Tag Archives: Home Selling

Cooktops vs. Ranges – Which is right for you?

“Thinking about some new appliances for your kitchen? What makes sense for you?”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

The centerpiece of your kitchen is your stove and oven. You have a couple options to choose from, cooktops and ranges. What is the difference? Find out here.

Photo by: Shutterstock

Ah, the kitchen. Done right, it’s a sight to behold. But done poorly, it can come back to haunt you. Seemingly trivial differences often end up playing a large role in the room’s success. Today, we’ll focus on the centerpiece itself: Cooktops vs. Ranges.

Understanding the Differences

So what is it exactly that makes a cooktop different from a range? Well, in simple terms, a cooktop ditches the oven portion of a range and takes up only counter space. This means that the burner’s knobs and buttons are on top of the counter, rather than on the front. Of course, if an oven is needed, that means opting for a wall-mounted oven in addition to the cooktop.

A range, on the other hand, is both of these units in one. This means it’s a freestanding appliance that has the burners on top and the oven down below. The knobs and buttons on a range are typically on the front as to not get in the way of the pots and pans while cooking.

There is a third option, however, called a rangetop, which is essentially just a cooktop with the knobs and buttons placed on the front. It typically takes up a little bit more room than a standard, flat cooktop. For our purposes, we’ll group this option in the regular “cooktop” category.

Which type is right for you?

There are many benefits unique to a cooktop, but really it all depends on what your needs are. Is your kitchen cramped or full of space? Do you cook alone or as a team? Do you host large dinner parties? Do you suffer from bad knees or back? The questions are endless, but answering them is crucial when deciding which would suit you best. Here’s a handy guide to help you quickly decide which option might be your best bet.

Cooktop Benefits:

• Cooktops require a much smaller cutout in your counter space, and are surrounded on all four sides, leaving ample room for cabinet space below.
• Because there isn’t an oven below it, you don’t have to stand by extra heat (which usually radiates from the oven) if you use both appliances at the same time.
• Purchasing an oven separately gives the option for you to select a single ordouble wall-mounted unit.
• Cooktops are also better for people with knee or back problems because their accompanying ovens are more at arm height.
• If you have small children in the house, a cooktop could be a safer choice because the control settings will be out of their reach.
• Glass, or smooth cooktops also make for much easier cleaning, since things like burners don’t need to be removed.
• Cooktops offer more flexibility in burner style, size and options like induction burners.
• Electric cooktops also provide constant, even heat and can maintain very low heat for simmering.
• If your kitchen already has a focal point, such as a window, sink, view or back splash, a cooktop is a good choice so it will let the other features stand out.
• A cooktop is best for multiple-cook scenarios because of separate cooking and baking zones.
• Oven cooking can be more ergonomic: at eye and arm level.

Range Benefits:

• A range is best for small kitchens with limited space because it houses the cooktop and oven in a single appliance and location.
• Ranges are easier to install as well as less expansive, and there are more options at the lower end of the budget spectrum.
• If your kitchen needs a strong focal point, a range can help bring the room together.
• There are several different types, sizes and cooking styles available, including freestanding, slide-in, drop-in, double oven and dual-fuel ranges – all at an added cost.

Our Favorites:

Now that the breakdown above has given you a sense of what fits your needs best, let’s take a look at some of the best options in each category. Of course, there is a huge variety of features you can choose from, but these top models have proven themselves time and time again. Our top 3 favorites come from scouring sources like Top Ten Reviews, Consumer Reports, Reviewed.com and our own personal experience.

Cooktops:

Whirlpool Gold GCI3061XB

This 30” induction cooktop costs the same as a regular electric cooktop but offers additional benefits, such as direct cooking, responsive control, quick boiling, energy efficiency and consistent low temperatures. Its smooth, sleek design and flattop controls makes for easy cleaning as well. (Est. price: $1,209–$1,349)

GE Café CGP650SETSS and CGP350SETSS

Coming in both 30-inch and 36-inch designs, this first-class cooktop features stainless steel trim, illuminated controls, continuous cast iron grates and a Lodge griddle. Outperforming the competition on almost every metric, the high temperature was strong enough to sear a steak, while the low was light enough to melt and simmer. If you’re after the best of the best, you simply can’t beat the GE Café. (Est. price: $1,499–$1,599)

Electrolux EI30EC45KS

With touch controls and curved stainless steel trim, this 30-inch electric cooktop is the epitome of modernity. Boasting a wide range of temperatures and quick boiling times, the Flex-2-Fit element offers three separate sizes to match your collection of pots and pans. On the other end of the spectrum, this cooktop was able to reach temperatures as low as 86ºF – perfect for simmering. (Est. price: $1,073)

Ranges:

Frigidaire FGGF3054MF

Highly affordable, Frigidaire’s new FGGF3054MF comes with five burners, continuous cast iron grates with an optional griddle, true convection, a temperature probe, quick preheat times, a fast boil, low simmer temperatures and superb baking. Now that’s value. (Est. price: $949–$1,149)

Amana AGR5630BDW

When it comes to basic gas ranges, the Amana AGR5630BDW is as good as it gets. Sure, cheaper ranges exist, but none of them match this one’s cooking performance, contemporary design and digital controls. Chock -full of features, unlike most price-conscious ranges, this one offers a self-cleaning option, a storage drawer, a broiler, Easy Touch electronic controls, Temp Assure™, four sealed gas burners and a versatile cooktop offering power from 5,000 to 12,500 BTU. Plus, when you’re all finished cooking, the Spillsaver™ upswept cooktop makes for an easy cleanup. (Est. price: $549)

LG LDE3037ST

This beautiful double-oven range comes with its own suite of unique technology. Besides being able to bake multiple dishes that require different temperatures at the same time, it also has a quick-heating infrared broiler, an EasyClean coating that makes self-cleaning cycles more effective and top-of-the-line temperatures and boiling times. What does all that mean for you? It’s one of the best cooking experiences money can buy. (Est. price: $1,625)

In Conclusion

Now that you have a good sense of the differences between a cooktop and a range, the benefits and some of our favorites, you’re well on your way to creating your perfect kitchen. But don’t let those new appliances go unprotected. Protect your budget form unexpected repairs and replacements with a Home Warranty Planfrom American Home Shield®. Happy cooking!

Originally Published by AHS (American Home Shield)

Budget Decorator: 15 Shortcuts to Holiday Style

“You don’t have to go ‘All Out’ in order to make your home look festive. Just some simple touches can do the trick.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

With Christmas around the corner, I’ve been on the lookout for inspired projects that will create a festive vibe with very little effort. The ideas gathered here (including a simpler way to adorn your home’s exterior and a semihomemade gingerbread house) all use holiday staples and materials readily found around the house, so you can whip up decorations that are as budget friendly as they are simple. You can have just as much fun decking your halls this way as by going a more traditional route — but with less stress and with more money left when you are done.

Here are 15 quick, creative and crafty projects and ideas that you can pull off in no time flat.

Tobi Fairley Interior Design

1. Have a sense of humor. Have a serious sculpture, bust or work of art? Dress it up for the holidays with a wreath, Santa hat or hand-knit scarf. It will surely become the center of attention at your next party!

Colleen Brett

2. Make quick work of exterior decorating with oversize ornaments. Giant ornaments are cheap and readily available at this time of year from corner drugstores, crafts stores and big chains like Target. I would pair a handful of oversize ornaments with a strand or two of old-fashioned big colored bulb lights for a cheerful holiday look that can be put up in minutes, rather than hours.

Tobi Fairley Interior Design

3. Let wrapped gifts double as decor. Here’s an incentive to get your holiday shopping done early: You can turn all of those presents into beautiful piles of decor! You don’t even have to splurge on fancy patterned paper; just use solid paper and get creative with embellishments — chocolate-colored wrap with plum-colored ribbon would be sophisticated and chic.

Rikki Snyder

4. Make a pretty dessert display out of old dishes. Company on the way and you are short a serving platter? Make a charming dessert stand using spare dishes already in your cupboard with this supersimple DIY.

Choose at least two plates of different sizes and at least one cup that all coordinate in a pleasing way (matching is not necessary) to create your stand. If you want the results to be temporary, use blue tacky putty (find it in arts and crafts stores) to adhere the layers; for a more permanent fix, use superglue or a hot-glue gun — just stick and stack, and you’re done.

Heydt Designs

5. Add holiday magic to kids’ rooms. If you have little ones in the house, there is no one who will appreciate a bit of holiday cheer more. Put a few mini wreaths on the wall, hang an extra stocking or mitten filled with stuffed animals on the bedpost or even bring in a miniature Christmas tree.

Holly Marder

6. Craft quick paper ornaments.If your tree is a bit short on adornments, or if you need more unbreakable goodies to fill in where small hands can reach, try whipping up a few ornaments and paper chains made from old sheet music. Get the full instructions for making all of the ornaments in this photo right here.

Tobi Fairley Interior Design

7. Make a quickie version of your favorite gingerbread house … with graham crackers.Not a fan of elaborate baking projects, but still want the experience of putting together a gingerbread house? Skip right to the fun part by making a semihomemade graham cracker house. Just follow a favorite gingerbread house pattern, but use graham crackers in place of the gingerbread, cutting shapes carefully with a crafts knife. Everyone knows kids mostly love the frosting and candy part anyway, so let little ones go to town once the house is assembled.

Julie Ranee Photography

8. Give every room a small, special touch. Instead of going for the big impact, spread a little holiday cheer in every room in the house. Small touches, like an ornament hung on a mirror or a sprig snipped from your Christmas tree in a glass on the bathroom sink, will foster a warm, cozy holiday mood without much effort on your part.

sarah & bendrix

9. Pile up extra ornaments under glass. If you have a bounty of ornaments, don’t let those extras go to waste! Add sparkle to your mantel, buffet or coffee table by displaying them under a glass cloche, an apothecary jar or a large bowl.

More clever uses for old-school ornaments

Julie Ranee Photography

10. Forage from nature for decor that is easy and green. Pile up acorns in apothecary jars and heap pinecones in baskets for a fuss-free, welcoming look. Greenery or bittersweet berries clipped from outside can also adorn a basic wreath form from the crafts store for an easy front door display.

LKM Design

11. Dress up the kitchen with fancy table lamps. If you are hosting a holiday open house, everyone is bound to end up in the kitchen. Make yours instantly more festive by turning off the overhead lights and setting table lamps on the counters instead. The warm glow will make everything look better … even those dirty dishes in the sink.

12. Make easy paper bag luminarias. Fill brown or white paper bags with kitty litter or sand, and nestle votive lights inside for an incredible display that will last through an entire party. Line the walkway up to your house, place a bag on each step or just flank your front door; any way you choose, the effect will be magical.

Julie Ranee Photography

13. Make a subtle statement with snowy window letters. Spell out a word that evokes the season with one letter hung in each of several adjacent windows or glass doors. Make your letters using whatever materials you have on hand — white cardstock, cardboard wrapped in white fabric or yarn, white felt or even regular printer paper.

Rikki Snyder

14. Shop for decor at the grocery store. Keep an eye out for fruit, nuts and even veggies with gorgeous colors and shapes that can double as decor. Mound pomegranates and cranberries in a wooden bowl, arrange pears and figs on a tray, or fill a glass jar with walnuts and almonds in the shell for an easy, edible arrangement.

See more of this tabletop

My Sweet Savannah

15. Display favorite holiday ingredients. One of the simplest ways to add a bit of holiday fun to your kitchen is to round up ingredients for holiday treats and make them into a mini display. Decant cocoa powder and marshmallows into glass containers, fill a jar with candy canes or cinnamon sticks, and group your favorite mugs onto a nice tray.

By Laura Gaskill, originally published on HOUZZ

How to Choose a Backsplash for Your Granite Counters

“You’ve selected a gorgeous piece of granite for your kitchen. Now finish off your kitchen and tie everything together with an interesting backsplash.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

So you’ve chosen granite countertops for their beauty and durability, but now you’re stumped about what to use for your backsplash. Granite is a tricky one. There are so many different color and pattern choices. Some are very busy, while others are subtle. Some are dark; others are light. Some have large swooping vein patterns, while others are dotty or splattered.

Each slab is unique, so it’s not possible to make sweeping generalities about what works with every piece of granite. But if you look at why and how these pairings are pleasing, you’ll get some good ideas for a material to pair with the particular stone you’ve fallen for.

Alex Maguire Photography

The same granite, all the way up. In this kitchen, the beautiful slab of Cashmere White granite extends to the bottom of the upper cabinets and vent hood. This shows off its pattern beautifully — much like art. Note how the designer plucked a color from the granite for the cabinet paint.

Likewise, Ivory Fantasy granite adds a rich, natural texture below these light wood cabinets. The range wall is where you’ll get the most bang for your buck, giving the wall an easy-to-clean surface and the room a seamless look.

When considering this, look at the whole slab and choose the part you want to highlight. There may be a distinct part of the pattern you’ll enjoy seeing on the wall.

J M Interiors

The standard 4-inch backsplash in the same granite. White walls keep this kitchen looking cheerful and light. Splashes of red are more attention-grabbing than the countertops, which gracefully take a backseat. Extending the granite any higher or using a different backsplash material would have overwhelmed the room.

Chloe Warner

Large rectangular tile. In this case, the designer chose travertine to coordinate with the Stargazer granite’s creamy veins. The result is a kitchen that’s minimalist and warm.

Bar stools: vintage, Charlotte Perriand; pendants: Alison Berger

Judy Cook Interiors, LLC

A ceramic tile in a color you pluck from the granite. While this granite is mostly white and gray, the backsplash brings out a blue-gray color in the pattern. Using large subway tiles keeps the grout lines from looking busy.

Tile: Ashbury Collection in Breakwater, Sonoma Tile

DeForest Architects

Glass tile. The gloss of glass tile complements many granites. Consider a neutral tone that’s a close match for the main color field in the granite. The understated soft green of this tile highlights why Colonial Gold granite was a good choice.

Colonial Gold granite: Meta Marble & Granite; 4-inch-by-12- inch Glacier glass tile in 45/Raw Silk color: Stone Source

David Heide Design Studio

A subtly variegated ceramic tile. The changes in tone in each of these handmade ceramic tiles are quiet and lovely, enhancing the look of the Typhoon Green granite.

HARDROCK CONSTRUCTION

Crema Marfil mini mosaic tile. This one may seem counterintuitive (no pun intended), but the small tile in this elegant material plays nicely with the Santa Cecilia granite here. It might seem like they would be two busy patterns, but the material and coloring of the backsplash is a calming counterpoint (pun intended).

Crema Marfil tile, honed: Oregon Tile and Marble; granite: Santa Cecilia

Archipelago Hawaii Luxury Home Designs

Here is the same idea with a larger-scale tile. Note that the pattern and color variation of this granite is less distinct than the one in the previous photo, so it can take on the more powerful backsplash. These pairings are all about finding the right balance.

Tile: Mizu Umi collection in Tea, Honey, Tatami and Rice Paper,Walker Zanger; granite: Kashmir White

Jason Ball Interiors, LLC

A simple tile with eclectic accents. Plain subway tile might have been too plain here, but the dotting in the eclectic tile pattern plucked from the range mosaic adds a playful touch.

If you’re looking at a palette that has a lively granite pattern but feel like the color blocks of simple white or cream tile and miles of cabinets needs breaking up, consider livening things up over the range. Here the designer helped his clients find a geometric mosaic. He even took it a step further by adding a few circles plucked from the range mosaic’s pattern all around the room.

Circular tile and White Crackle 3-inch-by-6-inch subway tile: Mercury Mosaics; granite: White Spring

Nicola Interiors

Tumbled marble tile. This backsplash works in a similar way; it mostly has just slight variations in color that coordinate with the creamy tones of the Giallo Ornamental granite counters, punctuated by darker tiles here and there.

When choosing your accent tiles, you’ll have a few places to pick up the right hues. Look to the range of colors in your granite pattern to find the right darker tones. Look to your cabinet color as well. Tie the cabinets to the countertops with these accent tiles.

Vercon Inc.

Glass mosaic tile. This one is tricky; you’ve really got to find the right combination of granite and tile here, or it can come off as too busy. Glass mosaic tile works best with a granite with a large-scale pattern (one that has big veins and less contrast between the colors in it). The granite in this kitchen, Monserrat, has large swoops and a lovely gray and gray-green color palette that’s more subdued than many of the ones we’ve seen thus far.

The key in this kitchen is that the granite counters and wood cabinets are calm — it’s like they are asking for a dynamic backsplash to liven things up. Another important factor is that the backsplash real estate is relatively small — wedged just between the upper and lower cabinets, the backsplash has just the right amount of space to make a statement.

The tiny tiles accentuate the green tones of the granite, while the iridescent finish of the glass tiles adds a dynamic touch that draws attention to it. The tiles even pick up on the colors of the Mason jar pendants that hang over the island countertop, tying the room together.

Jade iridescent 1¼-inch-by-½-inch tiles: Vinara Glass

David Heide Design Studio

Traditional subway tile. While in some kitchens, I pointed out eclectic touches added to the subway tile, this kitchen is different. It is in a historic shingle-style house built in the 1890s, and the intention of this renovation was to respect the home’s historic style.

Cream-colored subway tiles let the beautiful Bianco Romano granite counters stand out. They also lend an authentic period look to the 1890 shingle-style home’s kitchen.

Tile: American Olean; paint: Natural Cream OC-14, Benjamin Moore

Rebekah Zaveloff | KitchenLab

Now that you have seen some designers’ ideas, you can start to play with the color, size, shape, scale, material, finish and pattern of your backsplash-counter combination until you get it right. Remember to pay attention to the colors and materials of the cabinets and walls too.

Originally Published on HOUZZ, by Becky Harris

Choose Your Paint with These Fancy Apps

“Picking a paint color can be a chore, especially when you are trying to coordinate or match colors. Now there’s an App for that!”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

Picking paint at the store can be overwhelming, and sometimes you’re less inspired by a paint chip and more inspired by photos, jewelry or Mother Nature. Now your phone can give you the tools you need to preview colors where and when the mood strikes.

Photo by: iStock

Here are five apps that can help you get the right color on the walls before you buy.

The ColorSmart by BEHR^® Mobile app lets you preview, match and coordinate colors on-the-go. This fun-to-use app puts you in control with handy features like:
• Browsing through the BEHR Premium Plus Ultra® and Premium Plus^® colors collections
• Photo-match to a BEHR color with their proprietary tool
• Preview function to see a color in different rooms and styles
• “Touch-and-tap” technology to paint a room image
• Sharing on Facebook and Twitter
(FREE for iPhone^®, iPad^® or Android^™)

The Benjamin Moore Color Capture^® app makes it simple to snap a picture of anything that inspires you and instantly find its match among the more than 3,500 Benjamin Moore paint colors. Then you can save your pics and their coordinating color matches to your Favorites. Plus, you can:
• Group colors in Favorites to create personalized combos
• Share your favorite colors on social media and email
• Browse Benjamin Moore’s inspirational color cards and access the full color wheel to search colors
(FREE for iPhone^®, iPad^® or Android^™ phones 6.1 or higher)

Besides letting you search by name or browse their library of 1,500 colors,ColorSnap^® for mobile from Sherwin-Williams allows you to create personalized palettes with colors that inspire you. Simply upload an image and this app will instantly match colors in your photo. Then you can edit, delete or add colors to suit your artistic vision— you can even ask Sherwin-Williams for colors that complement your selections. The possibilities are endless with features that help you:
• Fine-tune colors for lightness, saturation and hue
• Get detailed color information such as names, RGB values and LRV numbers
• Save and access your Favorites across devices
(FREE for iPhone^®, iPad^® or Android^™)

With its intuitive navigation, ProjectPaint by Valspar puts over 3,000 Valspar paints right at your fingertips. Swipe, swish and tap through their catalog to choose colors for inside or outside your home, plus get recommendations for coordinating colors. This app even helps you calculate how much paint you’ll need for your project and creates a customized shopping list so you can make just one trip to the store.

Don’t want to limit your color choices to one particular brand? AnyPaintColor by MyPerfectColor lets you search over 130,000 colors from over 100 brands including Martha Stewart and Ralph Lauren. It’s essentially a virtual fan deck that gives you the power to browse colors to your heart’s content without having to set one foot in a store.

Originally published on AHS.com

Selling Your House Next Spring? 5 Fall Projects to Do Now

“Getting your house ready to sell takes planning and time, if you want to sell it quickly and get top dollar for it.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

Originally appearing on HouseLogic, by Jennifer Nelson

Planning on selling your home in the spring? Good news — that leaves plenty of time to tackle all sorts of projects this fall that will help you snag top dollar when the tulips start blooming. Take an objective look around your home from a buyer’s perspective. What would stop you from making an offer? What do you need to do to put your home’s best face forward?

Here are some fall projects to jump on now in order for your home to be in tip-top shape for a spring sale:

1. Update Your Curb Appeal

Landscapers planting in a front yard Image: Laurin Lindsey, Landscape Designer

“Curb appeal is important,” says Steve Modica, sales associate and property manager at HomeXpress Realty Inc. in Tampa and St. Petersburg, Fla. “Make sure the bushes are all trimmed. Re-mulch or replace stone walkways and paths. Remove any dead plants and trees, and aerate your lawn so it will be lush come spring. Pressure wash the driveway, the front walk, and the exterior of your home. If need be, have the exterior of the house painted and, at the very least, apply a fresh coat of paint on the front door.

2. Get a Home Inspection

The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® says 77% of homebuyers have an inspection done before completing a home purchase. To avoid nasty surprises once you’re in the process of selling your home, have your own inspection done and make any repairs over the winter months before you list the home. Homebuyers often use flaws and needed repairs to negotiate a lower price.

3. Replace Flooring and Paint Walls

Determine if your carpets need replacing or just a deep, professional cleaning. If they need to go, consider if hardwood or another flooring material might be more appealing to buyers.

You’ll also want to inspect interior rooms for dirty or scuffed walls that need a fresh coat of paint. “Paint the whole wall, don’t just do touch-up repair work, because it never looks as good,” says Modica. Also, if you have eccentric or loud wall colors, now is the perfect time to update to a more neutral palette. Stagers recommend beiges, light grays, and off-whites.

4. Tackle the Basement, Attic, and Garage

Between the studs garage shelving Image: Liz Foreman for HouseLogic

Often overlooked, these storage meccas can become a catch-all for junk. Use cool, fall weather as an excuse to get down and dirty in these hot spots and organize them from top to bottom. Install shelving, pegboards for tools, and hanging brackets for bicycles and other large sporting equipment. Your goal is to pitch the junk, sell what you no longer need, and categorize the rest.

“Donate or recycle clothes and bedding you don’t use anymore in order to free up storage space in your closets, basement, and garage,” says Amy Bly, a home stager at Great Impressions Home Staging in Montville, N.J. These areas should look roomy, well-organized, and clean.

Related: Garage Storage Ideas Under $50

5. Consult a Stager

Buyers need to picture themselves living in the house, and they may have trouble doing that if all your personal effects are on display. In order to accomplish that, a professional stager can create a plan for you that you can spend the winter months implementing. Bly spends about two hours walking through a property assessing curb appeal, interior flow, closets, bookcases, media cabinets, flooring, and more.

“I give homeowners a multi-page, room-by-room form they can use to take notes on my recommendations,” says Bly. She typically recommends things like neutralizing out-of-date decor, removing old furnishings and carpeting, and updating light fixtures. She also suggests the type of shower curtains, towels, bedding, and pillows to display for an upscale look.

Getting a jump on these fall projects will give you a leg up on selling in the spring. Today’s buyers are savvier than ever before, especially millennial first-time homebuyers who may have searched homes online for months prior to getting in the field. More than just listing your home in the spring, you want to make it’s as perfect as possible. That means everything works and looks immaculate, and there are no glaring issues that will turn off buyers. When you’re ready, have a friend or relative drop by for a tour and point out anything you may have overlooked.

11 Ways to Create a Welcoming Front Entrance for Under $100

“Create an environment that welcomes ‘you’ home everyday, while not breaking the bank doing it.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

Originally published on HouseLogic, by Cara Greenberg

First impressions count — not just for your friends, relatives, and the UPS guy, but for yourself. Whether it’s on an urban stoop or a Victorian front porch, your front door and the area leading up to it should extend a warm welcome to all comers — and needn’t cost a bundle.
Here’s what you can do to make welcoming happen on the cheap.

1. Clear the way for curb appeal. The path to your front door should be at least 3 feet wide so people can walk shoulder-to-shoulder, with an unobstructed view and no stumbling hazards. So get out those loppers and cut back any overhanging branches or encroaching shrubs.

2. Light the route. Landscape lighting makes it easy to get around at night. Solar-powered LED lights you can just stick in the ground, requiring no wiring, are suprisingly inexpensive. We found 8 packs for under $60 online.

3. Go glossy. Borrow inspiration from London’s lovely row houses, whose owners assert their individuality by painting their doors in high-gloss colors. The reflective sheen of a royal blue, deep green, crimson, or whatever color you like will ensure your house stands out from the pack.

4. Pretty up the view. A door with lots of glass is a plus for letting light into the front hall — but if you also want privacy and a bit of decor, check out decorative window film. It’s removable and re-positionable, and comes in innumerable styles and motifs. Pricing depends on size and design; many available for under $30.

A way to get the look of stained glass without doing custom work or buying a whole new door: Mount a decorative panel on the inside of the door behind an existing glass insert, $92 for an Arts and Crafts-style panel 20-inches-high by 11-inches-wide.

5. Replace door hardware. While you’re at it, polish up the handle on the big front door. Or better yet, replace it with a shiny new brass lockset with a secure deadbolt. Available for about $60.

6. Please knock. Doorbells may be the norm, but a hefty knocker is a classic that will never run out of battery life, and another opportunity to express yourself (whatever your favorite animal or insect is, there’s a door-knocker in its image).

7. Ever-greenery. Boxwoods are always tidy-looking, the definition of easy upkeep. A pair on either side of the door is traditional, but a singleton is good, too. About $25 at garden centers. In cold climates, make sure pots are frost-proof (polyethylene urns and boxes mimic terracotta and wood to perfection).

8. Numbers game. Is your house number clearly visible? That’s of prime importance if you want your guests to arrive and your pizza to be hot. Stick-on vinyl numbers in a variety of fonts make it easy, starting at about $4 per digit.

9. Foot traffic. A hardworking mat for wiping muddy feet is a must. A thick coir mat can be had at the hardware store for less than $20. Even fancier varieties can be found well under $50.

10. Go for the glow. Fumbling for keys in the dark isn’t fun. Consider doubling up on porch lights with a pair of lanterns, one on each side of the door, for symmetry and twice the illumination. Many mounted lights are available well under $100.

11. Snail mail. Mailboxes run the gamut from kitschy roadside novelties masquerading as dogs, fish, or what-have-you to sober black lockboxes mounted alongside the front door. Whichever way you go, make sure yours is standing or hanging straight, with a secure closure, and no dings or dents. The mail carrier will thank you.

3 Ways to Bring the Heat to Outdoor Living Spaces

“Extend your outdoor living into the fall and winter with some heat.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and heat lamps can extend the seasonal enjoyment of your deck, porch or patio by providing warmth and an inviting ambiance that pulls guests and family members outside well after the mercury drops. But it’s important to understand the benefits and costs. Here’s what to know as winter begins to encroach on your outdoor living space.

Prideaux Design

Fire Pits

Typically less expensive than fireplaces, fire pits can also summon guests with the promise of lovely ambient heat. There are portable, prefabricated options readily available, as well as built-in custom design options in a wide range of styles and costs.

Portable wood fire pit. This is your simplest, least expensive option. Run down to your hardware store or jump on the Internet, and for as little as $100, you’ve got a fire pit. Pick up some firewood, throw the unit out on the deck and voilà, it’s s’mores time!

This is a low-cost, and thus low-risk, option. But with all wood-burning units, local wood-burning ordinances need to be followed, which can sometimes result in spare-the-air, no-burn days, during which your fire pit may not be legally usable. Also, you will need to stay stocked with firewood, but the portable, wood-burning fire pit provides authentic heat at a low cost, and its ease of installation simply cannot be matched.

Dennis Mayer, Photographer

Portable gas fire pit. The rooftop deck seen here becomes an evening oasis, and a simple propane flame is the critical component of the transformation. Portable fire pits burning propane gas, like wood-burning varieties, are extremely common and relatively low-cost. They burn clean, reliable heat (as long as you keep the accompanying propane tank full) and can be placed practically anywhere.

Rolling Landscapes Inc.

Built-in wood-burning fire pit. A well-constructed wood-burning fire pit is the traditional go-to heating element to keep everyone toasty on a cold night. There is something about that rolling crackle as the fire consumes real wood logs right under your nose that draws children and adults to its authentic flame.

A wood-burning fire pit usually takes less time to plan for and can be significantly less expensive to build than a built-in gas fire pit. In some cases you may not need a permit for a wood-burning fire pit, and since no gas line is required, there are often more location options available.

The construction of a wood-burning fire pit can likely be completed within one week.

Alderwood Landscape Architecture and Construction

Built-in gas fire pit. This is the option for you if you’re looking for a simple, reliable, custom design to fit the look of your landscaping with the year-round benefit of natural gas.

Having a party? Why bother with stoking a fire, and why should people get smoke in their eyes? Flip a switch just before the doorbell rings, and the fire will be sure to burn high and true.

There is not much of a downside to this option, except, of course, that the cost of a natural-gas fire pit typically runs well over $6,000, depending on the proximity to available gas; the gas ring and log features selected; and the design characteristics of your fire pit. You will always need to get a permit for a built-in gas fire pit, and that can be a time-consuming and somewhat costly proposition.

A built-in custom gas fire pit will likely take about two weeks to construct, once the permit approval process is complete.

austin outdoor design

An advantage of the built-in gas fire pit is the variety of design possibilities available. Most of the modern, sleek fire pits you see in landscape photos are of the natural-gas-burning variety.

See how to make a stacked-stone fire pit

Lori Smyth Design

Outdoor Fireplaces

Usually built-in and more expensive than fire pits, fireplaces can offer a grand focal point that can be the central feature of your yard. They are more visible than fire pits and take a little more time to construct.

Nothing is more inviting outdoors than the warm glow of a fireplace beyond a windowpane. This is the ultimate visual feature, as it is more visible than a fire pit, and can provide both a grand statement and cozy intimacy.

Fireplaces are typically more expensive than fire pits due to their size, which can result in substantially higher foundation and masonry costs.

Paradise Restored Landscaping & Exterior Design

Wood-burning fireplace. Once it gets going, there truly is nothing else exactly like a roaring wood fire in a masonry fireplace. But as is the case with all wood-burning fires, one needs to consider possible spare-the-air days when wood fireplaces aren’t legally usable. These restrictions affect many of the most populated regions of the U.S. and around the world.

A built-in wood-burning fireplace is likely to run around $10,000, though size, materials and geographic region can substantially impact the final cost. In some jurisdictions, the approval process for an exterior wood-burning fireplace is simpler than for gas, so it may be easier to plan and begin the construction of your wood-burning fireplace.

A wood-burning fireplace usually takes about two weeks to construct.

Paradise Restored Landscaping & Exterior Design

Built-in gas fireplace. The gas fireplace shown here uses a gas appliance, which is typically less expensive than an exterior, true masonry fireplace with a gas log set. The downside to a gas appliance is that it does not offer quite the same authentic look as a true masonry fireplace, but the reliable heat output can be fantastic, it usually costs slightly less and, when properly installed within a nice surround, it is an inviting element with a more reliable heat output than some masonry gas fireplace designs.

See more of this outdoor space

Earth Art Landscape

The fireplace shown here is a simple masonry-type design with a gas log set. It has a more authentic look than an appliance but may not provide the same heat output.

Board and Vellum

Heat Lamps

There are simple portable propane lamps readily available at a relatively low cost, and built-in gas and electric lamps that are less conspicuous while radiating a warm glowing heat from above.

Electric. The great thing about built-in electric heat lamps is that they can be installed flush to a ceiling, so they are hardly noticeable except on those cold nights when they make themselves felt. They provide extremely reliable, very strong heat output, and can be used to create more warm and usable outdoor space than can be achieved with other options.

You can expect to pay a minimum of about $2,000 per lamp, including electrical installation, although this cost can vary depending on the manufacturer and installation details. A permit is always required, and there are very specific design clearances that must be maintained.

Matt Clawson

Gas heat lamp. Gas heat lamps are not typically as slim as their electric counterparts, but they give off superior heat output at greater efficiencies.

In the space here, we used a gas heat lamp with a traditional-style fitting for an authentic Tuscan-style home.

The cost of gas lamps is similar to but typically slightly higher than,electric, because gas costs more to provide than electricity in most locations. A permit is required for installation.

High Def Technologies

Portable gas heat lamp. This is the reliable old standby in gas lamps. Its portable nature makes it incredibly convenient, and these lamps are relatively inexpensive.

The downside is they take up space, and as is the case for portable gas fire pits, their propane tanks need to be periodically refilled.

Alderwood Landscape Architecture and Construction

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All things considered, there is only one cure for the cold, and that is heat. While the smoky aroma of real wood burning and crackling away stirs up nostalgic memories and warm feelings in many, there are advantages to the gas and electric sources noted here, such as ease of use, reliability and environmental cleanliness.

By Matt Clawson, originally published on HOUZZ

10 Ways to Add Personality to Your Kitchen

“Want some ideas on how to make your kitchen more ‘you’? Here are some different approaches to making your kitchen a little more unique.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

One of our favorite spaces in the house, the kitchen can also be one of the most predictable. After all, it typically contains some countertop space, a few appliances and lots of storage. But a little imagination and some inventive styling can softly steer this room toward a look filled with personality. These smart details — some of them integral to the design, some added later — bring a fresh, original feel to a much-loved room.

British Standard by Plain English

1. Add a copper sink. Copper is a hugely popular material, with a long history of use in the kitchen. Often it shows up in pots and pans, but here it’s been fashioned into a sink. More humble than marble and nicely artisanal in feel, a copper sink is an unusual, stylish choice.

British Standard by Plain English

2. Seek out alternative handles. Metal, wood and ceramic are familiar choices for handles and knobs, so going with something a little more unusual will help give your kitchen its own style. Here, leather strap handles blend beautifully with the wooden counter, but it’s the element of surprise they carry that really catches the eye.

Blakes London

3. Light it up. Kitchens often feature integrated spotlights and task lighting, but adding a more decorative table lamp to a work surface or sideboard can instantly give a very different feel to the room.

Sustainable Kitchens

4. Soften stainless steel. Stainless steel is a great material for a countertop and much-used in professional kitchens. This kitchen shows how it can be made to look soft and neat rather than seriously industrial when framed by the plywood trim of the cabinets.

Designed Space Interior Exterior

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5. Hang some art. In the quest to make a kitchen practical, we sometimes forget to style it like any other room. Hanging art in the kitchen, close to units and equipment, extends the style found in other areas of the house into this very practical space. The framed painting seen here beautifully matches the cabinets and backsplash.

Humphrey Munson

6. Make it mirrored. Antiqued mirrored glass brings a softly reflective element to a room and makes a wonderful material for a backsplash. It’s practical and easy to wipe down, but it also boosts the feeling of space and creates depth.

British Standard by Plain English

7. Work with paint. A kitchen with paneled walls is the perfect canvas for a creative paint job. Use paint to create the illusion of a backsplash running around the entire room. You can even include the lower cabinets, as shown here.

David Churchill – Architectural Photographer

8. Create a cool toe kick. Toe kicks can be something of an afterthought and generally match the cabinets above, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Here, a stainless steel toe kick creates a reflective, almost glowing strip at the base of these wooden units. It’s a nice, subtle contrast of materials.

Sigmar

9. Add a vintage piece.
Teaming up contemporary and vintage pieces is a mix-and-match approach that works brilliantly in other rooms but isn’t often used in the kitchen. Hanging a vintage display case to supplement built-in contemporary cabinets adds loads of personality, not to mention lovely visual variety.

Blakes London

10. Integrate herb storage. Pots of fresh herbs cluttering up your windowsill? Who says they always have to be kept there? A clever alternative is to design an integrated trough into a counter where the herbs can neatly sit. A simple open rack, hung on the wall, is another good alternative.

Originally published on HOUZZ, by Joanna Simmons

Powder Room Vanity Styles With Personality

“Coming up with ‘different’ ideas for a powder room can be challenging. Get some ideas on how to make that small space as unique as any other space in the home.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

From traditional to contemporary, approaches to the powder room vanity allow for lots of creativity. And because of the modest scale, this is a place where you can indulge in higher-end materials and design solutions that might be too much for the budget in larger rooms. Let these 11 delightful examples of beautifully combined colors, shapes and details inspire your own powder room project.

Marie Meko, Allied ASID

Richly Toned Traditional

Vanity: 36 inches wide by 18 inches deep by 35 inches high

Everything in this space is richly expressed in dark, intimate tones. The extraordinary Trumeau mirror by E.J. Victor, the integrated picture frame and the sumptuous tile flooring make the room particularly interesting.

A dark-stained wood cabinet from Hooker Furniture has been converted to a vanity,making a lavatory out of a beautiful piece of furniture. (The cabinet is no longer available, according to the designer, but the company is continuously coming out with new designs.) The oval white porcelain sink undermounts to a black solid-surface countertop and backsplash, and its two-lever handle faucet is in oil-rubbed bronze.

The branch detail in the wallpaper reflects the detail of the unique towel bar. Finishing things off are two metal-shaded sconces with brass details, mounted at 60 to 66 inches above the floor.

Charmean Neithart Interiors, LLC.

Asian-Influenced Transitional

Vanity: Approximately 32 inches wide by 20 inches deep by 34 inches high

The nearly black wallpaper with sheen gives this small space drama and highlights the detail in the vanity cabinet, detail that’s further emphasized by the coordinating trim of the mirror and the finish on the sconces. The diagonal cabinet face detail repeats in the travertine tiles set at 45 degrees. The scheme is otherwise simple, with a single-lever faucet on a solid countertop with an oval undermount sink.

Design By Lisa

Neutral-Toned Traditional

Vanity: 30 inches wide by 22 inches deep by 35 inches high

Though this room employs a conservative color scheme, the detail in the finishes makes an unforgettable impression. The painted vanity cabinet is custom, though similar types are available from a variety of sources. An onyx countertop, called Delicato, the Zoffany Cordoba wallpaper and the quarter-sawn white oak flooring make the space luxurious. The sink is a porcelain rectangular undermount.

The mirror was custom-made, the designer says, but the key is its beveled edge, which achieves a finished look without the need for a frame. Brushed nickel hardware is equally elegant. The small Hudson Valley Lighting chandelier, mounted to the center of the ceiling, adds lots of charm. Notice that the crystal cabinet pulls match the doorknob, which completes the detailing in this space.

Shannon Ggem ASID

Boldly Colorful Traditional

Vanity: 37 inches wide by 18 inches deep by 37 inches high

This powder room quickly transports you to a vacation spot all on its own. The Thibaut wallpaper adds dimension and boldness, and the handpainted distressed cabinet from Cole + Co. gives the space an unexpected rustic twist. The luscious taupe-colored marble countertop, sometimes called Athens gray, holds an undermount oval sink. The silver-framed oval mirror coordinates with the playful Currey & Co. sconces, which in turn mimic the swirls in the wallpaper.

Mahoney Architects & Interiors

Rounding It Out

Vanity: Approximately 26 inches wide by 20 inches deep by 32 inches high

Rounded fixtures and furnishings can make smaller spaces function more smoothly and give the illusion of a larger space. This 3-foot-wide powder room could easily be overwhelmed by a large, square cabinet, but this rounded solution, along with the wainscot, nicely details the space. The 2-inch hexagonal floor tiles allude to traditional mosaics found in older homes, but the size gives them a fresh feeling.

Notice that the sink type serves as a countertop as well, eliminating the need for a separate piece of material. The mirror frame, custom-made for this project, matches the cabinet material and finish. Similar premanufactured configurations are available from many sources.

Kathryn Long, ASID

Wallpaper Focus

Vanity: Approximately 25 inches wide by 19 inches deep by 32 inches high

As with the previous example, you can find vanity configurations that have the sink integrated into the cabinet design, like this one. Some come with a faucet already installed. Their detailing gives the look of a piece of furniture rather than a traditional cabinet with a toe kick.

A custom decoupage wall treatment sets this room apart. A local artist installed a collection of maps, menus, articles and pictures collected by the owner as part of a trip to Italy, and the theme is enhanced by the candle sconces. The room is otherwise quite simple.

Key Measurements to Help You Design a Powder Room

kelly mcguill home

Open It Up

Vanity: 31.5 inches wide by 18.75 inches deep by 34 inches high

This vanity, the Weathered Oak Single Console Sink from Restoration Hardware, is available in seven wood finishes, depending on your location. Once again, the sink acts as the countertop. The mirrored cabinet is also from RH but doesn’t currently show up on its website, though there are similar options. The wainscot paneling adds greatly to the theme of the space. The ceramic floor tiles resemble brick and are laid in a running bond pattern.

Peter S. Balsam Associates

Contemporary Curves

Vanity: 20⅝ inches wide by 21 inches deep by 34 inches high

This Camber petite vanity by Kohler is available in several finishes, but the sink, called the Camber drop-in, is a separate product and must be bought specifically for use with this configuration. This solution may be a great fit if you have a really tight space and the circular shape fits your design.

With the mosaic tile seen here, this will be a more expensive scheme than most. You will also need to purchase a faucet; the one shown here is in a satin nickel finish. The sink is available in three versions. The first has no opening for the plumbing, meaning you would use it with a wall-mounted faucet. The other two have openings for the plumbing fixtures, either a single-handle faucet or the two-handle type seen here.

josh wynne construction

Custom Creations

Vanity: Approximately 26 inches wide by 18 inches deep by 30 inches high

If you know a very good carpenter, you may be able to create your own custom design, as has been done here. This contractor custom-fabricated the concrete countertop and placed a vessel sink atop it, with the bronze faucet set at an angle. Varying sizes of Porcelanosa tiles line the wall, and a coordinated mosaic tile covers the floor. The mirror, found at an estate sale, floats on the chartreuse-painted wall above the tile wainscot.

Bill Fry Construction – Wm. H. Fry Const. Co.

Contemporary Lines

Vanity: Approximately 30 inches wide by 22 inches deep by 34 inches high

This semi-custom solution uses a Kohler product, or similar, for the sink. The contractor custom-built the base to complete the vanity. Ann Sacks Clodagh shield tiles line the back wall, adding dimension, shade and shadow to the scheme. The teardrop pendant provides lighting, and a framed beveled mirror, also custom, completes the contemporary theme.

David Heide Design Studio

When in Doubt, Float

Vanity: 30 inches wide by 21⅜ inches deep by 19 inches high (mounted about 14 inches above the floor)

This Kohler product, called Traverse, requires a selection of the cabinet, sink and faucet. With the hexagonal multicolored mosaic wall tile, this is also going to be a more expensive solution. The floor tiles are a rectangular shape about 6 inches wide and 24 inches long, laid in the running bond pattern. The dramatic internally lit round chrome mirror suits the modern design. This scheme could easily be replicated in less expensive finishes.

By Steven Randel, originally published on HOUZZ

Design Your Closet for the Real World

“Tired of digging through your closet to find things? Get organized and speed up the morning process.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

A poorly designed closet costs the same to build as a well-designed closet. It’s how you design and use the space that makes the difference. If you’re starting with a clean slate, this guide will help you decide what to build, what to store and how to get the most out of every inch of space.

Clever Closet Company

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Only build what you need. Decide how big or small you need your closet to be before you start on the design. It’s tempting to see a big, blank wall and sacrifice it to a closet without considering what the contents will be.

By building your closet based only on how much hanging space you need, even a small bedroom can retain a feeling of spaciousness, with room for a large bed, a desk and maybe more. You can also end up spending less than half the money you would if you opted for a full-wall closet.

Clever Closet Company

Get organized. If you want to maximize space, group clothes of a similar size together — don’t waste an inch. If you have a group of similar items that amounts to at least 20 inches in width when hung together, it’s worth giving them a separate section.

Clever Closet Company

By being that specific, in this closet I have managed to squeeze in an extra drawer between the double hanging sections, as well as some handy shelves.

Tip: Hang the top rod high enough so you have enough space between the bottom of the hanging clothes and the second rod underneath.

Clever Closet Company

Focus on ergonomics. Nobody wants to crawl on the floor to find their summer shorts, and who can be bothered bending down to put bags or scarves on a shelf at knee height? Design your space more ergonomically and you’ll notice things are far easier to find. It will also be much easier to keep your closet tidy.

Positioning shelves above the hanging space is a smart move ergonomically, and making your shelves just 14 inches deep ensures you won’t lose things at the back. Space the shelves only 10 inches apart and things won’t migrate to the never-never. You can stack right to the top of the shelf because there’s no need to reach to the back. Do it this way and you’ll hardly ever need to reorganize your wardrobe — things have nowhere to go.

Tip: Shelf widths at 12-inch increments are best because folded clothes average 12 inches across and 14 inches deep.

Ardesia Design

Skip the drawers. Drawers add significantly to the price of a built-in closet, restrict the layout and waste space. Be resourceful with your space instead. If you already have a dresser or bedside tables in the room, perhaps that’s all you need for underwear and socks. Sweaters and T-shirts are best placed on open shelves where you can see them easily.

Clever Closet Company

Add storage elsewhere. When you have a small space, the trick is using every bit of storage fully. I often achieve this by not having anything but hung clothes in the closet. There’s little point in storing folded clothes on deep closet shelves — it ends up a mess. Instead, use deep space for hanging clothes, then put folded clothes and shoes elsewhere.

In my son’s room, seen here, we have deep drawers under the bed for shoes and sports gear. This is great because he can just dump them in and then open the drawers and see them easily when he needs them (although apparently not as easily as he can see them on the floor!). This is a much better option than storing the items at the bottom of a closet or under the bed.

See more of this bedroom

Design 13

Get smart with your shoes. If space is tight, storing all your shoes in the closet may not be possible. If you can fit them in, however, aim to stash them on shelves at mid-height so you can see them.

Whether you choose regular shelves, slide-out shelves or drawers, there’s no need to give shoes too much room to move — they’re usually only 12 inches deep and will fit into some pretty tight places.

This drawer method allows you to use the full depth of the closet, and makes shoes easy to see and access.

Clever Closet Company

If you can’t fit shoes in the closet, a shallow, purpose-built cabinet is a good alternative.

Clever Closet Company

Don’t waste your money on ‘clever’ accessory storage. Storage devices for accessories can be useful, but be selective. If a gadget involves more than one action to perform its role, you’ll probably grow tired of it. I find most closet accessories are a waste of money and space in a small closet.

What does work well are racks for belts, ties and scarves, which slide in and out. Or if you don’t mind things flapping on the back of a hinged door, you can install racks there.

Clever Closet Company

Go for flexibility. The great thing about this closet is that the hanging rods insert into the same holes as the shelf supports, so you can switch them around as needed. In summer, you could use rods to hang blouses, and in winter swap in shelves to hold sweaters. Store the off-season gear out of the way on the top shelf.

FormFunctionNT

Don’t forget to make use of the rest of the house. Your bedroom closet doesn’t have to bear the brunt of your your life’s clutter. Store as much as possible in the utility areas of your home to save on the cost of a built-in closet.

A shelving system such as this stores just as much as a standard built-in closet and for a fraction of the price. I installed something similar to this in my laundry rather than putting a built-in closet into a temporary bedroom for my daughter. Now that my daughter has left home, I have excellent versatile storage in the laundry room. The system is easily adjustable, so I can use it for anything and add shelves if needed.

Originaly published on HOUZZ, by Sally Hart

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Cooktops vs. Ranges – Which is right for you?

“Thinking about some new appliances for your kitchen? What makes sense for you?”

Understanding the Differences

Which type is right for you?

Cooktop Benefits:

Range Benefits:

Our Favorites:

Cooktops:

Ranges:

In Conclusion

Budget Decorator: 15 Shortcuts to Holiday Style

How to Choose a Backsplash for Your Granite Counters

Choose Your Paint with These Fancy Apps

Selling Your House Next Spring? 5 Fall Projects to Do Now

11 Ways to Create a Welcoming Front Entrance for Under $100

3 Ways to Bring the Heat to Outdoor Living Spaces

10 Ways to Add Personality to Your Kitchen

Powder Room Vanity Styles With Personality

Design Your Closet for the Real World

“Thinking about some new appliances for your kitchen? What makes sense for you?”

Understanding the Differences

Which type is right for you?

Cooktop Benefits:

Range Benefits:

Our Favorites:

Cooktops:

Ranges:

In Conclusion

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