Archives for June 2016

How Much Does a Remodel Cost, and How Long Does It Take?

remodel thumb 3The 2016 Houzz & Home survey asked 120,000 Houzzers about their renovation projects. Here’s what they said

If you’re looking for a sense of how much it will cost to renovate your home, and how long it might take, we’ve got some numbers for you. The 2016 Houzz & Home annual survey gathered information from more than 120,000 registered users of Houzz, including more than 70,000 who renovated in 2015. Their responses provide insight into how your own renovation project might play out.

Design Tips to Energize Your Bathroom

bathroom styleIncorporate some — or all — of these ideas to keep your space from feeling too clinical and boring

Modern bathroom design is often all about going minimalist with clean finishes for a spa-like feel. But sometimes the look ends up feeling clinical. To make sure your space feels just as inviting as the rest of your home, try some of my favorite bathroom design tips to create a sense of warmth and personality while achieving spot-on style.

17 Clever Staircases With Storage Built In

stairsIt’s not just about the ups and downs. These staircases also provide storage, display and seating

You might think stairways are just about getting from one floor to another. But they can be so much more. Apart from being architectural features, staircases can provide space for storage, display, reading niches, secret hideouts and more. The following examples will have you stepping up your staircase game.

15 Ways to Get Your Home in a Summer Mood

summer houseBask in the easygoing spirit of summer with breezy touches indoors and out

The days are lengthening; the nights are warmer — it’s time to start thinking summer. From white curtains billowing in the breeze, sleeping porches, shell collections and wildflowers to fresh juice in the morning and nautical stripes, certain things just beg to be a part of your summer routine. Here are 15 fun, crafty and creative ways to get your home in the spirit of summer.

Foreclosure Rate Drops to New Post-Crisis Low [INFOGRAPHIC]

Corelogic-Foreclosure

A beginner’s guide to interior design & decorating [infographic]

Want to freshen things up or create a new look?

Learn how to pick the perfect throw pillow or paint color, with this infographic to guide you through the process of putting together a polished look.

Beginners-Guide-Interior-Design-Decorating

Things you should — and should NOT — flush [video]

dont flushHuman waste should be disposed of in the toilet. Toilet paper, too, unless otherwise directed. Period. End of story.

And, yet, still, municipalities face the daunting task of ridding our sewer system of clogs caused by everything else fed to the porcelain god.

The ‘I Don’t Flush’ campaign launched in Ontario, Canada is seeking to rid the world of unnecessary sewer clogs by raising awareness of what big, stinky problems happen unflushable “flushables” end up in the tubes.

The Right Way to Test Paint Colors

paint colorsLove rich colors? Some hues need a special ingredient to come out right. Plus: See what 5 pros say about where and how to test your paint

It’s a common image: Someone selecting a wall color paints several sheets of paper or sample boards and hangs them on the wall to compare colors. It looks artistic and even a bit hip, but it may not be the most accurate way to vet wall paint. We talked to five pros, including painters and designers. Here’s what they suggest instead.

A Cleaning Routine for Your First Home

cleaning thumbWith basic supplies and room-by-room checklists, you can get into the housekeeping habit

Moving into your first home is exciting and presents a wonderful opportunity to cultivate new habits, such as getting organized from the start, planting your first garden and even housekeeping. Cleaning may not be at the top of your list of things you’re excited about when it comes to your new place, but keeping your space spic and span is a big part of what will maintain that “new house” feeling. The key is crafting a cleaning system that works with your life.