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Source: blog.apartmentsearch.com
Open houses may be staged to look like a home decor dream, but donât let that distract you from the real reason youâre there: to potentially buy a home. Make sure you can look past the neatly arranged furniture and focus solely on whether the house would be a good fit for you and your family. To help, hereâs a home buyerâs checklist of things you might have missed at first glance.
Windows â Look specifically if they are facing the right direction to let sunlight in, and whether they open to a nice view (versus directly toward another neighborâs window).
Under the Sink Cabinets â Check for possible signs of water damage due to leaky plumbing.
Electrical Outlets â Make sure there are enough outlets for the appliances and other electronics youâll be using. If not, you can decide if thatâs a renovation youâd like to make.
Storage Space â Donât just look to see if thereâs enough closet space, but look for closet placement. Also check that the storage is in a convenient location.
Appliances â If theyâre included in the house, make sure theyâre in good condition. They should be on and working while youâre there.
Under the Rugs â Lift up any rugs to check the condition of the floor underneath.
Floor Level â Check to see if the floors are level. Place a marble or another small, round object on the floor and see if it rolls consistently in one direction.
Attic â If the house has one, make sure itâs well insulated.
Water Spouts â Runoff from the gutters should be pointed away from the house, so take a step outside to see if this is the case.
This list isnât all-inclusive, but itâs a good place to start. Talk to a CENTURY 21 ® agent to see what else he or she might add.
The post Home Buyer Checklist: What to Look for in an Open House first appeared on Century 21®.
Source: century21.com
Andy Cohen Reveals the Strangest Decor Details in Real Housewivesâ Homes Bravo
Source: bravotv.com
Traditionally, spring and summer corner the market on bold, bright colors, with fall and winter ushering in richer, more muted tones. However, this yearâs popular colors, featured in Shutterflyâs Hottest Hues Guide, have a versatility that helps enhance decor year-round. Incorporate pops of modern color trends into everyday home accessories to warm up your house and your heart in the cool days ahead.
1. Set a Color-filled Table
âTis the season for holiday dinners, and your dining room table is the perfect place to fill your room with color. Saturate your tablescape with chargers, plates, placemats and napkins in festive colors. Deep reds and burgundies are not only perfect for the holidays, but they add warmth to your tablescape throughout the winter season. But donât limit yourself to the standard red and greenâget creative with color palettes as you set your table, bringing in metallic and unexpected shades for a dose of fun!
2. Patch it Together
Invite color to visit by adding seasonally inspired throw pillows or a practical and colorful quilt to your couch or bed. Think outside of your regularly colored box, and experiment with contrast to create a cozy space without committing to a color scheme.
3. Bring the Outdoors In
Flowers lend a festive touch as well as a hint of brightness to any area. A bold spray of pink orchids or peonies can add a pleasantly surprising shock of color to a sleek neutral winter space. Just because itâs winter doesnât mean youâre stuck with poinsettias. Pale pink is enjoying a comeback in the design world as a romantic neutral with a range of versatilityâand rose quartz just happens to be one of Pantoneâs colors of the year for 2016. As interior redesign specialist Wendy Wrzos says, âIn fall, it can be paired with a rich brown and cream. In winter, a touch of pale pink will add a cozy warmth to a room, or be an unexpected addition to the more saturated colors.â Pick your palette from a favorite bouquet for a touch of color you already love.
4. Live a Little Large
Bring big color to a small space by painting your laundry room a bold color for brightness you can enjoy all year round. âThe laundry room is a room that gets used all the time, and it is rare to see one that has been decorated. A painted wall and a colorful rug takes no effort at all, and will cheer it up in an instant.â âWrzos advised. Use a small, out-of-the-way area to be brave with a shade that brings you joy when you see it.
5. Hang It Up
The artwork in a room is often a focal point and the perfect place to feature color. With a foundation of neutral furniture, flooring, and walls, art and decor accessories can take center stage. Create a canvas or three-panel piece of art from a nature-inspired vacation photo and select a matching color palette to complement your art work. If youâre looking for a more seasonal do-it-yourself option, wrap poster frame inserts in pretty wrapping paper for a temporary triptych to match your holiday decorating scheme.
Between bad weather and Daylight Savings Time, winter feels dark enough. Fill your life with brightness all year round by incorporating color in easy, unexpected ways and bring a little more boldness and brilliance into your everyday world.
Ashley McCann shares home décor tips for Shutterfly.com. She is a mom of two and enjoys reading and karaoke. For more from Ashley, you can find her on Twitter.
The post 5 Ways to Keep Winter Decor Bright first appeared on Century 21®.
Source: century21.com
Source: fancypantshomes.com
Steve Gorton / Getty Images
When you think of wall stencils, do you picture curlicue flowers in delicate, dusty shades, decorating the walls of a quaint bed-and-breakfast, or maybe your great aunt’s hallway?
Despite their old-fashioned rap, stencils are making a comeback, thanks to more modern designs and the fact that stenciling is a budget-friendly room refresh that anyone can do.
“Stencils appeal to many people now because folks are eager to make their home their own, but sometimes they’re limited by budgets or even fearâhanging wallpaper is a commitment, financially and aesthetically, and some people are scared to go there,” explains Emma Carole Paradis of Impeccable Nest Interior Design.
Stenciling is also becoming popular due to the rising trend of people putting their own personal stamp on their possessions.
“People are used to personalizing so many aspects of their lives, like their phones and electronics, and they’re looking for new ways to customize their living spaces, too,” points out Dee Schlotter, senior color marketing manager at PPG paint brand.
And stencils are an inexpensive way to try a trend on your walls or furniture.
“It’s low-cost, high-impact, supereasy to do and completely satisfying,” says Paradis.
Choose from any style and color under the sun, and apply them anywhere you need a lift. For some help, check out these nifty new stencil ideas below.
Photo by Janna Makaeva/Cutting Edge Stencils
Depending on the size of your wall, adding a stenciled design is a relatively easy DIY project to tackle, and you can personalize a private space (like the bedroom) with a small investment.
“The farmhouse style in particular lends itself well to stenciled quotes, stripes, or other patterns,” says Schlotter.
Photo by designPOST interiorsÂ
Paradis and her business partner Kimberly Carole love the idea of stencils as wallpaper, especially very large ones that are 36 inches in size.
“A leopard-print stencil in a kid’s room would be so great, and if you’re unsure about it, it’s only paintâyou can redo it,” she says.
Photo by Royal Design Studio Stencils
Think outside the box, and apply your stencils to floors.
“We’ve taken a stencil and used it to cover up a tile floor, and it totally changed the look of the room,” explains Paradis.
Stencils can also stand in for carpet in rooms where you need some pattern but don’t want to vacuum, such as a screened porch or sunroom.
Photo by Allison CosmosÂ
Your front door is another unusual spot for a stencil design. (Just use exterior-grade paint and finishes so your look adheres well and stands up to the elements.) Pick a fun pattern or stencil your house number.
“Doors look particularly good with a statement color, and stenciling is another way to customize your home’s exterior,” says Schlotter.
Photo by Royal Design Studio Stencils
If you’re a thrifter who loves to upcycle, stencils might just be your best friend.
Rehab an old table or dresser with a stencil pattern, say the pros. Focus on the front of the piece or stencil the inner sides of the drawers for a mini surprise each time they’re pulled out.
Throw pillows, headboards, roller shades, and plain white lampshades can also be vastly improved with a stenciled pattern (or try your monogram).
Photo by Fabulous Finishes Inc
Worried your stencils will come across as old-fashioned? Add some classic stripes to your wall design.
“Stripes create a bold graphic that helps the space feel less datedâgone are the days of a stenciled border with a small flower,” says Paradis.
Photo by Bloom Your Space Organizing
Not every stencil has to be a flower or feather. Instead, consider a saying or phrase in a spot that needs a little oomph. The laundry room is the perfect place to practice stenciling, say the pros.
“This room is often overlooked, and you can go a little crazy here too,” says Paradis.
Photo by SISSY+MARLEY
There are no serious color rules when it comes to stenciling, but mixing too many hues into one pattern may be hard to achieve. (Each section of the stencil will need its own application.) Instead, choose a bold or dark color for the wall and then add a pattern in a lighter tone.
“Off-white and gray make a lovely combination, and pastel walls with a white stencil overlay would also be beautiful, says Schlotter.
Here’s more on how to stencil.
The post These Aren’t Your Granny’s Stencils! Modern Stenciling Ideas You’ll Adore appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
Source: realtor.com
Home decor company donating 200 propane patio heaters to small businesses in Richmond Richmond.com
Source: richmond.com
Anticipating some last-minute company? While you may not have time to scrub down the house, some simple tricks of the trade will make it look like you did. Prepare your home for the unexpectedâeven if the unexpected is your mother-in-law inviting herself over for dinner.
Take a whiff:
Burning a few candles around the abode will not only brighten up the space, but it will also upgrade the usual aromas of your home. Light up a rich Mahogany Teakwood in the den, or perhaps indulge your guestsâ senses with a fresh Vanilla Bean scent in the kitchen.
Pillow talk:
Upgrade your low-key loveseats and couches with hints of color. Take decorative pillows and throws out of the closet and add them as accents to the coziest spots. Be sure to fluff them, and then watch as everyone sits back and relaxes.
Reduce, reduce, reduce:
Having a magazine or book at armsâ reach in every room may be convenient, but there are stylish ways to hide them away. Minimize your reading materials clutter by stashing them in a basket or bin. It instantly improves the ambiance of your living space.
Show off your green thumb:
Pick out a simple bouquet from your garden and proudly display it on the dinner table. Also, swap out the run-of-the-mill vase with an empty wine bottle to highlight your creativity and charming style.
Feng shui the space:
If you havenât moved your couch since it was first delivered, nowâs the perfect chance to rearrange and harmonize the room. Even the simple act of angling your furniture a few inches can make each living space look brand new.
Throw it down:
Every room needs an anchorâand for those who are missing one, a bright throw rug brings the space together.
The post Be My Guest: How to Get Your Home Guest-Ready in 15 Minutes first appeared on Century 21®.
Source: century21.com
If you’re a die-hard Supernatural fan like us, you’re probably still reeling from the show’s finale and coping with the fact that there won’t be any new Winchester adventures for us to follow. But weâre not here to talk about that, but rather snoop into the private life of one of the series’ leading men. More specifically, Jensen Acklesâ house — which we actually think Dean Winchester would approve of.
The actor starring in CWâs longest running show and his wife Danneel opened up their 7,500-square-foot home in Austin, Texas to Architectural Digest, giving us a rare glimpse into the heartthrob’s home and personal life.
As the story goes, the couple was relocating from Los Angeles and initially considered buying a house down the road when they noticed this property (that wasnât even for sale). But since they fell in love with it, the couple went ahead and asked the previous owners if they’d be willing to sell. And since it’s not easy resisting Jensen Ackles’ charms, they managed to convince the owners so the Acklesâ moved on to the next step â- redecorating the house.
To help out, they hired architect Paul Lamb and interior designer Fern Santini and together they came up with some brilliant ideas on how to best revamp their already-stunning new house.
âIt was imperative that the house express the Ackleses — young, bold, and irreverent,â Lamb told AD.
Jensen Acklesâ house, which boasts five bedrooms, revolves around Danneelâs decorating outlook of âmore is more is more!â There is a lot of color, texture, a lot of wood work going on to make it look like a lake house and endless decorations with some of the coolest background stories.
In Supernatural, Jensen loves music. Remember his spontaneous Eye of a Tiger outtake? Still fun to watch! Thereâs definitely more of where that came from in real life, since Jensen did his best to create an amazing acoustic sound in his house.
The living room is scattered with guitars and all across the shag rug lie comfy and colored floor pillows. All this because the couple loves having friends over, sitting on the floor, singing and playing the guitar.
Jensen was excited to talk about one of his favorite features of the house: âThe hand-scraped wood floors undulate quite heavily, and weâve got these giant beams and wood all around that feel like youâre in the hull of a giant ship.â âWhat that does is it creates an amazing acoustic sound,â he continues. âWeâve always had music in our lives, and we wanted to pass on that tradition.â
Theyâve taken care of the music, and to complete the ambiance they got rid of the formal dining room (that nobody used anyway) and replaced it with a kick-ass bar.
Placed on one end of the large living room, the bar is made out of black walnut with black and white veined marble. The cabinets were specially made to light the expensive bourbons it holds inside.
Thereâs a master bedroom swaddled in Trove wallpaper bearing vintage photography of 1920s opera boxes. The wallpaper is covered in sections by Japanese-inspired barn door panels âbecause sometimes you need an audience and sometimes you donâtâ.
The master bathroom has a beautiful
bathtub sitting in front of a large window that provides a stunning view to the
lake.
The Mr. and Mrs. own two separate counters, because, you know, it just makes things easier in the mornings; and the inspiration for their master bathroom shower came from an Architectural Digest story featuring a steel and glass shower in the home of Neil Patrick Harris.
Thanks to exposed beams, larger expanses of windows, and rich wooden ceilings, the architect managed to simplify and open the spaces. They simply tore down walls to let more natural light into the home.
Jensenâs favorite space is the breezy two-story screened porch that transformed the entire profile of the house; and his favorite piece â a custom long table made using a 2,000-year-old cypress log.
Jensen and Danneel have three beautiful children, so they had to choose the decor and furniture according to their needs as well. It appears that the coupleâs eldest daughter would make a great interior designer once she grows up. The six-year-old girl, JJ, helped pick out all her own bedroom decor.
Unsurprisingly, the kidsâ favorite toy is a rolling acrylic table from the â50s, placed in the kitchen. Everybody loves a happy kitchen!
The actorâs house is a personalized, eccentric, yet highly livable place. It was designed to resemble the Laurel Canyon bungalow the couple had once lived in and itâs a testament to the old school, Austin-style lake house.
The space is filled with all kinds of eccentric and eclectic objectsâsome useful, some decorative, some both. The decorations could be found in abundance in Austin during its bohemian period (the Acklesâ are active supporters of local art), as well as in late-60s California.
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The post Inside Supernatural Star Jensen Ackles’ ‘Very Hip’ Lake House in Austin appeared first on Fancy Pants Homes.
Source: fancypantshomes.com
Hello friends! Praise be, the election is over and I just marked my birthday over the weekend – my official holiday season milestone. Whenever the calendar passes November 8, I feel like I can finally turn 100% of my attention to all things holiday. Obviously, the holidays are going to look and feel very different than years past. Perhaps instead of the holiday season, we should start referring to the next few months as the hunker down season. Because that’s what holidays in the time of Covid are going to require of us. But I’m not entirely mad about the idea of holing up at home. I’ll take a very valid excuse to look for ways to make my home as cozy, comforting, and beautiful as possible.
Enter the new rug collection from Beni Rugs, designed by my style soul twin, Colin King.
Called the Shape of Color, this new rug collection offers eleven Moroccan style rugs. Each rug features shocks of color inspired by Tangier and Marrakech. The hues are deeply saturated in simple geometric shapes or big bold stripes.
While I typically eschew color, rugs are a wonderful spot to inject something fresh into a room. I used a bold colored rug in my own living room. The particularly nice thing about a rug – it’s an easy way to reenergize a space without really having to change anything else.
There are a few secrets to picking out a rug. First, you want to think about size. A common mistake is getting a rug that is too small. You want all (or nearly all) your furniture in a space to sit on your rug. That helps a room feel anchored and like everything is working together. A too-small rug will actually make a small space feel even smaller!
Next, you want to think about foot traffic. If you’re looking to put a rug in a high foot traffic area, you’ll want to ensure any rug you select will withstand an onslaught of dirt and use.
Finally, when adding a colorful rug to your space you don’t need to “match your decor. You just want to keep everything in the same design family. Do you decorate with mostly warm colors or cooler tones? That will help you pick your colors.
 
If you’re looking to upgrade the coziness of your home before the holidays hit, I definitely think one of these rugs would be a great way to do it. I’m already debating which one I might add to our house. I do have a home office refresh in the works! If I pick out one of these rugs – I’ll be sure to share.
How are you planning on sprucing up your spaces for the holidays?
images c/o beni rugs
The post A Cozy New Rug Collection appeared first on Apartment34.
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