Tag Archives: Flooring

Bring a Beach Vacation into your Home

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

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

Beach Style Bedroom by Wickenden Hutley
Wickenden Hutley

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eclectic Kitchen by Shannon Ggem ASID
Shannon Ggem ASID

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

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

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

Kitchen Designs that Work for Everyone

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

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

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

Storage

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

 

Work spaces

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

 

Sinks and faucets

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

 

Lights and outlets

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

 

Flooring

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

 

Doorways

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

Appliances

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

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

Cookware and utensils

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

Other ways to update

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

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

Kitchen Remodeling Guide

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

Published on Yahoo! Homes

8 Great Hardware Items under $10

shopping at Lowes

“Everyone goes to either Lowe’s or Home Depot at some point during the year.  But did you know of these great items for under $10?!”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

You might think that big-box home improvement stores like The Home Depot and Lowe’s are just for plumbing parts and plywood, but a wander down the aisles proves that these stores are a treasure trove of cheap, clever, and useful products. And we’re not just talking tools and hardware!

We checked in with some handypersons on their fave go-to buys, and asked insiders at both Home Depot and Lowe’s, to get the lowdown on the best buys at these stores. Best of all, with most of our picks under $10, they won’t break the bank!

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Credit: The Home Depot

Homer’s All-Purpose Bucket and Accessories

“You see those orange Home Depot buckets everywhere,” says Don Mandeville, a district manager for Home Depot. “They’re only $2.97 and it’s amazing how this bucket has evolved.” The Husky Bucket Jockey ($8.78) is a water-resistant insert that fits into the 5-gallon buckets, turning it into a 30-pocket organizer. “You’ll see handymen using this, or gardeners for the yard,” says Mandeville. And the Storage Seat Organizer ($7.97) fits onto the top of the bucket, has adjustable compartments for small hardware like nails and screws, and transforms the bucket into a seat.

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Credit: Lowe’s

Allen + Roth Lantern

“Among my go-to items is the allen + roth Lantern,” says Suzanne Opalinski, an Orlando, Fl.-based project specialist at Lowe’s. “Not only are they decorative, but if you happen to lose power, lanterns certainly come in handy.” The clear glass lantern ($9.98) holds a standard votive and has a handle for hanging or carrying.

Contractor’s Paper

Rolls of this brown paper ($8.96 and up at Lowe’s) is used by contractors for covering floors before painting or doing construction projects, but it has myriad uses around the house. Use it as a table covering for an outdoor party or tape a length to a wall or the floors and set the kids loose with some crayons. It can even serve as wrapping paper, either plain or decorated with stamps or markers. And in the garden, a layer of it under mulch will help with weed control.

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Credit: Lowe’s

Empty Paint Cans

Did you know that you can buy empty, unlabeled paint cans? At Lowe’s, they’re only $2.68 apiece for the 1-quart sizes. Opalinski loves to use them as storage containers, lanterns, and planters, as well as to mix paint colors at home. They’d be a cute package for a gift, too!

Folding Utility Knife

The Husky Medium Folding Utility Knife comes with five replaceable blades. It’s a favorite with Ed Padilla, founder and director of theAssociation of Certified Handyman Professionals. At only $3 apiece, you can buy a bunch of them to keep in various places, such as with camping gear, your tool box, in the kitchen junk drawer, and in the car.

Loctite Power Grab Adhesive

Padilla also always stocks up on tubes of Power Grab Heavy Duty Adhesive ($4.97). For crafters or project-happy moms, it’s a more effective alternative to craft glue, since it adheres quickly to a variety of surfaces, but is repositionable for up to 15 minutes, and it dries with a clear finish. Best of all, it has a low odor so air quality won’t be affected.

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Credit: Home Depot

Husky 14-in-1 Tool

Multitaskers will love the numerous uses for the Husky 14-in-one tool ($5.97). “You can do everything with this!” says Mandeville. “It’s a great thing to put in your toolbox. We sell hundreds of these because they’re so versatile.”

Likwid Concepts Paintbrush and Paint Roller Covers

Anyone who’s ever painted a room knows the frustration of trying to keep a paintbrush from drying out when you get interrupted or have to stop for the day. The Paint Roller Cover and Paint Brush Cover($3.88) are an airtight enclosure for wet brushes or rollers, keeping the paint ready for the next stroke up to 30 days. “Our buyers and merchants are always looking for new technology that’s out there,” says Mandeville. “These items are from [TV show] Shark Tank.”

Originally Published on Yahoo Makers, by Jessica Harlan

Wine Storage for the Rest of Us

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Making the Most of Your Hallway

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

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

Transitional Hall by Maison Fine Homes & Interior Design
Maison Fine Homes & Interior Design
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Design idea: Add wall-mounted cabinets.

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

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

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

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

Contemporary Hall by nARCHITECTS
nARCHITECTS
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Design idea: Make a hallway library.

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

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

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

Eclectic Hall by HBF plus Design
HBF plus Design
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More custom options: If your hall has windows, consider using the space below for built-in window seats, with or without hidden storage. Slender bookcases between the windows can be outfitted with sconces to provide light, making the hall an inviting reading spot. Note that if you will be adding or moving electrical work, you will probably need a permit.
Transitional Hall by Lindsey Runyon Design
Lindsey Runyon Design
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DIY solution: For a fast, budget-friendly hallway upgrade, add wall-mounted floating or bracket shelves. Shelves are available in different widths.

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

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

8 Beautiful Ideas for Floating Shelves

Shabby chic Hall by Rikki Snyder
Rikki Snyder
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Design idea: Platter storage and display.

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

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

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

Traditional Home Office by Legacy Custom Homes, Inc.
Legacy Custom Homes, Inc.
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Design idea: Add a recessed workspace.

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

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

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

Traditional Closet by Dijeau Poage Construction
Dijeau Poage Construction
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Design idea: Boost clothes storage.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bathroom Designs that are Trending in 2015

“Beautiful Bathrooms are hot right now.  Seems that everyone wants something more than just the builder grade basics.  Here are some interesting ideas that are trending for 2015.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
If you’ve been thinking about giving your bathroom an overhaul but aren’t sure how, one way to start is to look to the latest design trends for inspiration. We’ve made it our mission to find out what design ideas are expected to make a splash in 2015 to help make planning your bathroom makeover project a little bit easier. To compile our list, we enlisted the help of four award-winning designers, who share here their predictions for the looks, finishes and features they think will be on everyone’s radar next year. They also reveal how they would work these ideas into their own projects.
Contemporary Bathroom by Roselind Wilson Design
Roselind Wilson Design
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1. Feature floor tiles. Statement-making floor tiles proved popular in 2014, and this striking look doesn’t appear to be leaving in a hurry, says interior designer Jasmine McClelland. “I have done a couple of feature floor bathrooms this year. They are stunning and provide a great design opportunity when working with challenging bathrooms that have no clear walls for a feature wall,” she says.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tub: Haven, Apaiser

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

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

Tub: Astonian Luxor in Periwinkle, Aston Matthews

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contemporary Bathroom by Roth Architecture
Roth Architecture
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If you’d prefer a shower that’s large but offers more privacy than a fully open walk-in shower or one with a partial glass screen, look to the fresh, fun bathroom here for design inspiration. Note how the lowered walls help create a private, intimate pocket where the homeowners can shower in peace, but don’t make the bath zone feel too closed in or take away from the room’s airy, spacious vibe.
Contemporary Bathroom by Dane Cronin Photography
Dane Cronin Photography
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10. Sustainable style. Barnes is also seeing more recycled, reclaimed and upcycled materials and products being used in the bathroom, a design idea that he predicts will become even more popular in 2015. Why? “It follows the general trend in building globally, and it looks really good when done properly,” the designer says, adding that the growing awareness surrounding sustainable living is another reason this trend will continue to rise.

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

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

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

Transitional Bathroom by Snake River Interiors
Snake River Interiors
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Adding living room furniture and decor to your bathroom will also allow you to achieve this look and personalize your space. The welcoming bath area here shows how it’s done — the patterned floor runner, well-loved leather lounge, wall art, side table and elegant light fittings (including a chandelier and wall sconces) are key to this bathroom’s warm, calm and inviting living room–like vibe.
Contemporary Bathroom by Bubbles Bathrooms
Bubbles Bathrooms
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12. Gray tones. Gray has been a popular color choice for the bathroom in 2014, and it’s a trend that is sticking around, according to Barnes. If you’re worried a gray palette will make your bathroom feel flat and lifeless, introduce slicks of white to cut through the moody hue and create a sophisticated look. Or take design cues from this shower area and energize the design by adding a splash of bold, eye-popping color, which takes shape here in an earthy orange-bronze mosaic tile feature wall.
Contemporary Bathroom by MINOSA
MINOSA
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13. Engaging lighting. Castagna and Genner predict that the use of smart, intuitive and engaging lights in the bathroom will become a key trend for 2015. “Bathrooms and kitchens are fixed and fitted — once you screw something to a wall or tile a floor, they’ll be there for a very long time, so it’s important to be not too trendy,” the designers say. “Be smart about your decisions and layer things well — for example, with good lighting.”

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

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

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

Countertop: Concetto in Gray Agate, Caesarstone

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

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

10 Ways to Avoid Home Improvement Scams

“We’ve all heard that knock on the door in the early evening.  And ‘Today Only’ they are offering a great deal for their Home Improvement services.  Never buy under pressure!  Read on for other potential scams to avoid.”

Ed Johnson & Denise Buck – DC Metro Realty Team

A Southern California contractor recently pled guilty to victimizing almost 12 people with home improvement projects. The company used telemarketers to get jobs, then did poor work, overbilled and in some cases did no work at all. One homeowner gave a Baton Rouge, Louisiana man $3,000 to make home repairs. Then he quit showing up to do the work and couldn’t be reached by phone. In Scott County, Indiana, four men approached several homeowners saying they’d fix their driveways. The price was set, but when the fraudsters completed the work, they demanded more money.

(Credit: thieury/Shutterstock)

(Credit: thieury/Shutterstock)

Although most contractors are ethical and above board, a significant minority just want your money. The illegitimate ones come to your home in person or call on the phone.

Warning Signs

Here’s a list of some of the scams they perpetuate.

1. They Offer Left-Over Product

Roving contractors may knock on your door and state a very low price for sealing your driveway because they have leftover sealant from a nearby job. What they use doesn’t seal at all and washes away with the first rain. An honest, reliable contractor will never come to your door offering you a discount for unused materials.

(Credit: Le Do/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Le Do/Shutterstock)

2. They Need a Substantial Down Payment

You hand over the money and the fraudulent workers flee with it. Reputable contractors may ask for a small amount of money upfront, but the large percentage of the payment usually comes upon completion of the work.

(Credit: Kotomiti Okuma/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Kotomiti Okuma/Shutterstock)

3. They Do Shoddy Work and Use Inferior Materials

Watch out for someone offering to paint your home. The scam artists won’t do hardly any prep work, sometimes water down the paint or put cheap paint in premium-brand cans. Workers who do quality work take more time preparing the home than actually painting it and also come to your house with properly-sealed paint cans.

(Credit: SJ Travel Photo and Video/Shutterstock)

(Credit: SJ Travel Photo and Video/Shutterstock)

4. They Say, “I’m Doing Some Work in Your Neighborhood”

Then these fly-by-nights tell you they noticed problems with your roof, chimney, windows, siding, etc. and they offer to fix it for you. Usually no repairs are needed. When you research a contractor, make sure he has the required permits to do the work so you won’t be held responsible if something goes wrong.

(Credit: Andy Dean Photography/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Andy Dean Photography/Shutterstock)

5. They Propose a Special Deal for Today Only

You have to sign on right now or the offer goes away. Nobody should make sudden decisions about home repairs or remodeling projects. They should be thought out carefully. Legitimate contractors don’t have one-day-only sales.

(Credit: Paul Vasarhelyi/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Paul Vasarhelyi/Shutterstock)

Avoid Being a Victim

To avoid being a victim of a fraudulent contractor, take the following steps to protect you and your bank account:

1. Hire professionals who are licensed, bonded and insured.

2. Search for contractors on websites like Pro.com to get quality work.

3. Check for complaints about who you plan to hire on the Better Business Bureau site.

4. Get recommendations from friends, family members and neighbors.

5. Obtain multiple estimates on any home repair needed.

6. Get references from the company’s last three jobs and call them.

7. Choose someone you’ve researched yourself, not anybody who calls or rings your doorbell.

8. Ask to see identification.

9. Pay by check or credit card and never in full upfront.

10. Get a written contract stating what will be done, the costs, a start and completion date and any warranty information.

By Pro.com

Fun Features for Family Rooms

“Family rooms are so important these days.  They serve as the center of the home (after the kitchen) and need to be able to handle all the various needs that each family has.”
Ed Johnson & Denise Buck – DC Metro Realty Team
The Family Room is where you go to relax, watch movies, play games and hang out with friends — which makes it a great place in which to loosen up, decorating-wise. Create a fun, welcoming atmosphere in your family room by incorporating one or more of these 15 playful features, from photo murals to game tables.
Contemporary Family Room by Howden Homes
Howden Homes
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1. Custom photo mural. These creative homeowners had The Wall Sticker Company turn a photograph of their children into removable fabric wallpaper with an adhesive backing. Create a feature wall in your own family room using your favorite photo to personalize the space — and start conversations!

See the rest of this space

Midcentury Family Room by werkshop
werkshop
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2. Projection paint. If your family loves movie night, why not go with a projector instead of a giant TV? A blank wall here is coated with flat white projection paint, and a projector is built into the wall opposite to create a mini screening area. If you don’t want a built-in projector, you can buy a small projector that works with your smartphone or another device.
Eclectic Family Room by Masterpiece Design Group
Masterpiece Design Group
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3. Family travel map mural. A world map painted on the wall becomes an interactive feature when you use it to mark the places you have been. Use a coat of magnetic paint under the mural to create a magnetic surface, or have a large corkboard painted so you can pin flags directly on the map.

4. Fun accent furniture. Since the family room is often tucked away from the other, more formal spaces, it is a good place for getting a little more playful with furniture and decor. Try your hand at making DIY dice tables like the ones shown here (just paint dots on a plain cube), or scoop up a funky vintage piece at the flea market.

Contemporary Family Room Living at it's best
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5. Games table. If your crew loves to play cards and board games, consider adding a game table to your family room. A slender table with stools can be pushed against the wall when not in use, with the stools tucked underneath.
Transitional Living Room by DiStefano Brothers Construction Inc.
DiStefano Brothers Construction Inc.
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6. Bright rug. Bring neutral furniture and paint colors to life with a cheerful rug in bright, bold hues. Bonus: Bold patterns tend to hide spills and stains better than most solid-hued rugs. And if you don’t want to worry about spills at all, choose an indoor-outdoor rug that can be wiped clean with ease.
Modern Family Room by Dupuis Design
Dupuis Design
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7. Chalkboard wall. Kids love chalkboard walls, it’s true … but they are not the only ones! Use yours to record inspiring quotes, snippets of poems and song lyrics, or draw doodles and write lists. If you’re concerned about dust, use chalk pens; if you’re concerned about the room’s looking too dark, use one of the new chalk paints that can be tinted in any hue.

Get the recipe for making your own chalkboard paint

Transitional Living Room by Kelly Brown Interiors
Kelly Brown Interiors
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8. Family photo wall. Create a contemporary family photo wall by lining up all of your frames within the boundaries of an imaginary rectangle drawn on the wall. Position simple, matching white frames close together, for a fresh look that seems hard but is surprisingly easy to achieve. For a gallery wall like this, it can be easier to choose the frames first (lay them on the floor of the store to be sure you’re picking the right sizes and number) and the photos later.

See the Houzz guide to designing a family photo wall

Beach Style Bedroom by Bensonwood
Bensonwood
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9. Window seat with storage. If your family room is small, don’t let the space beneath a window go to waste — turn it into comfy seating and storage in one with a window seat. A thick cushion and throw pillows make it comfortable, and basket storage below is great for holding books and board games.
Traditional Living Room by Sarah Greenman
Sarah Greenman
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10. Revamped heirlooms. Update a family-favorite piece that has seen better days by having it reupholstered in a fresh, colorful fabric you love, and top it with coordinating pillows. The pairing of contemporary fabric with a traditional frame sets a playful mood that’s perfect for a heavily trafficked family room.
Traditional Kids by Jill Wolff Interior Design
Jill Wolff Interior Design
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11. Slide-out puzzle desk. You could use a slide-out desk like this to hold a laptop, but where’s the fun in that? If you have puzzle fans in your house, they will appreciate this feature — work on a puzzle when you want, and slide it away for later without wrecking it.
Traditional Family Room by Signature Homes
Signature Homes
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Traditional Family Room by 12th Ave Homes, LLC
12th Ave Homes, LLC
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12. Barn-door TV cover. Wish you could take the emphasis away from the big black box when you’re not using it? Hop on a new iteration of the barn-door bandwagon and rig up a set to slide over your flat-screen. The doors will look great open or closed.
Traditional Family Room by P2 Design
P2 Design
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13. House-rules wall decal. A fun wall decal or print with a message can be a heartfelt reminder of the things your family values most. Search for “house rules” online — the Houzz Shop is a good place to start your search — and lots of options should pop up, both ready made and custom.
Contemporary Family Room by Johnson Squared Architecture + Planning
Johnson Squared Architecture + Planning
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14. Kids’ play area. If you have young children in the house, a train or Lego table and a few low pouf seats can provide wee ones with screen-free entertainment. Keep a set of storage bins on shelves nearby stocked with toys kids can help themselves to.
Contemporary Family Room by Sally Carson Interiors
Sally Carson Interiors
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15. Lively artwork. Adding a single piece of original artwork is always a great way to start (or complete) a room design, and can take a family room from basic to stunning in the time it takes you to hang a picture. To highlight a painting, keep other wall art to a minimum, and paint the walls white or another neutral hue to provide a backdrop for the art.

By Laura Gaskill, HOUZZ Contributor

5 Things to Consider about Wood Floors

Hardwood Example

“Often our Buyers and Sellers will ask us what type of hardwoods are best to install.  The answer like most things is ‘It depends’.  Different rooms have different uses and can require different woods.  Floors can also set the tone for the room, so you need to give it some thought.  Read these tips for some things to think about before making the final decision.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

Homeowners evaluating new flooring owe it to themselves to consider the benefits and beauty of wood. Wood floors are comfortable, durable and surprisingly affordable, and nothing quite compares to the character and warmth they bring to every room in the house. While there are a myriad of choices available, not every type of wood flooring is suitable for every application. If you are shopping for a wood floor, here are five things to keep in mind.

Type of Wood Flooring
There are primarily two types of wood flooring products—solid hardwood and engineered hardwood. Solid wood flooring is milled from solid wood logs, and is joined with a traditional tongue and groove along both the long and short edges. Solid wood is available prefinished or unfinished, in strips and planks ranging in thickness from 5/16″ to 3/4″. Strips are 1-1/2″ to 2-1/4″ wide and planks are 3″ to 8″ wide.

Engineered wood flooring is comprised of multiple layers of plywood and composite material, and topped with a layer of solid hardwood. Engineered wood flooring comes in thicknesses ranging from 3/8″ to 3/4″ and from 3″ up to 10″ wide; the hardwood layer on top ranges in thickness from .6 millimeters to 4 millimeters.

While both types offer the same beauty of real hardwood, the primary difference between solid hardwood and engineered flooring is in the floor’s composition. “Since solid wood flooring is subject to expand and contract relative to a home’s humidity it needs to be installed on the ground floor or above grade,” explains Bill Schlegel, Chief Merchandising Officer for Lumber Liquidators. “Engineered flooring, which is more stable due to its multi-ply construction, can be installed on all levels of the home,” adds Schlegel, “making it perfect for basements and bathrooms where dampness and moisture can be issues.”

Select Red Oak Solid Wood Flooring

8-x-3-Select-Red-Oak-Flooring-Odd-Lothusro3s38v-od_sw

Choice of Wood Species
There are many different woods used in flooring, but some are harder and therefore more durable than others. “Day to day wear and tear is what concerns most people when shopping for a wood floor,” says Schlegel, “and the benchmark for hardness in the U.S. is Red Oak.” While Red and White Oak are the most common domestic wood floors, Hickory and Maple (harder than oak) and Walnut (softer) are also popular choices. Top selling exotic woods such as Brazilian Cherry, Brazilian Koa and Cumaru are among the hardest species available. “Naturally, the harder the wood, the better it will be for wear and installation in high-traffic areas of the home,” Schlegel notes.

Grain, Color and Appearance
Because wood flooring comes in so many different species, styles and finishes, it is fairly easy to select a floor to match any room décor. If you have a country-style interior, wide plank floors with highly defined wood grains and a distressed appearance will be a good fit.  For Colonial homes, consider wide, random plank width flooring in Oak and Maple.  For traditional interiors, hardwood flooring in widths of 2-1/4″ to 3-1/4″ in Oak, Maple or Walnut, or parquet flooring, will be smart choices. Virtually any type of wood can be used in a contemporary setting, depending on what stain or finish is used—for example pewter, dark charcoal or whitewash finishes can transform any wood species into a modern masterpiece.

Casa de Colour Select Pewter Maple Hardwood Flooring

Casa de Colour Select Pewter Maple 10032461-crop

Type of Finish
The finish is the real determining factor in the overall appearance of a wood floor. The same wood species will look completely different finished in a clear gloss, versus a distressed, hand-scraped or wire-brush finish. “There are different gloss levels and finishing techniques that change the overall look of the wood floor,” Schlegel notes. “Our Bellawood solid and engineered wood flooring in a mid to high gloss looks completely different in a low gloss matte finish,” explains Schlegel; the latter imitating the look of an oil-rubbed European finish, but without the constant care and maintenance.  Distressed, hand-scraped or wire-brush finishes will also be something to consider when shopping for a wood floor.

Flooring is sold either “unfinished” or “pre-finished.” Unfinished floors are sanded and finished on-site, which provides for a consistent seal and prevents dirt and moisture from penetrating the seams between boards (floors typically receive one to three coats of sealant). Pre-finished flooring is factory-applied in a controlled setting, and typically receives seven to eight coats of sealant. “I definitely recommend pre-finished flooring, because it ensures a superior and consistent finish, and comes with a warranty,” Schlegel asserts. “All Bellawood pre-finished flooring comes with a 100-year, transferable warranty, which can be a selling point to future buyers—since the warranty transfers to the new owner.”

Cost and Installation
The cost of wood flooring depends on the type, the wood species and the finish. Typically, solid prefinished wood flooring runs from $2.49 to $12.69 per square foot. Prices on engineered prefinished wood flooring range from $1.69 to $8.79. The average cost of installation usually runs about half as much as the flooring but depends on the type of flooring and installation for your home.

Both solid wood and engineered wood flooring are installed by nailing, stapling or gluing planks to a subfloor. There are, however, a variety of new “click” engineered products available that can be installed easily and “floated” above the subfloor.

“Installation can definitely be an expensive proposition, especially with unfinished flooring,” says Schlegel, “but competent DIYers can save money by doing the job themselves and purchasing prefinished flooring.” Lumber Liquidators offers all of the tools and materials that a homeowner would need to install a wood floor.  He adds, “I recommend saving money on installation and buying a better floor.” This article is sponsored on behalf of Lumber Liquidators.  Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila.com.