He’s a wise-cracking country crooner who caught the heart of a ’90s pop icon.
Together, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani make up a beloved power couple that we just can’t get enough of. They may have seemed like an odd pair at first but there was NO DOUBT that their love was real.
How did this unlikely duo find each other? The two developed a friendship while working together at The Voice and bonded over their respective divorces in 2015. Their romance culminated in 2021 with a beautiful wedding held at their ranch home in Oklahoma.
With massive acreage, the property was the perfect location for their intimate ceremony. According to reports, the two tied the knot in a small chapel Blake built for Gwen. This was also the place where the proposal happened.
Are you swooning yet? If not, you will, as the tale of Blake Shelton’s houses is one of love and devotion, and we’re 100% here for it.
Blake Shelton And Gwen Stefani got married at their Oklahoma ranch
The couple opted to do an intimate wedding in a simple chapel just a mile away from their mansion.
Gwen said “I do” in a stunning Vera Wang gown, while Blake wore a black tuxedo jacket paired with classic blue jeans.
Their home (and the chapel) sits on Shelton’s massive 1,400-acre estate, known as Ten Point Ranch.
Blake built a chapel on the grounds of his Oklahoma ranch. He did it himself with help. It’s really a tribute to their love.”
a source shared with Us Weekly.
They built a lakefront mansion on the Tishomingo estate, which is just a stone’s throw away from Shelton’s hometown of Ada. The singer also owns a bar, restaurant, and merchandise store in the area.
Measuring approximately 2,000 square feet, the gorgeous mansion on the ranch boasts a long driveway lined with rows of trees on each side.
The drive leads up to the abode, which features a large, wrap-around porch, dormer windows, and a landscaped front garden.
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There is also a semi-detached smaller stone house by the side, which could be a garage or a guesthouse. At the back, there is a large pool, covered patio areas, and a terraced garden.
They also own a 13,000 sq. ft. home in Los Angeles
While their Oklahoma ranch played a significant part in their love story, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton live in Encino, Los Angeles, where they own a 13,000-square-foot home in the hills.
The mansion, which was purchased in 2020 for $13.2 million, is the first home Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton officially bought together — and now serves as their primary residence.
Located in a secluded hillside, the 13,000-square-foot home has three stories, multiple spacious bedrooms, and a four-car garage, offering plenty of space for the couple and the kids — Gwen has three children from her marriage to Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale.
With a multi-million price tag comes a bevy of lavish amenities, including a state-of-the-art Atmos private theater, an oversized pool with its own spa area, a wet bar, an outdoor kitchen, a large cabana, and vast outdoor grounds for entertaining guests and enjoying family time.
While the couple has kept their residences private, Gwen has been giving glimpses of her home life on her social media accounts.
Followers on TikTok were psyched to see the couple’s bedroom decked out in snakeskin print and decorated with a multi-color tribal-style four-poster bed. The Hollaback Girl singer has also been sharing several kitchen adventures on her account.
Blake built a Hawaiian-style lake house for Gwen and her family
Before they tied the knot, Blake already had several impressive homes in his real estate roster.
From modest houses in rural areas to huge mansions, the singer has made an effort to spend his millions wisely. Throughout the years of upgrading to bigger spaces, Blake has made it pretty clear that he will always be a country boy at heart.
But he’ll do anything to make his girl happy!
Before their Encino mansion purchase, Blake also had a resort-style home built for Gwen in a quaint town by Lake Texoma.
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The Hawaiian-themed home features an all-white exterior with blue doors and shutters. To complete the tropical feel, there are three tiki huts and a tiki bar by the pool area. Situated right by the water, there are stunning views of the lake from almost every room in the house.
The relaxing vibe of the resort home has been appreciated well by Gwen’s whole family, who have been used to living in the city.
In an interview with ET, Blake expressed his happiness over introducing country living to Gwen’s kids and family.
“They love it so much, her entire family. And when I say her family, I mean all of them. We have so much fun,” he said. “I don’t think you should be able to have that much fun. It’s probably not legal in California.”
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Set along the sun-kissed shores of Panama City Beach, Florida, a former celebrity residence resurfaced on the market after an extensive makeover — unveiling picture-perfect interiors, a beachfront location that dreams are made of, and a substantial appreciation in value.
Formerly owned by All-American & NFL linebacker-turned-Emmy-winning producer/actor Matt Battaglia, the property at 517 Beachside Gardens has undergone an extensive renovation, transforming it into a coastal masterpiece that blurs the line between luxury and paradise.
As the property graces the market once again, its allure is not just in its pristine design but in its substantial transformation of value.
Listed at a (somewhat) modest $6.95 million in 2019, this beachfront gem has now doubled in price, a testament to the irresistible combination of impeccable style and an enviable Gulf-front setting.
And we’re here to take you on a tour of the $12,900,000 house, now listed for sale with Lesly Simon of Corcoran Reverie.
Key facts & figures
Situated on over an acre, the property boasts an impressive 197 feet of Gulf frontage, showcasing panoramic views of the famed turquoise-hued waters of the Emerald Coast and sugar-white sand.
Bedrooms: 7
Baths: 10
Square footage: 6,096 sq. ft.
Year built: 2019
Lot size: 1.49 acres
Amenities: private pool and sunning deck, oversized covered porch, sitting area with gas fire pit, and private beach walkover
Additional structures: a self-sufficient coach house with two additional bedroom suites, a fully equipped kitchen, and covered patio space
Listing price: $12,900,000
Nestled within the exclusive Carillon Beach community, the residence spans over 6,000 square feet across three meticulously planned levels.
Thoughtful design and amenities
With a focus on seamless indoor-outdoor living, the Florida house was beautifully redone by Jennifer DiCerbo of The French Mix out of Lafayette, LA.
The first level features a spacious living area, wet bar, and direct access to the outdoor oasis, including a private pool, sunning deck, and a covered porch with a gas fire pit.
Three luxurious bedroom suites, a laundry area, and a powder room provide convenience and comfort on this level.
On the second level, the main living area, dining room, and gourmet kitchen open onto expansive wrap-around porches, totaling over 2,000 square feet of outdoor living space.
The kitchen is designed for entertaining, equipped with custom cabinetry, an oversized island, walk-in pantry, wet bar, and professional-grade appliances. Additionally, an office area and powder room are located on this floor.
The upper level and guest retreat
The topmost level features two main bedroom suites, each with a carefully curated design, direct porch access, walk-in wardrobes, and luxurious ensuites. A sitting area with a wet bar and a dedicated laundry center add to the convenience.
Connected by a covered breezeway, the self-sufficient coach house provides two additional bedroom suites, a fully equipped kitchen, and covered patio space, offering a private retreat for guests.
Part of the upscale Carillon Beach Community
The property is part of the sought-after Carillon Beach community, offering residents a host of amenities, including a monitored gate with 24-hour security, three community pools, a children’s park, basketball and tennis courts, pickleball courts, walking trails, a meeting house, and the charming Market Street town center.
With over 3,900 feet of beach frontage, Carillon Beach remains one of the most desirable luxury communities in Northwest Florida.
With its prime location near world-class dining and entertainment venues along 30A and Panama City Beach, the property not only represents a sound real estate investment but also an opportunity to embrace the coveted coastal lifestyle in one of the most sought-after communities in Northwest Florida.
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Your home is not just the cherished place you live. It is a valuable asset that can bring you opportunities for financial security and growth. Owning a home helps you build equity, and in turn, wealth, providing an option when you need to access funds. But there are other ways you can use your home as part of your financial strategy. Let’s explore how you can put your home to work for your financial benefit.
The Tangible Benefits of Homeownership
Owning a home can be a very rewarding experience. In addition to giving you a sense of pride and a connection to your community, homeownership provides tangible benefits that can improve your financial well-being. Two key benefits are equity and tax advantages.
Building Equity Over Time
As you make mortgage payments, you build equity in your home. Equity is the difference between the market value of your home and the amount you owe on your mortgage. Once you’ve accumulated enough home equity, you can tap into it for various needs like home renovations, debt consolidation or other expenses. You can typically obtain this cash through a second mortgage, such as a fixed-rate Home Equity Loan or a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC).
Tax Advantages
As a homeowner, you can deduct some of the interest you pay on your mortgage from your federal income taxes. This can save you a significant amount of money each year.*
Strategies to Unlock Your Home’s Financial Potential
Understanding the different ways you can take advantage of your home can help you unlock its full financial potential and move you closer to your goals.
1. Home Equity Loans
Having home equity can be a safeguard for managing large expenses. For example, if you need access to funds for home improvements, debt consolidation, school tuition, an emergency or any other significant expense, consider a Home Equity Loan.
A home equity loan allows you to borrow against your home’s equity and receive a one-time cash payment. Since this type of loan is a second mortgage, your primary mortgage, including your interest rate, remains unaffected. This can be a great advantage if you have a very low interest rate on your first mortgage and you want to access cash from your home equity without refinancing your entire loan balance — especially if rates are running on the higher end in the current market. You’ll also have the security of a fixed interest rate and payment on this type of loan, unlike a line of credit. The amount borrowed may even be tax deductible if the funds are used to renovate your home.*
2. Consolidate Debt
Your home equity can help you take charge of your debt. If you have a lot of high-interest debt from credit cards or personal loans, consider consolidating your debt with a home equity loan or cash-out refinance. A cash-out refinance replaces an existing mortgage with a new loan with a higher balance, sometimes with more favorable terms than the current loan. The difference between these two loans is distributed to the homeowner as cash.
Credit card and personal loan interest rates are typically much higher than home loan interest rates, so a cash-out refinance or home equity loan could potentially save you a lot of money on interest payments.
Paying down debt can also boost your credit score. But don’t treat a cash-out refinance or home equity loan like an ATM. Have a plan in place to avoid further debt.
3. Home Improvements
Certain improvements to your property can substantially enhance your home’s worth. Upgrading areas like the kitchen and bathrooms or incorporating energy-efficient elements can greatly appeal to future potential buyers if you choose to put the house on the market. Even if you’re not planning on selling anytime soon, this kind of investment often yields long-term financial benefits. Any increase in market value also contributes to an increase in your home equity.
4. Exterior Improvements
Exterior improvements like landscaping, a new wood deck or a wrap-around porch not only boost curb appeal but may also boost your home’s market value. When your market value increases, so does your home equity. Plus, when you’re ready to sell, potential homebuyers may be willing to pay more, often making these types of upgrades good long-term investments.
5. Investment
If you have good credit, liquid reserves and other qualifications, the equity in your home could be used to purchase an investment property.
A single-family home, townhouse or multi-family unit can be a long-term asset, offering additional tenant income. A vacation home can provide a reliable getaway that appreciates over time — and you can buy one with as little as 10% down.
6. Higher Education
As the equity in your home grows, so does the amount of accessible funds you have available to pay for a child’s education or your own tuition expenses. Just be sure to compare the interest rates of a home equity option vs. taking out a student loan. And do the math to ensure your existing budget can manage the increased or additional loan payments you’ll be responsible for.
7. Renting Out Spare Rooms or Basement
If you have extra space, you may be able to generate additional income by renting out a spare bedroom, guest house, casita or basement. A bedroom, guest house or casita could be rented to a tenant, and a spacious basement or garage could be leased to someone who needs storage space. Do your due diligence before renting out a room to ensure you understand the laws involved, any HOA restrictions, insurance, permits and safety requirements and tax implications.
8. Listing Your Space for Short-Term Rentals
Earn money by listing your guest house, casita or extra room as a short-term rental on a peer-to-peer exchange service such as Airbnb. Hosting out-of-town visitors can be very profitable, especially if you live in a tourist spot, business or transportation hub or near a university. Again, you’ll need to comply with your area’s legal, zoning, insurance, tax rules and other regulations.
9. Rent Out Your Pool or Backyard
Have a pool or backyard that often goes unused? Rent it out and bring in some extra cash. Apps like Swimply and Peerspace allow you to list your pool or yard and connect with individuals looking to swim, host a party, conduct photoshoots and even film commercials. That said, before you get started on using your property for this type of business venture, be sure to check with your homeowners insurance provider on any additional protections needed.
10. Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
A HELOC allows you to access your home equity by providing a line of credit, which behaves similarly to a credit card. Borrow the amount you need when you need it, up to your approved limit. Keep in mind that HELOCs use variable rates, so the interest rate will fluctuate based on certain benchmark rates and the current market.
Want to leverage your home equity? Check out our home value estimator to help give you an idea of your home equity, then explore our home equity loan options or contact a Pennymac Loan Expert today.
*Consult a tax adviser for further information regarding the deductibility of mortgage interest and charges.
JACKSON, MI – Since it began six years ago, Jackson nonprofit SOAR Café and Farms has strived to heal and house women who experienced trafficking, incarceration, addiction or abuse.
SOAR, which stands for “She Overcomes And Rises,” will look to fulfill that mission in a new home, with plans to transform the former Anna’s Gifts & Décor building, 401 N. Mechanic St., into a cafe, CEO and Founder Michelle Cochran said.
“It’s going to be a mentoring cafe because we’re going to be coaching ladies through employment of the cafe, and helping them gain more freedom and get back to sustainability,” Cochran said.
SOAR has operated out of the former Woman’s City club building at 300 S. Brown St., to house some women in need of services since 2019. Moving into a new facility will allow SOAR to support these women in other ways, such as employment and mentorship.
Related: Historic Jackson house renovated for women who have survived abuse
Anna’s Gifts & Décor, which closed at the beginning of 2023, offered a small cafe in the front of the store called Anna’s Porch Café, which shut down in 2021.
The building was purchased by Cornerstone Properties of Mid-Michigan’s owner Mary Garcia, who is also a SOAR board member. Garcia purchased the building with the intent to lease the facility to the nonprofit, she said.
“SOAR is a passion project for me,” Garcia said. “I’ve seen the success of the program, and if I can make a small contribution to continue that and expand that beyond just the residential program, it was always Michelle and mine’s vision.”
Related: ‘Nobody responded.’ Unanswered job listing forces Anna’s Porch Café to close after 23 years
Residents of SOAR, or even women in the community living with similar circumstances, will be able improve their work skills, make connections with the community and build their resumes by operating the cafe.
Eventually, it is the hope of Cochran to see the women outgrow it and move into the workforce.
“They (can) work there as long as they need or want to,” Cochran said. “When they are done getting the skills and education they need there, they move on to bigger and greater things and more ladies come and take their place.”
Once open, SOAR would like to serve a farm-to-table style menu with breakfast and lunch options. They are also hoping to incorporate a few items from the former Anna’s Porch Café’s menu, she said.
SOAR will also offer closed off sections for groups and meetings, a grab-and-go section, some retail space and some membership cubicles in the 10,000 square foot facility, Cochran said.
Proceeds from the cafe will go toward continuing to run Soar’s programs and the cafe, Cochran said.
Some renovations need to take place before this dream comes true. The cafe portion of the building will be relocated to the center of the store, and the porch will be transformed into cubical spaces.
The nonprofit is fundraising to purchase furniture, equipment and appliances with a goal of $90,000. People can donate to this effort through the SOAR website.
Construction will likely start in January, with a targeted completion of May of 2024, Garcia said.
Cochran is looking forward to offering a cafe inside of this location again, as well as offering women the place to grow and learn skills, she said.
“We’re excited about serving the community and serving the women we serve,” she said.
More information and updates can be found on SOAR’s Facebook page.
Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page or sign up for the free “3@3 Jackson” daily newsletter.
Life is expensive and paying for rent can take up a significant chunk of your paycheck. In an ideal world, 30 percent of your income should go towards rent and housing costs. But life happens and you may come up short on rent due to loss of income or other unexpected expenses, leaving you wondering if you should take out a loan to pay rent. Coming up short on your rent payment is an extremely stressful situation and you’ll be looking for ways to make your rental payment and avoid eviction.
If you find yourself in this situation, what do you do? There are several options to weigh and taking out a loan to pay rent is one of them. Let’s walk through the pros and cons of rent loans and discuss several options you can consider if you’re behind on rent payments.
Is it possible to take out a loan to pay for rent?
If you get behind on rent payments, you’re not alone. In fact, more than 7 million renter-occupied households are behind on just last month’s rent alone. So, what are your options and is it possible to take out a loan to pay for rent? The short answer is yes, you can.
Using a loan to pay rent is an option. You can obtain a personal loan to pay rent and for some people, it’s a good idea. However, before you take out rent loans, you need to consider if it’s the right choice for you.
Pros of using a personal loan for rent
If you’re strapped for cash and need to pay for rent, there are some plus sides to taking out a personal loan for rent.
Pro #1: Provides a window of time for re-assessing your finances
By taking out a personal loan to cover your rent, you buy yourself some time to get your budget back on track. With a personal loan, you can pay for rent (either what you owe from missed payments or for future rent payments). Once you pay your rent, you’ll find yourself less stressed and you’ll think more clearly so you can get your budget back in a place where you can pay your loan back and have enough money for future rent payments.
Pro #2: Gives you flexibility
Personal loans allow you to use the loan money for anything you need. So, taking out a personal loan gives you the flexibility to use the money for rent or any other expense you need to cover. This flexibility is enticing for renters who need some financial help as the loan doesn’t specify what you can and cannot use the money for.
Pro #3: You can shop loan ranges and rates
Before taking out a personal loan, you’ll be able to shop around for loan ranges and rates. Make sure to compare your findings before you make a decision. You can take out a loan for as little as $1,000 or as much as $60,000 if needed. You can also compare interest rates.
It is important to try and find a loan with a low interest rate so you don’t accrue more debt than is absolutely necessary.
Pro #4: Can build a credit score
This is both a pro and con of personal loans, depending on how diligent you are with repayment. If you make your loan repayments in full and on time every single time, you’ll pay the loan off within the limits and build your credit score. If your credit score took a hit or is low, this is one way to rebuild your credit history.
However, it’s essential that you meet the terms of the loan for this to benefit you.
Cons of using a personal loan for rent
As with everything, when there are pros there are cons. Before taking out a loan to pay rent, consider the negative impacts of rent loans.
Con #1: You’ll pay interest
With any type of loan, you’ll pay interest on the amount you borrow. So, if you take out a personal loan toward rent, not only will you pay the rent money, you’ll also be paying money toward the interest.
If you have no other options, then taking out a loan for rent allows you to make your payment, stay in your apartment and come up with a new financial plan. Keep in mind that you’ll pay more with this option because of interest.
Con #2: Adds to debt
When you take out a personal loan to pay rent, you’re adding to the overall amount of debt you have. This may compound your stress and overall debt, causing more problems down the road. Also, when you rent, you aren’t putting money toward eventually owning an asset as with a mortgage toward a house. So, you’re compiling debt without working toward an eventual purchase.
Con #3: Could harm your credit score
If you fail to make your monthly loan payment, you could seriously damage your credit score putting you at risk for further financial hardship.
How to find a personal loan to pay back your rent?
If you’ve come to the conclusion that a personal loan is right for you, then you’ll need to know where to look and find one. Most financial institutions will offer loans and you can shop around for the loan that is right for you. Here are some places you can go to find a personal loan to pay back your rent:
Bank
Credit union
Online banks
Loan comparison websites
Because different places offer different rates on your loan, it’s smart to get several recommendations before taking out a loan.
Other options to pay back your rent
Unsure that a personal loan is right for you? We also have provided several other options to consider when you need money to pay back your rent. Before taking out a loan, you could consider:
1. Talking to your landlord
When you first realize that you may not have the money to pay your rent or if you’ve missed the due date, you’ll want to talk to your landlord immediately. Getting in front of the issue and addressing it openly is always a wise move.
Ask your landlord if he/she is willing to defer rent, offer a payment plan or waive late fees. You never know unless you ask!
2. Borrowing from a friend or family member
Do you have a trusted friend or family member that could loan you money for rent payback? If so, this is a less expensive option compared to getting a personal loan. Sometimes, close family or friends will loan you the money, interest-free, which is always a better option.
3. Call 211
You can the 211 community phone line to get referrals for services, like financial resources. If you’re in a bind, try calling this number and get in touch with local resources that can help with rent relief.
4. Consider a roommate
Imagine your rent payment being cut in half. Would that free up some of your budget? The answer is most likely yes. If you have space, you may consider getting a roommate who can share the cost of rental expenses and save you money, too.
5. Get a side gig
Nowadays, there are several side hustles that you can do from home, after work or at your convenience that pays well and would help your income. If you can get a side hustle that’ll cover the additional money you need for rent, this is a great option because it puts you in control of your money and you don’t need a loan to cover the extra expense of rent paybacks.
6. Reallocate your budget
Sometimes, we spend money on things like coffee, eating out or shopping and don’t realize how much of our budget it’s taking up.
Before you take out a personal loan, take a hard look at your expenses and budget to see where you can trim the fat. If there are areas to cut back on and reallocate expenses to rent payback, do this before taking out a personal loan.
Know your financial options
Now that you understand the pros and cons of loans to pay rent, you can make an informed decision if this is right for you. As always, you may want to consult a financial advisor before making a big decision like this to get professional guidance on what is best for you and your situation.
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or financial advice. Readers are encouraged to seek professional legal or financial advice as they may deem it necessary.
Sage Singleton is a freelance writer with a passion for literature and words. She enjoys writing articles that will inspire, educate and influence readers. She loves that words have the power to create change and make a positive impact in the world. Some of her work has been featured on LendingTree, Venture Beat, Architectural Digest, Porch.com and Homes.com. In her free time, she loves traveling, reading and learning French.
Seems like a simple thing — to measure the square footage of a house. Just multiply the length by the width of each room and add up all your numbers. Not so fast. First of all, what’s a “room”? Do closets count? Basements? And why does accurate measuring even matter? There’s a lot to unpack.
What’s so important about getting square footage right?
If you’re moving into a new home and you want to know if your California king is going to fit into the primary bedroom, it’s nice to know the room’s square footage.
But there’s more riding on how to calculate the square footage of a house than just being able to fit your stuff. The square footage of a house determines its value. Lenders rely on square footage for mortgage calculations, tax assessors rely on square footage for assessments.
So, if you’re renting a house now but thinking of buying, it’s important to understand your current square footage so you can make a good comparison when house hunting.
What’s included in a house’s square footage?
There are several different answers to this question. First, here are a few terms to understand:
GLA (gross living area) is a home’s finished livable space above ground. And, if any part of the finished space is below grade, the entire area is typically known as below grade. GLA calculates when appraisers measure the home’s exterior. It goes in public records and is often important for tax purposes.
TLA (total living area) is like GLA but it includes finished basement space or possibly an accessory dwelling unit (ADU).
Living space is determined by American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z765, which is a voluntary guideline for describing, measuring, calculating and reporting area for single-family homes.
Living space generally refers to “anything that is under the roof, within the house that is finished and heated — space heaters don’t count,” said Bryan Reynolds, a Certified General appraiser in Kentucky and Tennessee and president of the National Association of Appraisers.
Rooms to measure when calculating the square footage of a house
You might be surprised by which rooms are included — and which are not — when determining how to figure out square footage:
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Kitchens
Hallways
Finished closets
Areas that don’t count towards the square footage of a house
There are plenty of rooms or spaces in your home that would qualify as “living space,” but don’t get counted in the total square foot calculation:
Finished basement: Say you have a ranch home with 1,000 square feet above ground and a 1,000-square-foot finished basement. An appraiser would say it’s 1,000 square feet of above-grade space and 1,000 square feet below grade. A real estate agent might say that there are 2,000 total square feet.
Enclosed porch: “If it’s unheated or used seasonally and there’s a separate door to the livable area, then it’s not included,” Reynolds said. But “if it’s finished in similar quality to the rest of the home, functional in design and has a heat source that is permanent in nature, then it can be included.”
Garage: The normal garage storage space doesn’t count. However, a bonus room above the garage might count. Only if it’s heated and 100 percent finished to a similar quality as the house. And, if it’s directly accessible from the inside of the house though.
Accessory Dwelling Unit: Unless it’s actually part of the house, it’s considered a separate entity.
Then, if you want to really get into the weeds, what about the sort of dead space under the stairs? According to Reynolds, ANSI says to include it, but AMS (American Measurement Standard) allows you to remove it from the square footage equation.
And, if you’ve got a bay window with a bench under it, one could argue that if you were to take the bench away, there would be useable floor space and that should come with the square footage.
How to figure out the square footage
Now that you know what to measure, here’s how to measure. But first, remember the aforementioned ANSI Z765?
For a room to make it in a home’s total square footage, the ceiling must hit a certain height — seven feet or higher or six feet four inches if there are beams or soffits. Plus, no portion of the finished area can have a ceiling height of less than 5 feet.
Let’s say you’ve got a Cape Cod with a sloped ceiling and knee walls. That portion under the sloped ceiling (if it’s five feet or less) is not counted in the square footage (see image). In addition, the rest of the ceiling must hit at least seven feet for at least half of the room’s floor area.
Photo source: AccurateHomeMeasuring.com
Keep in mind that an appraiser will, hopefully, look around inside the house but will measure the house from the exterior — unless there’s that pesky sloped ceiling situation, in which case they will have to go inside or the square footage will be off.
According to Hamp Thomas, certified residential appraiser and author of “How to Measure a House Using the ANSI Standard,” the pros use a 100-foot tape measure to do their job. Certainly, a shorter tape measure would work. However, there is a lot of stopping, starting and adding that can lead to inaccuracies.
Measure around the outside of the house above the foundation. Multiply the length by the width of each rectangular space. If you’ve got a second story and can’t reach a corner on the exterior, for example, measure from the inside and then add the width of the exterior walls.
Know why you’re measuring
It’s likely that, if you’re reading this, you’re not a professional appraiser. If you’re interested in getting a general sense of how much footage you have in your house, grab a measuring tape and measure each room’s length and width and multiply those numbers. Then add all the square footages together. “Don’t forget to include any outside walls thickness, or just measure from the exterior,” Reynolds said.
If a room isn’t a nice rectangular shape and has jogs and bumps, create rectangles, measure and multiply the length by width. Then, add up all the bits and pieces.
And if old-school tape measures aren’t your thing, there are lots of free measurement apps that you can download to your phone. You can also put the information into Calculator Soup’s square footage calculator, which can help you figure out the square footage of differently shaped rooms.
Measure on.
Stacey Freed is an award-winning writer and former senior editor for Remodeling, a trade publication focused on the business of the remodeling and construction industry. As an independent writer, she continues to write about the building, design, architecture and housing industries. Her work has appeared in Better Homes and Gardens and USA Today special interest publications, Realtor magazine, This Old House, Professional Builder and online at AARP, Forbes.com, House Logic and Sweeten.com among other places.
Tucked alongside a large dorm building on the fringes of Woodbury University’s campus in Burbank is a small but very eye-catching house. The 425-square-foot home is contained by a gently curving concrete form equipped with a generous porch and a dramatic sloping roof. Slender, carefully staggered floor-to-ceiling windows gently illuminate the interior.
It’s a nice piece of architecture. What makes it truly remarkable is who built it — and how.
The Solar Futures House, as it is formally known, was designed by Woodbury architecture students and constructed out of concrete using the latest 3-D printing technology. It is the first such permitted structure in the city of Los Angeles, according to Woodbury architecture dean Heather Flood. And it was built by Emergent, a 3-D printing construction firm based in Redding. (A quick geography explainer: While Woodbury has a Burbank address, a piece of the campus, where the house was built, is located within Los Angeles city limits — hence the L.A. permits.)
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Most notable is how quickly this project came to fruition. “It was 15 months from design, going through the permitting process with the city, working with the printing company and dealing with 14 atmospheric storms,” says Kishani De Silva, chair of the construction management program at Woodbury, who served as faculty lead on the project. “It came to life on the 12th of May. … The next day the students literally graduated.”
From design to near completion in 15 months? In bureaucratic Los Angeles, that counts as damn near miraculous.
Certainly, it helped that students were collaborating with municipal experts from the Mayor’s Office of Energy and Sustainability, the Bureau of Engineering and a nonprofit clean tech incubator at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power — organizations that could help navigate the red tape. But at a time when our region is gripped by a housing and homelessness crisis, it is nonetheless a model worth examining.
To be clear, the house is not 100% complete — though it’s awfully close. A couple of the interior areas are still in need of drywall, and some exterior features and the landscaping remain unfinished. Moreover, the building will require a certificate of occupancy from L.A.’s Department of Building and Safety.
But it is an impressive piece of design, achieving a lot in a small space.
The layers of 3-D-printed concrete give the walls a geologic look, and the curving shape and high ceilings prevent this intimately scaled studio from feeling like a shoebox. In addition, the covered porch and the living room are connected by a sliding door; throw it open and the space feels bigger and airier.
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And, true to its name, this is a structure that prioritizes environmental concerns.
The Solar Futures House began as an entry in the Solar Decathlon, a national collegiate competition organized by the U.S. Department of Energy that encourages budding designers to create high-performance structures powered by renewable energy.
In the spring of 2022, a class of Woodbury students submitted a design proposal and was selected as one of 14 finalists, receiving a $50,000 grant for construction. By the fall of that year, the team was breaking ground.
The structure they proceeded to build was all about efficiency. Shower water is recirculated for toilet flushing. The home’s bending form and sloped roof are designed to respond to the angle of the sun over the course of the year, thereby maximizing the generation of solar power. Currently, the structure features one solar array on the roof, which makes the building net zero (meaning no additional electricity is needed to power the home). Add another and it becomes net-positive, supplying energy to the grid.
The angled roof is made out of a reflective, resin-coated metal and sits atop 9 inches of mineral wool insulation, which helps preserve the building’s interior temperatures and buffer external noise. (Woodbury’s campus sits next to the 5 freeway, but between the double-layer concrete walls, the triple-glazed windows and the insulation, the house feels peaceful.) Mineral wool insulation also functions as a fire barrier — addressing another environmental concern in California.
To mitigate the use of concrete, which is carbon-intensive, the team developed a formula that contained a higher percentage of fly ash, making it more sustainable. The precise nature of 3-D printing also means that no concrete goes to waste.
This new construction method allowed for the speedy erection of the building’s double-layer walls: De Silva estimates that printing took about three days. It also let students play with form. In a traditional stick-build structure, 90-degree angles are the most efficient way for walls to meet. But 3-D printing allows for more flexible shapes; hence the curving walls, which give the house a more organic feel. Take the bathroom: Designed to be compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act, it is no afterthought — it’s tucked into an attractive rounded room that also includes laundry facilities.
Naturally, the DOE’s grant didn’t cover all of the costs.
Flood estimates that the budget for the house currently stands at about $250,000, including in-kind support and donated services from area firms. L.A.-based Nous Engineering pitched in on the structural work, while Breen Design Group in Torrance helped with the mechanical systems; Mitsubishi Electric donated an HVAC system and Ikea supplied furnishings.
The Solar Futures House is a significant achievement — especially considering that Woodbury is a small school (with fewer than 1,000 undergraduates) and its accredited architecture program is relatively new, established in 1994. The university serves students primarily from Southern California, many of them Latino, making it a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution. (The school plays a critical role in diversifying the field, since architecture remains overwhelmingly white.)
Two dozen students worked on the Solar Futures House over a period of two academic years, rotating in and out of the project as part of their coursework. But a number of them were able to see it through from beginning to end, including Karin Najarian and Jade Royer; Sergio Santos was able to work on the home throughout the entire final year.
The Solar Futures House soon will be habitable; university administrators are debating how it might be used. Possibilities include a guest house for visiting speakers or a residence for a housing-insecure student.
Whatever its ultimate purpose, the home will continue to function as a teaching tool. “It’s a prototype for a method of design and construction and the actual shape and form could be varied,” says Flood. “It could conform to many different site conditions. You can nest multiple units together in a way that would take advantage of structural efficiencies.” (Construction companies already have begun to create two-story structures using 3-D printing technology.)
Woodbury students will be able to take this initial concept and run with it, refining and adapting it to suit the needs of other constituencies, such as the elderly.
The house may be almost complete, but the ideas that informed it are just beginning to take off.
To learn more about the Solar Futures House, and keep up on any upcoming public events, check the project’s website at solar.woodbury.edu.
As far as home décor options are concerned, candles have always been preferred. It is because they are ideal for creating a vibe of serene ambiance while adding some mystic appearance and smelling amazing at the same time. Beautiful votive candle holders, paired with fragrant candles, help in creating a relaxing atmosphere while serving as welcoming.
Image by 🌸♡💙♡🌸 Julita 🌸♡💙♡🌸 from Pixabay
In addition to this, votive candle holders are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. At the same time, candles of varying fragrances and sizes used individually or in clusters can serve as decorating pieces in several ways.
Votive Candle Holders in Bedrooms and Living Areas
Light some candles on elongated decorative candle holders or place the candles of varying sizes in a cluster, and voila, your place attains a dressed-up look. Look for a perfect corner in your room and place the candle holder suitably to light up your favorite nook.
You can consider placing floating candles in metallic silver or gold hues on console tables, or on a cabinet to create a warm glow while adding notes of freshness to uplift the overall senses. You can also consider adding colorful beads in water to bring about the creative touch. Yet another creative idea is to place fragrant candles in decorative lanterns or brass candle holders indoors for the perfect elegant look.
Image by Агзам Гайсин from Pixabay
Designer Candle Holders on Kitchen Slabs and Dining Table
Candles in transparent glass can appear immensely attractive. Prepare a beautiful, organic atmosphere by keeping candles on the dining table or across decorative mirrors such that they reflect even more elegantly. The presence of crystal or reflective candle holders appears luxe while help in displaying the actual pattern or color on the candles. On the dining table, blend designer candle holders with flower vases, hard-cover books, and you have achieved the perfectly-looking dining table.
Elaborate Candle Holders in Bathrooms
Wish to impart your bathroom an eclectic, decorative touch? Fragrant, designer candles in bathroom décor can make your small space appear aesthetic effortlessly. Group your favorite candles in a candle holder in a corner and freshen up your area in no time.
You can consider using pillar candles in bright hues to add some classic style statements. Candles placed in assorted heights by your bathtub can be the ultimate shining star. Opt for votive candle holders in bathrooms to enhance the overall look.
Creating Candle Centerpieces
Centerpieces in any home décor help in adding a touch of unmatched charm. Whether you are revamping the sofa table or your dining table, you can leverage pillar candles in varying heights and shades, candles in tins, or candles in decorative glass candle holders that complement the overall color scheme. Additionally, you can think of utilizing candles that appear like balls or square-shaped, or even stars to add immense character to the existing space.
Moreover, you can think of placing a tray for framing the centerpiece while finishing the look with decorative pebbles or dried flowers. You can also infuse fragrance to the space by using fragrant candles.
Candles, in the form of dining table centerpieces, appear immensely decorative. At the same time, these also help in adding an inviting feel to the existing space. The entire look is simple to put together and can be easily changed by removing or adding decorative pieces to the arrangement.
Pleasant Porch Lighting and Decorative Candles
A beautiful candle arrangement on a patio table is ideal for your perfect time outdoors. Nothing will beat the vibe of a starry night within the warm glow of the candle as you sip your favorite drink under the moonlight.
Dangling Candle Lights to Elevate Your Home Interiors
Dangling lights in your home décor can infuse a stunning effect to any space. Whether you consider buying them from a store or designing them yourself, you have multiple options. You can also consider purchasing decorative candle lanterns to create the look you want. The idea is not just for interior decoration. You can also consider creating your oasis outdoors with the help of dangling candle lighting.
Window Appeal with Fragrant Candles
Do you enjoy spending your leisure time sitting by the window watching people, reading books, or relishing nature? You can consider adding warmth by placing candles across the window pane. There is nothing more appealing than the warmth of the hanging candles, preferably in decorative candle holders.
Conclusion
Decorative your home beautifully with candles while creating the right ambiance and mood throughout. Explore the distinctive range of exotic fragrant candles and unique candle holders at Pure Home & Living. It is a one-stop destination for exotic and luxurious home décor items and interesting accessories for enhancing your home interiors in no time.
Home insurance is meant to protect your finances: your house, your belongings and your assets. But not all policies are created equal. What they cover depends on whether you own or rent, and whether the residence is a house, a condo or a mobile home.
Many homeowners insurance policies are based on a set of templates issued by the Insurance Services Office (ISO), which is why these templates are sometimes called ISO forms. (The Insurance Services Office is now part of analytics firm Verisk.) Although you may not see technical terms like “HO-3” or “named perils” when you’re shopping for a policy, knowing the different coverage types can help you better understand what you’re buying.
This guide breaks down the different types of home insurance policies to help you understand which policy is right for your needs.
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Named perils vs. open perils
Before diving into the different types of home insurance and what they cover, it’s helpful to understand how perils work. A “peril” is an event that can cause damage or loss to your home and your belongings.
Some parts of your home insurance policy may operate on a “named perils” basis, meaning you’re only insured against the specific events listed in your policy. Others may operate on an “open perils” or “all-risk” basis, meaning you’re insured against all events except listed exclusions.
Understanding what types of perils a home insurance policy covers is vital. Generally, open peril policies provide the most coverage.
Types of home insurance coverage
Standard homeowners insurance policies generally include these six types of coverage, unless otherwise noted in the policy:
Coverage type
What it does
Typical amount
Covers damage to the home and attached structures, such as a porch.
Enough to rebuild your home.
Covers stand-alone structures on your property, such as a fence or shed.
10% of dwelling coverage.
Pays to repair or replace stolen or damaged belongings.
50% to 70% of dwelling coverage.
Helps pay temporary living expenses while your home is being repaired.
20% of dwelling coverage.
Pays if you injure someone or cause property damage unintentionally or through neglect.
$100,000 to $500,000.
Pays to treat someone injured on your property, regardless of who’s at fault. It also pays if you, a family member or a pet injures someone away from your home.
$1,000 to $5,000.
The most common types of home insurance policies
Insurance providers typically sell several types of home insurance policies, each of which offers varying levels of coverage. It’s important to read the details of your policy to understand what is and isn’t covered.
HO-1: Basic form policy
An HO-1 policy is the most bare-bones type of home insurance. It generally covers the physical structure of your house. It may sometimes include coverage for other structures, personal property, additional living costs and liability.
An HO-1 policy typically covers damage caused by these 10 named perils:
Fire or lightning.
Windstorm or hail.
Explosion.
Riot or civil commotion.
Damage caused by aircraft or vehicles.
Vandalism.
Volcanic eruption.
Even if an HO-1 policy is available to you, many homeowners opt for an HO-3 policy instead because it offers more coverage.
HO-2: Broad form policy
HO-2 policies are sometimes known as “broad form” policies because they cover more perils than HO-1 policies, but their coverage is still limited. In addition to the 10 perils covered by HO-1 policies, the HO-2 policy adds coverage for:
Falling objects.
Weight of ice, snow or sleet.
Accidental overflow or discharge of water or steam.
Freezing of plumbing, heating or air conditioning.
Sudden and accidental tearing apart, cracking, burning or bulging of certain household systems.
Sudden and accidental damage from artificially generated electrical current.
If a peril that damages your house or belongings isn’t explicitly named in the policy, the loss won’t be covered.
Some HO-2 policies also provide personal liability coverage.
HO-3: Special form policy
An HO-3 policy is the most popular type of home insurance. It’s known as a “special form” or “open perils” policy. It insures the structure of your home against all causes of damage except those specifically listed as exclusions in your policy.
Here are common exclusions:
Earthquake.
Power failure.
War and nuclear accidents.
Intentional damage.
Government actions.
Birds, vermin, rodents or insects.
Damage caused by your pets.
Smog, rust or corrosion.
Wear and tear.
Pollution.
Personal belongings like furniture, electronics and clothes are covered on a “named perils” basis. That means only damage caused by events specifically listed in your policy are covered. These typically include:
Fire or lightning.
Windstorm or hail.
Explosion.
Riot or civil commotion.
Damage caused by aircraft or vehicles.
Vandalism or mischief.
Volcanic eruption.
Falling objects.
Weight of snow, ice or sleet.
Accidental discharge or overflow of water or steam.
Sudden or accidental tearing, cracking, burning or bulging.
Freezing of plumbing or HVAC systems.
Damage due to artificially generated electrical current.
🤓Nerdy Tip
You’ll typically need separate flood insurance or earthquake insurance if you live in an area that’s prone to these risks, as they are not covered by standard home insurance policies.
HO-4: Contents broad form policy
An HO-4 policy is commonly referred to as renters insurance. It’s designed specifically for individuals who are renting a home or an apartment. The main purpose of this policy is to cover your belongings, not the building itself.
An HO-4 policy safeguards your stuff — like furniture, clothes and electronics — against the same 16 perils covered by an HO-3 policy. It also includes personal liability and additional living expenses coverage.
The actual building you live in is not covered under your HO-4 policy. It’s your landlord’s responsibility to insure the structure of the building and to have it fixed if it’s damaged.
HO-5: Comprehensive policy
An HO-5 policy is like the gold standard of home insurance. It’s also called a comprehensive policy because it typically offers higher coverage limits for personal belongings and personal liability than an HO-3 policy.
An HO-5 policy covers your personal belongings on a replacement cost basis. So if something happens to them, you get the amount it costs to replace them, not just their current depreciated value. In addition, an HO-5 policy covers your belongings on an open perils basis. It also provides coverage for loss-of-use and medical payments for others.
HO-6: Unit owners policy
An HO-6 policy is for condo owners. It’s often called “walls-in coverage” because it protects what’s inside your condo, like the floors, ceilings, walls and any renovations you’ve made. It insures against the same perils as an HO-3 policy and includes coverage for your personal belongings, additional living expenses and personal liability.
But here’s the catch — this policy doesn’t cover the entire building or common areas. That’s usually handled by your condo association’s insurance. You pay for this through your condo or HOA fees. Check what your association’s policy covers to avoid any gaps or overlaps.
HO-7: Mobile home policy
An HO-7 policy is for mobile homes. It includes coverage for your home, your personal property, other structures, loss of use, personal liability and medical payments.
Similar to HO-3 policies, HO-7 policies work on an open perils basis for your mobile home’s structure and a named perils basis for your belongings. Read more about mobile home insurance.
HO-8: Modified coverage policy
HO-8 insurance is for homes more than 40 years old where it might cost more to rebuild than the house is worth. This includes historic houses or ones built in unique ways.
HO-8 insurance covers your dwelling and personal property on a named perils basis. Instead of paying the full replacement cost for damages to your home’s structure, an HO-8 policy typically reimburses the actual cash value. This means it pays you what your home is worth in cash at the time of the claim, not what it costs to rebuild.
HO-14: Contents comprehensive policy
The HO-14 policy is an advanced version of the traditional HO-4 renters insurance. Unlike the HO-4, which covers named perils, the HO-14 operates on an open perils basis, meaning it covers all risks unless they’re specifically excluded. Also, while the HO-4 provides actual cash value coverage, the HO-14 insures your items at their full replacement cost.
HO-14 insurance may come with unique features like coverage for home-sharing activities, a $500 allowance for bed bug treatments and a $300 provision for hard drive data recovery.
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The difference between HO-3 and HO-5 policies
Both HO-3 and HO-5 policies cover your home’s structure, personal belongings, liability, medical payments and additional living expense coverage. The big difference is how they insure your belongings.
HO-3 policies use open perils for the house’s structure but named perils for personal belongings. If the policy doesn’t specifically exclude a risk for the house, it’s covered. But for belongings, it only covers listed events.
HO-5 policies are more comprehensive. They use open perils for both the home and personal belongings, covering all risks unless specifically excluded. Because HO-5 offers broader coverage, it’s often more expensive than HO-3.
Here’s a bright idea — it’s time to work smarter, not harder on your holiday lights this year. Smart LED lighting not only allows you to create festive lighting you can control, but it can also save you money on your electric bill.
We’ve found top-rated, customer-loved smart holiday lights that can be used to showcase the colors and lighting effects you want on your Christmas tree, Christmas wreath, outdoor holiday decor and more. Plus, most of our smart light picks can be controlled using your smartphone. How genius is that?
Christmas home decorating ideas using smart lights
Transform your entire home into a holiday wonderland that your family, friends and neighbors will love. Let’s take a look at amazing smart lighting options that make decorating your home for the holidays super simple.
Philips Hue Christmas Festavia 65′ string lights
Even Santa would approve of decorating your Christmas tree, as well as the inside and outside of your home, using Philips Hue Festavia 65-foot smart string lights.
Each string includes 250 individual mini smart LEDs that are app controlled and can work in conjunction with all other Philips Hue smart lighting products that use a Philips Hue Bridge (sold separately or as part of a smart lighting kit).
The Festavia string lights are also available in a 130-foot length that includes 500 individual mini lights ($360). Both sets can be set up to sync with your favorite holiday music.
A smart Christmas tree: Mr. Christmas Vermont Spruce
One of the best decisions you can make this holiday season is to adopt smart lighting in all aspects of your Christmas decorating, starting with the Christmas tree. The Mr. Christmas Vermont Spruce is seven feet tall with a 48-inch diameter. It comes with 400 mini-LED smart lights built into the artificial tree, allowing for quick and stress-free setup. The lights can be voice-controlled via Alexa, enabling you to instantly change the lighting color or lighting mode
In addition to all white or multi-colored lights, you can opt to have all of the lights display just red, green, blue, light blue, yellow or purple. Lighting modes include steady, sparkle, firefly, flip and fade. You’re also able to create a schedule for the lights to turn on and off, or switch between colors and scenes automatically.
A flexible and customizable decorative light string: Govee Christmas lights
For your indoor or outdoor holiday light decorating, the Govee Christmas lights are an affordable alternative to string lights. However, these offer just as many customization options.
This 66-foot-long string light set includes 200 mini-LEDS that are fully programmable. Because it’s IP65 rated, this light strip can be used indoors or outdoors. The flexible string can be wrapped around a tree, staircase, fence or pillar. It can also be hung around the edge of a ceiling, around a doorframe, or on any wall. Use your creativity to discover unique ways of using these bright and colorful smart lights throughout your home.
Once set up, the Govee Christmas lights can be programmed to display your choice of 16 million colors, using a variety of pre-programming lighting effects. The lights can even sync with whatever music is playing. There are 99 pre-set lighting scenes to choose from. You have full control over these lights (and all other Govee smart lighting products) using Alexa voice commands or the easy-to-use Govee mobile app (for iOS and Android-based devices).
If you’re looking for more traditional holiday string lights, but want to control them using a smartphone app, we suggest these Twinkly Strings smart lights. The 65.5-foot string includes 250 mini-LEDs, each of which can display more than 16 million colors, so you can decorate your home with beautiful light and color.
Using the Twinkly mobile app, it’s easy to control one strand of string lights or multiple strands at the same time. This means all of the lighting can sync perfectly within each room or area of your home. Using the app, you’re also able to create a schedule to turn the lights on and off, have the lighting change colors or patterns at predetermined times, have the lights sync with the music that’s playing, or instantly switch to a light color and pattern that you want. The lights also accept voice commands. Because they’re waterproof, you can set them up indoors or outdoors.
While it’s possible to set up multiple 65.5-foot Twinkly Strings lights to work together, there’s also a cluster version of the lights that includes 400 mini-LEDS on a 19.5-foot strand. This variation allows you to create different visual effects using a larger number of smaller LED lights (within a smaller space) that can also display over 16 million colors.
Offering yet another way to decorate the outdoor areas of your home, Govee offers its permanent outdoor lights package. Throughout the year, these lights can brighten a porch, terrace, or front door area of your home with bright decorative white lights. During the holiday season, these same lights can transform your outdoor space with holiday colors and animated light sequences.
These smart lights come in 100-foot strands that contain 72 LED eaves lights that are waterproof and controllable using the same Govee mobile app that works with all of the company’s smart lighting products. The lighting set also responds to voice commands via Alexa or Google Assistant.
Each of the lights can alternate between 16 million user-selectable color options and together showcase any of the 75 pre-programmed scenes that are accessible via the app. Each light has a maximum brightness of 26 lumens. Since these lights are designed to be attached permanently to the outside of your home, special VHB glue and clips are provided.
Holiday wreaths with integrated smart lighting: Twinkly pre-lit wreath
Using the same mobile app that controls other smart lighting products from Twinkly, you’re able to control the 50 mini-LED lights that come pre-wired within this artificial holiday wreath that has a two foot diameter.
The smart lights within the wreath can display more than 16 million colors in a variety of customizable or pre-created lighting patterns. The app is available for iOS and Android mobile devices.
The wreath’s lighting responds to voice commands via Alexa or Google Assistant. To coordinate perfectly with this wreath, your Christmas tree and other holiday decor, Twinkly also offers a nine-foot, pre-lit garland ($115). It utilizes 50 fully controllable smart mini-LEDs and works with the same app.
Decorative smart lighting you can use all year long: Nanoleaf Shapes
Nanoleaf offers a variety of decorative smart lighting products. Most come in a collection of flat tiles that get hung on a wall in whatever pattern you choose. This LED lighting kit includes nine hexagon-shaped tiles that are app-controlled. Each tile can display more than 16 million colors. Using the Nanoleaf app, you’re easily able to choose from hundreds of pre-created animated light patterns, have the lights sync with music, or display whatever color(s) and patterns you want.
Throughout the year, Nanoleaf Shapes can add decorative ambience to any room, but during the holidays, the lights can mimic the Christmas lights strung throughout your home or on your tree.
If nine hexagon-shaped titles isn’t enough, expansion kits with hexagonal and different size triangle-shaped titles are sold separately. What we love about these smart light products is that you can mix and match the Nanoleaf tiles and create whatever pattern you desire on your walls. Then you can choose the colors and animated light patterns that are displayed at any given time. Each tile sticks to the wall using removable mounting tape that’s supplied.
Use regular light fixtures to display holiday lighting: Philips Hue A19 LED smart bulb starter kit
One of the great things about the Philips Hue home smart lighting ecosystem is that there are literally dozens of options to choose from, including stand-alone light fixtures with color-changing smart bulbs built into them, smart light strips, decorative lights and replacements for recessed ceiling lights.
The expansive Hue product line also includes standard A19 LED light bulbs that can replace the traditional light bulbs within your existing light fixtures. Doing this transforms those light fixtures into smart lights within minutes.
To take advantage of the Philips Hue smart lights, you need to either purchase a Hue Hub (that’s sold separately) or acquire the necessary hub as part of a Hue Starter Kit.
We recommend the Philips Hue A19 LED smart bulb starter kit because it includes the required hub, along with four standard size (A19) light bulbs that can be used within any of your existing light fixtures. Once this starter kit is set up, you can easily add any additional Hue smart lighting products (including more A19 bulbs, which are sold separately) to your home and control them all using the same Hue mobile app.
Each A19 smart bulb can display many shades of white, as well as more than 16 million colors. And in addition to selecting the colors, you’re also able to set each bulb’s brightness. The lights can be controlled one at a time, in groups within a single room, or you can use the app to control all Hue lights at once. Using a few on-screen taps or voice commands, it’s possible to create customized lighting scenes or choose from thousands of pre-created animated scenes –- including many that are holiday-specific.
Upgrade your artificial Christmas tree: Fraser Hill Farm 12-foot flocked Christmas tree with smart lights
This holiday season, make things easier on yourself with two simple moves. First, swap out the real tree for a super-realistic artificial Christmas tree – no more fussing with the live ones. Second, bring some smart lighting magic to your tree to make it the ultimate holiday showstopper.
Meet the Fraser Hill Farm 12-foot flocked Christmas tree with built-in smart LED lights. It’s a breeze to set up, and it stands at 12 feet tall with a 76-inch diameter. If that’s too big for your space, don’t worry – Fraser Hill Farm offers similar artificial trees in 6.5′, 7.5′, or 9′ heights.
This tree has 5,483 lifelike, flocked tips that give it the charm of a traditional cut tree. It’s designed to last for years and dazzle you every holiday season. Plus, it comes with a bunch of cool lighting options to suit your mood.
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Jason R. Rich
Jason R. Rich (www.JasonRich.com) is an internationally recognized consumer technology expert with more than 30 years’ writing experience. He’s also an accomplished author and photographer. One of his most recently published books, The Remote Worker’s Handbook: How to Effectively Work From Anywhere ($24.99, Entrepreneur Books) is now available from Amazon and wherever books are sold.