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70 Percent of Affluent Homeowners Looking to DIY Projects to Save Money
May 13, 2012 By Leave a Comment
According to the Summer 2012 Merrill Edge Report, many mass affluent Americans are willing to make short-term sacrifices in order to get their finances in better shape. The report, released on April 26 by Bank of America, explores the financial concerns and priorities of mass affluent consumers, Americans with $50,000-$250,000 in investable assets.
This group, which consists of approximately 28 million households in the United States, has also shown over the last six months a rising concern over a number of financial issues, such as the cost of healthcare and being able to afford the lifestyle they want in retirement.
According to the findings, 70 percent of mass affluent Americans say they took on home improvement projects in the last year, such as plumbing, painting, and home cleaning, that they would normally hire someone else to do.
Younger members of the mass affluent segment were more likely to embark on these home improvement projects than their older counterparts.
84 percent of 18-34 year olds took on a project compared to 77 percent of 35-50 year olds and 60 percent of those aged 65 and older.
Other methods this group will utilize in order to meet financial obligations include cutting back on entertainment and personal luxuries (61 percent), trimming day-to-day expenses (56 percent), and keeping the same car longer than they’d like to (49 percent).
Source: Bank of America
Square Foot Gardening: How to Get Started for $50 (Infographic)
May 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment
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Elegant Chaos: Bathroom Backsplashes of Bubbled Glass
April 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Take a look at some creative uses for glass in bathrooms.
Bathrooms are messy – there is just no getting around it, so why not embrace it with a splash of color and hint of natural chaos?
Evit is an Italian home materials group with a lot of conventional offerings but a few offbeat ones as well, like these colorfully animated glass surfaces that bubble up before your eyes.
Other non-conventional backdrops for your bathroom sink include smooth and textured metal tiles that reflect light but not images around the room.
13 Ways to Allergy-Proof Your Home
April 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment
A Cure for the Itchy, Sneezy, Stuffy Head
Sneeze much lately? Is your throat scratchy? Eyes watering, too? You’re not alone: Allergies affect more than 20 percent of Americans. Medications can help relieve allergy symptoms, but removing irritants from your home is a much more effective way to stop your stuffy nose, headache, itchy eyes, and shortness of breath, according to the Allergy and Asthma Network/Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA). Read on for the most effective ways to clear the air.
Find Out What You’re Allergic to First
Visiting an allergist will help you focus your preventative measures. The most common offenders are dust mites, mold, pollens, and pet dander. "There’s no point in making changes at home if you don’t address your particular allergies," says Laurie Ross, editor of Allergy and Asthma Today. "Who knows, you might be allergic to cats, and here you are keeping your windows closed."
Read the rest here.
Puzzle parquet makes flooring interesting
April 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment
This familiar pattern brings back images of rainy days spent putting together a jigsaw puzzle. When all the complex interrelating pieces fit together, it reveals a beautiful picture. The Jigsaw pattern does just that for your floors.
See all of the possibilities.
Bedroom Inspiration: Massive, Magnificent Walk-In Closets
April 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Huge walk-in closets are one of the dream features that most of us wish we could have in our own homes. Whether you are ready to build your fantasy closet or are still firmly in the wishing phase, these incredible walk-in closets from Italian furniture manufacturer Doc Mobili are the perfect inspiration.
The custom built-in closets often require the homeowner to sacrifice a room for their clothing storage. An unused guest room is just about the right size for a gigantic walk-in closet.
But in homes that lack a neglected room that can be turned into a dream closet, a segment of the bedroom can be sectioned off instead.
The signature part of Doc Mobili’s walk-in closets is the transparent sliding glass doors. The doors serve to make the closet appear to be an extension of the room while also adding a deliciously modern flair.
Even if you don’t plan to build a magnificent closet at some point, these pictures of completed closets are eye candy for design lovers. The perfectly arranged hangers, neatly situated shoes and rich, dark wood are enough to elevate these closets to the level of fine art.
Giant fridge magnets provide kitchen makeover in minutes
April 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment
If you haven’t come to terms with that bisque monstrosity living in your kitchen, but can’t quite afford the upgrade you covet, why not drop $99 and get the fridge you always dreamed of but never thought you’d have.
Kudu Magnets offers a large variety of instant makeover magnets, and for right now, they’re even offering free shipping.
You spend a lot of time and money on kitchen design: solid-wood cupboards, fancy marble, ceramic stovetop, and – amidst all that beauty – the fridge, plastered with assorted magnets you brought from different countries and post-it notes, all in all absolutely not fitting the design concept of the kitchen. Now, imagine you can choose any (and we mean, any) kind of design for the front panel of your fridge, and change it daily if you wish to .
Keep the stainless, we’ll take the art.
Full story at Kudu Magnets via Trendhunter.
Best of 10 Uses for Common Household Products
April 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Ripe for Reuse
With a little creative repurposing, you can breathe new life into many common household items—including those destined for the trash heap.
These clever recycling tips, are good for the planet and your wallet, too.
Use Charcoal to Keep Air Fresh
Place charcoal, in open bowls or perforated plastic bags, in your fridge or drawers to banish odors.
Use Yogurt Cups to Catch Paint Drips
Cut a hole in a lid large enough for a paintbrush handle. Slip the handle through the opening, and paint mess-free.
Use Vinegar to Revive Old Paintbrushes
Soak gunked-up nylon brushes in hot vinegar for up to 30 minutes to remove paint and soften the bristles. Afterward, wash them in hot, soapy water, brushing off paint as needed, then rinse and let dry—good as new.
Read the rest here at ThisOldHouse.com
