Hiring a Contractor? Know the Cleanup Policy

How to Tame Your JUNK DRAWER

How to Design a Home That Embodies Laid-Back Luxury

We all have different tastes and preferences. While some gravitate toward a home with glitz and glam on full display, there are those who opt for a more casual look without compromising luxury. If you’re the type who identifies with the latter, then you’re probably familiar with the design challenges of achieving an interior space that feels upscale and stylish without being too formal. Below are a few ideas to keep in mind when designing a home that embodies understated luxury.

Keep It Casual
Above all else, you should strive for a sense of casual elegance, which means that your living area should feel comfortable and functional rather than overly decorative. While you can certainly curate a few objects to put on display, it’s better to stay away from pieces that introduce high drama or grandeur.

Muted Tones
The color palette plays an important role in achieving a look of laid-back luxury. Oftentimes, designers will go with neutral tones that are timeless and use a few accents of color and texture to make the space still feel energized. Shades of white and gray or natural earth tones are ideal for a low-key ambience.

Quality Materials
Casual luxury is often conveyed through the careful use of high-end materials that are always in style, like marble countertops or hand-planed wood floors. Quality that endures does not have to be splashy and, in fact, it’s the subtle details that will speak volumes, such as impeccably upholstered furniture or artistic light fixtures.

Old Meets New
Homes that exude this style often combine a traditional aesthetic with a few modern characteristics. Old world craftsmanship, for example, will always be fashionable. But don’t be afraid to juxtapose it with contemporary or modern furnishings that exhibit sleek lines to give the room a unique blend of old and new.

Backyard Upgrades Your Kids Will Love

In a world dominated by technology, kids are consumed by their phones, tablets and televisions. Designating limited screen time is becoming tougher and enjoying old-school, outdoor playtime has been put on the back burner. Why not spruce up your own backyard and inspire your children to get outside and away from their screens?

With these backyard upgrades, you can help your kids appreciate the great outdoors. Here are some ideas that will help everyone get outside, enjoy the sunshine and connect with nature. 

Treehouse
For kids, there’s almost nothing more fun or classic than climbing a tree, and having a hangout in the treetops makes it that much better! Let your kids decorate to their liking, making this their own nature-filled sanctuary. You can find instructions, materials and tools to make this a DIY project at your local hardware store or hire a pro for a more luxurious look. 

Swingset
A staple in almost every suburban backyard, a swingset is a great way to get your kids outside. With endless styles and sizes, it’s easy to find the right one for your family. Some sets include slides, monkey bars, rock climbing walls and many different styles of swings, such as a classic seat, a tire, baby seats and even specialty seats for two!

Pool
On a hot summer day, having a pool to jump in, play in and cool off is enticing, both for kids and adults. With options for underground, inground and even temporary pools, anyone can enjoy the luxury of a swim. Host pool parties for your children’s friends and purchase pool toys, such as floats, pool noodles and even basketball for days full of fun in the sun!

Yard Games
Whether you have a large or small yard, you can find fun games to play to get your kids outside. From volleyball to cornhole, wiffle ball to croquet, there’s a game for everyone, whatever the age or skill level. If you’re planning a BBQ or birthday party, yard games are the perfect addition to your backyard fun!

5 Easy Ways to Spruce Up Your Home's Exterior

Whether you’re selling your home or just looking to make some simple updates, curb appeal matters. Thankfully, updating your home’s exterior doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming. From following a smart maintenance routine to adding a splash of personality, you can spruce up your home’s exterior in no time. 

Maintain Your Lawn
Your front lawn is a focal point to your home, making it one of the most important spaces to maintain. If your grass is overgrown or your trees and shrubs are dead, the first impression of your home may not be a good one. Mow your lawn, trim your trees and bushes, rake or blow leaves out of your yard, and remember to sweep any walkway, porch or front steps you may have leading to your front door. 

Add Flower Pots and Window Boxes
In addition to a clean lawn, florals play an important role in curb appeal. Maybe you don’t have the best luck with gardens, or there just isn’t enough space. Adding flower pots to your steps or porch is a great way to add a pop of color to your doorstep. Window boxes are another great option if you don’t have space for a garden or potted plants. Even hanging plants in your exterior entryway will liven up the look.

Paint Your Front Door
Florals don’t have to be the only pop of color you add to your home’s exterior. Painting your front door in a bright, vivid color is a great and modern way to spruce up your home. Consider the color of your home and the aesthetic you want to present when choosing a color. If you belong to an HOA, refer to the regulations and guidelines.

Clean Your Windows
Of course, this is something every homeowner should do when maintaining their home. However, the outside of the windows are often overlooked. Cleaning the outside of your windows will not only boost the curb appeal, but also allow brighter, natural light to enter the interior of your home, which is great for daily life as well as showing your home. Wipe them down with a microfiber towel —a combination of dish soap and water has the best and clearest results. 

Add a Seating Area
Whether your porch or yard is large or small, having a small space where people can relax and enjoy the outdoors is an easy and cost-effective way to elevate curb appeal. Chairs, benches and even a small table add an inviting touch to your home. Be smart when choosing your outdoor furniture regarding size, color and plans for placement and spacing. 

Boosting your curb appeal doesn’t have to be hard or costly. A little bit of time, care and minimal spending is all it takes to take your home’s exterior from drab and dreary to bright and lovely. 

How to Keep Your Water Heater Working Efficiently

Many homeowners don’t think about water heater maintenance as much as they should.

Check the temperature-pressure relief valve. If it doesn’t release water or releases too much, replace it.

Sediment can clog water lines, making the water heater less efficient and shortening its lifespan. Flush the water heater twice a year.

Set the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Set it as low as possible or turn off the water heater if you will be away for several days.

Insulate the pipes, TPR valve and temperature control.

Check the pilot flame and relight it if necessary.

Focus on routine maintenance to avoid a hefty bill for a new water heater.