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Fast Fix: Details To Look For When You Want A Fixer-Upper

January 23, 2017adminDIY Projects, home improvement, Home Improvement TipsDIY projects, home improvement, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

A fixer-upper can be either the best or worst purchase of your life. The difference between the two lies in choosing the right property for your specific individual needs and abilities. A property that might work for someone just looking for an affordable home won’t necessarily be the best choice for an investor and vice versa.

Three Types of Fixer-Upper

The type of fixer-upper you should buy depends on what you will be doing with it. There are three major possibilities:

Fix and Flip: Choose a property in a neighborhood just about to be gentrified or near a planned extension to public transit. Calculate costs and benefits carefully.
Fix and Rent: The ideal rental fixer-upper is in an established neighborhood. Choose a smaller home and create additional space or a shabby home in need of some TLC that can be upgraded to average neighborhood quality.
Fix and Live: As you won’t be worrying about immediate sale or rental, you can find bargains by looking for something quirky or unusual.

Your Property and Your Skills

Some fixer-uppers only require modest fixing while others require highly skilled labor. Be realistic about what work you can really do. Rewiring a house or redoing plumbing are not jobs for amateurs and can be very expensive. Replacing vanities, cabinets, and counters take less skill and can be quite affordable. Cosmetic fixes such as repainting, redoing floors, and refinishing interior doors are something anyone can manage with a bit of internet research and hard work. If you need more information on any properties you’re interested in, you may want to enlist the help of a professional like those at Mattox Realty.

Red Flags

Not all problems can be fixed. The major signs that you should avoid a property are:

Structural Damage: If a property has cracks in the foundations or other major structural issues, it is not worth fixing.
Water Damage: The problem with water damage is that it rarely affects just a small, visible area. It can rot the timber used for framing the house. Mildew can get in places you cannot access with totally destroying and rebuilding the house.
Termites: Termite damage is like water damage. If there are visible signs of termite damage, there may be a great deal of major structural damage that is not immediately obvious.
Flood and Landslide Zones: If a house is in a flood or landslide zone, buying it is like playing Russian roulette. It may remain safe for the next fifty or hundred years or it may be destroyed the day after you buy it. Especially given the increase in floods and other extreme weather patterns due to global climate change, this is a risk not worth taking.

It’s important to get as much information as you can on any home you may want to buy. Factors ranging from where it’s located to what might be wrong with it can drastically affect your ability to fix it up as your new home or as an investment. The more you know, the more successful your home-buying experience can be.

6 Easy Bedroom Tweaks For Better Sleep

January 22, 2017October 31, 2021adminBedrooms, DIY Projects, Home Decorbedroom remodeling, DIY projects, home decor, home trendsLeave a comment

Sleep is essential for our health and overall well-being. In order to be happy and healthy it is of the utmost importance to have a quality sleep. There are various habits that you can change or upgrade in order to get a better sleep. However, the starting point for this health benefit that is within our reach is our bedroom. It is our sanctuary and a place where each day starts and ends and it sure can provide us with a good night’s sleep if it is made perfectly.

The Right Temperature

You already know that if the room is too hot or too cold, you are highly likely to have a disrupted sleep. That is why finding the perfect temperature that suits you and that will ensure you a quality sleep is essential. The temperature of your bedroom should be somewhere between 60 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit and it is advisable to be kept that way. This can easily be done by having a thermostat or investing in a heater or a fan that can get you closer to that number.

Soothing Colors

Painting is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to transform your bedroom. Also, it could be done according to your sleep habits and in order to improve them. Choose neutral or calming hues for the walls, such as gray, pastel colors and taupe which you can easily pair with lighter shades for furniture and accessories. However, you should avoid using any vibrant color, such as reds and yellows in order for the room to stay soothing and peaceful.

A Really Good Mattress

Since you are sleeping on your bed, having a good mattress is a number one priority. You probably have back and neck pains and poor sleep just because your mattress is old and uncomfortable. You can change all this by taking some time to choose a new one. Visit several stores and try out different mattresses and choose the one that suits your needs and preferences. Find the best mattress for the money you are willing to spend and enjoy lying on it every night.

Decorate with Symmetry

According to science, a human eye loves symmetry and perceives it as something beautiful. In order to satisfy your eyes and feel calm, you should decorate symmetrically around your bed. If you plan on hanging up a painting above your bed, make sure it is centered. Also, always use two pillows on the bed so the visual effect would be equal and pleasing to your eye. Moreover, feng shui advocates symmetry as part of decoration since it promotes harmonious relationships and you are bound to have quality sleep each night.

Clean Air

A room that is stuffy will not do any favors to your shut-eye. It can trigger allergies and it can lead to snoring, which will greatly affect your sleep. In order to prevent such uncomfortable nights, you need to purify the air in your bedroom and the best way to do so is by adding a plant or two. Any leafy plant will do the trick and help you improve the air. Just make sure you are not allergic to that specific plant and you will sleep like a baby each night in a clean and fresh room.

Ditch the Screens

Electronic devices may have positively affected other aspects of our lives, but they are not helping us sleep better. Using any type of electronic device before bed will disrupt your sleep, so make sure you have none of them present in your bedroom. Ditch the phone, laptop, TV and all the chargers and ban them from your bedroom so you won’t be tempted to keep checking on them during the night. The best thing to do is just go to sleep, or read a book if you have troubles falling asleep. The social media and work can wait until you have rested.

Your bedroom should be the safest and coziest place on earth, so make sure it stays like that all the time. Invest a bit more time and money in its decoration and get quality rest each day.

3 Reasons Your Bathroom Should Be The First Thing You Remodel

January 20, 2017adminBathroom Remodeling, home improvement, home remodelingbathroom remodeling, home improvement, home remodeling, home trends, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

The bathroom is likely the busiest room in the home. Everyone needs to use it at some point whether they are taking a shower or simply getting dressed to begin the day or get ready for bed. This is only one of the reasons as to why the bathroom should be the first area of the home that you remodel.

Getting A New Look

If your home is like most, then the bathroom doesn’t really get a lot of attention aside from the occasional sweeping, mopping and other cleaning. If the home is older, then the bathroom is likely outdated and needs a makeover. You can remove the toilet to add one that uses less water along with a new shower so that you have a comfortable place to stand while washing. Another idea is to remove the tub and install one that has a jet system so that you can relax after a long day. A sparkling bathroom with new decorations and better lighting often means that you’ll feel more comfortable while being in the room at any time of the day. After the bathroom is remodeled, then it will give you a room that is functional while the rest of the house is being updated.

Calling The Professionals

Whether you’re changing the tile on the floor or changing out the shower to include a sliding door, you want to get professional help, like the professionals at Callier Thompson Kitchen & Bath, if you aren’t sure what you’re doing in the bathroom. When the bathroom is at the top of the list of rooms to be remodeled, then it gives the contractor time to get the other rooms completed without rushing as the bathroom is the smallest room and will usually take the least amount of time. A professional will be able to quickly do any of the plumbing, electricity and flooring that you need to have done so that you can work on ideas for the rest of the home before approaching the contractor with your thoughts.

It Needs To Stay Open

The bathroom is a room that doesn’t need to be out of commission for a long time, so it’s best to knock out the remodeling project as soon as you can. You don’t want to have the room blocked off so that no one can use the toilet or the tub. If there is another bathroom in the home, then it will help, but you want to make sure as many of the updates are done as soon as you can complete them so that no one is inconvenienced.

Your bathroom is likely the smallest space in the home, but it’s the most important. It has the tools for staying clean and making sure proper hygiene is maintained for all ages. When you’re completing remodeling projects, you want to start with this room first as it usually doesn’t take as long, and you want to make sure that everyone is comfortable while taking care of personal matters.

Are you thinking about remodeling your bathroom? If so, give us a call at 914-576-2572 for a free estimate!

A Stunning Sight: 5 Integral Elements of Eye-Catching Curb Appeal

January 18, 2017adminDIY Projects, Home Improvement TipsDIY projects, home improvement, home remodeling, real estate, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

The first impression people form of your home is often based on the curb appeal of your property. There are many design elements other than landscaping that can influence the impressiveness of your curb appeal.

Outdoor Structures

An arbor, pergola or gazebo can be included in your landscape design to enhance the curb appeal of your home. Outdoor structures can be used to showcase plants or to create intimate areas within the landscape design. These structures provide opportunities for decorating your outdoor space in various ways as the seasons change.

Garage Doors

Functional details such as garage doors can affect your home’s curb appeal. An outdated or unattractive garage door can be an eyesore. Replacing an unsightly door with a door from places like Best Doors that complements your home’s exterior design will have a positive impact on your home’s appearance. Be sure to explore the diverse design options such as slat doors, sectional doors, and aluminum doors, along with the many finish and hardware options that are available so that you can find the most appropriate and attractive design for your home.

Fences

According to the statistical information provided at Zillow, adding a fence to your property can often increase the value of your home. The type of fencing should be consistent with the style of home you have and in the same design field as the fences of the other homes in your neighborhood. Gates can be a decorative feature that enhances the curb appeal of your home.

Front Door

Your front door can be one of the most stunning features of your home. You’ll want to choose a door design that complements the design style of your home. Impressive hardware options are available that enable you to display your personal style.

Porch Décor

Once you’ve chosen an impressive front door, your front porch can become a showplace that will cause all who pass by to stop and take notice. Include lighting that complements the style of door you’ve chosen. Add impressive furniture in a complementary style. Make sure that you keep plants and accessories to a minimum so that each design element can be seen and appreciated.

Design elements such as a garage door, fence or front door can increase the value of your home and enhance your home’s curb appeal. Plants can be added as a decorative element in accordance to the size of your lawn and the investment of time you have to devote to its upkeep.

Guest Post By:
Anica Oaks

Freelance writer and web enthusiast
Read some of my published work on my Google+ page.

How To Convert a Garage Into a Room While You Can Still Park A Car

January 17, 2017adminDIY Projects, Home Improvement Tips, home remodelinggarages, home improvement, home remodeling, home trendsLeave a comment

There are so many ideas on how to convert your garage into a room while you can still park, assuming you have a two car garage. The question is, what type of room are you aiming to add? Is it a guest room? Or a work space instead? How about a gym or a playroom for the kids? So many reasons to add space, right? Garage conversion actually depends on the size and layout of your garage but if your garage is just like the typical garages out there, then here are a few ideas on how to convert your garage while you can still park your car:

Kids Playroom

If ever you decide to convert your garage to a kids’ playroom, then organization would be the best solution. You can organize your garage into zones so you’d know where your stuff is. Since you’ll be taking the other half of your garage for the kids, don’t forget to child proof it. There’s lots of child proof equipment that you can install and don’t forget to insulate the room as well. Make sure not to leave your car idle in the garage to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Personal Gym

Is physical fitness important to you? Do you want a personal gym all year round? You can definitely turn your garage into one! Again, organization is the key especially if you have lots of gym equipment. A horizontal slat wall system can organize your sports gear and you can use utility bins for small items. Hooks can be used for hanging some items like your bike or your hockey bag perhaps. If you have ample ceiling space, you can install overhead racks for some of the items that you need stored. Since this will be your workout space, a cold, concrete floor is not an option. You can install a high quality Floortex Coating. Not only does it look like a professional gym but it keeps you insulated too.

Guest Room

Do you want an extra room for guests or your in-laws perhaps? Half of your garage can be the perfect space for that extra room. Organization is still the key and insulation. Insulation is a must since you’ll be turning this into a room. You don’t want them sleeping in the cold right? There are lots of cheap items that you can buy that still look elegant and posh. You don’t really have to spend much since raising the floor for insulation is already costly enough. You also need to decide if you’d be adding an extra bathroom. If you’re really low on budget and can’t afford to install another one, just make sure that the extra room has access to your house.

Home Office

Let’s say you have a one car garage but you really need a home office to work. One solution is to put your home office at the top of your garage. Yup! By adding another floor up, you can have your home office space. Before you get to work on adding an extra floor, you have to make sure that you have a very good foundation. We don’t want to risk your home office falling on top of your car. Organization is still crucial. Design your home office to be ergonomic and practical. Since adding an additional floor can be quite costly, you can still design your home office without spending too much. You just have to decide what you really need in your home office.

Living Room

Don’t have ample space for a proper living room? Do you want your dining are separated from your living room? You can actually design half of your garage to become your living room. Again, organization and insulation is very crucial in making this happen. You need to raise your concrete floor for insulation so you won’t have a cold living room. Living rooms are supposed to be cozy and inviting so you can design them to be one but you really don’t have to spend much. You have to decide though what theme you’d like in your living room. If you can’t afford to design your living room in one spending then you can start with what you have. Sometimes reupholstering your sofa is all you need rather than spending on a new one. And never forget to let the sunlight in!

There are actually lots of options to add a room in your garage. You have to remember that it’s essential that you fully understand the zoning laws in your area before you begin drawing up your plans. You can find the laws for your area by visiting your city’s website or contacting your city’s building department.

Written by Kristy Jones, the blog author of A Click Away Remotes – Garage Door Opener Remotes Blog.

Clever Ways to Incorporate Reclaimed Materials in Your Home

January 16, 2017adminDIY Projects, Home Improvement Tips, Interior DesignDIY projects, home decor, home improvement, home repairs, home trendsLeave a comment

Give your home that warm and happy feeling by incorporating reclaimed and recycled items throughout your home. Here are some great ideas for you to use reclaimed items that you’ll love having in your home.

1. Suit Case Shelves

Are you tired of the normal shelves you have in your house? Go reclaimed retro and make your own shelves out of a vintage suit case! Suit case shelves are so unique. You can find suitcases at thrift stores, antique stores, or even at yard sales!

This is an awesome way to decorate your walls with a twist. It’s also pretty easy to do it yourself. You can cut it through the middle, horizontally using the top and the bottom, which gives you two shelves per suit case. You now have a great and cheap way to add some fun to your walls, while giving something a new purpose.

2. Vintage Tile

Want a way to spice up your home with something less modern? It’s so easy to reclaim and use tiles in your home. You can find tiles that are salvaged from renovated homes, shop online or reuse tiles you already have.

You have so many options when it comes to tiles because they come in so many different styles, colors, and even different places around the world. You can use reclaimed tiles on the floor, as a backsplash in your kitchen, inside your bathroom or shower. You can get creative and personalize the tiles in your home to your liking.

3. Wine Bottle Lamps

Give yourself a reason to drink up! If you like to save or recycle the empty wine bottles you have, here’s a great way to use them as décor in your house. All you have to do is find battery operated string lights, and drill a hole in the bottom of any wine glass. You can use lights with a plug but that would limit you to placing the wine lamp near an outlet.

Wine bottles come in blues, greens, and clear bottles which will allow you to add a pop of color to the lamp if you want. While clear is recommended for a brighter lamp, you can have a dimmer light with a green or blue bottle.

Don’t drink wine? You can use any glass bottle and turn it into a string light lamp!

4. T-Shirt Rug

Do you have t-shirts or old clothing you no longer wear and just haven’t gotten the chance to donate it? Make a t-shirt rug out of your old clothes! Give your floors a little warmth and recycled love. This is a way to give your home a rug for free! You already own the clothes, so you don’t have to spend a dime!

5. Antique Wood

Natural, hardwood floors are craved in homes, and hard to find in good condition. Original hardwood floors have more history than you may have thought. For example, American chestnut hardwood floors came in the 1800s and were used to produce cabins, barns, and hardwood flooring.

If you have hardwood floors in your home, check to see if they’re reclaimed from the original hardwood. If you don’t have hardwood floors, you can incorporate refurbished wood inside your home other ways. Old barn wood can be used in a lot of ways throughout your home! It can be on your wall, made into a coffee table, turned into a sliding door, and more!

6. Recycled Plant Holders

If you want to add some fresh greens in your home, consider using recycled plant holders. Plants are good to have in your home because they purify the air and provide you with more oxygen as they take in the carbon dioxide.

Rather than getting rid of the plastic containers you use, cut an opening in them for plants to grow. You can paint the plant holders, or leave them in their natural state. You don’t have to use plastic containers if you don’t want to. There are so many items you can turn into plant holders. Either way, you’re reclaiming the containers into something new. Some great items to use would be coffee cans, tin cans or even old tea cups.

7. Pallet Head Board

Reclaimed wood looks gorgeous in any home, but it doesn’t have to be on your floors. Restore an old pallet and turn it into a head board for either your bedroom or even a spare bedroom.

There are so many different ideas for pallet headboards, you have plenty of options. You can whitewash the wood to give it a lighter, newer look. If you want to keep it vintage looking, you can paint it and distress it by using a sander. You can also add built-in lights to the headboard for a rustic feel. Pallet headboards are a popular DIY and a great way to reclaim wood in your home.

Re-using items in your home is a great way to recycle and repurpose. You can reclaim any item that typically would be thrown out otherwise. Don’t be afraid to get creative or fancy when reclaiming items for your home. Have fun adding or changing the pieces in your home.

Kacey is a lifestyle blogger for The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts.

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Four Feng Shui Tips To Make Your Home Cozy For Winter

January 14, 2017adminDIY Projects, Home Decor, Winter TipsDIY projects, feng shui, home decor, home trends, winterLeave a comment

People who’ve heard of feng shui know that it has something to do with the flow of energy around a home and how that flow can be helped or hindered by the way items are placed around a room. But feng shui also responds to the different seasons. Here are four things to do to keep the energy flowing even on the cold days of winter:

Use Warm Colors

Because winter is yin, which means it has the qualities of coldness and darkness, it is balanced by colors that are warm, if not fiery, such as red or orange. These colors are considered yang. Neutral colored pillows, draperies, slip covers and bedclothes should be swapped out for accessories that have these warmer colors and can be bought from places such as Modern Home 2 Go. Fruits and vegetables with warmer hues, such as tomatoes and pumpkins, should be eaten. Even artwork with cool colors like blue or green can be exchanged for artwork with warmer hues, at least for the season.

Plug up Drafts

Drafts coming in from leaky windows need to be corrected and the windows themselves covered with warm drapes in bright, warm colors and made of heavy fabrics such as velvet and flannel. Air conditioning units need to be either removed or covered up while they are not in use.

However, on days when it’s sunny and not bitterly cold, move the draperies aside, and let in natural light for a few hours.

Add More Light

Winter is the time to change lightbulbs. This is especially important now because the inefficient, incandescent light bulbs are being phased out. Homeowners should screw in at least one lightbulb that gives full spectrum light that mimics a sunny day, and use halogen, LED or compact fluorescent or CFL lightbulbs. These lightbulbs are more efficient than incandescent bulbs, and LED and CFLs are cooler. Halogen bulbs, however, are hotter, so make sure they are kept well away from anything flammable, including those heavy draperies over the windows.

Candles not only provide light, but can be the focus of calming rituals. Simply light a candle, sit before it, and breathe in and out.

Declutter

Donate old clothes and other items to charities. This is not only a good thing to do for others but decluttering a home frees up good energy, or chi. Decluttering makes room not only for new items but new ideas.

Following the principles of feng shui saves winter from being the part of the year that just has to be endured. These tips make winter cozy, comfortable and even quietly invigorating.

Roofing Renovation: 4 Tips For Your Next Roof Make Over

January 11, 2017adminHome Improvement Tips, Roofinghome improvement, remodeling tips, roofingLeave a comment

When it’s time to get a new roof for the home because of damages, wear and tear or you simply want a new look for the home, there are a few tips to keep in mind to make the process as smooth as possible. Don’t do any work on your own that you aren’t 100 percent certain you can complete. It’s best to hire someone to help you instead of possibly damaging the roof even more.

Check The Style
Most homes have a shingle roof, but there are many who are venturing toward a metal roof or one that is made of other materials that last longer than shingles. A metal roof can be relaxing when it rains as you listen to the drops fall above your head. The metal can also attract heat, which can help in insulating the home. You want to add a roof to the home that will complement the exterior look of the home for a more appealing presence.

Professional Help
After getting on the roof to see what needs to be done, you need to make the decision of whether you can complete the work on your own or if it’s too big of a job for you to handle. Companies like D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. can complete the work that you need done without interfering with the flow of your everyday life. Make sure that you get a quote in writing if a contractor is used.

Check The Codes
Before you begin any work on the roof, you need to check the building codes in your area. There are some states that will only allow two or three layers of new materials on the roof before a completely new one is installed. A local municipal building will have all of the information that you need when it comes to building codes so that you aren’t breaking any regulations.

Maintenance
Think about the maintenance that you will have to perform with the new roof. If you’re replacing shingles, keep in mind that a severe storm and the weight of ice or snow can sometimes damage the material. A metal roof is often more durable, but the surface is hot, which makes it hard to examine the area for damages in the middle of summer. Wood shingles might be an option if you want something that is attractive, but you need to keep the materials on hand in case one or more splinters and breaks off.

Your roof is one of the most important things of the home as it shelters the inside and provides protection. However, there are times when you might need to make repairs or you might want a complete new look for the home. Talk to a contractor to make sure everything is done the right way, and look at the options you have with materials so that you have the best roof on the home.

Hot Tub Happiness: 3 Tips for Installing and Caring for Your Own Spa

January 10, 2017adminDIY Projects, Entertaining, Home Improvement TipsDIY projects, health, home trendsLeave a comment

Hot tubs provide both relaxation and medical benefits. Hot tubs can reduce blood sugar levels and raise body temperatures so that blood flow is increased. It can also help those with injuries that prevent them from doing so on land exercise as the water provides buoyancy. However, before installing a hot tub in your home, there are things you need to know.

Installation of a Hot Tub

Install your hot tub in an area that is easily accessible. You want enough room that you can perform maintenance and keep the tub clean. The surface must be level and be able to support the weight of the tub. Some spas require 220-volt electricity which could mean running new electrical service to the spa. Even those that can be plugged into 110-volt outlets may require additional circuits. Keep in mind that a great deal of heat and moisture are released from hot tubs, so if you plan to install it inside, you will need proper ventilation to avoid mold and mildew growth. Hot tubs can be installed both inside and outside. Some benefits to installing the tub outside include:

Under a shelter, an outside hot tub can be used year round

There is no risk of chemical odors inside the home

No mold and mildew build up if the hot tub is in an open area

Fewer space limitations

It is also important to remember that spas can pose a drowning danger. Even if the cover is very heavy, small children have been known to crawl under them. One of the best options is to add a locking cover if small children will be near the hot tub at any time.

Regular Maintenance

A 600-gallon hot tub with five people in it will accumulate an equal amount of oil and dirt as a standard swimming pool with 250 people. Keep a skimmer handy to remove any stray debris and brush the sides of the tub each week to prevent algae growth. Drain the water at least every three months and clean the surface thoroughly. Change or clean the filter often as this is your first line of defense in keeping your spa clean. The manual that came with your hot tub should explain how to clean or replace the filter. Always keep your hot tub covered when not in use to conserve heat and reduce evaporation as well as for safety reasons.

Testing and Treating

Just like a swimming pool, you need to chemically treat the water to prevent bacterial growth. You will need to test the hot tub chemicals for pH in the water as high levels of pH can irritate skin as can pH levels that are too low. You must test for calcium to avoid scaly deposits as well. Chlorine is the most common chemical treatment for hot tubs, but it can sometimes cause skin irritation and damage clothing. Bromine or natural treatments are available that cause less skin irritation and don’t leave the odor of chlorine on clothing or skin. Some new tubs are available with saltwater systems that keep the water clean. Some newer hot tubs are also equipped with an ozone generator which produces ozone in the water. This can help reduce the number of chemicals you need to use but will not replace them completely. In addition, ozone can be a dangerous gas. If your hot tub will be inside, you may want to avoid an ozone generator in your hot tub. Failure to properly treat your hot tub can lead to illness which can include:

Gastrointestinal Problems

Skin rashes

Ear infections

Respiratory infections

Legionella

Staphylococcus infections

A hot tub can provide many hours of fun and relaxation. However, it is critical to follow these three steps in order to keep your friends and family safe when they use your spa.

Exterior home design ideas: what should you go for in 2017

January 9, 2017adminhome improvement, Home Improvement Tipsexteriors, home improvement, home remodeling, home trends, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

With so many ideas on interior home design, it seems that the exterior often remains in the backstage when it comes to trends. That’s not the case for 2017 though. Your home exterior is as important as your interior. A lot of people think that interesting exterior design ideas have to involve a lot of time, effort and investment, but that’s not necessarily true. If you want to be frugal with your décor and design, there are many ideas that can be refreshing and budget-friendly at the same time. You may be unsure where to start, so let’s see what you can do about your exterior in 2017 to make it more personal and pleasant.

1. Pops of color

You may be wondering how exactly are you to achieve pops of color when it comes to exterior but there’s nothing that a little bit of creativity and paint cannot do. The easiest way for you to freshen up the look of your home is to paint the windowpanes and doors in some vibrant color. You can also combine colors for an even bigger impact.

Making a contrast between your walls and other surfaces by using color is a huge trend for 2017 and it can easily be done over just one weekend. Of course, you can add a unique twist to this trend and spice things up with various detailed drawings.

2. Neat garden

Not everyone has a huge backyard that can fit a true natural oasis but you can still do a lot with the space you have. Designate an area in your backyard that you would use for planting plants and shrubbery. Be consistent with this task and choose the plants that complement each other. There are a lot of no-fuss plants that are very low maintenance. It’s important to strategically place these plants so that you have room for a little garden path that you yourself can make by using wooden planks, stones, gravel, bricks, etc.

3. Patio furniture

If you want to make your own patio, but you’ve never got round to it, 2017 is the perfect year for such a resolution. When looking for the perfect patio furniture, it’s important to look for those pieces that match the style of your home and your personal taste. You should also decide whether your patio furniture will be out in the open, or in some covered space.

You may think that getting new furniture is bound to be expensive, but if you visit garage sales there’s great possibility of you hitting the jackpot and finding some unique pieces to complement your exterior. With the help of some repurposing and crafty DIYs, you can transform any piece of furniture into a decorative exterior gem.

4. Add details

Details are very important when it comes to exterior. Accessories such as cushions and covers for your patio furniture, garden bits and pieces like garden gnomes, a unique mailbox, creative house number, etc. are only some of the details that can truly unify your efforts. Of course, don’t forget easy to clean door mats – these will add a perfect decorative and personalized touch to your homes overall appeal.

5. Light it up

Adequate lighting is very important for the 2017 exterior trends. Some people enjoy having fairy lights decorate their trees, porches and fences all year round while those who are a bit more practical look for sleek and minimalist design that would light up the driveway, garden path, certain porch areas, etc. Whatever your preferred style is, make sure to opt for LED lights because these will be very cost-effective in the long run.

Show your home exterior the same love you show your interior. This is the main design trend for 2017 that everyone should consider. Creating a true harmony with these two different aspects of your home will generate warmth and sense of belonging that every homeowner desires.

Guest Post By:

Chloe is an art historian, recreational ballet dancer and a contributor at smoothdecorator.com. She is passionate about photography, dance and music. Her biggest dream is to travel the whole world with her husband and take stunning photographs of beautiful places. She also enjoys learning and writing about home design, since she is crazy about aesthetics. You can find Chloe on FB, Twitter, and G+.

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