How to Choose the Right Pet Door

pet-doorGet a handle on the types of pet portals for a door or a wall that will enable your dog or cat to come and go unassisted

There’s nothing quite as safe and comforting for household pets as our cozy homes. When nature calls, however, dogs rely on us to get outside. And even the laziest couch potato (animal or human) needs a daily dose of the great outdoors. Having a pet door makes getting out easier for everyone.

A pet passageway can be a simple frame with a flap or a high-tech electronic opening. It can be installed in a door, inserted in a slider track or built into a wall. Some are easy to install yourself, while others are best left for professionals. We’ll sort through the possibilities here — and reveal some design-forward options.

Use Bold Rugs Without Fear

bold-rugYou can embrace vivid hues and strong patterns on the floor when you keep these 10 ideas in mind

Rugs with a bold

color or pattern can be intimidating to design around — but if you fall for a rug with an amazing color or pattern, there are ways to work with it. Here are 10 tips for choosing and decorating around showstopping rugs with ease.

To-Dos: Your January Home Checklist

januaryProtect your home from harsh winter weather and get a jump-start on big projects

January may be cold and dark, but it can also be a time for bold beginnings. Make the most of your month by clearing space in your home, boosting warmth and dreaming up plans for the year ahead. Here are 10 to-dos to give your home a little midwinter TLC.

11 One-Off Ways to Update Your Kitchen

kitchen-updatesCheck out these ideas to refresh your cooking space without splurging on a whole new kitchen

Investing in a new kitchen is costly and involves an awful lot of upheaval. Instead of embarking on a huge project, consider these snappy ideas and indulge in a little low-stress kitchen refreshment.

How to Turn Your Coffee Table Into a Treat for the Eye

coffee-tableTry out these design ideas to create a living room centerpiece that’s gorgeous and practical

If your coffee table is a focal point in your living room, show off your design flair and set the tone for your space with a well-styled surface. Use these rooms as inspiration to display your treasures and books to maximum effect.

10 secrets to selling your home

tips_to_sell_home

source: http://www.coastalgroupoc.com/blog/proven-secrets-for-selling-your-home.html 

The Third Rule of Home Staging: Add a Splash of Color

splash-of-colorIntroduce just the right amount of color to help a staged home feel stylish and fresh

When it comes to staging a home for sale, the classic advice to keep color schemes neutral is still spot-on. White or pale hues make a space feel simple, serene and more expansive. These unobtrusive colors act as a blank canvas; they allow potential buyers to imagine themselves living in the home.

But many homeowners who already have colorful walls or furniture may wonder if it’s possible to keep some color in their staged home. The answer is absolutely yes. You can maintain — or even add — just a pop of color to create the right amount of personality and style in your staging. In fact, a splash of color can make a space feel designed, perhaps allowing it to linger in the memories of prospective buyers. As a bonus, color can also brighten your listing photos. Remember, you’ll want to add the color only after you’ve done the first two steps of home staging, paring down and freshening up. Here’s a game plan for strategically adding color to each staged room of your home.

10 Ikea Hacks to Take Your Design to the Next Level

decorating-hacksCreate a luxe look on a basic budget with these clever DIY projects

Tired of your existing furniture but don’t have the money for an upgrade? Looking for a DIY project for the weekend? Check out these smart Ikea hacks and see what you can create with a small budget and a big helping of creativity. From elevated units to customized bedroom storage, these furniture upgrades will have you asking, “Why didn’t I think of that?”

How to Remove, Hide and Play Down a Popcorn Ceiling

popcornWhen it comes to dealing with stucco overhead, you’ve got options

Don’t love your popcorn ceiling? You’re not the only one stuck with some unwanted stucco overhead. There are many options for moving on from it, but not all of them are equally effective — or equally easy. To help you decide how to address your popcorn problem, here are some top ways to remove, cover or distract from stucco ceilings.