Tag Archives: Painting

Bring a Beach Vacation into your Home

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

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

Beach Style Bedroom by Wickenden Hutley
Wickenden Hutley

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eclectic Kitchen by Shannon Ggem ASID
Shannon Ggem ASID

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

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

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

Kitchen Designs that Work for Everyone

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

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

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

Storage

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

 

Work spaces

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

 

Sinks and faucets

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

 

Lights and outlets

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

 

Flooring

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

 

Doorways

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

Appliances

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

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

Cookware and utensils

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

Other ways to update

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

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

Kitchen Remodeling Guide

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

Published on Yahoo! Homes

8 Great Hardware Items under $10

shopping at Lowes

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

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

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

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

image

Credit: The Home Depot

Homer’s All-Purpose Bucket and Accessories

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

image

Credit: Lowe’s

Allen + Roth Lantern

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

Contractor’s Paper

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

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Credit: Lowe’s

Empty Paint Cans

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

Folding Utility Knife

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

Loctite Power Grab Adhesive

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

image

Credit: Home Depot

Husky 14-in-1 Tool

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

Likwid Concepts Paintbrush and Paint Roller Covers

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

Originally Published on Yahoo Makers, by Jessica Harlan

9 Home Repairs You Don’t Put Off

“We all have those projects that we say to ourselves ‘We’ll take care of that later’.  Here are a few that you just don’t do that with.  Take a quick glance and make sure you haven’t put any of these off.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

All homeowners have a lengthy list of improvements they’d like to take care of when they have the extra money or time off from work. That’s when they’ll start taking care of them, but there’s no real hurry.

On the other hand, some household repairs can’t be postponed because they put your family in danger or may do irreparable damage to your home. Other problems get worse the longer you wait to fix them.

(Credit: Jirsak/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Jirsak/Shutterstock)

Here are repairs that should not be ignored:

1. Leaky Roof

When water continuously seeps into your home, you risk structural damage, mold, a fire if the water connects with electrical wiring or destruction of your personal property from water damage. To save money, take care of any roof leak as soon as you discover it. You may not need to replace the entire roof, but the longer you wait the more expensive the solution becomes. To fix the roof yourself, you need to trace the leak to its source which can be tricky,  and then you need to have the carpentry skills to replace shingles on a sloped surface. If you roof is in need of major repair, it could cost you on average $7,000 to hire a professional.

(Credit: stocksolutions/Shutterstock)

(Credit: stocksolutions/Shutterstock)

2. Overloaded Electrical System

Outlets or switches that feel warm, fuses that blow out frequently or flickering lights all point to too much power running through outdated electrical wiring. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an estimated 47,700 home fires involved some type of electrical failure or malfunction in 2011 (latest figures available). A professional should diagnose and repair a faulty electrical system. You’ll need to schedule an in-person estimate for a reliable cost range for repairs.

(Credit: Africa Studio/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Africa Studio/Shutterstock)

3. Pest Infestations

Ants, termites, roaches and rodents don’t travel alone. If you see one, you can bet many others lurk just out of sight. They can eat through wood quickly until it’s unstable and structurally dangerous. Besides chewing on wood, rodents also gnaw on roofs creating leaks and chomp down on wiring, which can easily cause a fire. If you’re able to locate the pest’s entry point into your home, plug up the hole. If you have a large pest problem on your hands, you’ll need to schedule an in-person estimate for extermination costs.

(Credit: Pan Xunbin/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Pan Xunbin/Shutterstock)

4. Plumbing Leaks

All leaks, no matter what the size, need to be addressed as soon as they’re detected. They may manifest themselves as a discolored place on your wall or ceiling that grows into a leaking bulge. Besides saving your home from permanent damage, the sooner you take care of leaky faucets, cracked pipes and running toilets, the more you’ll save on your water bills. To hire a professional plumber to repair the leak, it will cost on average $300.

[ Need to make some upgrades to your home? Click to compare mortgage interest rates from multiple lenders now.]

(Credit: LoloStock/Shutterstock)

(Credit: LoloStock/Shutterstock)

5. Natural Gas Leak

Although natural gas is entirely odorless, your utility company adds mercaptan to it, which smells like rotten eggs. That helps you detect a natural gas leak, which may come from a distinguished pilot light or a broken gas main. To avoid an explosion, this needs to be repaired right away. Because of the danger involved, call 911 and they will send a gas company technician to your home. Repairs to a leak in a natural gas pipe will cost on average $450.

(Credit: olmarmar/Shutterstock)

(Credit: olmarmar/Shutterstock)

6. Foundation Cracks

As a home ages, the foundation may develop small cracks, but if you have one big enough to put a pencil into, that needs to be taken care of immediately. Just like your feet support your body, the foundation supports your house. Foundation damage can be life-threatening if stability is an issue. Water and pests can both gain entry into your home through foundation cracks. You need to consult in-person with a contractor or engineer to see if the crack can be repaired or what you need to do.

(Credit: zimmytws/Shutterstock)

(Credit: zimmytws/Shutterstock)

7. Faulty Septic Systems

If your home isn’t part of a sewer system, you have a septic tank. That’s where human waste goes into an underground container. Every two or three years the solids need to be removed from the tank by a professional. Signs that you should take action include a bad smell near the tank or a soggy area near where the tank is buried. When septic tanks get clogged or too full, that creates huge problems. You may have to start over and relocate the septic tank, which can be a very expensive. To get an accurate cost estimate, you’ll need to schedule an in-person visit with a professional.

(Credit: Jo Ann Snover/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Jo Ann Snover/Shutterstock)

8. Clean Your Chimney

Creosote builds up, birds make nests and other debris gets into your chimney. If it’s not cleaned once a year, you risk carbon monoxide poisoning or a fire. You save thousands of dollars by hiring a chimney sweep and preventing your family from becoming sick and eliminating any chance of fire. To hire a professional chimney sweeper, it will cost on average $230.

(Credit: Christine Langer-Pueschel/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Christine Langer-Pueschel/Shutterstock)

9. Plugged or Broken Gutters

Water pooling around the house may mean the gutters need cleaning or it can mean the gutter is broken or not tightly connected to the downspout. If this repair is postponed, water can get into your basement and cause rot and mold, which can be very expensive to repair. Water can also seep under your siding and cause rot. To hire a professional to repair any cracks in your gutters, it will cost on average $170.

(Credit: Roman Tsubin/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Roman Tsubin/Shutterstock)

 

Wine Storage for the Rest of Us

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Making the Most of Your Hallway

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8 Beautiful Ideas for Floating Shelves

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10 Ways to Avoid Home Improvement Scams

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

Ed Johnson & Denise Buck – DC Metro Realty Team

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

(Credit: thieury/Shutterstock)

(Credit: thieury/Shutterstock)

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

Warning Signs

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

1. They Offer Left-Over Product

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

(Credit: Le Do/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Le Do/Shutterstock)

2. They Need a Substantial Down Payment

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

(Credit: Kotomiti Okuma/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Kotomiti Okuma/Shutterstock)

3. They Do Shoddy Work and Use Inferior Materials

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

(Credit: SJ Travel Photo and Video/Shutterstock)

(Credit: SJ Travel Photo and Video/Shutterstock)

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

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

(Credit: Andy Dean Photography/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Andy Dean Photography/Shutterstock)

5. They Propose a Special Deal for Today Only

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

(Credit: Paul Vasarhelyi/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Paul Vasarhelyi/Shutterstock)

Avoid Being a Victim

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

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

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

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

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

5. Obtain multiple estimates on any home repair needed.

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

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

8. Ask to see identification.

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

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

By Pro.com

10 Tips to Help Your Bathroom Sell Your House

“Bathrooms are second only to Kitchens in catching a Buyers eye, but for some buyers, it’s #1. Last week, for example, we had people showing up for an Open House, just because the Bathrooms looked so nice online.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Buyers love the allure of a fresh, beautiful bathroom that reminds them of luxury hotels or soothing spas they have enjoyed. And, most important, buyers want to envision themselves enjoying this luxury every day in their new home.

However, the reality is that most of us do not have the perfect bathroom. And we know that, in most instances, it is not a wise investment to do a full, costly renovation just for a home sale. It simply doesn’t translate into profit.

A better strategy is to maximize what you already have, on a budget. You want to transform your real-life, everyday bathroom into a five-star hotel experience that prospective buyers will love, without overcapitalizing. Here are simple ways to create havens with a wow factor.

Contemporary Bathroom by Arent&Pyke
Arent&Pyke
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1. Clear off the counters to create a blank canvas. Remove all of your everyday toiletries and bathroom supplies. This includes soaps, toothbrushes, cotton balls — everything. (And don’t forget the products in the shower.) Buyers do not want to see your personal hygiene products. In fact, this can make them feel as though they are intruding on your personal space, which can be distracting and a little awkward.
Contemporary Bathroom by Anne Webster Designs Pty Ltd
Anne Webster Designs Pty Ltd
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2. Get rid of cleaning products. Remove all items that imply housework and maintenance, such as toilet brushes, wastepaper baskets, sponges, cleaning products, bath mats — even spare toilet rolls. These are a necessary part of everyday living, but they do not create a beautiful spa-like experience for your buyers.

Tip: Remove the bathroom scale, too. Remember, your buyers want a luxurious bathroom experience, not a reminder of those extra pounds they are trying to lose.

Eclectic Bathroom by Etica Studio
Etica Studio
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3. Maximize your storage. Storage space sells. Your buyers will be looking inside your bathroom cupboards to see how much space they offer. Make sure they are only half to two-thirds full and well organized. Store the little things you use every day (hair elastics, lip gloss) in a pretty box or basket with a lid to avoid a tidal wave of trinkets on the shelves.

Tip: If you’re running out of space to store your toiletries, keep the overflow in simple wicker baskets. When buyers are coming to inspect your home, just grab the baskets and stash them somewhere else.

Midcentury Bathroom by One Small Room - OSR Interiors & Building Design
One Small Room – OSR Interiors & Building Design
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4. Make minor upgrades. Rather than spending many thousands completely renovating your bathroom, it’s much smarter to spend your money only where it will show and to make small, inexpensive upgrades that will create a large impact. As a general rule, improvements that can’t easily be seen don’t translate into a higher sale price.

The best bang-for-your-buck bathroom upgrades are: repainting the walls, replacing leaking and worn taps, updating the cabinet hardware, installing new light fittings and updating towel bars.

Note: In some bathrooms it’s also worth considering changing the tiles (large white tiles always make a bathroom feel more spacious and contemporary), replacing shower screens and investing in new cabinetry and countertops. This is often warranted in a higher-priced property, where buyers are looking for (and expecting) a higher level of bathroom luxury.

Modern Bathroom by Alexander and Co
Alexander and Co
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5. Clean thoroughly. Clean everything to within an inch of its life. No, it’s certainly not exciting, but it’s super important. Buyers will pay a premium for new, so your aim is to create a new feel. Everything must be immaculate, as this creates the impression that your home has been well maintained and well loved.
Contemporary Bathroom by Mink Home Staging
Mink Home Staging
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6. Hang luxurious towels. Any bathroom can be instantly transformed by adding beautiful, soft towels. New is best (once towels have been washed, they never look quite the same). So it’s a great idea to keep your new towels just for display only. Pack them away between buyer inspections and reinstate them just before the prospective buyers arrive.

Tip: If there is a lot of extra counter space, you can also place a neatly folded pile of two or three matching towels on the vanity or side of the bath for extra luxury.

Contemporary Bathroom by Capital Building
Capital Building
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Thick, white, luxurious towels always work well, and there are some beautiful textured options. Funky, brightly colored towels are popular at the moment too; for a more dramatic effect, you could consider adding a splash of bold color.
Scandinavian Bathroom by Touch Interiors
Touch Interiors
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7. Stick with neutrals. If you are going to repaint your walls, upgrade your tiles or invest in new cabinetry, it’s always a good idea to keep to a neutral palette for these larger elements, as it will appeal to more buyers. If you want to add some fresh color, use towels and accessories.
Contemporary Powder Room by D'Cruz Design Group Sydney Interior Designers
D’Cruz Design Group Sydney Interior Designers
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8. Beautify with accessories. Now that you have cleared away your personal bathroom products, bring in a few well-chosen accessories to add a layer of warmth, elegance and luxury. Think about creating a spa-like experience with accessories in tranquil, soft colors. Include fragrant soaps, bath oils, natural loofahs and candles.

It’s important to display these products as groupings rather than scattering them around the room; scattered products can look like clutter. Less is better. Think simplicity. You may want to consider using a wooden tray as a base and group items together in odd numbers. Vary the height of candles and jars, too.

Contemporary Bathroom by bg architecture
bg architecture
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9. Use flowers for impact. Fresh flowers and plants make any space come alive, and the bathroom is no exception. They make a dramatic impact, adding instant color and texture. Orchids are always a favorite in bathrooms; however, here’s no need to always buy huge bouquets. In a smaller room, a single stem of your favorite bloom, a small planter or even a branch with beautiful leaves placed in a jar will look understated and elegant.
Contemporary Bathroom by AKL Designer Kitchens
AKL Designer Kitchens
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10. Add a stool or an ottoman. To create the ultimate private-hotel-suite look for your buyers, add a beautiful decor piece that is functional as well. Put a stool beside the bathtub and add neatly folded face and hand towels, soap, a candle, potted plants or even a good book. You could also use other beautiful occasional pieces of furniture, such as a marble side table, a long ottoman stacked with fresh towels or a bamboo ladder, to add extra style and take your room to another level.
By Deb Lindner, HOUZZ Contributer

9 Questions to Ask When Planning a Pantry

“It seems we are always looking for more storage these days.  Here are some great ideas that can help in just about any pantry design that you may have.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – Dc Metro Realty Team
Some pantry design dilemmas don’t seem obvious at the time of planning but become apparent later. Doors that open inward onto shelving, badly arranged racks and compartments, small cubbies with no room for appliances, a lack of hooks for towels and aprons, and poorly positioned lighting are all mistakes that can be circumvented. Use this quick guide to address the most obvious blunders before they happen. The suggestions may also inspire you with some fresh design ideas.
Beach Style Kitchen by Marty Rhein, CKD, CBD - BAC Design Group
Marty Rhein, CKD, CBD – BAC Design Group
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1. Which way will the door open? A common mistake when planning a pantry is installing a door that gets in the way. When space is at a premium, the best options are sliding or folding doors. An outward-opening door gives more room for pantry shelves and is the next best option — but only if there is plenty of space to swing the door wide.

A door that opens inward can work, but be aware that it might make an already small space smaller. It can also compromise the space behind the door of your pantry, limiting the amount of stuff you can store there.

Transitional Kitchen by Von Fitz Design
Von Fitz Design
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2. Will there be enough light? Another typical mistake is to have either poor lighting in the pantry or none at all. Your pantry will more than likely be built without a window or with just a small one. One way to make sure that you have enough light in there is to install quality LED lighting. Or, if your home is a single-floor dwelling, put in a skylight. Also, the light switch should be reachable and in an accessible spot by the pantry door.
Traditional Kitchen by Murphy & Co. Design
Murphy & Co. Design
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3. How can top shelves be accessed? There is no point in planning a pantry with floor-to-ceiling storage if you can’t access the items on the top shelf. If your pantry is large enough, park a ladder on a sliding rail to access the infrequently used items on the top shelves. Store things you regularly use farther down.

If your pantry is small, store a step ladder in a handy spot for easy access. Inexpensive plastic single steps also can be folded flat and hung on a hook.

Contemporary Kitchen by Butler Armsden Architects
Butler Armsden Architects
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One way to see what is on the upper shelves of your pantry without clambering up a step ladder is to install glass shelving or wire racks on the upper levels.
Contemporary Kitchen by ArchiBlox
ArchiBlox
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4. What budget materials can be used to get a designer look? A walk-in pantry doesn’t need to be fancy (it is, after all, behind a door and not in view). But the shelves and cabinets should be made of a sturdy material with a finish that complements the rest of the kitchen.

Solid polished wood shelves or powder-coated metal racks are attractive options. A cheaper alternative is engineered wood. Plywood is strong and looks contemporary, especially when left in its raw state or given a light stain.

Contemporary Kitchen by ArchiBlox
ArchiBlox
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Plywood shelves look especially smart when the surfaces are laminated in black, white or a color and the ply edges are left exposed. This helps imbue the space with a Scandinavian or Japanese aesthetic.

See this plywood kitchen project

Modern Kitchen by Orana Custom Built Furniture & Designer Kitchens
Orana Custom Built Furniture & Designer Kitchens
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5. Will the position of the pantry aid or hinder kitchen traffic and cooking? You not only need your pantry to be well illuminated, you also need to get in and out of your pantry quickly when cooking. If the pantry is positioned in such a way as to hinder the flow of kitchen traffic, you’ll have to walk too far to grab essential ingredients. For that reason, it’s important that your pantry is near where you are preparing food.

Also consider the process of stocking your pantry and where it will be in relation to counters and tables. A kitchen countertop that is just outside a pantry will prove convenient for setting down groceries. Its close proximity also makes using it as a sorting station from which to fill pantry shelves extremely handy.

Traditional Kitchen by Key Piece
Key Piece
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6. How will the shelves be arranged so that common items are easy to see? Obviously put the items you use the most on the shelves that are in front of you when you walk into the pantry. Make sure the shelves are not too deep, and that you can see everything at once by placing smaller items at the front and larger items at the back. Heavy dishware and servingware can be stored on shelves that are wider and lower down.
Kitchen by Rosemount Kitchens
Rosemount Kitchens
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A common error is to line the pantry with shelves from top to bottom with no break. A small and wider shelf at counter height not only can accommodate larger, taller items and appliances, but also can provide an extra surface for food prep.
Traditional Kitchen by transFORM | The Art of Custom Storage
transFORM | The Art of Custom Storage
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7. Does the pantry need any special features? It’s really only in the planning stage that you can incorporate special features that will become permanent but useful fixtures in your walk-in pantry. Special features could include pullout baskets for root vegetables, narrow cubbies for large platters, and spice or wine racks.
Contemporary Kitchen by Liz Grimmett Design
Liz Grimmett Design
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8. How can free wall space be used effectively without overcrowding the pantry?Every bit of space can be used to solve a storage problem, and a pantry wall is no different. Whatever you decide to do with it, keep it simple and slim. Ideas include hooks for aprons and utensils, and a household calendar to note important family events. A chalkboard painted on a section of the wall could also serve this purpose.
Traditional Kitchen Traditional Kitchen
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9. What larger items will be stored, and where? Appliances and cookware dishes and pans often are kept in the pantry instead of in a kitchen drawer or cabinet, mostly because it’s easier to access them. To accommodate these bulky items, create some large but uniformed cubbies.

By Susan Redman, HOUZZ editorial staff

12 Dining Room/Library Combinations

“We’re not sure if ‘we’ would want all these books in our Dining Room, but it is an interesting concept.  We do like the look and feel of the one with the antique green paint and exposed beams”

Ed Johnson & Denise Buck – DC Metro Realty Team

The dining room is a prime location for scholarly pursuits, as it often contains the largest table in a home. Dining tables are perfect for perusing oversized atlases and art books, and can easily host culinary and literary masterpieces alike. Here’s a collection of 11 bibliophile-worthy dining rooms that are (leather) bound to impress — along with one that lightheartedly nods to the reading life.
Farmhouse Dining Room by KATE JOHNS AIA
KATE JOHNS AIA
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This farmhouse dining room in New York, designed by Kate Johns, includes bookshelves painted dark gray with an orange beadboard backing. The room has industrial lighting, a wood table with a steel base and molded plastic chairs.Chairs: Eames molded plastic; pendants: Eugene, Visual Comfort Lighting Store
Transitional Dining Room by Katie Lydon Interiors
Katie Lydon Interiors
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This Katie Lydon-designed dining room in a Manhattan penthouse features a chandelier composed of martini glasses, framed art hanging from the bookshelf and a flourish of drizzled paint topping the dark hardwood floors.
Contemporary Dining Room by McKinney York Architects
McKinney York Architects
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A wall of built-in bookshelves designed byMcKinney York Architects graces this contemporary dining room in Austin, Texas. A library ladder on wheels allows the homeowners to easily reach books on the top shelves. The room’s sculptural chandelier was created by local artists.Discover 10 great ways to use library ladders in your home
Rustic Dining Room by Platt Architecture, PA
Platt Architecture, PA
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Bookshelves painted antique green line two walls of this rustic dining room created by Platt Architecture. The bookshelves are topped with a series of bronze library lights.Library lights: Boston, Circa Lighting; dining chairs: Aero Studios
Contemporary Dining Room by Ann Lowengart Interiors
Ann Lowengart Interiors
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The black floors, pendant lights and bookshelves in this Northern California dining room designed by Ann Lowengart make a bold, modern statement.Dining table: HD Buttercup; chairs: Lucite, Ann Lowengart Interiors; pendants: Beat, Tom Dixon
Traditional Dining Room by Bill Huey + Associates
Bill Huey + Associates
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This traditional dining room in Charleston, South Carolina, was designed by Bill Huey + Associates. Olive green bookshelves line the walls and are chock-full of books and intrigue — note the hidden door.
Farmhouse Dining Room by Sullivan Building & Design Group
Sullivan Building & Design Group
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Large windows and a custom skylight created by Cider Press Woodworks make for a bright farmhouse dining room. The antique dining table and chairs are family heirlooms, and the chandelier was a custom creation.
Eclectic Dining Room by Christopher Burns Interiors
Christopher Burns Interiors
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This eclectic New York City dining room, designed by Christopher Burns, has a chandelier dripping in glass beads, chairs covered in faux cowhide and a high-gloss wood dining table.Chairs: Zeus, Artistic Frame; rug: custom,Patterson Flynn MartinHow to Seat Your Dinner Guests in Comfort

Contemporary Dining Room by Furman + Keil Architects
Furman + Keil Architects
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The custom bookshelves in this hip Austin, Texas, dining room designed by Furman + Keil Architectscreate a wall separating the space from the kitchen. The bookshelves include an alcove for a dining bench, along with storage and an integrated wine rack.Bookshelf paint: Porpoise, Sherwin-Williams; chandelier: Circular 5, Niche Modern; dining table: Atlantico; chairs: Wegner Wishbone
Transitional Dining Room by Rasmussen / Su Architects
Rasmussen / Su Architects
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This transitional dining room in Philadelphia was designed by Rasmussen / Su Architects. It has an open dining area with bookshelves and a library rail and ladder.Library ladder: Alaco Ladder
Contemporary Dining Room by Sam Crawford Architects
Sam Crawford Architects
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A wall of casement windows and French doors draws light into this Sydney dining room, designed by Sam Crawford Architects. The space plays many roles as a reading, game and music room.Chairs: CH33, Carl Hansen & Son
Eclectic Dining Room by Lisa Borgnes Giramonti
Lisa Borgnes Giramonti
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If you prefer reading your books on a laptop or tablet and don’t need bookshelves, you can follow designer Lisa Borgnes Giramonti’s lead and still achieve the library look by adding whimsical wallpaper, as she did in this Los Angeles dining room.
By Bryan Anthony, HOUZZ Editorial Staff