“If you have a Home Office or any other work space in your home, clutter is usually a constant challenge. Check out these tips for putting things in their place.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
The home office is often prone to clutter, as tidiness tends to fall by the wayside when deadlines are looming and you’ve got a million and one things to do. But let’s face it: You can’t do your best work if your work space is a disaster. Save your sanity and make your home office a more organized, pleasant and productive space by adopting these strategies. From conquering piles of paper to clever cord-taming tricks, these hacks will help you whip your work space into shape in no time.
1. Make space for a multitasking message board. A message board will ramp up the efficiency and appeal of any home office. Not only does it act as a quick reference guide for important appointments, to-do lists and must-revisit ideas, but it alsoserves as a visual muse that boosts creativity and productivity.
For added practicality, choose a board you can write and display papers on, such as a whiteboard or magnetic chalkboard, like the one that lines this compact office nook.
2. Create order with drawer organizers. Are your desk drawers in total disarray? Divide and conquer the clutter by kitting them out with drawer organizers to keep small, loose items tidy and contained. If you can’t find an insert that fits your drawer perfectly, create a custom setup by lining the drawer with a selection of small containers, trays and bowls that slot in next to each other like a jigsaw puzzle.
3. Corral chaotic cables. Unruly wires that snake across and down your desk not only get in the way but create visual clutter too. Adding a cable management system to your home office will allow you to regain control over your cords.
This picture-perfect work zone features an integrated cable management and power system, which is hidden inside the white oak cabinets below the desk. The computercords run along the base of the desk into the cupboard, which also houses peripheral devices, keeping the desktop free of distracting, dust-collecting wires.
If you’re a renter and require a temporary solution that’s fuss-free and won’t leave any damage, try a stick-on cord organizer such as this one. Alternatively, use velcro strips to affix your cords to the underside of your desk or cable ties to wrangle excess lengths of wire together. Remember to label each plug so you know which cord belongs to which device.
4. Or go cord-free.
If you want to eliminate unsightly cables from your home office completely, invest in rechargeable Bluetooth- or WiFi-networked electronics. Working wirelessly will make your office look less cluttered and more streamlined, and cleaning will be a breeze — you won’t have to fight pesky cables when dusting or vacuuming.
5. Get color coding. A color-coded organization system is a smart (and visually punchy) way to bring a sense of harmony to your home office. After all, visual cues are easily read, which makes locating and retrieving items categorized by color quick and fuss-free.
A color-coded approach is especially effective for filing systems. Assign different hues to different file categories — this will ensure you can find specific documents with ease. For example, you might like to use green folders or labels for financial paperwork, red for medical documents, blue for household bills and other property-related papers, and yellow for personal items.
6. Establish zones for maximum efficiency. Take cues from this immaculate space and divide your office into task-related work zones. This activity-driven approach will maximize space and make the area easier and more efficient to use.
As you can see, this study features three distinct sections: the work zone (with the desk and computer), the reference zone (home to manuals, reference books, binders, filing cabinets, etc.), and the supply zone (where office supplies are kept).
This approach is just as effective in offices that are more modest in size. Case in point: this pocket-size work zone. Here, overhead cube shelving serves as the reference center (and a display nook for bright, funky decor), while the space below comfortably accommodates the work and supply zones.
7. Set up a paper-processing station. A small stack of paper can quickly spiral out of control. The trick to combating clutter is to adopt a paperwork action plan and follow it diligently to prevent mail and other items from piling up.
The simple yet effective setup seen here has the right idea and is easy to implement in any home. It consists of three baskets: one for papers that can be archived; another for correspondence, bills and forms that require immediate action; and a third for documents that can be thrown out.
Another solution is to reduce the amount of paper coming in. Signing up for online statements, bills and renewal notices will reduce paper waste and, because many companies now charge a fee for sending paper bills, might save you money.
8. Go vertical. If your home office is on the small side, think beyond bulky filing cabinets, cupboards and bookcases and transform your wall space into a storage hub. Think floating shelves, hanging filing systems or a panel of wall-mounted caddies, like the modular system seen here. Besides being space-savvy, wall organizers are practical and convenient because all your files and supplies are visible and easily accessed.
For wall storage that wows, choose an attention-grabbing organizer, shelving system or message board that’s as visually appealing as it is practical. This chic geometric pinboard arrangement gets two big thumbs up. It provides ample surface area to attach notes, bills and other important papers and also makes an arresting accent wall.
9. Schedule regular maintenance. So you’ve finally whipped your home office into shape — now it’s time to make sure it stays that way! The easiest way to ensure your study doesn’t slide back into chaos is to do daily or weekly maintenance. Allocating a few minutes at the end of each day (or a larger block of time once a week) for a quick tidying up and paper purge will help keep the clutter at bay for good.
Once your study is shipshape, don’t forget to dedicate some time to cleaning up files on your computer, tablet and smartphone. Emptying your trash, removing unused add-ons and apps, deleting temporary files, installing updates, and running a full antivirus and system utilities scan are a few of the things you can do to free up space on your devices. This will also improve their performance, allowing you to work more efficiently.
“Now that it’s starting to warm up outside again, take the time to tidy up inside, and check on the outside to see if there are any maintenance issues after a long cold Winter.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
March can be unpredictable when it comes to the weather, but no matter what Mother Nature is doing outside your window, it’s natural to crave a fresh start this time of year. The first official day of spring is March 20, so usher in the new season with a bit of spring cleaning, fresh flowers and — if you can get outdoors — a little dirt under your fingernails.
Plant a tree. Spring and fall are the best times to plant trees because wet weather and cooler temperatures make it easier for root systems to get established. Be sure to check with your local nursery to determine which species will do best in your microclimate and to get detailed planting instructions. If your area has a late date of last frost, you may need to wait until all threat of it has passed before planting.
Inspect your home’s exterior. Once winter storms have passed, carefully inspect the exterior of your home for damage. If you had an ice dam on your roof during the winter, now is the time to repair any damage it caused, and make changes to your roof to prevent ice dams in the future.
Simplify the table. Cupboards feeling overstuffed? Simplify your life by paring back on dishes and glassware, letting go of mismatched and chipped pieces and sets you no longer love or use often. Keep a basket of fresh cloth napkins within easy reach of the table to make it more convenient than grabbing paper napkins, and invest in a living centerpiece (potted succulents work well) that will stay fresh and green with little maintenance.
Spring-clean the kitchen. Give your kitchen a fresh start by cleaning some of the areas we often skip during quicker daily cleanup sessions: Clean small appliances; wipe grease and grime from the range hood, backsplash and light fixtures; clean grout; and vacuum hard-to-reach places (like under the stove) using an attachment.
Clean slipcovers and soft furnishings. Smaller slipcovers and washable rugs can be laundered at home; drop off larger pieces with professionals. When laundering items at home, be sure to check the instructions carefully and err on the side of caution. Most items like curtains and slipcovers can be put back while damp — for the best fit and to prevent wrinkles.
Get ready for tax time. Tax deadline isn’t until April 18, but getting your ducks in a row this month will make things a lot less stressful. Sort through paperwork, update your files and gather all important documents in one place so you’re ready to go.
Treat yourself to spring blooms. Spring flowers such as daffodils are plentiful and inexpensive this month, so keep an eye out for bargains. And if you have blooms popping up in the garden, why not snip a few to enjoy indoors?
Make a garden plan. There’s still time to get your garden growing! Sketch out a plan and jot down ideas for this year’s plantings, as well as any ideas you have for changes to the hardscape, like putting in a new path or fence. Start some seeds indoors, or pick up seedlings at your local nursery. Check botanical gardens for spring plant sales too, as these can be great places to find native plants that do especially well in your region.
Tidy the entryway. Put away any lingering mittens and wool hats and make room for those mucky spring boots. A clean boot tray lined in river stones will help water drain away from your footwear. Clear off the hooks (or hangers, if you have a coat closet) and be sure to put out an umbrella holder stocked for spring showers.
Clean up patio furniture. Outdoor furniture can get really grimy over the winter, so be sure to give everything a good scrubbing before you start using it for the season. Launder washable outdoor cushion covers, and replace worn-out pieces if needed.
Tune up lawn and garden tools. Sharp tools get the job done. Take your lawn mower and clippers in for a sharpening and tuneup before you begin work in your garden.
“Most of us have at least one small bedroom that you feel can’t hold much more than a bed, side table and maybe a small chest of drawers. So we end up scrimping on everything. Here are some ideas on what ‘else’ you could consider putting in your small room, that aren’t expected.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
While it’s fun to look at photos of spacious bedrooms complete with sitting areas, fireplaces, large armoires and more, the reality is that most people sleep in much tighter spaces. Personally, I love a small, cozy bedroom — it adds to the snuggled-up feeling. But often we also want a piece of luxury to go with that practicality in our modestly sized bedrooms, even if there is barely room for a bed.
1. A chandelier. So long as you meet code and place it so you won’t be bonking your head, an elegant light fixture can really make a small bedroom room feel special. Be sure to put it on a dimmer so that you can adjust the mood.
3. Twin beds. These beds are U.K. single beds, which are approximately 35 inches wide, as opposed to American twin beds, which are usually 39 inches wide. Those precious extra 8 inches leave a comfortable space between the two. Also worth noticing is the smart reading-light strategy — sconces mounted to the wall save space.
4. Room to stash plenty of bedside reading material. There is ample room for dozens of books and magazines in this narrow bedroom, thanks to clever built-ins tucked behind the headboard. Note the nightstand surfaces and cabinets built in as well.
5. Privacy. Sometimes a bedroom is so shallow that a bed barely fits between the walls, and there is no clearance for a door to swing. A pocket door allows plenty of room to close the space off, even though the end of the bed is very close to the opening.
7. A large statement piece of art. With the walls taken up by handy shelves, a window and an upholstered headboard, you would think there wouldn’t be room for a big piece of art. But designer Jen Chu cleverly adorned this vinyl roller shade with a message stuck on with cut contact paper letters. (By the way, this quote is from Apocalypse Now.)
9. A TV. If you love to catch up on your DVR right before bedtime, there are clever ways to tuck in a screen. This TV screen can be tucked right up into the ceiling when not in use.
11. The Lincoln Memorial. OK, not literally the Lincoln Memorial; let’s make that “a mural.” You shouldn’t give up on a large design element just because a space is tight. In fact, a small room is one of the best places to make a big statement. The wallpaper behind this bed is an image of the large stately columns of the Lincoln Memorial.
“Books, Nick Nacks & Tchotchkes all need a way to be displayed. Stylish and interesting bookcases can do that.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Bookworms, rejoice. The options for lining your walls with books are nearly limitless. Whether you are a stacker, sorter or color-coordinator, we’ve got you covered. Learn how to leave your mark and create your very best “shelfie.”
1. Pair it with paint. Try painting the back of your bookcase to provide a hit of color. Add a letter for your initial, vases or your favorite knickknacks to give it a personal touch.
2. Maximize space. Fit a bookcase wherever you can. If the wall is slender, as pictured here, you’ll gain some shelf space without giving up too much square footage. This is one of the best ways to take advantage of overlooked or hard-to-decorate spaces.
3. Go all the way up. If you want to add dramatic floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, make your dreams a reality. Add a library ladder to reach the highest levels while creating a classically cool look.
4. Mix your media. Built-in bookshelves are a great way to frame a flat-screen television. It says: “Sure, I watch TV, but I also like to read too.” They’re also a great way to add functionality to an often wasted space.
5. Integrate a desk. A desk and your books in one place make for a great pairing. By leaving a flat surface in your built-in bookcase to set up a computer and space below to slide in a chair, you can deftly create a home office.
6. Add a reading nook. A window seat between two bookcases makes for an easy reading setup. For extra storage, choose a window seat that can be opened as if it were a large trunk.
7. Add a splash of color. If you prefer white walls and furniture, you can still add some color to your room by filling a bookshelf with colorful books. Switch out the books for more or less color depending on your mood.
8. Highlight the hallway. If you have a wider hall, lining it with bookshelves frees up walls in other rooms. Try filling all the shelves with only books to reinforce your bookworm status.
9. Remember that sometimes smaller is better. If you don’t have the money or space for a large built-in bookcase, a small, low shelving unit can do the trick. Style it with your favorite vintage treasures. Stack books both vertically and horizontally for an effortless sense of style.
10. Be open to the possibilities. If you want a less traditional look for your bookshelves, consider a series of open shelves. They provide just as much space for storing books, but feel lighter and tend to work well in modern homes.
11. Get the best of both worlds.Why choose between a bookshelf or art on a wall, when you can have both? Leave an opening on the wall and display art in it to add dimension and visual interest.
“Usually, built-ins are painted white or stained natural. However, here are some really interesting uses of color to really bring attention to your built-in.”
Denise Buck & Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Adding color is one of the fastest and easiest ways to stamp our personality on a room. We usually do this through the choice of wall color, followed by color on furniture, drapes, rugs and finally accessories. Seen far less often is color on built-ins and cabinetry, a more daring surface for a hue besides white since these are among the more expensive elements to install in a home. As a result, we tend to play it safe here. But the following examples convincingly suggest that white isn’t the only option to consider.
The decision to add color, and in particular a bold shade, strikes fear in many. But the payoff can be a space brimming with personality that’s unique to you and your home. The key is to apply color selectively. Rather than painting everything in sight, strategically cover a contained area, such as this built-in hutch painted a brilliant blue. Most of the cabinetry remains white, allowing the hutch to become a balanced focal point. Adding accessories and art in a similar blue is a smart move that helps integrate the hutch into the design.
But don’t worry, the color doesn’t have to be quite that bold to have a big impact, as illustrated by the muted blue-gray built-ins flanking the fireplace in this living room. An upholstered ottoman and accessories continuing the color theme complete the design.
In a strikingly similar living room, nearly identical dusty-blue built-ins add significant character, with the blue tones repeated on the fireplace surround and pillows for an elegant look.
Painting built-ins with a distinct color seems somehow less daring when they’re surrounded by white millwork. And when the cabinetry to be painted comes as a pair, this classic symmetry gives license to introduce color without visually upsetting the cart.
In other instances, it pays to just go all out. The purple covering an entry built-in is happily vibrant mixed with green walls and white trim.
Bright orange is taking bold color to the extreme, but it’s absolutely wonderful here. Lucy Penfield ofLucy Interior Design shares the specifics. “This was a fabulous old pine cupboard original to the house. We repurposed it with a splash of coral enamel and relocated it from the kitchen to the lower level to use as a bar.”
If bringing bold color into the living areas continues to put fear in your heart, how about trying it out on built-ins in a child’s bedroom or bonus room? The use of color is generally more expected in these spaces, which are also typically self-contained rooms not visible from the main areas of the home.
Bookshelves are a wonderful item to consider painting since they provide the option to break up the expanse of color not only with books and decorative items on the shelves, but also with artwork. The gorgeous blue here is Pratt & Lambert’s New Moon in a satin finish.
To ensure that built-ins boasting color visually make sense with the adjacent areas, one tactic is to extend the color from one space to another. In this example, the navy blue on a pair of corner hutches in a dining nook shows up on lower cabinets in the adjoining kitchen.
In another example of extending color from one room to another, the gray-blue on these built-ins repeats in the entry on the front door and sidelights.
The color looks a shade darker here, and it certainly could be, or it may simply be due to lighting differences. Carrying accents of color from one room to another is an effective way to bring visual harmony throughout a home.
OK, so you love the idea of painting built-ins with a rich color but are thinking, “Why stop there?” Good for you! Yet another approach is to continue the color from the cabinetry on the surrounding walls.
Here, a deep shade of eggplant covers the bookcases and walls — particularly effective since both the cabinetry and wall sheen are the same. The color’s volume is balanced by ample white trim, white window coverings and furniture, and the bright light filling the room.
And if one color is good, add a second complementary hue in an adjoining room. In this home, a light turquoise, Benjamin Moore’s Spectra Blue, covers the shelves and walls in the living room, while the library next door benefits from the same treatment in a different color.
Is all this color a bit too much, but you’re intrigued nevertheless? As an alternative, start with a small surface to cover. A good spot to test your color tolerance could be the back wall of open cabinetry, or perhaps the back of cabinetry and built-in hutches featuring glass doors where a peek of the color will show through. Just pick up a small can of your favorite paint color and give it a try.
“Want a special place in the house you can call your own? Check these out to see what might work for you.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Having a room of one’s own is an appealing idea — a space just for you, where you can read, journal, craft, do yoga or simply relax, away from the bustle of a busy house. But even if you don’t have an entire room to spare, carving out a special corner designed for you and you alone is something doable. Rev up your inspiration with these 10 creative corners, from reading nooks to hammock hangouts.
1. Tea garden. Carry your tea and a treat outdoors to enjoy in the fresh air for a delightful change of pace. Essentials for a tea garden include a place to sit and set down your tea, and lush plants (in pots or planters is fine). With a tea garden, small can be considered a virtue — look for a private corner of the garden, or revamp a small side yard or patio. Add a wall fountain or wind chimes for ambiance and a few plump cushions for comfort. If you’re concerned about keeping your cushions clean and dry, store a few indoors (a storage bench makes an ideal spot) and take them with you when you venture out.
2. Reading nook. Set up a cozy corner for diving into that new book by arranging a comfortable armchair and footstool, a reading lamp and a table for setting down your drink and book. Next to a window where you can read by natural light during the day is ideal. A bookcase nearby for choosing your next read and a soft throw to wrap up in on chilly days will complete the scene.
3. Napping porch. A sun porch makes a wonderful spot for a catnap. Position a daybed for maximum sunlight and plump it up with a feather mattress and plenty of cushions. Adding green plants all around will help clean the air and add to the relaxing vibe, while a rattan stool can keep a stack of magazines or a mug within easy reach if you’re not feeling sleepy.
4. Hammock hangout. Relax in your own private backyard retreat with a fringed hammock and quiet seating area. Weathered finds in wood and wrought iron will lend an earthy feel to the space. If your outdoor space is a patio, you can still bring in greenery in the form of potted dwarf trees and mossy ground cover planted between stones.
5. Meditation corner. If you want to start carving out more time for meditation, one good way to begin is by earmarking a corner in your home as a meditation zone. Clear away clutter (and dust) and place a few floor cushions within reach. If you like, add a statue, candle, bell or a stack of inspiring books.
6. Creative work zone. Whether you’re a writer, crafter or artist, having a dedicated space to pursue your art is essential. A simple desk by a window with a bit of shelving nearby, along with good light, is all you really need. Keep the tools of your trade on display — it’s convenient as well as inspiring.
7. Guest bed getaway. If you have a guest room, it can feel like a waste of precious space between visits. Instead of letting it go unused, why not think of it as your own mini getaway? Put fresh sheets and extra pillows on the bed, hang a vintage painting and add a comfy chair. Treat yourself to a nap or an afternoon of reading and journal writing from your private lair.
8. Yoga shed. Sure, you can roll out a yoga mat just about anywhere, but having a special spot dedicated to your practice can actually make it more likely that you’ll use that mat. Here, a tiny backyard shed was transformed into a yoga studio for one, but you could create the same feeling in a corner of a master bedroom. A rug defines the area and provides extra cushioning beneath your mat. Store blocks and other props nearby and add a few inspiring details like potted plants and candles.
9. Window seat. Positioned to take in the view, a window seat makes the perfect perch for reading, napping or simply daydreaming. Put your feet up and let your mind wander — and store a blanket nearby in case you start to drift off.
10. Thinking chair. A swinging or rocking chair placed in a peaceful corner of the home is a wonderful spot to sit and think through things that have been on your mind. If something has been worrying you, purposely sit down in your “thinking chair” to consider the problem, and consciously let it go when you get up.
“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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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).
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
“Need to put some order into the chaos of everyday life? Take some time and plan when you are going to take care of the things you know you need to do.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
When life gets hectic, sometimes it seems easier to let housekeeping chores slide. Unfortunately, little birds do not come in to take care of the piled-up laundry or vacuum the floors, and the buildup of postponed housework only ends up stressing us out more. This is where a simple, efficient weekly routine that fits your lifestyle and schedule can help. Consider this day-by-day plan to get the essentials done, so you can get on with your life.
Think about your lifestyle, commitments and schedule when planning your weekly routine. Make sure it fits your life— not the other way around! This plan runs from Sunday through Friday, with no chores at all on Saturday (although if you garden, that might be when you work in yard chores). If you prefer to keep your weekends entirely free, you could add a chore to one of the weekdays. Likewise, if you would rather do more on the weekends because you’re exhausted during the week, move more chores to the weekend days.
It doesn’t matter if the chores get done perfectly, or if you sometimes skip a day here and there. The important thing is to have a routine that becomes so second nature that you don’t have to think about it much anymore, you just do it.
Do laundry, change bedding. There’s something comforting about starting the week with fresh laundry and clean sheets on the bed. There will be another laundry day worked into the weekly plan (on Tuesday) so you don’t have to do it all today. It’s better to do two loads (one of sheets and one of clothes) and get everything folded and put away than to do four loads and leave it all in a heap. And when you change the bedding on the same day as laundry day, you can skip folding the sheets, which go right back onto the bed.
Mood boost: To shift chore time into something positive, try listening to music, an audiobook or a favorite podcast while folding laundry, making the beds or working on any of your weekly chores.
Shop, prep weeknight meals, clean the kitchen. We all know that Mondays can be a drag. I find it helps to just roll with it: If you can get a few bigger tasks done today, you’ll go to bed feeling productive and energized for the week ahead. If you can find time to go to the grocery store on Monday, it tends to be less crowded than Sunday evening — and if your schedule has some flexibility, shopping in the morning before work or midafternoon is easier than during the dinner rush.
When you bring the groceries home, take a moment to clean out the fridge before putting away the food. Then prep some food for weekday meals — this could be as simple as washing and chopping fresh veggies ormaking a pot of grains, or as involved as making a big-batch dinner and freezing some for later in the week.
After the shopping and cooking (i.e., mess-making) is done is a good time to clean the kitchen: Clean small appliances, wipe counters and mop the floor.
Clean bathrooms, finish the laundry, change towels. Cleaning the bathroom is no one’s favorite chore, so I say get it done as quickly as possible. Set a timer if that helps (can you do it in 15 minutes? 10?) and have all of your cleaning tools and products stored under the sink so you don’t have to hunt them down. Clean the tub, sink, mirrors and toilet, and give the floor a quick mop. Remove old towels and put out fresh, fluffy ones.
If you have a lot of laundry to do in your house every week, you’ll probably have a few loads to do by now even if you did a few on Sunday. Try tossing a load of delicate items into the washer before work, and lay them flat on a drying rack before you leave. Toss another load in as soon as you get home in the evening, and another after dinner.
Mood boost: This evening, savor the fruits of your labor by indulging in a soak in the freshly cleaned tub with your favorite bath products.
Handle paperwork, pay bills, declutter. The only thing more annoying than paperwork is agiant pile of paperwork. By having a set day and time to regularly go through your mail, bills and other papers, you can keep things from getting out of hand. Walk around the house and collect all the paper — mail, catalogs, bills, school handouts — and sit down with the pile within reach of your filing cabinet with a recycling bin and your calendar (or phone) at your side. I find a strong cup of tea and classical music helps with the sorting.
Recycle junk mail and envelopes.
Enter events and appointments into your calendar, then toss the paper.
Pay bills; put bills to be paid later in a folder.
While you’re in a sorting and editing mindset, turn your attention to the rest of your home: Can you find a few items to put in a bag to take to Goodwill? Decluttering a little bit every week is an excellent habit to cultivate for long-term clutter-free living.
Check your closet for worn-out items and pieces you’re not loving.
Scan bookshelves for books you didn’t enjoy.
Check kids’ rooms and surfaces for random junk (freebies, impulse purchases) you don’t really need or want.
Toss out pens that have run out of ink.
Pack up the still-good items in a bag or box and put it in your car to take to a donation center.
Straighten the living room, freshen cut flowers, water plants. By Thursday, the weekend is around the corner, so whether you’re hosting a gathering at your home or just planning to hang out and watch a movie, this is a great day to get the living room presentable. Put away items that belong in other spaces, recycle old newspapers and magazines and clean the coffee table.
Having a regular day of the week to water and check on houseplants can help keep them healthy and happy. Be sure to look up the care instructions for your plants, as they might need to be watered more or less often. You can also snip off dead leaves and dust the leaves of large-leaf specimens like rubber plants and philodendron.
If you bought a bouquet at the market on Monday, giving the stems a trim and replacing the water can help them last an extra day or two.
Mood boost: After you’re done tidying the living room, get yourself something good to drink and sit down with a book or magazine you’ve been wanting to read.
Clean the floors, unplug and relax. There’s something about clean floors that makes your entire house feel fresher. Vacuum or sweep and mop floors (if you mopped the kitchen and bathroom earlier in the week, skip them) to start the weekend on a bright note.
Mood boost: No matter what your plans are for the weekend, consider kicking things off with a bit of unplugged downtime to rest and recharge. Put down the laptop and phone and open a book, practice a craft or just sit on the porch for a few minutes. And if you practice yoga or meditation, savor your freshly cleaned floors by doing a little home yoga practice or sitting meditation!
“Trying to set up an effective Home Office can be tough. Location, Lighting, Supplies, Organization, all go into the planning process.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Who’s the best boss ever? You are, of course.
If you plan to begin your own business soon or have already experienced the joys of self-employment, you need a dedicated place to work. You look and feel more professional and you’ll be more productive in your own space. It’s also a great way to separate work and home life.
(Credit: gpointstudio/Shutterstock)
We’ve broken down the steps you need to take to create the most efficient and comfortable workspace.
1. Decide on a Location
Converting an extra bedroom into an office makes the most sense, but never locate your business in the room you sleep in. Experts say that’s a sure way to encourage insomnia. If all the rooms are in use, try a large closet or as a last resort, a quiet corner of the dining room, kitchen or recreation room. Look for a place with some degree of privacy, a good source of natural light and a low noise level.
(Credit: Qiwen/Shutterstock)
2. Make a List of Work Tasks
This itemization helps you determine the furniture you need – a desk and chair for sure – but will clients meet here, as well, and need their own sitting space? If you generate paperwork, you’ll require files and file cabinets. Do you need storage space for the products you sell?
(Credit: pics721/Shutterstock)
3. Organize the Space
Place your furniture and equipment by frequency of use. Computers and printers used everyday should be close together and within easy reach. Also, have a designated space for papers or bills that need processing immediately. Put office supplies like pens, pencils and paperclips in small containers or on trays on top of your desk.
(Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock)
4. Remember Your Health
An ergonomic chair makes sitting a little less fatiguing. Place your computer so the top of the screen is at eye level and your feet rest flat on the floor. Add a foot pad if you’re short.
(Credit: Patryk Kosmider/Shutterstock)
5. Lights and More Lights
If you can, move your desk close to a window to absorb more of that natural light. You still need lamps because the overhead light won’t shed enough brightness on your work area. Add table lamps and floor lamps until you have what you works best. When the sky turns gray for most of the day like it does in the Pacific Northwest, you might invest in alamp especially designed for Seasonal Affective Disorder.
(Credit: MR. INTERIOR/Shutterstock)
6. Add a Planning Zone
Enhance the room with a recliner, comfortable chair and ottoman or even a sofa if you have the square footage. Getting away from your desk spurs your creativity, solves problems and lets you power nap.
(Credit: MR. INTERIOR/Shutterstock)
7. Personalize Your Space
Hang family photos, favorite works of art or certificates of accomplishment. Bring in house plants. They improve your health by purifying the air and helping you breathe better. Burn a scented candle made of essential oils to help you handle certain tasks. Lemon advances clear thinking, lavender calms and peppermint boosts energy.
(Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock)
8. Stock Up on Supplies
Nothing makes you lose your train of thought or focus like having to run to the office supply store for something. Keep a backup supply of what you use regularly like copy paper, envelopes, pens, staples, stamps and ink cartridges.
(Credit: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock)
9. Change the Paint
To refresh your home office, change the colors of the walls. Choose green for a balanced and restful room, orange for an energetic feel or purple if you need to frequently call on your creativity.
