| Top 10 home decor trends for 2014 |
| Renew. Rejuvenate. Reinvigorate. The same objectives people have when making their personal New Year's resolutions can be just as easily be applied to their homes. There's no better time to give a home a fresh look, whether it's incorporating a new color palette, adding accessories, repurposing furniture or putting something interesting up on the walls. |
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| Top 2014 home decor trend: Personalized design |
| Interior design is in a constant state of transformation, and this year homeowners are taking control. The "keeping up with the Joneses'' mentality is giving ground to the desire for personalized design that reflects the exact needs and design aesthetic of the residents. In 2014, more people will actively embrace the role of designer in order to create a home that is truly one of a kind. |
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| Go-anywhere upgrades that are great for kitchens and baths |
| Some upgrades look laughable in the wrong room: plush carpeting in the bathroom or custom drapes in a kitchen. A handful of go-anywhere upgrades work especially well in kitchens and baths - and can raise those rooms from merely functional to inspiringly fashionable. |
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| Hardwood flooring trends, a touch of the creative |
| The recovering U.S. housing market has led to increased demand for certain luxury items, including hardwood flooring. Exciting trends are influencing the marketplace and for today's consumers, there are more hardwood flooring options than ever before. |
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| How to find rebates for energy-efficient home improvements |
| Home improvements that increase energy efficiency are appealing on many levels, from saving you money on heating and cooling costs to the confidence you get from knowing you're doing something good for the environment. They're even better when you can get some money back from the initial investment of making those improvements. Here are some ways to find rebates. |
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| Create a traditional kitchen full of personality and style |
| The kitchen is the heart of the home ... the place where memories are made while cooking, eating and sharing stories around the table. Since so much time is spent in this room, it's important to have a kitchen that fits your personality. There are many styles to choose; but traditional remains one of the most popular because of its timeless, classic look. If you're updating your kitchen, here are some tips to create a space that reflects your personal style. |
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| Keep wall flaws hidden with beautiful texturing techniques |
| When it comes to home decorating, texturing can do for your walls what a good coat of wax can do for your car's finish - hide a host of flaws. Poorly patched holes, uneven sheetrock, ugly wallpaper and even multiple layers of peeling paint can all be hidden beneath a beautiful layer of texture. |
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| Top 2014 home improvement trends: smart homes and home automation |
| From smartphones to smart cars, technology is transforming virtually every aspect of our busy lives. Technologies not only make life easier while on the go, but new options are quickly simplifying life at home as well. Some experts are predicting 2014 will be the year of the smart home. Home automation is a top home improvement trend, making the Jetsons' futuristic lifestyle more realistic than ever before. |
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| Cold weather pushes rodents into homes |
| With the holidays over for another year, you may think you won't have any more surprise guests until spring. Think again. Nearly a third (29 percent) of Americans have had a "visit" from one of winter's least-welcome "guests" - rodents - according to a survey from the National Pest Management Association. In fact, these pests enter approximately 21 million homes each winter, and nearly half of the infestations occur in the fall and winter months. |
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| Planning a home improvement project? How to hire a quality contractor |
| Dreaming of home improvement projects in the New Year? You're not alone - many homeowners are deciding what improvement project to tackle next. As the housing market continues to strengthen, homeowners buying or selling homes are focused on curb appeal or updating new spaces, which makes now a perfect time for remodeling. In fact, a majority of U.S. Homeowners (75.5 percent) are planning one or more home improvement projects by early 2014, according to a recent HIRI Sentiment Tracking Study. |
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| Four simple tips for designing an on-trend home for 2014 |
| The new year will usher in a new era of home decor by welcoming an "anything goes" attitude as designers mix old with new; DIY and high-end; as well as rustic and sleek to create eclectic, one-of-a-kind looks that are just as personal to the homeowner as they are unique. |
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| Simple steps to paint like a pro |
| The difference between a professional paint job and a do-it-yourself job that looks like a pro painted it is surprisingly simple. As the old adage goes, the devil's in the details. If you want that professional look while maintaining your DIY pride - and checkbook - take the time and effort to pay attention to often overlooked details. |
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| Three weekend-friendly DIY bathroom upgrades |
| How much time do you spend in the bathroom each day? Whether it's where you prep the kids for bed or step away for some alone time, the bathroom is one of the most frequently used rooms in the home. It's also one of the best areas in which to invest; renovating or simply updating this space can lead to a 62 percent return on investment. |
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| The best-kept secret for your home's exterior |
| Unique versatility, unrivaled durability, breathtaking beauty - all are qualities that have made cypress a longtime favorite building material in the coastal regions of the South. But the secret about cypress is out, and homeowners across the country are acknowledging its virtues for upgrading their homes' curb appeal and outdoor living spaces. |
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| Tips for keeping your house warm without burning a hole in your pocket |
| The winter months mean celebrating the holidays, reconnecting with family and friends and planning your resolutions for the New Year. They can also mean a sharp increase to your monthly heating bill in order to stay warm and comfortable. If you're interested in controlling your energy expenses while maintaining comfort, the tips below will help you make sure more of your money is put towards presents than power. |
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| Geothermal systems provide energy independence for more homeowners |
| For years Dwight Nadig and his wife suffered through the cold winters in their York, Pa., ranch-style home, originally built in 1979. Nadig started to investigate geothermal (or ground-source) heat pump systems to help them stay warm in the winter - without paying a lot of money on their oil bill. |
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| Safety tips for your home's largest moving object - the garage door |
| The garage door's role in the home has changed dramatically over the last 30 years and most people don't realize it. Consider this: garage door openers have been installed in 35 million homes across the United States, making them one of the most widely used appliances. In fact, more than 70 percent of today's homeowners use their attached garage as their main entrance to their home. |
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| Upgrade your home's exterior and achieve the look you've always wanted |
| If you enjoy spending the cold winter months planning your next spring home improvement project, your creative juices are already flowing. But instead of focusing on the same small home improvement projects again this year, have you considered something bigger? Have you considered a project that redefines your home and showcases your individuality? The one that will make your home stand out in your neighborhood? |
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| Eight efficient organization tips for your busy life |
| If you run a small business or you manage your family's household, you know that time is a precious commodity, one that you never seem to have enough of. And despite your best efforts, you can't create time. So how do you save it and make yourself more efficient? |
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| Create inviting entrances to welcome holiday guests |
| Holiday season guests will soon come knocking at your front door. What's the first impression your home's entryway creates? Is it a warm, friendly welcome, or is the cold hard truth that your home's entryway could use some improvement? Try these handy holiday entryway-decorating tips to create an inviting entryway and make everyone feel right at home. |
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| Tips for a keeping your home safe and dry this winter |
| Freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall are in store for much of the country this winter, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac, and that means homeowners need to start taking immediate steps to ensure that their loved ones and property stay safe and warm through the long, cold months ahead. |
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| A guide to great holiday gifts for the DIY enthusiast |
| It's no secret that finding the perfect gift around the holidays for everyone on your list can be a daunting task. If your list includes someone who enjoys spending his or her free time fixing things around the house, why not show them you appreciate their DIY enthusiasm with some great gifts that will come in handy for their next project? |
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| Learn more about the nation's most popular siding material |
| While vinyl siding has historically been the most-used siding material in the U.S., its continuing advancements are allowing even more choice when it comes to two critical qualities desired by homeowners: outstanding curb appeal and low maintenance. |
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| How to maintain your deck for outdoor entertaining year-round |
| Expanding livable space using decks and patios is a top home improvement trend, but today's homeowners aren't satisfied with limiting entertaining outdoors to the warmer months. With a few smart updates, they're creating spaces that make outdoor entertaining possible all year long. Breathe new life into your existing deck and create a space that can be used for entertaining year-round with a few expert tips. |
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| Don't let messes leave you in a 'holidaze': Easy tips for post-holiday clean up |
| The holidays bring plenty of cheer and the arrival of family from all over. It's the most wonderful time of the year, after all. But with family visits and hearty meals also comes a big share of messes. After hefty helpings of gravy and chocolates, there will be plenty of cleaning required to get your home back in tip top shape for the new year. It's enough to leave anyone "holidazed," but with the right tools and tricks on your side, it does not have to. |
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| Itchin' to update your kitchen? |
| Remodeling the kitchen. When you decide to tackle this daunting undertaking, you want to do it right. And, you're not alone. Forty-nine percent of homeowners plan to completely gut their existing kitchen and start with a clean state, according to a recent survey by Houzz.com. Regardless of the scope of your project, if you're itchin' to update your kitchen, follow these five steps to design the space you've been dreaming about. |
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| Tips to make your home sparkle for holiday guests |
| The holiday season's here - time for enjoying your favorite foods, cider simmering on the stove and gatherings of friends and family. If you're hosting a holiday celebration, prepping your home now will help reduce last-minute chores and make the season more enjoyable. |
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| Winter renovations to boost home energy efficiency, add value |
| It's that time of year again, when the cold wind blows outdoors and your home works as hard as it can to keep you warm and comfortable indoors. Yet your home may be working harder than necessary, while inflating your energy bills in the process. By making a few home renovations this winter, you can boost energy efficiency, save money and add value to your home in the long run. |
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| How to use texture, colors and accessories to bring emotion to your home |
| Home decor can convey many different emotions - from warmth and comfort on cold and dreary winter days to elegance and festiveness during the holiday season. The colors and materials you use set the stage; everything from the textures that appear in the accessories, the arrangement of the furniture and even how sound reverberates in a room. |
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| Three exterior home improvements can add to your home |
| While homeowners generally spend more time entertaining guests indoors, the exterior of your home makes the first impression. When it is time for home improvements, the exterior of the home may be forgotten or ignored. Painting, updating furniture and replacing flooring inside are all important, but the exterior of your house deserves some tender love and care as well. |
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| Top trends in kitchen cabinetry |
| "A kitchen provides physical and spiritual nourishment, and for many homes is now the heart and soul of family life." That's how Terence Conran opened his classic Kitchen Book 20 years ago, and it's probably even truer today. The kitchen's central importance in most households means that Americans are paying more attention than ever to the design and decoration of this vital space - a search for functionality, comfort and beauty that's reflected in current trends in hardwood kitchen cabinetry. |
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| Bathroom decor: Big bang ideas for less than $100 |
| You may want your bathroom redo to look like you spent a million bucks on it, but you can get a whole new look for a lot less than that. In fact, some downright cheap upgrades can be quite dazzling. Here are a handful of high-impact ways to achieve a whole new look for less than $100. |
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| Smart 'green' options that help homeowners save green |
| With the average American household spending more than $1,000 on heating and cooling expenses each year, more homeowners are seeking smarter, green options to reduce the strain on their wallets. Incentives through the U.S. government's Energy Star program and other state and federal programs have made it easier for homeowners to create an energy efficient and greener home. |
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| Build the perfect man cave |
| The perfect man cave is different for everyone, but no matter how you define your ideal space, you're always looking for ideas on how to upgrade and make a space uniquely yours. |
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| Protecting concrete surfaces from inclement weather |
| The arrival of fall and winter weather is a signal to homeowners that unprotected driveways, patios, sidewalks, pool decks, foyers, garage floors and other exterior concrete surfaces around the house are in danger of flaking, spalling, staining or cracking. |
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| How to make household drafts a thing of the past |
| With the onset of cooler weather, now is the ideal time for homeowners to consider the efficiency of their heating systems. Drafts, gaps and poor insulation throughout the building envelope can significantly contribute to the efficiency of a home's heating system, the comfort of occupants and the household budget. |
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| Home winterizing Rx: A prescription for comfort and cost savings all season long |
| Homeowners will pay 13 percent more this year to heat their homes with natural gas, the U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts. Prices for heating with propane, electricity and heating oil will also remain higher than five-year averages, the administration says. With this in mind, it is especially important for homeowners to act now to ensure their homes are energy-efficient. |
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| Choose quality over quantity to create the bathroom of your dreams |
| While your dream bath may be a sprawling space, the reality is that the typical bathroom is 100 square feet or less. According to recent home builder statistics, the average home size has seen a 6 percent decline in recent years. That doesn't mean you need to give up on your dream bath. A large bathroom footprint isn't always the answer to a better bath. Focusing on quality products can create a luxurious look, even in a small space. |
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| Garage space isn't just for cars anymore |
| The word garage, when looked up in the dictionary, has a simple meaning: a building or indoor area for parking or storing motor vehicles. By and large, this definition sums up exactly what comes to mind for most folks when they hear the word. But for some folks, garages are so much more than a space to park the family minivan and store the cumbersome and unattractive trash and recycling bins. Instead, they are functioning spaces of the home that, in the eye of the homeowner, serve just as much purpose as a kitchen or a bathroom and deserve just as much attention to detail. |
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| Seven simple steps to a sensational and safe shower |
| You do it every day ... and sometimes more than once a day ... but, how often do you actually think about your shower routine? And, is it living up to its potential? Follow these seven simple steps and soon your daily shower escape can become sensational and safe - all with only a minimal investment. |
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| Colorful accents create extraordinary spaces |
| When looking to transform your home, elements such as doors, ceilings and trim are perfect places to add color. These architectural details can create a wow factor with well-placed splashes of color. |
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| Buying a garage door? Think insulation |
| There are seemingly endless options through which homeowners must navigate when buying a new garage door: the style, materials and accessories, just to name a few. But perhaps the most important feature that should top the garage door consumer's list is energy efficiency. |
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| Caramel to cranberries: Holiday stain-busting tips keep carpets bright |
| Whether it's the ghouls trick-or-treating on Halloween, the gobbles of great food on Thanksgiving, or the gatherings of loved ones over the holiday season, you will likely be hosting an event at your home in the upcoming months. Food and friends make the perfect pairing for celebrations - but that can mean spills and splashes on carpets. There's no need to panic when you know the tricks the pros use to treat tough holiday carpet stains. |
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| 10 tips for making a small bathroom feel larger |
| Is your tiny bathroom cramping your functionality and style, leaving you longing for the enormous bathrooms gracing the pages of design magazines? Even if your bathroom is a fraction of the size, all it takes is some design savvy to make the most of the space you have. Consider these 10 smart tips that will help your bathroom look, feel and function like those larger contenders. |
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| Paint like a pro with DIY simplicity |
| Think your favorite room is due for a new paint color? To get a result that looks like it was plucked straight from a home improvement magazine, you don't have to hire an interior designer or professional painter. You can do-it-yourself with a few tricks of the trade. |
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| Good looks or good sense? Home designs that don't make you choose |
| Increasingly savvy consumers aren't satisfied with the idea they must choose between practicality and good looks, and their rejection of the notion is fueling one of the hottest new design trends. Smart manufacturers are responding, creating innovations that are driven by how people truly use products, and not just by how those products look. |
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| Find classic style in carriage house garage doors |
| The carriage house garage door is to your house what the little black dress and strand of pearls are to your wardrobe: classic style elements that never go out of fashion. Here's what you need to know about carriage houses and how they can be a great addition to a home. |
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| Fun ways to add a splash of color this holiday season |
| The holidays are that special time of year when we reunite with our family and friends; in some cases we may not have seen these loved ones since the previous holiday. If you're in charge of hosting this year's event, you may think you don't have the time and the money to give your home a new look. |
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| Protect your home against hidden dangers |
| A broken sewer pipe is no small nuisance. A homeowner may be faced with system backups, foul odor, property damage, and sometimes even health hazards. Review your home insurance plans and take extra measures to prevent one of these disasters from hitting your home. |
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| Home improvement tricks to avoid the winter blues |
| Many triggers can affect our moods. From sights to sounds to smells - it's a sensory experience that we don't seem to have much control over. Or so we used to think. But with more research being done on exactly how these elements might affect our stress or happiness levels, we now have better insight on how to enhance our mood. This is good news for those looking to make home improvements. |
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| Easy-to-update items to make your new home yours |
| This year more than 5.4 million homes were sold by the end of August, according to the National Association of Realtors. Are you one of these millions of new homeowners? If so, you've most likely felt the urge to settle in immediately. However, before making any major renovations, it's a good idea to live in a new home a while to see how the space is meeting your needs. Here are a few swift swaps that will have a big impact in making that new house feel like home sweet home. |
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| Reclaimed wood flooring: How to design with eclectic affordability |
| Breathing new life into your home with weathered touches, aged accents and historical character is holding true to the popular belief of "what's old is new." Sparked from the sustainable living trend, reclaimed, recycled and repurposed wood floors have become one of the hottest green design and remodeling trends. |
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| Sink shopping 101: Is your sink ready for your next party? |
| From enjoying a nice cup of coffee in the morning to putting the final touches on a homemade pie, the kitchen is the center of the home any time of year, but especially when you're entertaining. The kitchen will be put to the test, filled to the brim with friends and loved ones, whipping up the family's secret recipes. In order to handle entertaining with ease, your sink needs to be in tip-top shape. Is yours up for the challenge? |
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| How to boost energy efficiency in your home and live green |
| It's now easier than ever for homeowners to transform their homes into models of green living thanks to the growing availability of affordable, energy-smart building products and materials. From replacing incandescent light bulbs to reviewing the energy rating on new appliances, more homeowners are making informed decisions on how to cut energy consumption and boost efficiency. |
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| DIY tips to check windows and doors and save on utility costs year-round |
| With temperatures dropping, now is a good time to improve your home's energy efficiency. Drafty windows and doors can dramatically increase heating and cooling costs. That's why it's important to perform a walk-around now, to verify that your windows are in working order, or if they need replacing. |
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| Steps for creating the ultimate game day space |
| Looking for a great space to chill out and hang with the dudes? Call it the basement, the garage, a home bar, or just a room dedicated to enjoying the game - it's your man cave. This year, take your space to the next level with these important game day essentials. If you're lucky - it'll become a known game day spot for seasons to come. |
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| Home improvement tips that instantly lower your energy bill |
| It's one piece of mail homeowners dread every month: the utility bill. Considering the average annual utility bill is $2,200, according to energystar.gov, it's no wonder homeowners cringe every time it arrives. What if you opened your bill and, to your surprise, it was lower than expected? With a few simple steps, that is possible, even when the temperature drops. |
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| Now any man can be the king of the castle |
| The popular saying "a man's home is his castle" still holds true today. Men across the nation are investing their time, sweat and labor into do-it-yourself projects to make their homes the best fortresses they can be. |
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| A simple way to keep your family healthy and comfortable this winter |
| Dry, winter air causes numerous problems that can adversely affect the health and comfort of your family. Many of these issues materialize indoors, where countless people suffer from dry noses, cracked, itchy skin and sore throats. These health and comfort issues arise because the relative humidity (RH) of cold, outdoor air drops significantly when brought into your home and heated, resulting in dry and potentially damaging indoor air. Here's how a whole-house humidifier can help. |
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| Tips to spruce up your home for the holidays |
| Holidays are when most people open their homes for friends and family. Sharing the season's greetings is always the priority but these gatherings are also an opportunity to show off improvements made during the year. Fifty-two percent of homeowners plan to make home improvements this fall, according to the leading real estate website Zillow. It is also a great time of year for deals as retailers unload inventory to make room for new styles. |
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| The value of DIY home improvement projects |
| Each day across the United States homeowners are taking on do-it-yourself home improvement projects. Whether you're a first-time or long-time homeowner, DIY enhancements can have positive results - emotionally, esthetically and financially. By tackling DIY projects, you'll feel a sense of pride and accomplishment from improving or customizing your home. |
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| Tips to ensure your shower upgrade doesn't turn into a leaky mess |
| Bathrooms are certainly among the busiest rooms in any home. But a bathroom can be so much more than just the place where you get ready during your hurried morning routine. One of the hottest trends in home decorating and remodeling is creating a bathroom that serves as a spa-like retreat. |
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| Home security tips to keep the holiday season merry and bright |
| During the holidays, family and friends will be gathering to share stories, hand out gifts and enjoy time spent together. It is also a season with houses left empty and large piles of valuable gifts often sitting out in plain sight through the windows - making this time of year ideal for would-be burglars. |
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| Top DIY home winterization projects |
| As the months pass and the end of the calendar year approaches, it's time to update your do-it-yourself list. Several home winterization projects will help keep your home in good repair come spring. |
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| Hard water: bad for your home and wallet |
| Nearly 90 percent of American homes have hard water - water containing high levels of calcium and magnesium, according to The U.S. Geological Survey. Hard water on its own is bad enough, making it difficult to wash clothes and dishes and leaving scaling on your pipes and showerheads as well as nasty brown rings in your sinks and toilets. However, it is also costing you money. Here's what you need to know. |
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| Technology to keep families connected and protected this season |
| It's the time of year when family schedules change and their daily routines reset. From coordinating calendars to handling additional demands such as homework and extracurricular activities, it can be a challenging, if not daunting, time for even the most organized family. |
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| Cozy up to energy savings with insulation |
| With temperatures dropping, odds are your energy bills will be doing just the opposite. In fact, heating (and cooling) account for approximately 54 percent of the energy use in a typical U.S. home, according to the Department of Energy, representing the largest energy expense for most homeowners. One of the most effective ways to manage a home's climate, comfort and energy costs is by ensuring that it is properly insulated. |
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| How to save big bucks on a garage door repair |
| Your garage door spring is broken, and you're stuck in your garage. You need immediate service, so you do a quick online search and call the first name that pops up. Later, you learn that you paid $800 for unnecessary parts and ridiculous fees, when your local garage door dealer would've fixed your problem for $180. Here's how to spot a reputable garage door service. |
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| Why exterior trim is a key part of home remodeling |
| No matter how well maintained, most homes will need some exterior trim replaced from time to time. Traditional wood trim boards can split, crack and rot over time, as a result of damage from the rain, snow, wind and sun. |
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| Winter home safety: Quick steps to help protect your family |
| As cooler weather descends, homes heat up and so does the risk your family could experience a home fire or carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. According to the National Fire Protection Association, most home fires and CO poisonings occur in the winter. Besides heating appliances, seasonal activities such as increased cooking, candle usage and holiday decorations all add to the risk. In fact, the U.S. Fire Administration reports that each year winter fires claim an average of 945 lives, injure 3,825 people and cause more than $1.7 billion in property loss. |
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| Five ways to build a better shower |
| The shower is a place to unwind from a stressful day, where you can forget your worries and pamper yourself. Remodeling the shower is extremely popular because it allows homeowners to create a spa-like experience in their own home, not to mention it's a good investment and can increase resale value. Before you start your remodel, here are five ways to create a shower that will give you some well-deserved peace and quiet. |
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| Expert strategies for defining flow and function in your yard |
| Many strategies can enhance the flow and function of a home's interior and how a family lives and uses the space. But what about a home's exterior? When it comes to a yard, the same thoughtfulness can help homeowners create functional spaces outdoors that not only look great, but also deliver maximum enjoyment. Try these tips from the experts. |
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| How to transform a drab gray concrete slab into a signature home design |
| The home improvement movement is alive and well, with many homeowners looking to unlikely places to increase the functionality and improve the appearance of their homes. With this growing interest in home design projects, homeowners should consider concrete decor products, including stains, to help elevate the look and feel of ordinary concrete surfaces around the home. |
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| Beyond white: Hot color trends for the kitchen and bath |
| So many of us love the rich colors featured in kitchen and bath magazines, but when it comes to selecting colors for our own homes, we tend to play it safe. It's time to be bold and get out of the color comfort zone. Whether it's a vibrant backsplash, playful shade on the wall, or a new sink color that pops with personality, today's hot color trends are anything but boring. |
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