 Redfin recently featured a round up of “Home Decorating on a Budget” - check out the full article here: https://www.redfin.com/blog/home-decorating-on-a-budget/
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Redecorating your home can be a lot of fun, but it's important to make some basic upgrades before you start painting and moving furniture around. By pre-decorating your home, you can unlock its full potential and create a space that is perfect for your needs. This blog post will discuss four essential home upgrades that you should perform before redecorating. Keep reading to learn more!  via Pexels
1) Install Energy-Efficient Windows Installing energy-efficient windows is a great way to improve the efficiency of your home and conserve energy. These windows are designed with special features that help regulate the temperature in your home, insulate it from the elements, and reduce the amount of energy you use for heating and cooling. Energy-efficient windows come in various styles, colors, and designs to suit any decor. You can choose from single or double-hung windows, casement or awning windows, bay or bow windows, and even sliding glass doors. All of these options provide superior insulation compared to traditional window designs while also allowing natural light into your home. To boost their efficiency, many energy-efficient windows include special features like Low-E glass coatings that reduce UV rays entering your home, argon gas between the panes of glass to slow heat transfer, as well as multiple layers of weatherstripping and caulking to seal out drafts and moisture. Installing these features can significantly reduce the amount of money you spend on electricity by keeping your home more comfortable all year round. 2) Upgrade your insulation Insulation is an essential part of a home's construction and can significantly improve energy efficiency. Upgrading your insulation can help to reduce your utility bills, as well as make your home more comfortable all year round. When it comes to insulation, there are various types available when you click here to suit different budgets and needs. Traditional fiberglass insulation is one of the most common options and works by trapping air pockets between the fibers in order to slow down heat transfer. Cellulose insulation is another popular option that uses recycled paper products to form an insulating barrier. It's a great choice for those looking for an environmentally friendly solution. Spray foam insulation is growing in popularity as it provides superior protection against air infiltration compared to traditional options. This type of insulation expands when applied, creating a flexible seal between the inner walls and outer environment that helps resist heat transfer and air leakage. It also helps reduce sound transmission between rooms, making it great for multi-family homes or apartments. Whichever type you choose, be sure to check with local building code regulations before beginning installation. Be sure to use proper protective equipment such as goggles and face masks when handling any type of insulation material. Additionally, consider investing in an energy audit from a qualified professional; this will help you identify areas in need of additional insulation or that may benefit from a specific type of product for maximum energy savings. 3) Get Quality Flooring Quality flooring is essential for creating a comfortable and stylish home. High-quality flooring materials can make all the difference in transforming your space from ordinary to exceptional. When it comes to deciding on the best flooring for your home, there are many materials available, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks. Hardwood flooring is a classic choice that adds warmth and beauty to any room. It’s durable, easy to clean, and ages gracefully over time. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, engineered wood is a great alternative that uses recycled wood fibers mixed with other composite materials such as concrete or ceramic. Laminate flooring is another popular choice that provides a high-quality look without the hefty price tag of hardwood. Tile flooring is an excellent way to add style and texture to any space while also providing superior durability and easy maintenance. Porcelain tile is an especially popular choice; it offers unmatched heat resistance, making it perfect for areas with extreme temperature fluctuations like kitchens and bathrooms. Ceramic tile is another great option that comes in an array of colors, sizes, and textures—making it easy to create unique looks for any room in your home. Finally, vinyl plank flooring has seen a surge in popularity due to its affordability and water-resistant properties - perfect for high-traffic areas like bathrooms or laundry rooms! It's also incredibly easy to install yourself - all you need are boards, glue, and some basic tools! 4) Take a look at your roof Checking your roof should be a part of regular home maintenance. It's important to inspect your roof regularly for any signs of damage or deterioration, as well as to make sure it’s in proper working condition. The best way to do this is by getting up on the roof and physically inspecting it. When examining the surface, look for missing shingles, buckling, cracking, and other signs of wear or damage. Additionally, you should check the flashing around chimneys, vents and skylights to make sure they are securely attached and not loose or damaged. It's also important to check for signs of moss or algae growth on your roof—especially on roofs with a low slope, as these can cause water to pool which can lead to further damage. To prevent any moss from forming in the first place, consider installing zinc strips near the ridge line of your roof. The zinc leaches into the rainwater that runs down the roof and will help prevent moss and algae growth over time. When checking for damage or deterioration, be sure to use binoculars if needed; never climb onto your roof without proper safety equipment! Additionally, you may want to hire a professional roof inspector if you notice any major issues like large cracks or noticeable sagging in certain areas; they’ll be able to better identify underlying problems that may not be visible from the ground level. In conclusion, there are a number of ways to upgrade your home for maximum energy efficiency, style, and comfort. From investing in an energy audit to choosing the right flooring and inspecting your roof, these simple steps can go a long way towards improving the look and feel of your home while helping you save money on energy costs. With that in mind, it’s time to get started on making those much-needed improvements!  Back in early December, I spent a short few days in Lisbon before embarking on a transatlantic cruise from the port of Lisbon. It was my second visit to this bustling city, but my first visit was also a port stop on a cruise and I was only able to get in a short walking tour of the city. This time, on my own, I adventured on foot for two back to back days of exploring and packed in as much as I could.  My first night, I arrived on a cool rainy December evening after a long flight from Los Angeles. I stayed at an apartment hotel in one of the oldest districts of the city - Alfama and right across from the Museu Do Fado.  The narrow street behind my apartment in Alfama, a very historic part of the city.  Exploring the bustling on my first day out. Lisbon has steep hills and street cars, and reminds me much of San Francisco - minus the intricately laid mosaic tiles that are everywhere.  Being in Europe around the holidays is the best, holiday decorations fill the city. This is the Baixa neighborhood full of lively restaurants and shops.  After spending most of the first half of the day exploring the Baixa and Alfama neighborhoods, I ventured more into the city and found myself rooftop with this view from one of my favorite department stores ever, El Corte Ingles.  After leaving El Corte Ingles, I took a walk through the adjacent Parque Eduardo VII and stumbled across a Christmas market.  The park was filled with families enjoying rides and ice-skating with a traditional holiday music playing in Portuguese.  While visiting Lisbon, I had the opportunity to accept an invitation to tour the exquisite Tivoli Hotel in the upscale area of Avenida Liberdade. The walk from the park to the hotel was on a beautiful tree lined street.  After touring the lobby and guest rooms, I got a tour of the stunning grounds of the hotel. Mosaic tiled steps lead the way to the pool.  An oasis in the middle of the city: the pool at the Tivoli Hotel.  The amazing city view from the bar & restaurant at the Tivoli Hotel, with the Tagus River beyond.            CC0 Licensed Image Courtesy of Pexels
Creating a reading nook at home can be a great way to make a cozy and inviting space where you can relax and enjoy your favorite books. Here are some pro tips to help get you started. Carefully Consider Your Lighting Good lighting is important for a reading nook. You could add a lamp, string lights, or even install a dimmer switch to create a cozy atmosphere. Choose a lamp that provides enough light to read. Some of the best swing arm floor lamps provide bright, but not harsh, light. And you can easily move them, so the light is directed toward your reading material. However, you can Consider using a dimmer switch to adjust the brightness of the light to suit your needs. Find a Suitable Reading Space This is the most important aspect of creating a perfect reading nook. It helps if you look around your home for a space that you can dedicate to relaxing. This could be a corner of your living room, a bedroom, or even a space under the stairs. But you also want to look for a space that is comfortable and quiet. You must be able to relax and focus on your reading without any distractions. So, look for a secluded area that is away from the hustle and bustle of your home. Creating a Reading Nook Means Comfy Seating While most people spend under 20 minutes per day reading, it's safe to assume you spend more, given you want a nook. So, a comfortable chair, chaise lounge, or even a window seat can be perfect for your tush. This is why you must make sure the seat is comfortable for you to sit in for extended periods of time. However, also choose a seat that complements the overall style of your reading nook. Consider how the color, texture, and design of the seat fit your decor. Litter It with Soft Furnishings Soft furnishings like cushions, throws, and rugs can make your reading nook feel cozy and inviting. So ensure you choose fabrics that are soft and comfortable. For instance, adding cushions to your seat can make it more comfortable and inviting. And a throw blanket can be the perfect accessory to your reading nook. Choose a soft, warm blanket that you can wrap yourself in as you read. Drape the throw over your seat or keep it within arm's reach. Add a Little Bit of Storage As an avid reader, you probably have many books, even if you read digital editions too. So to make your reading nook functional, you might want to add some storage for your books, magazines, and other reading materials. A small bookshelf, a basket, or a wall-mounted shelf can be perfect for this. You want to create a space that is both functional and inviting, and the right storage options can help you achieve that. But choose options that fit your decor style. Summary Creating a reading nook is perfect for spending hours lost in your favorite books. But consider the lighting you will use, the comfort of the seating, and storage ideas to put away your books.  Image Credit
Small living rooms can often feel cramped and cluttered, but a well-designed accent wall can add character and create the illusion of a larger space. Interior decor experts say one accent wall per room is the best because having too much takes away from the overall effect. A 2021 survey also indicated that many homeowners believe accent walls are a cost-effective way to enhance a room’s look. Explore the ideas below to bring a fresh spark to your living room with accent walls.
A bold, bright color on an accent wall can make a statement and add depth to a small living room. A sunny yellow accent wall can brighten a room with limited natural light, creating a cheerful, inviting atmosphere. You can pair this with neutral furniture and beige, white, or gray accessories for a balanced look. This effect creates a stark contrast to make your accent wall stand out in a small living room. If you decide to go with a rich navy blue accent wall, pair it with warm wood accents and plush textiles in coordinating tones. That can create a sophisticated atmosphere in your living room. Meanwhile, if you prefer hues of green on an accent wall, combining them with metallic pieces in gold or brass will produce a stylish effect. Many people shy away from bold red accent walls because they may not always exude calmness. Fortunately, the effect can be pleasantly different when mixed with contemporary furniture in softer tones and clean lines.
Textured wall coverings, such as shiplap, wood paneling, or stone tiles, can add dimension and interest to an accent wall in a small living room. For example, a shiplap accent wall adds a touch of coastal charm, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Pair this textured wall covering with natural wood furniture and accessories in shades of white and blue for a beachy look. On the other hand, wood paneling can help create a rustic charm in a small living room. Try to combine this with a dark stained paneling accent wall to add sophistication. If you prefer light-stained paneling, that will be an excellent way to bring an airy feeling into your small living room. Apart from paneling, pine wall planks can brighten up your space and infuse character into your small living room. Being limited in physical space doesn’t take away from the creative ideas you can play around with. Depending on your style, you can choose a minimalist or maximalist design.
A gallery wall can be a focal point in a small living room, adding interest and character to an accent wall. In many households, a gallery wall displays family photos. These pictures are often in black and white or sepia to add a personal touch to your small living room. You can also mix in a few vintage frames for an eclectic feel. Another option for a gallery wall is an art collection. The size of your living room should feed into what goes up on your walls. It’s understandable if you want a bit of everything on your gallery wall. In that case, consider grouping pieces by color or style to bring them all together. Mixing and matching can be tastefully done if you research how to use decorative mirrors on a gallery wall.  Flat Rate Exterior Design via Online Design Looking for help selecting exterior colors and finishes? Offering a flat rate design package for exterior home design, which includes: Exterior paint color + trim Exterior siding color + material Exterior stone facade {if applicable} Roofing material Decking + railing colors (optional) Doors + windows Door hardware Exterior lighting Concept board with ideas + selections Flat rate exterior design package for $500 Please email for more info JSInteriorDes@aol.com  Large-scale renovation projects can be expensive, time-consuming and stressful. The good news is that you don’t have to remodel or upgrade every room to transform your living spaces. In this guide, we’ll share some top tips to revamp your home with minimal effort.  Picture from https://www.pexels.com/photo/stylish-dark-kitchen-interior-in-modern-apartment-6969870/ Change up your colorways Changing the color of a room is one of the easiest and most effective ways to create a new look. Whether you fancy being bold and adding bright colors to your kitchen, or you’re thinking about stripping the palette back in your bedroom to create a beautiful, serene sanctuary, the colors you choose will impact the look and feel of the room. Think about the styles and trends you love and the function of the room. In sociable spaces and creative areas, experiment with vivid colors that energize and uplift. In tranquil areas, opt for neutrals, soft tones like pastels and shades of soothing blue, purple and green. Create a new focal point Creating a new focal point is a fantastic way to spruce up a room without overhauling the entire space. Focus on one area or feature that will catch the eye and turn heads. Chic, luxurious marble countertops for the kitchen, a funky, retro couch for the living room or a spectacular print or piece of art for the dining room are excellent examples. You could also explore options like replacing the bed frame or bed head in your boudoir, investing in an oversized tub or adding printed wallpaper in the bathroom, or hanging a statement-making pendant lamp or chandelier in the hall or landing. Accessorize Accessorizing is a simple, affordable way to make changes to your décor. You can use accents and finishing touches to make subtle or dramatic alterations to the aesthetic of your home. From storage jars, plant pots and vases of fresh flowers to magnificent rugs, patterned cushions and framed prints and photographs, there are all kinds of items you can buy or make to bring each space to life. Use accessories to channel different trends, themes and looks, introduce color and patterns and personalize your home. Learning to accessorize will help you to create stunning spaces, but it’s also a brilliant way to keep up with interior design trends without breaking the bank every season. You can mix and match, combine old and new and swap fabrics, prints and colors to cater to the season and your evolving taste and style. It’s a great idea to get inspiration from social media and magazines, as well as places you’ve visited. Perhaps you love the way they’ve decorated a local bar or restaurant, or you want to recreate the vibe of a hotel you’ve stayed at or a fancy resort you’ve seen on TV, for example.  Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/gray-couch-with-throw-pillows-3614082/
Many of us love to spruce up our homes and experiment with new trends and design ideas. Renovating can be expensive and time-consuming but there are lots of ways you can transform living spaces without embarking on a remodel or an ambitious redecorating project. Simple steps, such as changing colorways, creating a new focal point in the room and accessorizing, can have a dramatic impact. Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the most complex, confusing, and time-consuming processes. To ensure that you choose the right home and get the best deal possible, there are five key things to keep in mind when shopping for a new home. Whether you’re just beginning your search or already have a list of potential homes to view, these tips will help you navigate the process easily and confidently.  Via Pexels
1. Location Is Key. A home’s location is critical to consider when shopping for a new home as it will affect many factors, such as your commute time, access to amenities, and even school district boundaries. You should take into account how close major highways are so that you can plan your daily routine accordingly. Determine if there are shopping centers nearby and what kind of entertainment options exist within the area. 2. Consider Your Budget Carefully. Before you begin looking at homes, determine how much house you can afford based on your budget and current income level. Make sure to factor in all associated costs, including mortgage payments, taxes, insurance premiums, HOA fees, necessary repairs or renovations, utility bills, etc., so that you don’t stretch yourself too thin financially. 3. Have An Inspection Performed. Once you have pinpointed your ideal location and determined how much house you can afford, it’s important to have a thorough inspection done on any home that is under serious consideration for purchase, even if it appears flawless upon initial inspection! An inspector will be able to spot potential issues with plumbing, electrical wiring, or roofing materials, which may not be visible at first glance but could cost thousands down the road if left unchecked prior to the purchase agreement signing. 4. Look Into Potential Remodels Or Rebuilds. If there is an older home on the market that you’re considering for purchase, it may be a good idea to look into how long such a project might take, how much it would cost, and whether any permits or other red tape will need to be addressed. Even with this in mind, however, many older homes can still be great investments, especially if they are in prime locations or have been remodeled to suit your personal tastes. So consider contacting a professional company of home builders to help you determine whether a remodel or rebuild would be the right choice for the property you have in mind. 5. Hire An Attorney To Help With Legal Matters Finally, it is important to work with a qualified real estate attorney who can ensure that all legal matters related to your new home purchase are taken care of correctly and that no details get overlooked. This will give you much-needed peace of mind during this potentially stressful time and help ensure that everything goes smoothly during the process. In conclusion, you should keep these five tips in mind when shopping for a new home. From selecting the best location to working with a team of home builders and real estate professionals, these tips can help you feel confident and prepared throughout the entire home-buying process. |
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