Tag Archives: Painting

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

What Color Should You Paint Your Trim?

“Guess what?  Trim does not have to be white.  Many times we get caught up in the normal and forget to experiment or do something different for a change.  Here are some great ideas of how to decide what to do with your trim.”
Ed Johnson & Denise Buck – Dc Metro Realty Team
Whether simple or ornate, interior trim is a finishing touch that often doesn’t get much thought, frequently being left the color it’s always been without consideration of the multitude of beautiful alternatives. Whether you’re thinking fresh white, a bold hue or somewhere in between, here are ways to treat your trim to get the look you want.
Victorian Living Room by Brett Mickan Interior Design
Brett Mickan Interior Design
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White

Classic white works well for plain trim as well as more elaborate molding styles. It’s great with white walls or colored walls, so it really is the ultimate no-fail option, which is probably partly why it’s such a popular choice.

It can be an excellent way to tie various styles of molding together, and it won’t fight historic details like stained glass, so everything becomes harmonized.

Transitional Entry by Eoin Lyons Interiors
Eoin Lyons Interiors
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When paired with colorful walls and accents, white trim becomes a bold, fresh focal point, as well as a frame to highlight each room beyond, without clashing with the different colors of each space.
Transitional Living Room by Laura U, Inc.
Laura U, Inc.
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White trim is also great for toning down a strong color by stealing surface area away from the walls. This lilac shade is actually very bold, but it doesn’t feel like it swallows the room paired with deep crown molding and window trim in all white.
Traditional Living Room by Hanson General Contracting, Inc.
Hanson General Contracting, Inc.
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Paired with a neutral wall color, white trim highlights the surrounding undertones so the walls don’t look colorless, while still bringing in a slight modern edge. It’s also a good choice in a space with lots of wood, because it keeps the look contemporary instead of rustic.
Contemporary Living Room by Stephani Buchman Photography
Stephani Buchman Photography
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Choose white if:

  • You want to highlight the subtle undertone of neutral walls
  • You want to break up bold walls with a breath of fresh air
  • You have simple moldings you don’t want to highlight
  • You want to leave all the attention on dramatic furnishings
  • You aren’t sure which other color to pick. It’s hard to go wrong with white trim!
Traditional Entry by Dresser Homes
Dresser Homes
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Neutral

When trim is dressed in a midtone neutral shade, it immediately gives it a certain sophisticated, stately appeal. The trim becomes a feature, for sure, but in an understated way.

Contemporary Kitchen by valerie pasquiou interiors + design, inc
valerie pasquiou interiors + design, inc
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Although the look is somewhat traditional, you can use more modern furnishings to add warmth and character. This kitchen has sleek cabinets and modern appliances but still feels homey instead of ultramodern. That’s in large part due to the warm gray trim.
Beach Style Living Room by Catalyst Architects, LLC
Catalyst Architects, LLC
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Neutral trim works especially well with a colored ceiling, so consider using the same color overhead in a room where you want a more intimate feel, such as a sitting room or dining space.
Contemporary Staircase by Optimise Design
Optimise Design
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Choose neutral if:

  • You love a transitional look (one that balances traditional and modern elements)
  • You want an authentic heritage feel in an older home
  • You want to highlight doors or windows for an architectural look without touching fresh white walls
Farmhouse Dining Room by Rafe Churchill: Traditional Houses
Rafe Churchill: Traditional Houses
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Bold Colors

Bold, colorful trim can be either part of a wild, eclectic look or actually a very livable element in a more sedate home. Because trim usually has a relatively small surface area, painting it a fun hue like lemon, pink or sky blue adds a pop of color (and definite personality) without adding as much drama as a full wall treatment.

Farmhouse Bedroom by Rafe Churchill: Traditional Houses
Rafe Churchill: Traditional Houses
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Pastel trim doesn’t even feel edgy; rather, as in this case, it creates a romantic feeling that suits a humble cottage-style or dreamy bedroom.
Victorian Kitchen by Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc.
Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc.
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Choose a bold color if:

  • You want to add a new hue without going all-in on the walls
  • You want a quirky, eclectic or unique look
  • You have colorful cabinets in a kitchen and want to tie the room together
Contemporary Entry by Shirley Meisels
Shirley Meisels
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Wood

Wood trim can be anything from rustic to modern, depending on the tone and finish of the wood. Either way, it adds a deeper sense of texture, which can make a room feel welcoming even without much else in the way of decorative elements.

Traditional Entry by mark pinkerton - vi360 photography
mark pinkerton – vi360 photography
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Wood trim is often stained to match the flooring, but it can vary in tone a bit and still coordinate beautifully, as woods naturally mix and match. Just don’t mix more than three wood tones if you want to stay out of rustic territory.
Traditional Kitchen by Charmean Neithart Interiors, LLC.
Charmean Neithart Interiors, LLC.
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Matching wood kitchen cabinets to wood trim creates the sense that this natural element is integrated in the whole space, creating a sense of consistency and some rustic charm.
Traditional Kitchen by Rebekah Zaveloff | KitchenLab
Rebekah Zaveloff | KitchenLab
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A little wood trim on a window is excellent for warming up a space that’s otherwise cold, such as a white kitchen or bathroom (especially if you don’t want to add window drapery). Choose a deep stain to suit a contemporary space, and leave other trim white.
Traditional Living Room by MANDARINA STUDIO interior design
MANDARINA STUDIO interior design
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Wood is also great with wall colors that already add warmth, such as a soft pink. Both have red undertones, so the lack of contrast makes both elements feel like they fit in peacefully.
Traditional Bedroom by Johnson Design Inc.
Johnson Design Inc.
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Choose wood if:

  • It’s already there. Most trim is MDF or the like, so celebrate real wood if you have it!
  • You want to add an element of warm wood but don’t want wood floors
  • Your space needs a little extra texture
  • You love a rustic look or need a masculine counterpoint to feminine details
Victorian Dining Room by Neuhaus Design Architecture, P.C.
Neuhaus Design Architecture, P.C.
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Black

Black trim is definitely statement making, yet it’s timeless, so unlike with other bold colors, you don’t have to worry that this dramatic choice will grow dated quickly.

Even more so than white trim, black trim frames each doorway or window like a picture, for instant high-fashion appeal.

Industrial Dining Room by McIntosh Poris Associates
McIntosh Poris Associates
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Black trim is at its most classic and livable when paired with simple finishes like a wood floor and pale walls. It will fight other elements for attention, so you might as well let it be the star.
Contemporary Entry by stephane chamard
stephane chamard
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As stark as black may be, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Painting just your lower trim black (baseboards and door frames), with the crown molding white, anchors the room while letting the ceiling float away for an airy appeal.
Mediterranean Hall by Carson Poetzl, Inc.
Carson Poetzl, Inc.
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Alternately, painting just the crown molding black frames the ceiling, highlighting details like beautiful lighting, medallions and other features. This tactic works well with dark wood doors, as both have a deep richness, making the doors less stark to keep the look balanced instead of ultramodern.
Contemporary Family Room by Catherine Boardman Interiors
Catherine Boardman Interiors
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Choose black if:

  • You want a dramatic look that’s classic and sophisticated
  • You want to contrast wood floors or cabinets
  • Your neutral scheme needs some edge to bring it to life
  • Your beautiful views demand to be framed like portraits

    Read more reasons to paint your trim black

Contemporary Home Office by Toronto Interior Design Group | Yanic Simard
Toronto Interior Design Group | Yanic Simard
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Gloss

Treating trim with a slight gloss finish is a great way to subtly highlight beautiful moldings while maintaining a clean palette for effortless-looking designer appeal. I often use a consistent paint color for walls, ceiling and trim, using a matte finish for walls and a satin finish for trim, so a hint of light bounces off the trim’s curves to subconsciously draw the eye.

Rustic Entry by Period Architecture Ltd.
Period Architecture Ltd.
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You can also cheat the look further with a slight off-white that almost blends into the wall but stands out just enough to catch your eye when you look at the trim, without the trim’s fighting other more attention-grabbing features.

Trim is often more likely to be touched or leaned on than the walls themselves, so using an easy-to-clean paint finish is practical too.

By Yanic Simard, HOUZZ Contributor

Creating a Comfortable Multipurpose Space

“Trying to figure out how to better use a space in your home?  Have a large space but not sure how to divide it up?  Read on to get some ideas that can help add function and comfort.”
Ed Johnson & Denise Buck – Dc Metro Realty Team
Interior designer Elena Calabrese took one space and made it a family room, game room, media center and home office. In truth, it was never supposed to be more than a living room. “This was a spec house,” she says. “And this was supposed to be the formal living room — but these clients didn’t need a space like that. What they needed was a multipurpose room.”
Transitional Dining Room by Elena Calabrese Design & Decor
Elena Calabrese Design & Decor
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Room at a Glance
Who hangs out here: A professional couple and their 8-year-old son
Interior designer: Elena Calabrese
Big idea: This is a living room that was rethought as a multipurpose space.
Location: Mill Valley, California
Size: 15 by 15 feet (4½ by 4½ meters)

“Before the remodel this was the room that no one went into,” Calabrese says. “But the family needed a spot to hang out together. The parents travel a lot, and when they are home, they like to spend time together with their son.”

One of the central design features is an area for an activity they all enjoy: board games. The designer created this banquette and table expressly for that purpose. “I found the base on the Internet; it’s a vintage Milo Baughman piece. I had a marble top made for it,” Calabrese says. She created the built-in seating with notched backs to break up its linear nature. “I didn’t think about it matching the pattern in the carpet,” she says. That it does may be a happy coincidence, but the choice of a banquette was intentional. “I didn’t want it to read as an eating space, and I feel like that’s how it would appear if I used a table surrounded by chairs,” she says. “This way it looks like an intimate gathering spot.”

Light fixture: Regina Andrew; side table: HD Buttercup

Modern Living Room by Elena Calabrese Design & Decor
Elena Calabrese Design & Decor
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The large sectional was chosen with one eye toward the television and the other toward the game table. “Because it has a bumper on one end, someone can perch there and chat with people seated around the table or on the window seat,” Calabrese says. “I didn’t want it to be all about the television. I did want it to be cool, modern and lounge-y.”

The coffee table was chosen to work with the carpet. “I love how you can see the carpet pattern through it,” the designer says. “Another wood would have been too heavy.”

Sofa: Dellarobbia; carpet: Stark; coffee table: Z Gallerie

Transitional Family Room by Elena Calabrese Design & Decor
Elena Calabrese Design & Decor
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One of the owners likes to watch sports on television, and the dark gray built-in serves as a media center. “The opening you see in the wall on the right is [to] the dining room,” Calabrese says. “We made the built-in stepped down so that when you look out from the dining room, you see the artwork, not the top of a shelf.”
Modern Living Room by Elena Calabrese Design & Decor
Elena Calabrese Design & Decor
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The art collection over the sofa is the start of a gallery wall. “The idea is that the owners will add to it over time,” Calabrese says. “One of them collects art on her travels.”

Contemporary Living Room by Elena Calabrese Design & Decor
Elena Calabrese Design & Decor
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Between trips that owner can be found perched on the window seat working on her laptop. “When we started the project, the window seat wasn’t there,” the designer says. “When we designed it, we created storage in the bottom for her son’s Legos and toys.”

In Calabrese’s opinion, the room’s success is how it meets many needs. “It’s a multipurpose space, but we worked hard to make it cohesive,” she says. “That’s a design challenge, but in this case, I think it’s a win.”

By Mary Jo Bowling, HOUZZ Editorial Staff

6 Ideas to Make the Most of Your Garage

“Garages fulfill so many different needs beyond parking a car.  If you’ve been wondering how to make better use of your garage, this article might just be the inspiration you need.”

Ed Johnson & Denise Buck – DC Metro Realty Team 

Your garage might be a scary, junk-filled spot that you’d rather forget about. But, you’re missing out on some prime room real estate there. To up its appeal — and its utility — consider these ideas.

6 Ideas to Make the Most of Your Garage

1. Paint It a Cheerful Color
Designer Annie Selke turned her mundane garage into a reflection of her. “Why feel like a cave dweller,” she says. “You can have a girly garage.” She applied stripes to the walls with leftover paint from the other rooms in her house. Courtesy of Annie Selke

2. Fake a Mudroom
If you spend more time coming through the garage than your front door, set up a central spot to store shoes and hang coats. For her garage “mudroom,” Toni at A Bowl Full of Lemons built a wall organizer, added wall and shoe baskets, and accessorized with a large wall clock. See the rest of the makeover here. Courtesy of A Bowl Full of Lemons

 

3. Don’t Forget About the Floors
Your floors don’t have to be a dull gray. Experiment with patterns or different hues, like A Beautiful Mess’s Elsie Larson did in this space. (We also love her hyper-organized, super-colorful utility wall.) Tour her organized garage. Courtesy Elsie Larson/A Beautiful Mess

4. Turn It Into a Craft Studio
This may not work for most people, but blogger Rachel Mae Smith didn’t own a car, so she created a crafting retreat out of the run-down garage joining her San Francisco apartment. See more of the transformation here. Courtesy of Design Sponge

5. And Remember to Look Up
Since floor space is, well, for the cars mostly, install overhead storage. Jen of I Heart Organizing built custom upper cabinets that are 4-feet deep to stash large storage bins and other miscellaneous items. To style the space, she added beadboard panels, painted the doors blue, and installed pendant lighting. Tour her garage. Courtesy of I Heart Organizing

6. Set Up a Garden Station
No garden shed? Ashli of Mini Manor reserved a small spot in her garage for a mini gardening command center. Take a look at the rest of her house. Courtesy of Mini Manor/6th Street Design School

Originally Published on Yahoo Makers, By Sarah Yang

Ideas for Easygoing Summer Parties

“It’s Summertime, so move your party outside!  It’s not as hard as you might think if you just plan a little bit.  Here are some great ideas to get started.”
Ed Johnson & Denise Buck – DC Metro Realty Team
Summertime calls for a distinctly unfussy approach to entertaining, and thankfully so — because who wants to sweat over planning a summer soiree? Make things easier on yourself by hosting outdoors instead of in, getting guests to pitch in and embracing low-key, budget-friendly decor. From DIY flowers and quick extra tables to a beachy outdoor bar, these 20 ideas will make your party planning easier.
by Corynne Pless
Corynne Pless
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1. Whip up an extra table with sawhorses. Short on outdoor dining space? Hunt down a few sawhorses and top them with a length of board as big as you want your table to be. You can paint the board, cover it with a cloth or butcher paper, or leave it as is.
by Corynne Pless
Corynne Pless
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2. Fashion a wooden crate into a drinks container. If you line it with plastic, any old crate can be a rustic-chic open-top cooler for keeping soda and beer on ice. It won’t keep it cold as long as a real cooler, but it should do the trick at a party.

3. No crate? Use whatever you’ve got. An old wheelbarrow, a garden cart, an enamel bucket or even a toy dump truck can be lined with trash bags and filled with ice to make an impromptu drinks cooler.

Tropical Deck by Cezign
Cezign
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4. Give your outdoor bar a tiki makeover with a palapa roof. Search for “palm leaf thatch panels” to find a source and tack a few lengths of the grassy stuff to the roof of your outdoor bar or shed to give it some tiki bar style.
Traditional Dining Room by Celia Bedilia
Celia Bedilia
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5. Dress up candles with woodsy details. Curl a wide green leaf and drop it into a glass jar —then fill the jar with water and float a tea light on top. Or use lengths of birch bark (available at craft stores) to wrap the outside of a jar or candleholder, and fasten them with twine.

6. Make beachy candles with mason jars and sand. Filled partway with sand, a mason jar of any size can easily become a chic candleholder. To make hanging lanterns, wrap the mouth of the jar with flexible wire and hang the jar from the branches of a tree. For safety, use battery-operated candles for hanging.
Shabby chic Porch by Atlantic Archives, Inc.
Atlantic Archives, Inc.
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7. Use soda bottles as vases. A row of tall, slender soda bottles lined up in the middle of a table makes a pretty (and supereasy) centerpiece. Just plunk one bloom in each vase, and you’re done! Try gerbera daisies, cosmos or sunflowers.
by Soapstone Werks
Soapstone Werks
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8. Involve your guests. Have them help squeeze lemons for fresh lemonade, let them take a turn cranking an old-fashioned ice cream maker or send them into your garden with clippers to pick a bouquet for the table.
Rustic Patio by Bruce Clodfelter and Associates
Bruce Clodfelter and Associates
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9. Seat everyone at one big table. Who wouldn’t love coming into a backyard set up like this? Put two or three tables together if you have to — the dramatic effect will be worth the effort.
by Corynne Pless
Corynne Pless
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10. Use old crates as trays and servers. Vintage wooden soda crates make the perfect receptacle for toting glasses, vases, napkins and other essentials out to the garden. Or use one to dole out flatware, standing utensils upright in simple mason jars.
Traditional Patio by Cassie Daughtrey Realogics Sotheby's Realty
Cassie Daughtrey Realogics Sotheby’s Realty
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11. Boost ambience with lanterns and signs. Flank the entrance to your party area with a pair of big lanterns and lean a sign nearby — it can announce the menu or simply say, “Welcome!”
Traditional Porch by Cassie Daughtrey Realogics Sotheby's Realty
Cassie Daughtrey Realogics Sotheby’s Realty
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12. Greet visitors with a pretty porch for the Fourth. A great big galvanized tub of red geraniums and a waving flag make a cheerful entrance to this home. Keep the patriotic spirit going with Americana-style cushions on a classic porch swing.
Traditional by Beckwith Interiors
Beckwith Interiors
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13. Give guests a healthy option with fresh flavored waters. Fill a big drink dispenser with ice water, flavored with fresh ingredients for a healthy thirst quencher on hot days. Try lemon, lime or orange slices; fresh mint leaves; cucumber rounds; or berries.
Traditional Patio by Cassie Daughtrey Realogics Sotheby's Realty
Cassie Daughtrey Realogics Sotheby’s Realty
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14. Place your table in the shade. There’s nothing worse than trying to enjoy a lovely meal al fresco when the sun is beating down on you! Keep your guests comfortable by pulling the tables under the shade of a tree or awning, or invest in some umbrellas.
Beach Style Porch by Cottage Home, Inc.
Cottage Home, Inc.
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15. Make a plan to keep bugs at bay. If you have a water feature, make sure you regularly treat it or skim it to keep mosquitoes from breeding there. If the bugs are bad in your area, plan your event for a less buggy time of day or hold it on a screened-in porch, where your guests can enjoy a fresh breeze without getting bitten.
Eclectic Deck by Brunelleschi Construction
Brunelleschi Construction
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16. Create activity zones to keep large parties moving. Setting up several distinct areas can help a large gathering feel more manageable, as your guests will naturally be drawn into smaller groups. For instance, you could set up a dining table, a fire pit circle, a porch lounge and an outdoor bar.
Eclectic Kitchen by Buckets of Burlap
Buckets of Burlap
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17. Collect thrifty party supplies. Avoid last-minute stress by keeping an entertaining cupboard well stocked with mason jars, florist’s buckets, table linens, candles and serving containers. Many times you don’t even need to buy these things — save pretty old jars to use as glasses, washed-out tin cans to use as flower containers and even old bedsheets to use as outdoor tablecloths.
Traditional by Celia Bedilia
Celia Bedilia
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18. Go wild with your arrangements. Plucking flowers and foliage from your own backyard is cheaper than buying them, and it can be more fun, too! Push yourself to look at your garden anew and clip a little something unexpected to tuck into your bouquet. Dandelions look charming in mason jars, flowering chives are utterly romantic, and an artichoke would make a dramatic centerpiece in a mixed floral bouquet.

19. Hang flowers from a tree. Use a drill to punch two holes in a washed-out tin can and thread wire through the holes to make a hanger. Fill your cans with cut flowers and hang them from a tree around your outdoor dining table. Leave the cans plain or dress them up by tying on strips of pretty fabric.

Beach Style Patio by Thom Filicia Inc.
Thom Filicia Inc.
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20. Consider the arc of your evening. Moving your guests from place to place is a great way to keep the evening moving along — and keep folks talking. Start with appetizers and drinks on the porch, move into the backyard for dinner, gather around the fire pit for dessert, and carry mugs of coffee on a postdessert walk to the water or somewhere equally pretty.
Originally published on HOUZZ

7 Repairs That Add Value to Your Home

“Whether you are preparing to sell your home,  or just doing regular maintenance, these repairs will not only increase the value of your home, but help it retain it’s value over time.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – Dc Metro Realty Team

While purchasing a house may mostly be about having a place to call “home,” it can also be seen as a lifetime investment. Making a few repairs—and even some cost-effective renovations—can not only skyrocket your home’s value, but can make it a more enjoyable place to live. We tapped into our network of Pros to uncover seven of the most valuable repairs you can make for the long term, whether or not you plan to sell in the future.

1. Fix Up the Exterior

As the saying goes, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression, whether it’s with your new neighbor or a future buyer. Repairing any broken doors, damaged screens, or cracks in your front walk can really make a difference. You might want to consider having your siding pressure-washed, your trim repainted, or your landscaping spruced up.

(Credit: EpicStockMedia/Shutterstock)

(Credit: EpicStockMedia/Shutterstock)

2. Repair the Roof

Having a roof over your head is a moot point if that roof is in need of repair. A roofing contractor can make quick work of damaged or missing shingles, clogged gutters and detached flashing. While you’re at it, schedule a chimney cleaning—when’s the last time you had your flue inspected and swept? (Hint: You ought to have this done once a year.)

(Credit: Ruta Saulyte-Laurinaviciene/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Ruta Saulyte-Laurinaviciene/Shutterstock)

3. Address Plumbing Issues

If the roof doesn’t leak, neither should the plumbing. Hire a plumber to fix those slow drains, dripping faucets and poorly functioning water heater. Keep in mind that you may benefit most from installing a completely new water heater, especially if yours is 10 to 15 years old or more.

(Credit: Chalermchai Chamnanyon/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Chalermchai Chamnanyon/Shutterstock)

4. Improve Interior Walls

If you’re looking to sell your home, you want a potential buyer to be able to visualize living in your home. And while you might love your unique color scheme (we don’t judge), you may want to consider painting your walls a more neutral palette. Ask your painter to patch any holes and sand down the walls while they’re at it to get the best effect.

(Credit: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock)

5. Replace the Flooring

Do you have scratched or buckling hardwood floors, outdated vinyl tiles from the 1970s, or carpet so dirty you can’t remember the original color? One of the fastest and easiest ways to reinvigorate your home is to replace the flooring. With so many options today—stain-resistant carpet, wood-look vinyl flooring,  eco-friendly bamboo or cork—you’re sure to find a floor that you and future owners will love.

(Credit: photobank.ch/Shutterstock)

(Credit: photobank.ch/Shutterstock)

6. Renovate the Kitchen

You’ve probably heard it before: The kitchen sells the home. This adage is absolutely true, so if you’re looking for a larger renovation, start with the kitchen. New appliances, refaced cabinetry and stone countertops are a few of the most popular kitchen modifications that will help increase the value of your home.

(Credit: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock)

7. Update the Bathrooms

If your bathrooms look like they belong in the 1980s, it’s time for an update. You can go as low- or high-budget as you like, so talk to your contractor about where to spend your renovation budget to get the biggest impact. New fixtures and updated tile could be all it takes to bring your bathroom into the 21st century.

(Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock)

 

Pro.com is a website founded in 2013 by service industry entrepreneurs and former Amazon executives to simplify home services — especially research on contractor fees and qualifications.

8 Cheap & Easy Ways to Update Your Bathroom

“When we list a home, we usually do at least some of these.  Buyers are always impressed with updated, clean, fresh bathrooms.  However, DON’T do #7!  It looks great at first, but just doesn’t hold up.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – Dc Metro Realty Team

Of all the rooms in your home, the bathroom may be the most frequently visited. With all that use, it’s easy for your bathroom to become a victim of wear and tear, but keeping it up to date can be done quickly and affordably. Here are nine easy ways.

1. Paint Your Walls

A fresh coat of paint in a modern color can liven up any room, especially your bathroom, and is an easy DIY. You can make a bold statement with a vivid and rich color or keep with a crisp pastel or neutral color for a clean, bright feel.

(Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock)

2. Replace the Mirror

This may be the easiest fix for your bathroom. With an abundance of mirrors on the market, have fun choosing one that reflects not just you but your personality. Place multiple small mirrors together in a collage or use an oversize ornate one. The best part is that you can switch the mirror as often as you like.

(Credit: Ioana Davies (Drutu)/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Ioana Davies (Drutu)/Shutterstock)

3. Replace Your Grout

Grout grows dull so slowly that it can be hard to notice it change. But over time it dirties and loses its appeal. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, replacing your grout can give your counter, bath or shower a new lease on life without completely redoing the room.

(Credit: CSImagemakers/Shutterstock)

(Credit: CSImagemakers/Shutterstock)

4. Switch the Lights

If you look around your bathroom and think to yourself that it needs to be brighter, or that the light fixtures don’t quite fit in, you can change them out as quick as anything. Brass wall sconces are a fun and modern take on vanity lights, and a dainty chandelier will upgrade any bathroom lighting fixture.

[ Click to find the right contractor for your lighting project now.]

(Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock)

5. Install a Vanity

Stores like Home Depot have wonderful prefabricated vanities that you can install yourself. Not only do they add sophistication and completely change the look of a bathroom, but they also add storage.

(Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock)

6. Refinish Your Tub

Refinishing your bathtub is much easier and cheaper than replacing it altogether. You can buy all the tools separately or in a convenient kit if you want to do it yourself, but since this takes a little bit of skill to get an absolutely smooth finish, we’d recommend bringing in a professional.

[ Time to update your bathroom? Click to find the right contractor for the project now.]

(Credit: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock)

7. Replace the Toilet Seat

Skip the terry cloth or faux fur covers your great-aunt used to spruce up the porcelain throne. Instead, replace the seat all together. If you have a screwdriver, you can easily replace the lid and seat to make it look like new.

(Credit: Thanaphat Somwangsakul/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Thanaphat Somwangsakul/Shutterstock)

8. New Plumbing Fixtures

While this upgrade can fall into the more expensive range, an elegant, quality plumbing fixture will enliven your bathroom for years. Show off your personal style with brushed nickel, a farmhouse-style faucet or vintage-inspired fixtures that will last.

(Credit: Gyorgy Barna/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Gyorgy Barna/Shutterstock)

9. Add Texture to Walls

If your walls look flat and boring, consider adding paneling like wainscot or beadboard. You can apply it to all of your walls or just one as an accent point. Paneling a wall adds dimension to your bathroom.

(Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock)

 

Pro.com is a website founded in 2013 by service industry entrepreneurs and former Amazon executives to simplify home services — especially research on contractor fees and qualifications.

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

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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.

7 Ideas to Help You Use Your Outdoor Space

outdoor-living-ideas-string-lights

“When done right, you can expand your current living area.  You’ve probably got a backyard, or a deck, and you’re just not sure what to do with it.  Take a look and get some ideas that can work for you!”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

 

When your mom told you to turn off the TV and play outdoors already, she knew what she was talking about. Hanging outside is good for our mental and physical well-being.

As adults, having an outdoor retreat adds an economic component: Upwards of 80% of homebuyers said patios and front porches are “essential” or “desirable,” according to the “What Buyers Really Want” survey from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

So how come when we move into our dream home, we hardly ever use our decks, porches, and patios?

An anthropological UCLA study, described in the book “Life at Home in the Twenty-First Century,” blames our fascination with digital devices — tablets, computers, televisions, games — for keeping us cooped up. The UCLA research participants spent less than half an hour each week in their outdoor space. And these were Californians.

So this summer let’s make a pledge to pay more than lip service to outdoor living so we can be happier, create lasting memories, and generally take advantage of what home has to offer.

1.  Go Overboard on Comfy

Comfy outdoor seating on a home patio
Image: Liz Foreman for HouseLogic

When you step into your outdoor space, your first sensation should be ‘ahhhh’. If you’re not feeling it, then your space is likely lacking the comfy factor. Comfy is easy to achieve and can be as low cost as you want. Start simple with a cushion or two or even a throw. Some other simple strategies:

  • Make sure your outdoor seating is as cushy as your indoor furniture. Today’s outdoor cushions aren’t the plastic-y, sweat-inducing pillows of the past. Plus, they can handle a downpour and spring back once they dry.
  • Lay down outdoor rugs so you’re just as comfortable barefoot as you are inside.
  • Give yourself some privacy. Create natural screens with shrubs, bushes, or even bamboo reeds. Or install prefab screens from your local home improvement store.

2.  Create a Broadband Paradise

Our devices and electronics have conspired to keep us on lock down. Since we’re not about to chuck our digital toys, boot up your outdoor space so you can keep texting, posting to Instagram, and watching cat videos.

  • Wireless outdoor Wi-Fi antennas provide an extra boost so you can stay connected.
  • A solar USB charging station keeps your gizmos powered.
  • Wireless speakers make it easy to bring your music outdoors, and mask a noisy neighborhood.
  • An all-weather outdoor TV lets you stay outside for the big game.

3.  Blur the Line Between Indoors and Out

Creating a seamless transition between your home’s interior and exterior isn’t as simple or low cost as adding comfort, but it’s the most dramatic and effective way to enhance your enjoyment of the space. Plus, it can increase your home’s value.

  • The most straightforward, cost-effective solution: Replace a standard door opening with sliding or glass French doors.
  • Use the same weatherproof flooring, such as stone tile or scored concrete, outside as well as in the room leading to your backyard oasis.

4.  Light the Way

Solar pathway lights Image: Liz Foreman for HouseLogic

When the sun goes down, don’t be left groping for your wine glass. Outdoor lighting dresses up your home’s marketability and appeal (exterior lighting is buyers’ most wanted outdoor feature, according to the NAHB study), makes it safer, and lets you spend more time outside.

  • Use uplighting to highlight trees, architectural details, or other focal points.
  • Add sconces or pendant lights to make evening entertaining, grilling, and reading easier.
  • Illuminate walkways, rails, and steps with landscape solar lights.
  • Hang fairy or string lights to set an enchanting tone.

5.  Make Your Mark

Pavers in a home's yard Image: Liz Foreman for HouseLogic

Let your style dominate your backyard space.

  • Create a path made with colored glass, brick, or other interesting found materials.
  • Craft a one-of-kind outdoor chandelier.
  • Build a pizza oven, custom seating, or other feature you crave.
  • Add personal décor that makes you happy.

In fact, make your outdoor retreat an ongoing project where you can hone your DIY skills.

6.  Don’t Give Anyone an Excuse to Stay Inside

Outdoor space with kid-friendly playhouse and DIY chalkboardImage: Tasya Demers from My House and Home

Your outdoor space will magnetically draw family and friends if it has features they find appealing.

  • A fire pit is a proven winner. Food and fire have brought humans together since the dawn of time.
  • Give wee ones the gift of magical thinking with an outdoor playhouse.
  • Add whimsy with a chalkboard fence that both kids and fun-loving adults will enjoy.
  • Add a doggie window in your fence to entertain Spot. Installing a dog run may even boost your home’s value. FYI: It’s been said that pets are one of the top reasons why people buy houses.

Related: Outdoor Projects You Can Do with the Kids

7.  Rebuff the Elements

Canopy over a home deck
Image: LizMarieBlog.com

Hot sun, rain, wind gusts, and bugs are the archenemy of good times. Here are tips and strategies to help you throw shade on Mother Nature:

  • Install an awning, canopy, or pergola. It’ll make it easier to read your Kindle or iPad and keep you dry during a summer shower. Look for products with polycarbonate panels, which block UV rays, too.
  • Rig glass fence windscreens to the keep your BBQ fires burning.
  • Screen in your porch or deck against bugs. But screening will be for naught if you forget the slats between wood planks. Cover the floor with outdoor carpet or staple screening to the underside of floorboards.

By Deirdre Sullivan, Originally appearing on HouseLogic

9 Creative Ideas for a Small Front Yard

Small Front Yard

“So much of the time, ideas for lawns are really designed for larger yards.  Here are some special ideas for smaller yards!”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

 

(Credit: jessicakirch/Shutterstock)

Just like the first impression you make when you meet someone new, your front yard introduces you and your home to first-time visitors. You want the landscape to look appealing and express your style even if the area in front of your home is small.

Whether your house is located close to the street or it’s in a subdivision with a small rectangular plot in front, you have a myriad of ways to create the impact you desire.

1. Nix the Lawn

Instead of mowing a small parcel every week in the summer, substitute with lush, tall ornamental grasses alternating with perennial flowers and small trees just inside your fence line. Try feather reed grass, fountain grass, switchgrass, purple millet or fiber optic grass, all of which require little maintenance.

(Credit: JPL Designs/Shutterstock)

(Credit: JPL Designs/Shutterstock)

2. Install a Path

Create a walkway with sliced wood, pavers or stepping stones. Surround the short trail with brightly colored perennials and place a birdbath, chairs, small bench or other focal point at the end of the path. You can also design the same type of walkway, only let it lead to your front door.

(Credit: goldenjack/Shutterstock)

(Credit: goldenjack/Shutterstock)

3. Plant Vegetables

To have a bounty of food throughout the year, make the entire yard into a vegetable and herb garden. Or, use a combination of pots and hanging planters for your bounty and a fenced-off area surrounded by a white or other colored low picket fence.

(Credit: vilax/Shutterstock)

(Credit: vilax/Shutterstock)

4. Create a Desert ‘Scape

You can make a small patch of yard look bigger by including a few well-chosen attractive elements. Add cacti of varying heights amid light or dark gravel. When the cacti bloom you’ll want the colors to contrast with the gravel. Other low-growing succulents easily accessorize small front yards, and work especially well in arid regions.

(Credit: karamysh/Shutterstock)

(Credit: karamysh/Shutterstock)

5. Fill in With Ornaments

Instead of buying plants that require lots of attention and may be hard to grow, fill in the landscaping with garden ornaments. Yard art comes in every size and shape imaginable from gnomes to fake decorative rocks where you can hide an extra house key. Find what appeals to you and reveals your personality.

(Credit: apple2499/Shutterstock)

(Credit: apple2499/Shutterstock)

6. Fashion an Alcove

Showcase a small area of the yard with a pergola, water fountain, koi pond or bench where you can read in the shade. This gives a perception of depth and makes the location both charming and functional.

(Credit: Natalia Bratslavsky/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Natalia Bratslavsky/Shutterstock)

7. Landscape With Planters and Baskets

Add depth and an illusion of more space by choosing planters of different heights, and by also using platforms under the pots. Line a sidewalk or walkway with different types of containers like wrought iron, ceramic and baskets. Place some color-producing plants and some greenery in the pots for a no-hassle way to make your front yard your own.

(Credit: 1000 Words/Shutterstock)

(Credit: 1000 Words/Shutterstock)

8. Give Your Garden a Zen Spin

An Zen-inspired yard equates with minimalist and clean lines. With fewer plantings required, mid-sized evergreens work well in the back and dwarf varieties of trees in the front. Potted bonsai trees and landscaping rocks disbursed throughout the dwarfs increase the Zen look. Add mulch, which keeps down the unwanted weeds, saves water and decreases the need for upkeep.

(Credit: Delpixel/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Delpixel/Shutterstock)

9. Edge with Ornamental Fencing

Keep your design simple by erecting a low fence around a tiny yard. That way your home appears farther from the street than it really is. Then, plant colorful perennials and annuals that bloom at different times of the year so you almost always have bursts of color welcoming visitors to your home.

(Credit: romakoma/Shutterstock)

(Credit: romakoma/Shutterstock)

Originally by Pro.com

Pro.com is a website founded in 2013 by service industry entrepreneurs and former Amazon executives to simplify home services — especially research on contractor fees and qualifications.