplaces and more. “Projects can get so elaborate that it’s almost like building a house,” Jellema says.

If your deck will be raised 8 or 9 feet off the ground, consider converting the space below into a dry area for entertaining or storage. To do this your deck builder will integrate panels beneath the decking so that water falls through, gets collected and is sent to a downspout. That way you have a dry, shaded extra patio spot.

Studio Architectonic

Lighting. A good lighting plan will greatly extend the time during which you can actually use your deck. Consider ambient lighting for lounging, task lighting for things like cooking and grilling, and safety lighting for stairs and railings.

William Quarles Photography

Cost. The cost for deck design, materials and labor varies by location. An average composite deck that’s between 300 and 500 square feet costs around $20,000 to $30,000 in the Washington, D.C. area, Jellema says. A smaller basic size, like one for a townhouse that’s 12 feet by 18 feet, might be $10,000 to $15,000 in the same area, he says. According to Houzz’s Real Cost Finder, an average deck costs about $14,000 in San Francisco; $6,848 in Austin, Texas; and $4,392 in Little Rock, Arkansas.

A deck with varying elevations, a hot tub and a porch or pavilion can cost $50,000 to $60,000. Jellema once built a $120,000 deck. “But that was before the recession,” he says.

But keep in mind that deck additions are solid investments. Jellema says a deck addition often recoups 70 to 80 percent of its value when a home is sold.

Fine Decks Inc

Who to hire: A professional deck designer-builder is recommended for this project. A pro will meet with you, take measurements and photos of your site, and talk with you about your needs. He or she can make suggestions on blending the deck in with your existing home, and is knowledgeable about local building codes and obtaining the proper permits. “We set up decking with lasers to make sure it’s level; we use the right nails and the right screws,” Jellema says.

A professional will also map everything out in 3D software and look at traffic flow and placement of furniture, to gauge whether the deck is too big or too small. “You want people to get drawn to the deck and really come out and enjoy it in the evening or weekend,” Jellema says. “That’s when the design is a success.”

What’s more, if you’re doing a deck, try to find someone who specializes in decks. If it’s a patio you’re looking for, look for someone with patio experience, as different approaches are required for each.

If you’re adding an outdoor kitchen, you’ll need someone to do the plumbing and gas lines. If you’re adding an entertainment system or lighting, you’ll need an electrician as well.

Find a deck professional

Meg Padgett

DIY: Jellema says 65 percent of all decks are built by homeowners trying to save money, but he warns that these structures are often done without permits, and that can come back to bite homeowners when they go to sell. “You go to sell your house and have a home inspection, and in the end you’ll have to fix your deck that isn’t up to code before you can sell your home,” he says. While a deck can certainly be a DIY project if you’re confident enough in your building abilities, keep in mind that a lot goes into a deck to make it look right and stay level. Again, because deck additions can recoup around 80 percent of their cost when you go to sell your home, it’s often worth it to invest in a skilled professional.

Permitting and codes: If your deck is more than 200 square feet, you’ll likely need a permit. If your deck is more than 30 inches off the ground, you’ll need a permit. If you’re doing retaining walls that are higher than 3 feet, you’ll need a permit. Higher than 5 or 6 feet and you’ll need an engineer.

Plus, every county has different building codes for decks. Some places allow cable railings; others prohibit them. If you’ve got a septic tank or well on your property, that can affect where your deck can go. Deck builders will be able to read your site plan, assess where the setback is and if there’s a well or septic tank, and create the drawings to submit for a permit. “It can be hard for a homeowner to pull a permit, draw up the construction plan and build it right according to all the codes,” Jellema says. “It’s not worth it.”

The Taunton Press, Inc

When to do this project: When the weather is nice is obviously a good time to build a deck, but adding a deck is also a good opportunity to think about your backyard as a whole. Many deck builders work with landscapers, pool companies and other outdoor professionals to create a full-package makeover.

American Deck and Patio

How long it will it take? An average deck that’s between 300 and 500 square feet will take about one to two weeks to build. If you’re adding a porch, pavilion or gazebo, it will take at least another week. A simple townhouse deck without many corners that’s 100 to 300 square feet could take as little as three to four days. But it all depends on where you live. Some states, like earthquake-heavy California, may require that everything be done by a structural engineer for approval. Some places issue permits in a couple of hours; others can take up to two months. Other factors include whether you’re in a flood zone, whether you’ll need to cut down trees and whether you have a septic tank or well on your property. A good deck professional will be able to look at your site plan and determine these factors.

Originally published on HOUZZ by Mitchell Parker

16 Ways to Get More From Your Small Backyard

“When you have a small backyard, it’s easy to feel like you have few options of what to do with it. You may be surprised to see what others have come up with for their small space.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

Big cities have a lot going for them, but spacious backyards aren’t one of them. Designers in high-density places like San Francisco and New York have long dealt with getting homeowners the most bang for their buck when it comes to their compact homes, and that means turning tight, narrow or awkwardly shaped backyards into comfortable, functional extensions of the home. No matter the locale, their methods can work for anyone trying to maximize an outdoor space and turn it into a destination to enjoy. Here are 16 ideas to try.

New Eco Landscapes

1. Break it into multiple rooms or zones. Create multiple functions by strategically using built-ins and arranging furniture to establish different “rooms” for lounging, dining, mingling and cooking. This backyard space in Brooklyn, New York, has all four zones.

2. Implement a smart lighting design. This space also has a multifaceted lighting scheme. Sconces serve multiple purposes of task lighting by the grill, landscaping lighting by the plantings and overall ambient lighting. Meanwhile, an arm pendant hangs over the dining area.

Lotus Gardenscapes & Bloom Garden Center

3. Extend an indoor space. Architect Carson Arthur likes to ask his clients which indoor room they feel is too small, then establish more of that space in the backyard. “Is your kitchen too small? Do you need a bigger family room? Why not do that outside?” he says. “With the development of outdoor technology, anything inside can now be done outside.”

Here an outdoor rug helps establish an extra living space on a small deck in Detroit.

4. Complement your interiors. Use the same colors and style that you’ve already established inside your home for your backyard to make it feel more like its own living room. “Stylistically, you want to pick up on colors and textures that tie the two spaces together,” says Amber Freda, a landscape architect in New York. “Make it more than just a couple of chairs and a dining table. A plain dining table with wooden chairs won’t entice you to use it very much, but really comfortable lounge seating will.”

The Garden Route Company

5. Play with the angles. If you’ve got a small square spot to deal with, San Francisco landscape architect Rich Radford suggests turning paving in a lateral direction to your property line to create more hardscape space. For the 25-foot by 30-foot backyard seen here, he shifted the paving 45 degrees to get more surface area.

6. Pay attention to scale. If you’ve got a small backyard, the last thing you want to do is cram in a 10-person dining table. Instead, consider built-ins or extendable tables. Likewise, you won’t want to plant a tree that’s going to grow to 100 feet tall and completely overtake your yard. Here Radford smartly worked in small, native plants and grasses to keep an open feel.

See patio trees for mild climates

Carson Arthur Design

7. Use one surface material. If you have multifunctional areas, use one material to unify the spaces. “Small spaces need that cohesion,” says Arthur, who designed this 17-foot by 25-foot space for a family with small children. A separate play zone keeps the kids close by while the parents are entertaining, and the continuous paving ties it all together.

Radford goes even further, suggesting using the same material that’s found elsewhere on the property. For one of his backyard projects, he used the same paving material as in the front entryway. “It created a unified space that made it seem bigger,” he says.

Re:Placement Design

8. Avoid clutter. The more elements your yard has, the tighter it will feel. Instead, try to use built-in seating, incorporate clean lines, avoid bulky furniture and keep plantings under control. “If there’s one thing that will get out of control and take over a small space, it’s a plant that’s too happy,” Arthur says.

Freda agrees: “Avoid the hodgepodge effect,” she says. “Instead of doing 20 little pots, do five big pots for a more clean look with bigger impact. Pick only two or three styles of planters, two or three colors — it makes it feel less accidental, chaotic and overwhelming.”

To get the most out of this 25-foot by 20-foot Toronto backyard, architect Erik Calhouncreated raised decks over a large tree’s very high roots. He skipped big plants in favor of creating more recreation space. “Hedges or bushes would stick out 3 feet, and you wouldn’t be able to move anymore,” he says.

Burns and Beyerl Architects

9. Enclose the space. This may sound counterintuitive to making a small space feel larger, but it’s something that might work for your space. “When you enclose a small space even more, you play up its coziness and make it intimate, something that’s hard to achieve with large spaces,” Arthur says. “This also takes it to the next level of feeling like an outdoor room.”

Pergolas are great for creating an intimate feel, but you can get the same effect with plantings. Architect Gary Beyerl’s backyard (shown here) is 10 feet by 20 feet. Because he has apartment units attached to his home, he wanted to do something that would afford him privacy. He used vertical plantings like humongous trumpet vines and a redbud tree to create an envelope of plant material. “By extending the plant zone up the vertical surfaces of an urban space, you can make a lot of visual greenery work to your advantage,” he says. “I’ve got a verdant environment even though it’s tiny.”

Burns and Beyerl Architects

10. Consider your view. If you’ve got an unsightly view from your backyard, Beyerl recommends using elements to control the sight line. His favorite: trellises. He used them for this Chicago home to block views to the notorious network of wires running through the city’s alleys. “Trellises give you the advantage of perception,” he says. “They conceal the view but let light and breezes pass through. They’re less oppressive than an actual fence.”

Tobin + Parnes Design Enterprises

11. Include contrast. “Always think about interesting contrast,” says Freda. Mix square and rectangular shapes with circular ones. Put spiky-leaved plants next to billowy ones. “It’s visually more interesting than if everything is similar,” Freda says. “If you have a square space, I’d do square planters, but then a circular table in the middle so there’s at least one counterpoint.”

Martha Angus Inc.

12. Keep maintenance to a minimum. One of the great things about small spaces is that they’re easy to clean. So don’t muck with this advantage! Arthur suggests using more planters rather than ground-cover soil. “Otherwise mud inevitably ends up all over your small patio space,” he says. “Containers give you the warmth of planters but are more manageable.”

Native succulents and grasses minimize water use, but you should also consider artificial turf. “It maintains color and character better than a natural yard,” Beyerl says. San Francisco designer Martha Angus used artificial turf in the backyard space shown here; she also recommends faux boxwood. “A boxwood hedge might be 18 to 24 inches deep,” she says. “That takes up a lot of space. Faux boxwood comes in squares that are 3 inches deep that you can staple to a fence. They’re absolutely gorgeous, don’t require water and take up no room whatsoever.”

More ideas for using artificial turf

13. Terrace a sloping yard. Angus’ project here highlights another good method of increasing a tight backyard space. If you’ve got a severely sloping yard, consider terracing. Granted, terracing can be incredibly expensive, says Angus, because an extensive substructure must be created to support the terraces, but, as you can see, it provides more flat surface for activities.

Landscaping ideas for a sloped site

Garrett Churchill Inc.

14. Give it personality. Character is much more important in a small space. You want something that people will remember it by other than its size. “It’s more important to drive character in a small space,” Arthur says. “You don’t want guests saying, ‘Oh, what a tiny backyard.’ You want them to pick up on that personality of the space.” Arthur suggests primary colors for not only kid elements but for funky furniture to give a space more charm. Angus suggests commissioning a local artist to do some interesting tilework on a wall or for paving.

Outhouse Design

15. Create a focal point. As with adding character, a focal point takes attention off the size of the space. Arthur likes to use water features. He’s even added a single large planter right in the center of a small backyard to draw the eye into the center and push the walls away. “It’s a trick of the eye,” he says.

Art and sculpture are good candidates, too. “A single sculpture with uplighting can be phenomenal,” Angus says.

The Architecture Studio,inc

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16. Get design help when you need it. It might not seem like it, but small spaces are often more difficult to design than large ones. An expert will be trained to deal with your needs and challenges.

Calhoun suggests going with an architect who can best come up with the right approach for your unique space. Is there a lot of sun? Rain? Wind? “You want someone who has a whole philosophy,” he says. A landscaper who specializes in country-style gardens could come in and do the usual, and it might be lovely, he says, “but it won’t be as satisfying as something that reflects what’s going on with the building. Call an architect instead of calling the nursery.”

Beyerl suggests bringing in a team of pros to get the job done. “Room making is an architect’s profession,” he says. “Then a carpenter can complete all the design finesse. And a landscape designer will understand how the plantings will work over time.”

Originally Published on HOUZZ, by Mitchell Parker

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“With our lives so filled with things we think we need to do, it’s easy to become stressed. Take some time to relax and enjoy life sometimes with these tips”

1.Bring the Outside In

2.Put Down the Devices

3.Tune Out

4.Start Exercising for Greater Stress-Relief

5. Deep Clean Therapy

6. Restock Your Kitchen with Healthy Food Choices

7. Take a Relaxing Bubble Bath and Detox the Day

8. Focus on Your Breathe by Breathing In and Out

9. Get Social. Invite Your Friends Over.

10. Laugh Off the Day

Share this:

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Share this:

“Everyone can use some ‘Home Hacks’ around the house. It’s amazing all the little things we should have thought of before.”

Our list of top home hacks will help you organize your home and get the most out of each room.

1. Kitchen

2. Family Room

3. Bedroom

4. Clothes Closet

5. Bathroom

6. Laundry Room

7. Home Office

8. Garage

9. Playroom

10. Dining Room:

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